The Sound of Change
The Bards and Dragons Saga, Book 2
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The Sound of Change
Buy Now for £22.43
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Narrated by:
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Steven Pacey
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By:
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Steve D Wall
About this listen
An action-packed flintlock fantasy book about guns, mages, bards, and dragons!
Ulric’s quiet life of exile has been turned upside down. Dellioph is unable to play his music or keep his secrets. Gali, having lost everything, teeters on the brink of despair. And they’re all being chased by dragons, which are nothing like the old stories.
Aari, Col, and Devo continue to pursue the evil sorcerer responsible for the dragons. But as Aari’s memories start to return, doubts come with them. What can she do next to Col, the Spirit of the Earth, and Devo, a hulking, strong fighter? She’s just a girl.
And back in the city of Quinport, Lyrrun of Dwy—who should be retired by now—is left to manage the fallout from the heist and to try to keep the Mastus family out of jail. But this forces him into the middle of a dangerous rivalry between chancellors.
If you listen closely, perhaps you will hear it. Change is coming.
A great read
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brilliant throughout
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And if this didn’t incourage you to get the book, you can always listen to it. Mr. Steven Pacey does an incredible job.
Great sequel.
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1. Don't compare this to or expect the First Law series - it's much more clearly YA, with simpler and more sympathetic characters, a less twisty story arc and much less "murk" (let alone Grimdark),
2. Good story, well balanced and interesting ensemble of protagonists, and a believable and immersive world without the usual dull fantasy/flintlock/grimdark tropes.
3. Major listening challenge - it felt like every decision and/or major narrative incident is foreshadowed, underscored and post-mortemed with extended internal and external dialogue (and sometimes exposition), perhaps intended as part of the adolescent coming-of-age growth/change process. But this does regularly slow the pace of storytelling to a somewhat glacial flow, almost "real-time" at times.
4. Fantastic narration from Steven Pacey who still never disappoints, bringing vitality, humanity and humour which somewhat offsets the more tortuous "slow burn" moments.
5. Some gentle dark humour and well-crafted action (but not Glokta and Logen) - there is a clear and sharp intelligence behind the writing and character development, which also avoids hammering "THE (or A) message" as the cultural, political and moral context unfolds. Good stuff.
So basically a pretty strong recommendation, although in line with my opening statement of intent I would almost certainly have enjoyed it more if had understood in advance the explicit YA framing and extensive use of prequel/scene/sequel commentary through dialogue - and thus being able to metaphorically "take a deep breath" before diving in to the glacial waters.
In the First Law and other Abercrombie books, as far back as Gemmell and in most of the best works of fantasy (and anything else), this interpretive process is something the reader can work through themselves in their own unpredictable way, sometimes on the second reading if necessary, and is a deeper, more subtle and interactive process which enriches the experience of reading.
Still, although far from young adult (or arguably in-prime adult) as I am, I will definitely be continuing the series!
Walking Pace YA Energised By Stellar Steven Pacey
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Steven Pacey is a genius
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