The Trials of Ildarwood

Spectres of the Fall

By: S. C. Selvyn

Narrated by: Marie-Pierre

Length: 28 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

For nearly 10,000 years, the Trials have been a sacred tradition.

But, when all of the 12-year-old children in Ranewood are banished into the nearest spectral forest, they quickly realize that the Ildarwood is not nearly as safe as they were told. Stalked by faceless hunters whose souls have been ravaged by Trials past, the children - now Ildarbound - must learn to control one of nine elements from the spirit realm to save the Ildarwood, their families, and themselves from an ancient spectral blight.

Who will master their abilities and rise to fight the growing threat? And, who will lose their souls to the faceless hunters? Their stories are about to unfold…

The Trials of Ildarwood: Spectres of the Fall is the imaginative first entry in S. C. Selvyn's long-awaited epic fantasy series. Written for teens and adults alike, there is something for everyone in this gripping tale about families and children who will do whatever it takes to ensure their survival. Listen once, and you'll be hooked. Listen twice, and you'll uncover countless hidden layers you didn't even notice the first time through.

©2021 Avylaan Kingdom Press LLC (P)2022 Avylaan Kingdom Press LLC

Enchanting voice actress, remarkable story!

I decided to try listening to this audiobook after starting the physical book since it's much longer than most of the books I usually read. I already posted a separate review of the book on Amazon, so this one's just about the audiobook version.

What I loved:
+ The narrator's voice is really soothing and I love when books have British voice actors. This one did not disappoint. She has a very calming cadence and did a great job during most of the emotional scenes.
+ The story itself is pure magic. A slow but imaginative adventure where a bunch of kids with very different elemental powers are all trying to figure out how to survive in a dangerous forest.

Where I struggled:
- I have to take off one star on Performance because there were a few scenes where one of the girls in the book is screaming and the narrator's voice went through the roof. Just be on the lookout for those.

Things to keep in mind:
- The physical and ebook versions have a lot more content between the map, illustrations, and appendix. I ended up missing those when I was listening to the audiobook version. They're really useful touches, especially since this story is so complex.
- I felt like I was missing some of the subtlety and nuance in the writing when I was just listening to the story. Whenever I went back to the physical or ebook versions I really enjoyed being able to reread the parts where something being said between the lines or where something was so well written I just needed to experience it again.

So great purchase overall, but I'll probably stick to the physical or ebook versions when the next one comes out.