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The Sanctuary of the Redeemers is a vast and desolate place - a place without joy or hope. Most of its occupants were taken there as boys and for years have endured the brutal regime of the Lord Redeemers whose cruelty and violence have one singular purpose - to serve in the name of the One True Faith. In one of the Sanctuary's vast and twisting maze of corridors stands a boy. He is perhaps fourteen or fifteen years old - he is not sure and neither is anyone else.
Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.
The stunning debut fantasy novel from author Peter V. Brett. The Painted Man, book one of the Demon Cycle, is a captivating and thrilling fantasy adventure, pulling the reader into a world of demons, darkness and heroes. Voted one of the top ten fantasy novels of 2008 by amazon.co.uk. Sometimes there is very good reason to be afraid of the dark…Eleven-year-old Arlen lives with his parents on their small farmstead, half a day's ride from the isolated hamlet of Tibbet's Brook.
Lusam grew up in the relative safety of the Elveen mountains with his grandmother. She taught him the basics of magic and discovered, quite by accident, that he possessed a unique skill never seen before: the ability to hide his magical aura from the mage-sight of others. Dark secrets surround Lusam's origins, and the dark agents of the Empire will stop at nothing to kill Lusam.
Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well: He found a quaint little shop, he befriended the local lord, the village folk loved him, he found a sharp young apprentice to help out, and, best yet, he met a comely young widow with the prettiest eyes.
The Thieves Guild is renowned for their ability to steal anything. Its elite members have robbed nobles of wealth, reputation, and even their honor. The Guildmaster rules them with brutality and fear, yet his name and past are a mystery. From the depths of the Evermist swamp, he seeks a master thief, one who can help him reclaim his lost power. Young and brash, Jack Myst has drawn the Guildmaster's attention. His feats mark his potential, but his audacity and cunning make him dangerous.
The Sanctuary of the Redeemers is a vast and desolate place - a place without joy or hope. Most of its occupants were taken there as boys and for years have endured the brutal regime of the Lord Redeemers whose cruelty and violence have one singular purpose - to serve in the name of the One True Faith. In one of the Sanctuary's vast and twisting maze of corridors stands a boy. He is perhaps fourteen or fifteen years old - he is not sure and neither is anyone else.
Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.
The stunning debut fantasy novel from author Peter V. Brett. The Painted Man, book one of the Demon Cycle, is a captivating and thrilling fantasy adventure, pulling the reader into a world of demons, darkness and heroes. Voted one of the top ten fantasy novels of 2008 by amazon.co.uk. Sometimes there is very good reason to be afraid of the dark…Eleven-year-old Arlen lives with his parents on their small farmstead, half a day's ride from the isolated hamlet of Tibbet's Brook.
Lusam grew up in the relative safety of the Elveen mountains with his grandmother. She taught him the basics of magic and discovered, quite by accident, that he possessed a unique skill never seen before: the ability to hide his magical aura from the mage-sight of others. Dark secrets surround Lusam's origins, and the dark agents of the Empire will stop at nothing to kill Lusam.
Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well: He found a quaint little shop, he befriended the local lord, the village folk loved him, he found a sharp young apprentice to help out, and, best yet, he met a comely young widow with the prettiest eyes.
The Thieves Guild is renowned for their ability to steal anything. Its elite members have robbed nobles of wealth, reputation, and even their honor. The Guildmaster rules them with brutality and fear, yet his name and past are a mystery. From the depths of the Evermist swamp, he seeks a master thief, one who can help him reclaim his lost power. Young and brash, Jack Myst has drawn the Guildmaster's attention. His feats mark his potential, but his audacity and cunning make him dangerous.
The Drenai King is dead - murdered by a ruthless assassin. Enemy troops swarm into Drenai lands. Their orders are simple - kill every man, woman and child. But there is hope. Stalked by men who act like beasts and beasts that walk like men, the warrior Waylander must journey into the shadow-haunted lands of the Nadir to find the legendary Armour of Bronze. With this he can turn the tide. But can he be trusted? For he is Waylander the Slayer. The traitor who killed the King...
Born in the storm that doomed his father, Connavar grows to manhood among the mist-covered mountains of Caer Druagh, where the Rigante tribe dwell in harmony with the land and its gods. But beyond the border, across the water, an evil force is gathering strength, an unstoppable force that will change the world beyond all recognition. Haunted by malevolent spirits and hunted by evil men, Connavar sets out on a spectacular mission to save his people.
In a world where an industrial revolution is powered by magic, Tyen, a student of archaeology, unearths a sentient book called Vella. Once a young sorcerer-bookbinder, Vella was transformed into a useful tool by one of the greatest sorcerers of history. Since then she has been collecting information, including a vital clue to the disaster Tyen’s world faces.Elsewhere, in an land ruled by priests, Rielle the dyer’s daughter has been taught that to use magic is to steal from the Angels.
