Feast of Souls

Magister Trilogy, Book 1

By: C. S. Friedman

Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers

Length: 18 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

C.S. Friedman, acclaimed author of The Coldfire Trilogy, returns to the epic style which has made her one of the most popular fantasy writers in the genre. In this first book of the trilogy, Friedman introduces listeners to a world of high fantasy, replete with vampire-like magical powers, erotic interludes, treachery, war, sorcery, and a draconic creature of horrific power and evil that will have listeners eagerly awaiting the next novel in the series.

©2007 C.S. Friedman (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[I]maginative, deftly plotted fantasy." (Publishers Weekly)

"Powerful, intricate plotting and gripping characters distinguish a book in which ethical dilemmas are essential and engrossing." (Booklist)

Lots of content

This book had quite a bit of ground covered. The World was established pretty thoroughly, the storyline progressed smoothly, the characters were interesting and had believable motivations. There was a part that struck me as a plot hole, but not so much that I stopped listening. I'll continue on with the next book

...

This book was too depressing. I don't even want to hear how it ends anymore.

BORING..SKIP IT

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

No, this book wasnt for me but I think person that would like it more would be someone who likes long slower books or maybe someone who already likes this author

Has Feast of Souls turned you off from other books in this genre?

NO I still like this genre of books however I dont think this is a series I will continue on with.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

yes the narration did match the story long and slow.

What character would you cut from Feast of Souls?

I would cut Camalla she never really developed for me.

Trilogy, Book 1 of 3

The reading is a major stumbling block for me. Although Elisabeth Rodgers reads with plenty of tone variation, the rhythm is grating; ends of phrases very often have an excessively drawn out last word; this may just be the normal cadence of her native area in the US; a little too breathless too often makes the drama too little distinguishable from the melodrama.

The writing and plot development didn’t do anything for me either. I found no character to care about; or even to be interested in … I finished the book in hope, but nothing eventuated; the writing tries to manipulate sympathy, but …excessive contrivance doesn’t help ... padded with internal dialogue.

The plot seems derivative (Game of Thrones – I wonder which was written first); although it does have some originality. It is a shame it doesn’t intrigue, or entertain sufficiently.
The book doesn’t really stand on its own; book 1 of 3.

14 hours of boredom, last four hours interesting

The premise is interesting, but for the first 2/3 of the book, you don't really care that much about the characters, and the plot is not interesting. Sure, there are characters you like (the prince, the queen, and the anti-heroine), but you don't care that deeply about them. And there aren't any villains that you care much about. Worst of all, the plot isn't interesting or captivating.

Basically, an interesting premise, with ok writing, but boring characters and a boring plot.

Now, the last four hours of the book are enjoyable. So if you don't mind plodding through 14 hours of boredom, to get to a good ending, than maybe this book is for you. If I had not been on a 22 hour drive when I started this book on my iPod, I would not have finished it.

I will not continue with the series.

Did not care for this book

Would you try another book from C. S. Friedman and/or Elisabeth Rodgers?

Possibly, I would have to look deeper at the story line and read the reviews

What was most disappointing about C. S. Friedman’s story?

This story took too long to develop, it became boring

Would you be willing to try another one of Elisabeth Rodgers’s performances?

Possibly, I did like Elisabeth's ability to bring out different characters in her voice.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment, I guess I was looking for something else

A little slow

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The reading was wonderful and beautifully performed.

What could C. S. Friedman have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Nothing. The story line is really boring and uneventful. I couldn't even finish because the story was so lackluster.

What about Elisabeth Rodgers’s performance did you like?

She was wonderful.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Feast of Souls?

All of them this was not a very good story for me.

Any additional comments?

The book is well written and allows the listeners to have clear and precise imagery. The actual story line had as much excitement as watching grass grow. I listened to 3/4 of the book and literally couldn't stand anymore. I'm just not that into this book, sadly.

It finally gets good about ¾ through.

What disappointed you about Feast of Souls?

The thing I did not like about this book was the constant gut wrenching reminders of the poor girl’s youth. I get it she was sold into prostitution; you don’t need to bring it up ever chapter. It’s awful and I don’t want to hear it over and over again.

Any additional comments?

The last hour was good but not sure if I will buy book #2.