Hush

Book Two of the Dragon Apocalypse

By: James Maxey

Narrated by: Jake Urry

The invulnerable, super-strong warrior, Infidel, has a secret: she's lost her magical powers right at the moment when she needs them most. To keep a promise to a fallen friend, she must journey to the frozen wastelands of the north. Her quest leads her through the abstract realms of the Sea of Wine, where she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens all life. Hush, the primal dragon of cold, has formed an alliance with the ghost of a vengeful witch to murder Glorious, the dragon of the sun, plunging the world into an unending winter night. Without her magical strength, can Infidel possibly survive her battle with Hush? If she fails to save Glorious, will the world see another morning?

©2012 James Maxey (P)2018 James Maxey

Good Continuation of the series

Hush picks up pretty much where Greatshadow ended. Bringing the cast (well, some of them) back together for another adventure. As with the first one, I love how this book is narrated by a dead guy, who at times, breaks the fourth wall. There is a dash of humor mixed in that I really enjoyed as well. The way magic is portrayed in this book is very interesting as well, with several different types of conflicting magic that all blend together to make an interesting and entertaining novel. The narrator does an amazing job as well, and his voice for Stagger later in the novel is fantastic. Overall, it was a good continuation of the series and I look forward to listening to the next book.

The author has gifted me other books, including the sequel to this one in exchange for an unbiased review, but I purchased this book myself. This review is my unbiased opinion.

Another FANTASTIC entry into this series

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This was an outstanding epic fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story continues to be original and engaging. The narration was great. Jake Urry does a great job of bringing the book to life. I will definitely look for more from this series.

Excellent continuation

Book 1 of this series is the only 5-star rating I have ever given. While book 2 wasn't quite as awe-inspiring to me as book 1 I would still highly recommend this title - it is an excellent continuation of a very good series. The overall plot flowed very well out of book 1 and continued to build on the unique and enjoyable mythos Maxey has crafted. While you start to see the overall story-arc take focus the book still manages to tell a complete tale from beginning to end. The book did drag a little in the middle (hence the rating step-down) but I was still wanting to know more about this world and these characters.

Jake Urry continues to do a solid job with the narration. My favorite thing about his narration is his ability to present characters in a unique way even better than what I would hear in my head if I was just reading the book. This time it was the golem's voice that stood out as the highlight for me. I wish I got a little more emotional resonance, particularly for a fist person narrative, but I still enjoyed his reading.

Two books in and I still want more. I'm looking forward to the next edition to see where this goes. If you enjoy wildly imaginative fantasy with powerful characters and even more powerful foes this title (and this series) is well worth your time.

Great Performance for a Fun Book

Would you consider the audio edition of Hush to be better than the print version?

While I haven't read the print version, there were definitely things in Hush that made it a fantastic audio book, from Jake's narration to a few bits here and there that I just imagine would work better in audio than print.

What other book might you compare Hush to and why?

I haven't done a lot of fantasy, but there are some reminders of Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive in there.

What about Jake Urry’s performance did you like?

I really appreciated his performance and how he tried to give each character their own personality, not just a different inflection but a true personality.

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

To be fair, I think it worked for me a bit better listening to it a couple hours here and a couple there. Once I started, I wanted to finish, but I liked how I read it.

Another Winner!

This continues the story of Stagger and Infidel as they travel north to fulfill a pledge to a friend. This story is still going strong with new friends, new hardships, new adventures.
This narrator has done a great job, he has such a range in bringing these characters to life.
Looking forward to the next in series, Witchbreaker.

Excellent story! Excitement, Adventure, Sorrow!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Wow!!! What a story!! This continuing story brings a very satisfying peace to the story of Stagger and Infidel. What joy can be found in being able to be with one's love again.

Another Great Adventure in the Dragon Apocalypse

Disclaimer: I was a beta reader for this book and was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was asked to read this book without having read the first volume. As a new reader, I was able to jump into the story with no real problems, which is saying quite a lot because this novel picks up very shortly after Greatshadow.

During the course of the first novel, a promise was made and this volume sees how the main characters attempt to fulfill that promise. Despite the fairly linear goal, Maxey weaves new characters in deftly that expand the scope of the quest, new and original powers and continue to develop the mythology in entertaining ways.

