Son of the Hero

Varayan Memoir, Book 1

By: Rick Shelley

Narrated by: Kurt Elftmann

Gil Tyner has plans for the future: He’s going to be a computer programmer in the bustling technology Mecca of Silicon Valley. And as his 21st birthday approaches, he’s on the cusp of realizing his goals.

But fate has other plans. A note from his mother on his birthday propels Gil into The Buffer Zone, seven magical kingdoms that stand between our world and the realm of the immortal elves.

Gil’s about to learn that plans can change. When destiny calls, he’ll discover that the life he’d imagined and the life he’ll lead will be very different.

©1990 Richard M. Shelley (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

A good story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes., I had read this book and the other two in the series many years ago and it very nice to sit back and listen to it again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Son of the Hero?

Once the dragon is defeated taking the saddle to lead his people to victory

Which character – as performed by Kurt Elftmann – was your favorite?

Gil the son of the Hero

Through The Cellar Door

Would you consider the audio edition of Son of the Hero to be better than the print version?

No. I like the print version better, I grew up on it. The Narration was a bit lacking, The acting was fine but the character is supposed to be 21 and the narrator sounded more like a College professor than a student.

What other book might you compare Son of the Hero to and why?

Son of the Hero is a nice escape from super complicated fantasy(though I enjoy that too). There is a small cast and the story goes by fast. I'd say fans of Simon R. Green's NIghtside stories might find this fun, or fans of JIm Butcher's The Dresden Files.

Which scene was your favorite?

The whole foray into the evil Elflord's Kingdom was good. The Climatic battle was really well written I thought.

Any additional comments?

Again the narration. The acting was fine just hard to buy him as a college kid.

Dramatically Poor

Let us begin by first covering the idea of what a 5/5 rating is for. It's for Red Rising, or Way of Kings, or Project Hail Mary. A 4/5 might be for Dungeon Crawler Carl, or Mistborn. Average books get a 3/5; Gideon the Ninth, A Memory Called Empire, Eragon (might be a 2), The Shadow of What Was Lost.

So it feels a bit generous to give this book a 2. I generally don't quit books. Heck! ACOTAR, which is a 2/5, at least had some interesting drama in the last 50 pages! But Varayan Memoir was just too disappointing in too many areas. The story is odd, the pace is odd, the description of characters and places is meager. The voice acting is poor. It felt like a chore to finish. Save yourself the Audible Credit.

Story: 1/5, wouldn't recommend.