Wizard Stone

The Magic of Larlion, Book 1

By: Dee Maltby

Narrated by: Hollis McCarthy

Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Flung down a mountain and into adventure as he escapes his evil master, a young wizard takes on a quest that will force him to use all his powers and his magical sword to save the kingdom and the woman he loves, even at the cost of his own liberty.

Wizards don't have friends. Beneban believed this, when he escaped the clutches of Ztavin, the dark sorcerer with whom he'd apprenticed. But as he strives to stay free by fulfilling his end of a bad bargain, he discovers many wonders in the Kingdom of Larlion. He is befriended by strange and magical creatures on his quest: tiny Worfs, a giant horned feline, the mysterious and powerful Forest Lady, and a three-handed, fur-covered soldier in the Grand Lar's army.

Danger, treachery, romance, assassins, battles, and even ice dragons are on the horizon. Will Beneban’s growing powers and skill with his sword be enough to win his freedom without betraying his new friends?

©2022 R & D Reflections (P)2023 R & D Reflections

Awesome Epic Fantasy

This was my first experience with Dee Maltby's work, and it won't be my last one. I was entertained by the first book in "The Magic of Larlion" series, and I'm looking forward to the second book. The story was about a young wizard who needed to fulfill a quest in order to be free from his evil master. The tale was populated by unusual, fantastic creatures. It contained magic, battle scenes, and filled with plenty of action. Hollis McCarthy's narration was great, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

DEE MALTBY IS THE NEW TOKIEN!

Peter Jackson, "The Magic Of Larlion" series should be your next project!
I was a huge fan of the 6 Tolkien Movies. When I was gifted with this audio, in return for a review, I thought I would give this new-to-me author a try, as I listen to about 20 books a month and am always game to try another author. First I listened to the sample, because the narrater can make or break a book for me. If I don't like the voice, I'm done right there.
I was immediately hooked! By the end of the sample I felt more like I was lounging around a fire listening to a great story told by a wonderful storyteller, than just listening to a narration of a book. I downloaded the book right then and listened well into the night.
Hollis McCarthy is the absolute perfect narrater for this series, and if it ever goes to the big or small screen, They simply have to incorporate her into the script.

As this is book 1 of 6, I thought the book ended at the perfect spot. Parts of the story have been resolved while perfectly setting the scene for the next book. That is no mean feat. So many times I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me, or that the book got turned in where ever the story was, because of a deadline.
Or, worse, the author just ran out of steam.
Ms.Maltby is far too skilled for any of that.
As with The Ring Cycle, our hero collects a completely mismatched band of loyal and trustworthy friends, one at a time, who look out for each other and him. They are not just from different races, but also many different sentient species. Really fascinating world building!
I truly can't wait to listen to the next book, of which Audible has done 3, so far, and I hope they soon will complete the series.
In the meanwhile, the 6 book series is available individually and as a box set at Amazon .
Have a listen, You're in for a treat!