Are you on the lookout for unique fantasy audiobooks, ones with features you’ve never seen before?
If so, whether it be a unique magic system, protagonist, or something else, the stories on this list have something for you.
Here are 14 unique fantasy audiobooks you must see:
- The Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
- Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn
- Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
- The Dragons by Douglas Niles
- The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
- The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
- The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
- Rhapsody by Elizabeth Haydon
- Firstborn by Tonya C. Cook and Paul B. Thompson
- Smoke and Summons by Charlie N. Holmberg
- The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
- The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
Take a look below for book descriptions, listeners’ ratings, and summaries of positive and negative comments, for each book.
The Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb
Description
Too much time has passed since the powerful dragon Tintaglia helped the people of the Trader cities stave off an invasion of their enemies.
The Traders have forgotten their promises, weary of the labor and expense of tending earthbound dragons who were hatched weak and deformed by a river turned toxic.
If neglected, the creatures will rampage – or die – so it is decreed that they must move farther upriver toward Kelsingra, the mythical homeland whose location is locked deep within the dragons’ uncertain ancestral memories.
Thymara, an unschooled forest girl, and Alise, wife of an unloving and wealthy Trader, are among the disparate group entrusted with escorting the dragons to their new home.
And on an extraordinary odyssey with no promise of return, many lessons will be learned–as dragons and tenders alike experience hardships, betrayals . . . and joys beyond their wildest imaginings.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.95
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
First on our list of unique fantasy audiobooks is Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb! This book launches a series that can serve as a standalone as well as an expansion to Hobb’s previously written Liveship Trader’s trilogy.
Readers familiar with the trilogy described Dragon Keeper as a counterpoint to the cheerier ending in Liveship Traders. While Liveship Tradersended on a high, this series deals with the aftermath and begins on a low.
The dragons in Dragon Keeper struggled to find a way to outgrown their serpent form in the Liveship Trader’s trilogy, but find now that their success had the horrible downside of killing most of them in the process.
Because of that, fans said that it’s easy to sympathize with the dragons of this tale who, far from their frequent majestic and mighty portrayal in other books, are frail and sickly. Their struggle to survive and thrive struck fans of the book as engaging and inspirational.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy the novel, what did they say? These readers focused on the fact that story itself has little thrills and action. The book’s premise is simple and sports a no-frills plot: Dragon Keeper isn’t a story bristling with twists and turns.
In particular, readers mentioned that this first book in the series struck them as a step up for future books. In and of itself, it resonates with readers based on how much they enjoy character-driven stories. Even readers who didn’t enjoy the story overall acknowledged that the characterization was strong.
These readers did say that the book picks up toward the end. However, before that, they felt that nothing much seemed to happen.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Description
My name is Kvothe.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life.
I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature — the story of a hero told in his own voice.
It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.54
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of unique fantasy audiobooks is The Name of the Wind. This novel has legions of raving fans. In fact, as of this writing, 69% of Goodreads reviewers rated this story a 5.
Why did this story captivate so many people? Readers suggested that its power came from a convergence of several great strengths. First off, fans praised the nuance and believably of the main character’s, Kvothe’s, point of view.
Kvothe felt real and so very human to these readers, who immediately bonded with him. They described The Name of the Wind‘s character portrayal and development as incredible.
Other readers pointed to the story’s simultaneously intricate and expansive world-building, as well as the poetic prose used to describe it. The Name of the Wind details legends, religions, magic systems and more in a vivid and engaging manner. All of this happened without ‘info-dumping’ on or confusing readers.
Negative Comments
If so many readers adored The Name of the Wind, what made readers who didn’t feel this way?
Those who didn’t enjoy the book had two main reasons. The first was that they came into the story expecting a fast-paced, thrilling ride with clear direction and purpose. Instead, The Name of the Wind is a character-driven story that focuses on immersing the reader in its characters and world. Because of this, critics described the story as slow and found themselves asking, ‘Where is this story going?’
