Third Power

By: Robert Childs

Narrated by: Neal Arango

A high school student named Steve is pulled across the veil separating the worlds of Earth and Mithal in the hope he is the legendary Third Power. His coming foretold by prophecy, he is believed to possess a unique magic that can heal the supernatural sickness ravaging the land and combat the Second Power, a sorcerer who channels the might of Hell itself. With his abilities growing faster than his control, Steve must become a healer to end the plague, a statesman to unite the races, a warrior to lead the Resistance and, ultimately, discover the truth about himself or sacrifice them all.

©2017 Robert Childs (P)2020 Robert Childs

GOOD READ!

I enjoyed it! The narration was good. The author did a good job with the character builds and plot. This was my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more of his books. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

A really enjoyable story

I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this story. It perfectly follows an old saying in the movie industry “Give me the same thing, but different” Third Power has many of the items I love in fantasy novels: interesting world, compelling characters, good versus evil fights, etc. But it has its own unique take while playing on the tropes that I would normally expect.

I thought the narrator kept it engaging, not falling into the trap of being too monotone that I hear in other books. Also enjoyed some of his character work with the voices to make them stand out.

I think my only critique was in the character names of Scott and Steve. A couple times I mixed them up in my head. This probably isn’t as much an issue with the actual words but only when listening to the audio.

I received this as a review copy, but I will be purchasing the sequel when it becomes available.

This is where it all begins for Mithal

Third Power is the first of Robert Childs' books which transports his readers to Mithal, as Steve and his friends, Sonya and Scott, find they have much to discover about themselves and their new world. How did they get there? Read the book! Let's just say that some of the characters are rather reluctant travelers but are led by their heart and sense of responsibility for doing what is right. Mithal is a world of magic and fantastical creatures and Childs does a great job in introducing various races and how they interact. Steve must learn of his magical powers and how to use them, and as he does he learns much about himself. He must learn how to control his skills to defeat Azinon, usurper to the throne, and save Mithal from a magical plague which is killing without discrimination. Sources say that Childs conceived this plot when he was Steve's age and his narrator successfully conveys the senior in high school who just wants to move onto college and really start his life. It's also apparent that Childs loves the martial art of rapier because his fight scenes are well described and make sense, something a sword enthusiast would enjoy. This book is over 23.5 hours long and it's a great read! I hope we do not have to wait too long to return to Mithal!

Third Power has a sequel, Fourth Power, which is available in print but not yet in audiobook form.

Fantasy, Warfare, Mystery, and MORE!

This book took me by surprise and left me wanting more! It starts out about a guy in high school who inherits a crystal his senior year and everything begins to change. Magic galore and transporting to a different realm to help fight an evil Sorcerer is just the beginning. There are also his friends who become entangled in his dilemma of being brought into this other realm where swordplay is actual fighting, all types of creatures that he had thought were just imaginary that are real and so much more! It's non-stop fighting, tests, and trials, and the dynamics are unbelievable. This was a long listen that was actually too short because it was fantastic. The narrator brought the various characters to life with different accents and the interaction of the characters was exceptional. A must listen!

Plenty to Sink Your Teeth Into ...

Third Power is a big story, with much to keep you engaged. It is fantasy, young adult, and adventure, with a small dash of teen love story. Major characters feel well developed and their adventure feels plausible/real. It is easy to care about the core characters and what happens to them. The world building was good as well, learning even more about the world would have been welcome but would probably make this book huge. Overall, I really enjoyed the listen and felt very satisfied when done. Good characters, good story, and a good ending. Highly recommended.

Narration was competently done and unobtrusive. It didn't pull me out of the story and it was generally easy to know who which characters were speaking. No complaints here.

I received this audiobook for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Lots of action.

The author mixes our monsters & legends with religion.
He found a way to make our legends come to life. He makes monsters likable. The division of 2 worlds was pure genius.
If I go on more I would give away too much & ruin it for you.
If you have a open mind you can have a good time with this book & you will be thinking about the twists and turns for days on end.

Sword, Sorcery and Power

Swords, sorcery and great magical powers (plus a bit of romance for good measure), what more can you ask for? It is all here in this book, plus so much more. This book delivers all the traditional things a good adventure should. Steve Walker is thrown into his hero's quest unprepared, perhaps a bit unwilling and certainly more than a bit disbelieving. Nevertheless, with a great heart, and great friends, he gives every challenge he faces his all. And, it is not easy. He faces the likes of a great white tiger, werewolves, sprites, demons, sorcerers, and winged people in a magical fantasy land enduring a great plague. And, the people of the land are certain he is the only one who can save them (no pressure there). But, can he?

Fish out of water meets standard fantasy

I really enjoyed this book. It started out fairly different than most fantasy books, kind of a fish out of water story. Then it settled in to your standard Fantasy tale. There wasn’t a lot to surprise the reader, but it was still nice to follow along, like a comfy blanket. I was rather surprised at the feminisms in the middle. It had a chance to do the same “when boy does something it’s expected, woman can’t” but it called that trope out, and I was happily surprised. Narrated does a decent job and changing tone and characters, but sometimes I had a hard time telling if it was. Steve, or his friend talking. Overall. I would recommend.(note I was supplied a copy by the author)

A Power is Born

And just in the nick of time. Gosh Steve, with all that is going on in Mithal your going to need all the power's you can find. Good thing you have really, really good friend's too.
This built up to a super ending, with surprises...Oh yea.
The narrator did an excellent job on all the voices, except, Steve. I found him whiny every now and then. Not a major.
This audio was given to me free and I voluntarily gave this review.

Fun fantasy story with well-described action

The short review is: Solid 4-stars. If you like fantasy, you'll enjoy this take on the genre. In my view of star ratings for stories and games, a 5-star rating means that no matter what you think of the genre, you'll enjoy the work.

This story is steeped firmly in the tropes of fantasy with good and evil wizards, teenagers swept up in magic, pixies, spirit animals, and more. If those things aren't for you, then you might struggle with the tale. Also, there is a fair dose of teenage angst in the plot (many of the protagonists are high-school students) so be cognizant of that.

The performance by the narrator is just average. There are some very nice moments but then there are parts that are read in quite a hammy fashion, particularly the villains, which diminishes the narrative tension.

The action sequences are where this story particularly shines. The author has a talent for describing movement and violent clash such that the engagements are fun to imagine and listen to.

Overall I enjoyed the work and I hope my review helps you decide if the story is right for you.