Blood in Snow

By: Robert Evert

Narrated by: Fleet Cooper

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

The final installment in the epic Riddle in Stone saga. Having committed treason by claiming the Highlands for his own kingdom, Edmund - the one-eyed, stuttering former librarian - decides to stop running and make his final stand. Along with his best friend, Pond Scum, and his manic dog, Becky, he must fight off goblins, magic users, and King Lionel's entire army in order to protect what he loves. However, his deadliest adversary is the approaching winter, and neither Edmund nor his men have the supplies they need to survive.

©2014 Robert Cimera (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Can't wait for the next series!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Blood in Snow to be better than the print version?

I only listened to the audio. The narrator did a good job. Splendid inflection in his voice. Good characterizations.

Who was your favorite character and why?

From the series, Kravel was my favorite but he was not in this book that much. I'm told that he's going to have his own series coming out soon. Can't wait! Favorite character from this book--dear, lovable Edmund, of course. Strong-willed Abby. Wonderfully flawed Pond. But King Lionel really stole the show for me. Very funny. An ass with a soft side.

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

Absolutely.

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

Oh!! Many but can't give away the plot. The end scene had a little bit of everything--bittersweet, excitement for the future, mystery. It doesn't wrap things up into a neat bow. There are many unanswered questions that give you plenty to think about until the next books.

Almost forgot to mention Vin. Wonderful scenes with him. And when Ed confronts the town. I nearly cried.

Any additional comments?

I want more!!! Can't wait until Kravel's story comes out and hopefully Abby!

Touching End and New Beginnings

Would you listen to Blood in Snow again? Why?

Absolutely. Fleet Cooper did a terrific job. The characters had a variety of different "sounds" so they didn't all sound the same or variations of the same actor.

What did you like best about this story?

The humor ("The only thing revolting is your court jester"--loved that line.) Also how things unfolded in a different way than expected.

Which scene was your favorite?

The sword fight at the Stone of Death where "Lord Somebody beat the other person." LOL. Also, the great battle scene with the armies. It's one of the only battle scenes where I felt like I was there. It wasn't overwritten or bogged down by too many details.

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

The very last scene seemed so real for me. I could really feel for Edmond on so many levels. The heartbreak and joy... I really hope there's more after this.

Any additional comments?

I wish there were more goblins. I missed Kravel and Gurding's witty banter.

A worthy conclusion!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I like how personal the story feels, that the scale of the story is manageable, and that it's just plain fun!

What other book might you compare Blood in Snow to and why?

I think there are smatterings of other books in here as far as the story and characters go...but the 'voice' of the book is pretty unique. Perhaps somewhat similar to The Warded Man (but not the sequels)

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

Fleet Cooper is probably one of the best narrators I've listened to. Excellent range of voices, and intensity of emotion. The timing is spot on for his delivery of the lines.

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

I almost did!

Any additional comments?

This book ended up going in a little different direction than I expected, and I really enjoyed it! When the previous book ended in a situation where it looked like Edmund would be ruling over The Highlands, I was a little nervous.

I've read fantasy books before that unfortunately turned into a treatise on how government should work. I didn't even necessarily disagree with those authors, but it harms the story. Luckily, this is not the case here. I feel like the real strength of these books is how real Edmund feels, and the insight we get into him as a person as he changes and grows, and that's still here in abundance. Fleet Cooper does an excellent job really selling the dialog (internal and external) as well.

I do think the 'hand of the author' seemed a little too present in the plot at times, and some of the story threads wrapped up a little abruptly. That said, I was having so much fun listening that it didn't really bother me. I do really appreciate that the length is kept reasonable though. If feel like in contrast, a lot of modern fantasy can get pretty bloated.

A solid read. I'll look forward to Mr. Evert's future stuff.

wish there was more

loved the series but would have loved another final book. just to totally wrap up all the loose ends.

What a letdown

I was waiting for this book for months..... What a disappointment, not up to par with the previous installments. The saving grace is Fleet Cooper's performance. This book felt rushed and almost seems as though the author changed his mind in the direction of the plot a few times. Keeping my fingers crossed for the next in series.