The second main reason had to do with the main character, Kvothe. Unlike fans, critics simply didn’t like him.
Some attributed this to his extraordinary skills across multiple disciplines. At some point, they thought that this wasn’t just unrealistic, but irritating. Kvothe stopped seeming like character to them and started seeming like a wish-fulfillment tool.
Along the same lines, another reason these critics cited was Kvothe’s character flaws. It wasn’t that he had flaws that bothered them; instead, these readers were frustrated because they didn’t feel that Kvothe’s arrogance was portrayed negatively. Instead, they saw it as another instance of the story unduly favoring him.
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Description
The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it.
But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an “accident,” he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.
Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment.
Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favor with the naïve new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody.
Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the specter of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor.
All the while, he is alone, and trying to find even a single friend . . . and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose his throne – or his life.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.04
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
The Goblin Emperor is our third unique fantasy audiobook. Rather than an action-packed tale about battles and wars, this story captivated readers with court intrigue and a coming of age story.
Readers praised the book for giving them Maia, the kindhearted main character. Especially given the current slew of grimdark fantasy novels around, he stood out to them as a refreshing change.
Maia is a noble and heroic character that readers immediately bonded with and wanted to see succeed. In particular, his efforts to improve his new kingdom him and serve his people endeared him to them.
Other readers mentioned the excellent world-building. For some, this came through in the nuanced way characters spoke to each other, which took into account the social standing of the person they conversed with. Others mentioned the description of court life. But in either case, readers thought the world was fascinating and vividly realized.
Negative Comments
So why didn’t critics like The Goblin Emperor? Overall, readers tended to cite either the plot or the way the author used language to portray court life.
In terms of the plot, critics said that it meandered: there didn’t seem to be a connecting thread between the events or an ultimate point the plot drove toward.
Others, though, were frustrated by the terminology the story used in its dialogue. For instance, Maia would use the royal ‘we’ instead of ‘I’ to refer to himself when he acted in the capacity of a monarch. While this was and is standard protocol for kings and queens, it nevertheless was too off-putting for critics.
Similarly, some were either confused or bothered by how the story used both ‘you’ (formal second person) and ‘thou’ (informal second person). While there’s a historical basis for using the terms, these readers found it grating.
Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn
Description
Zoe Ardelay receives astonishing and unwelcome news: she has been chosen to become the king’s fifth wife. Forced to go to the royal city, she manages to slip away and hide on the shores of the mighty river.
It’s there that Zoe realizes she is a coru prime ruled by the elemental sign of water. She must return to the palace, not as an unwilling bride for the king, but a woman with power in her own right.
But as Zoe unlocks more of the mysteries of her blood and the secrets of the royal family she must decide how to use her great power to rise above the deceptions and intrigue of the royal court.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.01
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Fourth on our list of unique fantasy audiobooks is Troubled Waters. This novel enchanted readers primarily through Zoe, it’s protagonist, and the authentic romance between her and her love interest.
Fans described Zoe as a refreshing heroine, one that starts off in a vulnerable state but grows into a strong and self-possessed individual. Her journey moved these readers, who found her relatable and appreciated that she wasn’t the hyper-competent protagonist type.
In addition, others said that Troubled Water’s romance caught their attention. They contrasted it with romances in other fantasy books, which they said tended to say relied on ‘love at first sight’ with little substance behind it. Not so with this novel, which fans praised as having two strong characters who have gain trust and mutual respect for each other. These readers praised it as heartwarming.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about Troubled Waters? Well, they tended to focus on either Zoe as a protagonist or the story’s means of characterizing its cast.
For the former, these readers described Zoe as overly favored by the story. For example, some of them said she adapted too easily to the changes around her while others said she’d make frustrating decisions but face no consequences for it. As a result, these readers found her unlikeable.
In terms of the latter, critics said that the book tended to characterize its cast by astrology descriptions rather than showing those traits in action.
On the other hand, other readers didn’t mind being told about a character’s traits, but didn’t like how frequently those traits were attributed to the character’s astrological sign. This group of readers started to feel that the astrological signs dominated characters instead of informing about them.
