King's Envoy

Artesans of Albia, Volume 1

By: Cas Peace

Narrated by: Rebecca McKernan

Taran Elijah's quest for knowledge uncovers a plot that threatens the world....

In Albia, the fourth realm, the precious Artesan gift is dying. Although born to the craft, Taran is struggling to achieve his potential. Against his friends' advice, he embarks on a foolhardy plan to acquire the teaching he craves. Alone, he crosses into Andaryon, the fifth realm, but instead of finding a mentor, he stumbles upon a treacherous plot.

In the wake of Taran's actions, Albia suffers a series of vicious raids, and Major Sullyan of the High King's forces is sent to oppose them. But a dark and treacherous force is moving through the realms, and both Taran and Sullyan will feel its power. Their craft, the lives of their friends, the very existence of their realm are under threat unless they expose and oppose the evil.

©2011, 2013 Caroline Peace (P)2018 Caroline Peace

Critic reviews

"Cas Peace's Artesans of Albia trilogy immediately sweeps you away: the drama starts with King's Envoy, continues unabated in King's Champion, and climaxes in King's Artesan, yet each volume is complete, satisfying. The Artesan series propels you into a world so deftly written that you see, feel, touch, and even smell each twist and turn. These nesting novels are evocative, hauntingly real. Smart. Powerful. Compelling. The trilogy teems with finely drawn characters, heroes and villains and societies worth knowing; with stories so organic and yet iconic you know you've found another home - in Albia. So start reading now. I, for one, can't wait to find out what will happen next." (Janet E. Morris, best-selling contributor to the shared-universe fantasy series Thieves World. Best-selling author of the Sacred Band of Stepsons series; the Dream Dancer series; I, the Sun; Outpassage; the Silistra Quartet; and editor of the Bangsian in Hell series)

Very interesting, and entertaining.

The author builds an interesting, magical world. The story is crafted nicely, with interesting and likable characters. I was so engaged in the story, that when it ended, I was like NO!! I need more! I am looking forward to the next book. Can’t wait. If you like good fantasy novels, magical kingdoms, I think you will enjoy this book. The narrator does a wonderful job. My only complaint is the audio could have been a little warmer, seemed a little thin, but a quick adjustment to my eq fixed that on my end.


I have been given a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Excellent fantasy story

When a young man with a gift for magic who is struggling to reach his potential hatches a daring plan, his actions cause ripples much bigger than himself. Struggling to reach his potential in his own land, he creates a magic portal to another more magic rich realm, where he hopes to gain an apprenticeship and learn more magic. Instead, things go sideways, and his appearance in the other realm cause an excuse for retaliation on his realm, and causes drastically unforeseen consequences that could spell doom for many people. With some fantastically drawn out characters, a fast paced plot, and some twists and turns to keep things interesting, The King's Envoy is a fantasy story fans can easily get into. Rebecca McKernan's narration is also top notch, bringing each character to life and engrossing the listener in the story. Highly recommended.

Unique!

King's Envoy takes you on a journey through a world that is unique and fascinating. The characters are well thought out, and, although flawed, are likable. There is no predictability found, as far as I was concerned, which made it even better.
I listened to the audiobook version of this and Rebecca McKernan is a talented narrator. The sound quality wasn't great, which was a bit distracting, as it sounded like she was in a metal box. Not an echo, really, just a hollow sound. However, she does a great job of the narration which kept me into the book.
I do recommend this book

Amazing story

This book was filled with so much adventure and a different type of magic I haven’t seen before. Taran is an artisan but hasn’t learned much of his craft with his father passing and not knowing any others. One day his adventures put him in the middle of some secret war going on and he finds others like him. There’s a lot of change going on as certain people are trying to protect the peace but there is a hidden plot that is behind everything that threatens to remove the artisan race forever.

Great fantasy story

I was given this audiobook for free for my fair and honest review. I loved the story but had a hard time distinguishing between characters as the narrator's voice did not change. The story all seem to be told with the same pacing, the narrator just didn't work for me. Cudos to Cas Peace for a great, fantasy story.

I gave this another listen and like the narrator better the second time.