Black Sleeve

Arms of Malar, Book 1

By: Joshua Fordyce

Narrated by: Caleb Schroeder

Follow Gammon's journey—once an elite Hunter and member of the Green Sleeves, Gammon has fallen into the shame and exile of being marked a Black Sleeve.

He finds himself in an unlikely alliance among the often treacherous lot of criminal and severed folk to embark on a quest to reclaim his life and love in defiance of the other Sleeves of Malar who have punished him.

Gammon comes face-to-face with a far greater threat than the politicians or philosophers in the world of Balor could have imagined!

From the ingenuity of the Bathmore rifles to the sophistication of the Pantheon of Malar, will anyone be powerful enough to stop the armies of the deep?

©2023 Joshua L. Fordyce (P)2024 Joshua L. Fordyce

Gripping

This audiobook is about Gammon who is the main character; a hunter who was once the best and has been cast aside. The plot is exciting with many twists, turns, and physical adventures. It chronicles Gammon's rise and the dangers he faces. Although lengthy, the story is gripping.

The plot kept me hooked

The story follows Gammon, a former elite Hunter turned outcast, as he navigates a dangerous world filled with intrigue and powerful enemies. The plot kept me hooked, especially with its unique blend of personal redemption and high-stakes adventure.

The narrator did a fantastic job, bringing Gammon’s journey to life with a voice that felt both intense and sincere, really capturing the character’s emotional highs and lows.

While the world-building is impressive, sometimes the pacing slowed down a bit in places, making it feel like the story was dragging just a touch. But overall, it’s an engaging and thought-provoking audiobook that delivers both thrills and moments of reflection.

Worth the listen!

Very exciting

This book is an exciting blend of fantasy and adventure, following Gammon’s gritty journey from disgrace to redemption. The story pulls you into a world full of layered characters, political intrigue, and looming dangers. The stakes are high as alliances shift and unexpected threats arise. It’s packed with action, but also has moments that make you think about loyalty, resilience, and the cost of power. A great pick for anyone who loves tales of unlikely heroes and epic battles.

Immersive and Powerful Journey of Redemption

This audiobook gripped me with its deep character exploration and rich world-building. Gammon’s quest for redemption resonated with my own reflections on personal growth and overcoming past mistakes. The audiobook's vivid narration brought Balor’s gritty world to life, making me feel part of Gammon’s struggle. The blend of fantasy elements with intense emotional stakes kept me captivated, and the story’s layers left me contemplating long after it ended. This isn’t just a story; it’s a powerful reminder of resilience and the strength it takes to redefine one’s path.

Highly Recommend

Okay, so I just finished "Black Sleeve: Arms of Malar, Book 1," and I'm still buzzing! This book is a total rollercoaster ride, taking you from the gritty underbelly of Malar to the fantastical realms of the deep.

Gammon, our flawed hero, is someone you can't help but root for. He's a complex character with a tragic past, and his journey of redemption is both thrilling and heartbreaking. The worldbuilding is top-notch, with a rich history and intricate politics that feel both familiar and utterly unique. I loved the way Fordyce blends steampunk elements with high fantasy, creating a world that's both gritty and magical.

If you're a fan of epic fantasy with morally gray characters and high-stakes action, you'll definitely want to check this one out. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!