When Soren is plucked from the streets and given a place at the prestigious academy of swordsmanship, he thinks his dream of being a great swordsman has become a possibility. However, with great intrigues unfolding all around him, Soren discovers that he is little more than a pawn to the ambitions of others.
The world is falling to the burning shadow of the Possessed and only the power of a battle mage can save it. But the ancient bond with dragonkind is failing. Of those that answer a summoning too many are black. Black dragons are the enemy of humankind. Black dragons are mad. Falco Dante is a weakling in a world of warriors, but worse than this, he is the son of a madman. Driven by grief, Falco makes a decision that will drive him to the brink of despair. As he tries to come to terms with his actions Falco follows his friends to the Academy of War.
The assassination of heroes was once a warning... for an invasion that nearly destroyed the world. Nations were slaughtered, cities were erased from existence, and defending armies were crushed into oblivion. In weeks, all life stood on the verge of extinction. But the end did not come. Instead the black horde vanished, leaving terrified survivors... and rumors. As the centuries passed the holocaust faded into legend, and finally myth. Across the southern sea a gifted young man is completing his training.
In this prequel to The Sword of Shannara, in which many details of the Four Lands' history are revealed, Druids, horrified by the misuse of magic, have eschewed it in favor of science. But Bremen the Druid studies magic, and becomes an outcast on its account. Bremen discovers that an invincible army of trolls are fast conquering all that lay to their south. Before them come the Nazgul-like Skull Bearers, disfigured and transformed Druids who have fallen prey to the dark arts.
Prince of Thorns is the first volume in a powerful new epic fantasy trilogy, original, absorbing and challenging. Before the thorns taught me their sharp lessons and bled weakness from me I had but one brother, and I loved him well. But those days are gone and what is left of them lies in my mother's tomb. Now I have many brothers, quick with knife and sword, and as evil as you please. We ride this broken empire and loot its corpse.
Gavin Guile is the Prism, the most powerful man in the world. He is high priest and emperor, a man whose power, wit, and charm are all that preserves a tenuous peace. But Prisms never last, and Guile knows exactly how long he has left to live: Five years to achieve five impossible goals. But when Guile discovers he has a son, born in a far kingdom after the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he's willing to pay to protect a secret that could tear his world apart.
The new star of British fantasy returns with The Waking Fire, book one of the Draconis Memoria series, a thrilling new epic fantasy of exploration and adventure, spies and assassins, explosive magic and the battle for empire. For decades the lands of the Ironship Syndicate have been defended by the 'blood blessed' - men and women able to channel the powers contained in the potent blood of wild drakes. Elite spies and assassins, their loyalty has established the Syndicate's position as the greatest power in the known world. Yet now a crisis looms.
When Dante Galand was just a boy, his father, Larsin, sailed away to make his fortune. And never returned. Since then, Dante has become a great sorcerer. A ruler. A destroyer of kings. And he's just learned that his father is living on a forbidden island at the edge of the known world. Where he's dying of a mysterious plague. In the company of his friend, the swordsman Blays, Dante travels to the island. There, his magic can do nothing for his father.
Forged for combat, the rock trolls have no equal. They train from birth, endure brutal conditioning, and mark their skin with every kill. They have become the very flesh of war, but their history of honor has been forgotten. Now a bounty has been issued, one which calls for the extermination of their race. To survive they must awaken to what they have lost, before their enemies begin to gather. Born in the midst of a bloody conflict, Tryton bears a heart of peace. His talent will command respect, but his nature is the true weapon.
The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of The Beating of his Wings, the third and final installment in the epic narrative from Paul Hoffman. Read by the actor Sean Barrett.
Thomas Cale has been running from the truth. Since discovering that his brutal military training has been for one purpose - to destroy God's greatest mistake, mankind itself - Cale has been hunted by the very man who made him into the Angel of Death: Pope Redeemer Bosco.
Cale is a paradox: arrogant and innocent, generous and pitiless. Feared and revered by those created him, he has already used his breathtaking talent for violence and destruction to bring down the most powerful civilisation in the world.
But Thomas Cale is weak. His soul is dying. As his body is wracked with convulsions he knows that the final judgment will not wait for a sick boy. As the day of reckoning draws close, Cale's sense of vengeance leads him back to the heart of darkness - the Sanctuary - and to confront the person he hates most in the world. Finally Cale must recognise that he is the incarnation of God's rage and decide if he will stand against the Sanctuary of the Redeemers and use his unique skill of laying waste to all things. The fate of mankind rests on Cale's decision.
