Feast of Souls

Magister Trilogy, Book 1

By: C. S. Friedman

Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers

C.S. Friedman, acclaimed author of The Coldfire Trilogy, returns to the epic style which has made her one of the most popular fantasy writers in the genre. In this first book of the trilogy, Friedman introduces listeners to a world of high fantasy, replete with vampire-like magical powers, erotic interludes, treachery, war, sorcery, and a draconic creature of horrific power and evil that will have listeners eagerly awaiting the next novel in the series.

©2007 C.S. Friedman (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[I]maginative, deftly plotted fantasy." (Publishers Weekly)

"Powerful, intricate plotting and gripping characters distinguish a book in which ethical dilemmas are essential and engrossing." (Booklist)

Not The Series For Me

In the beginning I thought this book was interesting and well written. That interest began to fade due to the sexist overtones, that not only continued throughout the book but intensified.

There's an elite group consisting only of men based on their ruthlessness and tenacity, which women do not possess in this book. The female character comes from low origins, is impulsive, consistently loses control and is seen as a sex object one time too many. There's a secondary female character who has a bevy of male lovers who indulge her, allowing her to have her own realm in return for her sexual favors. One female is sexually abused in the book. Needless to say, the males in the book are smart, cunning, ruthless and fearless (whether or not they choose to use these traits for good or bad). I'm sure the females will evolve over time, but I'm not interested in reading three books to see this come about. I was also disappointed with the lack of worth placed on human life. I know its fiction but it still feels wrong to so freely sacrifice lives as a means to an end, and the ones that practice this are accepted and even revered within the society.

My frustration reached its peak when the book ended abruptly, so I have to buy the next book to find out what comes next. I prefer that each book stand alone. Although I have read and enjoyed books that do not, I do not enjoy books that are completely open-ended.

Took me to another realm.

What made the experience of listening to Feast of Souls the most enjoyable?

A great book; a well written fantasy novel and hooked me into the series.

What does Elisabeth Rodgers bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She narrated excellently. Offering different voices for each character and a level of realism to the story.

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

The intro in the witches den..

Pleasantly Surprised

Not what I expected even after reading the "back cover". Only chose this because of the narrator and she did not disappoint.

Political intrigue, suitably conflicted heros

Narration is well done and pleasant to hear. The story stays on track and doesn't splinter into too many plot lines á la Wheel of Time, GoT etc.

very slow

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

interesting twist, but very slow to get there. hoping book two will get to the guts. of the story

What could C. S. Friedman have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

pick up the story pace

What about Elisabeth Rodgers’s performance did you like?

well done

Was Feast of Souls worth the listening time?

yes - trying book two