Realm Breaker

By: Victoria Aveyard

Narrated by: Natalie Naudus

Length: 16 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Irresistibly action-packed and full of lethal surprises, this stunning new fantasy series from Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Queen series, begins where hope is lost and asks: When the heroes have fallen, who will take up the sword?

A strange darkness grows in Allward.

Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea.

She soon discovers the truth: She is the last of an ancient lineage—and the last hope to save the world from destruction. But she won't be alone. Even as darkness falls, she is joined by a band of unlikely companions:

• A squire, forced to choose between home and honor.
• An immortal, avenging a broken promise.
• An assassin, exiled and bloodthirsty.
• An ancient sorceress, whose riddles hide an eerie foresight.
• A forger with a secret past.
• A bounty hunter with a score to settle.

Together they stand against a vicious opponent, invincible and determined to burn all kingdoms to ash, and an army unlike anything the realm has ever witnessed.

©2021 Victoria Aveyard (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Slower read.

I really enjoyed the Red Queen series, but this was just slow. I didn't connect with any of these characters as well as I did with her earlier books

I mean, it's all right...

It has a very strong start, good character introductions, and then I'm just left sitting there like "okay, so, like, is it trying to be a traveling simulator?" We're introduced to Andry, Corayne, Dom, and Sarn (Sarn's best character, sorry Dom enjoyers). After some good opening scenes and motivations, it's like the author said "yeah, but, like, more of that, for the entire story." Then the characters proceed to evolve slower than a Magicarp. *Then* we're introduced to Charlie, Sigil, and the Witch whose name that I can't be asked to remember, and I'm just over here, holding my beer like "okay, but when does the good part happen?" I have three hours left and the good part hasn't come yet, and at this point I don't think any amazing twist or event will save this.

Also, I can't be the only one who thinks have multiple POVs is a fruitless endeavor if most of those POVs are all traveling together, can I?

More to Come

This book feels like a big set up for the series. It is slow at times and there are a lot of characters, but it does have its exciting moments.

Good story narrator not so much

Story’s not too bad. But I can’t get over the narrators different masculine accents. Her regular voice is really good.

Good but not great

I really loved her other series, so maybe I was expecting too much. the storyline is great. lots of good characters. different and fast paced. but I was not 100% invested. I hope the next book builds on this foundation.

Fantastical in every way!

Natalie really brought these page bound characters to life, with subtle voice changes and an audible depth in each character’s thoughts. She LIVED these characters!
The book itself is written so well that it’s easy to fall into the romantic descriptions of every scene. Realm Breaker is full of action but you don’t get too lost in all the mayhem. I did not find (as other readers reviewed) the amount of characters difficult to follow. I adore the layout of the book, with all the characters having a fair share in the spotlight and the inevitable convergence of each one’s paths! Well done! I’m ready for the next!!

Captivating

Victoria Aveyard has created a layered and well-developed realm, full of stories and wonderful and diverse characters.
I really enjoyed the world building and was fascinated at the amount of action and adventure that was included in just one book.
The story is strengthened by the skill of Natalie Naudus as the narrator.
I recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys high fantasy and adventure.

Pretty Good

A little slow at the start, but a good story. Has some unexpected plot twists.

Loved It

Very captivating and enjoyable to listen to. I really liked the characters and world building in this story (a lot more than I thought I would actually). Many pieces of a whole, all with their parts to play. I can't wait for the next book!

Big World, Big Story, Only Part 1

Great variety of characters and a big interesting world. Lots of immersive description, so if that’s you’re thing, this is for you. THAT usually is not my thing, but in audiobook form, it was paced pretty well.

No spoilers… my only complaint is the ending. It’s fine, setting up for book 2, but I didn’t find it particularly satisfying.