Black Sleeve

Arms of Malar, Book 1

By: Joshua Fordyce

Narrated by: Caleb Schroeder

Length: 16 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Follow Gammon's journey—once an elite Hunter and member of the Green Sleeves, Gammon has fallen into the shame and exile of being marked a Black Sleeve.

He finds himself in an unlikely alliance among the often treacherous lot of criminal and severed folk to embark on a quest to reclaim his life and love in defiance of the other Sleeves of Malar who have punished him.

Gammon comes face-to-face with a far greater threat than the politicians or philosophers in the world of Balor could have imagined!

From the ingenuity of the Bathmore rifles to the sophistication of the Pantheon of Malar, will anyone be powerful enough to stop the armies of the deep?

©2023 Joshua L. Fordyce (P)2024 Joshua L. Fordyce

The plot kept me hooked

The story follows Gammon, a former elite Hunter turned outcast, as he navigates a dangerous world filled with intrigue and powerful enemies. The plot kept me hooked, especially with its unique blend of personal redemption and high-stakes adventure.

The narrator did a fantastic job, bringing Gammon’s journey to life with a voice that felt both intense and sincere, really capturing the character’s emotional highs and lows.

While the world-building is impressive, sometimes the pacing slowed down a bit in places, making it feel like the story was dragging just a touch. But overall, it’s an engaging and thought-provoking audiobook that delivers both thrills and moments of reflection.

Worth the listen!

Very exciting

This book is an exciting blend of fantasy and adventure, following Gammon’s gritty journey from disgrace to redemption. The story pulls you into a world full of layered characters, political intrigue, and looming dangers. The stakes are high as alliances shift and unexpected threats arise. It’s packed with action, but also has moments that make you think about loyalty, resilience, and the cost of power. A great pick for anyone who loves tales of unlikely heroes and epic battles.

Embracing Shadows to Discover the Light Within

Black Sleeve is a captivating journey into the depths of resilience and self-discovery. This book masterfully delves into the shadows we often hide from—grief, doubt, and hidden insecurities—and transforms them into sources of strength. Through beautifully crafted prose, Black Sleeve challenges us to confront the darkness that we each carry, offering a powerful message about the beauty of vulnerability and the resilience it brings. It’s both a comforting guide and an honest mirror, inviting readers to explore and embrace their inner shadows as a path toward healing and self-acceptance. A profound read for anyone seeking to rediscover their inner light.

Excellent

"An epic tale of redemption and resilience—Gammon’s journey captivates with intrigue, danger, and unforgettable world-building."