Thornbear

Champions of the Dawning Dragons, Book 1

By: Michael G. Manning

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Gram lives in the long shadow cast by his father, the late hero Dorian Thornbear. Struggling to find his place in a world where politics and wizardry appear to have replaced the need for men of might and main, he must make his own mark. Trapped within the seemingly safe confines of Castle Cameron, Gram faces both love and tragedy. His choices will not only define himself but serve to remind others of his family's legacy and the reason only a fool threatens those a Thornbear protects.

©2014 Michael G. Manning (P)2015 Podium Publishing

An excellent story by an exceptional author

What made the experience of listening to Thornbear the most enjoyable?

Having already read the book I was at first a little unsure of the narrator of the book. I found the American pronunciation of some words a little strange (myself coming from England). However the story is so rich which such colourful characters that I soon lost myself into the unfolding tale.

What did you like best about this story?

The story has a more 'earthy' approach to the characters to many other novels in this genre. This makes for a more realistic read and to a degree and easier path to identify with the characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

I'm not sure I can identify a single scene as a favourite. There are several sections that would qualify. From Gram's awakening sexuality to his first realisation of his prowess in battle. His training with Cyhan to his friendship with Grace.

Any additional comments?

Mr Michael G. Manning is fast beoming one of my favourite authors.

Couldn't have picked a better first audible book!

I've been reading this author's novels since 2011 with "The blacksmith's son" and I did not expect such a treat in this format and from my phone?? Honestly, I'm glad I used audible to "re-read" Thornbear , because Michael Manning's style translated to audio has kept up beautifully with his written works (not to mention keeping me from going to sleep yet again)

Excelent read, Good Story,

Would you consider the audio edition of Thornbear to be better than the print version?

Yes, it gives the reader/listener the opportunity to appreciate more the personalities of each of the characters in the book

Who was your favorite character and why?

Grace was my favorite character since she was more insightful than other characters in the book.

Which character – as performed by Derek Perkins – was your favorite?

Gram

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

When I first read Michael's book of the Blacksmith Son, I believed then that I was reading the first book of a great writer. As always, there were some things that as a new Author he needed to work on. I made the decision to stick to his stories and bought all his books. I just finished reading Thornbear and I can see now how the maturity of his writing is coming together.

Thornbear is a great book, easy to read and has a good story. He lets you feel through his writing the complex emotions young Gram is going through and the consequences of his decisions. Like his previous series "Mageborn", I can see the beginning of a great story. I read the book and then purchased the audio edition and so far I'm on my third listening/read.

I highly recommend you to read the book. Although the audio book is close to twelve hours, I wish the story was longer since you want to know what would happen next. I hope that the next book in the series comes soon.

A story of true heroism

If you could sum up Thornbear in three words, what would they be?

Epic heroic win!

What other book might you compare Thornbear to and why?

Fellowship of the Ring, or the Dragonlance novels. RA Salvatore's earlier works.

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

Perkins' narration brings interesting detail to the story, though he could have differentiated the characters' voices a bit. Many of the pronunciations and accents were completely different from the narrator of the Mageborn books, which occasionally confused me. For someone who hasn't read the Mageborn books (Don't be that person--read or listen to them!) the performance is excellent.

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

The end, when we find out Grace's fate, but I won't spoil that. :)

Amazing

It's been a really long time since I have been pulled into a novel like I was puled into this one. It get you early on and simply will not let you go. The characters are all well written and the environments are familiar but with their own flavor. This novel it outstanding in every way do yourself a favor and pick it up.

The best so far...

This us a continuation of the Mageborn series, but from the lives of Mordechai's and Dorian's children. The story and magic system gets better and the narrator is excellent! If you enjoyed Mageborn, you'll probably really like this. I guess it could be a stand alone book, but you'll appreciate it more if you've listened to the Mageborn books.

Manning does it again.

Would you consider the audio edition of Thornbear to be better than the print version?

I'm old fashioned. I must prefer print versions of books. I only listened to the audio because the world Michael Manning has created is wonderfully good.

What other book might you compare Thornbear to and why?

Thornbear reads similar to dragon lance, RA Salvatore and Robin Hobb.

What three words best describe Derek Perkins’s performance?

I found him hard to listen to. He enunciated well but his tone came across as very droning.

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

Several. I've grown attached to all the characters in the mageborn series and the new generation does not disappoint.

Any additional comments?

I know some people dislike Michael Manning because the writing style is simple. Oddly enough, that is what I like about the books. He lets the story tell itself. I devoured the mageborn series and if thornbear is any indication, I'll devour the rest of the series as soon as the author gets around to releasing them.

Really?

No one ever "launches into a line of invectives" they curse, swear or scream. You have a cast of teenagers with the minds of 8 year olds, who have nothing but a podenda agenda, but they haven't got the intellect to carry on an adult conversation.

Sticking around

Where does Thornbear rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

TOP 10. liked this story alot

Any additional comments?

Great first story. It pulls you right in. That to me is always cool. All the characters had depth. I Will definitely be checking out the next story.

teen centered

listened to this title due to needing book to share with my wife, otherwise it is not written with a storyline that would have kept my attention. teen / romance????

Can't wait for the next book

A brilliant listen from beginning to end. well written and brilliantly performed by Derek Perkins, may just have to buy some credits so I can listen to the next book straight away.

A surprisingly good listen

I wasn't sure of it to begin with but it turned out to be a good book, although I only found out half way through that this is a continuation of a different series which I may now have to listen to. (mage born for those who like me didn't know)

fantastic you won't be able to put this down

absolutely love this don't think it was going to be as good as the last one but it's better

fantastic book

slow start however it grows into a very gripping story and ends fantastically... really looking forward to listening to book 2

Great story but narrator changed

I've read almost all of the books by Michael G Manning. Great story, the only issue was the narrator changed and pronounced names, places and events completely differently. Was fairly confusing at times but eventually worked it out. Having the same narrator throughout all series would be better

An excellent beginning

The author draws the outline of the picture he creates with words. The narrator fills in between the lines with rich colours and texture using his voice to give the skeleton a body.

Amazing

Not found a book I really liked for a few months
This story is my type loved it
Listened to to non stop all night

Hightowers rule!!!

I have listened to the original 5 and this is a great side story from a non magic perspective.

Enjoyable Read...

This book developed slowly, I was still unsure after listening to the first two chapters. It was the first time I have listened to this author or narrator. I had a feeling that it was meant for a younger audience.

I re-read the book summary, checked the overall rating and read a couple of comments again. As it was a good summary and had great reviews, I stuck with it.

I am so glad that I did stick with it. The story developed and covered the transition of a 15 year old boy's rapid ascension to manhood. The narration was superb and I couldn't stop listening.

I really like it when I am drawn into a story, when I listen to book 2, I now know the author's style and will listen full of confidence with the knowledge that I know I will enjoy it.

The next chapter in the illeniels

Really enjoyed this next stage and looking forward to book 2
Thank you for a great story