The Collar and the Cavvarach

Krillonian Chronicles, Book 1

By: Annie Douglass Lima

Narrated by: Joseph Baltz

Bensin, a teenage slave and martial artist, is desperate to see his little sister freed. But only victory in the Krillonian Empire's most prestigious tournament will allow him to secretly arrange for Ellie's escape. Dangerous people are closing in on her, however, and Bensin is running out of time.

With his one hope fading quickly away, how can Bensin save Ellie from a life of slavery and abuse?

©2015 Annie Douglass Lima (P)2020 Annie Douglass Lima

The fight for pride and freedom

Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Narrated brilliantly by Joseph Baltz, brings this poignant and harrowing tale of Bensin, a teenage slave determined at any cost to keep his sister Ellie out of slavery and get her to freedom. What it earns him is being separated from Ellie and sold to a man who has struggled with the existence of slavery. From his owner and coach of the Cavvarch martial arts discipline, Bensin truly finds the love of the sport and the way to get this sister free by wining in the harsh tournament ring; even if Bensin has to secretly betray the trust and pride of his coach. And just when things look better for both siblings, Ellie is snatched and Bensin will do whatever it takes to get this sister back, even if he had to finally come clean to the man who owns his life... desperately hoping his coach might be willing to make Ellie free and adopt her. For Bensin, the biggest fights against dangerous thugs and his ultimate tournament enemy determine the fate of everything in grand fashion. A gorgeous and intense series begins, highly recommended.

Martial arts and slavery in a YA adventure

Annie Douglass Lima weaves an engrossing tale about a slave boy who competes in martial arts tournaments to try to win the freedom of his sister, who is also a slave. The story seems like it might have taken place now, with references to cell phones and healthy smoothies, but the theme of slavery gives the listener pause for somber reflection. The narration is engaging and keeps one's attention, making the audiobook seem shorter than its 12-hour duration.

Looking for cavvarashil lessons

Tears welled up in me, and not just when I learned that cavvarashil is fictional! This story is poignant and timely, dealing with important topics in an engaging plot, worth the time for both adult and young readers.

What a great story

This was an amazing story. Amazing characters that draw you into the story. It is heart wrenching at times and then will make you furious in the next moment. I don't think the description does the story justice. It is about Bensins desire to save his sister Ellie from a life of slavery but it is also so much more than that.
Bensin & his sister Ellie have always been slaves. So far Bensin has a collar but Ellie does not. Their owners are not very nice, always lashing Bensin & just being mean all the time. Bensin decides that they should try to escape. But they get caught by a watch officer. So his owners decide to sell him. That is where Steene Mavvins enters the life of Bensin & Ellie. Steene buys Bensin because of his amazing cavvara shil abilities thinking he can train the boy to become a champion & also hire him out to make extra money. Bensin soon discovers that Steene is much nicer than his previous owner but still doesn't tell him about Ellie. Steene has never owned a slave before or had children so he has a lot to learn. Bensin works hard & Excells in his cavvara shil. He even makes friends with officer Sheego who arrested him after his attempt to escape. Bensin has one obstacle standing in his way of winning the tournament and that is Jayce. He is a spoiled rich brat who will do anything to stop Bensin from beating him, including cheating.
The narrator did a phenomenal job with all the voices and made the story even better. Very talented. A great story that you will devour immediately. I can't wait for book 2.

Great narration of the first book

I love this series. I read books 2 and 3 then book 1, but listening to this audible, was wonderful. I picked up nuances that I hadn't remembered while reading the ebook. Well done. Great action and adventure.