When the Heavens Fall

The Chronicles of the Exile, Book 1

By: Marc Turner

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

If you pick a fight with Shroud, Lord of the Dead, you had better ensure your victory, else death will mark only the beginning of your suffering.

A book giving its wielder power over the dead has been stolen from a fellowship of mages that has kept the powerful relic dormant for centuries. The thief, a crafty, power-hungry necromancer, intends to use the Book of Lost Souls to resurrect an ancient race and challenge Shroud for dominion of the underworld. Shroud counters by sending his most formidable servants to seize the artifact at all cost. However, the god is not the only one interested in the book, and a host of other forces converge, drawn by the powerful magic that has been unleashed. Among them is a reluctant Guardian who is commissioned by the emperor to find the stolen book, a troubled prince who battles enemies both personal and political, and a young girl of great power whose past uniquely prepares her for an encounter with Shroud.

The greatest threat to each of their quests lies not in the horror of an undead army but in the risk of betrayal from those closest to them. Each of their decisions comes at a personal cost and will not only affect them but also determine the fate of their entire empire. The first of an epic swords-and-sorcery fantasy trilogy, Marc Turner's When the Heavens Fall features gritty characters, deadly magic, and meddlesome gods.

©2015 Marc Turner (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Critic reviews

“A splendid launch. Turner’s unquestionably a newcomer to watch.” (Kirkus)

Great Story!

I already owned the book so the story was already familiar. Its easier to follow reading it if its your initial read (print copy has character lists, maps etc.). The narrator was o.k, not my favorite, but I've heard worse. The story was 5 stars, narrator three, thus a 4 star production.

A little confusing at first

As the first reviewer said it takes awhile to sort out the players and where they belong in the story. You get dropped right in the middle of there world and it is confusing until you catch on to what is what and who is who. Worth working for so keep listening.

A fantastic listen.

The narrator did a great job, story and characters were very compellingly and can only hope the series continues to be as good. Only negative was how the closing of the storylines seemed slightly rushed.

good, and we'll written

good story made better by a great narrator. it was hard to understand the dynamics of the world and its politics since I did not have a map making it hard to run to. my only criticisms are the magic system and the constant use of the word score. Just say 20! the magic system was vague with no explanation between the types and differences, though I am sure there is some. maybe in later books, which I will certainly listen to.

Fantastic.

Great book with a great reader. Thoroughly enjoyable. At first, I wondered if using different voices would annoy me, but ultimately it was a plus.