Riddle in Stone

The Riddle in Stone, Book 1

By: Robert Evert

Narrated by: Fleet Cooper

Length: 15 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Long after the last of the great heroes of old has died, the Undead King is stirring again, amassing a goblin horde ready to sweep out of the mountains and destroy all of humanity. The only thing preventing utter annihilation is Edmund - a stuttering librarian who knows a secret, a secret that every thief, assassin, and king would kill to have. Fleeing from relentless peril, Edmund wages a solitary battle against an ancient evil. But how can one man succeed when so many before him have failed?

©2013 Robert Cimera (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Unforgettable Hero

Any additional comments?

A dash of humour, a dose of suspense, twists and the right amount of grit delivers a great "non-traditional" fantasy tale that has you rooting for the hero. The book kept me wondering what Edmund would stumble into next and how would he make out.

This book and it's sequel has put Robert Evert into my list of favourite authors along with Kevin Hearne, Brandon Sanderson, Jim Butcher, Peter V Brett, Patrick Rothfuss and Michael J Sullivan. If you enjoy their books, you should check out Riddle in Stone, book 2 Betrayal in the Highlands and book three which I hear will come out this summer.

Interesting story

Death, sadness, love lost, terror. I wanted to stop reading this vivid, terrifying book. I persisted because I wanted there to be light at the end of this tunnel. The descriptions of the horror that occurs convinced me not to read book two. I am sure it would we good too but I couldn't live through the horror again. If you like horror you'll like this book.

Long live Librarian/Adventurers

Where does Riddle in Stone rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Undeniably engaging. Irrefutably endearing. I realize that this story is a dark fantasy but I couldn't help but find Riddle in Stone to be infused with a hobbit-esque charm that drew me in and enveloped me in it's world. I've plodded through too many fantasy novels of late with their stilted dialogue, gratuitous magic and cutout characters to not appreciate a novel like this one. I particularly enjoyed the inner dialogue of the protagonist,Edmund. Through it the author successfully shows us how Edmund's choices, day by day, help him to become the person he has always dreamed he could be. Like Bilbo before him, Edmund must decide whether to set his foot outside his comfortable home, not knowing where the road will lead. As the Greek philosopher Herodotus said: It is better by noble boldness to run the risk of being subject to half the evils we anticipate than to remain in cowardly listlessness for fear of what might happen. Edmund's boldness may not be noble and it may not be much to begin with. But it's a start. And good for him taking that first step. And good for all those, like Edmund, who shrug off cowardly listlessness. And good for everyone who enters into Edmund's world. They won't be disappointed.

Good Adventure!

I loved the characters and enjoyed the story for the most part. My 4 stars is because of the continuing darker and more horrible events that happen throughout the book. I don't enjoy the feeling of despair and always like to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Edmund was a unique and fascinating hero.

A terrific story

If you could sum up Riddle in Stone in three words, what would they be?

This isn't a book I would normally listen to -- but I'm really glad I did. It was an entertaining and an overall great story.

Fat nerdy and stutering is the new sexy

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

yes absolutely fun listen, if you like Butcher, Routhfuss, and Sanderson you will like this book. simply, it's a fun read

What other book might you compare Riddle in Stone to and why?

with a main character that stutters a lot I honestly don't know? Different concept but The Rook is close it is also another great read.

Which character – as performed by Fleet Cooper – was your favorite?

The stuttering Edmund. But all were great

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A stuttering fat man is one of my new favorite hero's.

Excellent story.

Love the characters. Had to rename my cats, Filth, Pond Scum, Crazy Bastard and Turd. The narration is excellent as well. The story put me in mind of the audible versions of Joe Abercrombie's work. I am looking forward to the second book.

Wonderfully enjoyable easy read!

Where does Riddle in Stone rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the category of easy reads it is #1. By easy read I mean it does not get bogged down with political strife, intrigue and messy relationships. I also enjoy reading the heavier novels (Abercrombie 's First Law trilogy and the books that followed, Martin's Game of Thrones series until he pulled a Jordan. Martin will probably pass away of old age before he finishes it).

What does Fleet Cooper bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Theatre. He provides wonderful voices for the characters that fit the personality the writer has presented them. He also brings the non-character-speaking words to life. If this were a movie and the scene was heart-pounding-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, Cooper's inflection as he reads the scene intensifies and you can feel the excitement. This is were a movie would have intense background music intensifying to the climax of the scene. He does this as well with reading disappointment, fear, etc.
He does all of this without overpowering the text or the story. This is the first book I have listened to with his narration and I dare to say "Sorry Michael Page, you are my number two favorite narrator now." *hugs*

Any additional comments?

I have often seen the question something like 'Is this a book you would have wanted to listened to in one setting?' The answer to that question, had they asked it, would be a resounding YES!!!!

T-t-t-today junior!!

Any additional comments?

Occasionally the main character can be exasperating but overall a wonderful book and fantastic narration.

I'm not sure why I liked it so well

It had a heavy internal monologue which i normally hate. The story is a fairly standard fantasy. It's not a happy story either with torture and killing.
Possibly it's because the hero is a middle aged shy librarian?
Probably, I still really liked it.