Barrowlands

Iconoclasts

By: Mike Shel

Narrated by: Simon Vance

No one enters the doom-haunted Barrowlands without royal sanction.

But Hesk Atterley has. Accompanied by seedy companions and a hunger for riches, what he finds may change his life forever...if it doesn't kill him first.

©2021 Mike Shel (P)2021 Podium Audio

Clever hook for a fantastic series

I found this title included on audible. I've been wanting to start a new series, and I've always been a fan of fantasy. However, it's hard to pick a new book without knowing whether you'll enjoy the author's writing style and the narrator's performance. This story is short, but it was more than enough to convince me that I wanted more. I think releasing this short prequel on Audible was a great marketing choice by Shel and his team. I just finished book 2 of Iconoclasts, and I'm excited to start the 3rd and final volume!

A very quick, dark fantasy prequel

*the audio performance was quite good, as it’s included with audible, I’d certainly suggest it!

This is an Iconoclasts prequel novella (can you see where I’m at this March?) and another Podium Audio that’s currently included on audible. This is a real short one, probably bordering right on the line of what you’d consider a novella. It’s almost the length of a prologue in a lot of fantasy novel.

With this one being so short, it kind of lacks all descriptors. Not much in the way of world building or lore, which typically isn’t always a bad thing. However in this one, it’s solely a single story, almost a single instance. It goes right from introductions to the climax, and that left me wanting. I guess the thought process is it entices you just enough to pick up the first book…

The story follows some seedy characters as they treasure hunt in the Barrowlands, which cannot be entered without permission…needless to say these guys don’t have it. The climax takes place in a tomb, which I thought felt more The Mummy (1999)–think the scarabs in the wall—than Lara Croft. I was definitely digging that!

The covers of the series intrigue me, but I’m not sure I’ll continue just yet.

Strongly written. Superbly performed.

Simon Vance is one of my favorite voice actors. This story gave him an opportunity to showcase his skills.

Would have been better without the cussing.

Great short story. Without the cussing, it would have been amazing. Surprised how much fit into a single hour of listening.

Captivating

I do not read many short stories, but the way this one was put together was a whole story. You grow to like and despise the different characters. Well done.