The Family Pride

The Zero Enigma, Book 6

By: Christopher G. Nuttall

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's Summary

Six years ago, in the aftermath of the House War that nearly tore Shallot apart, Akin Rubén and Caitlyn Aguirre were betrothed in a bid to keep their rival families from returning to war.

Now, with both of them on the brink of maturity, that marriage is starting to loom. The moment of choice, when they must decide to go through with the wedding or risk their families resuming their rivalry, is fast approaching.

And yet, all is not well in House Rubén. Akin, the presumed Heir Primus, has many enemies; relatives who will do anything rather than see him succeed his father and link their families to their former rivals. Powerful factions are gathering, ready to oppose the match by any means necessary. Secrets from the past are being dug up and turned into weapons, just waiting to be launched. In desperation, Lord Rubén - Akin’s father - forces his son to enter the Challenge; a contest that will either prove his right to inherit or utterly destroy him.

But the Challenge is not quite what it seems....

©2020 Christopher G. Nuttall (P)2020 Podium Audio

Utterly engrossing series...and a great part of it

Another great entry in the Zero Enigma series, which is my favourite by the author. The perspective from Akin made it especially appealing. Very well-plotted, and excellent character development. The afterword by the author was intriguing. The interludes with Isabella and Cat were great moments, and the way in which he included Alana--spot on!

Upon re-reading, I have raised my rating to five stars. It's really an utterly engrossing series.

Not as good

I have grown to really love this author’s books. This series is pretty good, not as good as schooled in magic but still his writing is solid. This story however was really boring to me. The character has very little personality, I feel like it’s basically Harry Potter preparing for his first quidditch match but without a more important plot play out out beside it. The plot is kinda lost because the characters are so forgettable. I will continue on with the series because I have faith in Christopher G Nuttall but yeah this book is not representative of the author’s ability.

While this is a side story it's a good one

While this is a side story it's a good one that sets us up for what is to happen in the next story in the series Showing us the strength and weaknesses of the governing systems and setting things up so we understand just how serious things are getting for the poor and downtrodden as well as the effects on those who are allowed to stand near the seats of power but have no power themselves and making us know that there will be a reckoning and showing us potential players in that situation

Good to see a different point of view

I'm enjoying this series partly because it shows the world from a series of interlocking character points of view, which lets me see the world and the characters from different viewpoints. This one was a male point of view, with Kay's betrothed being forced into leadership positions he doesn't want and struggling to make those positions work.

Great book in a great series.

This is a great series that I think should get moved to the big screen.

Feckless protagonist

Akin, our hero, really has nothing going for him. He doesn't seem to like people and can hardly engage in conversation: it's painful to listen to. Given everything in life, he wallows in self-pity.

This is our author's fault; there is no joy in the worlds he creates and his characters seem exasperated beyond belief at everyone surrounding them, so every conversation is laced with hostility and tension. While friends exist, they don't engage in friendly conversation and it's hard to see why they like each other. Frankly, his books leave me feeling a bit depressed.

Another excellent book by Christopher Nuttall

Any book by Christopher Nuttall is awesome. this one had all the makings of a classic. The protagonist has to make his way through a field of landmines both social and physical making mistakes and correcting for them trying to find people who he can trust and sort out the people he can't. by acting honorably and doing the right thing using ingenuity, intellect and tenacity our heroes are finally able to win the day.

Excellent

Just brilliant, I love this series. I listen to it over and over. Great escapism