Crowe

Subterranea, Book 1

De: Wade Gustafson

Narrado por: Stockton Harris

Her father missing, 14-year-old Claudia Kobb is sent to be raised by a reclusive wizard and notorious outlaw, her grandfather, who has lived well beyond his mortal lifespan by way of a magical serum that bestows longevity.

But the magic is fading, her grandfather is dying, and together they embark on a quest to find Claudia's father while avoiding the powerful warders of Subterranea, a vast underground city where those in power will stop at nothing to destroy those who oppose them.

©2008 Wade Gustafson (P)2022 Wade Gustafson

A brand new world of fantasy!

This book deserves your time! A fantastic listen. Crown opened up a unique fantasy world I can’t wait to discover! Time seemingly standing still with seasons that last year’s, a migration to a whole world beneath the crust to survive a winter people somewhat believe is a myth. Crow, a master wizard that still shows hes human. And a plot that takes you in and allows your mind to wander with the characters as they struggle to navigate this unique world. I can’t wait for the sequel!

met the author

just met the author and he caught me listening to a different series and suggested this book. thus far it is amazing and holds your attention definitely recommend a listen.

outstanding!

A strong beginning to a saga—if you love underground realms, morally grey magic, and characters wrestling with heavy legacies, Crowe delivers. From the opening pages, Crowe pulls you into an underworld that feels both vast and claustrophobic—an underground realm of shifting allegiances, decaying magic and characters who wear scars like heraldry. At the centre is fourteen-year-old Claudia Kobb, thrust into the care of her mysterious grandfather, a wizard-outlaw whose longevity is bought and paid in dark coin.

What raises this beyond mere fantasy quest fare is the layering: the world-building is rich (the subterranean city of Subterranea looms like a beast beneath the earth), the stakes feel real (magic’s fading, a father is missing, she’s caught between outlaw and heir).

A classic "gather your party" Fantasy novel!

First, let me say, this was an awesome book! If you are looking for the classic "Gather your party, there is adventure to be had!" type classic fantasy, you have a solid choice in this book.
Pros:
The characters are memorable and exciting! With in a few pages of meeting each character I felt like they were real. None of them seemed overpowered or naïve to the point of taking me out of the story.

The world is really cool and unique! a striated land of those above ground and those below is already an interesting setting but the addition of a world with seasons that span lifetimes makes the world feel alive in its history and lore.

The magic system is clean and simple; Listen, I love me some hard magic, but sometimes it is nice to just watch wizards through fire balls! There is definitely a deep background to the magic in the world and enough to keep hard magic fans interested but it is also refreshing to see a book where newer listeners won't get bogged down in the magic system

Cons:
There are not many, and most can easily be forgiven when you learn that this is the authors first book.
The pacing is a little fast in areas. I would have loved to learn more about underground rangers, the forge of creation ect. but they seemed to be barely introduced before the party was leaving to new adventures. Again, now that the second book has been announced, it is more clear that the author was trying to set up a world for a much longer story.

There are minor continuity errors but nothing that would take me out of the story.

In closing:
If you are looking for a solid Fantasy novel in a unique setting with characters you care about, you are in the right spot. If you are looking to support indy, self published authors this is the book for you. I have been lucky enough to hear some of the next book and I can say that this is just a little nibble for what is in store!!

Enjoyed the book

A very good fantasy book. If you’re looking for a book with wizards and strange places this book is for you.