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Description
Where ash falls from the sky, and mist dominates the night, evil cloaks the land and stifles all life. Criminal mastermind Kelsier teaches Allomancy, the magic of metals, to another Mistborn, urchin Vin 16.
The unlikely heroine is distracted by rich Venture heir Elend. Can Kelsier’s thieving crew take on the tyrant Lord Ruler and bring back color to their world?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.45
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of unique fantasy audiobooks is Mistborn: The Final Empire. Readers described this novel as having elements of and an air of mystery to it that they found delightful.
Moreover, Brandon Sanderson has a reputation for unique magic systems, and this story features just that. The refreshing allomancy magic system delighted fans, many of whom praised how thoroughly it was developed.
Other readers raved about Vin’s exciting journey from distrusting and quiet street urchin to confident and ferocious assassin. They described her growth as authentic and compelling, while also praising her well fleshed-out character along the way.
On a similar note, readers also thoroughly enjoyed Vin and Kelsier’s mentor/mentee relationship. He and Vin’s interactions, fans said, were one of the highlights of the story.
Negative Comments
Not everyone enjoyed Mistborn: The Final Empire. These readers said that while the world-building impressed them, they thought the story was slow. The crew’s plans proceed in a rather straightforward manner, while critics hoped for more conflict or complications.
Others expressed disappointment that more female characters didn’t feature in the crew or take part in the revolution overall. While these readers appreciated Vin as the main character, it struck them as unrealistic.
The Dragons by Douglas Niles
Description
“When dragons make war, Krynn can only tremble in the shadow of angry wings.” – Astinus Lorekeeper
Aurican and Darlantan, mighty serpents of gold and silver, have been nurtured in a world of wisdom, meditation, and sublime faith.
On the other side of Ansalon, Crematia, a dragon of red, inherits the Dark Queen’s legacy of betrayal, violence, conquest, and plunder.
The advent of a worldwide war sweeps these powerful beings and many more into desperate strife. Battles rage over Krynn with a fury that threatens to annilhilate nations and whole races – even dragonkind.
As campaigns ebb and flow, generations of lesser mortals come and go, and the great serpents are left to determine the fate of the world.
Their triumphs may create a destiny of all-encompassing light or cast the world beneath the shadow of ultimate darkness.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.97
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Next on our list of unique fantasy audiobooks is The Dragons, a story that’s main cast consists entirely of dragons in brutal, epic wars against each other.
While the novel is sixth in the Dragonlance franchise’s The Lost Histories series, readers reported that this book works as a great standalone as well. Familiarity with the Dragonlance universe isn’t necessary either, but a bonus.
So what did fans say? First, readers said that dragon-lovers have a treat in this book. The story covers several generations of dragons, magnifying the tale to one of epic proportions.
Moreover, fans said that this vast scope didn’t come with a trade-off in character development: each dragon has its own distinct personality, perspective and gave readers a reason to love or hate them.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t think The Dragons was the right story for them, what did they say?
Several critics said that while the story was epic in scope and action, it ultimately lacked tension. Instead of suspenseful or dramatic, the battles felt rote and identical. As a result, the book struck them as slower than they’d expected.
Other readers said that the story’s timescale came at the cost of its characterization. In contrast to fans, these critics either said that the dragons didn’t seem multidimensional or that their characterization wasn’t conveyed through demonstration. Instead, the book informed readers of the dragons’ characteristics.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
Description
I long for the days before the Last Desolation. Before the Heralds abandoned us and the Knights Radiant turned against us. When there was still magic in Roshar and honor in the hearts of men.
In the end, not war but victory proved the greater test. Did our foes see that the harder they fought, the fiercer our resistance? Fire and hammer forge a sword; time and neglect rust it away. So we won the world, yet lost it.
