Wraith King

Wraith Knight, Book 3

By: C. T. Phipps

Narrated by: Samuel E. Hoke

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

"The final battle is just the beginning".

Jacob Riverson, Regina Whitetremor, and Serah Brightwaters have assembled the greatest army the Northern Wasteland has ever achieved, but it still may not be enough. The tyrant, Empress Morwen, has gathered all of the forces of the Southern Continent to invade, along with an army of airships and enslaved divine spirits. It is a battle that will determine the fate of all three worlds.

But is the battle a cover for something much worse? After a horrifying disaster, Jacob is left broken and injured in a way that he's never felt before. His powers weakened and his spirit spent, he receives an offer that he cannot afford to refuse. But this deal comes with allies he cannot trust, and a cure that may be worse than the disease.

©2023 Charles Phipps (P)2023 David N. Wilson

Captivating Storytelling and World-Building

C.T. Phipps delivers another compelling installment in the Wraith Knight series with Wraith King. As the final battle looms, the story unfolds with intricate world-building, adding depth to an already rich universe. Phipps touches on the complexities of war, alliances, and the consequences of wielding immense power.

One thing I probably mention in every review is Phipps’ ability to seamlessly blend high-action sequences with moments of levity. While this one leans more towards serious tones compared to its predecessors (and Phipps’ other works), he retains his signature flair for unexpected humor, creating beautiful moments of levity and pause between the serious scenes. The ability to stop and take a breath (or catch your breath from laughing) always sets the tone for Phipps’ work and it’s easily one of my favorite parts of any story he writes.

Known for his well-designed and thought-out worlds, Phipps continues to showcase his prowess in creating a narrative that captivates readers. Wraith King takes the series in a different direction, and the depth added to the characters’ experiences making the journey all the more impactful. He also explores the theme of “good vs. evil” from unique perspectives. Wraith King is no exception, presenting a captivating blend of fantasy-typical-trope elements while subverting expectations, elevating the narrative beyond conventional boundaries. The plot not only serves as a satisfying conclusion but also leaves room for future exploration of the intriguing world Phipps has crafted.

The seriousness of the events in Wraith King sets it apart, making the narrative hit home on a deeper level. The changes in tone and the characters’ evolution contribute to an emotional resonance that lingers even after the final page. C.T. Phipps has not only delivered an exciting conclusion but has also laid the groundwork for further exploration of this captivating world.

Wraith King kicks off with a new narrator which is usually hard, but I thought that Samuel E. Hoke did a great job. His narration enhances the overall experience, bringing the characters to life with a natural and engaging performance. His ability to navigate the diverse cast of characters adds another layer to the immersive quality of the audiobook.

Overall, ‘Wraith King’ solidifies Phipps’ reputation for crafting engaging and thought-provoking fantasy narratives. This installment, with its intricate storytelling, character development, and unexpected twists, ensures that readers will eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the Wraith series.

New Narrator, same great story telling

Changing narrators mid-series can be hard, but Samuel E Hoke convinced me from the beginning that he was exceptional. If you're also a fan of Frank Muller, he reminds me a bit of him, in the sense that he reads the text in an engaging way but doesn't go in for extreme vocal changes. He reads the book, it's not a one man dramatization.
But of course even a good narrator can only do so much, and Phipps carries the rest of it with a fantastic story. It's been awhile since i visited the Wraith Knight series and it was oddly refreshing to get some serious Phipps again. I love the quips as much as the next person, but sometimes you just need a little dark fantasy in your day.
It's hard to really get into what I loved about this book without also going all spoiler, and let's face it, if you're reading a review of book three in a series, you already know you want to listen. So let me just say, it won't disappoint. If you're worried about the narrator change, don't be. If you're worried it won't live up to the other books, let's just say, you got nothing to worry about.
There are some excellent developments both in Jacob and in the world building. I, for one, am very much looking forward to book 4.

Very different from his other series.

The Wraith Knight series is a very different sort of story than the author usually creates and this latest installment is no exception. While most of Phipps' series are very humorous, this one has a much heavier and darker atmosphere. It may not be packed with his usual brand of quips, snark and Pop Culture reference, but it allows him to focus on the world/ character building and detailed storyline. This book definitely hit the mark. Dark and gloomy, filled with magic, love, deep seeded hatred, action, deception and romance.

Another great addition to the series!

Wraith King
By C.T. Phipps
This is the third book in the series and it remains strong. There's not a lot of humor in it compared to other Phipps books but it does pop in when you least expect.
This book seemed to me to bring the Wraith to actually start to feel feelings! He begins to appreciate his wives, his family, and think about what might have been.
The book is full of fighting, danger, death, rebirth, Kings, Gods, hate, and love. I thought it was a different book and truly enjoyed it. It made the Wright Knight, King, more personable.

story that missed the point og trilogy

used to like the series, forst 2 books are solid

3rd was the prequels alover again. lots of talking and travel.... sorry, wasnt for me. might not read the 4th one.