Well-conceived Fantasy. So-So Execution.

Tim Marquitz creates a most intriguing world - one where two moons periodically join in a confluence of gravity that triggers geological disasters (known as the 'Tumult'); where magic flows beneath the world's crust like magma; where vast stretches of wilderness separate civilizations (The "Deadlands": populated with giant carnivorous bats, man-eating serpents, and zombie wolf creatures that hunt aggressively); and where ancient artifacts allow the various races to capture the power of the planet's magic and use it for good or evil. In that setting, Marquitz pits a vicious sentient Gnoll-like race ('The Grol') against various quasi-human cultures ('The Latah'ani'/ 'The Vellah'ani', etc); a talking Feline warrior species ('The Pathra'); and a dying near-legendary Sylvan race ('The Sha'Ree') that act as the ancient guardians of magic.
The Grol have usurped the power of the magical relics that the Sha'Ree have guarded for all time and are using them to start a war designed to wipe out everyone else.. joined in the carnage by a number of martial muscular humanoid tribes festooned with prominent veins ('The E'Veeri' & others) and another hairy monstrous species known as 'The Korm'.

It's honestly a little too "Narnia", but reasonably cool worldbuilding.

Unfortunately - despite capable writing, decent plotting/pacing, and well-scripted action (if a bit gory) - Marquitz introduces too many characters.. juggling names, species, and plotlines to the point that it just becomes confusing. The book is unnecessarily hard to follow.

Audible Studios Inc. contributes to the "average" status of this audiobook version by employing John Pruden to read. To be sure, Pruden delivers consummately professional diction, timbre, cadence, and tone - but he reads too slowly (listen at 1.15X for the optimal experience) and has a limited voice-acting repertoire. The narration is altogether merely "adequate".

In toto, I wouldn't have tried this audiobook were it not offered as a 'Plus' option and that's appropriate. This 6/10 star recording isn't a *crazy* choice if you're a Marquitz fan.. but other (better) options beckon if they ask for a Credit.
(Note: 'Dawn Of War' is good enough - for "free", at least - that I personally will be going on to Book Two of the 'Blood War' series)


[ATTN PRODUCERS: An appended PDF with Maps and a Glossary of Species/Dramatis Personae would improve this product immeasurably]

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