The Bastard: Book 1

By: Jack Porter

Narrated by: Austin Walp

Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

Rule number one: Make your own damn rules. 

I was a bit of a rogue, picking pockets and seducing women, without a care for the future. Now, with the aid of a beautiful enchantress and a pet rat dragon, I'm out for revenge. 

Trouble is, my target is one of the most powerful, ruthless men in the city. But what he doesn't know is that I'm no longer playing by his rules. 

I'm playing by my own. No matter what dark, hidden secrets I uncover in the process. 

The Bastard is the story of Mordie, a hero with a more flexible sense of morality than most. It is set in a Camelot that never existed, and is a tale of swords, secrets, magic, revenge, betrayal, and even a dragon or two.

Please note: The story contains harem elements, nudity, and sex between the hero (if hero is the right word) and multiple partners, all of whom are willing and comfortable with the idea of nontraditional relationships.

©2019, 2020 Jack Porter (P)2020 Jack Porter

Surprisingly good listen!

The story synopsis for this book had a warning that was neither heeded (by me) nor, in my opinion, warranted. While there were some episodes that leaned towards the salacious, as written they were harmless (most of the bad stuff happened in your head.)

That being said, wow, was this ever a good story. I loved every minute of it!

The bastard, Mordie, is rightly named. He gets himself into a ton of trouble in the opening paragraphs and spends the rest of the book avenging and then righting the wrongs. We have some magical potions, a little of the cheek of the Princess Bride, and a rat dragon (Yup, not a real dragon. The rat version.) I finished the book in one listen.

I love the narration and everything else about this book. It sets up rather nicely for the second book in the series. I'm in!!

A fresh look at the Author Legend

Mordie was just another guy trying to get by in a tough world. Okay, maybe there was a little something different but he could never say what it was until the day he took a stand against the way things always worked and was hung for his good deed. But failing to make sure he was dead was their first and biggest mistake because now he's found the one thing he never had. A Purpose. Excellent story, lots of action, and heat. This may be one time when it's not good to be the king. Reminded me a bit of Ambercrombie with a touch more hope. I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Not your dad's Camelot

. New take on the arthurian world.
Erotica and magic with a splash of violence.
Enjoyed the narrator!

The flip-side of the Round Table

So, if you turn a round table upside-down how different does it look? If I mean literally then not so much, but what if you turn the Arthurian legend on its head? Now things look a little different! (BTW there is no actual round table here, at least not in book 1; just thought I should mention that.)

I loved the way the story played out, incorporating a little piece of the legend here and there until you have a full picture. World-building, even in one that is familiar, is important in fantasy. The story itself is short but well-told. There is a beginning, middle, and end to this tale but obviously leaves much more for the next book. (I absolutely hate it when you have to read 10 books to get a full story - each story should stand on its own while building toward more.)

While I was unfamiliar with the narrator I would highly recommend him. All of the characters stood out with their own voice and the action was stand-out (for a first-person book adding the emotion to the moment as it occurs is a must). As for the "other" action, the scenes were not too explicit, though they did feel a bit forced at times, though the reason for being present definitely fit the character of Mordie.

Overall this is a good first offering. The story is a basic revenge plot but the world-building, story setup, and twist on a traditional myth leaves you wanting more when you are finished. I look forward to seeing what is to come.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Really good

Really enjoyed is book it was like an adult Aladdin mixed with The Count of Monte Cristo.

Meh story, odd performance

The story jist isn't compelling and the dialogue is rather weak and sometimes awkward. I like the narrator's voice but his cadence is robotic, he pauses in weird spots

the ending sucks

all that build up and ending is such a let down and stupid and out of character and poorly established. ugh. I'm out.

Good Start to a New Series

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

I found the story to be interesting, the main character isn’t exactly likable but it has a slow move towards redemption as the book goes along. Being the first in a series, there is a lot of groundwork established early on, but I found it enjoyable. I’ll definitely tune back in for the next book when it’s released.

Narration was quite strong, and helped draw me into the story, Sound quality was good.

The Bastard book 1

This is a great suspenseful book and sexual pages I am so excited and looking forward to book 2

Camelot twisted....

A refreshing new twist on Camelot. I thoroughly enjoyed this new take on it. From Morty to the aging Lancelot the story was fantastic! Can hardly wait for Book #2 to be released!!!
I was given this free copy audiobook ay my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Good read

I enjoy this version , refreshing. Narrator easy to listen to and understand. Look forward the book 2.

enjoy first part

really good set up to what is going to be a great series. enjoy the character development happening in a play by play scene by scene. looking forward to book 2