The Chimera Jar

Aegis of Merlin Series, Book 3

By: James E. Wisher

Narrated by: Joe Hempel

Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Defeat a three-headed fire breathing monster? All in a day's work for the world's only male wizard.

Conryu returns to the academy after surviving his first semester by the narrowest of margins. Little does he know the monstrous threats waiting for him in the second half of the year.

Back in Sentinel City things aren't progressing any better as the devious Lady Raven plots the city's destruction from her hidden lair.

The exciting third book in the Aegis of Merlin series finds Conryu facing an ever-growing list of dangers. Can he conqueror his foes before time runs out?

©2017 James E. Wisher (P)2018 Tantor

This is urban fantasy!

Story

The Chimera Jar: Aegis of Merlin Series, Book 3 by James E. Wisher and narrated by Joe Hempel picks up where book 2 The Awakening: Book 2 ended. The fall semester was over and Conryu and Maria were on their way home for an uneventful break. They return to school and each to their studies. For Conryu the regular Dark Arts magic class is a waste of time with Mrs. Lenore. His Special Dark Arts Teacher Mrs. Umbra gives him something to work on so he can participate in the class and at least integrate socially with the female students.  Kelsey volunteers to join him in a fusion spell while others work circle magic.

Maria has problems of her own with her light magic instructors due to her friendship with Conryu. She still has not resolved her feelings for him. Now that he is surrounded by women and those that actually give him a chance like Kelsey and Sonja who he only has platonic feelings for drive her into feelings of irrational jealousy because of her own insecurities. Then love triangle is not the only plot there is still Lady Raven and her boxes to be found before the floating city returns. Then the nasty LaFey Society and their desire to kill Conryu for being born to hear reappears to once again try and finish off Conryu. Mr. Wisher with these three audiobooks has crafted a very well written unique urban fantasy world. There are consequences for actions as the listener and reader will see and hear in this volume.

I have heard people say when describing the series "Oh it’s a Harry Potter rip off I’ll pass. To which I respond did that whiny little git Potter ever have a contract with the demon Cerebus or a contract with the Dark Lady to be his agent in Hell? This is urban fantasy totally different genre." Some are interested and some reach for their wands to dispel me as a non-believer. Can't make everyone happy.

Attention Holding

The story is excellent at holding my attention and ended way too quickly. Joe Hempel's narration will just suck you into a great story like this and you find you have blown off an afternoon's plans put your feet up to finish the story that is how well this audiobook held my attention. The story had me hooked from the first few minutes. I really hope Tantor Audio decides to do the rest of Mr. Wisher’s books in the series with Mr. Hempel narrating them.

Narration/Production Quality

The narration is by Joe Hempel. Mr. Hempel provides an outstanding vocal performance in this third book in this series. From the Ultra smooth and Creepy Dark Lady who only has a small role to the very memorable Mrs. Umbra. Mr. Hemple just makes these characters so unique. The production quality by Tantor was top of the line as always they never fail to produce a high-quality audio product. Tantor delivered a crystal clear product of the highest listening quality.

Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog.

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good story

has a way to keep your interest without overwhelming you. books could be longer but the story raps you up the same way as not to see time pass by.

EXCELLENT. LOVE THE STORYLINE.

Most enjoyable. Conryu,, the main character is a remarkable young adult. With all his powers, he goes all out to help the people from evil. He is has a very likeable character and there are many girls in the Academy who like him. There is a budding romance between his childhood friend and him though it still early days. Very interesting! I have already downloaded book 4. James Wisher writes a fantastic series and I hope there will more to come. Joe Hempel performed all the characters beautifully and I hope he will continue to narrate the whole series.

keep them coming

better than the book before it. hope the MC gets a triangle or changes his mind. his childhood friend isn't interesting. time to move on. Bring me more audiobook and you'll get more of my money. great job narrator.

Poor narration

The story is quite enjoyable if the narrator spent less time trying to seduce his audience with attempted ASMR tones and spent more time creating distinct character voices it would actually be more compelling.