The High King of Montival

A Novel of the Change

By: S. M. Stirling

Narrated by: Todd McLaren

In The Sword of the Lady, Rudi Mackenzie's destiny was determined. Now he returns to Montival in the Pacific Northwest, where he will face the legions of the Prophet. To achieve victory, Rudi must assemble a coalition of those who had been his enemies a few months before and forge them into an army that will rescue his homeland. Only then will Rudi be able to come to terms with how the Sword has changed him, as well as the world, and assume his place as Artos, High King of Montival.

©2010 S.M. Sterling (P)2010 Tantor

Too repetitious

Kept hearing the same dialogue over and over. A rehash of previous books in Series.

An action packed addition to the series

It appears that S M Stirling enjoys writing fighting sequences over all else. And he does it well. This narrator also keeps the action flowing. This addition to the series is as full of action as the others. It will bring you back to the time and place we left when A MEETING AT CORVALLIS finished. This book is primarily about Rudy and his stalwart band and the mission that takes them across the country and back. IT IS NOT A STAND ALONE BOOK. It will mean nothing to you if you haven't read the previous three. It is an enjoyable read. It is a pity we will have to wait about a year for the next book. I gave it 4 stars because it does sacrafice character for action. And we have very little here on those left back home. However, if you like the series, you will enjoy this book.

The High Kind of Montival

Good follow-up to last book. The end was kind of a rush. it was obvious that we were being set up for the next book. I have listened to the entire series, often keeps you on the edge. I drive for a living I have come home at night and sat in the car in the drive listening to the end of a chapter. A never ending keep your eyes open book for the next critical point... will look for the next book. Hope I do not have to wait so long.

A very gripping story

I have thoroughly enjoyed the series so far. I burnt through every booked up until here over the last 3 months. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking at the book, or the series. Or even just something to pick up to kill time.

Love the series ... but I need a Life

If you could sum up The High King of Montival in three words, what would they be?

Great, Exciting but Unending

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I need a Life! Isaac Asimov wrote the original Foundation series in three relatively brief books. The total of the words Asimov used for the entire series is less than that of ONE Stirling Emberverse book. Later, when Asimov became "famous" and had no editorial restrictions ...his books on the Foundation became bloated.As I reached the 4th book in the Emberverse series ... I began to note that the gripping battle scenes and the details of each book began to be repetitious. Wonderful characters, great premise and plotting ... but it is being strung out. Why? Just for more books?'After the seventh book . "High King of Montival".. which was enjoyable, but drawn out ... , I decided not to plough on. I will probably read/listen to the Nantucket series which only is three books.

What about Todd McLaren’s performance did you like?

I was raised when Radio was the predominate media and I love audio books and radio shows.I've probably listened to approximately 800 to 1000 books since "Books on Tape" were introduced in 1975. (Doing about one book a week from Audible now.)Todd McLaren's performance is in the top 5 of the all the performances I've listened to. His mastery of the many dialects and languages, his acting out of many diverse characters and his command of the "audio stage" is very impressive.You don't "listen" to his performance ... you ARE are in the scene in three dimensions and surround sound. You are living the scene.

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

At 23 hours ... I don't think so.