The Infernal City

Elder Scrolls Series #1

By: Greg Keyes

Narrated by: Michael Page

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

Four decades after the Oblivion Crisis, Tamriel is threatened anew by an ancient and all-consuming evil. It is Umbriel, a floating city that casts a terrifying shadow-for wherever it falls, people die and rise again. And it is in Umbriel's shadow that a great adventure begins and a group of unlikely heroes meet. A legendary prince with a secret. A spy on the trail of a vast conspiracy. A mage obsessed with his desire for revenge. And Annaïg, a young girl in whose hands the fate of Tamriel may rest.

©2009 ZeniMax Media Inc. The Elder Scrolls is a registered trademark of ZeniMax Media, Inc. (P)2012 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"This action-based fantasy will find a following among YA and adult gamers." ( Library Journal)

Umbriel is coming

I can tell you as one who has played the Elder Scrolls games regularly, this book left my Tamrielic palate satisfied. It was great to hear references to Oblivion, Skyrim, Argonians, Dark Elfs, Imperials, Kajit, etc etc.

We become farmilar with the main character Annaïg who gets stuck on Umbriel to work in the kitchens. Other plots take shape in accordance to the appearance of a flying city on a straight path of death and destruction towards the Imperial City. The story leaves us wanting more and thankfully, Keyes graces us with a sequel.

The elder scrolls book you didn't know about.

Would you be willing to try another book from Greg Keyes? Why or why not?

Yes .... The book was nothing special but neither was it bad. It's an Elder Scrolls book, which there are a surprising lack of in the day and age of expanded video game universes.

Any additional comments?

This is an easy read. There is nothing special here and the authors only slightly catch the feel of the Elder Scrolls world, however if you are a fan of the games it will give you more of what you like.... Elder Scrolls.

A good read for Elder Scrolls and ESO Fans

Would you try another book from Greg Keyes and/or Michael Page?

Yes

Would you be willing to try another book from Greg Keyes? Why or why not?

Yes, its was a good story.

Which character – as performed by Michael Page – was your favorite?

Hmmmm, not sure but I would say in general he did a good job. Took a little getting used to since I hadn't hear him before but as usual once you get used to him, he sounds fine.

Could you see The Infernal City being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Not really, it would probably be cheesy.

Any additional comments?

This book felt rushed. The story changed very fast at times. I think if the author was given the time, it could have been really good. Or thats my guess. Otherwise they are just bad at transitions? So it is stuck at just good or decent.

It was not what I expected. I expected a generic story with elder scrolls lore. The story was actually fairly unique for a fantasy book. It almost sort of reminded me of gregor the overlander at times. So i liked it for being fairly original.

I am playing skyrim for the second time and can't wait for elder scrolls online game so I decided to listen to the books. I do plan to listen to the next book.

If you like elder scrolls stuff, this is a good read. If not, its an ok read.

Oddly written and ends abruptly.

Giving that it's The Elder Scrolls, I understand how that could be hard to write for, but there's very little character development before you're obviously intended to feel something for some of the characters. without the narrator I don't think I'd have finished this book.

An Exciting Read

I was a little skeptical when I first saw this book. In my experience, novels based on games are little more than poorly hashed head-canons filled with unnecessary adverbs. This one, however, was a pleasant surprise. Keyes managed to fully develop several different characters and give them challenging yet plausible situations. The author's powers of description are perfectly balanced, giving the reader just enough detail without dominating the imagination. The narrator's gritty Dunmer voice took a little getting used to, but after a while it was just another character voice.
I highly suggest it for Elder Scrolls Fans. Though Keyes explains important parts of the lore, I found the experience deepened by my own understanding of the world.
In short, The Infernal City was an exciting and emotionally engaging read. I can't wait to read Lord of Souls!

better stories found elsewhere

as a fan of the elder scrolls games. I thought I would love this. but the story just seems to confusing and too boring to get any enjoyment. with an ending that seems rushed.

Great Elder Scrolls Story and Narration

Would you listen to The Infernal City again? Why?

Greg Keyes writes very well and the Elder Scrolls world is fascinating.

What about Michael Page’s performance did you like?

The narrator does a great job with different voices

Any additional comments?

I've read and listened to the Infernal City, and have found it very fun.

A fun way to dive into Elder Scrolls beyond Skyrim

Filled with lore between the games that really fleshes out the world. I just wish the narrator could decide on one way to pronounce terms.

The ending is incredibly unsatisfying.

There is a lot to like here if you're an Elder Scrolls fan, but that ending made the entire endeavor feel like a waste of time.

ok

I love the elder scrolls world but this book was kind of boring. the extra lore behind events I am already familiar with were pretty cool.