Wraith

Empire and the Hand, Book 1

De: Robert Allen Johnson

Narrado por: James Foster

In Wraith, author Robert Allen Johnson leaves the alleys, battlefields, and politics of ancient Rome behind in favor of fantastical war-torn lands from ages long past.

Following the tales of two haunted, fragile protagonists, Wraith drops the listener into dense forests scouted by cruel soldiers, abandoned wilds teeming with dangerous mysteries, scorched villages burned to ash, and hidden rebel camps as both men fight to escape their haunted, tortured pasts.

In Tiro's tale, a troubled bowman known as "The Ghost" fights to navigate a world of loneliness, revenge, and purpose after losing all he holds dear. In the tale of Arach, a weary traveler in a strange, foreign land meets a mysterious, unwelcome visitor with unknown intentions.

Thus begins the first chapter of Johnson's new series Empire and the Hand, a dark, emotional ride through failure, purpose, vengeance, and regret that will leave fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction fans breathless and eager for more.

©2015 Robert Allen Johnson (P)2015 Robert Allen Johnson

Great book.

It was a great book that kept my attention. Helped pass the time while driving.

Couldn't Put It Down

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

There were no dull moments in this book. It seemed like I couldn't put the book on pause at the end of a chapter because I wanted to know what happened next.

What did you like best about this story?

It seemed like I was there. The author's storytelling, combined with the narrator's professional delivery were a perfect match.

Which scene was your favorite?

Each chapter seemed to get more intense, terrifying, and heartbreaking as it went on. Just the kind of book that only gets better the deeper you get.

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

Wow, I have no idea.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful book, I would recommend it to everyone.

It was exactly what I needed during my mid-terms

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

I would definitely recommend this audiobook to a fantasy fiction lover. I liked the narrator's soothing voice, though at times he was a bit too fast. Overall, I liked how he convincingly changed his voice according to the character. For instance, when he was reading Wraith's bits, there was no doubt that he was Wraith.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wraith?

I cried twice, so I have not one, but two memorable moments of it. The first bit was when Tiro founded his family and neighbours dead and it was devastating. I thought his sister was murdered, too. Ugh that was so bad. The second memorable moment was when Arach came across with Tiro's sister.

Would you listen to another book narrated by James Foster?

Yes, I would love to.

Any additional comments?

Firstly, I want to thank the author Robert Allen Johnson who was kind enough to send me a free copy of this audiobook. I've listened to it during my mid-terms week and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Like I said, it was exactly what I needed: a good fantasy book... The story was very gripping and I loved Tiro. I believe he is a good example of an epic hero. I, also liked how kind Arach was. All in all, I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book!

So Good!

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

Yes! I already have. The story is so engaging. I can't wait for the next book!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wraith?

There are so many heartbreaking, sad, and spooky moments throughout the book, from one chapter to the next. I should keep them to myself to avoid any plot spoilers though.

Which character – as performed by James Foster – was your favorite?

Both of the main characters, Tiro and Arach, were memorable. Both have very different stories, but both kept me engaged and wondering what happens next to them.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It definitely made me nervous at times and a little creeped out.

Any additional comments?

Buy this book! I can't wait for the next one!

Dislointed fantasy noir

In Wraith we are introduced to Tiro a young man that is a master with the bow. So good in fact he takes on the persona of the bowman sniper “The Ghost”, whom the government soldiers fear. We get to learn about he took on this persona and exactly what the demons are that now haunt him.

Then there is Arach, a traveler in a distant land. Who is plagued by a supernatural Wraith that seems to have taken a liking to him. That also seems to like Arach to suffer, by taking those who get close to him.

The story is told from both of these characters points of view switching without warning. One sentence will be one of them and the next will be the other. This made it difficult to know where the story was taking place. Confusing my more than once enough to where I had to rewind and re-listen to parts.

While I think I have figured out the relationship between the two protagonists, I have not figured out how the wraith plays into everything. If I am correct this story will make much more sense otherwise it seems like two unrelated stories that happen to be told at the same time. Again I cannot say to much as this was a short story where little is not tied to the plot.

I would classify this story as a fantasy noir. Because Arach and Tiro are victims of suffering, while living in a fantasy world of magic and the supernatural. If you want a fantasy story that is a little dark and a little different from the norm. Wraith is for you. I see the series expanding into something special, just not quite there yet.

James Foster, once again, has a flawless performance. Doing his best to differentiate the characters. The issues I found with the story had nothing to do with the narration. He was able to make himself sound evil for the wraith, much appreciated and enjoyable. While Arach and Tiro were very similar in tone, making you need queues from the story to tell you who was taking the spotlight in the story.

Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog

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