Get Top 100 Full Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic Most Popular

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Title: Beyond the High Road

Subtitle: Forgotten Realms: Cormyr Saga, Book 2

Author: Troy Denning

Narrator: J. P. Linton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-08-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 27 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The seer Alaundo prophesied that seven scourges would sweep Cormyr way in ruin. For centuries the royal family has stood watch against that day and devoted their lives to the protection of the realm.

But in a time when their ancient guardians slumber and their most loyal servants disappear, when a terrible evil prepares to sweep down upon their home - Who will protect the royal family?

Members Reviews:

Troy Denning - always worth a read

First allow me to fully disclose my background - I love Forgotten Realms as a setting and have read more than 100 different books from nearly all the authors that write for the Realms. Yes, I even maintained a fan page for the Realms books for a long time (thanks to Geocities and similar sites during the mid-90s), because I loved the way the authors weaved their stories.

That being said - Troy Denning certainly knows how to tell a story. I'd rate him in my top list of Realms authors (although not my favorite). Cormyr is a region of FR steeped in history, lore, heroes, and foes. There are creatures and landscapes that aren't found anywhere else in the Realms and Denning puts them all to good use in this book.

This is Book 2 of the series, so please be mindful and read them in the right order, lest you feel lost and confused. The evil that is being unleashed on this family is marvelously detailed and really makes you feel the tension as it draws near. There are some points that even I had to reread to make sure I understood what Denning was trying to convey, but overall, he pulled it all together and told a story worthy of a Realms weaver.

Unfortunately, not a lot of attention is given to this particular part of Forgotten Realms, so at times, unless you are an avid fan of this gaming world and have done some research, you may be a little lost - but this isn't to say that you'll not enjoy the story. It just helps to really know some of the characters, the settings, and the back-story to really feel what the author is conveying. So, if there was something I could say was bad of FR - it is that it isn't an easy world to break into. Sure, you can read any of the books and if you enjoy fantasy novels, you'll likely enjoy what the authors of this world bring to the table, but only those that truly know the history of this fantasy setting will catch all the nuances and quirks that the authors weave into their stories.

Overall, this was a good read and certainly worth the cost of admission. If you are a fantasy lover, a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, a Realms walker, or just someone who wants to escape the day-to-day for a bit...then give this book a try.

Emotionally and Psychologically Deep. Almost unheard of in the Fantasy Genre

A few months after the Abraxus Affair (which claimed the lives of several nobles and almost the King himself) chronicled in the initial novel, the naive princess Tanalasta has decided to leave the palace and experience more of the outside world. Her ascension is still in question as Azoun, Queen Filfaeril and Tanalasta have many affairs to settle, nobles to placate and monsters to quell. Azoun being in his 60s isn't helping matters along either. If only they could combine Tanalasta's flair for compassion, book-learning and negotiation with her sister Alusair's military acumen and combat prowess.

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Title: The Gully Dwarves

Subtitle: Dragonlance: Lost Histories, Book 5

Author: Dan Parkinson

Narrator: Gregory St. John

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-08-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

From the lowest of the low will arise a hero...

This is the prophecy given by the god Reorx to Verden Leafglow, a reformed green dragon rejected by Takhisis, the queen of villainy. For good measure, Reorx tells the dragon to give the hero a helping hand.

"Forever Aghar".

But who is this mighty hero? Why none other than Bron, son of the leader of the gully dwarf tribe of Bulp. Befriended by Verden Leafglow, Bron must prove his mettle as the first Aghar hero when the gully dwarves are caught up in the struggles that follow the War of the Lance.

Members Reviews:

Funny story, good reader

Story was funny and entertaining. The reader did a great job with the voices and narration.

Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser visit Krynn

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

I liked this story - it's was lighter read than some of the other dragonlance and was an interesting subject. They story moved along well enough without too many slow parts and problems/small plot changes resolved quickly.

Any additional comments?

I don't know if it's been a while since iIve read any of the Lankhmar tales or if the Barbarian whose name I can't remember and the other character named Cat bare more than a striking resemblence to Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser

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Title: Realms of Mystery

Subtitle: A Forgotten Realms Anthology

Author: Ed Greenwood, Elaine Cunningham, Jeff Grubb, Brian M. Thomsen

Narrator: Nicol Zanzarella, Michael Rahhal

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-08-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

A murder victim is turned into a zombie, just long enough to cover up the circumstances of his own death....

A silent ghost with a friendly grin greets those about to meet their doom....

