Get New Releases Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

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Title: The Crown of the Blood

Subtitle: The Crown of the Blood, Book 1

Author: Gav Thorpe

Narrator: Paul Thornley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-27-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Ullsaard has conquered the known world. All have fallen before his armies. Now it's time to take the long journey home, back to the revered heart of the great Empire he had helped create for his distant masters. But when he returns to the capital, life there is so very different from what he had believed. Could it be that everything he has fought for, has conquered and killed for, has been a lie?

Gav Thorpe works from Nottingham, England and has written more than a dozen novels and even more short stories. Growing up in a tedious town just north of London, he originally intended to be an illustrator but after acknowledging an inability to draw or paint he turned his hand to writing.

Members Reviews:

Slower than molasses

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Someone who enjoys simple characters and lack of depth

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something developed

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Paul Thornley?

Michael Kramer is far and away the best for fantasy narration. I wish he could narrate my life...

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Crown of the Blood?

All scenes in which the main character acts like an idiot. The man is supposed to be the best general of the Empire but he can barely see beyond the superficial. Hint for the author battlefield tactics do not vary that much from politics. If you wanted him to be ignorant he should have had a lower rank and only in the end come to power.

Just ok

Not good, not bad, missing character development. I could not find a character that i liked even the main. Not going buy another book in the series.

Meh

Would you try another book written by Gav Thorpe or narrated by Paul Thornley?

Sorry, not at present

What will your next listen be?

I'm going to go for something with perhaps a little more developed story. I really wanted to like this: I enjoy the genre and I've listened to some Paul Thornley, but the combination didn't gel

Would you listen to another book narrated by Paul Thornley?

It would be genre dependent

Do you think The Crown of the Blood needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

May be but i just am not that bothered what happens to Ulsard

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Title: Servant of the Underworld

Subtitle: Obsidian and Blood, Book 1

Author: Aliette de Bodard

Narrator: John Telfer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-25-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 33 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Year One-Knife, Tenochtitlan the capital of the Aztecs. The end of the world is kept at bay only by the magic of human sacrifice. A priestess disappears from an empty room drenched in blood. Acatl, high priest, must find her, or break the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead. But how do you find someone, living or dead, in a world where blood sacrifices are an everyday occurrence and the very gods stalk the streets?

Critic Reviews:

"Gripping mystery steeped in blood and ancient Aztec magic. I was enthralled" (Sean Williams)"Part murder mystery, part well-researched historical novel and part fantasy...The fantasy element blends neatly with the other parts" (SFX Magazine)"An Aztec priest of the dead tries to solve a murder mystery, and finds that politics may be even more powerful than magic. A vivid portrayal of an interesting culture in a truly fresh fantasy novel." (Kevin J. Anderson New York Times bestselling author)"Amid the mud and maize of the Mexica empire, Aliette de Bodard has composed a riveting story of murder, magic and sibling rivalry." (Elizabeth Bear)"I havent enjoyed a proper detective story this much in ages, and the rich setting, monsters and magic just added an extra layer of delight." (David Devereux)

Members Reviews:

A Nice Change of Pace in Fantasy

No pdf at Audible. Visited her website for character list and glossary. It helped alot.

Couldn't get through it.

What disappointed you about Servant of the Underworld?

I hate when an author makes words up. If you want to make an example of something from a chess game, just do it. Or a new word to describe a king or an official. Maybe one or two throughout the story would be OK but I don't want to learn a new language just to enjoy a story. And those annoying names that he gave the characters. I didn't know one from the next. I had to give up.

Would you be willing to try another one of John Telfers performances?

Yes

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

no

Great Book with a wonderful setting

Where does Servant of the Underworld rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

It ranks towards the top of my audiobook experiences.

The story is deep and compelling with lots of magic to go around. Definitely stuck with my after I finished.

What other book might you compare Servant of the Underworld to, and why?

Off the top of my head perhaps a murder mystery urban fantasy but I can't think of any that come too close

Have you listened to any of John Telfers other performances? How does this one compare?

I have listened to one other performance but haven't finished that book yet. However, I would say that John Telfer's performance here is absolutely stellar. The locations in the story have some very unusual names and John Telfer pronounces them with ease.

Any additional comments?

There is a slight learning curve with this book as you get used to all of the different names and places, but Telfer guides you through them with an expert hand.

