The Crimson Queen

By: Alec Hutson

Narrated by: Guy Williams

Length: 16 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Long ago the world fell into twilight, when the great empires of old consumed each other in sorcerous cataclysms. In the south the Star Towers fell, swallowed by the sea, while the black glaciers descended upon the northern holdfasts, entombing the cities of Min-Ceruth in ice and sorcery. Then from the ancient empire of Menekar the paladins of Ama came, putting every surviving sorcerer to the sword and cleansing their taint from the land for the radiant glory of their lord.

The pulse of magic slowed, fading like the heartbeat of a dying man.

But after a thousand years it has begun to quicken again.

In a small fishing village a boy with strange powers comes of age....

A young queen rises in the west, fanning the long-smoldering embers of magic into a blaze once more....

Something of great importance is stolen - or freed - from the mysterious Empire of Swords and Flowers....

And the immortals who survived the ancient cataclysms bestir themselves, casting about for why the world is suddenly changing....

©2016 Alec Hutson (P)2017 Alec Hutson

Top ranking enjoyable fantasy

brilliantly narrated by Guy Williams. Recommended for lovers of fantasy all ages, hopefully 16 year old Kaden becomes more gutsy

Great story

I loved this book. It took a couple of chapters to get familiar with all the characters, but after I Did, I couldn't stop listening. I hope there is a sequel in the works.

You should read this book.

Well-written, good story. Looking forward to the next one.
Best narration I have heard yet on an Audible book.

Good book, but boring narrator.

I really enjoyed the story, but not the narrator. I think I would have like it more had I read it myself.

Awesome sauce

Can't believe this is his first book. Great story and character building so far. Pumped for the next one

Slow start. Strong finish

Overall a good listen. The narrator is amazing, but the story takes a long time to get going. After about halfway through the book I was hooked, and the finish was really well written. Going to listen to the second in the trilogy now

Stop what you are doing and read this.

That's how I was drawn into reading this title. I was on the website of an author I enjoy, and he had written a review on this book. He said "If you have not read Crimson Queen yet, then stop what you are doing, do yourself a favor and read this book." I took his advice and was not disappointed. People that are leaving this title negative reviews baffle me. I have a degree in literature and writing, and go through about a novel a week, and this was one of my favorite titles of 2017. A true epic, multiple viewpoints, all sewn together well in the end. Beautifully done. I have been checking every couple of months for the sequel to come out and now that is has I cannot be happier. READ THIS BOOK!

Really enjoyed this

The first part of the novel comes across as a coming-of-age story in a kingdom that has a religious fanaticism to purge all people who displayed any signs of sorcery. Alec Hutson does an excellent job in keeping the major players identities and motivations hidden or not fully known for two thirds of the book while continuing to add more context and secondary and tertiary characters as the story continues. There are several references to the Crimson Queen and she does eventually play a critical role, however, not much backstory is provided on her even as her story arc finally becomes known.

While I enjoyed this book, I felt at times the author spend an inordinate amount of time on mundane matters of environment, clothing, dining, &c. which tended to slow the tempo of the story.

Guy Williams did a superb job narrating and was very good at differentiating the various gender roles along with distinctive accents for regional characters.

Onto book 2.

Great Story

I was seeking for Grimdark fantasy I came across the Crimson Queen after a YouTube review very satisfying story and plot it leaves you wanting more No spoiler but would love to know if some of the characters will be return. Well worth the credit

same ol'

nothing you haven't read before. coming of age, powerful magic etc etc. I found myself noticing the lacklustre choice of words and feeling disappointed.