The Silver Coin

The Oaths of Dante, Book 1

By: Mika Mathews

Narrated by: Mark J Royse

Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Dante, orphaned by the endless war of the gods, strives to find power and grace in a cold world. Risking punishment for his attempts, he studies the craft despite being untied to the gods, nobility, priesthood, or any magical bloodline. Rising to great heights despite being low-born is always a risk, but he strives to excel in a world that cares so little for those it deems unimportant. With only one real ally, he is determined to become a force unlike any other.

Hecate, the three-faced Goddess of Magic, is searching for a special soul. One free of burdens, bloodlines, and destiny. She needs it to mold it into a tool that can help soothe the egos of the gods and stem the tide of war on the mortal world. Eager for this soul, she listens early to any call, desperate to fulfill her duty as the Ambassador to the Gods.

Can these two beings, so deeply different, find their peace and path?

©2022 Mika Mathews (P)2023 Mika Mathews

Critic reviews

Recent first-place winner of the Outstanding Creator Award for Myths & Legends / Fairy Tales / Mythical Creatures / Cryptids!

invigorating story

listening to this book felt like diving into a huge, chilly pool, the kind that wakes you right up. dante's journey from nobody to somebody was like watching a tiny seed grow into this massive tree, against all odds. it's inspiring but also made me feel a bit sad for him, bc the world seemed so stacked against him. also there's a lot mysterious and secrets, listening to it was easy i just kept going. it's one of those stories that stick in your head, making you think about it long after you're done. now i'm waiting for the next book of the series.

Immersive adventure

A engrossing tail that keeps you hooked, following each twist and turn.
With rich storytelling and dynamic characters, this book delivers powerful messages throughout.
A must-read for those seeking an immersive adventure filled with hope and courage.

Engaging, Captivating

Dante, orphaned and of “low-born” status, chooses to practice magic and rise to a social standing few of his background have ever successfully done. Chosen by Hecate, the goddess of Magic, Dante must make decisions and reach his potential much quicker. Some wish him failure!

The author, Mika Mathews, delivers a captivating narrative filled with significant plot twists and interesting characters. A captivating adventure that features both action and magical elements that immediately engage and captivate the listener. Watching the growth and evolution of Dante was intriguing. Mika Mathews developed each character gradually and with a deliberate pace that made the story of Dante and Hecate even more gripping. It was interesting to watch two intrinsically different characters strive for the same thing – inner peace.

The narrator, Mark J Royse delivers a captivating performance giving each character their own sound while also accurately projecting their essence vividly. Using a steady delivery pace with intentional pauses, Royse delivers a solid performance. I enjoyed experiencing the book through his performance.

This is an engaging listening experience that I highly recommend!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

High Fantasy Mythology

I've always loved modernized mythology retellings, and this one fits the bill. Following Dante's journey and character growth is absorbing, and how his destiny mingles with Hecate's purposes makes this story difficult to tear away from. I recommend this book to anyone who loves the genre.

Great audiobook

Dante's journey in this audiobook is a captivating tale that beautifully weaves together the elements of high fantasy and mythology. As an orphan in a world torn by the gods' war, Dante's struggle and determination to rise above his station and master the craft of magic, despite having no ties to the gods or magical bloodlines, is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The addition of Hecate, the three-faced Goddess of Magic, searching for a special soul to become a tool for peace, adds a profound depth to the narrative. Their paths cross in an unexpected yet inevitable way, highlighting themes of destiny, power, and the search for one's place in the world. The audiobook brings these characters to life with vivid detail and emotion, making it hard to pause. For lovers of mythology retellings and high fantasy, this story is a compelling listen that offers a fresh perspective on the genre.

A Tale of Gods and Mortals

As a fan of modernized mythology retellings, I found myself utterly absorbed in Dante's character growth and the intricate web of fate that entwines him with Hecate's grand designs. This is a story that is impossible to put down, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who shares my love for the genre.