The only clue to who's killing a party of adventurers is the letter 'H', written in the blood of one of the victims....

All new stories of murder, suspense, and intrigue by Elaine Cunninham, Jeff Grubb, Ed Greenwood, and other favorite Forgotten Realms authors.

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

Good quality and good price

Fine series of short stories.

I'm a big fan of short stories, and this book has some good ones. Characters tied in from other novels and products. I especially liked Bentley Mirrorshade and the Friendly Arm Inn, which fans of the Baldur's Gate computer game will recognize.

A decent blend of Fantasy and Mystery

This is the last in an abruptly ended series of 4 novels that tries to take mystery/suspense stories and put them in a D&D setting. In this anthology it's a lot of misses with few hits. I won't go too deeply into the misses. Suffice to say that they are the bland, almost generic, style of modern fantasy. If you've read any of the other Forgotten Realms novels, then you should be familiar with this style. But since these stories revolve around the solving of a murder, the author has to come up with a device so that some magic-user doesn't use a spell to speak with the dead. This is similar to a lot of Matthew Reilly novels, where Mr Reilly likes to use a device so that the characters don't overwhelm the stories with their blazing guns.

There were a few stories that really stood out. The first is 'The Devil and Tertius Wands' by Jeff Grubb. I enjoyed the main character, who reminded me a little of Cugel, from Jack Vance's 'The Dying Earth'. Kind of a rich, pompous snob. The plot was a generic hard-boiled plot : a man hired by a woman to recover a McGuffin. But the pace was brisk, the style was entertaining, and there was just enough humor. The next was 'H' by Richard Lee Byers. This time the plot is a classic suspense plot: a group that's slowly being picked off by an unseen enemy. In this instance, it's a group of treasure hunters/adventurers. I liked the economy of writing this author displayed. The chase could have been drawn out through 200 pages. Instead, the author uses 22 tense pages. He also set up the right mood for this story without going overboard and ending up with a stinky piece of Lovecraftian cheese.

A "Fantasy Mystery" Anthology Full of Magic & Suspense: 3Â

Since I'm not familiar with the Forgotten Realms fantasy line (this is the first book that I've read), I found several of the stories rather confusing and complicated with creatures and worlds I've never heard of before. But if you're a FR fantasy fan--or just a fantasy fan, in general--then you'll probably enjoy these 14 stories:

1) "Speaking with the Dead" by Elaine Cunningham -- When a gnome is murdered, a young bard and his elven servant try to prove their caravan leader's innocence.

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Title: Skein of Shadows

Subtitle: Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited, Book 2

Author: Marsheila Rockwell

Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-08-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Created in conjunction with the latest update for the Dungeons & Dragons online game, this exciting adventure continues the story of Sabira from The Shard Axe, featuring an underground expedition in dark caverns, drow intrigue, powerful artifacts, and unrequited love.

Members Reviews:

Sabira Returns!

Skein of Shadows is the sequel to The Shard Axe. Set in Wizards of the Coast's world of Eberron, it continues the tale of Sentinel Marshal Sabira Lyet d'Deneith, a.k.a "The Shard Axe". A name she acquired for the dragonshard urgrosh she wields with deadly efficiency. Skein of Shadows takes place about two months after the events of The Shard Axe.

The opening sequence of the book really sets the hook. Marsheila completely immerses the reader in the setting and you do not feel like a passive bystander but an active participant in the story. I could feel the claustrophobic caverns, hear the clash of battle, and most of all, sense the mounting tension of Sabira's task and the potential large scale repercussions it could have.

We meet up with some familiar faces from the previous book; Elix and Aggar, and some new ones, the most interesting of which is Tilde, Elix's cousin. Tilde and Sabira share more than just a cousin/lover, they share part of a Prophecy that could spell doom for all of Eberron.

We get to see Sabira move out of her comfort zone a bit. As a Sentinel Marshal she is used to working alone but this time she is in charge of a group. The mantle of leadership weighs heavy on her as she is forced to deal with loss during the book. It was interesting to see how much she cared for the welfare of her group, including the warforged.

I love Marsheila's writing style. It is descriptive, painting a vivid picture for the reader, and the prose is tight, with no wasted words. Each and every word carries the plot forward with maximum efficiency. No fluff or filler found here folks.

I really like the cover art and I think it is one of the best to date because not only is it a stunning piece of artwork, but it also captures Sabira's mood perfectly. She looks pensive, pondering her duty, her loss, and the daunting task ahead. I think the cover really sets the tone of the book.

