Black Sleeve

Arms of Malar, Book 1

De: Joshua Fordyce

Narrado por: Caleb Schroeder

Follow Gammon's journey—once an elite Hunter and member of the Green Sleeves, Gammon has fallen into the shame and exile of being marked a Black Sleeve.

He finds himself in an unlikely alliance among the often treacherous lot of criminal and severed folk to embark on a quest to reclaim his life and love in defiance of the other Sleeves of Malar who have punished him.

Gammon comes face-to-face with a far greater threat than the politicians or philosophers in the world of Balor could have imagined!

From the ingenuity of the Bathmore rifles to the sophistication of the Pantheon of Malar, will anyone be powerful enough to stop the armies of the deep?

©2023 Joshua L. Fordyce (P)2024 Joshua L. Fordyce

Gripping

This audiobook is about Gammon who is the main character; a hunter who was once the best and has been cast aside. The plot is exciting with many twists, turns, and physical adventures. It chronicles Gammon's rise and the dangers he faces. Although lengthy, the story is gripping.

The plot kept me hooked

The story follows Gammon, a former elite Hunter turned outcast, as he navigates a dangerous world filled with intrigue and powerful enemies. The plot kept me hooked, especially with its unique blend of personal redemption and high-stakes adventure.

The narrator did a fantastic job, bringing Gammon’s journey to life with a voice that felt both intense and sincere, really capturing the character’s emotional highs and lows.

While the world-building is impressive, sometimes the pacing slowed down a bit in places, making it feel like the story was dragging just a touch. But overall, it’s an engaging and thought-provoking audiobook that delivers both thrills and moments of reflection.

Worth the listen!

Very exciting

This book is an exciting blend of fantasy and adventure, following Gammon’s gritty journey from disgrace to redemption. The story pulls you into a world full of layered characters, political intrigue, and looming dangers. The stakes are high as alliances shift and unexpected threats arise. It’s packed with action, but also has moments that make you think about loyalty, resilience, and the cost of power. A great pick for anyone who loves tales of unlikely heroes and epic battles.

Immersive and Powerful Journey of Redemption

This audiobook gripped me with its deep character exploration and rich world-building. Gammon’s quest for redemption resonated with my own reflections on personal growth and overcoming past mistakes. The audiobook's vivid narration brought Balor’s gritty world to life, making me feel part of Gammon’s struggle. The blend of fantasy elements with intense emotional stakes kept me captivated, and the story’s layers left me contemplating long after it ended. This isn’t just a story; it’s a powerful reminder of resilience and the strength it takes to redefine one’s path.

Highly Recommend

Okay, so I just finished "Black Sleeve: Arms of Malar, Book 1," and I'm still buzzing! This book is a total rollercoaster ride, taking you from the gritty underbelly of Malar to the fantastical realms of the deep.

Gammon, our flawed hero, is someone you can't help but root for. He's a complex character with a tragic past, and his journey of redemption is both thrilling and heartbreaking. The worldbuilding is top-notch, with a rich history and intricate politics that feel both familiar and utterly unique. I loved the way Fordyce blends steampunk elements with high fantasy, creating a world that's both gritty and magical.

If you're a fan of epic fantasy with morally gray characters and high-stakes action, you'll definitely want to check this one out. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Excellent

"An epic tale of redemption and resilience—Gammon’s journey captivates with intrigue, danger, and unforgettable world-building."

Good from Start to Finish

Black Sleeve: Arms of Malar captivated me on page one! It’s a compelling redemption story and you are on the edge of your seat watching the protagonist struggle to overcome their past. The world design is superb – Fordyce really paid attention to detail by designing a deep, engaging universe. What I loved best about it was that the narrative doesn’t take long to catch you – there’s action, excitement and development right from the outset, so you’re never waiting for the story to unfold. A super interesting book from start to finish.

Great fantasy

Fantasy is one of my favorite genres. Unfortunately, I don't have much time to read so when I saw this audiobook and read the premise - I got very excited. Overall, I highly enjoyed the book, though some parts about world-building were quite complicated. But that fact does not stop me from picking up the next book!

Your next great read

You are going to enjoy SO many hours of an excellent book. The only thing I'd say was that the narrator wasn't my favorite, but don't let that deter you from a great story.

A high-stakes journey of redemption and survival.

Once a revered member of an elite order, he is cast out and branded a "Black Sleeve," forced to ally with a ragtag group of criminals and outcasts. Together, they face not only the political and philosophical scheming of their world but a far darker, more dangerous threat lurking beneath the surface. The narrative combines thrilling action, complex character dynamics, and an intricate world-building that immerses listeners in a tale of love, betrayal, and an impending global catastrophe. Worth the listen!