Now there are four whom we watch: the surgeon, forced to forsake healing and fight in the most brutal war of our time; the assassin, who weeps as he kills; the liar, who wears her scholar’s mantle over a thief’s heart; and the prince, whose eyes open to the ancient past as his thirst for battle wanes.
One of them may redeem us. One of them will destroy us.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.65
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of unique fantasy audiobooks is The Way of Kings. If readers enjoyed this novel, they often enthused over the story’s grand scope – both in terms of the world-building and the stakes – and its intriguing cast of characters.
Fans remarked that The Way of Kings world-building was phenomenal, sweeping them into the story’s world with intricate and fascinating details. Whether it was the magic system, politics, history or more, the book brought its setting to life.
Along a similar vein to that, fans enjoyed the book’s vibrant and varied character cast. Since these characters came from all walks and stages of life, their different perspectives brought a sense of grandeur to the tale that these readers had rarely seen in other fantasy books.
Negative Comments
in terms of criticisms, readers who didn’t enjoy The Way of Kings generally cited its strengths as also its weaknesses.
For instance, these readers agreed that its world-building and rules for how supernatural powers worked were excellent. However, they said the explanations and overall focus on these were too much. Because of this, they said that the book became sluggish.
Others, though, said that the story in general had a slow pace. The book is long and much of the beginning and middle sets up a faster second half. As such, critics thought that not much happened for long periods of time.
The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
Description
In a world where magic is tightly controlled, the most powerful man in history must choose between his kingdom and his son in the first book in the epic NYT bestselling Lightbringer series.
Guile is the Prism, the most powerful man in the world. He is high priest and emperor, a man whose power, wit, and charm are all that preserves a tenuous peace. Yet Prisms never last, and Guile knows exactly how long he has left to live.
When Guile discovers he has a son, born in a far kingdom after the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he’s willing to pay to protect a secret that could tear his world apart.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.24
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Next on our list of unique fantasy audiobooks is The Black Prism by Brent Weeks. There’s very little that fans didn’t praise about this novel: they lauded the characters, the unique magic system, the constant action, and humor.
However, if I have to narrow it down to the two main aspects readers enjoyed the most, it would be the characters and the magic system. The novel is told in multiple point of views with varied characters whom all have different backgrounds, personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Some inspired their sympathy and others impress them, but all invoked emotions. Fans were enthralled by all of them.
As for the magic system, readers were delighted by the story’s color and light-based powers. Not only did it strike them as unique, but it was easy to understand and used in unexpected and innovative ways.
Negative Comments
What reasons did readers give for disliking this novel? Overall, critics tended to say that The Black Prism’s crude humor graded on them.
Sometimes they said this came through in the characters, such as the teenage Kip, who struck them as immature and prone to whining. At others, the characters might explicitly lust after each other during moments that seemed totally bewildering to critics.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Description
Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.
Elisa is the chosen one.
But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.
Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king — a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.
And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.
Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.
Most of the chosen do.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.80
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another unique fantasy audiobook is The Girl of Fire and Thorns, a novel nominated for the prestigious Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Fans fell in love with Elisa, the story’s protagonist and raved about her portrayal. Many of them were intrigued by how different she is from the typical ‘Chosen One’ character. While most ‘Chosen Ones’ start off as unlikely heroes due to their socioeconomic background, Elisa battles a powerful sense of worthlessness and a sheltered upbringing.
Readers often said that this made her easy to empathize with, especially given how much she has to fight to grow past her weaknesses. Several readers who had battled eating disorders or a negative self-image said they felt a particular connection to her. By the end of the novel, readers of all stripes said Elisa’s growth into a confident and heroic leader inspired them and warmed their hearts.
Other fans mentioned how much they loved the world-building. In particular, readers praised the book’s multifaceted and respectful inclusion of religion into its setting. Often missing in fantasy world-building, it added a new dimension to Elisa and other characters.
In addition, readers said that seeing characters of different cultural and religious convictions interact was refreshing and made the world come to life.
Negative Comments
Not every reader enjoyed The Girl of Fire and Thorns. So, what did critics say?
For the most part, they had two main reasons. Some were upset that Elisa started off overweight but became thinner over the course of her trials. For instance, she trekked through a desert and had far less food available to consume than usual. Critics interpreted this as linking heroism and thinness.
The second criticism is more ambiguous, having to do with the portrayal of religion. Some readers disliked the fact that Elisa was religious or that religion was included as part of the story’s world. However, their distaste didn’t come across as a criticism against The Girl of Fire and Thorns, so much as a dislike of religion in general.
Ironically, others seemed to think that the religious aspect wasn’t delved into deeply enough. For instance, these critics were intrigued by the philosophical questions Elisa ponders. They said, though, that the book only offered surface-level answers.
Rhapsody by Elizabeth Haydon
Description
Rhapsody, a young woman trained as a Namer, can attune herself to the vibrations of all things, tap the power of true names, and rename people, changing their basic identities.
Her magic lies in music: “Music is nothing more than the maps through the vibrations that make up all the world. If you have the right map, it will take you wherever you want to go,” she tells her adoptive brothers.
They are “the Brother,” a professional assassin able to sense and track the heartbeats of all natives of the doomed Island of Seren, their homeland, and his giant sidekick Grunthor, a green-skinned Sergeant Major who enjoys making jokes, using edged weapons, and honing his cannibalistic palate.
Inadvertently, Rhapsody has renamed the Brother Achmed the Snake, breaking his enslavement to Tsoltan the F’dor (a fire-born demon). Tsoltan sends minions in pursuit to rebind Achmed. The three escape into the roots of a World Tree, Sagia, emerging transformed into another country and century.
But have they truly escaped the F’dor’s evil? And how does all this relate to the prologue’s story of Gwydion and Emily, two young lovers brought together across history and then separated by the mysterious Meridion?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.95
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Our next unique fantasy audiobooks is Rhapsody by Elizabeth Haydon. Fans praised the story for its unique, music-centered magic system. In addition, these readers Rhapsody often remarked on the vivid world-building, as well as the varied and developed cast of characters.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t rate the novel highly, they typically mentioned that the main character seemed too idealized and that the middle of the story was slow-paced.
Firstborn by Tonya C. Cook and Paul B. Thompson
Description
When the leader of the Silvanesti elves dies, conflict threatens to drive his sons apart.
While Sithas wishes the elves to withdraw more and more from any contact with other races, Kith-Kanan and his Wildrunners forge connections and trade goods with the humans of Ergoth.
As the world of Krynn watches, a new elven nation rises from the strife.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.87
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of unique fantasy audiobooks is Firstborn. This story struck readers as classic fantasy done right. It’s a character-driven tale that centers around elves and delighted readers with its rich portrayal of them.
Fans praised the story’s world as well as its well-developed characters. Through an intriguing ‘fish out of water’ setup, Firstborn treated them to both ancient, mythic elven kingdoms as well as classic, nature-loving elven societies.
Along a similar vein, readers also enjoyed the story’s themes – brotherhood, intrigue, war – and the characters that delivered them. Fans found the cast, their development, bond and clashes both thematically and personally gripping.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Firstborn, what did they say?
Typically, critics were those who expected a more plot-driven tale. When the story turned out to be character-driven, the story struck them as slow.
However, other readers said that portions of the story struck them as over-dramatic instead of emotionally captivating. Reading between the lines, it sounds like these critics may have felt this way because story’s plot seemed standard to them. Since the plot was predictable, the events made less of an emotional impression.
Smoke and Summons by Charlie N. Holmberg
Description
As a human vessel for an ancient spirit, Sandis lives no ordinary life. At the command of her master, she can be transformed against her will into his weapon – a raging monster summoned to do his bidding.
Unlike other vessels, Sandis can host extremely powerful spirits, but hosting such creatures can be fatal. To stay alive, she must run. And in a city fueled by smoke and corruption, she finds a surprising ally.
A cunning thief for hire, Rone owns a rare device that grants him immortality for one minute every day – a unique advantage that will come in handy in Sandis’s fight for freedom.
