The Stormcaller: The Twilight Reign, Book 1

While it does follow the standard fantasy formula Stormcaller puts some unique spins on the genre. First while the main the character is definitely the hero of the story for most of the story he is surrounded by people who loathe and mistrust him just for what he is not who he is. This lays the groundwork for a really rich character who is very multi-dimensional, at one moment the baddest solidier on the field and the next a young man doubting his own place in the world. That said I think I like the internal conflict the main character deals with throughout the story and seeing him develop through the book I am anxious for the next novel in the series.

I would say it mixes elements from Chronicles of Amber and Warhammer 40k. On the one hand the character really grows throughout the novel and on the other he given similar abilities and weaknesses enjoyed by the space marines (specifically the Sons of Fenris).

I really loved his ability to develop the scene he gave each character its own voice and really acted as though he were experiencing what the characters did. One of my favorite scenes was when he described a battle in which the main character lost himself to battlerage and you could here the concern in the supporting characters voices as well as the stress and rage in the main character's.

There were points I was pumping my hand up and down cheering for the main character as well as one scene where I nearly lost it (very emotional).

Wish Audible would let us know when the next one is coming out, would love to be able to subscribe to an alert for it.

This story is very disjointed!! Poor character development, Isak goes from being a whipping boy on a merchant wagon to lord in waiting over the realm within a chapter. I had to force myself to finish this book, it was hard work. The story is jumbled up, it feels like the writer is forgetting to tell you who is who and why we should care. Trying to eavesdrop on a conversation 25 feet away describes this book!! The pattern is clear, every book in Sci-Fi & Fantasy is between 4 and 5 stars……Really?

Yes. Rintoul brings life to the characters.

The Dragon's Path by Daniel Abraham. Both books contain battles, political maneuvering, and less-than-perfect main characters.

No.

Yes.

Isak is a White-Eye-a race of people who are extraordinarily strong, violent, and short-tempered. He struggles to control his weaknesses and grow into his strengths while learning to navigate court life in his new position as heir to the lord of the Fahlan. He is aided and opposed by an interesting and diverse set of characters. The setting and the plot make this anything but a typical epic fantasy. Fans of Joe Abercrombie and Scott Lynch will find The Stormcaller just as enjoyable.
Rintoul's narration fits the characters and tone of the book perfectly.
The only disappointment is that the subsequent four books in the series aren't yet on audio. If you feel likewise, you can visit Tom Lloyd's website and let him know.

While the story doesn't seem to be the deepest around, it isn't lacking entertainment value. Its your traditional young kid rises to great power type of story but with a great reader, who knows how to preform with just his voice, the story comes alive. This book is worth a credit just for the performance of the narrator.

This is the first time I've had the opportunity to listen to David Rintoul as a narrator and Tom Lloyd as an author. This book combines epic fantasy, with excellent character building and a story that takes you on a journey. I can't praise this book enough with the deserved eloquence it so richly deserves. Do your self a favor and listen to this book WOW.

One Comment
Awesome.

Two Questions
Why isn't book two on audible yet, and when can I expect it.

I will listen again, Just to catch up as I am forced to READ book 2 because Audible is either slow to produce it or won't at all.