The Thirteen Hallows

By: Michael Scott, Colette Freedman

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

A new adult novel from Michael Scott and Colette Freedman...

The Hallows. Ancient artifacts imbued with a primal and deadly power. But are they protectors of this world, or the keys to its destruction?

A gruesome murder in London reveals a sinister plot to uncover a two-thousand-year-old secret.

For decades, the Keepers guarded these Hallows, keeping them safe and hidden and apart from each other. But now the Keepers are being brutally murdered, their prizes stolen, the ancient objects bathed in their blood.

Now, only a few remain.

With her dying breath, one of the Keepers convinces Sarah Miller, a practical stranger, to deliver her Hallow—a broken sword with devastating powers—to her American nephew, Owen.

The duo quickly become suspects in a series of murders as they are chased by both the police and the sadistic Dark Man and his nubile mistress.

As Sarah and Owen search for the surviving Keepers, they unravel the deadly secret the Keepers were charged to protect. The mystery leads Sarah and Owen on a cat-and-mouse chase through England and Wales, and history itself, as they discover that the sword may be the only thing standing between the world… and a horror beyond imagining.

The Thirteen Hallows is the beginning of a spellbinding new saga, a thrilling tale of ancient magic and modern times by a New York Times bestselling author and an award-winning playwright.

©2011 Michael Scott and Colette Freedman (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Relentless pacing and a richly detailed story line replete with historical references and bombshell revelations give this fantasy tremendous mainstream crossover potential.” —Publishers Weekly

“This tale is fast-paced… Filled with twists and a vile villain, readers will enjoy touring London with Sarah and Owen as their guides.” —Baryon Magazine

Recommended

If you could sum up The Thirteen Hallows in three words, what would they be?

Characters are compelling, the story engaging and the narrator is excellent.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the characters and story line.

Have you listened to any of Kate Reading’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Kate Reading is one of my favorite narrators.

Great audiobook

Where does The Thirteen Hallows rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

At the top of my list of all the books I have listened. Kate Reading is absolute one of the great reader in audiobooks.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Thirteen Hallows?

The whole book

Which scene was your favorite?

The whole book

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

Do not know

Any additional comments?

No

Disappointed

I am a big fan of Michael Scott's Alchemist series...when I saw this book I was very excited. But...it is as if I were reading a work by a completely different author.

His alchemist books are witty and well thought out and developed--This book is dull and lifeless in comparison. I chose not to write a review when I originally rated this book because I thought I might have had unreasonable expectations because of his YA novels--The alchemist series has vegetarian vampires, historical figures like Shakespeare as elders who are hundreds of years old and still going strong, and the pivotal characters travel from Europe to Alcatraz in search of elders who can teach 'elemental magic' ...

This book has graphic scenes that I was not expecting, lifeless characters I did not like nor dislike, and I never got lost in the story. I did like the final conclusion and recall thinking at the end--if the entire book had been this good I would have given it 5 stars.

If you have started this and put it down...it is worth seeing it thru as the end of the book is by far the best part. The end leaves room for a sequel but I will have to think long and hard before I purchase the next installment.

Not what I was expecting

Would you listen to The Thirteen Hallows again? Why?

I am torn on wethere I will listen to this book again or not. Though it is not written for younger audiences I find that the added adult themes are a bit overly present. The writing and story telling are high quality but tend to dwell to much on the dreggs of society.

What did you like best about this story?

I found the underlying story of the book very intreeging and intereesting. I enjoy it when authors include history in the story they tell even when the history is myth and legend based.

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

Kate is a good reader and her vaoice tone and acting ability fit the story very well. She adds depth and emotion to the book that help the reader/listener understand what is happening.

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

N/A not sure I would want to see this a theator.

Any additional comments?

Not a book I would recommend to youth. I am a big Micheal Scott fan and have enjoyed much of his past work. This books adult edge is a bit of a turn off for me but others may enjoy that edge tot the book.

Like a TV Movie - Not a Major Motion Picture

Would you try another book from Michael Scott and Colette Freedman and/or Kate Reading?

Kate Reading is phenomenal. SOOOO good at creating the characters voices - bravo. As for the story, I liked the fast pace, different characters and overall story. Good read, but not exceptional.

Would you recommend The Thirteen Hallows to your friends? Why or why not?

This story would be a good referral if it had a second or third book (which I would purchase). Some more story depth and character development would bring it more to life.

Which character – as performed by Kate Reading – was your favorite?

Sara

Was The Thirteen Hallows worth the listening time?

Yes

Not what was expected

What did you like best about The Thirteen Hallows? What did you like least?

I liked that the 13 Hallows of England do exist and the writers we able to incorporate that at the end.

I didn't like how gruesome the story was. It was not what I had expected by reading the synopsis.

What could Michael Scott and Colette Freedman have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

It would have been more enjoyable if a few details of the Keepers deaths were less graphic.

Have you listened to any of Kate Reading’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to Kate Reading's other performances before.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Maybe. If they were to do it not showing the gruesome murders of the Keepers.

weak story line.

Having read all the alchemist series this one book really fell short. The main plot is interesting but the story isn't strong enough to keep the reader engaged and interested.

best book I have listened to in awhile.

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

yes and I have.

What did you like best about this story?

just a real good story

What about Kate Reading’s performance did you like?

very real.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole book.

Any additional comments?

a good read or listen

A slight case of finishers remorse

The story kept me metaphorically turning the pages. And Kate's narration was quite suitable for high speed listening. But after finishing the book, I felt that if there were to be a second volume, I would not go on. I was drawn to the book by the title as a follow on from Harry Potter, and there are similarities. I don't know where librarians and booksellers shelve the book, but I would have wished some tweaks and deletes to the unnecessary elements of the story before suggesting it to those who might be Harry or Alchemyst fans. And I do wish the London police in the story were a little more versed in forensics. As for the Joseph and Jesus angle, the Holy Grail tale, I guess, has to come from somewhere.

Should've Been a Series

It feels like this book was too short for the ideas they wanted to use.