Keeper of the Jewel

Highcliff Guardians, Book 1

By: Richard H. Stephens

Narrated by: Mikhail Roberts

Something evil lurks beneath the palace.

A phantasm from a darker past makes its presence known to Khae Wys, Queen of the Elves.

Braving the perils of a haunted tower, the queen seeks the counsel of the mysterious Fae, for only they can predict what is to come. A future that doesn't bode well for her only living child.

In a desperate attempt to save the heir to the Willow Throne, Princess Ouderling is exiled to the only place capable of protecting her. Highcliff, the home of the coveted Crystal Cavern and the dragons that watch over it.

The Duke of Grim, however, has other plans for the princess.

©2021 Richard H. Stephens (P)2021 Richard H. Stephens

Stephen's and Roberts Do it Again

Wow.

I didn't even realize Richard H. Stephens had another novel and audiobook out! I'm evidently behind!

I shouldn't be surprised -- as Stephens seems to pump out content at an alarming rate. I've listened to everything of his narrated by Roberts, and am becoming quite a fan. The two have outdone themselves. Stephens is really maturing as an author, and I'm so excited to continue listening to this new series, set in the Soul Forge Universe.

Roberts is really settling into his style of narration. He's really found a nice, steady, slow burn. He's more animated in is characters than most narrators --which is a huge positive. It sounds like there are several voice actors, and not the one. So that's amazing. Conversely, his non-dialogue narration is always grounded, and remains blessedly free of the over-acting of adjectives and verbs, as some narrators do. (This is just my personal preference. Everyone is defferent.) That's not to say he doesn't rev it up when the action picks up, in fact he does so perfectly -- but it's always just enough. As usual, his character voices are AMAZING. I keep forgetting I'm not listening to a woman, when I hear the female characters.

Keeper of the Jewel is a wonderful introduction to another epic fantasy with lovable characters on a genuinely unique adventure. I wish that the audiobooks came with a map! The world is really well fleshed out, and Stephens' vision, imagination and prose are incredible. He is growing into a master of unapologetic, swashbuckling, sword-n-sorcery! (And Dragons!)

This audiobook is an absolute hidden gem!! As the next audiobooks in the series have yet to drop, it looks like I may have some reading to do. 😀