Mountain Folk

By: John Hood

Narrated by: Benjamin Fife

John Hood’s new novel Mountain Folk uses elements of folklore and epic fantasy to tell the story of America’s founding in a fresh and exciting way.

Goran is one of the rare fairies who can live without magical protection in the Blur, the human world where the days pass 20 times faster than in fairy realms. Goran’s secret missions for the Rangers Guild take him across the British colonies of North America - from far-flung mountains and rushing rivers to frontier farms and bustling towns. Along the way, Goran encounters Daniel Boone, George Washington, an improbably tall dwarf, a mysterious water maiden, and a series of terrifying monsters from European and Native American legend. But when Goran is ordered to help the other fairy nations of the New World crush the American Revolution, he must choose between a solemn duty to his own people and a fierce loyalty to his human friends and the principles they hold dear.

©2021 John Hood (P)2022 John Hood

Historical Fantasy Fiction

Throughout history the fae of different species (Silth, Dwarves, Pixies, and others) have protected and lent a guiding hand to the humans. After-all, the humans do not know the perils they face at the hands of the monsters. So, when the humans travelled to the Americas the fae followed. Now, these humans are trying to distance themselves from their rightful ruler, the King of England. Allowing this to happen would lead to disaster as these humans are not up to the task of self governing. The fae must once more lend their influence to squash this rebellion before things get out of hand. The only problem is not all fae agree. Some believe that these humans have a right to govern. Who is right and who will win?
I received a copy of this audiobook from the narrator for a honest review. When I first began listening to the book I was so excited. I am a Kentucky girl, as anyone who has been reading my reviews for a while knows. And the first character we meet in our story is Daniel Boone. I grew up playing in Daniel Boone National Forest and used to pretend that ever gap between the hills was The Cumberland Gap. In reality I only lived about an hour from it.

My excitement continued as we began discussing the French and Indian war. It is one of the wars that aren't overdone. We covered it in American History, but it wasn't shoved down our throats until all mystery and majesty was gone from it. Unlike the American Revolution. We hit that point in the book and if I had been reading this book instead of listening to it there would have been a lot of skimming going on. My eyes would have all but glazed over and that would have been that. I liked the monsters. I liked the fair folk. I liked the concept of fae using their influence to get what they want. It fits with what is known of fae. When I read the synopsis, and yes, I actually read this synopsis since it was a book review request instead of an impulse buy, it was focused mostly on the fairy nations. There was exactly one sentence on the American Revolution so I thought it would be a background detail. I was wrong.

I do have to say I enjoyed listening to the narrator. It was always easy to tell who the different characters were and he didn't pause awkwardly like some that I listen to do. In fact, I started an impulse buy audiobook as soon as I finished this audiobook the other day and the difference between narrators is night and day. That being said, listening to Benjamin Fife narrating a mail order bride alien romance would be hilarious. Of that I have no doubt.

While I will be reading more books done by this narrator in the future I am not looking for any more by this author. The book was well written and flowed continuously, it just wasn't what I wanted.

The Folklore Cycle starts off w/ a historical bang

This is the first book I have read from John Hood. So far, book 1 of the Folklore Cycle series has me wanting more in the form of book 2 and overall from the author! The characters are believable and relatable and come across as they should based on the folklore and historical nature of them. The world is well built, the plot moves at a good place, and I highly recommend this book and the series. Audio Version: Benjamin Fife continues to hone his craft through this book and does an amazing job.

Fantacy Story Wrapped Around Actual History

This story was so wrapped up in actual history back when the country was ruled by England and during its fight for freedom, but with fictional creatures. The author could have made a deeper investigation into the Native American history and words much more. Narrator does a Great job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.