Got My Book

A game based Sword & Sorcery Fantasy that is more than it's origins

BOOK DETAILS:

Azure Bonds by Kate Novak & Jeff Grubb, read by Kristin Kalbli, published by Audible Studios (2015) / Length: 14 hrs 44 min

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #1 of 4 that include these characters. The "Finder's Stone" trilogy plus Masquerades (which is apparently "The Harpers" #10, but I haven't read any of those and wasn't lost at all).

SUMMARY:

I received this book many years ago as a birthday gift. I was a bit mystified as to the selection. I had only ever played a role playing game once, and not with the person who gave me the book. It's not that I disliked it, but as an unsocial bookworm I would rather be reading. I decided to give it a chance anyway, since the story sounded interesting, and I have read it many times since. When the audiobook came out a few years back, I snatched up almost immediately. I have tried others that are similar, even by the same author, and never found one I liked as much.

This book isn't perfect, and it isn't deep; but I love the characters & the writing, and I listen to it frequently. So it fully deserves my 5* RATING. I also recognize that it might not be for everyone.

Regarding the cover: That outfit wasn’t something she was wearing by choice, and it’s impracticality is specifically called out in the book (which made me smile).

CHARACTERS:

Alias of Westgate: She has missing memories, memories that don't match other people's, and a talent for singing songs that no one else has ever heard of. She's hot tempered & stubborn and completely loyal.

Dragonbait: Nobody knows what he is, other than good with his strange sword. He sticks tight to Alias.

Akabar bel Akash: Bound and determined to prove he's not a "greengrocer" (i.e. non-adventurer). Frequently touts his skill as a mage "of no small water," but is inwardly uncertain of his worth on this quest.

Olive Ruskettle: Mostly just out for herself; her asides on the habits of humans are nevertheless very funny.

Characters from other books that get cameos: King Azoun IV & Vangerdahast / Elminster / Mourngrym / Finder Wyvernspur (there may be more, but I'm not that familiar with the world)

WORLDBUILDING:

Because this book is part of an existing world, which has been widely explored through games & books, the authors had a rich background to draw upon. I hadn't read any FR before this one, so I didn't know all the background; but I never really felt lost. What needed to be explained was, and the rest just lent depth.

In addition to the various types of characters in our main group, we have priests, sages, dragons, innkeepers, assassins, gods, demons, sorcerers, paladins, and many other types of standard fantasy peoples & creatures.

Note: One of the things I miss when listening to an audiobook is the map that many Fantasy books, including this one, have. If you decide to listen to this book, you can find a good map here. (You want to be looking at the portions in the center right, to the south & east of the big desert in the top center.)

PLOT:

The book drew me in from the very beginning. I loved the writing and the mystery presented. From there it becomes a standard quest tale as Alias seeks to understand what has happened to her. There is lots of action and plenty of more thoughtful character moments.

Although there are a couple more books with these characters, this one comes to a full stop with very few unanswered questions. Alias isn't even in the next one, but she comes back in #3.

HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:

• Dragonbait gets his name
• A good number of my favorite bits take place while they are in Yulash, including the stuff in the temple of Moander and the encounter with an old foe
• Olive alone, having to decide if she is going to go evil or just stick with being bad.

I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: Moderate swearing / I have problems with character who are thieves, especially those who steal from their companions

OTHER CAUTIONS: Akabar is from a "southern" culture that practices polygamy. He already has two wives and they are looking for a third.

NARRATION:

Character voices differentiated = Yes / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes / Accents good = Yes, she does a good job of devising different accents for people from various fictional regions / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = Good / Emoting = Good, the non-dialog parts are a bit flat though / Speed = just a touch slow; I listen on regular speed rather than my 1.25, but occasionally bump it up

BOOK DETAILS:

Azure Bonds (#1) by Kate Novak & Jeff Grubb, read by Kristin Kalbli, published by Audible Studios (2015) / Length: 14 hrs 44 min Buy Now | +Goodreads

Talk to Me (pretty please)

• Can you recommend any other light Sword & Sorcery tales which great characters.
• If you read "The Forgotten Realms" books, which series are your favorites?
• Have you ever ended up really loving something you only read out of obligation?

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