Skein of Shadows is The Empire Strikes Back of Eberron, it starts with a bang and ends with a nuclear explosion. The force of which will be felt throughout all of Eberron. Marsheila shows that she has the chops to compete with the best and I can't wait to read more of her work. Whether you are a veteran of Eberron or looking for a book you won't want to put down, read Skein of Shadows, you won't be disappointed.

This is the first book in the Eberron setting that is centered around the drow. This coincides with Wizards of the Coast's new Rise of the Underdark and the new expansion of Dungeons and Dragons Online.

Noir meets fantasy

I'm a fan of Marsheila Rockwell's work and may have some bias as I participated in the in game research for the book. The hero is a wonderfully classic noir protaganist and a strong female lead. Unlike the first book in the series, this one really does delve into the world of the D&D online game and the Eberron setting and does so without feeling like a forced tour of the game.

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Title: Paladins

Author: Joel Rosenberg

Narrator: Alex Hyde-White

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-14-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

In the 17th century, in an alternate universe, much of Europe, Asia, and the New World are part of an Empire ruled from England. The Order of Crown, Shield, and Dragon is a legion of special agents for the Crown: special emissaries in time of peace, and invincible warriors in more violent times. They carry special weapons: swords, each of which contains the soul of someone of great power. Even in the hands of a knight of the Order, even wielded in the cause of righteousness, a red sword is terribly dangerous to its owner and all around him. In less virtuous hands, a red sword is the most dangerous and powerful weapon known to mankind. Now, three knights of the Order have just tracked down a previously unknown red sword which was found on a Grecian shore, and which shows all signs of having been recently forged. Worse, the mind encased in the sword remembers that it was only one of many which were cached in the hold of a mysterious sailing ship, origin unknown.

Members Reviews:

Ok quick read, but nothing to write home about.

What did you love best about Paladins?

The alternate timeline is interesting as is the idea of the swords.

Would you be willing to try another book from Joel Rosenberg? Why or why not?

Yes, he is not a great author but writes solid three's (out of 5) on a consistant basis. This book is no different. None of his work will rock your world, but they are all solid decent books.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Alex Hyde-White?

Yes, he did a very good job and has a good range of voices.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Paladins.. A Journeyman's quest.

Any additional comments?

It is an ok book, but not great. If you are looking for a quick satisfactory read this one is an option.

this book needs to be remastered

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

n/a

What was most disappointing about Joel Rosenbergs story?

n/a

How did the narrator detract from the book?

n/a

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Paladins?

n/a

Any additional comments?

the edit of this book drove me crazy. every paragraph fades out. i listen on my phone and this usually means i have an incoming call. this is very distracting and after a little while of this i stopped listening. i cannot comment on the story line or the narrator because the fading was such a nuisance. i hope this problem gets fixed.

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Title: Paladins II: Knight Moves

Author: Joel Rosenberg

Narrator: Alex Hyde-White

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-11-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

In the 17th century, in an alternate universe, Mordred defeated King Arthur - known as "Arthur the Tyrant" - and founded an Empire now ruling much of Europe, Asia, and the New World and ably defended by the Order of Crown, Shield, and Dragon. These special agents carry swords, each containing the soul of someone of great power. Even in the hands of a knight of the Order, and wielded in the cause of righteousness, such a sword is terribly dangerous to its owner and all around him: A single red sword can defeat an ordinary army. Last time, three knights of the Order were able to defeat an enemy with an arsenal of red swords, though at a terrible cost. But new menaces are threatening.

An ancient witch, long thought to be dead, has returned, and the deadly creatures called darklings are infesting Europe. And on the isle of Colonsay, another deadly supernatural being has appeared, sending the inhabitants into frenzies of murderous madness. This time courage and a strong sword arm, even when armed with a sword of power, may not be enough to save the Empire.

Members Reviews:

Ok, but with a warning

The first book in the series is better but this is a solid read. It isn't going to be anything impressive but a good solid book, the literary equivalent of comfort food. The problem is it ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger and I don't believe he ever followed this book up before he died so you will be left hanging. Because of that, I'd advise passing just because you will never get closure more than being based on the quality of the book. The first book in the series was a stand alone and you might be better off leaving it there.

