Inhibited

The Abandoned Crown Series, Book 1

By: Cerynn McCain

Narrated by: Billie Bryant

Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

“The darkness is coming.”

All her life, Christa has hidden her powers from the world. Blending into a human city has kept her family safe so far, but she fears their luck is running out. The man ruling the regions built his kingdom and his reputation on the annihilation of Christa’s people. And now, he’s heading to her sanctuary.

Mind and body shattered by the sadistic General’s unceasing torture, Alice longs for freedom. Helped by a man of uncertain loyalties, Alice escapes and seeks shelter under Christa’s roof, but trouble follows her. Christa knows if she gives Alice safety under her roof, The General will be close behind.

With her visions and powers flaring, Christa’s options are few: turn away the only person to survive the General or reveal herself and reignite a war long dead?

©2017, 2019 Cassandra Sparks (P)2021 Cassandra Sparks

Innovative and Gripping

The narration of this intricate, creative tale is compelling. Billy Bryant is fantastic and helps bring a deeper dynamic into an already work of genius.

Excellent dark fantasy

Intriguing and well written, this dialog-driving story offers many points of view of events. The narrator does an excellent performance giving life to the characters. Each character is easily distinguishable from another and she gives the story a tense feel. Ready to begin the next book!

Fantastic story, fantastic narration

First of all, Billie Bryant's narration truly brings this story to life. She does a fantastic job individualizing the characters in a way that makes them feel like they are directly next to you.

Having read many dozens of fantasy books(dark and otherwise) throughout my lifetime, I don't expect novelty, nor do I need it. There's a class of books that are crafted of tropes and clichés, which can still be nice.

This book is not one of those. It manages to bring many unique elements, twists, and novelty together, forming an irresistible blend of the suspenseful and realistic, the fantastical and personal. I finished this within a matter of days--days in which I didn't even have time to read, so ended up sacrificing sleep to read the next chapter, and the next, and the next...

The characters are flawed in ways that make them at times annoying, and at times captivating, but always unpredictable and extraordinarily human in their imperfections and desires. I knew this was going to be a "dark" fantasy, so as I went through the book my mantra was, "don't get attached!"... which I failed at dramatically. This book drew me in and will stay with me long after finishing.

The world is immersive and there are so many aspects that can be explored. I am impressed with this as a first novel and first in a series. It will be exciting to watch where both author and series go. One downside to discovering a new author near the beginning of their career--I'm going to be waiting in suspense, checking for updates regularly before each subsequent book is released. I expect to be pleasantly tortured by this anticipation for years to come.

Perfect narrator match!

Really enjoyed listening to this story after reading it three times!!! The narrator did a great job with character individuality and effortlessly pronounced the names and words in the authors created world. The story is complex with intriguing character development. Really enjoyed stepping into this fantasy world, and the next books in the saga are no disappointment!!