Noble Roots

Spells, Swords, & Stealth, Book 5

By: Drew Hayes

Narrated by: Roger Wayne

For generations, nobles have gathered at a scenic estate once per year to compete. What transpires there is spoken of only in rumors, save for the prizes. Potent, powerful, and precious; the winners are said to receive a gift from magic itself.

Reeling after their loss to Kalzidar, the adventurers from Maplebark can only press forward, following advice imparted by the gods. Their divine directions will lead them on a series of twisting paths, branching between old friends and new challenges, before ultimately pointing at a particular estate on a specific evening.

Thrust from the familiar comfort of the wilds, the party will have to navigate the perils of noble society while keeping themselves in the competition. Between scheming nobles, a hidden high priest, dangerous challenges, and too many familiar faces, just making it out alive will be a challenge. But surviving alone won't be enough; not with a vengeful god scheming in the shadows, and a stolen soul waiting for rescue.

If the party wants their chance to strike back, they'll have to find a way to emerge victorious.

©2022 Andrew Hayes (P)2022 Tantor

Long awaited

The anticipated wait was worth every minute. This book is 24 hours long and needs a replay as soon as you finish it. It was wonderful right up to the literal last word. No spoilers, go listen to it, it is all kinds of epic that builds on parts of the characters that were entirely unexpected.
The only downside is the next wait. In the future when this series has been completed in its entirety there will be some ttrpg/ fantasy fan that gets it recommended to them and trades weeks of their life for an enthralling binge that they will carry with them forever.
In particular I feel like this series can be blindly recommended to anyone interested in the genre without risk of disappointing them.
Five stars all around, always on board for more of this.

The best in the series so far!

It has a great story, good humor, and a huge advancement of understanding the world and story. While all the other book were very fun and I loved them, this was the first one where I could begin to see a possible conclusion and begins to answer a lot of questions.
I personally love all drew Hayes books, but NPC was my first one, and have loved SS&S since. This was my favorite and the longest one, great narration and a great story, absolutely loved it

I’m a fan

(Don’t read if you don’t want a bit of foreshadowing not much, but still). I am not an emotional person. I hate mush… I love the love in this book. Characters are humanized with their relationships and willingness to sacrifice for those they love while still being true to who they are. Good read for the heart. I look forward to the next one.

Another amazing installment

All around great well worth the wait! I just hope the wait isn’t as long for the next one.

Answers questions without spoonfeeding!

Finally we get answers to so many questions without insulting or alienating the reader. Great work of fiction and absolute joy to read.