Heroes Die

By: Matthew Stover

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 22 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

Audie Award Nominee, Fantasy, 2013

Renowned throughout the land of Ankhana as the Blade of Tyshalle, Caine has killed his share of monarchs and commoners, villains and heroes. He is relentless, unstoppable, simply the best there is at what he does.

At home on Earth, Caine is Hari Michaelson, a superstar whose adventures in Ankhana command an audience of billions. Yet he is shackled by a rigid caste society, bound to ignore the grim fact that he kills men on a far-off world for the entertainment of his own planet - and bound to keep his rage in check.

But now Michaelson has crossed the line. His estranged wife, Pallas Rill, has mysteriously disappeared in the slums of Ankhana. To save her, he must confront the greatest challenge of his life: a lethal game of cat and mouse with the most treacherous rulers of two worlds.

©1998 Matthew Woodring Stover (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Stover's fans and those who like their fantasy/SF tinged red should enjoy this energetic tale." ( Publishers Weekly)

" Day of the Jackal meets Lord of the Rings.... A marvelous conspiracy thriller of worlds within worlds, where no one is necessarily who or what they seem." (Simon R. Green)

"Stefan Rudnicki performs with the skill of a master swordsman as he slices through the action scenes. His gravelly tone is perfect for the story as he portrays Caine's controlled wrath and tightly leashed passion." ( AudioFile)

Finally, an epic worthy of Stefan Rudnicki

Ever since the Prince Roger series, I have wondered why Stefan Rudnicki could not be engaged to read another great story. Finally, I think this is one. The story itself is immensely clever and innovative. Stover creatively weaves two worlds and multiple plots together with skill. His prose is excellent, and I particularly admired his ability to place me in the scene with his descriptions and metaphors. The story has twists and turns, with plots, sub-plots, and intrigue layered on intrigue. We get to know Hari Michaelson/Caine very well. If there is a weakness, it's that the other character development suffers a little. Rudnicki is a brilliant reader and wrings everything out the story that there is to be squeezed out. This one is a keeper that I will listen too again. Thanks Mr. Rudnicki and Mr. Stover for a job well done.

15 people found this helpful

Don't Let the Cover Turn You Off

I'll be honest, I am swayed a bit by cover art and nearly didn't read this book because I find the cover art cliche, contrived, etc. Based on the other good reviews I went ahead, and I'm glad I did! The development of this world/environment is second to none, bordering on genius. There is really nothing that couldn't be done with the mix of worlds and technology. It has all the fantasy standards, but that's only because the sci-fi setting allows you to dive into that world at will. Rarely have I read a book that succeeds so well at blending sci-fi and fantasy.

So, "awesome environment", check. Now, how about the characters and storyline? I've also never seen such a wide variety of characters in one book (and I've been reading books for a little while now). I won't elaborate here to spoil it, but there is one character (who gets narrated with a very deep voice) that never ceased to amaze and surprise me. Actually, most of the characters were multi-dimensional, gods be praised :)

The storyline has plenty of twists and intrigue without being obtuse. As with all good books nobody is ever who they appear to be a first glance, but that is true in life isn't it? The storyline is probably the weakest part of the whole package, but it is supported so well by everything else that it still works very well.

I've never listened to this narrator before, and each new narrator always takes an hour or so to "get to know". I've never heard a voice with so much timber as Stefan Rudnicki's and found it difficult at first, but it matches very well with most of the characters. One of the characters absolutely required his voice and I actually felt the warm vibrations of this character's voice coming through my speaker!

If you like Jim Butcher, Brandon Sanderson, Joe Ambercrombie, Brent Weeks, and Robert Jordann, (and who doesn't) you will like Matthew Stover.

24 people found this helpful

Takes a while to understand but worth it

Okay, first you have to ignore the cover on the book. Not sure if the author lost a bet or something but it's best to just push play.

It took me FOREVER to understand what was happening in this story. Several times I thought there was no way this was the first book in the series because I couldn't grasp any context. Once I accepted it I just moved on and the story got better. It does keep you guessing and the characters are great. I'll give the next one a shot and see what happens.

Enjoyed the narration as well. Not sure if I've listened to Rudnicki before but he really helped make the difference at the beginning when I was trying to decide if I should keep going.

7 people found this helpful

Amazing...

If you could sum up Heroes Die in three words, what would they be?

Perfection, Mind-Blowing

What did you like best about this story?

What's not to like? This series and this book is just fantastic, Stover builds a world unlike any other then throws you head first into hell and takes you on a journey you can't even begin to imagine at the beginning. This series, especially the second book Blade of Tyshalle, is frankly a masterpiece. He manages to make everything feel real by having real characters and a story that makes you feel every hit, every blade and every piece of magic.

Have you listened to any of Stefan Rudnicki’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, he does a great job every time.

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

I have had to many reactions to this book, from pain for the characters, sadness at death and joy for Caines success. This book will grab you and demand you attention.

Any additional comments?

Buy it.... NOW.... DO IT!

4 people found this helpful

One of the best series ever.

Equal parts Ernest Hemingway, George Orwell, Robert Jordan, and Geroge R.R. Martin, this is one of the best series of books I've ever listened to. Stephan Rudniki was masterful.

These books have it all. Powerfully written and narrated action sequences, deep philosophical questions, poetic prose, heroes, villains, you name it.

I highly recommend them as credit worthy. I could not stop listnening.

8 people found this helpful

Rather slow but then....

What did you love best about Heroes Die?

The characterization picked up, and made me not want the book to end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Heroes Die?

His wife riding the waves of the river.

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

There a mixture of the humorous and at times the profane. I found myself relating to the characters.

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

At times I was grossed out by the imagery, and and times I laughed (almost wrecking the car).