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
I wish he would have stuck to the same writing style that made the first 2 so great.
What was most disappointing about Paul Hoffman’s story?
If I didn't know better I would swear Hoffman contracted this book out. It doesn't even read the same, and I am not talking about the narration. Did Paul take some new writing class and decide to show off some new moves. If so please take a couple steps back. Concentrate on telling a clever story, not cleverly writing a boring one.
Any additional comments?
I am not sure I have seen the such an absolute collapse to what would have been a great fantasy series since the great debacle of Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy. It follows the same pattern: First book; absolutely outstanding. Second book; Pretty good, not as great as the first but still great. Third Book: Absolute nonsense.
OK so this wasn't as bad as Hobb's 3rd book, I mean I didn't want to vomit after I read it. But still I was so looking forward to the end of this Trilogy and this just missed the mark. I am really just left confused and disappointed.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
couldn't even finish it. should have kept the original reader. the reader for this book was kinda hard to understand when pronouncing character names and didn't do well when changing the tone of his voice when reenacting specific character's. it got so bad that I just turned it off. The first 2 books are amazing tho.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I enjoyed the first two books - of course they were a bit dark but I kept wanting to see a redemptive end. Well, without giving any spoilers away, I think it's safe to say that third book did not bring the redemptive, everything-tied-up-in-a-little-bow ending I was hoping for. Which is fine - it's Hoffman's story and he's free to write it how he wants - I'm just along for the ride. And, given how dark the first two books were, why would I expect anything different?
But, what was so frustrating was the narrator switch! (!!!) Steve West, who narrated the first two books was great - distinct voices for everyone and had just the right voice for the tone of the story. Sean Barrett was not only a less talented reader (a lot of times when Cale and Vague Henri or IdrisPukke were having a conversation you couldn't tell who was who - especially after being used to the distinct accent that Steve West had given IdrisPukke), but he did annoying things like pronounce IdrisPukke with an "uh" sound on the end of Pukke (Pook-UH) - and Henri like the french (?) pronunciation (Auhn-ree). Why do they let them do that when they do a narrator switch?!? The new narrator should be required to listen to the original and at least try not to introduce such blatant changes.
So, if you enjoyed the first two and need to know how the story ends, then go for it - just know what you're getting into. Otherwise, you might just want to skip the third one and read some synopsis somewhere to give you some quick and painless closure.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
What disappointed you about The Beating of His Wings?
It seemed like the author did not stay true to the style and tone of the first two books in the series. And it took forever to get into the story, the beginning came out of left field.
What do you think your next listen will be?
I'm currently listening to The White Queen series by Phillip Gregory.
Would you listen to another book narrated by Sean Barrett?
Yes
If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Beating of His Wings?
Cut the beginning, if they wanted to do something like that they should've tied it into the other two books. I won't go into detail because I do not want to give it away if anyone wants to read it.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm sorry to say that if you love the first two books as much as I do then this one will be a disappointment. The book is in no way bad, it's actually really well written. I feel that the third book gave me closure but I hope others will appreciate it more then I did.
I'm eagerly awaiting Paul Hoffman's next book.
With Thomas Cale, things were always going to turn out bloody and bleak. No surprises there, then!
I was drawn in completely by the first book, left feeling short-changed by the second book, but I'm back on-side with this last in the series. Cale disappoints in some ways, with his immaturity - almost as if he has a sense of entitlement... The banter between the boys is still good, and the witty quips are back.
The ending is completely unexpected.... Was I satisfied? I pondered this for a while; yes I was. How else could it have ended? I couldn't have thought up a preferable alternative, and "boy gets the girl" would have just been too weak for this story.
(Still slightly irritated by the author's indulgence at the end regarding publications etc - but as not part of the story, I just simply pressed stop...)
Same narrator, and same standard - so if you liked the first two's story telling, then you'll be satisfied with this one too.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Listened to this one in 2 sittings which is a good sign! Was very happy with the story overall and also that there is definitely scope to continue the story if the Author decides to re visit this world. I very much hope he will do - there is the line is the book "but that is another story" and I very much hope it is.I suppose if anything a bit darker that the previous, somehow that does not make it an unhappy story there are laughs and lighter moments particularly between Vague Henri and Cale. I am probably now going to go back and listen to book 1 again and keep my fingers crossed that Paul Hoffman comes back to this world - or possibly even visits the strange world where the rubbish tips of paradise are found?
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Would you consider the audio edition of The Beating of His Wings to be better than the print version?
I have listened to the Audio version of the whole series and Sean Barrett's narration is spot on. It takes some getting used to, but perfectly suits the dark, dry style of the book. I haven't read it in print, but I can safely say that this performance would beat my own interpretation of the characters.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Beating of His Wings?
