• The First Blade of Ostia

  • A Society of the Sword Prequel
  • By: Duncan M. Hamilton
  • Narrated by: Derek Perkins
  • Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (499 ratings)

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The First Blade of Ostia  By  cover art

The First Blade of Ostia

By: Duncan M. Hamilton
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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Publisher's summary

The “First Blade of Ostia” is an accolade few will achieve. In Ostenheim, a city obsessed with duelling, it is one that nobody forgets.

Bryn’s earliest memory is of watching duels in the arena. His earliest dream is of taking his place there.

Amero dal Moreno has no dreams. His life has been about fulfilling the expectations of others. In search of a path of his own, the dreams of others are too tempting to resist.

After years of sacrifice and hard work, Bryn Pendollo is finally a professional duellist. Becoming the First Blade of Ostia no longer seems the childish fantasy it once did. To find the man standing in his way is also his best friend will test him in ways he would never have believed.

The First Blade of Ostia is a standalone swashbuckling fantasy adventure novel set in the Middle Sea World of the Society of the Sword Trilogy.

©2014 Duncan M. Hamilton (P)2019 Podium Publishing

What listeners say about The First Blade of Ostia

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I like it.

I really enjoyed the first trilogy and this prequel didn’t disappoint. It, as a relevant prequel should, enhanced the original work with subtle nods and explanations that help understating the common Characters.

Fun adventure that I really enjoyed.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Real fantasy

Great characters and and a plot that kept me guessing. Looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks Duncan, Derek and team for an entertaining 10 hours.

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2 people found this helpful

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  • 09-21-19

Great book, I lived my headphones on for two days.

I pre-ordered both Joe Abercrombies new book “A Little Hatred” and bought Duncan Hamilton’s new book, They both hit my library this week. I decided to listen to First Blade of Ostia first.

The highest compliment I can give is that I was sorry when First Blade of Ostia was over, and I had to move on to the latest Abercrombie book.

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5 people found this helpful

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Great Prequel

Great prequel overall, an interesting story and progression for Brynn (I apologize in advance for spelling, I've been listening to the Audio Books at work so I'll have to sound them out) and a great origin story for the antagonist of the main series - makes you hate him even more but gives his inhumane apathy and borderline sociopathic tendencies a bit of background and explanation. I'd suggest the starwars approach though, if you havent read the main series yet listen
to this after as it will spoil a bit of the suspense

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A great underdog story

A little different. The story is a little more laid back. But you'll still be waiting for what comes next.

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stunning

thank you , thank you
I love reading your books. I love how you give back ground to your characters. just another awesome addition. thank you

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My new favorite author

Book was excellent in every way. Character development chief among them. I look forward to listening to the series that follows.

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Wonderful story

I like how he overcame the need for revenge to just be a better person

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Loved it

Stayed awake all night to finish..

If you also loved the following books you will like this book too!
1) The Eye of the World
2) The Name of the Wind
3) The Warded Man

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9 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

An improvement on Society of Swords

First Blade is a bit derivative of the subsequent Society of Swords trilogy; there is a feeling of "this again..?" However, First Blade is in large part an improvement, particularly in pacing and focus. While the "moral to the story" might be a bit heavy-handed, the book's final outcome is not cliched nor predictable, even to those familiar with the trilogy. Overall, I enjoyed First Blade more than the subsequent trilogy.

Spoiler alert: I'd like a better explanation of what made the chief villain a sociopath. Overuse of magic, perhaps? He's first introduced as only a rogue before becoming more obviously evil.

Perkins' voicework was excellent as usual.

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2 people found this helpful