Stormwarden

Book 1 of the Cycle of Fire

By: Janny Wurts

Narrated by: David Thorpe

For the first time in audio, the Cycle of Fire Trilogy, a stout and epic tale mixing sci-fi and fantasy by acclaimed author Janny Wurts. This classic fantasy trilogy follows three young people struggling to free the Stormwarden, the last of the elemental power-wielding Vaere sorcerers, so that he can battle the humanity-threatening demonkind.

Far in the future, a human-crewed starship crashes on a distant planet, carrying alien POWs taken to help discover the secrets of a deadly foe, the group mind known as the Gierj. In time, the humans revert to a feudal society, the aliens are seen as "demons", and the starship's computer survives as a "magical" entity known as the Vaere.

In Book 1, Stormwarden, Auskiere, wizard of wind and water, binds the Mharg-demons with the aid of Ivan, master of fire and earth. But at the moment of his greatest peril, Ivan is betrayed and he swears a terrible oath against his betrayer - an oath so powerful that it begins a relentless "cycle of fire".

Janny Wurts is the author of several fantasy series, including the internationally best-selling Empire trilogy, written in collaboration with Raymond E. Feist. She paints all her own covers, depicting her vision of characters and setting. She is also an expert horsewoman, sailor, musician, and archer.

©1984 Janny Wurts (P)2010 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"This is one of those do-not-put-down-until-finished books, of which there are too few." (Andre Norton)

"The world Janny Wurts writes about is wonderfully vivid." (Stephen R. Donaldson)

Not suitable for audio

This applies for the entire series. The books are complicated and I believe not suitable for audio book format. I have enjoyed Janny Wurtz in the past and enjoy her stories but only in the written word in future.

really great book

great beginner story, fast paced and exciting. easy to follow and enjoy.
it's a little different from other stories in that it had sci fi and old world mixed together.

Great Story Great Narration

Loved this book the story was wonderful and the narration by, David Thorpe is Fantastic! His voices and accents are first rate he has become one of my favorite narrators just from this one book. He has great range and cannot wait to hear him read the rest of this series and anything else I can find narrated by him. Please audible hurry up and release the second book in this series!

Too much about feelings

What did you like best about Stormwarden? What did you like least?

The concept of a computer guarding mankind was the best part.. It used myth, legend and advanced technology as magic. I did not like all the dealings with feelings and emotions. Give me more action.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Not as whinny.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

He did good voices. A lot of it was monotone.

Could you see Stormwarden being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

Extremely over the top...but also ..interesting...

The author's verbiage is a tad melodramatic. The storyline is most unusual and quite interesting in and of itself...but....hmmm....but... ... The narration is extremely over the top and completely over acted (I "think" the narrator is...Australian?). The character voices range from deep slavic to sober japanese peeps and most of them are VERY excited a LOT of the time (except for the "bad" witch, she's quite calm in her wickedness). Sheesh. I remember this story as being awesome (the written hardcopy version). That was a LONG time ago. It IS (kinda) interesting but also.... (kinda) nerve wracking in this version. Too funny.