Foes of Hope

De: Brendon James, Vallie O'Hara - editor

Narrado por: Drew Reimert

Foes of Hope takes listeners into the alternative Victorian-era continent of Vasarea, a land of fragile alliances and brewing rebellion. At its heart is the royal family in the nation of Eirene, a once-mighty kingdom now fractured by war, power struggles, and betrayal.

As a dangerous cult known as the Harbingers rises to challenge their rule, four heirs must navigate loyalty, ambition, and personal demons to determine their nation’s fate. Pistis’ quest is to learn her values and struggles with identity, while her sister Yagmur’s fight against addiction highlights the sheer inner resilience it takes to break free from one of the darkest depths.

Meanwhile, their brother, Cadfael, will face decisions that can shake the foundations of their kingdom. As the civil war ensues, will the siblings overcome their personal demons and past regrets? Or will they become forgotten members in the annals of their long lineage?

©2025 Brendon James (P)2025 Drew Reimert

I Need Book 2 Now!

What a wild ride! Foes of Hope is worth picking up whether you’re new to the fantasy genre or a seasoned reader. It’s an engaging epic tale with solid world-building for a first time author and a large cast of characters that gradually comes into focus. The story itself is easy to invest in, especially if you enjoy fantasy that leans into character growth and long-form storytelling. I can really see this series going places.

While the narration didn’t always fully click for me, the strength of the story and the world Brendon created kept me listening. Overall, this is a strong debut and a worthwhile listen.