Through the Deep Forest

The Dark Filament Ephemeris, Volume 1

By: Russell C. Connor

Narrated by: C.J. Grey

Length: 14 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of the Independent Publisher Award for fantasy

The world is winding down.

Centuries after humanity’s last stand against the Dark Filament, their servants - the bloodthirsty creatures known as Incarnates - hunt down anyone under the age of 18. Civilization is broken, and the remaining population is elderly, isolated, and hopeless.

Sixteen-year-old Korden Bright has lived his entire life behind the Barrier, a mystical shield which hides him from the Incarnates. There, a group of ancient men from the time before apprentice him in the magical discipline of artcraft, based upon one’s creativity and force of will.

When the Barrier is breached, Korden will leave to journey across a post-apocalyptic America, from the shores of a place once called California, all the way to the Shroud in the far east, which marks the battlelines of the armies of the Filament. But first he’ll have to survive the wild forest just beyond his village, where he might find something far worse than Incarnates...

©2016 Russell C. Connor (P)2020 Russell C. Connor

Entertaining

Very entertaining story. I really enjoyed the storyline and way the story moved. Entertaining and exciting. Looking forward to the next one.

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

Not for young adults

Narrator: decent differentiation of characters, good rhythm
Language: shit, hell, damn, bastard, ass
Sex: talk of erections, arousal, penis/member/cock, homosexual relationships, homosexual action, mention of rape
Story: the core story is super interesting, the amount of sexual content makes it appropriate for over 18 years despite the main character being 16. There’s a solid amount of gore too but not nearly as much as the sex talk. A good chunk is truly not necessary and doesn’t add to the story as much as it detracts from it.

I liked the unique twists in the story and stone was my favorite character by far. I wish there was less of the blatant sex references and such as they just weren’t necessary in my opinion.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

MC is to stupid to live

So many instances I was like are you kidding me if I had the power this kid had I would not allow even a fraction of the crap that happens to occur. Plus I would never go into danger as completely unprepared as this idiot who is given an immense learn and helping tool just handed to him TO FREAKING AID HIM!!! and uses it poorly over and over and some times not at all in obvious occasions. If he represents humanity's final hope this world is completely screwed.

Amazing!

This is an excellent story, with great characters and fast-paced plot development, and C.J. Grey's flawless performance brings it to life. It feels like you are watching a movie rather than listening to an audiobook, which is exactly how I feel every time I listen to C.J.'s work. Highly recommended and should not be missed by fans of the genre.

I'm ready for the next book

an excellent start do it looks like it's going to be an exciting series. I'm getting the next book right away

A Very Long Tale

This book is a long, sprawling story with potential that is never realized. The main character has skills and resources that are rarely exercised or explored. Important themes are never explored or utilized and in general it just seems to go on an on.
I lost interest about 3/4 of the way through and finished it, but pretty much didn't care. Evidently there is going to be another book as this is volume 1. This should have been at least two books and better developed.
C.J. Grey does a great job narrating this endless story.
I was given this free audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.