Kin of Kings (The Kin of Kings: Book 1)

By: B.T. Narro

Narrated by: Brad C. Wilcox

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

The first great war of Ovira is over, and the most hated king in centuries is dead, but his nephew still lives. However, Basen had nothing to do with the destructive war his uncle started. In fact it was his uncle who exiled him and his father to the territory of their enemies, where Basen's dreams of becoming a legendary mage now fade, as he must work all day just to eat. His only chance at regaining some semblance of the life he thought he would lead is to join an elite school that trains, houses, and feeds a thousand new young men and women each year. But little does Basen know that his determination will put him at the center of a war even bloodier than the one he'd barely managed to avoid.

©2015 B.T. Narro (P)2015 B.T. Narro

Good start to the series

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

Pretty good story and good beginning to a series. Somewhat of a YA story, but still entertaining. The story kinda jumps right in and explains past characters as it needs to, which is a little strange, but the story still works. Will be listening to the second installment.

The Storyline was Alright

While the story itself was alright... the Narration was poorly done with bad voices for each character. The story is a bit repetitive with it's stating of details, the story starts slow, and ends up being far too detailed with descriptions thus slowing the story down even more. Thankfully it does get better as the story continues! (Sadly not the Narration)

Slow Start But Strong Finish!

I love a good fantasy story and after reading the Kin of Kings description, I was really interested in listening to the book, and was happy to be gifted a copy of the audiobook at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review by the author, narrator, or publisher courtesy of Audiobook Blast dot com.

I'll admit, in the beginning the story started off slow and almost lost me. It was part the story and part the narration. However, after a couple of hours, the story and narrator really took off! I remember thinking much the story did "180" and was glad I did not give up. The plot starting developing with unexpected twists, and the narrator really seemed to have nailed down the characters and was doing an awesome job.

The plot and characters were developed and Basen was my favorite; however, there was another character who I really like because of their determination and hard work but they turned out to be bad person..... I did not see that coming. This story does end on a cliffhanger so I will be on the lookout for the next audiobook. I really want to know what happens next.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and was glad I stuck with it. I would have really missed out on a good story.

The other books are far better

I’m sad this book was such a disappointment - almost returned it multiple times. Narration is pretty bad - boring at times, lacking creativity or believability at others.
The more audible books I listen to, the more it becomes clear to me a good narrator must have some amount of acting talent to imbue the story with appropriate feeling across so many characters. Sadly Wilcox fails on that front tremendously. Read something else.

Seems to drag

Story feels like it was written by a teenage girl, lots of emotion. Fight sequences seem like the author lacks experience. The same can be said of how the author approaches socio-political issues in the storyline.

Ambivalent... Possibly narration related.

I really wanted to like this book. The plot is pretty fast paced and the characters are compelling. But the writing occasionally comes across sophomorically and jolts me out of the story. It seems to happen most often in character dialog and in their internal narratives.

That said I can't be sure how much of it is the author and how much is poor narrating. If Simon Vance or Tim Gerard Reynolds were voicing these characters their conversations and internal thoughts may or may not seem so inane, trite, or incongruous.

If you're the type of reader who finds themselves giving five star reviews to the majority of your listens then this book will probably be right on point. On the other hand, if you repeatedly find yourself saying, "I wish this author had asked me to beta read/edit this book!" then you may want to wait until this one goes on sale.

In the novel's defense I did make it all the way
through to the end, but I'm not sure if I will end up giving the next book in the series a chance.

Slow starter

This was a real slow starter. I barely payed attention in the first few hours. It did finally hook me eventually though. The writing style needs work imo. Still I'll probably follow up with the series and see where it goes.

Not a huge fan of the narrator. He was far to monotone for me. It was listenable however.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

Good Story

Would you listen to Kin of Kings (The Kin of Kings Book 1) again? Why?

I liked the way the characters were depicted it was exciting and well written. I really enjoyed this book and got it in exchange for a review of the book

NOT THE FIRST BOOK

THERE IS A LARGER SERIES. There are more books before this one; I bought this thinking it was the first.

good book bad narrator

I can't believe they released these audiobooks with a narrator that so bad I enjoyed the story enough that I'm going g to finish the series but it will be painful to listen to him every book and kinda hate spending money on them but I want to finish the story

There is humour, action, tension and magic.

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

Yes. I like the story and the magic system is innovative so the story deviates nicely from the cookie cutter format. It does not shock you with sudden twists rather it flows well.

What did you like best about this story?

Solid fantasy novel, and very quickly paced-you won't find any dawdling over meaningless details. It's also got good action and a nice pace to it.

What does Brad C. Wilcox bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I enjoyed the narration. I think it sweeps you along and Brad has a nice voice.

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

The setting of this book is strong and intriguing, and the characters are very interesting and I liked the ending.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

Good storyline but too short.

I enjoyed the main character and the twist was good. Although I know it's part of a series it was still too short and I have downloaded the next book because I was not gripped

Terrible narrator

The story appeared to have a good plot, but the narrator spoiled any kind of enjoyment.

As a women I feel uncomfortable

really disliked the way the author talked about women and give zero personality besides "ah yes, nice rack". wouldn't recommended this book to anyone

Good story, narration lacking

The story is good and I would continue the series is there was a different narrator. I recommend listening to the sample, and then setting your expectations slightly lower.

terrible narrator

got a feeling this is a good series. but due to bland narrator I shall not be buying other books

Enjoyable

This was a very enjoyable book with a intriguing plot line. The listen kept me in gauged throughout the whole book and left me wanting more. A really good ending didn't expect that. Think I will have to go and buy the next two in the series.

Torn

I actually really liked the storyline and characters, it could be a great series, some of the dialogue is a bit naff.
The main downside to this is the narrator. My god, it is painful to listen to! I’m not sure I can face anymore with this guy.