Alissa doesn’t believe in magic. Her father’s stories about the Hold, a legendary fortress where human Keepers learn magic from the enigmatic Masters, are just that—stories. But her mother insists Alissa has inherited her father’s magical ability, so she must go to the Hold to be trained.
On her way, she crosses paths with Strell, a wandering musician from the plains. Though Alissa is not sure she can trust a plainsman, Strell has something Alissa needs—one of her father’s old maps. Traveling together, they can reach the Hold before the snow sets in. But they don’t know that the Hold is nearly empty. The Keeper Bailic has sent the Masters on a fool’s errand and systematically killed the other Keepers in his search for the First Truth, a book of magic that will give him ultimate power. And he believes that Alissa and Strell hold the secret of the book’s hiding place.
This is the first book in the Truth Series by Dawn Cook, who also writes under the pen name Kim Harrison.
Listen to more in the Truth Series.
©2002 Dawn Cook (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
"A beautifully told, simple story that looks unblinkingly at how prejudice unnecessarily reinforces misconceptions, misunderstandings, and hatred." (Booklist)
"Don't be Mislead"
I found the cover of these books very misleading and I would never have purchased the series based on their covers except that the first book was on sale.
I thoroughly enjoyed the stories and unlike so many other fantasy series there are not a huge number of characters to become familiar with to get involved with the storyline.
The first book was a little slow to get going but by the fourth book I was caught up with the story and the characters. The ending in the fourth book was poignant and an appropriate conclusion to the series. Please accept my recommendation.
"Love it!"
I listened to this book and then the entire series. I absolutely loved it. The character development is great and you feel like you know the characters and have to find out how it all turns out for them. The narrator's voice annoyed me a bit at first but after a while I was used to her and all annoyance was gone with the anticipation of what was going on in the story. I am going to have my 10 year old daughter read the series. It is a wonderful story and has a love story intertwined but with no inappropriate scenes that a ten year old couldn't hear. Really great read, or listen rather.
"Off to great start!"
I am a huge fan of the combination of Kim Harrison (Dawn Cook) and narrator
Margureite Gavin! I have read every Rachel Morgan book that's been out and loved them dearly. I ended up listening to this whole book in two days, yep didn't get anything else done and I am downloading the next one.
"amazing series"
the first half of this book was only worth 3 stars. but the second half is so strong, and the rest of the series is so incredible, i have to give this story the 5 stars it deserves. this book ends on a clifhanger, which prompted me to continue the series. i'm very happy i did cause this series is excelent. the best description i can come up with is if ilona andrews and robert jordan had had a chance to colaberate on a story, this series would likely have been the result. if you like either of those authors, then you will love this series. just be patient with the early part of this book, and i predict you will be getting the rest of the 'truth' books very, very soon.
"OK. Just OK."
This had a lot of potential, but it was slow paced, and the characters could have been better developed. The world, and the concept is creative is worth a try, but this isn't one I would recommend. It's a good book to get on sale. Maybe the print version is better.
"A brilliant story that takes place in older times"
The First Truth was a wonderful audio to listen go. Kim Harrison did a wonderful job when she created this work of art. Also, Marguerite Gavin's performance brings this audio to life. I recommend this book and the rest of the series.
"Loved it!"
I listened to all 4 books and let me tell you I am sad she is not writing more about Strell and Alyssa. I loved loved loved this story and will listen over and over again, something I never usually do with a book. Completely recommend the book and the narrator as a positive experience.
"For me"
Nice low timbre with a distinct variation between characters while remaining comfortable
Yes
Alissa and Strall travel to The Hold to find the book First Truth