A Facet for the Gem

The Tale of Eaglefriend, Book 1

By: C.L. Murray

Narrated by: James Foster

Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's Summary

In a land of eagle-riding knights, bloodthirsty beasts, and a ruthless prince, no border is safe for long. And as smoke billows from the only blockade standing between the great city of Korindelf and certain doom, young Morlen races to escape the inevitable siege. Thrust from the chaos with thousands of snapping jaws on his trail, he discovers that the abilities he's buried all his life are awakening - and it could not have happened at a worse time.

War has come, and he doesn't dare rely on his untested talents after stealing the coveted Goldshard, which makes strength and invincibility just a panicked whisper away. His dependency on it carries him through many dangers, until it becomes an enemy far worse than those he must fight hand-to-hand. And the allies he meets on his quest are just as troubled: a legendary warrior too afraid to leave his sheltered paradise, a wizard tormented by his past, and a disgraced king who has lost any hope of saving his people.

A Facet for the Gem is a coming-of-age fantasy that brings Morlen from distant kingdoms to sprawling airborne battles, into the fiery breath of a stony dragon and side-by-side with a lady knight who is the last person in need of rescue. Follow him as his epic adventures culminate in a final showdown against swords, fangs, and greatest of all: his own fear.

©2016 C.L. Murray (P)2016 Podium Publishing

A superb fantasy tale!

First the story itself:

With names such as Morlen, Felkoth, Nottleforf, and Roftome, and items such as the Goldshard, the Crystal Spear, and the Dark Blade, and enemies known as Shriekers and Ferotaurs, you are immediately thrust into this superb fantasy tale!

Beginning with a fragile alliance between the city of Korindelf and Veldere, where the Eaglemasters reside, and with war brewing along their borders, you have no choice but to hold on for this ride!


Now for the Audio:

Murray's vivid descriptions transfer wonderfully to audio. The narrator, James Foster, does a great job bringing this story to life. His tones and inflections raise the story to a different level, rather than being monotonous; especially during the more emotional elements of the story and the battle scenes.

Now, let's hope that the next phase of this story is a live-action movie!

A entertaining fresh new fantasy world.

If you could sum up A Facet for the Gem in three words, what would they be?

Roller coaster ride.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Facet for the Gem?

Felkoth had stabbed the eagle Roftome The Untamable with the evil black blade and was wounded. "You are wounded" said Morlen. In his deep voice Roftome said " I know that." "Do you wish to be helped?' asked Morlen. " Do you wish to help me?" Asked Roftome. pg 166-168

Which character – as performed by James Foster – was your favorite?

Morlen

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

In the cave when Morlen had to overcome his own fears.

Any additional comments?

My son and I listened to the Audio version together and we loved it. I can't wait to get the next book.

A Legendary Battle of Good versus Evil

Where does A Facet for the Gem rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Admittedly, I've only listened to a handful of audiobooks, but this ranks with the best I've listened to.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed how Morlen's character developed throughout the story as he learned more about both his present potential and his shrouded past, and the relationship between them.

What about James Foster’s performance did you like?

Mr. Foster provides a well-paced delivery, smooth enunciation, and steady voice volume, with appropriate inflection and a distinctive style for each character.

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

Unfortunately, I don't enjoy the luxury of enough free time to enjoy a book in one sitting, be it print or audiobook, although if I could, I would.

Any additional comments?

An imaginative coming-of-age tale set in a vivid world rich with lore and fantastical creatures, C.L. Murray's A Facet for the Gem reveals a legendary battle of good versus evil. The desperate lad Morlen uncovers more than he could have ever imagined as he discovers his past and the root of the nefarious evil gripping the land. The Tale of Eaglefriend, Volume 1, is a well-paced, exciting, fantasy adventure, delivered in an excellent, professional, and enjoyable audiobook.

Love the history.

Where does A Facet for the Gem rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best fantasy book I read/listen in a long time, very enjoyable.

What other book might you compare A Facet for the Gem to and why?

Harry Poter, Lord Of the Ring, all great fantasy books full of adventures that you can't have enough.

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

His voice is very enjoyable and not get bored listening to it.

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

Both, cry and laugh.

Any additional comments?

I loved the book, the story and overall was very convenient for my the audio book because I can't always have time to read. I think CL Charles and James Foster made a great team.

Great young adult fantasy

Any additional comments?

This is a great story for a younger audience. It definitely captures your imagination and takes one on a fun journey. If you enjoy this type of story it’s a great audiobook.

I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Amazingly Creative and the Narration was Great!

Where does A Facet for the Gem rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks in the top 5. Honestly, I very rarely have time to listen to audiobooks and prefer the traditional style of reading. However, I found this very engaging and could listen to it for hours at a time!

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Facet for the Gem?

Where do I begin..... It's hard to choose! I would say the build up to where we realize the Eagle Riders have been deceived all along. But there was so much! I just really liked the way it was read.

What about James Foster’s performance did you like?

I liked the performance. He was able to capture suspense and keep me engaged. Actually, though I've read the story myself, I was able to pick up on a few things I missed listening to this.

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

I could have if I had the time!

Any additional comments?

I am still very much a fan!

A good listen

Any additional comments?

This is not a perfect book. I probably subtracted too many stars for the storyline, but I added them back for the overall...so, I suppose we are even now. The storyline just bugs me. There are breaks in logic and main character consistency. Its not horrible. Its doesn't ruin the book, but it does feel like the book could have been more if the storyline was drawn out on a white board and shown to the author. The reader did an ok job. A bit monotone, a bit too over dramatic, but ....eh. I was not happy with the death of the two princes, personally. They were the only two characters with some joy...albeit, a bit too much male pig.

Just Didn't Work For Me

What disappointed you about A Facet for the Gem?

The narration was just too much for me. The narrator spoke too quickly, and the voice is a bit monotone. I like to listen to audiobooks while driving, but I could not follow the story with that droning. Perhaps if I can ever read it on my own, I will be able to improve the rating.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I like epic fantasy.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of James Foster?

Tim Gerard Reynolds

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I couldn't even finish it.

Strange

Weird style of story telling. Disjointed, rambling and over dramatic. I kept going back thinking i missed something.
Even the title is off somehow. So sorry.

I tried so hard to like this book...

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I don't have an answer for that, listen and see if it's for you...

What was most disappointing about C.L. Murray’s story?

The prolific use of adjectives throughout the book undermine the a very unique storyline. Where there should be character building and scene development there is poetic, almost singsong verbiage.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of James Foster?

Foster's reading has a rhythm to it that never wavers. Where characters are talking or laughing and war is raging, it's all the same. By the third chapter the inflection is so droll and boring I had to work to keep going, hoping that he would eventually get into the spirit of the book. Perhaps Foster fell prey to the overly poetic nature of the story to be excited about creating differentiating scenes.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The premise of the book is unique,