• The Codex of Her Scars (Sorcerers' Isle, Book 1)

  • By: Derek Prior
  • Narrated by: Steven Pacey
  • Length: 14 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (152 ratings)

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The Codex of Her Scars (Sorcerers' Isle, Book 1)

By: Derek Prior
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
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Publisher's summary

"Even the broken will fight"

From the number one best-selling author of Legends of the Nameless Dwarf (fantasy book of the year 2012)

Centuries ago, the Isle of Branikdür was mysteriously abandoned by the ruling Hélum Empire. Ever since, rival clans have battled for supremacy at the bidding of their sacred sorcerers.

During the once-a-year armistice for the Festival of Proving, the gifted warrior Snaith Harrow aims to leave his mark in the fight circles before marrying his childhood sweetheart. But following a freak accident, he discovers a terrible secret about the girl he loves.

Tey Moonshine is a daughter of suffering, and she has fallen prey to the things that stalk the netherworld. Under the influence of a demon that hides within her marrow, she gouges a magical codex into her flesh, believing it will make her the greatest sorcerer the isle has ever known.

Maimed from his accident and no longer able to fight, Snaith is apprenticed to the clan sorcerer, Theurig, and Tey is sent away from the village.

As Snaith is thrust headlong into a sorcerer's world of misdirection and control, Tey must master the darkness that possesses her if she is to stand together with him against the coming storm.

For the ripples of forbidden magic have roused the sleeping might of the Hélum Empire.

War is coming.

A war the clans can never win.

And the fate of Branikdür lies in the hands of a warrior turned wizard and a deranged girl who grows more deadly by the day.

Sorcerers' Isle is a shocking tale of dark fantasy from international best-selling author D. P. Prior.

©2017 D. P. Prior (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about The Codex of Her Scars (Sorcerers' Isle, Book 1)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best book I’ve listened to since I finished Joe Aberceombie

In my opinion there is no one better at narration of these kinds of fantasy then Steven Pacey. Sorcerers’ Isle, with Pacey just put D.P. Prior up a step or five, loved it.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic story and narration

Carnifex was the first fantasy novel I read. I’ve been a fan of D.P. Priors writing every since. One chapter into Sorcerer’s Isle and immediately I knew I would be taking the longer route home and to work for the foreseeable future. Just to listen a little longer. D.P. Prior’s writing and Steven Pacey’s narration has been a flawless combination thus far. I’ll update my review when I finish the novel.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting start to a new series

So the main thing that made me want to check this out was that Steven Pacey narrated it. I'm a huge fan of Joe Abercrombie's First Law series and all his stand alone books, and Pacey's narration was phenomenal. Hands down the best audio book narration I've ever heard.

That being said, I'll start with the narration. I don't know if it's the characters here, or if Pacey just wasn't into this story as much as he was First Law (and I don't blame him for that), but his narration here didn't live up to my expectations. In First Law he put so much emotion into every character, even side characters that didn't stick around long. While he is definitely above par in this book, I just don't feel that much emotion. He still does an excellent job at differentiating the characters by giving each one a unique voice. He also does this weird, tongue smacking sound through the whole book that got very annoying. Like he had too much saliva in his mouth, or perhaps he had dry mouth... by you could clearly hear a smacking, clicking sound, especially his voice for Theurig (forgive the spelling if it's wrong). Still though, he did give a great performance compared to any other narrator, just not up to his normal work. And I've listened to about 9 Pacey narrated books.

Now, onto the story itself. As others have said, it is pretty dark and dreary so if that's not your thing then don't even bother with this book. I personally love f*cked up, disturbing and dark books. There wasn't a single likable or really even sympathetic character in the book. Tey Moonshine was by far the most interesting, but not likable, so if you have to connect with or fall in love with someone in the books you read, again, stay away. Snaith Harrow was a bit bland and boring, like pretty much every other character. The book reads from the points of view of Snaith and Tey, alternating between the two each chapter. I found myself hoping the Snaith chapters would be over pretty quick to get to the Tey chapter, because Snaiths just weren't that interesting to me. Which is a pretty bad thing considering Snaith is 50% of the main character and takes up about half the entire book. And I absolutely hated Theurig, the sorcerer that's teaching Snaith. The world building isn't great but the magic system is really interesting, especially in regards to how Tey uses magic.

