Master of Sorrows

The Silent Gods, Book 1

By: Justin Travis Call

Narrated by: Peter Kenny

You’ve heard the story before: an orphaned boy, raised by a wise old man, comes to a fuller knowledge of his magic and uses it to fight the great evil threatening his world.

But what if that hero were destined to become the new dark lord?

The Academy of Chaenbalu has stood against magic for centuries. Hidden from the world, acting from the shadows, it trains its students to detect and retrieve magic artifacts, which it jealously guards from the misuse of others. Because magic is dangerous: Something that heals can also harm, and a power that aids one person may destroy another.

Of the academy’s many students, only the most skilled can become Avatars - warrior thieves, capable of infiltrating the most heavily guarded vaults - and only the most determined can be trusted to resist the lure of magic. More than anything, Annev de Breth wants to become one of them.

But Annev carries a secret. Unlike his classmates who were stolen as infants from the capital city, Annev was born in the village of Chaenbalu, was believed to be executed, and then unknowingly raised by his parents’ killers. Seventeen years later, he struggles with the burdens of a forbidden magic, a forgotten heritage, and a secret deformity. When Annev is subsequently caught between the warring ideologies of his priestly mentor and the Academy’s masters, he must finally decide whether to accept the truth of who he really is…or embrace the darker truth of what he may one day become.

©2019, 2020 Justin Travis Call (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

good but

Good but the main character is too dumb. Like he specifically made choices that made no sense

Main character isn’t likable.

Enjoyed Peter Kenny’s performance. I enjoyed his reading of the Witcher books- so not surprised about that.

I really thought this story setup and world was intriguing.

Anniv is a real cliche Teenager. But not even in a humorous/endearing way. He seems inherently contradictory. Incredibly selfish in his actions, won’t take solid advice or direction- but then wants to virtue signal.
He’s pretty whiney too.
But if it’s in the name of character development as the story progresses; I’ll be here for it.

Amazing Story

Great story and great characters. Although the setup is a bit frustrating, as it relies of both the MC and his mentor being a bit dumb. Though I didn't find it unrealistic, considering the MC's age and the mentor's cling to ideals. The fight scenes are fantastic, the tension is heartwrentching, and the characters are lovable. Although the audio and narrator is a bit soft spoken at times so I had to have my audio on high to follow.

I didn't come away disappointed. I can't wait for the opportunity to find out what happens next in the series.

loved it

this is one of those books where I got I trouble with my wife for just sitting in the car in the dark wanting to try to hear what happens next

started slow, finished well

It took a while to become invested in this book. it picked up, and had a good story. I would read the sequel.