The Spirit Thief

The Legend of Eli Monpress, Book 1

By: Rachel Aaron

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Eli Monpress is talented. He's charming. And he's a thief.

But not just any thief. He’s the greatest thief of the age - and he’s also a wizard. And with the help of his partners - a swordsman with the most powerful magic sword in the world but no magical ability of his own, and a demonseed who can step through shadows and punch through walls - he’s going to put his plan into effect.

The first step is to increase the size of the bounty on his head, so he’ll need to steal some big things. But he’ll start small. He’ll just steal something that no one will miss - at least for a while.

Something like a king.

©2010 Rachel Aaron (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"After a slow start, debut author Aaron pulls the action together and turns in a romp of a lighthearted fantasy starring an absolutely darling rogue." ( Publishers Weekly)

Good, solid, entertaining story

If you could sum up The Spirit Thief in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, Enjoyable, Enticing

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Spirit Thief?

When just what makes Eli special was revealed.

Have you listened to any of Luke Daniels’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Luke Daniel's is why I chose this audio book. He's an exceptional narrator who brings life and nuances to a story while keeping the listener entertained. His trained voice contains such frolic and levity that its a sure bet the author's story will be well received.

Slow to appeal, but enjoyed by last half

This story starts out, and remains somewhat of a corny fairy tale type story. Not the usual dark paranormal reads that I prefer. It took me a while to enjoy this book, but as I listened on, the developing characters became more interesting. Kinda reminded me of some of the on-screen movies I've seen lately, that have comic book heroes and villains, where the bad guys meet their demise, but it's not too scary and you're never really worried for the main characters.

Enjoyable

An enjoyable three credits. I always like a good series on Audible. It's like the book never ends.

This series was fun and had me staying up a little later to find out what happens next. Its not the best book you will buy, but it was certainly enjoyable. Have at it!

Very good for a one-off.

This was not bad. The system of magic is cool and whimsical. It makes me think I could do magic if I were in that world.

incredible

I've read the series twice, and now listing to it for a second time. the characters in this series added with the richness of the way the story being told, keeps bringing me back.

Great story great narration

It was a fast paced story set in an interesting world with likable fascinating characters. The narrator voiced the different personalities very well.

Awesome female written fantsy.

I normally don't care for women written fantasies, but after getting hooked on the preview audio clip and the book being on sale, I decided to give this chance. She has written an unique magic system does not need grand details to work, simple but elegant. She develops the characters quickly and each are memorable. There are some good actions scenes, but with a PG13 feel. Some of the dialog and some scenes do feel forced or contrived, though. No cursing, no romance. The plot could have been a little stronger, but it works well. There is a little bit of politics, mystery, and intrigue thrown in for good measure. Good for people of all ages. I feel she is on par with Brandon Sanderson's early works, but a bit less gritty. Any flaws in this book are certainly out weighted by the characters and story. Narration is okay, but not great. He does some voices great and others so-so. His pitch and tone can be somewhat erratic. I highly recommend this book to fill the gaps between whatever other books you maybe waiting for. I will be getting the rest of the series. I hope Rachel Aaron continues to grow as a fantasy writer, she seems to get it.

Fantastic Book, brilliant Narrator

Sci Fantasy has always been my preferred genre. This series where two firsts for me, the Author Rachel Aaron and the narrator Luke Daniels. Rachel has spun a tale with refreshing excellence. Her characters??? are a perfect fit to a entertaining story line. The added dimension that audible books bring to the listener is always a risk. I have found poor narration can ruin a good read. The depth that Luke provides to the characters, transports this series to a new level, enhancing a well written book to pure audible pleasure.

Whole Series is a must!

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

no, only because they're not the fantasy fiction type. Anyone else and yes. I loved the author's interpretation of how wizards use their magic.

What did you like best about this story?

The CHARACTERS!! there could be a series made of all 4 in my opinion, for sure a book about Yosief... I'd love to hear about his battles and how he and the Heart of War came to meet.

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

Everything, his way to make each character come to life is a rare trait most narrators lack. when you can listen to a book and feel like you have just entered in the world the narrator created, that's like luke daniels is the master of the legend of Eli Monpress. But I must be honest, I found this series after I listened to another series Luke Daniels narrated, The Iron Druid Chronicles which I recommend if you like this book and series.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

yes, the fight scenes, especially when Yosief was fighting.

Any additional comments?

Great book and great series... will there be more in this series?

Wish I could give it more stars!

Unbelievably good. I'm so glad I found this series. There wasn't one thing about this story that I didn't like (and that's rare!). Luke Daniels is an amazing narrator. I bought the other two in the series as soon as I finished this one. Brilliant!