The Agent

By: Brock E. Deskins

Narrated by: J. S. Arquin

Length: 14 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Guild rules the kingdom through their puppet monarch, and Garran must race to save the last living heir to the throne before the powerful syndicate's assassins complete their extermination of anyone who could oppose them. Garran and Prince Adam Altena struggle to find allies in hopes of rescuing Adam's sister, who was forced to marry the usurper in order to prevent even the thought of rebellion, and raise an army capable of defeating The Guild.

With The Guild now in control of Anatolia's powerful army as well as their legion of mercenaries, their future is grim. How can a disreputable agent and a deposed prince convince their neighboring rulers to oppose The Guild, an organization that has had them cowed for decades?

©2016 Brock E. Deskins (P)2018 Brock E. Deskins

Book 1: LOL. Book 2: LMAO!

If you liked book 1, then you'll definitely have to get book 2.
The author managed to make The Agent an even more rip-roaringly fun ride. I laughed a lot more than with The Miscreant, maybe because this time I knew what to expect and maybe because the world of the story is a lot larger than in the first book, giving the author more room to have these hilarious scenarios play out.
It's still an actual adventure though, with a hero, a villain and even a damsel in distress. Although it's not always clear which is which.... There are also a lot of new sidekicks, between whom I cannot choose because I liked them all, but if I absolutely had to I'd choose Adam. He is the perfect straight man to Garran's funny, therefore enabling (or even giving permission to) us as readers to laugh out loud about Garran's outrageous behavior. Very well written and perfectly performed.

Speaking of the narration, Arquin's sheer endless source of different accents and other ways to distinguish between characters is impressive. With book 1 I really had to get used to the main accent of his choice (southern US American) and the pitch of his voice, but with this book I knew what he could do and buckled up for a wild ride. And that is what I got! He upped the number of his accents, one even more hilarious than the next, complete with hoarseness, lisps, and posh, and he went all out with his voice acting. Bravo! He complements the author's writing like no one else could, so I hope he never leave this series and will narrate them all.

There is only one downside I could find: I now have to wait for part 3!
In short, these books are bingeworthy. Spend the credit.

~ I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. I was not required to write a positive review, but I did so anyway because it was awesome. ~

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Everyone's favorite sociopath returns

There are few characters like Garran out there in fantasy. There are fewer still who are the main character. Not every writer has the juice to take what is essentially a sociopath and make him into the protagonist of a story. Not a real sociopath, anyway. Not a drug using sociopath. Get it? This is not your average story, let alone your average fantasy story. When we first met Garran, in the last book, he was chainganged and. . . um. . .conscripted into fighting a battle that he had no interest in (because what does he care about anyone else), but had no choice if he enjoyed doing things like inhaling. He was forcibly taken into custod . . .ah, "chosen" because he was a rar individual known as a transcended. Not going to explain all that, you want to know more, get the first book, or at least read it's blurb, but trust me the book is waaaaaaay better.

Garran is a sneaky SOB who uses his head more than his hands when it comes to battle. He is a meticulous planner, detailer, and has the ability to anticipate things others wouldn't even consider as a possibility. As a consequence he is very good at his job. It is a rare thing to see an anti-protagonist, and one who favors thinking over action. This isn't to say that Garran isn't a fighter. By no means. His powers make him incredibly deadly and effective, and his snark and wit allows him to thrust home when he should be parrying.

I really don't want to go into detail about the story. What I will say is that Deskins has an intensley powerful writing style that allows him to inject humor (via Garran's smartmouthed comments) as much as he does danger. The action is aplenty, and scheming is smothering. Deskins drives his story forward with every scene, no piece of this tale is superflous, and the alacrity in which he paces his plot is breathtaking. You will never have so much fun rooting for a person who is a miscreant. And that, dear reader, is why Deskins is so great. He makes you like the unlikable, and want more when it is finished.

I really enjoyed the world that Deskins builds around Garran. It carries the breath of life, it is full of vitality. Each place you visit has a personality and is painted in vibrant detail. As worldbuilding goes, Deskins in most certainly in the upper weightclass. Hmmm, amazing characters, thought provoking battles, intense world building; this book seems to have it all. You really should check this series out, it is incredible, original, and laudible.

J. S. Arquin narrates in a deft and demanding way, you cannot stop listening. You will not want to stop listening. His voice is not deep and somber in tone, but more natural and affluent of timbre and inflection. He does snark and snide like nobies business, and serious and contemplative as naturally as he does breathing. He has a voice for each and every character, and he compliments Deskins written word.

