The Sorcery Code: Volume 1

A Fantasy Novel of Magic, Romance, Danger, and Intrigue

By: Dima Zales, Anna Zaires

Narrated by: Emily Durante

Once a respected member of the Sorcerer Council and now an outcast, Blaise has spent the last year of his life working on a special magical object. The goal is to allow anyone to do magic, not just the sorcerer elite. The outcome of his quest is unlike anything he could've ever imagined - because, instead of an object, he creates Her.

She is Gala, and she is anything but inanimate. Born in the Spell Realm, she is beautiful and highly intelligent - and nobody knows what she's capable of. She will do anything to experience the world...even leave the man she is beginning to fall for.

Augusta, a powerful sorceress and Blaise's former fiance, sees Blaise's deed as the ultimate hubris and Gala as an abomination that must be destroyed. In her quest to save the human race, Augusta will forge new alliances, becoming tangled in a web of intrigue that stretches further than any of them suspect. She may even have to turn to her new lover Barson, a ruthless warrior who might have an agenda of his own...

©2013 Dima Zales (P)2013 Dima Zales

Fast, furious, sensuous and very entertaining!

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

Absolutely! The story is intriguing, and the narration is wonderfully done – never tiring the listener. Worth every bit.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Sorcery Code: Volume 1?

The final face-off between Gala and Barson. One one hand, there was a delicate female form, who existed almost by accident and was almost unaware of her powers, let alone know how to control them. On other hand, there was a trained army led by a proud and skilled fighter, with additional strength of one of the best sorceress around.

Which character – as performed by Emily Durante – was your favorite?

Gala. Modulation of voice to suit every emotion of her character was fascinating. Given that she had to be both naive and intelligent at the same time, the narrator did a laudable job of striking the fine balance between the inherent curiosity of Gala as well as her fierce sense of morality and intelligence as she gains prominence.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. The narrative keeps you hooked in a manner that you would want to listen to it all in one go.

Any additional comments?

A must read for both who love old-school fantasy and those who enjoy a bit more scientific touch in their fiction. The drama and human emotions like jealousy, lust, love, resentment, anger and empathy are very delicately woven into a fast-paced narrative with some exciting face-offs.

Listen and teleport to a new world!

If you could sum up The Sorcery Code: Volume 1 in three words, what would they be?

Compelling, awesome, and addictive!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Sorcery Code: Volume 1?

Getting to know the magical world as Gala saw it. I never thought that learning the world of magic and how sorcery codes worked would be a new kind of high for me. Other authors would (and have) write about characters having so much unearthly powers but these character powers were limited to writing and re-citing codes for magic to work. Then there is beautiful and quite dense Gala. Her presence and ability to perform magic really set the motion of this book and I loved every bit of it!

What does Emily Durante bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her narration of this amazing book was spot on! Her voice was soothing with a kick. Having just the right amount of intrigue to keep me interested to keep listening. Her voice was very hypnotic that I listen to the story all in one setting!

Any additional comments?

The battle! Man I can go on about the battle but... yep you have to listen to understand my utter shock of how all the different events accord and how some situations were handled. I really enjoyed how epic the battle began and ended. But that is all I'm going to say about that. Now the romance and the amazing characters in this book really compelled me to get ready for sequel. I've a feeling that things have just begun.

An intriguing fantasy

Sometimes I like to step out of my reading box and try a genre that is not my norm. I always think I will like Fantasy, it is the same way I think I like raspberry flavored stuff until I start eating it, then I realize I really am not a fan. You will note my rating is a 4, that is due to the quality of the book not my general distaste of the genre. It is not the books fault I am a fickle reader!

The world and character building is exceptional. I find that this writing team really has a great feel for creating a fully realized world that you can't help but be intrigued and fascinated by. The characters are all engaging and dynamic.

The narrative is mixed, we get many POVs throughout the book. The flow is very nice, never jumpy, each transition is smooth and clear. This is one of my favorite styles of storytelling, it gives a broader view of the situation. You get into everybody's head and really understand their motivations. It gives the reader real insight into all the goings on, and frankly it makes the intricate world easier to adapt to.

I listened to the audiobook read by Emily Durante, who does a lovely job. She has a wonderful voice that lends itself to the Fantasy created by the novel. She has a great feel for all the characters and keeps each voice distinct. She has a great pace that helps move the story along as well.

Overall, this was a really interesting read, just not my general cup of tea. It was beautifully crafted and kept my interested, the combination of an excellent narrator and dynamic storytelling. I can imagine Fantasy fans will be all over this one.

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Easy read.

good action. Easy to follow. interesting concept for creation of a new magic creature. Would like a follow up story.

Good start

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I don't think so. This book is simple and provocate.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Sorcery Code: Volume 1?

None in particular. The story is simple and direct, the information is complete to create the plot.

Was The Sorcery Code: Volume 1 worth the listening time?

Yes.

Another fun book from Dima Zales!

In The Sorcery Code, Dima Zales has hit another home run. It is my favorite book of hers and manages to create a fresh new dynamic amongst its characters. Can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series!

Unusual but addictive

This interesting take on the world of magic separates itself from typical fantasy novels today. Though slightly difficult to understand at first, the author’s world of sorcery reflects and explores values of fear, knowledge and trust through a brand new perspective, through Gala’s innocent eyes. The unusual perspective is refreshing, and the secretive interaction of characters makes this an even more addictive novel. All in all, The Sorcery Code is an engaging read that manages weave aspects of magic and fantasy in an old-age society into the familiar themes of love and betrayal.

Captivating!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Sorcery Code: Volume 1 to be better than the print version?

Yes. I find it more interesting. It makes you more immersed in the story than reading the book.

What did you like best about this story?

What I like best about the book is how they present progress in magic. From having complex spells to using magical tools, that can make it possible for the sorcerers to attain their objectives faster.

What does Emily Durante bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Emily Durante's voice is very engaging. It moves you to a place, where you can easily imagine the characters and the world they live in.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

So you think you know magic?

You were only created yesterday!

Magic is only for Sorcerers. What happens when a sorcerer tries to create magic that can be used by anyone. What happens when he completes the spell, is that a woman appears. This woman was actually made of the spells. She is intelligent and beautiful. She also doesn’t understand her power an no one really understands her. As with many things that are not understood, she is blindly feared. However, if she is so bad, then why when she exhibits magic, is it good. Only when loved ones or herself is threatened, does she lash back with true power. Power temperted by peace and healing.

Great fantasy novel which is well narrated

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

Yes I would. Dima Zales creates a wonderful world filled with magic, intrigue and inspiring characters. The sorcery code is a great fantasy novel which describes magic in a really great way that makes it easy to get pulled in. The story is highly immersive, making it difficult to stop listening with characters who are easy to relate to.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene in which Gala is fighting the army is really well written and is very intense. It helps in allowing the reader to see what really makes up Gala when she is put in an impossible situation.

Any additional comments?

I am excited to get the next book to see what lies ahead for Blaise and Gala. Overall, it is a great book which is narrated well by Emily Durante and I would recommend it to any fantasy enthusiast.