A Beast in the Skies

Spell Birth, Book 1

By: Nicholas Common

Narrated by: Brian Pederson

Fantry was just trying to recover a powerful spell, not accidentally summon Gabe Guil, a calm and capable military man from Earth, into the middle of a crisis. Now Guil’s stranded in Terrancia, where enchanted relics look suspiciously like everyday Earth junk: sunglasses, backscratchers, and other everyday items. Either magic is broken, or someone’s been shopping at a cosmic thrift store.

While Guil tries to wrap his head around this strange world, Gamin, an imperial operative with too much ambition sees potential. He’s convinced Guil is the key to making a name for himself in Capitolium, the Empire’s glittering seat of power. Fantry, meanwhile, is just trying to keep them all alive.

But their artifact-hunting quest quickly turns into something more. Rogue commanders are on their trail, rebels are rising, and the Empire’s grip on power is starting to be challenged. Guil didn’t come here to start a revolution, but that doesn’t mean he won’t finish one.

A sharp, fast-paced gritty portal fantasy adventure where magic is mundane, rebellion is brewing, and the fate of a world might hinge on a guy who just wants to understand what’s going on.

©2025 Gavin Common (P)2025 Gavin Common

Lots of action

I was a bit confused by this book. It seemed like it should be book 2 and not the start of a series. There is a lot happening which is great but it seems to be missing some back story. It feels superficial. I did enjoy the narration and listened to it at 1.5 speed as it was a bit slow. I don't usually read fantasy but I've tried a few and I hope there is a prequel or the second book delves deeper into the characters backgrounds.

very fast paced

a lot happens in this book and it feels rushed. the concepts in the book are good and I feel like the story would be absolutely amazing if so much didnt happen back to back. it may just be a me issue but I felt confused more than anything as I tried to understand what was happening or how the characters ended up where they were. for me, I think reading this would've been better than listening to it. its not a bad book, I would definitely recommend to people who enjoy fantasy books.