Refreshing story

I longed for a refreshing story like this, distancing myself a bit from European mythology. I haven't had so much suspense at the end of a book in a long time

I wouldn't even give one star

To be honest I really wouldn't waste my money on this book.

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Title: Heartwood

Author: Freya Robertson

Narrator: Barnaby Edwards

Format: Unabridged

Length: 21 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-20-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Winner: Sir Julius Vogel Best Novel 2014

Chonrad, Lord of Barle, comes to the fortified temple of Heartwood for the Congressus peace talks, which Heartwoods holy knights have called in an attempt to stave off war in Anguis. But the Arbor, Heartwoods holy tree, is failing, and because the land and its people are one, it is imperative the nations try to make peace.

Freya is a lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy, as well as a dedicated gamer. She has a deep and abiding fascination for the history and archaeology of the middle ages and spent many hours as a teenager writing out notecards detailing the battles of the Wars of the Roses, or moping around museums looking at ancient skeletons, bits of rusted iron and broken pots. She also has an impressive track record, having published over twenty romance novels under her pseudonym, Serenity Woods.

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

This was gift to brother

Five Stars

first time reading anything by her - liking it so far.

Ambitious epic fantasy

HEARTWOOD is an ambitious epic fantasy, but maybe a bit too ambitious. The book follows the quest of multiple players as they travel Anguis trying activate the mysterious "Nodes" which they believe will help heal the ARBOR. The author does a good job of chronicling the various groups as they try to fulfill their quest, but I found the middle dragged quite a bit. There was too much riding hard, finding an inn, eating heartily and going to sleep. If the land was failing because the ARBOR, the healing tree that kept the land vibrant, wouldn't there be more hardship on local inns who still seemed to have ample food to offer the knights? My other problem with the book is that by the time I got invested in one quest group, it took awhile to get back to them and it was hard to remember what had happened to them.

However, once the various groups found the Nodes, the last third of the book moved along at a fast pace when Heartwood is besieged on two fronts by the Darkwater Lords and the Komis army. I really enjoyed the many female characters is this story and the author does a very good job of portraying them as strong and accomplished knights. My favorite characters were Chonrad and Procella and I felt that their story was well developed. While all the knights had high morals, it was Chonrad who seemed to be the book's moral center. He never fully accepted Heartwood's strict religious views, but he was nonetheless a good and noble knight.

Would the holy knights of Heartwood be able to defeat the Darkwater Lords and save the ARBOR? Despite my criticisms, this is an impressive debut for Ms. Robertson. I was initially attracted to this book because of its great cover and I have no doubt that fans of epic fantasy will find this book a good solid read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Massive World Building Weighs This One Down

Heartwood by Freya Robertson is the first book in the epic fantasy series Elemental Wars. The story is filled to overflowing with massive world building, loads of characters, diverse races/species and many different viewpoints. To say it is âepicâ is almost an understatement of just how âmassiveâ this world is, and while I usually adore these types of books, this one did not catch my attention.

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Title: The Way of Caine

Subtitle: The Warcaster Chronicles, Vol. One

Author: Miles Holmes

Narrator: Marc Vietor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-18-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 79 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Allister Caine has always been an enigma and an outsider among the warcasters of Cygnar, but few are privy to his true motivations or his complicated past.

Born into poverty, Allister Caine did what he must to survive, and the choices he made have followed him like a vengeful specter throughout his life. Now, just months after the Lions Coup and his full commission as a warcaster, he has been secretly assigned by Scout General Rebald to investigate plots against King Leto in lands just north of the Bloodsmeath Marsh. The game changes, however, when mercenaries camped inside Cygnars borders threaten hostility against the countrys divided nobility. In a test of grit and arcane power, Caine alone must make choices that will affect all the nations of the Iron Kingdoms.

Follow Cygnars most unpredictable warcaster from his early days on the streets and roofs of Bainsmarket to his first covert mission in the shadowy Cygnaran Reconnaissance Service as you uncover The Way of Caine.

Members Reviews:

Deeper than I thought it might be

What made the experience of listening to The Way of Caine the most enjoyable?

Both the story and audio performance were excellent. It was easy to keep track of what the main character was saying. In some ways the story felt like an action movie with character development. The characters were believable.

What did you like best about this story?

The main character has a rough exterior but there is more going on than might be apparent at first. One of the minor characters plays a critical and believable roll that act as book ends to the over all story and explain more about the main character Caine.