The book drags along at the beginning, setting up the plot, but it really picks up in the last quarter of the book. It felt like it ended somewhat abruptly and definitely ends in a cliffhanger, leaving you waiting for the sequel. I'll pick up the second book because the world itself is pretty interesting and I want to see how Tey progresses and evolves, and what happens to a certain "something" that's living inside her. I just hope the pace is amped up a little in the second book, as well as the action. And Prior really needs to work on introducing a few more interesting characters, and maybe even at least one likable one.

Sorry this review is very disjointed and "rambly". It's 8:30 am and I haven't been to sleep yet,

I'll end with saying this. I do recommend reading this book. If you find yourself getting a little bored with it, keep in mind that it does get better a little over halfway through, and I do think the second book has the potential to be really good. Steven Paceys narration is still better than 99% of other narrators out there so that's definitely a plus.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Dark but entertaining

A story steeped in untold mysteries, filled with charlatan sorcerers, ineffectual war lords and two very eventful young sorcerer apprentices. At times the story touches on S&M territory but does not glorify in it. Rather, its use is mostly a means to an end. There are plenty of twists, betrayals and surprises throughout.

I marked it down one star when, near the end, found out that this was only one of a series and fault Audible for not indicating that in the cataloged listing. Mostly since I had been expecting a completed story and, instead, was a bit upset to find that that it was not the case.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story with perfect narration.

Sorcerer’s Isle is a fantastically dark and macabre fantasy story set on the island of Branickdür. A place where magic, and superstition rule. It follows Snaith Harrow and Tey Moonshine, two semi-protagonists who are both damaged physically and mentally. It’s a disgustingly dark tale that t wraps you in it’s web, and holds you till the end.

The narration by Mr. Steven Pacey is second to none. No matter the character he imbues the perfect amount of emotion. Though I must say that my favorite performance he gives in this story is for Theurig. I highly recommend you buy this book, and take a look into the darkness.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Well read

Loved the reading. The writing was different in a good way. You can tell the author did their research on martial arts.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic dark fantasy

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

Definitely. Although it's dark, it's brilliant fantasy. It subverts all of the stereotypes.

What did you like best about this story?

Tey was freaky but compelling.

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

No, this is the first Pacey audio book I've listened to. I loved all the different voices he came up with.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, definitely.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for book two!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Dark and Gritty

The Codex of Her Scars starts out with a boy and girl from a small village who plan to one day wed and spend their life together. The village is controlled by a sorcerer who's strict laws are determined by his vision from their god. After a tragic event, the couple find out that nothing in their world is what it seemed, and the story takes a dark turn.

I had not previously heard of D.P. Prior, and I purchased this book because of the narrator Steven Pacey. He did not disappoint, providing a wonderful performance. The story itself was dark and gritty, and sometimes a bit cringeworthy. But overall I enjoyed very much. Looking forward to the next book.

Just a note: I purchased this book with the title Sorcerers' Isle. About halfway through the title and book cover changed to The Codex of Her Scars (Sorcerers' Isle, Book 1). If you are confused about the two books, the author states that it is the exact same book in text. Not sure of why there was a name change.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Great Listen

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, and found it intriguing. A dark tale of coming age in a world full of superstition. The fates seem to conspire against the two main characters, childhood friends, and destined to be spouses. As war approaches, they may be the only hope for survival of their clans. A suspenseful and fast moving tale, with so many twists it is hard to keep up at times. The characters are strange and unique making it well worth listening too.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

a great start!

i already live derek prior and steven pacey and the dark style of fantasy so this is all of that, but it's just the start of a new epic. we met the characters we get a few twists and we are setup for some bigger events. say one thing for codex, says it's not the first law, but it's pretty good so far.

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