Elseerian

The Chronicles of Lumineia, Book 1

By: Ben Hale

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

The assassination of heroes was once a warning... for an invasion that nearly destroyed the world. Nations were slaughtered, cities were erased from existence, and defending armies were crushed into oblivion. In weeks, all life stood on the verge of extinction. But the end did not come. Instead the black horde vanished, leaving terrified survivors... and rumors. As the centuries passed the holocaust faded into legend, and finally myth. Across the southern sea a gifted young man is completing his training. To him the war is forgotten. To the world a warning goes unheeded. And the killings have already begun.

©2012 Ben Hale (P)2013 Podium Publishing

Critic reviews

"Well written... highly detailed." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Ingenious and immersive." ( Best in Fantasy)

Very Happy with this one !!

Characters, Storyline, Twists, Action, Blood, Fighting, Magic, Swords, Demons, Death, and a Sound Narrator to put it all together. Need I say More ??

... I will. Great, Great, Great.

The Fights were of Joe Abercrombie quality, which is hard to match. Not as dark but close enough. Ben Hale makes it so very easy to imagine what is taking place, just enough description to see it in your mind, but not to much to lose interest in what is being described.

Im very excited to continue this series, just try it out you'll be happy.

Great story with amazing characters - loved it!

What did you love best about Elseerian?

Even though the story follows a classic Fantasy theme, I was entranced by the way in which the author wove well developed characters in a complex story arc without any fluff or unnecessary plot twists. Elseerian sets up the trilogy fantastically in such a way that the reader sees all the puzzle pieces presented but doesn't quite know how the author will turn each one and fit them together. I especially loved how the main character is flawed and has to learn along the way what his role in the final battle of good versus evil will be, without any of the frustrating back and forth that we see in a lot of other Fantasy heroes (ex: Rand Al Thor - Wheel of Time series).

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. At the end of Elseerian I panicked because I had no idea if the other books in the series were published by Audible yet, but thankfully both Book 2 and 3 were! I even purchased extra credits so I could immediately listen to all of them.

Any additional comments?

Great listen and I can't wait until Ben Hale's other books become available on Audible!

good start

It starts slowly but proves to be an epic story. You'll definitely want the rest so you can binge listen

Great Start!

Any additional comments?

I love this type of epic fantasy series. Reminded me a lot of the Wheel of Time series but condensed.

strategy & sacrifice

i loved the book. it was a very pleasant read. i thought the character development was well done. the description of places were on point.

im excited to learn more about brayan. the young general. im eager to read the gathering.

Not my style

I thought I would take a chance on a fantasy book, and it was everything feared it may be. If you are a fan of this genre I am sure it is wonderful. It was like the audio book of an RPG video game. RPG's are boring enough to play let alone listen to.

Very good escape book. . . But

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Very easy listening and an overall good nonsense escape book BUT the intro states it's the first of a series. It really is that only the story line doesn't end at the end of the book - it continues in book 2. Normally an author uses the same characters in a suspbsequent book with a different story line, plot, etc. Here the SAME story continues into the next book. A way to sell two books (or maybe three) instead of one long tomb. Recommended but know you won't know the end of the story unless you buy the remaining two books or so.

Good potential, weak on characters and substance.

I like the authors style or writing, but the characters are rather two dimensional, and the depth to the story is lacking. The protagonist is the best on the planet at doing what he does, and he just seems to accept this without question. The plot is full of holes and logical errs. The protagonist's best friend (and it's written to come across as a sincere best friend or love interest) puts him in fatal situations which could have easily been avoided, and to add insult to injury, is amazed by how he managed to succeed.

I feel this book would have been really good if the editor would have been better, or more insistent that plot hole, like potholes, slow you down and can potentially ruin an otherwise smooth journey.

Good Story , if a bit predictable .

What made the experience of listening to Elseerian the most enjoyable?

Solid descriptions and pacing .

Who was your favorite character and why?

Didn't have a single favorite , I enjoyed the ajority of the characters

Any additional comments?

Good read/listen , I would recommend it to my friends and family .

Loved this book!

Any additional comments?

I enjoy Epic Fantasy Books.... Wheel of Time Series, Wizards First Rule, George R.R. Martin, The Warded Man, The Name of the Wind...

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