Samurai Tales

Legend of the Great Black Bear

By: Timothy McCallum

Narrated by: Lauren Garvin

Length: 2 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

During a time of turmoil, the Great Continent was under threat by a invading force of barbaric people. In this time of tragedy and chaos, a young warrior will rise to the occasion and defend his homeland. This is a story taking place 40 years before the events of Samurai: The Three Sons. You have heard of his name, now learn his tale. Witness the legend of the Great Black Bear!

©2021 Timothy McCallum (P)2021 Timothy McCallum

Does that Bear have a Sword?

In the expansive realm of audiobooks, there is a gem that stands tall, captivating listeners and transporting them into a world of unparalleled heroism, valor, and untamed adventure. "Samurai Tales: Legend of the Great Black Bear" by Timothy McCallum, brilliantly narrated by Lauren Garvin, is a prequel that beckons listeners to dive into the wondrous Samurai universe, unveiling a tapestry of character, intrigue, and discovery that is nothing short of mesmerizing.

In this enchanting narrative, McCallum paints a vivid canvas that significantly enriches the backdrop of his Samurai series. By delving into the earlier years of his epic saga, he masterfully expands upon the world in which his tales are woven. The prequel gracefully paves the way for a more profound understanding of the main series, "Samurai: The Three Sons," and the result is a wholly satisfying experience for both new listeners and long-time fans of McCallum's work.

What truly sets "Legend of the Great Black Bear" apart is the unmistakable growth and refinement of McCallum's storytelling prowess. The author's evolution is evident, and he takes strides in weaving an even more engaging narrative. As with any craft, there is always room for improvement, particularly in the domain of "show, don't tell." McCallum still has room to grow in this regard, especially when introducing and describing new characters. However, one can't help but be optimistic about the author's future endeavors, as this story showcases his dedication to improvement and development.

This remarkable prequel, despite its titular focus on the enigmatic Great Black Bear, primarily unfolds through the lens of two central characters. This narrative choice is both clever and captivating, as it offers an opportunity to witness how the legend of the Great Black Bear came to fruition. By skillfully interweaving the stories of these two distinct characters, McCallum delivers a more complex and multilayered tale that keeps the listener thoroughly engrossed throughout.

The audiobook experience of "Samurai Tales: Legend of the Great Black Bear," as brought to life by the talented Lauren Garvin, is an auditory masterpiece. Garvin's performance is nothing short of exceptional. Her narration outshines her predecessor, instilling a renewed vitality into the story that resonates with the listener. It's a pleasure to have a female narrator in a genre that is traditionally dominated by male voices. This unique perspective lends a fresh and captivating dimension to the narrative.

While Garvin's performance is nothing short of outstanding, there is one minor quirk that might tickle the ears of seasoned listeners. Her pronunciation of "mana" adheres to the technically accurate rendition, but it might strike some as unusual or unfamiliar. This is a minor gripe in the grand tapestry of her performance, and it certainly does not overshadow the myriad of strengths she brings to the table.

With "Samurai Tales: Legend of the Great Black Bear," we are thrust into a world ravaged by turmoil and invaded by barbaric hordes, a world that teeters on the precipice of destruction. It is in this dark hour that a young warrior emerges as the beacon of hope, standing resolutely to protect his homeland. The story unfolds forty years prior to the events of "Samurai: The Three Sons," and we bear witness to the spectacular origin of the Great Black Bear's legend.

This prequel is an action-packed odyssey, fraught with mystery. As listeners, we are compelled to unravel the enigma of the Creed, a formidable force that lays waste to the nations of the Great Continent. The unyielding allure of this audiobook emanates from the synergy between riveting action sequences and the tantalizing pursuit of answers: What grants the Creed their unparalleled power, and who is the enigmatic leader at the helm of these bloodthirsty hordes?

McCallum's storytelling artistry is evident throughout the narrative, inviting listeners to become entranced by the unfurling saga. The plot, rich with intrigue, sets the stage for unceasing thrills and electrifying combat scenes, rendering each chapter a page-turner. The world-building here is comprehensive, with McCallum crafting a backdrop that feels vividly real and boundlessly enchanting.

While McCallum excels in many areas, one aspect in which he could hone his craft is the description of his characters. At times, his depictions verge on the clinical, reading more like an itemized list than an evocative narrative. This remains a minor blemish in an otherwise impeccable audiobook.

"Samurai Tales: Legend of the Great Black Bear" is a triumphant exploration of valor, honor, and heroism in the face of relentless adversity. McCallum, with the nimble narration of Lauren Garvin, has brought forth a work of art that elevates the Samurai universe to greater heights. The narrative's blend of character depth, enigmatic mysteries, and thrilling battles offers a listening experience that is nothing short of captivating.

In a genre that frequently echoes with the resonant tones of male narrators, the presence of Lauren Garvin provides a breath of fresh air. Her narration masterfully conveys the essence of the narrative and breathes life into the characters. The transition from the previous narrator is almost seamless, and the change serves as a testament to Garvin's talent.

In the end, "Samurai Tales: Legend of the Great Black Bear" is a resounding success, adding new layers to the Samurai series and leaving listeners yearning for more. It is an exciting glimpse into a world of legendary warriors, mythical adversaries, and a tale of epic proportions. McCallum's storytelling is growing, and his ability to transport his audience into a world of adventure and valor is nothing short of remarkable. With the enigmatic legend of the Great Black Bear at its core, this audiobook is a must-listen for anyone seeking an enthralling escape into a world of captivating storytelling.

A good prequel story in this world

This book serves as a prequel to Samurai: The Three Sons and helps provide more worldbuilding, creating a fuller picture of the setting for both stories. This story was also more engaging and shows that the author is getting better at his craft, though he still needs some improvement in the show-rather-than-tell category, especially when introducing and describing new characters. That said, as the author continues to write, he will likely improve in this arena as well. Though the story is named after one character, it really follows two characters, and I liked how the story used both characters to show how the legend of Grate Black Bear came to be.

Listening to the audiobook, which was narrated by Lauren Garvin, I enjoyed her performance more than the narrator of the previous book, though I am still thrown by the way she pronounces "mana." I know it's the "correct" pronunciation, but it still sounds odd to me. Aside from that, Garvin did a great job, and it is nice to have a female narrator in a genre that is dominated by male voices.

Interesting and Intriguing

Samurai tales: Legend of the Great Black Bear is a prequel to Samurai: The Three sons written by Timothy Levester McCallum. This novella helps to fill out the world of McCallum’s Samurai universe. It also shows a lot of growth on the author's part as well. The story was engaging and creative. I enjoyed that the story started around one character and ended around another. The only shortcoming of the story is the author’s descriptions of the characters. They were too clinical, more like going down a checklist than telling a story.

The narration was done by Lauren Garvin. This narrator did a great job all around. Having a female voice in a fantasy action novel was a fresh and great idea. Although she is a different narrator from the first book, she made the change almost completely seamless.

Editing, quality, and production were on par with most books I have listened to. It was clear, with no issue with sound or quality.

This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.

a book for youth

the book has a feel of fan fiction and not for adults. not very well written.

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall