Esther's Innocence

De: Benjamin J. Boswell

Narrado por: Cheryl-Annette Parker

In an age of sail and cannon, where airships ply the skies instead of oceans, the Barbarian Kingdoms of Madraus are poised to start a war the likes of which the world has never seen, but they’re in for a surprise when they raid 16-year-old Esther’s village. While it’s a bad day for Esther when she gets captured after helping her family escape, it’s worse for the Madrausans, because now they’ve unwittingly unleashed a force upon the world that just…won’t…stop!

Esther is thrown into the middle of a plot to assassinate a King and she must decide what she is willing to sacrifice to try and save him, because when no one believes you, the fate of nations really does ride upon your shoulders.

The days of innocence are over. The days of hardship have begun.

©2018, 2021 Benjamin Boswell (P)2024 Benjamin Boswell

Good story, great narration!

Esther's Innocence is a fast-paced fantasy adventure following a young woman's heroic journey as she battles to protect her life, her family, and her town. Much of the action takes place on an airship, and the listener is drawn in not only by the atmosphere but also by the vivid detail in each scene. Along the way, Esther faces formidable villains, processes grief and trauma, and ultimately makes difficult choices for the greater good. The story effectively explores Esther’s personal resolve, her struggles, and her triumphs. That said, readers should be aware that the book includes a rape (not described in detail) and, later—unrelated to that event—a pregnancy. While neither is graphic, the latter felt at odds with the FMC’s arc. Her choice to “settle” for the greater good is followed by pregnancy, undermining some of the strength and independence the story had been building.

Cheryl-Annette Parker’s narration is clear and engaging. She skillfully uses distinct voices, accents, and tones to bring each character to life. The pacing of the narration matches the story’s rhythm perfectly, making it easy to stay immersed. Ideal for fans of fantasy with a strong female protagonist.

Captivating story with excellent characters and perfect narration

In Esther’s Innocence , Benjamin J. Boswell delivers a ightly written, character-driven fantasy set in a richly imagined world where airships rule the skies and war looms on the horizon. It’s a story that manages to feel both epic in scope and deeply personal, anchored by a protagonist whose strength quietly builds with every chapter.

Sixteen-year-old Esther’s journey begins in the aftermath of tragedy, and what follows is a compelling coming-of-age tale layered with political intrigue, survival, and unexpected courage. Boswell handles the pacing well—never rushing the world-building, yet keeping the story moving forward with purpose. The setting is inventive, blending the age of sail with airborne warfare, and the cultures of Madraus feel lived-in and complex without ever overwhelming the listener.

Esther herself is a standout. She’s not overpowered or destined for greatness; instead, her impact comes from her resilience, resourcefulness, and emotional honesty. Watching her grow in the face of impossible circumstances is one of the audiobook’s greatest strengths.

Narrator Cheryl-Annette Parker brings the entire production to another level. Her performance is controlled, emotive, and fully in tune with the tone of the story. She captures Esther’s youth and determination perfectly, while also giving distinct voice to the supporting cast. Whether navigating quiet, reflective scenes or moments of high tension, Parker delivers with clarity and conviction, making for an experience that’s both immersive and easy to follow.

I’m genuinely glad to have discovered both Benjamin J. Boswell and Cheryl-Annette Parker through this audiobook. They make a fantastic team, and I truly hope we’ll get to experience more from them in the future.
Thoughtfully written and exceptionally well narrated, Esther’s Innocence is a strong entry into the fantasy genre. Highly recommended for fans of character-driven stories with a fresh setting and genuine emotional stakes.

Great World-Building and Narration!

This is quite an epic tale! The world created by the writer has many lands and includes prejudices, treaties, and shifting loyalties, all explained in a clear manner. I am usually wary of books with a main female character written by a man, but this one has done a good job and I'm very glad a female narrator was chosen! (More on her later).
There is a rape that occurs in the book so be aware of that going in. It isn't graphic per say, but it is detailed in the trauma response.

Cheryl-Annette Parker, the narrator, is brilliant! It looks like she doesn't have many audiobooks out on Audible yet, but having this 12 hour book with many characters and different accents as one of her firsts is an astounding feat! She is absolutely one to watch and I can't wait to see what she puts out going forward.