Akiri: The Scepter of Xarbaal

Akiri, Book 1

By: Brian D. Anderson, Steven Savile

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Akiri is a blistering new heroic fantasy novel from the multiple award-winning international best sellers Brian D. Anderson and Steven Savile who have come together to create the first adrenalin-filled standalone novel in Akiri's tortured world.

Can one betrayal can save a kingdom? Will two destroy it?

Acharia is a nation at war. Ruled by the Sorcerer King, Zemel, who believes himself to be invincible. And with a weapon created in the pits of hell by the god of death he might well be. The ancient Scepter of Xarbaal harnesses a magic capable of shattering the very foundations of the world. But such power is borne at a cost. Those who dare test their will against its ancient evil are doomed to madness. Before the Sorcerer King can raze his entire kingdom to the ground, those closest to him risk everything by betraying him. They steal the scepter, hoping to release him from its insidious influence. But for Zemel there is no such salvation.

Driven to the edge of madness by a need for vengeance against those who have wronged him and a thirst for fire and death that no amount of war can slake, the Sorcerer King is willing to tear the world asunder to recover his lost treasure. Paranoia means that Zemel trusts no one, but there is enough of the old king left inside his mind to still respect one man: Akiri.

The Dul' Buhar are the deadliest of warriors, gifted extraordinary skills through the dark magic of their king, and Akiri is the greatest of them. His mind is as lethal as a steel trap, his blade twice as deadly. Born into a life of constant battle, he is unlike any man...which might just be his salvation. But if he succeeds on the mad king's quest, Akiri might well be the death of the world.

The Scepter of Xarbaal is a brand new pulse-pounding edge-of-your-seat adventure in the spirit of the very best heroic fantasy of old, a must-listen for fans of R. E. Howard's Conan, Joe Abercrombie's Blade Itself, and David Gemmell's Legend. With its fusion of classic heroic fantasy and modern grit, Akiri is sure to leave listeners gasping for more.

©2016 Brian D. Anderson and Steven Savile (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"For old-school fantasy with a modern edge, you can’t do better than Steven Savile and Brian D. Anderson. If you’re looking for thrilling heroics and a breathless pace, you’ve come to the right fellows." (Dave Gross, author Pathfinder Tales)

"A rousing saga of swordplay and skullduggery with the best battle scenes in the business." (Kevin Andrew Murphy, author of Wild Cards and Pathfinder Tales)

very captivating

The storyline was excellent and kept my attention. in fact I was captivated and could not stop till it was finished and left me wanting more.

Story was great and reader was amazing

I really enjoyed this book, i see how Mr Anderson is bldg multiverse of madness, hope, love, and happiness. Cant wait for the rest of the books i will now download and listen too.

solid story with good pacing

solid story with good pacing, a bit short and dont expect a whole lot of depth though.

also contains some very detailed sex scenes so be warned

A story of a two-dimensional figure and his dragon

While Akiri was spellbound from a young age to be 100% duty-bound to his king and, thus, having a very narrow view of experiencing life much beyond being the king's lead dog, he does begin to broaden his outlook once he befriends a dragon. Even so, he's still casually ruthless and cares little for people who suffer as a consequence of his actions. His character is compelling, however, and it will be interesting to see where the next addition to this series take us.

Exhausting!

The non-stop action and the reader’s performance made it difficult for me to take a break. Well done! Thanks!