Have you listened to any of Marc Vietors other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not but I definitely would listen to a performance by him again as it added to the story for me.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was and I pretty much did ... While doing chores.

Any additional comments?

I will likely listen to this again after listening to other books in this series first, I'm sure I missed some details the first time but I can't wait to hear more about this setting,

Good story

A good story about one of the most doubtfull people im cygnar. Cain delivers what is expected.

Great book

This book was much deeper then I thought it would be. The book and the Narration were both really well done and easy to imagine when listening to it. Even if you know nothing about the Iron Kingdoms you can easily follow along and understand what is going on.

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Title: The Dragonslayer's Sword

Author: Resa Nelson

Narrator: Laura Jennings

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 12-18-13

Publisher: Celeritas Unlimited LLC

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threatens to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover - the dragonslayer - disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning. Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves, but also other people. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child. Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains. With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much...or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?

Members Reviews:

Dragons and Lizards

An enjoyable read with great characters. the book was creative and meaningful. I didn't want to put it down. A new twist on dragon books.

So/so

I liked the book up till the main character jumps from the tower in to the ocean...after that point it was confusing & felt like a separate book....I skipped/skimmed the rest of the book...I just lost interest in it when the main character was in the cave after jumping in the ocean & all the interactions after

Interesting story idea

This book was pretty good. Writing seemed a bit confused at some points with tense changing awkwardly and a few typos.

Interesting book, cool sub-plot lines

I enjoyed reading this after reading the 'mini-novel;. I like the plot twists that keep coming up, things are never quite as they would seem. Some cool plot devices too (no spoilers though). I thought the differentiation between 'real' dragons and the 'lizard' sub-species was interesting too.

I enjoyed it's originality

This book was different from anything I've ever read. I enjoyed it's originality.

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Title: Renegades of Gor

Subtitle: Gorean Saga, Book 23

Author: John Norman

Narrator: Ralph Lister

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-07-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The maritime ubarate of Cos, with her allies, is mounting an attack on Ar on two fronts, from the south with a major invasion force, and in the north with an expeditionary force besieging Ar's Station, Ar's base of power in the vast arable basin of Gor's mightiest river, the Vosk. Dietrich of Tarnburg, a mercenary, has seized Torcodino in the south, with its stores of military supplies, to temporarily halt the march of Cos on Ar, to buy Ar time to organize for her defense. Cabot has delivered letters from Dietrich to the regent of Ar, Gnieus Lelius, apprising him of the city's danger and the situation at Torcodino, and he has, in turn, been entrusted with letters from the regent to be delivered to the besieged Ar's Station. In virtue of treason in Ar, her main forces have been drawn away from the city and are now are wintering at Holmesk. Thus Ar is substantially defenseless and Ar's Station is abandoned. At Ar's Station, Cabot, betrayed by the very missives he conveyed, is arrested as a spy. In the destruction wrought in Ar's Station by siege engines, Cabot escapes his imprisonment. Shall he then flee Ar's Station, making his way to freedom - through its miseries and desolations, its ruins and flames - or shall he remain, to defend, as he can, to the death, if need be, her weakened, betrayed, starving defenders, those who had been his very captors?

Members Reviews:

In which Tarl Cabot visits Ar's Station

This is the first part of two novels, Renegades and Vagabonds. Renegades was not available in audio for a while and I skipped both, having read them years ago, and went on with "Magicians." Once I was caught up with Tarl's adventures in "Mariners," I went back and bought "Renegades" and then listened to them in the right order. I believe the author insisted that they be released unedited and there are some really distasteful Rape comments, (particualarly on in Vagabonds about 15 hours in) that just were not appropriate (my strong opinion) in a work of Fiction. I suspect this is what got him in trouble, cost him his publisher, and ended up in a blacklisting and lecture tour on censorship. I don't think it is Censorship, just editing. This is fiction, and some of the retorical digressions are not even in character. Any editor would have redlined them. I'd have refused to publish Vagabonds with the rape on EARTH passage in it. (It is otherwise a great book.) Just yell "I am quite aware of that..." or "Shut Up!" and ignore these passages. Tarl's journey through Ar's Station, the Vosk Delta, and onward is a turning point in his life and the story is well worth your time. This is a good story and should be read in the right order. Don't go on to Magicians unless you have read this book, and Vagabonds.

