• Ibenus

  • Valducan, Book 3
  • By: Seth Skorkowsky
  • Narrated by: R.C. Bray
  • Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (548 ratings)

Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Ibenus  By  cover art

Ibenus

By: Seth Skorkowsky
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $24.95

Buy for $24.95

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

After surviving a demon attack, disgraced police detective Victoria Martin tracks down the Valducans in search of answers. Recognizing her potential, and despite the warnings of the other knights, Allan Havlock, protector of Ibenus, takes her in as his apprentice. As the Valducans travel to Paris to destroy a demon nest infesting the catacombs, the knights find themselves hunted by an Internet group intent on exposing them. Victoria, who belongs to this group, must desperately play both sides to protect not only herself but Allan, whom she has begun to love. Ibenus, however, has other plans.

Ibenus is the third book in the Valducan series, for which Skorkowsky was short-listed as Best Debut Author in the 2014 Reddit Stabby Awards.

©2016 Seth Skorkowsky (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

More from the same

What listeners say about Ibenus

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    417
  • 4 Stars
    104
  • 3 Stars
    23
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    1
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    443
  • 4 Stars
    55
  • 3 Stars
    11
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    368
  • 4 Stars
    104
  • 3 Stars
    30
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    3

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good demon-bashing fun & good 3rd book in series.

If you’re thinking of getting this book, then you’ve likely previously read the first two installments of Skorkowsky’s Valducan series, and you probably don’t need me to tell you that Ibenus is another enjoyable romp through demon-infested terrain. So, I’m not going to do the usual blathering on about how the Ibenus is fun, engaging, just dark enough to take more seriously than YA novels, and much better than I expected it (or the series in general) to be. Instead, I’ll just mention a few impressions, comparing a bit to the first two books…
--
OVERALL (B): In short, Ibenus is not a deep book; no genres bent or minds blown or awes inspired. HOWEVER, it is a fun engaging book, with plenty of action to grab and suspense to hold. Good fun vacation from deep thinking, if you're in need of that sort of thing.
--
THE STORY (B-): As a whole, the Valducan series is a solid entry into the urban fantasy genre (I’m still really surprised by how much I’ve liked these books). Skorkowsky has done a nice job creating a “magic & mythical creature system” that is original enough and detailed enough (without being overburdened by technicalities) to be a true asset to the Valducan storyline. It really is a refreshing spin on the mythical and demonic. Of course, there is a little less time spent defining said system/creatures in this book—thankfully avoiding too much redundancy. So, we get a slightly more streamlined version, as new characters have to “learn the ropes.” While none of these books are character studies by any means, there’s noticeably less depth in character development in this book than the previous ones, but they’re not totally flat either.
If I were to over-simplify the first book, Damoren, I’d call it one of those “lone hero in a big world” sort of story as he’s enfolded in the greater battle. The second book, Hounacier, definitely returns to that grandeur in the end, but felt more focused on the tenebrous thaumaturgy of regional folklore (kind of a cool dark mysticism feel about it). While avoiding spoilers, I’ll just say that much of this third book departs from the previous tone(s) a bit for more of an “action movie monster hunter” kind of feel. It’s definitely a good book for anyone who enjoyed Arisen :).
As far as the plot goes, the whole series is a little formulaic …BUT I’m fairly forgiving when it comes to the urban fantasy genre. If you’re looking for a fun (non-heavy) UF book, it’s hard to avoid the ol’ Mad-Lib plot of: [heroes] must save [world] by preventing [villains] from getting [magic stuffs] to do [bad stuffs]. So, I’m totally willing to let that slide in exchange for a fairly unique, engaging/exciting, spin on a demon-bashing tale that keeps me listening …which Ibenus, like the previous books, does in spades! :)
--
THE NARRATION (A-): I always enjoy the narration/voice-acting of R.C. Bray! Once again, he did a great job of making an already good book oh so much better, employing a pace and tone that reflect the action and suspense of the story. There’s also a noticeable improvement in his character voices and accents since the first book. Do I have a criticism? Sure. Here’s one that dear dear R.C. just couldn’t get right: “chitinous” (ˈkītn-əs) bugs made of “chitin” (ˈkītn) can fly like kites, not fry like bits of pigs made of “chitlins.” It did provide a little comic relief to think of hog maws and chitlins when faced with demonic arthropods :). Once again, I'll forgive a little mispronunciation for such an overall great performance.
Production quality and editing are solid too.
--
--
A bit about my audiobook tastes (so you know how worthy/worthless you might find this review):
I LOVE the abstract and awe-inspiring! I like a book to not only escape today, but largely escape reality. My most favorite books often tackle reality-bending quandaries and “what is human” questions OR totally and completely leave this world for another. I often find this best done through Sci-Fi books and atypical fantasy books (but keep the magical stuff in the fantasy realm). Re bent realities, Brian Greene's non-fiction cosmology books deserve mention too. Some of my favorite Sci-Fi = House of Suns & Revelation Space (Alastair Reynolds), Permutation City & Diaspora (Greg Egan), Blindsight & Echopraxia (Peter Watts), The Girl with All the Gifts (M.R. Carey), The Dark Forest (Cixin Liu). Some of my favorite Fantasy = anything by Neil Gaiman(!), Perdido Street Station & Kraken (China Mieville), Warbreaker (and most others by Brandon Sanderson), The Gunslinger (Stephen King), Age of Myth (M.J. Sullivan).
…and anyone who thinks Song of Ice and Fire is better than Malazan Book of the Fallen is entitled to their opinions, as long as they’re OK with being wrong ;)

