Son of the Poison Rose

Kagen the Damned, Book 2

By: Jonathan Maberry

Narrated by: Ray Porter

"Ray Porter is the perfect book narrator. He submerges so completely into each character that they come alive as individuals. He allows the story to speak rather than making it his. He’s also fun to work with—and we have done a ton of projects together. It’s to the point that I hear his voice in my head when I’m writing. And even though he’s reading my work, his performance is so nuanced and entertaining that it allows me to listen to my own audiobooks as if they are brand new. It’s a fantastic working partnership."—Jonathan Maberry

Son of the Poison Rose marks the second installment of New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry's epic, swashbuckling Kagen the Damned series.

The Silver Empire is in ruins. War is in the wind. Kagen and his allies are on the run from the Witch-king. Wild magic is running rampant everywhere. Spies and secret cabals plot from the shadows of golden thrones.

Kagen Vale is the most wanted man in the world, with a death sentence on his head and a reward for him—dead or alive—that would tempt a saint.

The Witch-king has new allies who bring a terrible weapon—a cursed disease that drives people into a murderous rage. If the disease is allowed to spread, the whole of the West will tear itself apart.

In order to build an army of resistance fighters and unearth magical weapons of his own, Kagen and his friends have to survive attacks and storms at sea, brave the haunted wastelands of the snowy north, fight their way across the deadly Cathedral Mountains, and rediscover a lost city filled with cannibal warriors, old ghosts, and monsters from other worlds. Along with his reckless adventurer brothers, Kagen races against time to save more than the old empire… if he fails the world will be drenched in a tsunami of bloodshed and horror.

Son of the Poison Rose weaves politics and espionage, sorcery and swordplay, treachery and heroism as the damned outcast Kagen fights against the forces of ultimate darkness.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2023 Jonathan Maberry (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

25+ hours went by too fast!

To say that I devoured this audiobook would be a very large understatement. I got the newsletter email from Mr Maberry that stated he had published this book early and I immediately purchased it and began listening. I listened every chance I got and I listened to it in 2 days. I almost wish I had stretched it out longer because now I have an excruciatingly long wait until the next installment.

I like how this series ties a lot of Mr Mayberry's other series all together (can't say more or I might spoil something). And, what can I say about Mr Porter's narration that hasn't already been said?? He doesn't merely narrate; he brings the story and characters to life! It's almost as if there are notes in the book, like on a script, that direct him on how to act when reading specific parts. It's awe-inspiring to listen to.

In case you can't tell from this review, I really liked this book. I lack the ability to adequately put into words just how much though. I feel like a caveman while trying to write this review after listening to Mr Mayberry's work: Me like book. Me like talker. You should buy. (If you haven't read anything by him, you probably won't understand.)

Great story

Love the series from Johnathan Mayberry and Ray Porters the best narrator. I recommend this book

Amazing!

Amazing! This was some of Jonathan Maberry best works. Ray Porters performance was outstanding. Can’t wait for the next book in the series

Entertaining but I was as hooked

This was a good read but it didn't hook me as well as the first book where I couldn't stop listening. This time I was able to pause and come back after big gaps. Still worth listening to though.

Amazing Characters & Gripping Story

I woke up every day looking forward to listening to this story. So well done. I didn’t want it to end. Well, and it doesn’t. Looking forward to the next in series. Already ordered!

Engrossing

Can’t beat the writer and narrator combo of this book. Fun, fast, satisfying. Another great series in the making.

Amazing Series & book

I love this series about the cynical, perpetually bad tempered and foul mouthed former palace guard on a seemingly impossible quest to save his kingdom and avenge his loved ones, with some help from his eclectic best friends. I feel like Mayberry has successfully channeled the best parts of Conan, Tarzan, and Lovecraft to create a truly imaginative and entertaining saga! Can't wait for book 3 but I hope there are many more!

Excellent!

Really enjoyed this one! Can not wait for the next book in the series!

The Prince of Games

Another amazing adventure penned by one of the most prolific authors of this generation. An absolutely epic fantasy and a thrilling sequel to the Kagen the Damned novel. I can't wait to hear how this trilogy ends but I also dread my time with this series coming to an end.

Maberry at his finest

The hours melted away with such an impressive world built by the great JM. I hope this story runs for years to come.