Stasis

Ennek Trilogy, Book 1

By: Kim Fielding

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

Ennek Trilogy: Book One

Praesidium is the most prosperous city-state in the world, due not only to its location at the mouth of a great bay but also to its strict laws, stringently enforced. Ordinary criminals become bond-slaves, but the worst punishment—to be suspended in a dreamless frozen state known as Stasis—is doled out by the wizard and reserved for only the most serious of traitors.

Ennek is the youngest son of Praesidium’s strict Chief. Though now a successful portmaster, Ennek grew up without much of a purpose, unable to fulfill his true desires and always skating on the edge of the law. But he is also haunted by the plight of one man, Miner, a prisoner for whom Stasis appears to be a truly horrible fate. If Ennek is to save Miner, he must explore Praesidium’s deepest secrets as well as his own.

©2016 Kim Fielding (P)2024 Kim Fielding

I should have downloaded the entire trilogy...

Stasis is the first book of Kim Fielding's fantasy MM romance series, the Ennek Trilogy. The premise is intriguing and due to the nature of the trilogy, I was really kicking myself for not purchasing the other two books as well after finishing book one in the middle of a flight. It tells the story of Ennek, the prince of a big and rich polis (city), as he discovers about magic, sinister happenings in the palace and in the city, and his journey to escape and somehow find love as well. That love includes ex-prisoner, Miner. In Ennek's world, some people are punished by being magically placed in "stasis" (i.e. frozen in time) until they are forgotten, then they released after years or even centuries only to become slaves.

Ennek's development as a character through this book is absolutely wonderful. He grpws a lot and learns so much that impacts his sense of right and wrong, as well as his empathy for others. He also has his fair share of fear and danger. Ennek is interesting - he's a quiet and brooding character. However, when he says and does anything on page it is important, particularly to Ennek.

Joel Lesley delivers a marvelous performance for the narration of his book. Lesley is one of my favourite narrators and this is no exception. I love his ability to give different characters the voice that fits them the best. And then he delivers the lines with so much energy, I feel on edge and nervous when things are really heating up. I felt like I was in Ennek's and Miner's world from start to finish.

Narration was superb

This is my first book by this author but definitely won’t be my last. This is a great start to the trilogy, and I can’t wait for the next book. The story itself was original with a very interesting concept, I would say that I felt the ending was a little rushed and wished this book was longer.

The narration was perfect as always, I have listened to so many books by Joel but each time he manages to surprise me in the best way, 10 out of 10 for narration.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will be getting the next one.

Great first book!!

This is the first book of a trilogy. It is a mm adventure/romance with references to sex, but no explicit sex scene, which was refreshing. One of the things I love about Kim Fielding’s books is her world building and there is a lot of that in this first book. Ennick is the 2nd son to The Chief of a alternative society where certain crimes are punishable by being put in Stasis. This is a society where being gay is illegal and slavery thrives in the name of civil order. Because Ennick is not the heir, he searches for meaning in his life, resigned that he can never be who he truly is under his father’s rule.

When he is exposed to the prisoners held in Stasis, a certain prisoner calls to him. Ennick feels a special pull to this prisoner, Miner. His journey sees him rescuing Miner while navigating the expectations of his father and facing down a corrupt wizard. There is romance, intrigue and a HFN ending, what’s not to love. The ending left me anxious for the next chapter in Ennick and Miner’s adventure.

Joel Leslie puts on a masterful performance. He really brought this story to life.

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review

enjoyed it

📖 Story comment: good pace, likeable characters, interesting story.
Kim Fielding has a knack for detailed worldbuilding and well developed characters, add in Joel Leslie for the narration and I'm guaranteed hours of my senses and emotions being engaged while I'm transported into the lives of the characters.

Stasis held my interest from start to finish, I enjoyed watching Ennek find himself, learn magic, grow from the roguish youngest son of Chief into a man who can stand up and do what needed doing (vague, I know, but - no spoilers!), I found the concept of a world that can essentially "freeze a life", putting criminals in stasis for centuries was well written and intriguing.

🎧 Narrator comment: Joel Leslie is one of my favorite narrators and he has done a stellar performance on Stasis. I had no problem distinguishing characters and the rhythm, inflections and intonations all worked to bring the book to life.

📌 Where does it fall on my personal scale? 7.5
• 1 not my thing • 2 didn't like the narration • 3 didn't keep my attention • 4 was good, but once was enough • 5 enjoyed it • 6 will listen again if i'm in the mood for the narrator • 7 goes on the "re-listen" list [4⭐] • 8 kept me up past bed-time [4.5⭐] • 9 recommended to family/friends [4.75⭐] • 10 own it in multiple formats [5⭐] • 11 keep a copy with me at all times [5⭐]
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Delightful

This is one of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors and the audio is just as wonderful as the physical book. The narrator is articulate and pleasing to the ear and really kept me in the story. Very enjoyable experience and I highly recommend it.