Hope and Red

By: Jon Skovron

Narrated by: Jon Skovron

In the first book of this fun, action-packed fantasy trilogy, a warrior and a thief must come together to stop the forces that threaten their people.

Hope's old life ended the night her entire village was massacred by the emperor's forces. Now, trained in secret by a master warrior, her new life is centered on only one goal: vengeance.

Red lives by the skin of his teeth and sharpness of his wit. An expert thief and a brilliant con artist, he cares for only one thing: a good time. But when the empire's soldiers start to encroach on his territory, taking down his friends with it, he may have to re-prioritize.

Together, they will take down an empire.

Start reading this daring adventure that Sam Sykes called, "Furious where it needs to be, deceptively tender where it can get away with it, adventurous all around!"

Critic reviews

"Furious where it needs to be, deceptively tender where it can get away with it, adventurous all around."—Sam Sykes

"Hope and Red is my favorite book of the year. Full of nonstop, irresistible adventure, it captures that wonderful classic epic fantasy feel, while introducing a fantastic pair of memorable new heroes. I can't wait for the sequel!"—Sarah Beth Durst, author of The Queen of Blood

"Skovron's eye for characterization and situations is exceptional... A compelling coming-of-age yarn."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Engaging ... [Skovron's] skillfully developed world, filled with swords and magic, is a perfect foil for his dynamic characters."—Library Journal

"A great swashbuckling adventure."
—The Sun (UK)

"A fun beginning ... promises to be a great series."—Philadelphia Free Press

"The adventures of Hope and Red will continue, and you should plan to sail with them."—SFRevu

"Gripping and, most importantly, fun."—SFX

Vulgarity took away from my enjoyment.

I bought this book after reading a preview in another author’s book. The preview had none of the extremely vulgar sexual language that punctuates the book. The characters had some unique words for things, which was original and somewhat enjoyable. I felt the author’s reading of the story melded all the characters into a similar personality, as he changed his tone and inflection very little. Also, the characters would often say something in a way that seemed out of character for that player. A few times Red’s character said something that I thought another character should call him out for, and they didn’t, so I was irritated. There were a few times I laughed out loud and I did really enjoy the character of Hope, but I am not planning to read the sequels.

I enjoyed it

Took a chance and was quite pleased.

A well done setting with a host of folks that weave an interesting tale.

A bit coming of age but in a way that does not seem forced.

Kept me up late, to finish a chapter.

Great book and performance

This book is a very fine example of fantasy story in tradition od Scott Lynch and Brent Weeks. Little bit of thievery, little bit of killing a lot of baddies, all wraped in wide-eyed outlook on life youths have. What is fantastic, though, is author's reading of it. I enjoyed every minute of narration. Great job!

the characters in this book are fantastic

I originally found this book in paperback in a tiny used bookstore and it has become one of my favorite series to read over and over and over again.

DNF

This book read like a middle grade, but could not be with its content. I did not care for the story or the narrator. This one is not for me.