• The Chosen

  • A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood
  • By: J. R. Ward
  • Narrated by: Jim Frangione
  • Length: 17 hrs and 33 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (4,027 ratings)

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The Chosen  By  cover art

The Chosen

By: J. R. Ward
Narrated by: Jim Frangione
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Publisher's summary

A scorching forbidden love threatens to tear a rift through the Black Dagger Brotherhood in J. R. Ward's newest novel in the New York Times best-selling series.

Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier's fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.

Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor's life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear - even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.

As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.

©2017 J. R. Ward (P)2017 Random House Audio

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What listeners say about The Chosen

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Amazing

omg can not wait for the next BDBbook in series. Finnished Chosen in 2days of straight listening. I could not turn it off. These books bring me life. JR Ward amazing job with it. keep them coming...i can't wait to hear what the f erk happens next.

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Can I just say it? I HATE LAYLA!!!

I wish they let Selena live and Layla die instead. She's such a Bitch!!!! Xcor, who turns out to be redeemed is way to good for that lousy Chosen! The only character I loathe more than Layla the worst mother ever, is Doc Jane the workaholic Ghost. The story of Xcor as a child broke my heart and made this book worth the money just by itself. Redemption and mystery and dark magic all in one book... now if it just had a decent Chosen it would have been awesome!

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The Chosen

I love the series of the Brotherhood and the story line can’t wait for the next series

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Can't wait!

how long must I wait for the next epic chapter? Please come quick, I'm obsessed!

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Staying the Course

Where does The Chosen rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have read all of the original Black Dagger Brotherhood books (have not yet gotten into the series with the younger kids) and this one maintains the pace the author set up with the previous books. I felt "The Beast" dropped the momentum a bit, but "The Chosen" definitely puts the series right back into its stride. The story continues in a well-paced, engaging fashion that hits the bar Ward established within this series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Chosen, Layla, is a subtle but vibrant character who makes difficult choices while struggling to maintain the dignity of her status and the best interest of her children. Xcor's back story develops well and although his outcome is predictable, it is satisfying.

What does Jim Frangione bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I cannot imagine listening to a BDB book without Jim reading it. When I read the physical books, I "hear" it in Frangione's voice in my head. It was jarring partway through the series when names and words were abruptly pronounced differently ("Primale" became "Prim-mally" instead of "Prime Male" and "Xcor" became "Cor" instead of "Score" for instance. I presumed it was an author intervention thing.

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

Given the time, yes.

Any additional comments?

I look forward to future installments.

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Emotional!<br />

Another fantastic story to add to the annals of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I have wondered how Layla & Xcor's story could possibly end. Ms. Ward came through with flying colors on this one. I would never have imagined this story line! Now, we are set up with at least three new immediate story lines. That of Vishious & Doc Jane, Tres, & the whole Throw horror...Can't wait! ...and, of course, Jim Frangionne made the story come alive.

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best yet

The best so far, and I have loved them all. So hope LASSITER beginning to end is the next story!!!

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The story is evolving

This world is heading in a new direction and I'm excited to see where it goes. Never predictable.

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I cried so hard

OMG I loved this book. I only get to listen when I'm driving and has to pull over for the last chapter I was so moved. Thank you J.R Ward

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An Unbelievable Emotional Experience.

From the first book until present, I find myself falling in love with each character. I was filled with surprise, disgust, excitement, sadness, happiness, and do much more. looking forward to tbe books that follow. BDB is one of the greatest series.

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