This is billed as two part series. I hope that isn't true, and that Deskins finds a way in his heart to come back again. Garran and his world are to much fun to stay away from for long. But, if it is only two parts, then you have no reason NOTto get both books and get the complete story right now. Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.

If this review helped, please press the YES below. Thank you immensely!!!

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Not for children or some adults

Brock Deskins is one depraved individual. This book is entertaining but I think Deskins goes overboard with all the perverted antics of the main character. But I did laugh so hard I almost fell out of my chair when I listened to the "goat" episode. My wife thought I was choking because I was laughing so hard. Overall I liked the story.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

Thrilling, humorous story

This is an excellent continuation of the transcended series. It had me laughing out loud at numerous points and I loved every minute of the story. Garren Holt is absolutely depraved but he is totally hilarious. He is beyond description in his anti-heroness but you just cannot help but like this objectionable character. I am still not sure if he is entirely self-serving or if it just an act. Adam’s character is a great counterbalance to Garren’s excesses. He is honest, self-sacrificing and has a capacity to care that seems to be missing from Garren’s make-up. Both character have depth and are intelligent and talented. The narrator did an excellent job of portraying the humour and bringing the characters to life. I really enjoyed his vocal interpretation of this story and lope that the author produces more stories in this series.

Pink Eye and Opium?! (Contains *some* spoilers)

First Impressions:
Brock does it again! This author manages to take a concept that has been used again and again to create a unique story. As the first book was extremely entertaining to me,
where I literally laughed out loud, there's always the question if the second book can live up the expectations. Happy to say, it certainly did!
I honestly do not expect people to read this book, or review, if they haven't yet read the first book. In case you did not, read it! If, however you did read and enjoyed
the first book, I can promise you the second will not let you down either.

Plot & Characters:
The end of the previous book left us with Garran graduating and becoming an agent. This book starts years later. Garran has been an agent for some time now. The king's
road is as good as finished. The guild has been planning along this line for some time now, and they are about to bring their plan into full fruition. With the assassinations
on some key characters from the kingdom, Garran is once again sprung into action to.. save everyone? This time Garren is accompanied by a priest and his cousin which leads to
some great chemistry between the three!

Brock manages to create some interesting scenes and plots. The main point of attraction though, is our main character; Garran. Garran is the guy you would like to be,
but are too afraid to. I mean, it seems awesome to be a highly-functional drug addict, unfortunately this isn't really possible in real life. I might have felt tempted to try some
'alternatives' at some point, but living through them with Garran has been enough for me. Truly, this is one heck of a main character, and I just love how crazy he is.
Garran might just be one of my favourite main characters ever! Through all his drug abuse, whoring and seriously slacking off, he manages to always plan ahead and come out
victorious. His confidence radiates through his every action. Every insult is a compliment and every compliment is shrugged off, of course he is amazing, he is Garran!


Narration: Again, a top notch narration by J.S. Arquin! During the first book I had to get used to his voice, throughout the second book I did not experience any adjustment periods. This narrator knows how to live out Garran and all the other characters. Distinct voices and emotions only served to increase the 'reading' experience!

Conclusion: We should keep things simple when we can. And here, we will. For only 25 dollar or a single credit, I suggest anyone who enjoy the first book to pick this one up as well. It's such an entertaining book. There are few to none dull moments as we are always wondering what Garran is up to next. I honestly loved it and will continue this series as it progresses.

Disclaimer: "This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."

Fantastic!

I didn’t think Deskins could surpass the fantastic, funny, irreverent story he concocted in The Miscreant (The Transcended Book 1), but I am pleased to say he did…and how! Garran is back and worse than ever (in a good way). Garran is the perfect anti-hero – smart, clever, snarky, and very good at what he does…whatever that may be. I couldn’t stop laughing during this humorous, action-packed thrill-ride.

The narrator is phenomenal. The variety of different voices, accents, and emotions he delivers blew me away and added to the enjoyment and entertainment of the story.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Hilarious! Laughed so hard! Adventure, snark, wit!

