…and a first time experience with another author.
I really enjoyed the varied and well-rounded cast of characters Jeffrey L. Kohanek created. Each of the young protagonists were raised in troubling environments after tragedy befell them. Jace, the master thief, was forced to fend for himself after being orphaned at a young age and learned his trade on the mean streets that crafted him into an unscrupulous character. Rhoa was orphaned after her loving parents were sacrificed to a horrible fiery death under a cruel wizard lottery system. Narine ostensibly had all the benefits afforded nobility but was basically unloved and ignored by her powerful wizard father and hateful older brother. The last of the lost youths was a dwarf, Rock, who was exiled from his Dwarven under-earth domain, never allowed to return.
Jace, Rhoa and Rock are force to join into a less than trustworthy alliance to kill Narine’s wizard father and end his cruel reign over his realm. They are joined by a grandfatherly master story teller of indeterminable age and set out to get ‘er done.
Along the way, the author provides interesting character development segues for each of the primary character that enhance the listeners understanding of the characters which invites the listener to become invested in their participation.
Combine all of this with Travis Baldree’s superb ability to tell a story and it doesn’t get much better than this.