A Plague of Giants

A Novel

By: Kevin Hearne

Narrated by: Luke Daniels, Xe Sands

Length: 22 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of The Iron Druid Chronicles, a thrilling novel that kicks off a fantasy series with an entirely new mythology - complete with shape-shifting bards, fire-wielding giants, and children who can speak to astonishing beasts

Mother and warrior

Tallynd is a soldier who has already survived her toughest battle: losing her husband. But now she finds herself on the front lines of an invasion of giants, intent on wiping out the entire kingdom, including Tallynd’s two sons - all that she has left. The stakes have never been higher. If Tallynd fails, her boys may never become men.

Scholar and spy

Dervan is an historian who longs for a simple, quiet life. But he’s drawn into intrigue when he’s hired to record the tales of a mysterious bard who may be a spy or even an assassin for a rival kingdom. As the bard shares his fantastical stories, Dervan makes a shocking discovery: He may have a connection to the tales, one that will bring his own secrets to light.

Rebel and hero

Abhi’s family have always been hunters, but Abhi wants to choose a different life for himself. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, Abhi soon learns that his destiny is far greater than he imagined: a powerful new magic thrust upon him may hold the key to defeating the giants once and for all - if it doesn’t destroy him first.

Set in a magical world of terror and wonder, this novel is a deeply felt epic of courage and war, in which the fates of these characters intertwine - and where ordinary people become heroes, and their lives become legend.

Includes a bonus PDF with a map, the Dramatis Personae, and additional resources.

“A spectacular work of epic fantasy...an absolute delight.” (Shelf Awareness)

“If you’re looking for some entertainment before Game of Thrones returns to television, this could be the series you need to read.” (Newsday)

“A genuine page-turner.” (Kirkus Reviews)

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2017 Kevin Hearne (P)2017 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"You'll laugh and cry and crave mustard as you're immersed in the literal magic of storytelling in Kevin Hearne's vivid new epic fantasy. I have experienced acute withdrawal symptoms since the book ended. I don't want to leave this world." (Beth Cato, author of Breath of Earth and The Clockwork Dagger)

"A Plague of Giants is an absorbing epic fantasy, with clever storytelling that allows its many threads to each feel important, personal, and memorable. I'm very much looking forward to the sequel!" (James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost)

Not as Captivating as the Iron Druid Series.

BUY THE BOOK, NOT THE AUDIO. The story is not as engaging as the Iron Druid series, but maybe my feelings are the result of the worst female reader I have ever had the misfortune of listening to on an audiobook. Every character she represents, and there are many, sounds the same with the same Slavik/Russian accent. The reader continually mumbles and drops her sentences. I even turned the treble up and bass completely off, yet I still had a hard time hearing and understanding what she was saying. I will never purchase another audiobook that she narrates. The male reader is excellent. The book itself was very slow going and confusing at times. I looked forward to this book's release but I expected a lot more out of the author after reading all of his previous books.

'The Plague of Giant--- is worth a 10/5 if I could

Kevin you have drawn us into a portal--to a new world that is touchable--EPIC

Luke Daniels--your narration/ acting is amazing--you bring the people alive--EPIC

Xe Sands--you have always been one of my favorite narrators/actors but you have outdone 
yourself--EPIC

I don't want to make a synopsis--you need to hear it to believe the detail and emotion put into this tale. The descriptions are so clear you feel them--see them. You are introduced to a new land that is well worth the trip. So walk through that magic portal (Audible) and become part of the Plague of Giants yourself. It will not disappoint. You may not want to leave.

Get busy on Book 2 Kevin. LOL

A true World Building novel. You could compare it to "The Hobbits".

Great storytelling concept. Spotty narration.

To start off, I'm not a great reviewer lol. I just like giving my two cents hoping it might help. Anyways, let's start.

Narration: Not Luke Daniels' best, but I would've preferred all Luke instead of him and Xe Sands. I sampled some of her other work and her normal speaking voice is fine but I didn't get enough samples to say she is as good a voice artist as Luke if she is listenable at all. THIS! MUMBLING! Is NOT her strong point. While not perfect, Kate Reading does something similar I believe in one of Brandon Sanderson's books. I think a character in the Stormlight Archive? Not sure and I may have the narrator and story wrong altogether but whoever it was they pull this particular voice acting trick off way better than Sands. Sands was so inconsistent in pitch it was distracting AND everyone sounded the same with a slight, SLIGHT, difference in male voices. Like one reviewer said, I lost track of the story when Xe Sands read despite Hearne doing a great job with the narrative time hopping mechanic he used. This was because her voice never changed. Except for Kallindra. Might've changed there. Overall, it was doable for me. Not a return situation here, but if you start and hear Ms. Sand's first go at narration in the book and can't stand it then you might want to just get your credit back because while there is more Luke than Xe, It still seems like 60/40 deal. She's there. A lot! To all of our ears detriment. I would not be unhappy if they left her out of the second book.

