The Wheel of Osheim

By: Mark Lawrence

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 18 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

From the international best-selling author of the Broken Empire Trilogy, the thrilling conclusion to the Red Queen's War.

Mark Lawrence's "epic fantasy" (The Washington Post) continues as a reluctant prince returns from the bowels of Hell to engage in his greatest battle yet - among the living and the dead.

All the horrors of Hell stand between Snorri Ver Snagason and the rescue of his family, if indeed the dead can be rescued. For Jalan Kendeth, getting back out alive and with Loki's key is all that matters. Loki's creation can open any lock, any door, and it may also be the key to Jalan's fortune back in the living world. Jalan plans to return to the three w's that have been the core of his idle and debauched life: wine, women, and wagering. Fate, however, has other plans - larger plans.

The Wheel of Osheim is turning ever faster, and it will crack the world unless it's stopped. When the end of all things looms and there's nowhere to run, even the worst coward must find new answers. Jalan and Snorri face many dangers, from the corpse hordes of the Dead King to the many mirrors of the Lady Blue, but in the end, fast or slow, the Wheel of Osheim always pulls you back. In the end it's win or die.

©2016 Bobalinga Ltd. (P)2016 Recorded Books

Starts out bizarrely but soon comes on full force

When we first venture into chapter 1 we find find our fearful hero Jalan wandering somewhat fracturessly <-(is a word?) between the Sahara desert and the nothingness of Hell, enduring one torment after another just trying to stay alive. Honestly, I was so confused with this unfolding start that I was fearful that Mark had misplaced his muse on book 3.

I'm pleased that I continued since after Jalan found his way out of Hell, the novel took off like a loosed trebuchet going from one exciting scene to the next near-death encounter and finally culminating with one of a rare nail-biting endings that I've experienced.

What is really fascinating is how Mark blended Norse mythology with Snorri playing an uber-Beowolf along Greek Mythology with Jalan playing a farcical Odysseus with bits of Christianity and even added some godless Nietzsche "Will to Power" magic. If that weren't enough, as if an ode to the Bard himself, he even included some welcomed quotes to pull off this fantastic story.

Like the others...good for a long drive

Not the height of literature, but the writing style and story are interesting and the narrator is good to listen to

Oh WOW!

What a tale you have woven. Stories inside a story, drawn into the life of your characters. Thank you for such a wonderful and cowardly character that you grow to love.

Pleasantly Surprising

I had run of out books with my favorite Authors and decided to Google books similar and that led me to Mark Lawrence, an author I had never heard of before. I was so happy that I decided to give him a try. While I haven’t listened to his other books (which I’m about to remedy) I can say that the entire series of The Red Queen’s War blew me away. The way the story unfolds and the depth you find it taking was fantastic and immediately became one of my favorite collections. I can’t recommend this series enough, simply a must read.

I loved these books!

I can't remember laughing out loud at any other fantasy story, and I did it several times during this book and it's two prequels. They are witty and smart. Jarland is the best kind of protagonist (accidental) and Snori is a great sidekick. I read A LOT of fantasy and I don't think I've ever been entertained like this. The story isn't necessarily the type that leaves you on the edge of your seat, but I found myself really attached to the characters and wanting to find out what they would get into next. If you are looking for a great fantasy story that doesn't take itself so seriously then this is the book/series for you.

An excellent series!

Great series! A great story of apocalyptic renewal blended with surviving tech. Love the Prince’s blend of a less-than-brave playboy tied to his berserker dark side. The story of him and the Red Queen’s origins is very well told. Great narration too!

Jalen's tale better than Jorg's

Was not the biggest fan of the Empire of thorns trilogy. Never really could get behind the protagonist Jorg, and was not thrilled with the integration of the builder lore. Anytime a gun is introduced into an otherwise medieval world I'm out. So I was reticent to start this series. However, I'm happy to say that I was wrong. I really enjoyed this tale. Great characters, suspense and humor. The third book was a satisfying conclusion to the journey.

great premise, enjoyable tale

Lawrence has generated a very enjoyable take surrounding a coward and his journey to save the world. the world building is cool and blends a great deal of unique ideas.
thank you for that.
my only frustration is that the main character hardly grows from his experiences to make him less annoying a coward than comical coward.
that being said, the story is done will and I did listen to all three books in the series.
read on and guard your sisters well...

interesting elements

by end of this book the main character's growth is evident yet he remains of the same nature at heart. then there are other elements hinted at through our the series that come to light. who are the builders what does it all mean. a good read from start to finish. Tim G. Reynolds brings it all to life as usual...

Pure greatness through great narration & writing!

There isn't a narrator more suited to this role than Tim. He brings each character to life in your imagination, to allow you to appreciate the depth that Lawrence has created for his characters. This book sums up the series marvelously and only leaves me with the hope that Lawrence continues to write stories that bring me a similar amount of enjoyment!