The Stormcaller

The Twilight Reign, Book 1

By: Tom Lloyd

Narrated by: David Rintoul

Isak is a white-eye, feared and despised in equal measure. Trapped in a life of poverty, hated and abused by his father, Isak dreams of escape, but when his chance comes, it isn't to a place in the army as he'd expected. Instead, the Gods have marked him out as heir-elect to the brooding Lord Bahl, the Lord of the Fahlan.

Lord Bahl is also a white-eye, a genetic rarity that produces men stronger, more savage and more charismatic than their normal counterparts. Their magnetic charm and brute strength both inspires and oppresses others. Now is the time for revenge, and the forging of empires. With mounting envy and malice the men who would themselves be kings watch Isak, chosen by Gods as flawed as the humans who serve them, as he is shaped and moulded to fulfil the prophecies that are encircling him like scavenger birds. The various factions jostle for the upper hand, and that means violence, but the Gods have been silent too long and that violence is about to spill over and paint the world the colour of spilled blood and guts and pain and anguish...

This audio edition is read by David Rintoul. David Rintoul has played leading parts with most of the major British theatre companies. Many television appearances include Darcy in the first BBC Pride and Prejudice. He frequently appears on radio and has recorded over 100 audiobooks. At the time of recording he was playing Dr Jake Houseman in the original London cast of the smash-hit musical Dirty Dancing.

©2006 Tom Lloyd (P)2012 Orion Publishing Group

Wow Wow Wow did I mention Wow

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.

Only wish the whole series was here

I love this series. The only downfall is the only book offered here is the first one. Had to return after realizing I wouldn’t get the rest of the series.

get the rest of this series There is 3 more books.

This book rocks. Tom Lloyd give enough back round so that you feel like you know the main character, but not so much info that it becomes dry and boring . there's love interest and war and unlikely friendships very good book.

Starts out slow but quickly builds momentum

What did you love best about The Stormcaller?

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.

What other book might you compare The Stormcaller to and why?

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).

What about David Rintoul’s performance did you like?

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.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

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).

Any additional comments?

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.

Good preformance, Interesting story

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.

Flawed Hero

Would you consider the audio edition of The Stormcaller to be better than the print version?

Yes. Rintoul brings life to the characters.

What other book might you compare The Stormcaller to and why?

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

Have you listened to any of David Rintoul’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

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.

Very cool... Wait a second...

Any additional comments?

I was in to this novel. I really liked the magic system, and how the perfection if the Golds isn't overwhelming as the author unravels the dark underbelly of the class system. It's a great novel, and the fact that I felt I had just read a better hunger games didn't effect my overall enjoyment. I look forward to another.

Give me more!!

Give us the rest of the story!! There are four more books!! I've read them all in paper and its one of my favorite series!

Can only hope the rest of the series is as good

One Comment
Awesome.

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

I enjoyed it.

I enjoyed it. Well worth your time and money. review must be at least fifteen words.