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent addition to a very creative series

This is a supernatural thriller that should not be missed by fans of the genre. While this is the third book in the series there are twists and turns that keep the story very fresh. No retreading of ground for book 3. I'd love to go into some of these twists (and how some of them were an emotion punch to the gut), but no spoilers!!!

If you like book 1 and 2 of the series this is yet another strong entry. You won't be disappointed!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Inventive & Creative: Angels, Demons and Magic!

This is the third book in the Valducan Series, the knights who are connected to their angel infused weapons. As with books one and two, the main characters shift and many new ones are introduced. The old favorites are given supporting rolls giving the story a familiar feel, but keeping the characters fresh and interesting.

Ibenus is Allan’s sword, giving him the ability to transport short distances in and out of striking range. It is fascinating to hear the inventiveness of the author as he comes up with more and more magical skills, while still keeping the knights human and vulnerable. They are generally overmatched against their opponents, where only skill and courage can win the day. The knights are as unique as their weapons.

Victoria Martin, a disgraced policewoman is introduced as villain and hero, and possibly Allan’s lover. Her conflicting motivations for revenge and honor keep her in the thick of the tangled world of angels and demons. The Valducan knights sworn to protect and honor their weapons are forced to make moral choices that challenge the core of their beliefs. They must allow the weapon to decide its master despite their misgivings. It all makes for a complicated and intriguing story.

As with the previous volumes, the story stands alone, giving various references to past exploits. Though not critical, it is helpful to have read/listened to the previous books. There is plenty of demon killing action and some truly evil humans too. Assuming you’ve listened to one or both of the previous books, you’ll want to continue on. The overarching theme of enchanted weapons is the same, but the characters and plot is completely new.

R. C. Bray continues to perform the series with his unique voice and deep talent. He is clearly one of the best performers working today and meshes beautifully with the mood of the story. His character voices and accents are admirable. A true pleasure to listen too.

It is tempting to compare each of the Valducan books against one another: is this one better than its predecessors? Too difficult to answer as each volume is so different (besides the weapons theme). Simpler to say that if you enjoyed the first two, book three will very likely be just as entertaining. Recommended.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author/narrator/publisher.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog.

[If this review helped, please press YES. Thanks!]

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Book

I never realized how much I would love a book featuring Alan as the main character but even 50 pages into this book I was enraptured with the character and plot. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys urban/modern fantasy.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another good book in the series.

It was difficult to hear what had happened to one of my favorite knights but it was a good story and I enjoyed it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

More. I need more.

Damn you Seth. You have me hooked. I require more of this series. Well written and my favorite this far.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another great addition to an amazing series

This book is another addition in an already great series. I highly recommend it to anybody who's enjoy the previous two books. Great narration and a great story.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Same author?

This one was a real change from first two books. It appeared that the author was just trying to get a book out quickly.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • KP
  • 10-16-16

Another Great Installment in the Valducan Series

An interesting look at the morality of fighting a secret war. Another awesome book in the series.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

More solid work from Mr. Skorkowsky

Where does Ibenus rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Above average

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ibenus?

There's a somewhat shocking death about 3/4 of the way in. Loved it.

What about R. C. Bray’s performance did you like?

I think Bray does well with accents and character voices. He's not one of the greats, but his work never veers into the groan-worthy territory.

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

Yes. There are some parts that get slower, but overall, it has nice pacing.

Any additional comments?

It's really something to see Skorkowsky come into his own and find a more confident voice. His choice to focus on weapons other than Damoren and push Matt Hollis to a background character do a lot to alleviate the Gary-Stuishness that Hollis threatened in the first novel. But that was a first novel; we may make allowances for green thumbs.

As Skorkowsky has matured, his books have matured with him. While I found the plot of Hounacier to be much more interesting than the plot of Ibenus, the character development throughout Ibenus was very much superior, and Skorkowsky was able to focus on and develop several characters at once, rather than simply Malcolm (who was I was happy to see return in Ibenus!).

If I had complaints, it would be that Paris is nowhere near as well drawn as New Orleans or even the various settings of Damoren, and the insight into our villain comes too late to really be of effect. Virginia's moral struggle also never really felt like a struggle, not like Matt's struggle to fit in or Malcolm's struggle with possession. As I said, Skorkowsky handles his characters better in this novel, and his prose is much more confident (and improved!), but plotting got shorter shrift here. However, given the constant advancement of talent and quality I've seen throughout this series, I am eagerly awaiting the next volume, which is more than I can usually say for urban fantasy. Well done, Mr. Skorkowsky. Well done indeed.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful