Kingdom Blades

A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 4

By: Melissa McPhail

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 42 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

"You cannot sculpt a piece into a Player. A Player must mold himself out of fortitude and conviction." (Bjorn van Gelderan)

After the events the first three books in Melissa McPhail's award-winning epic fantasy series, A Pattern of Shadow and Light, the realm of Alorin remains unbalanced. The Fifth Vestal, Bjorn van Gelderan, has cast his Players on the field. Now they must hold their positions against Malorin'athgul as well as their immortal allies.

In Kandori...Prince Ean val Lorian is bound to Bjorn van Gelderan's game and to his sister Isabel, but Ean would rather be free of both of them. Yet he fears the game won't let him - nor will the man he used to be. Chained by guilt on one side and duty on the other, Ean chases memories through three kingdoms in an attempt to become a Player on his own terms.

In Hallovia...Tanis of Adonnai has discovered his true identity and his nature as an Adept of four strands. He's bound himself to the Malorin'athgul Pelas and in turn bound Pelas to his uncle Bjorn van Gelderan's game. But will Pelas' ability to bend Fate to his will be enough to oppose the intentions of his brothers, Darshan and Shail? And will Pelas be able to keep Tanis safe from the immortal Warlock Sinarr, who vowed to go to any lengths to make Tanis his concubine?

At the First Lord's sa'reyth...Prince Trell val Lorian has been rescued from the island of Darroyhan and the mor'alir Adept Taliah hal'Jaitar and is recovering at the First Lord's sanctuary. But while Trell is enjoying an overdue reunion with his betrothed, Alyneri, he suspects he cannot long remain off the field. If the game doesn't summon him back, his conscience will, for he owes his life to too many others. Primary among these is the Water Goddess Naiadithine. Trell can't help but wonder what the goddess will require of him in return for Her many graces...and if it will be a price he's willing to pay.

As Bjorn's game intensifies and wars escalate, those serving the Fifth Vestal must mold themselves into more than mere Players. They must become his Kingdom Blades.

©2016 Melissa McPhail (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Mind BLOWN. This series is a MUST LISTEN or READ!!

Author Melissa McPhail writes intelligently, compellingly and so very deeply. I felt connected to the personalities of each Player of The Game and am in such suspense for the story to continue from 'KINGDOM BLADES'!

However, I would not have found Ms. McPhail if it weren't for Nick Podehl and his outstanding, seamless performances. I had just finished trying out a new series (and that almost always involves a new narrator), but in this case that talent was Mr. Podehl. Oh, how I love and respect his performances and how they brings even many, many characters to life and help a listener identify the character since we don't have the benefit of flipping back a few pages to reconcile said characters if thrown off.

So, so impressed with both aspects of the material and performance. THANK YOU FOR THE HOURS OF TRULY ENJOYABLE LISTENING!!! ~ Meghan Monique

Loved ALL 4 - But need more!

Very disappointing to listen to 4 AMAZING books and still not get a true ending to the story. The books are worth the read, but if you don't have patience to wait for the final outcome...you won't be happy with one.

Great story, even better narration

The story itself is great following different characters and their tales. Every chapter is alt a character you want to hear more about instead of some you would rather skip over. But the narration to the book is what makes me listen to it instead of read it. It's for this reason I haven't actually read the books. I will only listen!

damnnnnn

great series. can't wait for the next entry. first book started off slow for me but once it got going it never stopped.

A true Epic masterfully composed!

I love the way she has brought some of the mysteries of book 1,2& 3 full circle in this latest installment of a Pattern of Light and Shadows.

Melissa Mcphail has won me over and is now in my Top 5 best Epic fantasy authors!!

The pattern is starting to emerge

This book finally starts shape the full picture by bringing back together the main characters and preparing the scene for the next book! Awesome story again!!

Again!

it's been awhile that a series has given me the desire to listen again, and savior. Billiant! really amazed to have so many different concepts.
can't wait for her next book, but to pacify me until then. again!
I love long series that just keep getting better.
narration is very good as well.

i have loved this whole series!

the narration, and story is compelling and well thought out. i hppe there are more.

great series

Miss McPhaill has a wonderful writing style. Her descriptions make a movie in your mind.

Absolutely mesmerizing!

Unbelievable character development. Totally immersed in the storyline which is of a grand scale. Narrator is phenomenal. 4th in the series. I'm devastated I can't find the 5th.