Reborn

The Battlemage Trilogy, Book 1

By: James Blackwood

Narrated by: Danny Montooth

Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's Summary

In a world where using magic is punishable by death, will Tamm risk it all to discover the secrets of magic and save his people?

Tammuz has never left the sleepy fishing village of Aleesia. He longs to see what lies beyond the lake. He grew up listening to the legends of King Riehner and the Battlemages and hearing stories of elves, dwarves, and magic. But all that changed a lifetime ago when Tzelder, a former Battlemage student, usurped Riehner and has ruled Iradell since.

Now, under Tzelder's rule, magic is illegal, and using it is punishable by death. No one has seen an elf or a dwarf in decades. Tamm feels trapped between the mountains and the lake, dreaming of adventure like in the stories he grew up hearing. With his 16th birthday fast approaching, he must make a choice: Choose an apprenticeship like the rest of the young men his age or flee Aleesia in search of the adventure he's always desired. 

But when someone close to him is fatally wounded, Tamm discovers a magic that could save them, but it will put him at odds with the king. All the while, an ancient enemy is poised to return and threatens the town he always thought he wanted to leave.

Will his limited knowledge of magic help him save those he loves, or will it get him killed? Can he survive the adventure he's always hoped to find? Through him, can the Battlemages be reborn?

©2020 James Blackwood (P)2020 James Blackwood

yeahhhh so starts out great YA book but

the longer you listen the more annoyed you become it feels like the start of the story had a plan but then it goes down hill, I mean they fight giant things are outnumber have no wall, and 2 weeks of training and still win , well not just win don't loose an single person just some injuries. I'm not done with the book yet but I feel like he's writing the book and doesn't think he something he already say completely contradicts whY he's doing. it's sad not the worst out there but barely a 3 star and only that because the narrator was awesome!

A fantastic entrance for a new author

Reborn by James Blackwood is a great entrance into the genre for a new author. I found myself caring about the characters without being bogged down with the exposition. There were elements of heavy fantasy without overwhelming the reader. I am a car listener and I was able to keep up with the story while driving and I always wanted to sit in my driveway to finish the chapter.

There were a few issues that are common to a young author, but nothing that took away from the story or the enjoyment.

The narrator did a great job and provided consistent voices for the characters. This added to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Overall, I was very pleased with the experience and I cannot wait to read the second installment in this series to find out what happens in the kingdom.

A good addition to the Sword and Sorcery

The story is a steady paced exploration of magic and the world feels well grounded and thought out.

Good Story GREAT Narration

This is a good story that was made GREAT by a fantastic narrator. I got lost in the characters due to the brilliant use of different voices and infections. I will be getting number 2 is done by Danny again.

Great adventure

The book has a great unique adventure story with several characters and plot twist. The narrator is good and does not leave you bored with monotone reading. I enjoyed listening to this book and will be looking for the next to be released as the book ends with more of the story to be told.

My thoughts

The started off strong but I fell it was rushed at the end and was shaky. I like the characters they're rounded out and solid.