The Phoenix Guards

By: Steven Brust

Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell

Length: 16 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

Khaavren of the House of Tiassa is a son of landless nobility, possessor of a good sword, and “tolerably well-acquainted with its use.” Along with three loyal friends, he enthusiastically seeks out danger and excitement. But in a realm renowned for repartee and betrayals, where power is as mutable as magic, a young man like Khaavren, newly come from the countryside, had best be wary. His life depends on it. And so does the future of Draegara.

©1991 Steven Brust (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Book One in the history of Dragaera

Inspired by Alexandre Dumas’s historical novels of high adventure Steven Brust takes us into the past history of the world he created, called Dragaera, through the Khaavren series. “The Khaavren series is presented as historical novels written by a fictional character named Paarfi of Roundwood. Paarfi is a Dragaeran presiding in the same time frame as Vlad Taltos. In fact “Tiassa,” the thirteenth book in the Taltos series can be thought of as the sixth book in the Khaavren series. The time frame between the two series is hundreds of years apart but characters can appear in both series since Dragaerans live thousands of years.
“The Phoenix Guards” is book one of the Khaavren Romance series which follows Khaavren of Castlerock; a young Dragaeran from the House of the Tiassa. He and his friends join the Phoenix Guards and set off on a high adventure.
These series of books should be of special interest to those who follow the Taltos series as it gives more background story to some of the more prominent characters of that series. In “The Phoenix Guards” I was especially interested in learning more about Adron e'Kieron, a prominent Dragonlord and father of Aliera e’Kieron, one of the main characters in the Taltos books.
In “The Phoenix Guards,” Steven Brust truly captures the spirit of “The Three Musketeers” written by Alexandre Dumas. Brust ’use of old fashion, intricate, and highly verbose writing is overtly based on Dumas’s style as Steven Brust references in his author’s notes. I found the style of writing a little odd at first, but then really entertaining, if not poetic, once I got used to it.
“The Phoenix Guards” is a strong enough story that can be read-listened to as a stand-alone book; but I believe is much more enjoyable if all of the Taltos series is read first.
Kevin Stillwell, the narrator gives an outstanding performance.

Hands down my favorite audiobook now!

This book, Phoenix Guards, is an homage to The Three Musketeers by Dumas and the romantic writers of that time. I have always loved this book, and the sequel: 500 Years After, because Three Musketeers has been my favorite book since I was a kid.

I had given up hoping that Phoenix Guards would get released on audio, when this came out! Then, I was cautious, because I wasn't sure they would find the right reader.

BEST READER EVER! My husband and I both, spent two days listening to, and laughing out loud in delight at the amazing job that Kevin Stillwell did reading all the different characters! The comedic timing of his pauses - he made a brilliant book BETTER!!!!!

I have already purchased 500 Years After, and can't wait to share it with my husband.

Be aware, that this is written in a very stylized manner = an unusual, non-modern style. I take great delight in it and recommend that you wait and listen to the authors' bios at the end. It will totally make you laugh!

If you aren't familiar with the Vlad Taltos series by Brust, that is OK. Read this if you loved The Three Musketeers. If you are a Brust fan, as I am, you have to buy this now and read it ASAP!

I want to thank Audible Publishing, for doing a brilliant job, and for Kevin Stillwell, who is just a genius!

Simply Brilliant

Burst demonstrates his capabilities as a writer and narrator yet again, but this time with an entirely distinct yet similarly hilarious voice.

Enjoyable throughout with its own share of intrigue as well.

A delightful work of windbagery!

This book is not for everyone. If, however, you are like myself and will read anything pertaining to the universe Brust gifted us within his brilliant Vlad Taltos series this will add much more history and layers to those stories taking place far in the future from this series.
If you have read and enjoyed Tiassa then you will enjoy this as well. Again, Brust entertains with his wit and ability to take things juuust far enough to keep you laughing and smiling even as it threatens become too much - Brust finds a way to get to the point in expert timing and keep you along for the journey.
I really wish that Bernard Setaro Clarke was the narrator for this series. As it is, this is an extremely challenging narrative. I believe Kevin was an excellent choice, and did a fine job, but I must be honest in that I was disappointed that Bernard wasn't available for this series. I appreciate Kevin for bringing them to my ears, though, so I won't say anything more on the matter.

Excellent production -

Brust began writing Draegara novels the year I was born, and I've been reading & revisiting them since my teenage years. This production was as good as the Taltos audiobooks. I'm off to begin the next installment -

Brust one of the best fantasy writers ever

great writing. funny. action. loved. it. I'm never dissapointed with anything Brust creates. try his Vlad Toltos books too

Another Brust

If you're used to Steven Brust's Vlad Taltos series this one will catch you off guard. Brilliant in its execution and a masterful story of the early Dragaerans Brust changes styles on you in the most flowery of ways. I'd recommend this to anyone who's a fan of the genre and nearly demand you get it if you're fan of Brust.

excellent

love the taltos series and this is an outstanding change of scenery and writing style but still enjoying the world I have grown to love.

favorite book

I have loved this book since I first read it as a boy. the language is fun, the characters loveable, and the plot has enough twists and turns to keep you riveted throughout.

Delightful.

I love the writing style of this book. The narrator did a superb job reading and providing the voices. I want more.

Highly Recommended.

I absolutely loved the Khaavren romance series and I heartily recommend the books and especially the audio versions which bring the stories so much more to life.
Also might I add that they are surprisingly touching and warm hearted and beautifully written.

Word Choked Monotony.

I tried to like this book, really I did. The only reason I listened to it for the 30 minutes I made myself suffer, was because of Kevin Stillwell. Mr Stillwell was the best thing about the entire experience. But even his talent for narration couldn't make this over wordy nonsense more enjoyable. I had purchased the rest of this series, (Khaavren Romances), but I will be returning them for something more entertaining. I would definitely purchase other books narrated by Kevin Stillwell, as he is one of my favourite narrators. It is highly unlikely I will waste my time and credits on anything else by Steven Brust. Not to my taste.