The Agent
The Transcended Chronicles, Book 2
By: Brock E. Deskins
Narrated by: J. S. Arquin
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
Oh my GOD! This is so hilarious! I laughed so hard and giggled throughout this book! It is even better than the first book! Our inappropriate and crazy guy is now an agent. He seems like a fool but he really is very smart, he also is quite snarky and annoying to be around. He is so annoying his companions don't know to laugh or hit him. But he is traveling with a monk so that isn't likely. I had such a good time learning new phrases such as being as worthless as "Tits on a pickle", later just called " Pickle tits".
They narrator was so great at making the story even better with the voices! It's not easy to do comedy but he did it perfect! My sides are hurting from laughing. Great job!
Can't wait for the next book!!!

truly hilarious

this book was everything and more,that one needs for a great, crude action packed comedy.

Fantastic Story!!!

I received this audio book for free in exchange for my honest review. While this is book 2 in the series, you can easily listen to it without listening to book 1 first. You will enjoy both however. This story is expertly written and the narrator is extremely talented. Enjoy!!!

Very funny adventures

This book was provided free of charge in exchange for a review.

This is the second book in this series. It happens a number of years after the first book. Garran starts out as if he has learned nothing of self control as an agent and begins with his slap stick adventures in the middle of his stealing secrets and his narrow escape.

He proceeds to rescue the last male member of the royal family and the whole book is the adventures as he tries to take the prince and get assistance from the other kingdoms to overthrow the guild and save the princess who is being forced to marry the puppet of the guild who has been put on the throne.

Through one adventure after the other you think for sure the whole scheme will fall apart as Garran continues to abuse his body and get into ever more dangerous situations.

This is one of the funniest books I have listened to in a very long time. Several times I found myself laughing out loud as it proceeded.

The narration was outstanding and every voice was well articulated.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone (along with book one) who likes a funny adventure of a true anti-hero who does everything wrong, offends everyone and still manages to accomplish his goals.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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dark humour all the way....10/10
very funny in a sick way, in places... worth a read and a listen

Another Awesome Listen

Well I’m truly loving this series of books.

Brock E. Deskins has written yet another gem of a story, as you finish one chapter you are left eager to continue to see what else the hero of the book, Garran, will do next.

Garran aka ‘The Miscreant’ duly named from the title of the first novel has now become an Agent of the Crown. His quest is to help the remaining members of King Remiel’s Royal family seize back power from the Puppet King Gordon, controlled by The Guild, a power hungry trade consortium.

This book will leave you chuckling and smiling at the many antics of Garran, a most delightfully disrespectful and debaucherous rapscallion.

Garran has a totally carefree and lackadaisical attitude towards everything he does. You could even say he is self destructive as he takes advantage of every possible opportunity to drink, fornicate and consume other intoxicating substances, albeit occasionally to his detriment.

He does appear to be flying by the seat of his pants, which at times he is but in reality he is actually a quite cunning and guileful fellow.

His ability to “transcend” a type of out of body experience, certainly comes in handy along with his reaping blades when any physical conflicts arise.

During the adventure Garran constantly leaves a wake of pandemonium and disorder behind him. His comrades are left repeatedly in disbelief at his capers and actions.

I especially enjoyed the interactions between the monastic Prince Adam and crassness of Garran. They left me smiling and laughing and at one point it’s because you just know what is going to happen next before it actually occurs.😂😂
I shan’t say what it is that Garran does because you will instantly realise what I mean when you reach that point in the book.

The narrator, J.S. Arquin again magnificently orates this book he does a superb job of the two lead characters, portraying the youth and flippancy of Garran and the upper class and educated Prince Adam. There are a myriad of other voices that complement the other characters both male and female.

To be honest I can’t wait for the next book next book of Garran’s continuing adventures.

This audio book was requested by myself and provided free by the author
The review I have given is voluntary and solely my opinion of this audiobook, which is completely independent and unbiased.

Stakes are raised for our anti-hero

A number of years have passed since the end of the first book and as the King's road is completed, the Guild executes their plans by killing off the king, most of his heirs and installing a puppet in his place.

One survivor of these killings is Prince Adam, who had been living a monastic life until killers arrived to also finish him off, but luckily for him he is saved by Garran Holt. Garran is now a full agent, but still as deeply a flawed and seemingly self-serving a rogue as he was in the first book.

From this point onwards, we get a fantasy novel version of those odd couple comedies as these two form an unlikely pairing in their quest to take down the Guild and restore Adam's sister to the throne that has been usurped by them. The author seems to enjoy writing for these two characters as their adventures are told in a highly entertaining style with good touches of humour throughout as the two of them clash with each other and with those they encounter along the way.

The narrator did a good job of portraying both Garran and Adam plus the extensive supporting cast in a manner that nicely enhanced the book.

Overall, another strong installment in this series and I can't wait to see where it will go next.

[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]