The Sorcery Code: Volume 1

A Fantasy Novel of Magic, Romance, Danger, and Intrigue

By: Dima Zales, Anna Zaires

Narrated by: Emily Durante

Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

Once a respected member of the Sorcerer Council and now an outcast, Blaise has spent the last year of his life working on a special magical object. The goal is to allow anyone to do magic, not just the sorcerer elite. The outcome of his quest is unlike anything he could've ever imagined - because, instead of an object, he creates Her. 

She is Gala, and she is anything but inanimate. Born in the Spell Realm, she is beautiful and highly intelligent - and nobody knows what she's capable of. She will do anything to experience the world...even leave the man she is beginning to fall for. 

Augusta, a powerful sorceress and Blaise's former fiance, sees Blaise's deed as the ultimate hubris and Gala as an abomination that must be destroyed. In her quest to save the human race, Augusta will forge new alliances, becoming tangled in a web of intrigue that stretches further than any of them suspect. She may even have to turn to her new lover Barson, a ruthless warrior who might have an agenda of his own...

©2013 Dima Zales (P)2013 Dima Zales

I'm Looking For Volume 2 Already

What did you love best about The Sorcery Code: Volume 1?

What I love best about The Sorcery Code: Volume 1 is the different series of events that occur through out the book. Never once was I stuck and not knowing what was going on or just board trying to rush through the book. Then as I am listening to this audio book the picture appear in my head so clear because there was so much detail and very precise with everything that it was like watching a movie in your mind. The imagery is this book is very amazing.

What other book might you compare The Sorcery Code: Volume 1 to and why?

I would compare The Sorcery Code: Volume 1 to The Dream Hunter by: Sherrilyn Kenyon, because both are along the fantasy line, also they both incorporate the dream world along with their initial story line. That is there common ground. With The Sorcery Code: Volume 1 being told on dry land and The Dream Hunter told on water adds to the perspective look at everything which would be one of their many differences. I find that amazing and very appealing, being a person that looks for all the different experiences from different authors in different books. It's always better hearing more than one type of opinion and thought life about certain things especially when the author almost has the freedom of just letting it all be reviled through the story.

What about Emily Durante’s performance did you like?

Emily Durante's performance was very spectacular. She didn't have the voice that would put you to sleep from listening to it for a long period of time. She keep you interested with her narration and all the voices that she did to make sure that you new the differences in characters. She read at a very good pace so that your hearing kept up with your mind.

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

I would listen to this book all in one sitting if I had the time to just focus on this book alone with out any distractions. This book was packed with a lot of mind piquing events and thoughts that were never to much that you got board or over whelmed.

Any additional comments?

To all true book readers and people that like to get lost in the book, this is a book that should be include in your library of books. Never a dull moment.

A couple of words

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Honestly, I would. It is a very good fantasy story that easily captures your attention, it uses an easygoing language (I am from Romania and I had no effort whatsoever understanding the books' lines) and the story evolved step by step, slowly being more and more immersive untill the moment that you are just sucked in. Can't wait for volume 2!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Sorcery Code: Volume 1?

Trying to avoid to make too much of a spoiler, I will refer to the starting part of the book. I am still surprised about the way Gala appeared in the story, and the way she absorbed every bit of information around her.

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

She uses a tender voice that gives you the comfort to calmly enjoy this audiobook, but not in a boring way so you would fall asleep after a while. She knows how to maintain the ballance and she slightly changes her voice tone enough so you can easily find out when a different character is speaking.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Magic isn't something to fiddle with.

Any additional comments?

Just waiting too see how the second volume will be!

Enthralling Read

The book, The Sorcery Code, is a very intriguing and enthralling story. One of the best parts of the book is the beginning/introduction since that sets the pace and sequence of events that the entire story follows throughout. The narrator, Emily Durante, did a great job reading. She has a natural ability of keeping the listeners captivated and anticipating the next scene. Listening to this masterpiece, I was in awe sheer as it had so many compelling scenes as well as the clear attention to detail of each scene that was evident in the narration of the story. This is one audiobook worth listening to – whether you listen to it in one reading or in sessions, you are still able to capture the essence of the characters and their world. I would most certainly listen to the book once more, perhaps in sessions this time, and will certainly read and listen to the next volume.

Loved this story!

The Sorcery Code by Dima Zales and Anna Zaires
This book was very enjoyable from the opening line until the last sentence, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. The world that these authors have created is very elaborate, and they have done an excellent job of inviting their listeners in, and making us feel at home. The writing is descriptive and natural, and it is very easy to relate to the characters. The story offers much to its listeners, laughter, sexual tension, drama, and hope. The hope is the best part I think, you just want everything to work out for everyone, just like in our own real lives. Another thing that makes this book worth listening to again, other than just the story – is the narrator, she does such an incredible job bringing this world and these people to life. If you are looking for a terrific story to fill some time in your day, you should definitely spend that time with The Sorcery Code.

An enchanting tale...

