Legends of Ahn

King's Dark Tidings, Book 3

By: Kel Kade

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 16 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Rezkin is an elite warrior who aims to restore order in Ashai after Caydean's attack on the King's Tournament transformed former allies and trading partners into enemies. With no army and only a ragtag group of refugees, Rezkin must wrest control of the kingdom from the mad and powerful usurper, who seems bent on destruction, and this may not be the biggest challenge. If he fails, the kingdom will be ripped apart, and Rezkin will have violated Rule 1 - to protect and honor his friends - leaving him without country, purpose, or honor.

©2017 Kel Kade (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Great Story with a Strong Protagonist

This is a hard series to describe. It is one of my favorites of the past two years, but quite frankly I am hard-pressed to explain exactly why. I will say it is deeply flawed in terms of character complexity, world development, believability, and virtually every aspect of 'good writing' we can define. Mr. Kade breaks so many rules, in ways that I would not ordinarily forgive. It should be awful. Yet somehow, in this mess of traditional story structure, everything just works. You get drawn in. You don't want it to end.

As many will no doubt complain, it is true that the main character, Rezkin, is essentially perfect. He is the strongest, fastest, most handsome, an invincible fighter, and just all around the best in every way. At EVERYTHING. You can't beat him.

For some readers, this degree of near-omnipotence may be a deal breaker. They want their characters to be flawed, to show weakness, and to struggle, only to overcome all challenges in the end after some awakening or final battle forces them to face their demons. Well, Rezkin DOES have demons--they're just not about strength or competence. He DOES have challenges--we simply do not doubt his ability to prevail.

The truth is, this series is just plain fun. Rezkin is a badass. But he has a moral code, is ridiculously loyal, and for the most part, acts with justice. Bullies, tyrants, charlatans, those who prey on the innocent . . . you just want them to come across Rezkin. And you know they will!

If you enjoy strong main characters and like seeing the bad guy get what's coming to him with a bazooka, then I recommend this book. If you want weaker, more flawed characters who have to flounder around a lot, you should probably look elsewhere.

One note about the narration. I love Nick Podehl, and he does a great job with the male characters, but he has the same problems with female voices in this book he had in the last two. I have no idea why, but he seems to have the need to make every woman in it sound like a cheesy porn star. I really wish he would stop this. It would be such a huge improvement, and he might just be the perfect narrator then.

Luckily the female narration makes up only a small part of the book.

good but...

The story is particularly slow in certain spots but overall is quite good. the character evolution is a little disappointing in this book when compared to the other 2 in the series so far. I still recommend the book as it does begin to hint and expand in to the true depth of the main characters. I would like a little more of the combat detail I saw in the first two books and a lot more explanation as this book leaves several dozen cliff hangers in the mix. worth the listen

Another excellent book in the series

Rezkin still has his inner circle of friend but like a magnets traveling down a highway strewn with nuts, bolts and screws, he can't seem to continue to have unwanted others cling to him as he passes. He even seems to have acquired a cat (or it acquired him?) of all things.

He continues seeking to rid Ashai of the mad King Caydean but before he can confront his enemy, he must first find a place of safe harbor; one not associated with the other provinces under attack from Caydean, lest he is betrayed by any one of them. He goes about this using his multiple personas and acquired guilds who unknowingly work at his behest.

What unfolds is a fascinating and entertaining adventure that includes many unpredictable twists and turns as he goes about doing what he does best.

Another great read....cant wait for the next one..

Reskin does it again demons finally make the story and proves to be a excellent excellent read.

I NEED MORE!

I love all the books in the series but this in my opinion is the best one.

My only concern is that they do not come out fast enough I'm going to try to find a way to remain sane doing the wait for the next book.

I think people hate this because it's not so..

Subtle in the slights at conservatives and Republicans. I like it imho.
Its a clever way of forcing them to see their beliefs from a foreigners pov.
lol. so much hate just because of the "southerner" accents and cultural references.
This is just as well written as the previous books and the plot is just as good but their is alot of explaining and catching up with the world.

need more

16 hours wasn't enough need more kel kade is great cant wait for book 4

Awesome!... Again. I must have more!!!!

A consistently fabulous series. Characters that captured the imagination and all the emotional swings that goes with it. I love Never know where the adventure will take me. I just said it wasn't longer...like days and days longer. Haha it is so good!

why did it have to end!

loved it can't wait for the next one. ending came way to soon. made more questions then it answerd

Solid read

A few in answered questions left me unsatisfied. Hoping the shift in personality for the MC has a reason and is not a lapse in the quality of writing.