Betrayal in the Highlands

The Riddle in Stone, Book 2

By: Robert Evert

Narrated by: Fleet Cooper

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Pursued relentlessly by goblin hunters for the ancient secret he knows, Edmund the stuttering librarian, fights back in the fast-paced sequel to the epic fantasy novel, RIDDLE IN STONE. Edmund’s old, boring life is gone forever. Knowing the answer to a cryptic riddle that, if in the wrong hands, could destroy all of humanity, Edmund is hiding in a sleepy coastal town as far from the frozen mountains of the Undead King as possible. For a moment, he believes he’s finally safe. Then he learns that Molly, the woman he’s loved since childhood, is telling stories about him - stories that will get him and his friends killed. Edmund is forced to embark on a perilous journey home to confront the woman who broke his heart. If he fails, all will be lost.

©2013 Robert Cimera (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

More fantasy books should be written like this

If you could sum up Betrayal in the Highlands in three words, what would they be?

Unforgettable non-traditional hero

Any additional comments?

Betrayal in the Highland was a great continuation of the first book in the series Riddle in Stone. The hero Edmund definitely grows into his hero shoes in this book, but he is definitely still not your typical cookie cutter hero. The antics of Edmund and his eclectic group of friends kept me interested from start to end.

The right amount of humour, grit, adventure and goblins left me with a book that I did not want to put down.

This series has put Robert Evert into my list of favourite authors along with Kevin Hearne, Brandon Sanderson, Jim Butcher, Peter V Brett, Patrick Rothfuss and Michael J Sullivan. If you enjoy their books, you should check out the Riddle in Stone series.

Great continuation of the series

If you could sum up Betrayal in the Highlands in three words, what would they be?

good, solid story

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoy the way the author is building the characters and laying the foundation for a great climax.

Have you listened to any of Fleet Cooper’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I have not however his formal tone does take a while to get past the ear. His enunciation can get a little over the top but it certainly does suit the character as a librarian.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes definitely.

Any additional comments?

The "3rd voice" of his ego or inner thinking can get a little irritating but is pretty realistic in how I would deal with a situation and the reasoning I would go through so I guess its good. That said, Edmund, get on with it and kill something!

Nice transition book

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

Absolutely. Usually second books in series are boring. But this one does a nice job transitioning from the initial story in Riddle in Stone to the broader storyline. It introduces two brilliant characters--Abby, a strong-willed, girl who wants to be an adventurer, and Fatty, an enormous man who can't speak, but gets his hearrt-tugging points across. Wish there was more goblins.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ed, of course. He's the most realistic and atypical fantasy character I've ever come across. He's a regular guy with all the craziness of a typical person. And Pond Scum, happy, ever loyal. And Becky! The puppy from hell. LOL.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I listened to it in two or three sitting. Didn't want to turn it off!

Any additional comments?

Wonderful read. Highly recommended if you like good, character-driven stories.

Easy listen. Enjoyable story.

Would you consider the audio edition of Betrayal in the Highlands to be better than the print version?

I did not read the print version.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I love how devoted the characters are to each other.

Any additional comments?

This is not epic fantasy. If you are looking for something deep like George R.R. Martin, Abercrombie, or Jordan, you may be disappointed. If you want a break from heavy politics and war this is a great book. Wonderful story, wonderful characters. It is not a shallow book, it is just not rife with politics and war. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and the second was just as enjoyable.

Thoroughly Enjoyable

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

Certainly would - I liked the way the story and characters evolved and was quite enthralled in a number of spots.

Unlikely, and Awesome!

What made the experience of listening to Betrayal in the Highlands the most enjoyable?

This story is something i've never read before, with the most unlikely hero I've ever heard of. A middle aged, balding, stuttering scholar, turned into the hero of the book.

What other book might you compare Betrayal in the Highlands to and why?

In terms of how it's written, i'd say Roberts writing is as easly and interesting to read as David Eddings, however his story is darker than said author.

Which scene was your favorite?

No, I don't think I'll put any spoilers here :)

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It certainly was. I was constantly curious as to what would happen next, and since the book isn't "heavy" when it comes to reading it, but instead flows smoothly through the story, there wasn't the usual problem as with the heavier books, that you had to put it away to process the story

Any additional comments?

I'm so looking forward to the next part of the serie. Robert is definatly my favorite upcomer when it comes to fantasy stories!