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Title: On the Seas of Destiny

Subtitle: Tales of Nedao, Book 3

Author: Ru Emerson

Narrator: Carrington MacDuffie

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-09-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

In this, the third tale of the Nedao people, Nisana the AEldra of the cat-kind narrates her experience among the beleaguered humans. She wishes that there were others left to speak of such a story, yet she is the only witness able to tell of it. Sharing both the agonies and the victories of her companion, the warrior queen Ylia, Nisana is determined to see things through to their conclusion.

As Ylia faces insurmountable odds while trying to survive, it is up to Nisana to nurture the magical powers within the young queen and teach her how to lead her people. Nisana the AEldra does not leave her side, even when the terrifying army of seemings marches on her people, even when the very air hangs heavy with the blood of the Nedao.

Members Reviews:

"5 Stars for Ru Emerson, 1 star for the publisher, Open Road Media"

"The Tales of Nedao" is one of my favourite fantasy series of all time. I read them when they were first released in the late 1980's, attracted as I was by the cover art of Martin Springett, who had also illustrated the covers for Guy Gavriel Kay's epic, "The Fionavar Tapestry". Ylia very quickly became one of my favourite fictional heroines. Over the years, through multiple moves of my household, my paperback collection found its way into long-term storage, but when I discovered an out of place box about 2 years ago that revealed itself to be part of that collection, I was happy to be reminded of Ru Emerson's work. Sadly, only one of the books of "The Tales of Nedao" was in that particular box. I was very disappointed to note that "The Tales of Nedao" had not achieved a measure of popularity that allowed it to remain in print, or to be offered in ebook format, so when I discovered recently that they had finally become available on the Kindle platform, I was overjoyed. I immediately purchased the first volume.

To say that I am disappointed with the quality of the transcription would be an understatement of the highest order. At first, I was willing to overlook the occasional seemingly typographic error, but as I progressed through the first two books and began the third, I could no longer take it. It is quite clear that these transcriptions to electronic format were produced either via optical character recognition, or they were transcribed by some third world service employing people who are obviously not entirely fluent, shall we say, with the finer points of the English language. These errors are not typographic, so much as they are structural errors arising from a deeply flawed production process.

As I began the third volume, the title page gives the subtitle of the book as "The Third Take of Nedao". In the second paragraph of the first chapter, we are presented with the following sentence, "Two small rowboats were fled to the long stone mole on the inland side." Clearly, these versions were not so much as given a cursory proofreading or momentary comparison to the original text.

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Title: The Cripple and the Staff, Vol.1

Subtitle: Those that Rise from Legend

Author: M. M. Mancey

Narrator: J. Beaver

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-07-12

Publisher: Open Book Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

A temperamental mule, a wily master, secondhand shoes and apparently cursed. What else does the Cripple of Kilten have to put up with? Follow him into a world where dark parts of a city can have tunnels instead of streets and clusters of dragon-scaled towers are the abode of seers living in the greatest city of all.

A fog of fear rises when the immortals who lived in secret among humans, stir, and sorcerers vie for a deadly but powerful staff in a circle of combat in a bid for domination. It is immortals against mortals; and it all gets complicated when the cripple finds out that he too is an immortal.

Members Reviews:

Didn't want to stop reading

I started this book last night and didn't want to put it down. I love the main character Shale.

The story starts with Shale as a young boy and goes on while he grows. He isn't crippled at the start, just alone and destitute, with no family or friends. He is an outcast. The locals despise him for reasons he doesn't understand. One day, after being caught stealing food, he steps in a hunters trap that cripples him. From this point, he remains mostly in the forest. As the years go by, he explores deeper and deeper in the forest until he comes across a wizard's tower. The old man there takes him under his wing and teaches him magic.

Far away from where Shale lives, forces are gathering to bring a change to the land. A dreaded enemy has returned and the once saviors are intent on returning to their rightful place in the land. This means they would be enslaving all the humans. It's up to a unknown, cripple young man to fight against the returning enemy and stop the immortals from controlling the land.

I have to say this book was amazing. I felt so much compassion for Shale. He reminded me of Drizzt, Harry Potter and Frodo all rolled into one. The writing was well done but I found I skimmed over some to the descriptions. I wanted to see what would happen next rather than read through the descriptions of a dress or hairstyle. I definitely will be picking up Part II. I can't wait to find out what happens with Shale, Olivina and all the rest.

Well done, M M Mancey!