The Dragon Apocalypse is notable as a fantasy novel that does not seek to retread Tolkien or others' paths through fantasy. In many ways, it is fantasy by way of Jack Kirby with larger than life threats, vast new worlds to explore while maintaining an intimate view of the unusual cast of characters. Expect jokes, wordplay, fantastic action sequences and surprisingly nuanced discussions of love, death, philosophy, religion and everything under (and in) the sun. Ghosts, shape changers, magic pirates, witches, princesses, ogres and of course gigantic elemental dragons and more await!

It's not quite like anything you've read before and leaves you guessing what is coming next right up until the final page.


You can pick this up on it's own or start with Greatshadow (which felt like a HeroQuest mission with fanatasy superheroes in the best way.)

For those of you who are adverse to starting series that are not finished - have no fear. All 4 volumes are written, published and available in your preferred medium(Audible audio books currently have 2 out of 4 with more on the way)


Note for the audio book: The narrator did a great job with some difficult voices including multiple types of golems and dragons.

An adventure where legend becomes life.

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Once again we see the story through Stagger's eyes. I enjoy the troubles of the Commonplace and what comes for Infidel. Even the adventures she goes on.

Jake is a pleasure to listen to. He voices each character differently, not only in personality but in tone too. Stagger is a great example of this. He's going to have two sounds to him (you have to listen to understand why). Jake makes sure to make a difference in Stagger's voice to fit the descriptions. Jake paces the story and feels like Stagger's relaxed personality. But we get a feel for urgency at times when Stagger feels it. I slip into the story with Jake narrating. I don't have to worry about slips, it's all clean and feels natural.

We meet a few new characters. I found the Romers very interesting. They are pirates. The mother is captain and the kids are crew. But what caught my attention is the magical abilities they have. So cool. Then there's Sorrow, who's a weaver (or witch). Sorrow is interesting, but when she started talking about how she sees through things, my mind drifted. However, the connection she has to the current events and situation Infidel finds herself in IS interesting. Sorrow can shed some light on a few things for us.

The world is expanding for us. We know the world is full of history and magic, and we are seeing more of it now. We seem to dive into the thinking of magics in the world and belief in it. This is a spiral of thinking Stagger falls into. And we start to get an inner view of magic.

Infidel is in a bit of a tough spot as her invulnerability has disappeared, along with her super strength. But she's found armor she can use to help protect herself. Stagger, also, finds himself in a bit of a pickle. He is a ghost, after all. But someone who knows about ghosts and has magic can use that.

Stagger feels to have become rather insightful and informative. He's more out spoken, or thinking, of his wants and desires, how he feels about Infidel and others. He also comes across intellectual about the ways of different people - wanderers, witches, and many more - in this world. With the traveling and exploring he's done, he's learned a lot over the years and it shows now. He's the one that gives us the back story on many things and ways of living in the world.

Infidel has her own missions. She's falling off the path that Black Swan had planned for her, the dragon apocalypse. We don't have a direct dragon mission (per say) in the beginning of this book. Which feels slow. But we do end up on a mission based on Hush with the Jagged Heart, Aurora's people, and Sorrow. Things are guided that way.

We get to see the history of the artifact - the Jagged Heart with Hush and her once love. We also get more in depth with magic and theories behind it. Also there is more to ghosts too, leaving thoughts and hopes for Stagger.

There is a lot of theoretical discussion of magic and the ways thing work. When the characters get into these discussions, I sort of phased out. I know some are important, but the theory didn't seem to get me to where we needed to be. Now, when we learned of history of the dragons, I listened.

I think the end is worth it. I like where everyone ends up here. It all feels fitting for what we've learned and the paths they've taken.

Excelente!

I was gifted this book in exchange for a review. I listened to the first book and the second did not disappoint. I can’t believe some of the ideas the author has come up with for this story! This is a unique story that really had me enveloped as if I were there with the characters. I don’t know if anyone else dances around the house with their pods in their ears pretending they are a character in their books but I sure do and this story gets me silly. It’s a good thing the kids are at school or they might think I’ve lost it. Everyone knows how good it feels to be in a good story and this one is good. I prefer female narrators to be honest but this guy rocks it. He is one of the best and I have hundreds of audiobooks.

I want to know, what will happen to Stagger? What will happen to Infidel and where did she go? Will they ever be together again? Will the dragons destroy the human race? I want more so I’m off to the next book In the series. TaTa for now!

loved it.

keep up the good work James and Jake. I look forward to meny more exciting adventures with Stagger and his family and friends.