Saved by a Barbarian

Not-So-Savage Barbarians, Book 2

By: Amy Padilla

Narrated by: Kirt Graves, Jonathan Lake

I should've known better than to trust my childhood bully.

I was too soft-hearted for my own good. Thanks to another one of his cruel tricks, I end up on the run through a monster-filled forest to avoid the noose. When I'm found by the local barbarian clan, I figure I'm done for. I'm injured, exhausted, and have no hope of fighting back. But the barbarian who rescues me from certain death isn't what I thought he would be. And maybe the fear I had for them was misplaced. Maybe the only thing I should be afraid of is falling for someone I can't keep.

©2025 Amy Padilla (P)2025 Podium Audio

beautifully done

Kirt Graves and Jonathan Lake were brought back for the second audio and once again do a brilliant job. They have such different voices it made for a fun dual narration. had no problems keeping track who was speaking or whose pov you were in.

What potentially could be an angsty read turns out to be one of the sweeter reads i have read in some time. Patrick has been taught the barbarians the town sends tributes to are brutal. In reality, they are kind-hearted souls who once they accept you, oh boy, you are in for life. Verus is a sweet hunter who longs for his clan to receive a second male tribute when fates decided to send a hurt Patrick fleeing into his hunting grounds. What starts off with some awkwardly sweet moments turns to heated private moments and a growing connection to a new community Patrick was meant to be a part of. With great cast of side characters you are in for a fun adventure.

Good book, excellent narrators, but some things needed more time to develop

I really wish these books were like fifty pages longer. This one more than the first one, even though this one is a bit longer than the first one. There was more that I wished had been fleshed out and explored more. I can't say what most of those are without spoiling elements of the book so I'll skip to what I do like:
The barbarian who does the saving is a switch.
There are positive, complex family relationships.
The townsman who gets saved has interests and desires he can and does pursue in the book.
There are excellent side characters who feel real and depthful.

So, I like the book. Very much enjoyed it. I just wish it was longer because some things deserved more time.

Patrick is a cutie

Patrick is a relatable MMC who is bullied by others and that makes unsure of himself,
He finds love, acceptance, and a found family after enduring some hardships

This series is worthy of a listen

My Patrick

I loved this book. The connection and care, the way Patrick easily weaved into the clan. How he was able to turn around and help the clan members who bullied him and made friends with one. I am loving this series!

Superb Narration

Both artists do a superb job! Looking forward to listening to them again in book 3!