The Northern Wars: 1E75-151

The Aerbon Saga

By: Kelson Hayes, Dianne Dela Cueva-Hayes

Narrated by: Blaze Dragon

Taking place in the First Era of Northwestern Aerbon between the years 1E75-151, The Northern Wars revolves around several wars spanning that time period. Following the passage of a royal decree in 1E78, King Louis Delaunay IV of the Kingdom of Legion declared a tax upon the hemp that passed through his lands. The people of Ahglor were a hardy folk who grew the stuff to smoke and trade with the elves of Aenor between hunting and farming in the northern reaches of their mountainous country.

The King was a fiend for their weed and his men confiscated it at the borders— arresting any who carried the product of the North on their travels to exchange it with the eastern elves of Aenor for the absinthe of their woods. Meanwhile in Aenor, however, a mysterious threat plagued their land. The residents of their coastal towns were disappearing in the night whilst an expedition was being arranged by the Great Chief to explore the lands east across the water.

©2016 Kelson Clarke Hayes (P)2024 Kelson Clarke Hayes

Interesting story with a lot going on.

The world feels big, it feels like it has history and a lot going on. The characters are interesting the setting is familiar yet new enough to make you want to hear more. The accents and voices were super fun and draw you into the story. The chapters felt short and they did jump around a lot but it didn't feel over whelming. A solid story and I looking forward to more.

Interesting Story

This title is perfect for readers that enjoy fantasy, weed, smuggling, intense conflicts, etc. the narrator did a good job with his character accents and diversity. A nice change of pace from my usual reads/listens.

Narrator made this good, strong first half, super weak final half

The narrator, Blaze, did an excellent job of making each character feel unique and fun. He did some great accent work and really conveyed emotions throughout the book. There were parts where I was even roaring alongside some of the characters in moments of triumph.

The book really feels all over the place. It feels like there is maybe 5-10 pages per chapter and then it gets moved to another character? There is some really cool points that constantly get interrupted to talk about stuff not related to the NORTHERN WAR. Then after about the halfway mark it's not even about the NORTHERN WAR anymore. It really feels like it should have been two separate books and the last half really feels so weak compared to the first half, which is truly a bummer.

The book also likes to repeat itself. Early on you meet Jean and Pierre, they're brothers. You will hear their same story about 4 more times. This doesn't happen with just them either, it is a constant occurrence throughout the book.

There's strong content here, but it is lacking the focus to turn it into something great. If Blaze is reading another one, I might give it a chance.

Decent

This isn't my favorite, but I definitely enjoy what is here. Good narration and a large world with room for more.