But Sandis’s master knows how powerful she is. He’s determined to get her back, and he has the manpower to find her, wherever she runs.Now, to outwit her pursuers, Sandis must put all her trust in Rone and his immortal device. For her master has summoned more than mere men to hunt her down….
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.86
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of unique fantasy audiobooks is Smoke and Summons. In general, it sounded like what determined whether readers loved this book or didn’t was based on whether they connected with Sandis, the protagonist.
Readers who enjoyed the novel said that they adored her – while naïve, she was also intelligent and full of personal strength. She was determined to do what was right, often felt understandably upset at herself when she was helpless and had a great deal of empathy for others.
But Sandis aside, readers also found the magic system and world fascinating.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Smoke and Summons, it was generally that they couldn’t connect with Sandis.
Some said it was because she made foolish decisions, while others cited the romance between her and Rone (naïve, innocent and selfless girl with jaded, arrogant and selfish boy). To them, Sandis came across as a damsel in distress.
The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
Description
An epic battle between good and evil…
Before he knew about the Roses, 16-year-old Jack lived an unremarkable life in the small Ohio town of Trinity. Only the medicine he has to take daily and the thick scar above his heart set him apart from the other high schoolers.
Then one day Jack skips his medicine. Suddenly, he is stronger, fiercer, and more confident than ever before. And it feels great – until he loses control of his own strength and nearly kills another player during soccer team tryouts.
Soon, Jack learns the startling truth about himself: he is Weirlind, part of an underground society of magical people who live among us.
At their helm sits the feuding houses of the Red Rose and the White Rose, whose power is determined by playing The Game – a magical tournament in which each house sponsors a warrior to fight to the death. The winning house rules the Weir.
As if his bizarre heritage isn’t enough, Jack finds out that he’s not just another member of Weirlind – he’s one of the last of the warriors – at a time when both houses are scouting for a player.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.94
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of unique fantasy audiobooks is The Warrior Heir. This fantasy novel tantalized fans with its blend of a likable protagonist, action, and a world similar to our own but with intriguing twists.
In particular, readers were fascinated by the magic system and world-building in The Warrior Heir, saying that the powers the various guilds had and how they vied for power was refreshingly different.
Aside from that many praised the story for its overall epic feel, along with non-stop suspense and adventure.
Negative Comments
So what did critics say about The Warrior Heir?
Overall, these readers said that the book had several noticeable character types and common plot tropes. Because of this, they thought the story came across as bland and couldn’t get invested in it.
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
Description
A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril has returned to the noble household he once served as page. To his great surprise, he’s named as the secretary-tutor to the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule.
It is an assignment Cazaril dreads, for it will ultimately lead him to the place he fears most, the royal court of Cardegoss, where the powerful enemies, who once placed him in chains, now occupy lofty positions.
In addition to the traitorous intrigues of villains, Cazaril and the Royesse Iselle are faced with a sinister curse that hangs like a sword over the entire blighted House of Chalion and all who stand in their circle.
Only by employing the darkest, most forbidden of magics, can Cazaril hope to protect his royal charge — an act that will mark the loyal, damaged servant as a tool of the miraculous, and trap him, flesh and soul, in a maze of demonic paradox, damnation and death.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.17
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Last on our list of unique fantasy audiobooks is The Curse of Chalion. Readers who rated this fantasy book highly enjoyed how thoughtful the novel was and its focus on the nuances of Cazaril’s internal journey.
Cazaril isn’t a typical fantasy main character – he’s neither a valiant warrior nor mighty mage – but this is what made him more relatable to positive reviewers.
They also remarked that the story had an enjoyable political intrigue plot and a fleshed-out religious system.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? Generally, these readers found the novel’s strengths to be its weaknesses.
Most of these readers found the lack of action in the story disappointing. Without more action, these reviewers found that it made the story slow: The Curse of Chalion centers around relationship development, character growth and court intrigue.
