• Knight's Ransom

  • The First Argentines, Book 1
  • By: Jeff Wheeler
  • Narrated by: Kate Rudd
  • Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,436 ratings)

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Knight's Ransom  By  cover art

Knight's Ransom

By: Jeff Wheeler
Narrated by: Kate Rudd
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Publisher's summary

“Jeff Wheeler has always been one of our more dependable storytellers. Knight’s Ransom adds to his reputation. A fine page-turner.” --Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author.

From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler comes an epic new series of warring kingdoms, deadly family rivalries, and fearless loyalty, set in the world of Kingfountain.

Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. A brutal war of succession has plunged the court of Kingfountain into a power struggle between a charitable king who took the crown unlawfully and his ambitious rival, Devon Argentine. The balance of power between the two men hinges on the fate of a young boy ensnared in this courtly intrigue. A boy befittingly nicknamed Ransom.

When the Argentine family finally rules, Ransom must make his own way in the world. Opportunities open and shut before him as he journeys along the path to knighthood, blind to a shadowy conspiracy of jealousy and revenge. Securing his place will not be easy, nor will winning the affection of Lady Claire de Murrow, a fiery young heiress from an unpredictably mad kingdom.

Ransom interrupts an abduction plot targeting the Queen of Ceredigion and earns a position in service to her son, the firstborn of the new Argentine dynasty. But conflict and treachery threaten the family, and Ransom must also come to understand and hone his burgeoning powers - abilities that involve more than his mastery with a blade and that make him as much a target as his lord.

©2021 Jeff Wheeler. (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“With this superlative epic fantasy…Wheeler does an expert job of reintroducing his fantasy world through the eyes of sympathetic characters that fans and new readers alike will root for. This is sure to be a hit.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“[Wheeler] adds elements of Arthurian legend to the start of the First Argentines series…along with splendid palace intrigues and battles.” (Booklist, starred review)

“Full of surprise, heartbreak, intrigue and knightliness…a great start to what feels like a solid series!” (The Nerd Daily)

What listeners say about Knight's Ransom

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Sucked in again ... love Jeff's stories

Great job by Kate Rudd as narrator.

Can't wait until the next one!

THANK YOU

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9 people found this helpful

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excellent

great story, fantastic reading. I am looking forward to listening to the entire series.

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Acceptably average

This book was good enough to keep listening to. It is far from the most gripping fantasy epic, but it also does not plumb the depths of cliché and dry. The characters are presented well, though they could use more depth. It took me a few hours to figure out who everyone was and how they fit together. The world building is interesting, though again, could use more depth. The writing can be a bit basic, and the narration as well, but I'm still curious enough to follow the story as it proceeds in the future. I would give it an overall 3.5 if the program would let me.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great start to the trilogy

I enjoyed every minute of Ransom’s adventure and am eagerly awaiting the rest of the series! The narration was great, as always. I love all of the beautiful worlds Jeff Wheeler creates!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Makes me want to live back then

I got lost in the story and plan to continue with series. Pulls you in and carries you on the quest.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome!

Great start for a new series in Kingfountain! I loved that series and I happy to be back. I listen to the audiobook version, Kate Rudd is one of my favorite narrators, she really brings all the different characters to life.

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5 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Solidly 4 stars

Rudd reads it well, no issues with her as a narrator, but her voice just personally isn't amazing to me. 4 stars.

The story has an interesting premise and really keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. The powers/magic system is not super stressed, which I find refreshing. I love the Medieval feel of knights and kings with a twist. The occasional time skips threw me a bit at first, but are super well placed and help move the story along. Wheeler keeps an element of suspense throughout that kept me listening. Not edge of my seat, admittedly, but there were times I couldn't stop.

I did find myself yelling at the characters, mostly over things that I felt should have been obvious or stupid decisions, but that just shows how involved I am with the story and characters.

I'm excited to start the next one and find out what happens! Buying #2 now.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent book and narration!

I really enjoyed this book. It's great. Love the characters and the story telling is amazing!

Kate Rudd is a fantastic narrator, she does an excellent job on all the voices. The men sound like men.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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WOW 🤩

The story is incredible. It’s like going on a great roller coaster ride of emotion. The performance, the best performance I have ever enjoyed, she rocked it!!! I highly recommend this read!! Well done Jeff Wheeler, and Kate Rudd

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Wrong narrator

Male lead is read by a woman?? Most of the characters are men and sound very off when read by a woman. Decent story though.

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2 people found this helpful