The God Decrees

The Devan Chronicles, Book 1

By: Mark E. Cooper

Narrated by: Mikael Naramore

Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Julia is a strong-willed Englishwoman who knows what she wants, and she's working hard to achieve it. An Olympic gymnast, she's training hard every day in preparation for the upcoming games when tragedy strikes, and her world ends with a phone call. Her parents have been killed in a senseless car accident, killed by a drunk driver. Suddenly everything is different. Alone now but for her best friend and coach, she struggles to put her life back into some semblance of order by returning to her training, but the excitement and anticipation she once felt are missing. She's just going through the motions. One night while alone in the gym, something extraordinary happens, and her life will never be the same again.

On another world vastly removed from Julia's, a feeble king sits upon the throne of Deva, and traitorous lords scheme to take it from him. Only the lords of the four great fortresses remain vigilant and loyal to the kingdom. Deva seems doomed, as the legions of the Protectorate march. Lord Keverin of Fortress Athione is desperate to save his people and the land he serves, but magic has long since waned in Deva's people. He knows that without a sorcerer of their own to oppose the legion sorcerers, he's doomed to failure. He needs a champion, one strong enough to throw back the minions of the evil sorcerer Mortain, but where in all the worlds will they find such a man?

Only Darius, a good friend and powerful wizard, might know the answer. Without orders or the guidance of the king, he asks his friend for a solution and embarks upon a course that will surely see him damned by many. A spell is cast to bring a champion to his aid, but something goes wrong, and Julia Morton suddenly finds herself stranded on an alien world with no friends and no way home.

©2001-2014 Mark E. Cooper (P)2015 Impulse Books UK

Wonderfully creative

I haven't found a book by Copper that I haven't liked yet....I get lost in his creativity. I find his world's fun and entertaining. I look forward to listening to more of his work.

The god decrees

Any additional comments?

I'm a fan of this type of story in which someone from our "real world" gets transported to a fantasy world with magic--one in which he or she can work magic. It's my escape from reality. The characters are interesting and real and well-written. The story kept my attention and Cooper made me care enough about them that I wanted to keep listening to know what happens to them.

Wowzer, this is awesome!

Loved the book and story! Can’t wait to listen to more, but sadly that isn’t an option S the rest of the series isn’t in audiobook. :( And the author didn’t finish the series, ugh.

Great beginning

The beginning of this book hooked me. Then, and I know I'm in the minority here, it lost me. I found myself wishing that the characters would stop talking so much and get on with the story. There were several story lines, and I had trouble keeping up with each one in audio. For me, the most difficult part of this audiobook was the narrator's female voices. I found them irritating and old. I did receive this book in exchange for a review. I really wanted to like it much better than I did.

The God Decrees review

What made the experience of listening to The God Decrees the most enjoyable?

The story and characters.

What other book might you compare The God Decrees to and why?

None.

Which scene was your favorite?

Actually there were so many, it was hard to choose just one, so the conversation between Jessica, Julia and magic.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Any additional comments?

Enjoyable.

Meh....

I expect better characters from Mark Cooper. The main character was more plain than oatmeal, less depth than a puddle on the sidewalk. My cat learns from his mistakes more readily than 'Lady Julia.'

I will not be buying the second book in this series

Lord Keterin

What did you love best about The God Decrees?

it had such a twist to it that it held my attention all the way

What other book might you compare The God Decrees to and why?

I don't know, it is a little science fiction and a little historical romance

What about Mikael Naramore’s performance did you like?

he was easy to understand and the book flowed easily and fast. I listened to it on a car trip and heard the whole book in one sitting.

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

I think when she learned that she could heal people

Magic is alive

Would you consider the audio edition of The God Decrees to be better than the print version?

Yes I just do not have the time to read as my life keeps getting busier and busier.

What did you like best about this story?

I love stories that are set in a middle ages type world.

Which character – as performed by Mikael Naramore – was your favorite?

Juila

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I'm not sure which one I would use personally.

Any additional comments?

The book mostly centers around a 19 year old girl named Julia. She starts the story line in our world. She is hoping to go to the Olympics one day as a gymnast. Her life is turned upside down when Darius one of the wizards summons her to a new world. A new world where magic is real and alive. Where women are treasured and protected. Men do all the dirty work and take all the risks. A world in part similar to the middle ages in England.

I really enjoyed listening to "The God Decrees". I've always enjoy stories that are set in the middle ages. Where wizards and magic are a part of day to day life. I like to get lost in the fantasy world of galloping horse rides in the middle of crazy all out battles of "Good vs Evil". With "Good" kicking ass even if it may be at the last minute. I'm also enjoying that the author has a slow romance started between Julia and Lord Keverin. It is nice that they both are falling in love from a distance. It really sets the tone for a romance in the series.

My favorite scene was Julia trying to practice magic on her own. I just wanted to yell "Don't do it!" but of course she did. Or when the 1st major battle started. Julia found herself in a daze of confusion when a enemy solider comes running her way. She figured out magic in a quick hurry than. I could just see her looking at her hand thinking "What the???" That was great.

I really love it when a story comes to life for a reading/listener like this one does. One minute you are feeling sorry for Julia getting pulled away from her dream of the Olympics. To being unamused with the priest for talking nasty about Julia to Lord Keverin.

I can't wait to book 2. I'm dying to see what happens next. This is a book series that just never slows down.

I always find myself amazed with the narrator Mikael Naramore. He is so good with the different voices for each character. His characters just come alive for a listener. I've listened to a couple different books he has narrated. I don't think he has reused a voice yet.

Would I recommend this series? Yes

Would I listen to is again! Yes

Alice in Wonderland meets Harry Potter

Would you consider the audio edition of The God Decrees to be better than the print version?

Havent read the print version ... yet

What was one of the most memorable moments of The God Decrees?

When Juia first uses lightning

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

Fantastic as always ... he is by far my favorite narrator

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

It's like Lay's potato chips, cant pick just one

Any additional comments?

Cant wait for book two, please tell me there will be a book two!

Another Great Story

I have listened to every book written by Mark E. Cooper, and I have enjoyed every single one of them. The narrator once again has done an awesome job. Unfortunately, I now have to wait for the author to write another book.