The Virtue of Defiance

The Fallen Virtues Trilogy, Book 1

By: M.A. McCrackin

Narrated by: Nicky Griffiths

Alba is a land of harsh laws led by corrupt men. As an aristocrat, Elise has never felt the true burden of her land’s oppression. However, when a family tragedy awakens a new gift, she learns secrets from her mother’s mysterious past that will change everything.

Guided by the dead, Elise learns forbidden powers that would get her burned as a witch if the wrong people knew. The more her power grows, the farther she strays from the Alban way.

With the Church closing in and even some of her family turning against her, Elise knows she must flee everything she knows or die in flames.

The only question is: Can she escape before the Inquisitors learn just how dangerous she truly is?

©2020 Melissa McCrackin (P)2023 Melissa McCrackin

Adventure and action filled

One’s past, the dead, and one’s thirst for freedom can be a deadly combination with magic. Elise discovers her aristocratic background will only protect her so far during a time of fear and corruption within the church and the kingdom. Further, Elise’s mother is seeking power and a new heir. Unknown to her mother, she seeks the same power that Elise has found. The struggle for freedom, power, and more is just beginning!

The author M. A. McCrackin creates a powerful story that shows the powerlessness of women when challenged by corruption in various forms – mankind, church, government, family, and more. Although this story takes place during the time of the Inquisitors, McCrackin could easily be writing about today in various aspects of her story – the persecution of those that are different, the viewed weakness of women, and humankind’s desire to survive and be powerful. McCrackin took her time building the storyline and characters. Both are rich and vividly described. A masterful storyteller!

The narrator, Nicky Griffiths delivers a wonderful reading of the book. Her unique voice, her timing, and her clarity of speech all combined brought the story to new depths. I thought her addition to the audiobook was an excellent choice of narrator.

This book is exciting, action-filled, and has unexpected plot twists. This is a fresh story rich with action and adventure. I look forward to experiencing more adventures and outcomes of Eleanor.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Can’t wait to hear what happens next!

One of those books that’s hard to stop listening to- intriguing story and great narration! The narrator is wonderful for this book (and series). She made listening to the story effortless. The characters really come to life and I found myself wanting to continue listening to find out what happens next. Cannot wait to listen to Book 2!

THE BEST BOOK EVER!!!!

This book had my attention at the START!!!! Never a dull moment. Full of surprises!! Couldn't stop listening!! The speaker did a fantastic job narrating!!! Cannot say enough good things about this book!!! WOW. JUST WOW!!!!! Well worth the purchase!!!!!!

Obsessed.

I told myself I would make this book last 10 days, and only listen to it during my commute.

Plot twist:
I couldn't bring myself to hit pause.
I have a weakness for magic that has limitations.

This story is darkly beautiful, and well narrated. I've already started the 2nd book; and know that no matter how long I have to wait for the 3rd, it'll be too long.

I strongly reccomend this trilogy to anyone looking for an adventure. I plan to add physical copies of this series to my library.

An up and coming new author of note!

I purchased this book due to a recommendation of a mutual acquaintance. It was a lovely read with a blend of magic, special gifts, and renaissance age technology. Interesting family who are royalty and each challenged in some way. Characters are well fleshed out and relatable, world building is fully developed. I can’t wait to read the other two books in this series. Recommend for Sci/Fi, fantasy readers.

Welcome to a World of Magic

The Virtue of Defiance is book 1 in what I expect to be a truly amazing series.

This book follows two characters, Elise and her twin brother Alex, who are both being played like pawns in their mother's political war.
Everyone in this world is born with a talent, whether that be healing, vision of spirits, mind control, etc... and Elise is one of the lucky few who has multiple talents. As she is sold off to the king of her land, she delves into one of the darkest talents, that of spirits, to try and save herself.

I was captivated by this story from the very beginning and found myself wanting to continue even at times when I shouldn't be reading. M.A. McCrakin has proven herself to be a great author who was able to write believable characters in an amazing world unlike any others.

Solid story. Well worth the listen!

This was a wonderful listen. The first of a trilogy. The narrator portrayed the characters in such a way that you wanted to listen to the entire book in one go. I’m already reading the second book to find out what happens!

The story intertwined amazing characters from all classes of life, levels of magic, and you couldn’t help but love some of the characters and despise others. If you like magic, chicanery, and a great story full of emotion, this book is for you!

Elise

Elise is promised to the king in a years time as she wasn't of age. She escapes and hides as her powers grows. A book worth listening to and/or reading.

Wow

A very entertaining story that pulls you in from the beginning. Narrator did a wonderful job.

loved this story

this is not my usual type of fantasy story, but it took hold of me and i listened to it every chance i got. very vivid characters. the narrator was very good, clear and even volume all the way thru. cant wait for book two!