Herald of Wind

By: Matthew Wolf

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Gray has a secret. He's a reborn legend called Ronin, an elemental guardian that protected one of the nine cities: wind, water, fire, stone, moon, sun, nature, metal, and flesh.

The only problem? He's evil. Well, or at least, that's what everyone thinks.

With his newfound power, Gray has plans to overcome this unfortunate stigma, unveil the true darkness, and reunite the other elemental Ronin. Considering they're feared as harbingers of chaos and destruction, however, it's...a bit of a tall order.

Luckily, he's not alone. With a trusted trio, Gray and friends must now travel to the great magical cities of fire, sun, stone, moon, nature, wind, metal, and flesh to find the others of their kind before all the world burns.

©2023 Matthew Wolf (P)2023 Matthew Wolf

A return to Farhaven! A+ fantasy

Full disclosure, I’m a Patreon of the saga but became a huge fan after reading the first book a few years ago this is combo of book 1 and 2 read by the amazing Tim Gerard Reynolds, plus a little sneak peak of a new title Matthew is soon to release titled “Skythief”. I got an advanced copy but also snagged one and just barreled through the pages. It’s been 2 years since I’ve read book 1 and 2, but it was a delight to return to Farhaven, explore the elemental cities, and follow along with all the twists and turns. I know the story well and love it, but 50+ hrs I found so many forgotten treasures, from side characters I’d forgotten, to laugh out loud moments, I found myself falling in love with Farhaven and our three intrepid main characters all over again. TL;DR: great story, loved the return to a grand magical world, lots of twists, 50+ hours of fantasy adventure, you can’t go wrong. Get your copy and return to Farhaven!

Lackluster

I don’t see the hype. It was so difficult to get into this story. Character development felt like it would take one step forward and two back constantly. There’s little to no connection to any character. The relationships build up ok in the second half. I wanted to like this book so badly! The idea of it is great. Just fell short for me in so many ways. The narrator’s voice felt so off to me also. Didn’t fit this story at all.
Overall the story did just enough to keep me listening and curious enough to see what happened next.

A breakdown from an avid fantasy audiophile

Goods:
+ fast paced story, believable and deep MC’s
+ epic battles
+ well done magic system, not “soft” but not too “hard” and complex, but I can tell it’s going to advance and get more complicated.
+ elemental powers
+ no cheesy love triangle, but a bit of a tension
+ good twists and turns. I didn’t expect
+ awesome premise with nine descendants of elemental legends
+ love that there is a character named Kail (so cool!)

Bads:
⁃Evil is a little just evil “bad guys” as the story begins, but as it evolves into Citadel of Fire, there’s a lot more moral complexity - especially with a character named Faye who I really enjoyed. So this is a plus and minus
⁃Book 1 is a little standard fantasy, which I like, but if that’s not your cup of tea

Overall, big fan of book one and two and the second books progresses SIGNIFICANTLY, and really draws you into the characters. Which, I felt they were a little flat in book 1 (though I think that was partly because there was so much going on), but it’s a nice slow burn as the books develop. Point is, amazing story, lots of humor, grand fantasy which I haven’t seen since Wheel of Time. If you’re a fan of Brandon Sanderson, you’ll love this. And TGR’s knocks it out of the park with this performance.

I crush books while driving or doing chores, and this series I just powered through. Once you get a few hours in, it’s impossible to put down. Love that it’s 50+ hours for 1 credit too.

Always a Tim fan, for Sullivan fans

This is a classic fantasy done right. as title says, Tim (TGR) is amazing and his performance was a blast to listen to. Can’t wait to listen to bastion of sun and onward. Hoping that becomes an Omnibus too

If you read Mage Errant or anything Michael Sullivan (that’s how I found it), this book will totally be up your alley!

I am hooked

Great start to a series! I am hooked! I love all the characters, but especially Gray and Feye! I hope the author keeps developing that relationship - it is so complex and interesting!

Some tropes but it subverts it in cool ways…

Loved this book, crushed it in record time.

All my favorites: Magic, dragons, elements, unpredictable morally complex characters.

What it has (tropes and how subverted):
•mc who needs to save the day and is “chosen”, but he isn’t overpowered and has to learn the hard way
•friends of MC who are young foils. But they end up being a part of the legacy, and show complex pasts to not become simple cardboard cutouts
•a scary black rider bad guy evil.. but without spoilers, are the counter to the main good guys for a good reason
• wizard epic mentor (I like this one) but it’s MCs grandfather so… I think it guess a pass on that alone (thus his magical prowess)
• I felt a little dues ex machina at the end of b2 (no spoilers) but the way it was built up, and seeing all bread crumbs back to page 1, it’s actually pretty gave me “goosebumps” cool. And I like Darius so, whatever he does gets a pass.
•magic system had some standard fire, water, stone stuff. But element of flesh and metal was cool. Also they can use them in unique ways. Eg wind actually cups the air / words before someone’s mouth and brings them to his ear (since words are just vibrations in the air as it’s described)

That’s pretty much it. Also love Faye. Totally ship her and Gray, but we’ll see… maybe?

In short, get it. I read short stories too in the Saga by same author. They’re quick a fun fantasy romps. You won’t regret it. For one credit it’s totally worth it-a bit of a hidden gem imo. But listen to a sample and see for yourself.

Enjoy!! You’re in for a treat

Excellent

I loved reading these books and the narration brought a whole new dimension. 100% recommend.

Refreshingly good adventure tale

I was pleasantly surprised that this was a good adventure saga! This was actually combined of books 1 and 2 of 4. I like the characters and the tale. I did it via audiobook. But I think this is a case it would be easier to get into the world and remember it better by reading a physical copy (paper or kindle). While the themes aren't surprising, the tale/world is refreshing and different that one enjoys and looks forward to what's next. The characters are enjoyable. The only one I am not keen on is Zane. He is hot-headed and just makes him occasionally stupid/annoying. But since he isn't quite core yet I'm ok. Plus he is developing so it actually leaves him open for improvement. We will see with next 2 books.

Fantastic Time!!

I don't know where to start but this books was an epic journey for me. Awesome incredible time listening to the story. The story is well written and narration is awesome to. I highly recommend this book to any one. I loved it and now I wan't the actual book. Awesome experience. Buy it now

sneak peek review

loved this combo. Fair warning, I’ve read these both, but it’s been a while and I wanted a refresher as book 5 of the saga is on the way. I crushed this and got to revisit some of my favorite characters in Farhaven and their fast-paced adventures. Also… bonus… the new book chapter sneak peak at the end was AMAZING. Michael Kramer knocks it out of the park. I lovedddd the characters already. If you’re thinking about it, don’t. Snag it, you won’t regret