The Bleeding Stone

The Spellbinders and the Gunslingers, Book 1

By: Joseph John Lee

Narrated by: RJ Bayley

Length: 16 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

The island nation of Ferranda is the jewel of the Acrarian Kingdom, and its Founder, Aritz a Mata, is revered as a god amongst men. But twenty-five years ago, Aritz was merely a man, a colonizer, an Invader seeking glory and fame in the name of his King and Queen, and Ferranda was a nameless union of indigenous Tribes, reverent of the heightened powers and aptitudes granted to them by their Animal Deities, but sundered by the foreigners claiming their lands to the south.

In the unconquered north, the Stone Tribe has for fifteen years offered a safe haven for the southern Tribes displaced by Aritz's Invaders, whose occupying march north has been ostensibly halted by a dense forest barrier dividing north and south. Among the Stone people lives Sen, an outcast for the circumstances of her birth, preserved in society only by her status as daughter of her Tribe's Chief. Forever relegated to the fringes of society, she is forced to watch as countless of her kin, including her sister and brother, complete their rites of passage into adulthood and accordingly earn their aptitudes by the Deity to whom they share an affinity - the Bear, the Wolf, or the Owl.

Despite this, Sen finds comfort in her life of forced solitude with her close inner circle, but hers is a comfort in days of waning tenuous peace. When Aritz's technologically-advanced forces push north, Sen is thrust into a singular quest to rescue one of her precious few captured in the ensuing struggle. While her goal is earnest - save someone dear to her and prove her worth to her Tribe - her people's goal is far more dire: survival in the face of uncertainty.

©2022 Eclipseborn Publishing (P)2023 Eclipseborn Publishing

Constantly Changing Time Periods

At times I would loss track of what is happening with so much shifting narration from time period to time period. At the beginning was not to bad but became more difficult as the story got more complex. Narrator does a good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.
I Personally will not continue this Series.

Ancient traditions and modern invaders clash!

"The Bleeding Stone" by Joseph John Lee, narrated by RJ Bayley, takes readers on an enchanting journey through the vibrant world of Ferranda, where ancient traditions and modern invaders clash. Lee's captivating storytelling and Bayley's narration make this epic fantasy adventure a joy to read or listen to. With a unique blend of magic, cultural conflict, and personal growth, this book is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts seeking a fresh and engaging tale.

A Slow Fantasy with a Colonizer Trope

The story is told from the perspective of a native tribal culture in retreat from a more technologically advance colonizing civilizations that is an obvious nod how the European powers colonized the Americas. In this case, the “natives” are of course more attuned to nature (Sun Tribe, Wood Tribe, Stone Tribe, et al), with some minor supernatural gifts that are awarded by a special ceremony when they become adults. The invaders primarily use fire arms (flintlocks) which apparently are too advance for the natives to figure out a counter </sacarsm> So yeah … there despite the very interesting premise, there are parts of the world-building that are overly simplistic and tropey. That makes the main driving force behind the story the characters … with the the bad guy a typical arrogant fool and the FMC an emotional wreck … because she was born under the eclipse and should have been “exposed” as a cursed born child.

The bulk of the story focused on developing the extremely dysfunction relationships between the FMC and various members of her tribe (allies and enemies) while highlighting her self-destructive behavior that made her much less appealing over all. There are slowly revealed mysteries that remained largely unexplored (although there is a hint at the end that is really only there to pull you into the sequel). Still, the bones of a pretty good story are there. It loses points for the time jumping across three (3) separate timelines (not a fan) and the really slow (almost nonexistent) and the unsatisfactory (and rushed) ending. It gets credit for a solid narration though making it a decent piece of entertainment.

I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#TheBleedingStone #TheSpellbindersAndTheGunslingers #FreeAudiobookCodes #KindleUnlimited

Historical Fantasy? That's a thing?

"The Bleeding Stone: The Spellbinders and the Gunslingers, Book 1" by Joseph John Lee, narrated by RJ Bayley, is an enthralling audiobook that takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey into a world filled with rich historical fantasy elements, intricate character development, and thought-provoking themes. With its expertly crafted narrative, unique world-building, and compelling characters, this audiobook is a must-listen for fans of slow-burn fantasy and those interested in exploring themes of colonization, exploitation, and the power of resilience.

One of the standout features of this audiobook is its resemblance to historical fantasy. The narrative weaves a captivating story that draws parallels with the colonization of North America, providing listeners with a fresh perspective on the exploitation of native populations and the impact of such historical events. The author, Joseph John Lee, skillfully delves into the theme of 'the victor writes history,' shedding light on the complex dynamics between the invaders and the indigenous tribes.

At the heart of this audiobook lies the world of Ferranda, a beautifully crafted island nation that serves as a backdrop to the unfolding drama. Lee's vivid descriptions and meticulous world-building transport listeners to a realm where animal deities bestow unique abilities upon the tribes. This intricate blend of magic and technology is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, creating a world that feels both fantastical and grounded in reality. It's a testament to Lee's storytelling prowess that these elements feel so natural and integral to the story.

However, the true strength of "The Bleeding Stone" lies in its characters. The audiobook introduces us to Sen, a complex and relatable protagonist who grapples with her status as an outcast due to the circumstances of her birth. The depth of Sen's character is evident in her struggles with self-loathing, and Lee masterfully portrays how this self-destructive behavior impacts her relationships with family and friends. Sen's journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, and listeners will find themselves rooting for her every step of the way.

The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed, adding layers of complexity to the story. The relationships between characters, whether they are friendly or antagonistic, play a crucial role in driving the plot forward. Lee excels in creating characters who feel real and relatable, making it easy for listeners to become emotionally invested in their fates.

The audiobook's narrative structure, while not linear, adds an element of intrigue to the story. The jumps in time and location may initially confuse some listeners, but Lee's careful handling of these transitions, along with the inclusion of dates and locations at the beginning of each chapter, helps to mitigate any confusion. In fact, as listeners acclimate to this non-linear structure, they will come to appreciate how it enriches the storytelling by revealing key moments from the past and future at just the right moments.

A notable aspect of the audiobook is its exploration of magic and the unique dynamics between the tribes and their respective animal deities. The granting of specific abilities based on birth dates adds a layer of complexity to the character interactions. For instance, the clash between two characters blessed by the Bear deity, each with different abilities, results in a compelling and intense showdown. These elements of magic and world-building add depth to the story, making the world of Ferranda feel alive and dynamic.

"The Bleeding Stone" also delves into thought-provoking themes, such as racism and colonialism, which are highly relevant in today's world. Sen's ostracization by her own people due to her birth circumstances serves as a poignant commentary on prejudice and discrimination. The novel lays the foundation for exploring these themes in greater depth in future installments.

"The Bleeding Stone: The Spellbinders and the Gunslingers, Book 1" is a remarkable audiobook that blends historical fantasy with intricate character development and thought-provoking themes. Joseph John Lee's debut novel showcases his talent for crafting a compelling narrative, while RJ Bayley's narration brings the story to life with skill and precision. Whether you're a fan of character-driven stories or looking for a unique take on fantasy, this audiobook is sure to leave a lasting impression. Prepare to be transported to the captivating world of Ferranda, where the echoes of history and the resilience of its people will resonate long after the final chapter. This audiobook is a true gem in the world of fantasy literature, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this remarkable series.

good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall