Strange Companions

Chronicles of the Dawnblade, Book 2

By: Andrew Claydon

Narrated by: Timothy Drennan

Just because you’re chosen, doesn’t mean you want to be.

A month ago, Nicolas Percival Carnegie was chosen to deliver a message, but circumstances spiralled far beyond his control, and he ended up dodging danger, death, and vampires to try to save his kingdom.

Returning home, he had one comfort, beyond having done the right thing, which was that his adventuring days were one and done. But then a strange creature attacks his village, and he has to set out into the world to try to find the source of this creature before more are unleashed.

Still haunted by the events of his previous journey, Nicolas must take to the road again with old companions and surprising new ones as he somehow finds the fate of another kingdom resting in his hands.

At least this time he has his own sword. But will it make a difference when the forces of evil have a minotaur?

Start your journey into the magical (and often dangerous) world of Etherius here, and follow this unlikely group of companions as they battle and banter their way through all manner of perils!

©2022 Andrew Claydon (P)2025 Andrew Claydon

Strange companions

I had so much fun listening to this book. It is my nature to try guessing the end of every book I listen to and I can say without a doubt that there is no way I could’ve ever guessed the ending to this book. It feels almost like listening to a Dungeons & Dragons game the way the characters seem to get in and out of situations. It’s even better because this D&D game is narrated by an incredibly skilled narrator. He did So many fun voices and accents, all with perfect delivery. It really pulling you right into the traveling group full of unlikely and strange companions.

A Fast Paced Adventure

Strange Companions is a great follow‑up to Nicolas Percival Carnegie’s first adventure. He comes home transformed by his experiences, but he’s immediately pulled back onto the road with old friends and some unexpected additions. I think the group’s easygoing humor and genuine connections make their journey feel warm and real, and the diversity in the characters keeps things fresh. I feel that Timothy Drennan’s narration really brings the characters to life by giving each one their own distinct voice. The story flows smoothly, keeping you engaged, and making it a great follow-up to the first book.

Huge thanks to Andrew Claydon for the audiobook review copy!

Fantastic narriation for an excellent story

I listened to the audio for my 2nd time thru this book and the narriation is top tier! I love how well he brings the story to life! The narrator brought all of these companions their own personalities in a cohesive way and his accents added to the story and were not a distraction. I look forward to hearing the next story this narrator brings to life.
I love this series! Nicholas reluctantly is pushed back into the adventuring life when a cow/dragon hybrid attacks his village. His hero in training instincts kick in, but more than that, his friends come and encourage him that the country needs him.
Nicholas in this book still isn't one for adventuring, he hates getting knocked out, which happens a lot. He hates having to fight the bad guys, which there seems to be a lot of again. But the senile old man and chicken are new, but still companions he feels a need to protect.

Young Adult fantasy

Strange Comparisons by Andrew Claydon is an excellent adventure YA fantasy. Timothy Drennan did an excellent job with the narration and bringing the story to life. The story is entertaining, action packed, interesting, enjoyable, humorous, witty, adventure, and more. Strange Comparisons is the second book in Chronicles of the Dawnblade series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Highly recommend

Absolutely fantastic!

This was another absolutely fantastic book in this series! Full of humor and adventure and such unique and wonderful characters! I'm very much looking forward to the next book!

"You’ve done bad things, so you don’t get to take the easy way out. If you really want to change, start acting like it. If you want to atone, do the hard work… Live. Be better one day at a time and prove yourself worthy of redemption."