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Things They Buried  By  cover art

Things They Buried

By: Amanda K. King, Michael R. Swanson
Narrated by: Heather Masters
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Publisher's summary

Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2019

"...uses dazzling worldbuilding and a hodgepodge of characters, cultures, and fantastic species to tell a powerful, human story. ... The worldbuilding is nearly flawless in its execution, which will entice readers to immerse themselves in the story... The intriguing plot makes excellent use of its primary characters, resulting in a breathtaking, harmonious read. An empathetic, complex, and offbeat tale." (Kirkus Reviews [starred])

"The creepy threats and fierce fights in this densely imagined novel will gratify fans of dark fantasy, especially those who want real depth in between thrills." (BookLife)

Under the dirty streets of Ismae's greatest port city, an old nightmare waits for Sylandair and Aliara, one that is stealing Dockhaven's children, one only they can end.

When the pair escaped their owner and abuser years ago, they left him behind in a ball of blue flame, but as more children disappear near the city's desalinization plant, their suspicions turn to the predator they believed dead. Accompanied by their less-than-reliable puka scout Schmalch, they delve into the forgotten depths of the patchwork city. Their search will lead to a twisting world of corruption and experimentation, uncover horrors greater than any they imagined, and summon memories they never wanted to exhume.

A dark science fantasy action adventure, Things They Buried is the first full-length novel of Ismae, a world where science sometimes appears as magic and history as myth, where monsters make themselves and heroes are wholly unintentional.

This novel contains adult themes and violence.

Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2019

Official Selection, New Apple Literary, Action/Adventure category

Finalist, Kindle Book Reviews, Sci-Fi/Fantasy category

Independent Book Publishers Awards (IPPY) Gold Medalist (Fantasy category)

©2019 Amanda K. King & Michael R. Swanson (P)2021 Amanda K. King & Michael R. Swanson

Critic reviews

"...uses dazzling worldbuilding and a hodgepodge of characters, cultures, and fantastic species to tell a powerful, human story...The worldbuilding is nearly flawless in its execution, which will entice readers to immerse themselves in the story...The intriguing plot makes excellent use of its primary characters, resulting in a breathtaking, harmonious read. An empathetic, complex, and offbeat tale." (Kirkus Reviews - starred]

"The creepy threats and fierce fights in this densely imagined novel will gratify fans of dark fantasy, especially those who want real depth in between thrills." (BookLife)

What listeners say about Things They Buried

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A dark and twisted tale that kept me hooked.

The storytelling is excellent
The narration is superb
The characters are well developed and believable
The story is creepy, twisted, and dark in the best way, but may be a bit graphic for some.
The world building is the weakest aspect, which does hurt the story a bit since none of the characters are actually human. However, I would still recommend this book to anyone looking for a dark and gritty fantasy thriller.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Duke and Rift

This is a great book! I love the story but found myself totally enthralled in the characters, especially Duke and Rift. I can’t wait to start book 2.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderfully Dark Story

A great read, and well worth the time. The story isn’t flashy, but super well written and keeps your attention along the way.

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