Barrowlands

Iconoclasts, Book 0

By: Mike Shel

Narrated by: Simon Vance

No one enters the doom-haunted Barrowlands without royal sanction.

But Hesk Atterley has. Accompanied by seedy companions and a hunger for riches, what he finds may change his life forever...if it doesn't kill him first.

©2018 Mike Shel (P)2021 Podium Audio

Clever hook for a fantastic series

I found this title included on audible. I've been wanting to start a new series, and I've always been a fan of fantasy. However, it's hard to pick a new book without knowing whether you'll enjoy the author's writing style and the narrator's performance. This story is short, but it was more than enough to convince me that I wanted more. I think releasing this short prequel on Audible was a great marketing choice by Shel and his team. I just finished book 2 of Iconoclasts, and I'm excited to start the 3rd and final volume!

A very quick, dark fantasy prequel

*the audio performance was quite good, as it’s included with audible, I’d certainly suggest it!

This is an Iconoclasts prequel novella (can you see where I’m at this March?) and another Podium Audio that’s currently included on audible. This is a real short one, probably bordering right on the line of what you’d consider a novella. It’s almost the length of a prologue in a lot of fantasy novel.

With this one being so short, it kind of lacks all descriptors. Not much in the way of world building or lore, which typically isn’t always a bad thing. However in this one, it’s solely a single story, almost a single instance. It goes right from introductions to the climax, and that left me wanting. I guess the thought process is it entices you just enough to pick up the first book…

The story follows some seedy characters as they treasure hunt in the Barrowlands, which cannot be entered without permission…needless to say these guys don’t have it. The climax takes place in a tomb, which I thought felt more The Mummy (1999)–think the scarabs in the wall—than Lara Croft. I was definitely digging that!

The covers of the series intrigue me, but I’m not sure I’ll continue just yet.

Captivating

I do not read many short stories, but the way this one was put together was a whole story. You grow to like and despise the different characters. Well done.

Would have been better without the cussing.

Great short story. Without the cussing, it would have been amazing. Surprised how much fit into a single hour of listening.

Feels more horror than a grand adventure

This was surprising, didn't expect this to be a good one. The story feels more horror than a fantasy adventure, I do hope the series is also horror, cause I like fantasy horror. Give it a listen you might like it.

interesting

it was a very well written story. extremely interesting and worth the read for sure!! enjoyable!

Strongly written. Superbly performed.

Simon Vance is one of my favorite voice actors. This story gave him an opportunity to showcase his skills.

Great short story.

There is a prominent one star review, where is the reviewer urges you to ignore the majority of people who like this short story, because we are lying. I don't think this person gets how the review process works... you see, people have different tastes, and although this story might have rubbed you the wrong way, let me tell you about my experience.

From start to finish, the story is well laid out, hits the action points flawlessly, and the main character even learns a lesson. It was an hour well spent, by my perspective. If you enjoy fantasy, and you have an hour to kill, you could do far worse than investing your time and this story. The writer is great, and the narrator is excellent.

Guess I'm hooked

This one was "included" and it did the trick. I'll be listening to the series.

A fun piece of missing backstory

This was an entertaining look into a bit of Auric’s past. If you’ve read the Iconoclast trilogy, this will be a fun, short listen.