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Title: The Door to Saturn

Subtitle: Collected Fantasies of Clark Ashton Smith, Book 2

Author: Clark Ashton Smith

Narrator: William Neenan, Joe Knezevich, Bernard Setaro Clark, Allan Robertson, Chris Kayser

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-22-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 45 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Published in chronological order, with extensive story and bibliographic notes, this series not only provides access to stories that have been out of print for years, but gives them a historical and social context. Series editors Scott Conners and Ronald S. Hilger excavated the still-existing manuscripts, letters and various published versions of the stories, creating a definitive "preferred text" for Smith's entire body of work. This second volume of the series brings together 20 of his fantasy stories.

Editorial Reviews:

A seasoned chorus of voices bring awe and wonder to Clark Ashton Smiths unique take on science fiction, fantasy, and horror. This second of five volumes of edited and curated "preferred texts" of Smiths work serves as justification for a re-appreciation of this master of speculative fiction, the third member of the Weird Tales unholy horror trinity, the other two being H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard. Smiths appreciation for human sexuality, fondness for ribald humor, and strong, female characters are all on display in these 20 mind-engaging, goose bump-inspiring short works that highlight the storytelling ability and prose of an (also) underappreciated poet.

Members Reviews:

Great cosmic horror and sci-fi

I really love the mental visionary allusion the stories generate. I feel many times as if I am omnivisually experiencing the dialogs myself.

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Title: Frozen

Author: Melissa de la Cruz, Michael Johnston

Narrator: Phoebe Strole, Dan Bittner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-17-13

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 65 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

From New York Times best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston comes this remarkable first book in a spellbinding new series about the dawn of a new kind of magic.

Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature: freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground, and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.

At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called "the Blue". They say it's a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it's a place where Nat won't be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.

But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

Critic Reviews:

"As fearless as a futuristic Game of Thrones." (Margaret Stohl New York Times best-selling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures trilogy)

Members Reviews:

Entertaining

I was looking for a book series that would be entertaining enough to listen to while running. This fit the bill. I have read the blue blood series so have this a shot and i am happy I did. I was invested within the first 10 minutes.

Entertaining and Scary Future World

Story has twists and turns, keeps captivating as new characters add interest. Enjoyed hearing it.

Compelling Book

Would you consider the audio edition of Frozen to be better than the print version?

Yes! I prefer most books in audio form for convenience

What was one of the most memorable moments of Frozen?

When they were upon the ship.

What about Phoebe Strole and Dan Bittner s performance did you like?

They are great voice actors!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I got extremely angry in some parts.

Any additional comments?

The book is very short and quick listen/ read. It does not have high detail but you are still able to imagine the entire scene with the few details the authors give you. It felt too rushed to me. Might be because of other books I enjoy. But over all a very compelling book with an interesting story.

More books pleas

Can you get the nest of sins(three)I really enjoy the first one so plea get the nest.

Good story but...

3.5 Stars

This was a good book with a interesting premise, but for me it didn't live up to my expectations. don't get me wrong it was enjoyable at times but then often it would drag a bit too much. I found the twists and secrets a great addition to the storyline and I will probably continue and read the sequel as I believe the true story has just began, I can't wait to see what happens next.

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Title: Blood Bond

Subtitle: Anna Strong, Vampire, Book 9

Author: Jeanne C. Stein

Narrator: Dina Pearlman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-27-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 207 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

As a vampire, Anna Strong has an immortal life...but now shes running out of time.

Annas relationship with shape-shifter Daniel Frey has given her hope for a future with him and his son - especially when Frey proposes. But just when Anna starts to think her life couldnt be better, she must fly to France to be at the side of her dying mother. There she learns that not every vampire accepts her Chosen One status. And one such vamp is about to go rogue - by leading his followers in a fight to usurp humanity.

Members Reviews:

Ode to Anna

This was fantastic. It was like an extra treat because I thought the previous book was going to be the last. Followers of the series know the last book ended with Anna off to see Daniel Frye and his son John John with a pep in her step and and a smile on her face.

Thinking that was the last book, I was a little bummed we wouldn't get to see what Anna and Frye would be like as a real couple after all the adventures they've been on together. This book is exactly along the lines I was picturing at the end of the last book. I'm just sorry that there won't be any more. I've read/listened to this series many many times. This time we get to go an adventure with Anna and Frye as a couple ( and the super cute Jon Jon). I was totally elated and don't want to spoil anything.

