The Grimoire of Kings

The Tales of Bramoria, Book 1

By: Blake R. Wolfe

Narrated by: Zac Katz-Stein

Tyler was a regular high school student until he was thrust into a fantasy world of magic and dragons. Now his new world is threatened and he must fight to find a way home and save his friend's lives.

Tyler Wilson isn't special—in fact with his only skill being getting good grades he doesn't care about, he's less than average. But when his best friend Danny tells him he only has three months to live, Tyler does something crazy. Gathering up his friends, they run away for one last summer together before Danny inevitably dies.

When the three decide to steal from a mysterious bookstore, their entire world changes overnight. Thrust into a magical fantasy land full of dragons and monsters, Tyler must fight for his life. Now he's searching for his friends and a way to get back home while vicious dragon attacks are on the rise. The appearance of a mysterious sage could be their only hope or their doom.

Can he find his friends before it's too late or will they all be trapped in this dangerous new world forever?

Listen to The Grimoire of Kings and be transported into your own epic adventure today!

The Grimoire of Kings is the enthralling and adventurous first installment of the coming-of-age fantasy The Tales of Bramoria. If you like sarcastic characters, emotional twists, LGBTQ+ representation, and powerful reveals, then you'll love Blake R. Wolfe's adventure-packed story. Great for fans of Dungeons and Dragons, Final Fantasy, and The Witcher.

©2022 Blake R. Wolfe (P)2022 Blake R. Wolfe

Annoying MC, but great cast of characters regardless.

The performance of the reader was great, I especially liked the accent he gave to Koto. The only criticism I hold for this book is that the main character is almost unbearable at times, but other than that Bramoria is a well put together world, and the characters all bring something unique to the story. I am excited to continue this series!

Teleport to a good adventure.

Blake R. Wolfe’s The Grimoire of Kings is a captivating start to the Tales of Bramoria series, blending originality with classic fantasy elements. The story follows Tyler Wilson, who is determined to give his best friend Danny, who has only three months to live, an unforgettable summer. Joined by their friend Clay, who steals a mysterious book from an ancient bookstore, they are transported to the magical land of Bramoria. Wolfe’s unique twist on the adventure genre, where the characters must pay the price of "Integrity," adds depth and intrigue.

In the real world, Tyler, Danny, and Clay each face personal trials: Danny battles terminal cancer, Tyler struggles with an abusive father, and Clay feels the pressure to meet his single parent's expectations. Their individual journeys and eventual reunion are handled with emotional depth, showcasing Wolfe’s strength in character development.

The loss of integrity profoundly affects their experiences in Bramoria. Tyler becomes a knight but struggles with the guilt and burden of his past. Danny, assuming the role of a mage, grapples with the reality of his illness in a world where magic and mortality intersect. Clay, as a rogue, faces the consequences of his actions and the complexities of trust and betrayal. The sacrifices they make and the growth they experience highlight the cost of their adventure, adding layers of complexity to their characters.

Wolfe’s vivid descriptions bring Bramoria to life. From the perilous encounters with magical beasts to the awe-inspiring landscapes reminiscent of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, every detail is crafted to immerse the reader in this high fantasy world. The sophisticated world-building enhances the narrative, making it easy to visualize and feel part of the adventure.

The Grimoire of Kings excels in world-building and character development, offering a rich and immersive fantasy experience. However, the novel falls short of its promotional promise as an LGBTQ fantasy. The series was advertised with an expectation of a gay lead character, but the narrative focuses more on friendship and personal growth. Tyler’s sexuality is not explored, nor is there a romantic subplot between male characters, which may disappoint readers looking for LGBTQ representation. Overall, it is a compelling read for fantasy enthusiasts who appreciate intricate worlds and heartfelt character arcs.

Slow to Start, But Worth The Listening Time

I really wasn’t sure if I’d like this book, and to be honest I REALLY wasn’t sure after such a slow start in the first couple hours. However, I kept listening and I’m glad because by the end I was satisfied and hopeful about where the series may go in the future.
I must admit I was annoyed when it ended in what most would call a cliffhanger, but did give closure to the main storyline of the book.
I also found the MC to be quite relatable, while annoying at times. The author made him HUMAN, not some hero. He’s essentially the same person most of us would be in his place, I think.
I really wish this book had continued another 50 or so pages, and their BETTER BE ANOTHER BOOK… (threat of violence implied).
As a stand-alone I call it a good but average book, if it becomes a series, I think I’ll buy the next the day it’s released.
This one is definitely worth the credit and listening time, as long as the story continues after the first book.
The narrator did pretty well, but I’m only giving him 4 stars because if the grating “s” sounds he made occasionally. Take that out and I’m looking forward to hearing him again.