Thomas's encounter with Kitty the Hare was tense and brutal. The final encounter with Bosco was harrowing, but the only way that is could have ended. Kliste finally turning his horse around was beautiful.
Which character – as performed by Sean Barrett – was your favourite?
Vague Enrie
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
For me this is a bit too dark for one sitting, but I finished it in three days which is extremely fast for me given the amount of free time I have for reading/listening.
Any additional comments?
This is a really unusual series. Darker and more brutal even than Joe Abercrombie's books. Thomas is the ultimate anti-hero (said before but never so true) - damaged goods would be an understatement and he struggles with his past, his destiny, his abilities (or lack of) and the storm of emotions that have built through the first two installments. I can understand some of the comments regarding the ending, but for me it's the only way it could have gone and I'm pleased that Paul Hoffman stuck to his guns and didn't go for the easy, miraculous recovery and happy ever after. This is not a happy ever after series, but there are glimpses of hope and light for some which a nice sense of balance.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
What did you like about this audiobook?
I had waited months for the 3rd book in The Left Hand Of God trilogy. When I could I pre ordered it. I couldn't wait to see what happened to Thomas Cale and how he would resolve matters. But i have to say, that I think that the author Paul Hoffman must have run out of ideas at the end. I really enjoy these sort of fantasies and I sincerely hope that I won't get the same sort of disappointment from George R R Martin and Patrick Rothfuss next year when they release their epics. You have to wait so long for the next part. Maybe I'll try reading htis again, but I really lost interest half way through.
How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?
It hasn't
Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?
The first 2 books showed amazing imagination, but fell down drastically in the 3rd.
What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?
Nothing at all. Sean Barrett made a mediocre book just readable. Top marks to him. He has great talent.
Do you have any additional comments?
I will give this book one more try, but with probably return it for something better
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Would you try another book written by Paul Hoffman or narrated by Sean Barrett?
Yes I would try another book written by the author - I thought the characters were very well put together (even if though the Beating Of His Wings was tedious).
Yes I enjoyed Sean Barrett's narration - he definitely gave the book an extra something.
What was most disappointing about Paul Hoffman’s story?
I thought the Left Hand Of God started the trilogy very well. I thinks its this fact which made me listen to the following two books (that and the characters).
However as the story continued into the second and third books I thought it lost something and I didn't like the story ending.
How did the narrator detract from the book?
He didn't - I really enjoyed his narration.
If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Beating of His Wings?
Not sure - just lost my interest.
Any additional comments?
Wish the entire trilogy was as good as the first few chapters of the left hand of god.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I read all three parts before commenting so as to see the story through to the end. Okay, the trilogy is not "great literature", but it is a story which draws you in and keeps you there. There are patches which are too drawn out and sometimes the story takes it's time to get where it is going, but it is so worth the effort. Thomas Cale will stay with me for a long time, and I'll come back and listen to these again. The burning question for me is - when will producers wake up to this trilogy and make films of them. These books are a far better source material than many poorer stories which have been made into films costing mega-bucks. Finally a word about the narration. 10 out 10 for Sean Barratt. He captured all the characters well without being over the top in his characterisations, but most of all he totally nailed Thomas Cale's personality. I hope Hoffman will tempted to write a follow-on.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If you could sum up The Beating of His Wings in three words, what would they be?
creative modern fantasy
What did you like best about this story?
The fallibility of Cale creates an excellent base for building a story upon. With strong characters and good depth of planning in the tale. I loved all three book and regularly reflect on the characters long after the tale has finished.
What about Sean Barrett’s performance did you like?
Sean Barrett drew you into the story with his measured, authoritative and compelling delivery. an excellent choice for this tale.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
When Hell haunts mankind, who will stand and fight!
Any additional comments?
I loved the first book in the series and by the time of the second book i had already decided that this author would be in my top ten for many years to come. This book didn't scream at me the way the first two did but it closed the story in a believable way. I can usually measure to what extent a story has gotten under my skin by the sense of loss i feel when a characters story ends. I am still mourning for Cale and co and hope he will be resurrected in a new story. Paul Hoffman and Joe Abercrombie have made fantasy appealing to me again, relying less on magic etc, and instead building great characters you can have a great journey with. Cant wait for his next book.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
What disappointed you about The Beating of His Wings?
This trilogy has totally lost its way. I felt as if the story was meandering with no direction. I gave up about half way through.
This trilogy was recommended to me by a friend in my local pub. I want to say a HUGE thank you for the recommendation. This book is no doubt the darkest of the 3, but by far the best. Expertly narrated Sean Barrett
Really enjoyed the arc of this story and the way it was delivered. I felt totally emersed in the drama and majezty of the world portrayed