The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches Book III

By: Robert Stanek

Narrated by: Karl Fehr

Here is the third volume in Robert Stanek's magnificent Keeper Martin's Tales, the series fans have called the Star Wars of fantasy. Filled with mystery, intrigue, adventure, and magic, the audiobooks transport us to a world unlike any other. Praised as an instant classic, Robert Stanek's outstanding series has quickly become a favorite.

Adrina, Emel, Vilmos, Galan, and Seth face even greater challenges as their world is transformed. Vilmos, in his quest to become the first human magus in a thousand years, must control the darkness within him. Adrina must accept her place and work together with Emel to help the elves make their plea to Great Kingdom's council. What happens will amaze you.

Listen to more books in The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches series.©2002 Robert Stanek (P)2005 Reagent Press

Critic reviews

"[A] complex tale...sure to attract fans of graphic novels and classic Tolkien alike....Stanek will likely draw a cult following....This cliffhanger guarantees fans, and those fans will be ready to wield their swords against the Dark Lord in Stanek's next installment." (Voice of Youth Advocates)

This is what Audible Listening is all about!

Once again, Stanek kept me listening until the small hours of the morning. Not only does he have the ability to create rich landscapes, but he peoples these landscapes with characters you want to know more about because they are interesting and real. As ever, Stanek doesn't overwhelm the reader with needless detail in the manner of Robert Jordan, rather he works detail seamlessly into his narrative.

The well-rounded characters are beautifully drawn. Stanek's prose style changes subtly from one character to another, making each fresh.

He continues the practice of devoting a section to one character at a time and shifting between characters to keep the pace brisk. He also lets the read fill in blanks with their imagination which has a much more powerful effect than an overabundance of detail. In fact, I was so glad that every braid pull, skirt tuck, etc wasn't detailed.

Plus Stanek is an author who respects the intelligence of his readers. He doesn't waste page after page backpedeling over every little thing that has happened previously in the story. Instead he picks up where he left off last and moves forward. I strongly recomend this series to everyone who enjoyed good books. These books are rare finds.

it was amazing

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III was a very good book, because it gave a ton of detail. Robert Stanek did an excellent job giving details. It felt like I was there. Read this book- you will love it!!!

High Adventure and Mystery Await!

This incredible series only improves as it goes along! The external speakers we bought for our iPod was our best investment so far as our whole family gathers to listen to the stories. These stories are one of the all time classics for all ages. We've enjoyed watching Adrina grow into a more mature young woman, Vilmos accept who he is and go on great adventures, Seth battle the elements and unseen foes, and Xith at the center of it all.

Best so far

This book was a great follow-up to the first two. The book is well written, entertaining and intriguing. The audio presentation is delightful. Like everyone else, this is undoubtedly one of the best fantasy series I have ever read. A good writer is someone that can craft a sentence to say precisely what it should with no more or less than is needed to convey a mental picture, to advance plot or provide characterization. Stanek provides exactly the right amount of detail, wit and characterization to convey exactly what the reader needs. Add to that the ability to tell a story that grabs you and doesn't let go and you have a book that is rare in the fantasy genre or anywhere. It is well worth it to purchase this book and all others in the series. Each is a great read that will have you craving the next.

Top notch

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches books are a fantastic listen for any age! What I love about the books is that they get better and better as the series goes along, going from very good to fantastic to phenominal. The author creates the perfect atmosphere with well developed characters and vividly described landscapes to transport you to another world. It's excellent fantasy and a great listen, but you have to start with the first book to understand this one. It has excellent relisten value as I have relistened to the entire set multiple times and so have other members of my family.

Superb

Wow I enjoyed this book! I just could not stop and I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen next--even after my second time listening. A must for anyone who loves a good story, well told.

Outstanding Book!

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches 1 and 2 are both amazing books, but this is the book where I was sure Robert Stanek would my favorite author for a long long time. It is an absolutely terrific story to enjoy with the family. Filled with action, adventure, suspense, and many other great things a reader will enjoy. This book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as you travel with three unlikely heroes. If you enjoy reading, do yourself a huge favor and pick up these books today! The characters are likeable and well thought up. This book is fun for ANY age or person who likes books or a newcomer! Enjoy!

Great 3rd book

This book was a strong follow up to the first two. In many ways, I think it was even better. The writing continues to be excellent. I love how the characters are so well done even the minor ones. I feel I know Adrina, Emel, Seth, and Vilmos. I'm not ashamed to say my heart went out to Adrina from the start of this one. Xith continues to be a mystery, but I think that's as it's supposed to be. Lots of ongoing mystery, much action, and a whole lot to cheer. You'll enjoy this story immensely, it is even richer than the first two. I felt I was right there with the characters the whole time. I especially enjoyed king's mate and Edward -- he's a troant, half troll and half giant. Brilliant! I can't wait to listen to the next one.

The best one yet!

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches quartet by Robert Stanek is one of the best epic fantasy series I have ever experienced! This series delivers on all levels. The author skillfully hypnotizes the listener with a deep plot, rich characters, detailed histories, betrayals, treachery, surprises, intrigues, mysteries. The concepts and the parallels to our own world and times continue to be strong.

The narrator is very talented! He consistently represents the main characters and keeps the story going at a good pace. Be sure to listen to the entire series in order.

This is amazing!

I've enjoyed listening to all three books so far. I didn't think the author could out do the second one, but this is by far the best one. For me the characters are the best part of the story. I've enjoyed following Adrina, Vilmos and Seth's adventures. Emel is also a favorite and he starts to accept who he is. The introduction of Myrial and Edward makes an already strong cast of characters even better. Listen to the first two and then listen to this one.