Way of the Argosi

The Spellslinger Series, Book 0.5

By: Sebastien de Castell

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

The Alchemist meets The Three Musketeers - with card tricks - in the first of two prequels to the best-selling Spellslinger series. A brilliant origin story of adventure, wit, and philosophy to enrapture devotees as well as newcomers to the series.

Ferius Parfax has a simple plan: Kill every last inhabitant of the spell-gifted nation that destroyed her people, starting with the man who murdered her parents. Killing mages is a difficult and dangerous business, of course, but when she meets the inimitable and extraordinary Durrall Brown, she discovers that physical strength is not the only way to defeat evil of all kinds. So Ferius undertakes to study the ways of the Argosi: the loosely-knit tribe of tricksters known for getting the better of even the most powerful of spellcasters. But the Argosi have a price for their teachings, and by the time Ferius learns what it is, it may be too late.

©2021 Sebastien de Castell (P)2021 Bonnier Books UK

Ferius Parfax is built different

Ferius Parfax is an astounding and well rounded character, and the various things that happen to her go from bad to good to bad to o hell no to I think she's alright. like other de castell novels, it builds and is a roller coaster of fun! one thing, the narrator "mardeck" (sp?) is southern, but she uses and drops it randomly. doesn't take away from the story, just noticable.

Great reader!

I enjoyed the story and some references back to the Spellslinger series, even though this is a prequel. There was nothing specifically tying it to that series, of course. But, a squirrelcat made an appearance. I enjoyed hearing about Ferrius’s backstory. The only thing that made me drop the story’s overall grade was that there was a key part that kind of came out of nowhere. Without giving anything away, I wondered how they got in that predicament.

Unfortunately for me, I cancelled my audio membership, which was one of just a few places to get books two and three. My library system doesn’t have them, sadly, and I’m not inclined to buy just part of the series in physical copies.

Not just YA

While (im)patiently waiting for this book to drop, I took the opportunity to listen to the entire Spellslinger series. What an absolute treat. I'm not well-versed in the YA genre but found there's a lot of heart here. And some excellent lessons in finding one's moral compass and place in the world when everything is stacked against you. There's also a good mix of adventure and humor.

With regard to this title specifically, it was interesting to discover a character backwards. First learning who she became in the main series and now learning how she got there. After growing quite fond of Joe Jameson's Ferius, it was easy to slip into the voice Kristin Atherton chose for her. Kristin's pacing never fails to draw you in and keep you there. And no one does chilling voices better. Eagerly awaiting the next in the series. This was a very entertaining listen.

Great performance!

I went not knowing what to expect as a prequel. I was enthralled from the get go by narration and performance and the pacing of the story.

Captures both heart and imagination

I adored the Spellslinger series and now that we get to look deeper into Ferius and the Argosi I am absolutely thrilled. This book was a delight, the story was amazing and the narrator was fantastic