Blackmark

The Kingsmen Chronicles, Book 1

De: Jean Lowe Carlson

Narrado por: Jean Lowe Carlson

"Like George RR Martin and Joe Abercrombie, Carlson writes in this genre for grown-ups, with flair and elegance. A complex world with characters that develop well, this story reveals as it builds!" – Daniel F., Amazon Review

"Smart epic fantasy! If you loved Wheel of Time or Game of Thrones you should give this a shot." – Anders C., Amazon Review

"Blackmark is spellbinding! Strong development of characters, fully integrated storylines with intriguing plot twists, and deep world building. Takes you on a journey you never want to leave!" – Michelle G., Amazon Review

Wrongfully accused of treason, veteran Kingsman Elohl seeks the truth of a betrayal that caused the Kingsmen to vanish a decade ago. Inked with the Blackmark and despised for it, Elohl uncovers the truth and exposes ancient enemies. Now, he must give everything to shatter the hidden sect that usurps power from the throne. A bloody war will be reaped in the shadows that will burn nations and bring kings to their knees.

This dark and gritty sword and sorcery series from award winning author Jean Lowe Carlson explores a complex world of treachery, passion, sex, and magic. Readers who enjoy Game of Thrones, Outlander, the Kingkiller Chronicles, or the Wheel of Time will love this fantastic adventure."

©2016 Jean Lowe Carlson (P)2016 Jean Lowe Carlson

A lot of fun and intrigue. Ready for the next.

I really enjoyed this book. It conjured up similar feelings as reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy did for me. Jean peaks your curiosity through the whole book and makes you want to keep listening or reading. It's been quite a while since I read a fantasy that was this adventurous. It's not as thick and chewy is Game of Thrones, which is a good thing. The characters I think are developed well and give you reason to care about them, or dislike them as the case may be. The story follows a group of guard sworn to protect a royal line who have been forced into hiding. The book is following them as they are coming back into the publication eye. I definitely think this is worth the read for anybody who enjoyed the Lord of the rings, Game of Thrones, or likes the adventure ideas of Indiana Jones or assassins creed.

Great intriguing fantasy tale!

Jean did a great job narrating her own book. Which not many people can pull off! i was intrigued throughout this whole tale and look forward to seeing what happens next for this dynamic group of characters!

Kid sister reads fantasy aloud

First of all, I did end up listening to the whole book, but there were times throughout when I had to turn it off and take a break from both characters who are supposed to be late 20s & 10 year veterans who were improbably juvenile & impatient and from the narration. Simplistic characters I can handle, but what actually got to me most was the narration by the author. I’m not sure exactly where to start. Maybe she should stick to writing and not reading. At times her tone was just flat and her words mumbled together. Other times she just totally mispronounced words. A few tips: brazen rhymes with raisin, sluice rhymes with juice, basin rhymes mason.

I enjoyed the world she built, and most of the characters. Not sure yet if I’ll buy the next book to read, but I won’t be buying the next audiobook if she narrates it.

Great storyline with action-packed scenes throughout.

I really like the story and the writing style, but gaps in events and characters that just come and go seem to hijack the flow for me at times. Unfortunately, my biggest problem by far was the narrator (audio performance) and audio quality itself. I want to hear where this story goes, but not with this particular person reading...

I love this story, and the narrator!

This to me, feels a bit like the Game of Thrones; however, I feel like there is hope for the characters. I love the way the story is slowly told from the perspective of different characters, and how magic is a fixed feature of the world, yet the characters are learning about it as you are. I would like to know more about some of the histories of this world, and I am excited for further books in the series. I would say this book is for someone who enjoys fantasy books that include sword and shield type war, magic, intrigue, and the type of well thought out story you fet from like Harry Potter. I can see little tantilizing hints in the book that suggest importance later, and I am excited to see how those items unfold.