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A Crucible of Souls

The Sorcery Ascendant Sequence, Book 1

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A Crucible of Souls

By: Mitchell Hogan
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
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About this listen

When Caldan’s parents are brutally slain, he is raised by monks and taught the arcane mysteries of sorcery. Vowing to discover for himself who his parents really were, and what led to their violent end, he is thrust into the unfamiliar chaos of city life. With nothing to his name but a pair of mysterious heirlooms and a handful of coins, he must prove his talent to earn an apprenticeship with a guild of sorcerers.

But he soon learns the world outside the monastery is a darker place than he ever imagined, and his treasured sorcery has disturbing depths.

As a shadowed evil manipulates the unwary and forbidden powers are unleashed, Caldan is plunged into an age-old conflict that brings the world to the edge of destruction.

This is an updated recording from the original 2014 edition, also performed by Oliver Wyman, which matches the current reissue of the print book.

©2013 Mitchell Hogan (P)2014 Audible Inc. Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Magic Sorcery

Critic reviews

  • Winner of Best Fantasy Novel, 2013 Aurealis Awards
"For a debut novel this is more than a little impressive. Characters are vividly drawn, multi-layered, and in one or two cases, compelling. Hogan joins with the new wave of fantasy authors in his use of morally ambivalent characters, distinct and tight points of view, believable world building, an intelligible magic system, and some edgy, gritty content." (D.P. Prior, author of The Nameless Dwarf)
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I knew nothing about this book going in and although nothing much happens action wise its still well told and interesting. I enjoy a novel magic system and this certainly has one . The main character is likeable which helps and the subplots are intriguing. Give it a go if you're looking for a decent bit of fantasy that's not too dark. The performance from Oliver Wyman is up to par also. Good all round book.

Slow but interesting

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Slow start, great middle, vague ending. And awful narrator - the main character has a weird, pathetic English accent. Maybe it wouldn’t bother a non-British listener, but I found it painful. I kept going though and ended up really enjoying most of it. I would say that the 3 other side-stories were much more interesting than the main character.

I will be checking the reviews to see if it’s worth listening to the rest of this series. Normally I love a fantasy setting with a wide world, good magic system and some mystery, and there’s a lot of interesting stuff going on in the background of this, but I don’t know if I can face sitting through hours and hours to try and get some answers…

Promises much, nearly delivers.

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If you could sum up A Crucible of Souls in three words, what would they be?

Caught up in the whole story

What did you like best about this story?

The main character and the explanation of how magic is formed and used.

Any additional comments?

A good book to get caught up in although can be a little slow in places.

A great entertaining listen.

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

It's a good story that moves along at an enjoyable pace

What other book might you compare A Crucible of Souls to, and why?

It has been a long time since I read this sort of story line. Had a few drawn out examples that dampened my interest. Not quite on a par with Tolken, but well worth a read and I have downloaded the next in the series.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Time on the boat maybe

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

A great opening to the series - I do not usually like books that stretch into 3 parts - this one is an exception.

Reawakened my enjoyment in fantasy fiction

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Well told story lines that have yet come together. Can't wait to see how the characters get on in the next one.

Keeping it interesting

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