There's just something about Anna. Every since she was attacked on a bounty-hunter job by a vampire and inadvertently changed, I've been intrigued. I've been with Anna as she tried to grasp her new vampire nature and keep her human friends and family from finding out. As she discovered that she was the next Chosen One for vampire kind. She's not perfect, quick to anger and strike out, snarky, willful, stubborn...But she's also loyal, a good friend, protector of humanity, capable of love.

This series has also got some great supporting characters. Shot out to David, Culebra, Max, Williams, Gloria, Belinda Burke, Lance, Steven etc.

This was less a review and more of an ODE. Fair well Anna.

Narration: Dina Pearlman is one of my favorite narrators. I've purchased audio books just because she was reading them. As always she does a fantastic job. She IS Anna.

This is the best ending to a wonderful series!!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely!!!!!!!

Ever since I started reading her story I have been on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one.

In fact I recommend the whole 9 yards :)

What other book might you compare Blood Bond to and why?

That's easy, Jane Jameson, Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist, Parasol Protectorate, Phoenix Pack, Protector of the Small Quartet, Vampire for Hire, Chicagoland Vampires and Dark Series because the main characters or co-protagonists are all strong willed women like myself only prettier.

Which character as performed by Dina Pearlman was your favorite?

Anna, Frey, John John, Culebra and Vlad and Max.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely, no matter how sleepy I was I couldn't rest until I reached the end!!!!!

Any additional comments?

I feel satisfied in knowing this is the end and that I don't have to suffer waiting to see what happens next.

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Title: The Secret of Abdu El Yezdi

Subtitle: Burton & Swinburne, Book 4

Author: Mark Hodder

Narrator: Gerard Doyle

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-09-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 267 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Burton and Swinburne return in a new series! The Beast is coming. History will be remade. Since the assassination of Queen Victoria in 1840, a cabal of prominent men - including King George V, HRH Prince Albert, Benjamin Disraeli, and Isambard Kingdom Brunel - has received guidance from the afterlife. The spirit of a dead mystic, Abdu El Yezdi, has helped them to steer the empire into a period of unprecedented peace and creativity. But on the eve of a groundbreaking alliance with the newly formed Greater German Confederation, scientists, surgeons, and engineers are being abducted - including Brunel! The government, in search of answers, turns to the afterlife, only to find that Abdu El Yezdi is now refusing to speak with the living. Enter the newly knighted Sir Richard Francis Burton, fresh from his discovery of the source of the Nile. Appointed the king's agent, he must trace the missing luminaries and solve the mystery of Abdu El Yezdi's silence. But the Beast has been summoned. How can the famous explorer fulfill his mission when his friends and loved ones are being picked off, one by one, by what appears to be a supernatural entity - by, perhaps, Abdu El Yezdi himself?

Members Reviews:

The fourth in the series did not disappoint

This is by far my favorite series. You can listen to the book even if you didn't listen to the others. If you have read the others you will know what I mean when I say it takes place after and before the trilogy. This is classic steam punk and what steam punk is all about. I am going to get very deep here but don't let that scare you away from listening to this book. And listen you must because Gerard Doyle is fantastic. Anyway, steam punk imagines a world that went a different direction, it denies religion while embracing all religions. It shows the great things technology can bring and the great price we pay. It embraces Darwinism while it cannot deny creation. This series asks the question of fate vs free will but cannot answer it. Burton and Swinburne find themselves in alternate universes created by the choices people make, including their choices. Also there is a lot of great shout outs to historical figures. Sorry about getting so deep but I was just so moved and excited by the book. It is also a very fun adventure, steam punk, alternative reality romp. Also did i mention there was vampires which are very hot right now.Although the book was 15 hrs, it was not long enough. Every minute was filled with some kind of emotion, Happy sad thrilled. Although I am going back to listen to all four again, this story is contained in the book so you can listen to it right now.Although, you will want to listen to all because they are all fabulous.

Surprise Return

I thought book 3 of the series had to be the end so finding a book 4 available really surprised me. I took a quick look at some the reviews and decided to take a chance. "The Secret of Abdu El Yezdi" turned out to be my second favorite of the series (I think the first was the best overall despite some "first novel" glitches). I've always liked variations on a theme and the author was able to spin out some great ones in this book.