Scribes

By: James Wolanyk

Narrated by: Natasha Soudek

Length: 14 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Pawns in an endless war, scribes are feared and worshipped, valued and exploited, prized and hunted. But there is only one whose powers can determine the fate of the world....

Born into the ruins of Rzolka's brutal civil unrest, Anna has never known peace. Here, in her remote village - a wasteland smoldering in the shadows of outlying foreign armies - being imbued with the magic of the scribes has made her future all the more uncertain.

Through intricate carvings of the flesh, scribes can grant temporary invulnerability against enemies to those seeking protection. In an embattled world where child scribes are sold and traded to corrupt leaders, Anna is invaluable. Her scars never fade. The immunity she grants lasts forever.

Taken to a desert metropolis, Anna is promised a life of reverence, wealth, and fame - in exchange for her gifts. She believes she is helping to restore her homeland, creating gods and kings for an immortal army - until she witnesses the hordes slaughtering without reproach, sacking cities, and threatening everything she holds dear. Now, with the help of an enigmatic assassin, Anna must reclaim the power of her scars - before she becomes the unwitting architect of an apocalyptic war.

©2018 James Wolanyk (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Good but slow story

The story was good but felt like it moved really slow.

I really did not like the voice that the narrator used for the main character.

this is a kids book with bad words

I need fifteen words to rate this book but my title says it all. Not worth the listen for most adults.

Gritty realism told in fantasy.

This is the nature of the world, and of people. I found it to be a captivating and honest writing. The performer struggled to mimic masculine voices, and kept a lullaby tone which denatured moments that should have been punctuated with the opposite. Her aside, i would recommend this series of books.

A good read

The story moves slowly, and some characters are not believable; however, this was a good story overall. The story is well written and keeps a continual pace. The magic system seems different and isn't fully explained, but I think that's part of the journey.

Good bones but it misses

I liked it... cool stuff happened..... still my attention keeps being pulled away... I don't know why this books sucks but I still kinda like the idea lol

6 hours in and couldn’t tell you the plot

Story just doesn’t seem to progress. I kept giving it another hour and another. Finally have to drop it.

rich world but a raspy character voice

It is well acted but the raspy voice I couldn't finish
there is some Slavic words for names which is fun if you like that sorta thing

Outstanding Book!

I like to read ALOT! I'm always trying to find new talented Authors. It's been a while, to be quite honest, since I've been this excited about one.

Although I don't want to critique ANY part of this book, I am here to review so the Author can use to improve. Narration: Transitions between characters were a bit rough. I'm thinking perhaps there were too many hardened dialects. It really wasn't that bad but wanted to give a honest review. All other narration was nice. That is the ONLY critique I have with this audible book.

James Wolanyk presents a story line I've never heard before. The evolution of Anna keeps a great pace. You almost feel as you are growing and learning with her. The constant presence and inclusion of key character storylines at start of book allowed me to really get to know them without giving surprises away which come later in the book. The relationships formed took twists and turns keeping you wondering who the real hero or heroine will be. Wondering which friends are really foes and vice versa.

The fact that this is a 3 Book Series is even MORE impressive for a new Author! I'll be starting his 2nd book in this Series of 3, Schisms this evening. My weekend listen will be his 3rd book in the Series, Scions. My favorite new Author.

I have a feeling that we will hear much, much more from him in the future : )

Kudos and Thank You James Wolanyk, I look forward to your next Book!

narrator speech was to slow.

I struggled to finish this. Too much death and bastabbing. No reward at the end.

I love this audiobook!!!

Thank you for this wonderful story!!! I enjoyed every moment of it!!! Natasha Soudek did an amazing job!!!