• The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches

  • By: Robert Stanek
  • Narrated by: uncredited
  • Length: 5 hrs and 4 mins
  • 3.1 out of 5 stars (1,119 ratings)

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The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches  By  cover art

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches

By: Robert Stanek
Narrated by: uncredited
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Publisher's summary

After the Great War that divided the peoples, the kingdoms of men plunged into a Dark Age that lasted 500 years. To heal the lands and restore the light, the great kings decreed that magic and all that is magical, be it creature, man, or device, shall be cleansed to dust. The cleansing raged for so long that no human could recall a time without it and it is in this time that the Dark Lord Sathar returned from the dark beyond. The one hope of the peoples of Ruin Mist was Queen Mother, the elf queen of old. She saw a way out of everlasting darkness, a path that required the union of the divided peoples. And so it began.
Listen to more books in The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches series.
©2002 Robert Stanek (P)2005 Reagent Press

Critic reviews

"[A] complex tale...sure to attract fans of graphic novels and classic Tolkien alike....Stanek will likely draw a cult following....This cliffhanger guarantees fans, and those fans will be ready to wield their swords against the Dark Lord in Stanek's next installment." (Voice of Youth Advocates)

What listeners say about The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Add to your Must Read list

Robert Stanek is a gifted story-teller. His characters are fully developed and even minor ones are drawn with detail to give their personalities a lasting impression on the reader. But best of all Stanek weaves the complex storyline with skill so that a 4 volume epic tale of mystery, adventure and intrigue is easy to follow. All the pieces from the 4 volumes come together in ways you never imagine. You'll see, hear, and smell everything! It is as if you are inside the story watching the events unfold. Stanek is one of those rare authors that can tell a detailed story and keep it moving at a good pace.

As others have said, you shouldn't judge this series based on the first book. This book introduces the fantastic realms of the kingdoms and the many characters. Books II, III and IV make it real. All are equally well told and are a seamless continuation of the story. You'll want to have all four on hand.

Sorry to say it, but I have to disagree about the reader. I was a little disappointed at first that it was not one of the readers I am more familiar with but after an hour or so I began to hear the way the narrator created the atmosphere for the story. The reading fits well, and the many character voices are handled aptly.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A truly great start in a brilliant series

My brother is the one who got me started on this book. I listen while I walk and sometimes at home. I found myself looking forward to my walks more and more each day. I love books that are well written, and this one definitely is.

This is an extremely engaging story with a blend of fantasy, adventure, and mystery. The author paints visual pictures that transport the listener to another world. It's a different place and time.

As soon as I finished, I started the second book. As so many others have said, the second book continues the story directly and is even better than this one. I enjoyed every minute. I'm thoroughly hooked on this series and looking forward to more.

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