The Kingmakers

Publisher's Summary

The epic Vampire Empire trilogy rushes to a heart-wrenching conclusion of honor and love, hatred and vengeance, sacrifice and loss. A war to the death. Empress Adele has launched a grand crusade against the vampire clans of the north. Prince Gareth, the vampire lord of Scotland, serves the Equatorian cause, fighting in the bloody trenches of France in his guise as the dashing Greyfriar. But the human armies are pinned down, battered by harsh weather and merciless attacks from vampire packs. To even the odds, Adele unleashes the power of her geomancy, a fearsome weapon capable of slaughtering vampires in vast numbers. However, the power she expends threatens her own life even as she questions the morality of such a weapon. As the war turns ever bloodier and Adele is threatened by betrayal, Gareth faces a terrible choice. Their only hope is a desperate strike against the lord of the vampire clans - Gareth's brother, Cesare. It is a gamble that could win the war or signal the final days of the Greyfriar.

©2012 Clay Griffith, Susan Griffith (P)2014 Buzzy Multimedia Publishing

An adventure to remember

Where does The Kingmakers rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top 5.

Who was your favorite character and why?

That's like asking who is my favorite child. If I have to choose I guess it must be Adele because of how much she has grown over the course of the 3 books. She was always strong willed and independent but loss has had an effect on her and also seeing the results of ill considered actions in general seem to make her plan more and not just fly by the seat of her pants. By the end she is mature as a leader and as a woman.

Which character – as performed by James Marsters – was your favorite?

King Misiri. Probably because Misiri lives life with such gusto.After working on such serious characters it must have been a release to bring the African King to life.

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

Yes.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

JAMES MARSTERS KEPT ME UP ALL NIGHT

Would you listen to The Kingmakers again? Why?

More like WHY WOULD I NOT listen again? First of all, I am a shameless Vampire/Love mixed with Action/War fan. I have seen every episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, read the Twilight books, seen the movies, obsessed over The Vampire Diaries, and called out of work for a week when I bought the True Blood DVD Box set. This is in my entertainment repertoire. The Vampire Empire Series covers all bases and I intend to start from Part One and listen to them all again just to make sure my brain did not miss any details when I was struggling to stay up for "one more chapter" at three in the morning.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Adele. As per norm, Adele had a birthright to rule, which she so stubbornly accepted at the start of the trilogy. Throughout the three books, she adapted and grew into a leader worthy of ruling an empire, even in times of war. She is guarded, politically calculated, and able to make the tough decisions that affect all of the people under her ruling… AND still find time for a love life! I want to be like her when I grow up. Aside from the running a war against Vampires things…

What about James Marsters’s performance did you like?

I may be biased due to my ABSURD crush on James Marsters that started in my elementary school years, but his narration brought the entire story to life. It is one thing to read a book and muster up some kind of image in your head, it's another to have James Marsters in my bedroom at night reading one of my favorite stories and putting on an entire production just for me! Okay - not just for me, but he's so good that it felt that way.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I cried at the end. And some throughout. I cried when I had to leave for work and pause in the middle of a chapter. I WILL SAY NO MORE. I am not one to spoil for those who have not listened yet.

Any additional comments?

I would like for Clay and Susan to write a bonus book for me. And also get with these Buzzy Multimedia people again to have James narrate. Then make movies. Thanks.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Another!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Kingmakers to be better than the print version?

Yes. I'm a big fan of the books, but there's something about hearing them that makes the story come to life. The universe in this trilogy (honestly the selling point for me) is so large and detailed, sometimes it's easy to not get everything when you're just following the plot.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Adele. She's well written, nuanced, and it's always great to see a powerful female character in fantasy. It's been good to see her really come into her own over the course of the series, especially in her relationship with Gareth. It can get a little cloying at times, but overall she's both fascinating AND relatable, and makes for a great main character.

What does James Marsters bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

James Marsters has been a fave of mine since his Buffy days. He has a cool, grounded, charisma that just works beautifully for this. Also he has a fantastic speaking voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I won't write down any spoilers, but Mamoru...just have some tissues ready, that's all I'll say.

Any additional comments?

Honestly? I would like to see the Griffiths go all ou,t expanded universe with this trilogy. If there were companion novels, board games, movies, comic books, etc., I WOULD BUY THEM. It's just that good.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great Ending to a Wonderful Series

The first two books were very well written and narrated. I was concerned the third one would let me down; not so at all. The ending was very satisfying as it tied up all loose ends and I cannot say anymore without spoiling the next dear reader. Suffice it to say, this is good story telling and James Marsters puts his whole heart into his performance. There's enough material in this series for a few seasons of compelling television.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Could've used more angst; Marsters is perfect

Any additional comments?

James Marsters is perfect, as usual, with his performance. His mastery of all the voices and accents is amazing! The story itself could've used a GIANT dose of angst, especially near or at the end. There should've been tears; there weren't. I still enjoyed it, but I think the ending could've been better.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

very touching

thoroughly enjoyed this romeo and juliet style vampire series. my wife will enjoy this also. thanks to the husband and wife authors, and james marsters was awesome as well.

Glad I followed James Marsters to this series!

The Vampire Empire series was well worth the ride.

Steampunk, with or without vampires is not a genre I would have sought out. But I am a James Marsters (narration) fan and followed him here. And I was NOT disappointed!

Well, it's James Marsters...

The story may have flagged in a couple of places, but the narrator sells it. I love his work.

Love it

The book is well written and Jim Marsters does an awesome job in reading the book. He is one of the best readers out there.

What's next?!

I love James Marsters' voice and how ge breathes (no pun intended) life into well-written characters. The story was well crafted, the worlds and characters very engaging.

I look forward to more from both this author team and hearing James continue to be their voices in my ears.

What a brilliant end to the trilogy

This series is one of the best so far..each book got better & better & the kingmaker was the best yet... James Marsters was an excellent choice to narrate..very enjoyable !!

Fantastic the whole way thru

I'm a huge Spike fan and finding James marster doing such a great job made me a much larger James fan