Solid 4 stars - easy and enjoyable

The opening of the book isn't that great, and honestly -- I'm not sure why it ended where it did, but after the first few pages one is lulled into an enjoyable and easy reading adventure that just flows wonderfully. The story is great -- the fantasy isn't too out there, it almost just stays in the background....this is a character development and adventure novel. The main fight scenes could have been much better, and the novel really would need a major amount of work and additional insight/polishing to get anywhere close to 5 stars, but for what it is....a solid 4 star story.....it's miles better than most of its competitors for the price. Will definitely read the follow-up books if they are priced reasonably.

Exciting and Compelling Read, easy 5 stars

From the time that I happened to stumble onto this book and started reading, Mancey had me on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next twist and turn. I hardly found the opportunity to put the book down! Shale is a believable character that is easy to identify with, so when things start going wrong for him and his friends, I really felt for them, I really wanted them to win.

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Title: Burning Tower

Author: Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle

Narrator: Tom Weiner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-06-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Return to the vivid and unusual (Kirkus Reviews) world of Larry Niven and Jerry PournellesThe Burning City, where the fire god has retreated into myth, leaving the residents of Teps Town unprotected for the first time in their history.

Unfortunately, a fiery fate isnt the only danger Teps Town is facing. Monsters are coming forth from the desert - great birds with blades instead of wings, driven by some unknown force. Although they can be killed, the threat these terror birds pose is worse than death. Danger on the roads means no trade; no trade means the extinction of Teps Town.

Sent to discover the source of the terror birds, Lord Sandry and his beloved, Burning Tower, must travel into a world where magic is still strong - and where someone or somethingwaits to destroy them.

Filled with the sweeping adventure, memorable characters, and imaginative world-building that have defined the novels of Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle,Burning Toweris another triumph.

Critic Reviews:

A splendid adventure, full of colorful characters and cultures, frustrated romance, and just a hint of cautionary satire. (

Locus)

Members Reviews:

Wait for greatness

It's hard to recommend this book when the first two thirds are about the setup for what is an exceptional last third. 'The burning city' was so unique I had no idea where it was heading the disappointment here is that everything feel as if it's sign posted. Yes it's good to return to the same world but it feels too soon after the first book and it's all a bit too contrived to get everyone where they need to be to tell the real story which is in the last third.

In many respects it feels like a good second part in a great trilogy it's just that we don't have a 3rd book 'yet'.

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Title: Forge of Darkness

Subtitle: Kharkanas Trilogy, Volume 1

Author: Steven Erikson

Narrator: Daniel Philpott

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-25-12

Publisher: Random House Audiobooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Now is the time to tell the story of an ancient realm, a tragic tale that sets the stage for all the tales yet to come and all those already told.... It's a conflicted time in Kurald Galain, the realm of Darkness, where Mother Dark reigns. But this ancient land was once home to many a powerand even death is not quite eternal.

The commoners' great hero, Vatha Urusander, is being promoted by his followers to take Mother Dark's hand in marriage, but her Consort, Lord Draconus, stands in the way of such ambitions. The impending clash sends fissures throughout the realm, and as the rumours of civil war burn through the masses, an ancient power emerges from the long dead seas. Caught in the middle of it all are the First Sons of Darkness, Anomander, Andarist, and Silchas Ruin of the Purake Hold....

Steven Erikson entered the pantheon of great fantasy writers with his debut, Gardens of the Moon. Now he returns with the first novel in a trilogy that takes place millennia before the events of the Malazan Book of the Fallen and introduces readers to Kurald Galain, the warren of Darkness. It is the epic story of a realm whose fate plays a crucial role in shaping the world of the Malazan Empire.

Members Reviews:

Almost

Any additional comments?

I would really want to read the coming two books before rating (given Erikson's track record of slow first books).

The story is close to a 5. The reason I don't give it that is because I lacked some of the epic clash between giants feeling I got from the Malazan books. This book has a very promising ending, but reaching that there were a bit too many whiny/uninteresting characters introduced.

Will be painful having to wait for the next books ... :)

Ponderous, rambling, brilliantly read

The trouble with splitting up an epic many-threaded story into two is that you have a first volume of relentless introductions and scene setting with relatively little actual story.

The reading is outstanding and deserves great credit for making a huge cast sound distinctive and recognisable.

The English is too Larney

I find that I cannot listen to this slow enough to not be distracted by interpreting the form of English used. At times I have found the narrative to have excessive details and leaving me bewildered by what I should be remembering versus that which is just trying to paint a picture. I will persevere with it till the end of this book and see if it becomes clearer.

Good book

It is a good book.

Just annoyed the reader did not listen to any of the previous books to keep the continuity of how names were pronounced.