Child of a Mad God

The Coven, Book 1

By: R. A. Salvatore

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 18 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

From R. A. Salvatore, the legendary creator of Drizzt Do'Urden, comes the start of a brand new epic journey.

When Aoleyn loses her parents, she is left to fend for herself among a tribe of vicious barbarians. Bound by rigid traditions, she dreams of escaping to the world beyond her mountain home.

The only hope for achieving the kind of freedom she searches for is to learn how to wield the mysterious power used by the tribe's coven known as the Song of Usgar. Thankfully, Aoleyn may be the strongest witch to have ever lived, but magic comes at price. Not only has her abilities caught the eye of the brutish warlord that leads the tribe, but the demon of the mountain hunts all who wield the Coven's power, and Aoleyn's talent has made her a beacon in the night.

©2018 R. A. Salvatore (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

I tried...i really REALLY tried!

Couldnt get into this book for all the meandering the author is doing. Long on dialog short on action. If it wasn't for Mr Reynolds I would have not made it to the mid point.

Holy crap

Listened to this after listening to the first two trilogies of The Legend of Drizzt and really like the change of scenery. Interesting uses of magic. TGR gave an epic performance.

Promise made promise kept

Mr Salvador again has us on the edge and deep in the pine forest on another great journey. LDH

Another Amazing Tale

Salvatore, again, shows that whether writing of Dark Elves or lake men or demons from a mountain his ability to capture you and take you on an unforgettable Journey is as strong as ever.

Salvatore does it again

This is a great book one as always for Salvatore! If you compare it 1 for 1 against the Crystal Shard or Canticle where there has to be a lot of character development I find that this stands up and maybe even surpasses those books. One reason some may say it is better is because it is a bit longer of a book for Salvatore. I personally found myself falling quickly in love with his main character's, I laughed and despaired as they went through there journey's. I also found myself quickly learning to hate the main antagonists so it definitely looks like Salvatore has done it again!

Worthy of a standing ovation

This was a really well written story elevated to amazing by the beautiful narration of Tim Gerard Reynolds.

I am now a fan of R.A. Salvatore and look forward to listening to more of his work.

Enjoyed Greatly

As usual R.A.S., delivers superbly! Performance, well done. I look forward to hearing the whole series.

Why did it have to end!!

Love the Drizzt series, so was anxious to read of this new promising character. I was not disappointed.
Talmadge, is a frontier trader who has ditched the cities to travel the villages of Loch Beag, a huge lake surrounded by mountains. The tribes on the lake are peaceful, but not the dreaded Usgar who live up on the mountainside, with raiding warriors that invade the lakeside villages, killing, raping, and taking whatever they want. These warriors have an advantage from crystal spears that the witches of the tribe, called the Coven, have infused with magic. We first meet Aoleyn as an orphaned child, being raised by her Aunt who is one of these witches. Aoleyn grows quickly in this first installment, as does her natural power to wield the magic of the crystals. Along the way, she is also learning that the brutal ways of her tribe are just that, brutal.
There are many other characters that are developed in this story, along with the lifestyle of the Usgar and the gentle tribes of the lake, with Talmadge and Aoleyn in the center. The ending certainly leaves you hanging, my only complaint of starting a new series before it's complete. Luckily, I haven't read the Corona books so can go to those for a prequel to this new magical land.

Wasn't sure I'd like this but Loved it!

I really enjoyed this audiobook. I could not stop listening. I am a fan of Mr. Salvatore but usually just read about Drizzt. I've read some Star Wars he's written too. This book I found more enjoyable than anything I've read or listened to lately. Can not wait for the next one! The narration was wonderful and alive as well. I hope he narrates the next book in this series too!

Will get the next one

Beginning was a little confusing. Rest of book was great. Will get the next one.