This book tells the story of a world in which sorcerers act as the ruling class over the peasantry- which is something Blaise, master sorcerer and former prominent member of the Sorcerers’ council, strives to change. To make magic more accessible to one and all, Blaise immerses himself into finding a way of bringing magic to the people- only it doesn’t exactly take the form he expects- the result? The beautiful and perfectly formed Gala- an inquisitive and intelligent woman that becomes subject to Blaise’s infatuation from their very first dramatic and revealing meeting. It soon becomes very apparent that Blaise’s creation is capable of far more than he could ever have imagined.
Blaise is instantly bewitched by his creation and seeks to find out the level of her magical abilities, however releases her into the world under the watchful care of trusted friends Esther and Maya in order to prevent the powerful and inexperienced Gala from drawing too much attention to herself and wreaking havoc. However is Gala ready for the world? And is the world ready for Gala? Obviously not, for as soon as Augusta (Blaise’s ex fiancée) gathers info on Gala’s existence she seeks to eliminate the ‘creature’ with the help of Barson (her lover) and the Sorcerers’ Council. However a web of deceit and manipulation begins to form as everyone ruthlessly seeks their own ambitions and intentions whilst trying to capture the “creature”. Will Augusta succeed in getting rid of Gala and all of her mysterious charm and increasing power and influence? You have to read and find out.
From beginning to end this book is extremely intriguing and captivating. Gala’s character is mysterious and seductive, the combination of innocence and incredible power makes for a very interesting read. The interaction between the characters’ story lines are also very interesting and is written in a excellent way that conveys all the tensions and emotions between them. A very cleverly written book!

Good Concept, But Too Simple

Since reading this one, I've been trying to figure out exactly what it was about this book that should have worked but didn't. I've come the conclusion that it's not any one thing in particular. The story is a simple and effective one, but I somehow I get the feeling it should go through more development. The concept is pretty straightforward, the accidental creation of a woman from pure magic. I almost hate drawing the comparison, but it's sort of the anti-Anakin Skywalker, created from the Force. And yet, I think this is where the trouble lies, not with the comparison, but with this book's overall story arc. Things seem far too easy for Gala, and I suppose they would as those in the world are completely unprepared to deal with someone of her magnitude. She almost seems like the perfect woman, with the exception of that extreme attitude switch when she doesn't get her way or feels challenged. And that's where the comparison to Anakin Skywalker comes in. It's not just the origin, it's the belief in his power. Remember, Skywalker started as a good kid too, and look how that turned out. The reason I draw this comparison is because when it comes to genre stories, many of them follow this kind of hero's journey or hero's fall and/or redemption. Gala has the potential to be sorcery's answer to Wonder Woman (who was also created by magic) or to be scary beyond all comprehension in a way Vader would envy. Both paths, or even something in between, offer a multitude of challenges in this world that we've not seen yet. Right now I don't have a bearing on where her trajectory is headed. I know where she'd like to go, but that's not really the same thing.

On the whole, I didn't hate the story, but it didn't grab me either. It's like cooking - you start out with the idea of a quiche and end up making scrambled eggs because you're hungry now. The execution isn't nearly as big as the concept, and that may be because it suffered from being more of a romance novel and less of a fantasy novel with elements of romance in it, or it may be because of what I've already mentioned above. The other characters in the story... their backstories are more or less in place, but I'm not drawn to any of them yet. This is where I think further development would have helped. But having said that, I don't feel like I can give up on this one either. There's some untapped potential that could be harnessed, turning this series into something special. It'll take some work, but I don't think it's beyond grasp. Curiosity for Gala's future will bring me back someday.

Eh..

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I just finished the Golden Compass and The Discovery Of Witches and this book popped up as something I might enjoy based on those listed above. However, I found the story to be more like a cheesy romance novel then a captivating tale of magic. The Discovery of Witches does have a romance but it is packed with so many interesting ideas and themes that the romance is a fun addition but the story is far more expansive. I guess I was just looking for more. I give it a C+

Right from the start, it grabs your attention.

Where does The Sorcery Code: Volume 1 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Emily Durante keeps the pace just right. When you listen to this book, you can picture each part of the story as it happens. Your emotions will follow the story as it is told.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gala and Blaise are a both my favorite characters. Gala seems innocent and Blaise has great intentions.

Have you listened to any of Emily Durante’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any other Emily Durant's performances. If they are anything like this one, I would be happy to listen to them.

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

I would love to listen to it in one sitting. The story is exciting and you don't want to stop.

Any additional comments?

I will be excited to read the next book.

Great Story

Where does The Sorcery Code: Volume 1 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the best audiobook I have ever listened to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gala was my favorite character because her enthusiasm for every little thing was entertaining.

Which character – as performed by Emily Durante – was your favorite?

Blaise was because I liked the sound of the voice he was given, and he seemed like a genuine person.

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

There wasn't really any specific moment that moved me. The entire book was full of action.

Any additional comments?

I found The Sorcery Code to be a very enjoyable book. Even though it is listed under the genre of fantasy, I found the characters to be quite relatable. The stories use of four different viewpoints throughout the story was a nice touch, and it was easy to follow whose viewpoint the story was being told from because the chapter name was the name of the character whose viewpoint was being told. This story also has some romance in it, but it does not go into great detail, and is tastefully done. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Fantasy novels, or is interested in getting into the Fantasy genre.

Fast, furious, sensuous and very entertaining!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! The story is intriguing, and the narration is wonderfully done – never tiring the listener. Worth every bit.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Sorcery Code: Volume 1?

The final face-off between Gala and Barson. One one hand, there was a delicate female form, who existed almost by accident and was almost unaware of her powers, let alone know how to control them. On other hand, there was a trained army led by a proud and skilled fighter, with additional strength of one of the best sorceress around.

Which character – as performed by Emily Durante – was your favorite?

Gala. Modulation of voice to suit every emotion of her character was fascinating. Given that she had to be both naive and intelligent at the same time, the narrator did a laudable job of striking the fine balance between the inherent curiosity of Gala as well as her fierce sense of morality and intelligence as she gains prominence.

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

Yes. The narrative keeps you hooked in a manner that you would want to listen to it all in one go.

Any additional comments?

A must read for both who love old-school fantasy and those who enjoy a bit more scientific touch in their fiction. The drama and human emotions like jealousy, lust, love, resentment, anger and empathy are very delicately woven into a fast-paced narrative with some exciting face-offs.