Any additional comments?

I'm looking forward to finishing the series. But I feel for the virgin goats.

3 people found this helpful

Kick the Series off right!

Would you listen to Heroes Die again? Why?

Yes, this is one of my favorite novels, but I have less time to read these days.

What other book might you compare Heroes Die to and why?

Nothing really compares to HD. Stover's writing style is unequalled

What about Stefan Rudnicki’s performance did you like?

Rudnicki brought this story to life.

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

I did have an extreme reaction. At times I just felt so involved in the story that I forgot where I was.

3 people found this helpful

Enjoyable, but not outstanding.

Although it was an interesting idea for a setting, at first I couldn't quite get into the genre mixing, as the SciFi story/element wasn't catching my interest. But a few chapters it hooked me. When I was done with the book I was satisfied by the story, but I'm waffling on going on to the sequel.

What I liked:
The characters were written well enough to make you care about them.
Story was fairly fast paced and kept you entertained.
The conflict in both worlds was engaging and interesting.

What I disliked:
The "fantasy" side of the story was violent, but not truly dark or gritty.
There wasn't much development of the mythology or magical system.
Some of the dialog was nearing childish and caused me to loose my suspension of disbelief.

I'd put this in my "pass the time" category. Not sure if I'm going on the sequel yet.

6 people found this helpful

I got to be caine

sometimes you kinda live the story. doesn't happen with most books. but this one leaves u spellbind and thinking you are caine.

2 people found this helpful

An Impressive Start to a unique Series

I have seen many glowing reviews of this novel and I decided I had to give it a try. I was blown away by the action scenes, plot, setting, and pretty much everything else about this book. Caine is perhaps one of my favorite characters I have ever read about. The book is not short, in fact it could be called long, but there isn't a slow moment in it. All of Stover's characters are well developed and either easy to like or hate. My favorite part of the novel is the action, whitch is detailed, believable, and not jam packed full of magic. It is quite simply knock down, drag out, brutal war. This is why I will say that this novel is not for the faint of heart, along with the action there is plenty of bad language, and nun of the characters are really nice people. The word that best describes the cast is hard, they all have problems and faults, and they won't shy away from a scrap. To complete this review the narrator fits the story perfectly. It is true that he is a bit hard to get use to, but once you do, his voice is what I would imagine Caine's would be. I highly recommend people get this book, it not only is a great story, but it bridges the gap between fantasy and science fiction in a way I have never found before.

2 people found this helpful

Clever, violent and it has Caine.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I downloaded this title as I'd heard nothing about the author or the series before, which in itself is strange because I'm a voracious reader. Anyway, I took the chance and started listening.

Imagine my surprise then, that as the last few words of the book faded away in my ears, I came to the conclusion that this may have been one of the finest fantasy books I'd ever come across! The narration is simply sublime - every nuance of the characters is brought to life by Stefan's apparent understanding of their motivations.
The sci-fi/fantasy crossover is handled exceptionally well, as are the philosophical musings by the main players of the story (or should I say actors? :-), and the way that the plot unfolds. It might also be able to lay claim to one of the most badass main characters in fiction.
Note that it is brutally violent (seriously, if you are squeamish stay away), has morally realistic characters (there is no good or evil but merely the acts that men, and Gods, do) and some clever plotting that turns most fantasy tropes on their head. Even though is was written more than 10 years ago, it still feels fresher and does more to push the fantasy genre somewhere new than most current authors.
Do yourself a favour, if you fancy some fantasy and are fed up with the current lot (baring maybe Joe Abercrombie), try this out for size. And remember one thing, it's followed up by a block that manages to better it in almost ever way.
Happy ever after indeed!

4 people found this helpful

Great story. Narrator has a really nice voice.

I just love the characters. I felt for every one. I got so into this book I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series.

1 person found this helpful

pleasantly surprised!

As soon as I heard "wake up"I assumed it works be some "it's all a game/dream" nonsense but this actually played very well. All events were interconnected and actually meant something and the story was solid. Far more enthralling than the terrible cover would suggest lol

amazing book. really draws you in

the change of subject between the science fiction the gruesome details of pain and the story telling this book is utterly amazing. suggested for everyone and anyone to listen.

love it

A grreat story thst is really well narrated, it completely stands the test of time.

dark gritty book

Not my normally the type of fantasy book I would listen to, usually opting for more classic fantasy like Sanderson, Jordon etc but really enjoyed.

I like the world that had been built and the idea of classes in it, the characters felt very real with proper human feelings none of the hero taking the high road in this.

dark, gritty and a good book...i would recommend

Everything about this book is Great!!!

It's a brilliant sci-fi/fantasy epic crossover of a dystopian future (but relatable) where corporations and surrogate entertainment rules humanity and a medieval magic world where the masses loose themselves through the surrogate's adventure!!! Brilliant writing, brilliant story, brilliantly performed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Excellent!!!

A wild ride of a story with spot on narration. Lots of twists and turns in a plot line that keeps you guessing until the end. This story was just so much fun!

Uncomfortable, but Compelling

Where does Heroes Die rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

An excellent book, definitely in my top 5.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Heroes Die?

The closing sequence (which I won't spoil for you) is amazing. I was captivated.

What about Stefan Rudnicki’s performance did you like?

Stefan Rudnicki is one of the best audiobook readers I've ever listened to. This performance does not disappoint.

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

I found this book gut-wrenching in places, and uplifting in others. The story and the performance combine to make this a totally immersive experience, as you live the highs and lows alongside the characters.

Any additional comments?

I'd give this six stars, if I could.

Caine Rocks!

Enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Excellent plot, fantastic and well thought out characters and just really good story telling. Enjoyed the development of the main characters and the pace and complexity of the story.