The Staff of Beckoning

A Symphony of Spheres, Book 1

By: Praneet Menon

Narrated by: Adam R. Watson

The more we know, the less we understand ...

Adir Nathar craved more than what he was born into. And existence obliged.

A mysterious death … an act of revenge! Adir flees Marafel, abandoning friends and family for safety and a fresh start. But, unbeknownst to him, he is pursued by the Khasmia Shadow, a secret society charged with a sole divine purpose—eliminate the destructive venna with the sacred Staff of Beckoning. The world of Leakarha itself is undergoing a seismic shift. Rakhor, terrible demonspawn, are emerging farther south from the Precipice than ever before.

Caught in the middle of it all, Adir is driven deeper into his own shadows, forced to face truths he never knew existed.

But this isn’t just Adir’s story.

From Naven to Ostarium to Cayan, this story unfolds through the eyes of a troubled father, a ruler fighting to secure her legacy, an heiress obsessed with knowledge, a woman torn by love, an archer chasing glory, a man harboring a hidden past, and a noblewoman caught between two worlds—each holding a piece of a greater truth waiting to be uncovered.

The Staff of Beckoning, the first book in the series A Symphony of Spheres, is an epic fantasy tale of identity, destiny, and purpose. Blending elements from science fiction, mythology, and dark fantasy, this gripping narrative is perfect for readers who enjoy complex characters, intricate world-building, and expansive sagas. If you've enjoyed series like The Wheel of Time, The Kingkiller Chronicle, and The Prince of Nothing, then this book is for you.

©2024 Kaaran LLC (P)2024 Kaaran LLC

Fantastic world-building

It's so great to find a new series that you know you want to spend more time in. I will 100% be listening to Book 2. The description said that this has a similar vibe as The Wheel of Time, and I think that's true. But also unique and exciting. This is winner.

Captivating!

I was completely captivated by The Staff of Beckoning. The rich world-building and intricate characters drew me in right away, especially Adir’s journey of self-discovery and the layers of mystery surrounding the Khasmia Shadow. It’s dark, complex, and beautifully written, perfect for fans of epic fantasy with a touch of mythology and science fiction. Highly recommend for anyone who loves sprawling sagas like The Wheel of Time!

Just wow!

I am a newbie to the fantasy genre and was afraid this would go over my head but I took a chance on it and enjoyed it SO much! I read it in tandem with the audio which was so helpful. There were elements in this book that I adored such as the beautiful sense of place in Naven down to the tamarind sherbet that locals enjoyed. The landscapes sounded utterly gorgeous and made this book simultaneously thrilling and cozy. I so appreciate the way the author wrote the female characters in this as well, strong, poised, respectable, courageous. I especially loved Ekren’s character. The synopsis on the book perfectly describes my journey with the main character discovering who he really is…the more I knew the less I understood in a way that peaked my curiosity—-and I’m so intrigued to see how this all unravels in books 2 and 3!! If you are a fantasy newbie like me, or a seasoned fantasy reader, I’m fairly confident you’ll enjoy it.

story of fate, identity, and power

The narrative follows Adir Nathar, a man thrust into a world of danger, prophecy, and shadowy forces. His journey is compelling, but what truly sets this audiobook apart is the ensemble of characters—each with their own ambitions, struggles, and secrets. The shifting perspectives weave an intricate tale, making the world of Leakarha feel rich and immersive.

Adam R. Watson’s narration is superb. His ability to differentiate characters, convey emotions, and maintain pacing enhances the storytelling. Whether it's a tense confrontation, a moment of quiet introspection, or a grand revelation, Watson’s performance ensures that every scene lands with impact.

This book has so much going on and it’s awesome!

The thing I love about this book is that it reminds me a really popular tv series in the sense that it has a lot going on at once. This really helps keep the pacing of the book interesting and it ensures that there’s never a dull moment. There’s so many different plots going on at once and I love how it all comes together in the end.

Intricate world-building

For fans of series like The Wheel of Time or The Kingkiller Chronicle, this book will feel like coming home—while also offering something entirely new.

A story that draws you in

Great story that transports you into another world and takes you along on Adir's journey. It mixes myth, prophecies, and personal quests into a story that has you wanting more. I very much enjoyed it.

A beautifully written world full of lush details and adventures

First off, I would like to say how amazing this audiobook was. For how full and complete this world was, the narrator had a large task in front of him. I felt like I was sitting by a fire and a wise wizard was creating the scenes with only his voice.
He was able to create so many characters that had a distinct feel to each of them. I was never confused who was speaking and he brought multiple accents and genders to life.

This ability the narrator had was made easier by the writings of the author. In this epic novel, the author built multiple povs of characters from across many different lands and cultures. The world was built with lush details but did not weigh the writing down with too much flourishing language. I was so able to picture the world and the people so easily in this novel. Their cultures and beliefs so embedded in writing that it never felt forced or a bog to read. I love the depth of character everyone had, especially the women. They were strong and complex and not side notes in this story.

The ending and deaths of this novel were shocking but never used for shock value. This was a well crafted story, with so much love and respect built into, that I enjoyed every minute of this story. (And it is long story). Thank you Praneet for reaching out to me and gifting me this beautiful story to listen and review. I feel deeply honored.