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The River Kings’ Road: A Novel of Ithelas Audiobook
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(3.04) - 248 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
A thrilling new voice in fantasy makes an unforgettable debut with this "intriguingly twisted tale of treachery and magic" (New York Timesbestselling author L. E. Modesitt, Jr.). Liane Merciel'sThe River Kings' Roadtakes us to a world of bitter enmity between kingdoms, divided loyalties between comrades, and an insidious magic that destroys everything it touches.
A fragile period of peace between the eternally warring kingdoms of Oakharn and Langmyr is shattered when a surprise massacre fueled by bloodmagic ravages the Langmyrne border village of Willowfield, killing its inhabitants—including a visiting Oakharne lord and his family—and leaving behind a scene so grisly that even the carrion eaters avoid its desecrated earth. But the dead lord's infant heir has survived the carnage—a discovery that entwines the destinies of Brys Tarnell, a mercenary who rescues the helpless and ailing babe, and a Langmyr peasant, a young mother herself, whom Brys enlists to nourish and nurture the child of her enemies as they travel a dark, perilous road.
As one infant's life hangs in the balance, so too does the fate of thousands, while deep in the forest, a Maimed Witch practices an evil bloodmagic that could doom them all.
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"This was a very good read. The pacing was pretty strong through most of the book and kept me turning pages, but things got a bit too rushed at the end. Still, I enjoyed this far more than I anticipated and look forward to reading more."
— Tara (4 out of 5 stars)
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“The River Kings’ Road is the intriguingly twisted tale of treachery and magic behind a brutal massacre and the impacts this unspeakable act has on the two survivors, on those who perpetrated it, on those who investigated it, and on those who tried to turn it to even more evil ends. It’s also a tale that examines unsparingly the issue of to what degree the ends justify the means…or not.”
— L. E. Modesitt, Jr., New York Times bestselling author of The Saga of Recluce series -
“The River Kings’ Road drew me in with the characters, all of whom felt real and reacted realistically for the setting…The heroes are heroic because of the choices they make on their journey, choices that would test the very best…and worst…in all of us…It’s a story where the simplest choice could have drastic consequences, and where the lowliest of peasants can change the fate of a kingdom.”
— Joshua Palmatier, author of The Vacant Throne -
“[An] impressive epic fantasy debut…Merciel has constructed an inspired new world where unexpected plot twists bedevil strong, clearly visualized characters, in a story that glints with intelligence and hums with life.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Merciel’s fantasy debut imbues standard motifs of the hero’s tale with passionate intensity, bringing her characters vibrantly to life and creating a realistic setting for her story. Strong storytelling makes this a good choice for adult and YA fantasy fans.”
— Library Journal
The River Kings’ Road Listener Reviews
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" A good match for fans of George R. R. Martin with touches of Tolkien and other high/traditional fantasy. Contains a fairly high level of violence, so not for the faint-hearted. "
— Laura, 12/20/2013 -
" I enjoyed the book. I read the second book, which now makes a lot more sense. I enjoy this type of book and the sense of mythical history it gives. "
— Shannon, 11/18/2013 -
" loved it very good ending cliffhanger! "
— Amanda, 10/12/2013 -
" 1st book in the series. Sets up the political situation in this world. Leaves a lot of questions that aren't answered in this book or the next. "
— Katrina, 10/3/2013 -
" Interesting characters, though frankly there are a lot of sociopaths trapped in between the pages of this novel. A little slow to get going, particularly since the first three-four chapters are devoted to introducing separate parties. But interesting once it gets past that. "
— Snail, 10/2/2013 -
" Boring. So boring. Another book about one of the five allowable plots in contemporary fantasy--right down to evil sorceresses, hell hounds, and chaste, pure spiritual warriors of the light. Never mind all the other cliches; boring the reader is unforgivable. I'm out! "
— ms.pointy, 9/19/2013 -
" I am currently reading this book. So far this is a well written adventure story along the lines of Tolkin and Brooks. I am having trouble putting the book down in order to go about my every day life.... "
— Mike, 8/1/2013 -
" The book has a great first line and it has been downhill for me from there; just nothing of interest in this one, another run of the mill fantasy, though the Marmell one had at least compelling writing while this one just drags on and on... "
— Liviu, 6/28/2013 -
" The plot and story were a bit scattered, since the narration was spread over quite a few unconnected characters and locations. The basics are good, and I'm hoping it comes together a little more in the next book. "
— Nicole, 5/5/2013 -
" Very much liked this one. Nice twist on an old story. Interesting characters and a plot that moves forward quickly. Really creepy bad guy magic.... Five out of five me thinks. Looking forward to the second one. "
— April, 9/18/2012 -
" Hit halfway mark. Need more patience, but for those with more staying power a dark character driven fantasy. I just didn't like the characters very much. "
— Batsheva, 6/15/2012 -
" Well written, very intense "
— Steele, 5/17/2012 -
" it was good but nothing spectacular. "
— Rob, 7/8/2011 -
" I really liked this, a solid yarn set in an intriguing world. The story was resolved nicely internally to some degree, with lots of set up for the rest of the trilogy. I can't wait for the sequels. "
— Tbloxham, 6/26/2011 -
" Formulaic but entertaining Medieval Fantasy, I think women and YA would enjoy it the most because of some mild romantic subplots. I will definitely be looking forward to the sequel. <br/> <br/>We need a map and list of characters for the next book. "
— Hafiza, 2/24/2011 -
" New Author and I enjoyed this epic sword & sorcery (part 1). Good to be bad evil sorceresses, knights with a dark side and knights that are holy and full of themselves. "
— Joy, 6/12/2010 -
" I really liked this, a solid yarn set in an intriguing world. The story was resolved nicely internally to some degree, with lots of set up for the rest of the trilogy. I can't wait for the sequels. "
— Tbloxham, 6/2/2010 -
" Interesting characters, though frankly there are a lot of sociopaths trapped in between the pages of this novel. A little slow to get going, particularly since the first three-four chapters are devoted to introducing separate parties. But interesting once it gets past that. "
— Snail, 5/29/2010 -
" I am currently reading this book. So far this is a well written adventure story along the lines of Tolkin and Brooks. I am having trouble putting the book down in order to go about my every day life.... "
— Mike, 4/16/2010
About Liane Merciel
Liane Merciel spent most of her childhood bouncing around the world as an Army brat. She has lived in Alaska, Germany, and Korea, and has gone camping in every one of the fifty states. Her hobbies include yoga, training rats, and baking cupcakes capable of sending the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man into sugar shock with one bite. Currently she lives and practices law in Philadelphia where she is at work on the next novel in the series.
About Stefan Rudnicki
Stefan Rudnicki first became involved with audiobooks in 1994. Now a Grammy-winning audiobook producer, he has worked on more than five thousand audiobooks as a narrator, writer, producer, or director. He has narrated more than nine hundred audiobooks. A recipient of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards, he was presented the coveted Audie Award for solo narration in 2005, 2007, and 2014, and was named one of AudioFile’s Golden Voices in 2012.