Story: It really did start out slow for because this is way more poetic than Iron Druid but I love that. This is not Kevin Hearne duplicating a formula here. I'm no writer or reviewer as I stated before but I think that we don't have to argue the point that this is a completely different writing style from Hearne. Very refreshing and if you read his acknowledgements you'll see that one if not the source of his inspiration for the idea was Homer. The concept of the kennings seems so tragic and ironic depending on how one sees a "Blessing". I love the concept of a limited power. Especially in these days where a lot of writers fall back on outrageous skill sets and God-like magic systems with no limits, checks, or balances making it impossible to become invested in a character because you don't worry about them or ever get that suspenseful urgency about the character's life or well being. In this story you want to see the power of the kennings but at the same time you don't because it lessens the amount of time you have with a character. And you might like that character. Like Ahbi's character. I'm growing fond of him but I'm like okay Ahbi let's stop using that kenning now. I want you to stick around and there are a few examples of what happens when it's over used. That's even poetic and sorta gets you into this existential thought process like, hmm what happens afterwards? I'm all over the place I think. Back to the story. The short of it is (lol, this review was not shirt) that Hearne builds another strong world, with strong factions. More politics and underlying schemes like Iron Druid but heavier on a darker tone and lighter on jokes. This is definitely no romp through the nine realms, and there's no Oberon or Atticus, but there are no lack likeable characters. Just don't too attached to some.

A very unique take on epic & very promising start

Kevin Hearne strikes again. This book sounded like an anthology and the way the stories where gathered was well executed. Like most of his work there is no shortage of action and humor. I loved the little Segway songs, which lead me to the narrators. It was our good fortune that Luke and XE where chosen for this project, while I am familiar with Luke Daniels and consider him one of the best in the biz, it was fun listening to them play off each other, both have a wide range of voices and they needed it with all of the characters. Not wishing to give spoilers, I will say that the characters are well fleshed out and the world building will continue to grow as the series progresses.
lastly I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone that enjoys this genre, even if you don't I still recommend this audiobook. (will update review after reread)

Stick with it

This is a most interesting evolution in Hearne’s complex storytelling. It’s a real step up from the Iron Druid novels (which I love). You need to get deep into the story to understand where it’s going - yes, Xe Sands mumbles at times but it’s not a distraction in the long run. Kudo’s to Luke Daniels for trying to sing even though it’s clear he has no ear for music and can’t stay in key to save his life - yet he unabashedly throws himself into it. The minstrel/bard narrator is also very effective- really looking forward to the next volume!

Love it!

This is my 2nd listen to this particular book, as I anxiously await the sequel. I think I loved it more this time. Luke Daniels and Xe Sands do an amazing job narrating. It makes it hard to know if I love this or the Iorn Druid Chronicles more...

This is a winner

I really enjoy Kevin's writing however I was getting a little tired of the Iron Druid series & bought this on a whim. I am so glad that I did.

Kevin's world building is great. His characters are multilayered with real problems & challenges. I absolutely loved the multiple perspectives provided by the story telling on the wall....

On another level, Kevin's weaving in of real world issues, such as LGTB acceptance in society is done with such a gentle hand and open acceptance I thought was a great touch. Good on you pal.

The magic - or Kenning- of this world is awesome creating such interesting dilemmas for the (almost) main characters.

Finally the narration. I am a fan of multiple narrators -
Actually this is my first experience with it & it works a treat. Both narrators did an excellent job - the little quirks & sardonic humor inflected by Xe made me chuckle a few times but her real skill is bringing a sense of connectedness to the story. Luke has a great ability to go from a slightly camp chap to a growling giant battle lord all without skipping a beat!

This is one series to definitely follow

Luke Daniels needs no help narrating a book

Luke Daniels is awesome as usual. He's no slouch when get comes to a Hearn audiobook. I've enjoyed his work with the Iron Druid. Daniels and Hearn compliment one another grandly.
I did not enjoy the lady narration. Terrible accent had me rewinding for clarity and garbled sounds I had to interpret. I get the use of dual narration, but not happy with this one that's why it gets a 3.on performance and a 3 overall.

Bloody brilliant

Loved having the stories within a story. very interesting characters, kept me guessing all the way to the very end. Can't wait to see what comes next.

If you like intrigue, fantasy, and new world's, please give this a listen.

Great book with a unique style of storytelling.

I found the book hard to follow at first. Once I was able to wrap my head around the storytelling style I was able to really enjoy it an even appreciate the unique style of storytelling.