Demon's Reign

The Bloodwood Saga, Book 1

By: David Estes, Ben Galley

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Tarkosi Terelta is a nobody. A nobody who will save his world from demons and the hellfire they bring.

The third-born of a shamed family, Tarkosi's lot in life is to spend his days as a worker, feeding temperamental lancewings under a harsh master. His days in the bloodwood city of Shal Gara are full of drudgery, tedium, and pain, his own ambitions cast aside in the name of order.

That is until demons from a broken world invade the forest realm of The Swathe, and an accident born of violence and dark magic intertwines Tarkosi’s fate with the greatest among them.

Forced onto the front lines of a war forgotten by history, Tarkosi must balance battling the royal demon bound to him with the rapid progression of the magical abilities its presence has bestowed. Risking everything, he will need to tread a thin line between hero and heretic to keep Shal Gara from falling into ruin and chaos.

Avatar: The Last Airbender meets Venom in this epic progression fantasy perfect for fans of Iron Prince, Cradle, and Kingfall.

©2022 David Estes and Ben Galley (P)2022 Podium Audio

Enjoyable

I really enjoyed this story. The relationship between the MC and his demon was very well written and fun. It had all the classic tropes of a fantasy novel but the world building was excellent and unique. I enjoyed that not every question was answered and leaves the story wide open for the next installment!

slow start

slow start but finished strong. Tim is on of the best narrators around. can't what to see what happens next

Umm, hmm, maybe.

Starts off a bit slow, gets good, but doesn't follow through in a way that hits quite right. MC makes some strange decisions, some downright dumb, at times that don't entirely make sense either. Plus he's a bit too Mary Sue even for the hero, if there had been more time passage some things would have fit better. Enough options left open that I'll listen to the next in the series.

Spectacular storytelling

Fully engaging story and I have found a new fav author! Looking forward to the next book. Fantastical!

overall

I quite enjoyed this spectacular novel and the performance was done perfectly. overall it's a good listen.