The Riddle-Master of Hed

Riddle-Master Trilogy, Book 1

By: Patricia A. McKillip

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Long ago, the wizards had vanished from the world, and all knowledge was left hidden in riddles. Morgon, prince of the simple farmers of Hed, proved himself a master of such riddles when he staked his life to win a crown from the dead Lord of Aum.But now ancient, evil forces were threatening him. Shape changers began replacing friends until no man could be trusted. So Morgon was forced to flee to hostile kingdoms, seeking the High One who ruled from mysterious Erlenstar Mountain. Beside him went Deth, the High One's Harper. Ahead lay strange encounters and terrifying adventures. And with him always was the greatest of unsolved riddles - the nature of the three stars on his forehead that seemed to drive him toward his ultimate destiny.

Listen to more in the Riddle-Master trilogy.

©1976 Patricia A. McKillip (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Beautiful, moving, epic fantasy.

I absolutely love this audio book. I don't think that there is a single other audio book that I have listened to as many times as this one. I really enjoy the way that Patricia McKillip talks about magic and her books and I really love the role that dreams and the love play in her novels. I have recently realized that I think of this book as being so very wonderful in part because it is a love story with all different kinds of love in it. Most love stories only have romantic love but this has so many kinds that it's kind of hard to count them.

An engrossing

Excellent reading performance! The characters come to life with the skilled voice work. The beginning of an epic adventure that I can't wait to continue but don't want to end!

RRB

I loved it. I always have since my mother read it toe as Kid. Great reader.

Still a Classic

I have enjoyed this trilogy since I first read it in the eighties. The era it was written in seldom had the thousand page books we see today so remember that. Enjoy

Love this!

I read this series some 40 years ago and found it again. What a joy! Wonderful magnificent story and story telling. Love Patricia McKillip’s writing.

This story is just beautiful and incredibly creative.

A Favorite Series

I love this series. About a quarter of the way through this first audio book, I bought the rest of the trilogy, knowing that I wouldn't be able to stand any waiting between them.

What I loved about this series:
There is a lot of back story and history to this world. Past events are constantly referred to, but don't mean anything to you, until later in the series. It creates a rich environment the encourages re-reads.
The magic is awesome. In this world, magic is common, but not possessed by all. It has many variations that tend to follow bloodlines, or is restricted by rules. The major element of magic here is a thing called land rule, which is sort of akin to kings passing on their crown to the next heir, only that depending on the region, that 'crown' embodies a multitude of magics and powers specific to that kingdom. It turns out to be a rather clever device, and without giving anything away, I found my self more pleased then I could have imagined with the ending.

To stray down a side path, the series has interesting combination of ephemeral (where magic and events happen in vague terms that purposely give the reader strange dual imagery that does and doesn't contradict itself, but instead tells the reader to accept it peacefully) and very specific concrete information. This duality was unexpected, but I must admit that McKillip pulled through in every way.

In short, this was well weaved, and the journey to the conclusion was just as wonderful as the final delight of everything coming together. Listen to this series! I already have over and over again!

Words and notes can really kill

Lethal harps and riddles. Reminds me of Shannon Hale's Forest Born girls who can chat you to death. Not as entertaining as Prydain's harp. Every time I heard Hed I thought of Ged and his similar solo journey in Earthsea. The short, clipped prose propelled the story forward and maybe it lowers the threshold of readership age. Morgon can trust neither acquaintances nor environment, but that's OK because none seem to hang around long enough to assist or hinder Morgon. Like him, I will probably soldier on, but more out of duty than out of interest.

Brings back memories

I read this book more than 30 years ago and still enjoy the storyline. Simon Prebble does a great job of narration. Morgon (main character) is the prince of the Hed who becomes drawn into a battle for the whole world in which he lives. Riddle masters (he wants to, and does, become one), wizards and other mystical creatures walk the land in one form or another and Morgon is the center of the story as the Star Bearer. Well written and entertaining as well as a good book for young and old(er).

As good as I remembered!

Awesome! One of my favorites from childhood. I remember it being a Whirlwind story! Really enjoying it again.

Reading the book captured my imagination more.

The story is nuanced and the oral presentation doesn't do it justice. You get the gist of the story, but I didn't feel the emotions like when I read the book.