The Cold Commands

By: Richard Morgan

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Ringil Eskiath, scarred wielder of the kiriath-forged broadsword Ravensfriend, is a man on the run - from his past and the family who have disowned him, from the slave trade magnates of Trelayne who want him dead, and apparently from the dark gods themselves, who are taking an interest but making no more sense than they ever have. Outlawed and exiled from his ancestral home in the north, Ringil has only one place left to turn - Yhelteth, city heart of the southern Empire, where perhaps he can seek asylum with the kiriath half-breed Archeth Indamaninarmal, former war comrade and now high-up advisor to the Emperor Jhiral Khimran II.

But Archeth Indamaninarmal has problems of her own to contend with, as does her house guest, bodyguard and one time steppe nomad Egar the Dragonbane. And far from gaining the respite he seeks, Ringil will instead find himself implicated in fresh schemes and doubtful allegiances no safer than those he has left behind. Old enemies are stirring, the old order is rotted through and crumbling, and though no-one yet knows it, the city of Yhelteth is about to explode . . .

Read by Simon Vance

(p) 2011 Tantor, Inc©2011 Richard Morgan

Surprising Story and Good Action

What did you love best about The Cold Commands?

Believable characters. Close and dirty fighting. Cold and comfortable love making. Beautiful betrayals. Surprising story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Egg. He is a mean mofo.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I finished listening to the 16 + Hours book in two days. While I made drawings for my blog

Spell binding writing, truly amazing word craft

I'm not often or easily impressed, little more so these days by the vast amounts of fantasy fiction out there. However, Richard Morgan is a serial risk taker, a devils who goes outside the lines at every opportunity. Only 1 in a million can do this and it pay off everytime, that's exactly what Morgan is. I thought Steel Remains was a great book, and it is, but what do I call The Cold Commands? Nothing short of an excellent book by a brilliantly talented author who has one of the most vivid imaginations I've ever had the pleasure of being able to explore.

Simon Vance is another surprise here, an absolute professional and master story teller. All the range this type of story needs and a perfect paring for the series.

I am beyond impressed, this is fantastic book and an incredibly brilliant story I will enjoy again and again.