A Song for Arbonne

By: Guy Gavriel Kay

Narrated by: Euan Morton

Length: 19 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

A two-time winner of the Aurora Award, best-selling author Guy Gavriel Kay crafts fantastic tales relished by fans worldwide.

Here, the lands of Arbonne and Gorhaut are on the verge of an all-consuming conflict. When a devious high priest of Gorhaut seizes the opportunity to wage a holy war against residents of Arbonne, an epic clash between the two cultures ensues.

©1992 Guy Gavriel Kay (P)2009 Penguin Audio

A Love Song to Storytelling

Astounding and lovingly-crafted story. I'm not much for words, but I was completely blown away by the book. It builds a gorgeous tapestry to paint a high drama on, and it builds to a sweeping, majestic conclusion.

I have also literally never heard a better narrator for an audiobook. Not only does he capture the tone, diction, and rhythm of each word wonderfully, but he even sings the songs! A true troubadour himself! He nails the melody, he has a beautiful voice, and he has a range that can do a deep baritone of a male singer and a gentle alto of a female singer!

I have nothing more to share but heaps of praise. Get his book.

Just wonderful

This is a complete, finely written, thoroughly enjoyable, surprising, and rewarding read. Really pleased with this.

Another GGK Masterpiece

Excellent. Brilliant. One of GGK's best. Historical fantasy at its finest. Why GGK is not more popular is a mystery.

Euan Morton - above and beyond

This book was the usual fantasy plot of epic battles, manly men, and women who make them swoon. Well written, but I’m definitely ready for fantasy that moves out of these royal clashes where everyone beyond the blue bloods are just there to serve as maids or fodder for battles and plunder. Having said that, the narrator did an unparalleled job. Because a significant portion of the story circled around bards, it was truly meaningful for Euan Morton to lend his skilled voice to the songs. That was an unexpected treat.

A worthy tale

A story of love and betrayal, war and redemption. There are both people you care about and those you learn to despise.

4.7/5 stars!

Exceptional storytelling. Troubadors, joglars, dukes, kings, castles, songs, poetry, music, gods, moons, lakes, goddesses and magic. Love, honor, betrayal, loyalty, heartache, friendship, passion, jealousy, treachery, scheming, politics, and battles. Delectable writing to boot. What’s not to love!?

Medieval intrigue, courtly love, & rich characters

This is a very special book. Kay interviews plot, character motivations, and broad international frictions with dazzling effect. I loved it as a book. I enjoyed it even more as an audiobook.

Euan Mortan narrates well, finding the proper voice and attitude of the characters in each scene. And in most books, I prefer the songs and poems read, not set to music and sung. But here, Euan’s singing voice soars in a beautiful, beautiful tenor. I bookmarked all the songs! I literally would buy any music he sings on.

What a wonderful combination of novel and voice actor/singer.

Beautiful

Kay weaves a wonderful tale of love, death and life with skill and beauty. The lack of fantasy might be a bit of a turn off for some (including myself) but Kay does it all with style.

Fantasy religious wars

Guy Gavriel Kay’s A Song for Arbonne is high fantasy / sword ‘n sorcery with mostly sword. A land to the north is overseen by a war-like god, while in the south a more peaceful deity oversees a more ma-triarchal society. A mercenary from the north shows up. While initially involved in local squabbles, he gradually inserts himself into the emerging hostilities with a surprising twist.

Kay offers an engaging tale that overall is rather traditional in structure with gender competition added. There are lots of digressions that results more in story (or set of stories) rather than a novel making the tone and mood critical.

The narration is quite good with solid character distinction. Pacing is a tad slow.

Better than I ever expected.

This was an amazing story. How have I never heard of Kay before now. This is far superior to anything Sanderson has written.