The Book of Siavon: Vol. 1

The Ruby Child, Volume 1

By: Jessica Eppley

Narrated by: Edward Mittelstedt

A shadow has fallen over the wondrous magical world of Aryth. Evil has enveloped the holy cities, and all hope rests on an ancient prophecy that only a child born with ruby eyes can fulfill. Raised by a warrior in the outskirts of Nodens, a spirited teenage girl named Keavy trains to battle Crocotta, a deadly shape-shifter with the power to control the wild beasts terrorizing her once peaceful homeland. With the aid of an old catfolken scientist, a clumsy wood faun, and an arrogant young blacksmith, Keavy decides to leave behind the carefree days of her youth to embark on a perilous journey -- a quest to restore peace and happiness to Aryth -- a destiny only she can fulfill.

©2011 Jessica Eppley (P)2017 Jessica Eppley

A Fantasy adventure for a newer generation of read

Would you consider the audio edition of The Book of Siavon: Vol. 1 to be better than the print version?

I love audio books. I love to read, but audiobooks allow me more time to read while commuting or doing other activities, so being in audio book format is invaluable to me.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Keavy is my favorite character. Although she is supposed to be this prophesised savior type, I feel like Keavy is constantly fumbling through the events that surround her. Not in a bad way, but I like that she isn't in complete control of every situation or so powerful that while reading you lose interest in what is going on. She seems more real because of her flaws.

What aspect of Edward Mittelstedt’s performance would you have changed?

I like voices of different characters to have a bit bigger range from eachother. Also, mispronouncing mere a few times stuck out to me. At times, the reading gets a bit robotic, even with parts of the book where exciting parts are occurring. Overall not bad, but could have been improved with a little less rushing through the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was very gripped in the opening of the book, a lot of things happening quickly. I felt most on edge during this section than on any other part of the book

Any additional comments?

Clocking in at 6 hours and 41 minutes, it is a pretty quick read. Some great world building occurs within this time. I appreciate a complicated and intricate background. This book certainly achieves a great groundwork for more adventures. I look forward to reading/listening to more. I feel very little humor made its way into the book. Aside a bit of taunting during a fight, the whole thing seemed overall more grim than light hearted. I don't mean this as a negative criticism, I can appreciate the serious attitude that the book is approached with. However, the book kind of felt like bad things just happen over and over again for Keavy. If not wild beasts trying to kill her, it's irrationally angry carnival folk. It would have been nice to see Keavy have anything go well for her, I genuinely feel bad for her at times. Which is a good thing I suppose. If Keavy wasn't so overly tragic with her life and everything happening to her, Keavy would be a fairly two dimensional character. Her journey overcoming the adversity is what makes her the most interesting. Her desires, beyond wielding her sire's sword, are not really addressed. Her only motivation seems to be proving herself a real warrior and worthy of the prophesy that she is supposed to fulfill. I hope in further readings questions of mine are answered, and Keavy is more fleshed out as a character.Overall this book leaves me wanting more of the story and more of the backstory as well. When a book achieves that, it is well worth the read. The world seems vast, the lore seems deep. This book is a world you can get yourself lost in.

Story is good.

The story is good and there is a lot of action. But I almost stopped listening because of the narrator. Hardly any pitch in his voice, pretty much monotone.

The Ruby Child

There are plenty action. I like the mystery of its characters and sci-fi feel. Vorian makes a good protagonist. The narrative does slow down, with more description to it and I have to say I admire this writer for how they seamlessly write in the back story and history of this different world

Hard To Follow - Narrator Saves It

This book was difficult for me to stay involved. To me, it didn't set up the world, the inhabitants and power figures but just jumped right in to the action expecting you to figure out the environment as you go along. I found myself having to back up and re-listen to parts to try to keep things straight. To be honest, I'm still not completely sure what happened to all of the main characters at the end of the book.
The saving grace was the Narrator. Edward Mittelstedt is a name that I will remember and look for similar to books narrated by George Guidall. I was better able to follow the characters because of the voices the narrator uses. I especially liked the voices for the fawn-like characters. The cadence was such that it helped things along rather than lull you to sleep.

I requested this book for free so that I could review it.

Review Bk of Siavon: vol 1

Jessica has started a brilliant series, enticing, adventurous,and spellbinding.
An even greater treat, is the performance by Edward Mittelstedt. His performance gives the story substance and intrigue. Each character comes to life under his skillful narration.

Really interesting story

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

I would definitely recommend this book. Very good narration

What other book might you compare The Book of Siavon: Vol. 1 to and why?

It reminds me of Lord of the rings a little.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the entire book

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me attentive

starts off slow but ends in spectacular fashion

To start off i thought the book seemed a little generic. And honestly it kind of is generic. That doesn't mean that the story still wasn't enjoyable. I enjoyed it thoroughly and it was enough for me me to want to give the sequel a listen.

Great

I really enjoyed the book it was exciting from beginning to the end and the narrator did a great job thank you

Good time waster

I received this audio book in exchange for my honest review. The story is a good one but the mostly monotone narration made it difficult to stay focused on the story. I think actually reading the book would be more satisfying.

Good story!! great characters .

Narrator was a little wooden in the beginning but he eventually found his groove. enjoyed this book and just downloaded book 2. really liking this series thus far.