Overall: ****
Performance: *****
Story: ****

This was one of the best performances that I have heard in an audiobook. I had NO trouble seperating the characters (a common complaint that usually knocks off 1 star) and I actually enjoyed the tone and pacing.

Now for the story ... this is pretty much a standard fantasy trope execute well. The world building was solid and revealed through character interactions or dialog (I didn't notice any info dumps, so I must assume they were appropriate when they exist). Main characters were well developed and fairly independent of each other with the expected growth for the main protagonist. The story ended well (yes, I am a sucker for good endings) and wrapped upon most of the major plot conflicts in this book, so it can easily stand alone (with the epilogue introducing a possible sequel); that was also well done and is another common complaint I have with current fantasy stories. I highly recommend this story and I am looking forward to the sequel!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. ( )