-
Heliotrope
- Narrated by: George Guidall
- Length: 22 hrs and 15 mins
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $29.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's summary
Teleo is a retired soldier descended from Mages, who were cast out of power generations ago. After years of war and sorrow, he wants nothing more than to live a quiet life on his farm and work his stonemason’s craft.
His wife and daughter had been murdered during a war raid several years earlier, and his young son stolen by the enemy side. He spent years unsuccessfully searching for his son and returned home broken-hearted. At the local castle, he comes upon a war orphan stolen by his side from the enemy and rescues him from abuse, adopting him as his foster son.
Teleo is working as a mason at the castle when he finds himself in the middle of a coup. This launches a journey to protect his new family, uncover the secrets of the ancient ways, and reclaim the magic of the Mages.
Heliotrope, by Palmer Pickering, is a sword-and-sorcery title by the award-winning author of the science-fantasy sensation Moon Deeds.
A cast of lovable characters:
Teleo – A gritty warrior who would do anything for you, unless you cross those he loves, then you will meet his blade.
Dinsmora – A reclusive herbalist who weaves shadows.
The fosterling – Orphan who forms a family and softens the toughest of hearts.
The animals – Characters in their own right who carry burdens and bring glory.
Magic:
Magic was outlawed generations ago but lingers in the blood of the kingdoms. There were good reasons it was outlawed and reasons it must rise again.
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Ghost of the Truthseeker 1
- A LitRPG Adventure
- By: Strungbound
- Narrated by: Daniel Wisniewski
- Length: 16 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On a day like any other, an alien descends to Earth, unleashing untold death and destruction. Alistair watches the live news footage of the carnage, his eyes glued to the image of impossible power made manifest. The alien’s arrival kicks events into motion that no one could have predicted. Earth is prematurely initiated into a universe-spanning empire of cut-throat cultivators, beasts, and entities of ungodly power—all guided by a mysterious AI System. The System’s first quest? Kill someone.
-
-
OMG! An MC who is not an idiot or sociopath!
- By Corey Howard on 03-31-23
By: Strungbound
-
The Problem with Princesses
- Wake of the Ravager, Book 1
- By: Macronomicon
- Narrated by: Steve Campbell
- Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the world of Marconen, your first Break determines the trajectory of your life. Calvin chose magic. Without proper schooling or a mentor, the boy is dragged by the cruel whims of fate across the face of the planet, blending together different schools of magic and powerful abilities to create something new. But there's a deeper secret behind his success. Why was he born an exile from his country? Why is his System so strange, and why does it keep talking to him? As the march of time continues, something evil grows in power across the ocean.
-
-
Good story, good pacing
- By Kirby on 03-17-23
By: Macronomicon
-
Sorcerer
- Dear Spellbook, Volume One
- By: Peter J. Lee
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hello stranger, my name is Tal, and I’m not an adventurer—those people are crazy. I’m just a sorcerer who is masquerading as a wizard. Oh, and I’m searching for answers about my parents’ mysterious deaths. Also monsters and other foes seem to show up wherever I go. All right, I see it. My new traveling companions are seasoned adventurers and are teaching me their ways—or at least they were before something happened to Time.
-
-
A Masterful Story and a Facinating Premise
- By O-C on 04-05-23
By: Peter J. Lee
-
Claws Out: A LitRPG Native World Adventure
- Dragon Sorcerer, Book 1
- By: Sean Oswald
- Narrated by: Neil Hellegers
- Length: 15 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nico, a young dragon of barely fifty, is rudely chased from his home by a group of murderous adventurers. Of his entire clutch, only he and one sister remained, but now he is alone. Isolated and hungry, Nico’s magic awakens, bonding him with Cami, a brave young woman. To hide from the adventurers’ pursuit, Nico takes on human form. However, once they discover that both he and Cami have magical abilities, they are required by law to attend the Imperial Academy.
-
-
A+ Fantasy LitRPG!
- By DaynenMc on 05-17-23
By: Sean Oswald
-
Whisper of Iron Omnibus, Books 1-3
- By: Matt Pivots
- Narrated by: Matt Hicks, Erin Bateman
- Length: 21 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A mysterious force transports Noah to a fantasy realm of magic and levels. Unable to return home, he leans into his Blacksmith Apprentice class. By killing creatures in battle, mining ore, and even picking plants, Noah will obtain the ingredients he needs to create items to help him survive. His old life drags on him at first, a fact he doesn't let hold him down, because on Prixa, there's a brutal war between feline warriors and werewolves.
-
-
A top-notch series
- By Ed Pegg Jr on 03-21-24
By: Matt Pivots
-
Induction
- Welcome to the Multiverse, Book 1
- By: Sean Oswald
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Silas is inducted into the System, becoming the last in a long line of Earth's "forerunners." The rewards are great, but the danger is greater. We are not alone in the universe. The fate of five worlds hangs on how their forerunners perform. Will Silas have what it takes to win Earth a place in the multiverse? Or will Earth become another mining world stripped of all resources and left a barren husk floating in the cosmos?
-
-
the main characters annoying to a degree
- By Anonymous User on 11-08-23
By: Sean Oswald
-
Ghost of the Truthseeker 1
- A LitRPG Adventure
- By: Strungbound
- Narrated by: Daniel Wisniewski
- Length: 16 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On a day like any other, an alien descends to Earth, unleashing untold death and destruction. Alistair watches the live news footage of the carnage, his eyes glued to the image of impossible power made manifest. The alien’s arrival kicks events into motion that no one could have predicted. Earth is prematurely initiated into a universe-spanning empire of cut-throat cultivators, beasts, and entities of ungodly power—all guided by a mysterious AI System. The System’s first quest? Kill someone.
-
-
OMG! An MC who is not an idiot or sociopath!
- By Corey Howard on 03-31-23
By: Strungbound
-
The Problem with Princesses
- Wake of the Ravager, Book 1
- By: Macronomicon
- Narrated by: Steve Campbell
- Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the world of Marconen, your first Break determines the trajectory of your life. Calvin chose magic. Without proper schooling or a mentor, the boy is dragged by the cruel whims of fate across the face of the planet, blending together different schools of magic and powerful abilities to create something new. But there's a deeper secret behind his success. Why was he born an exile from his country? Why is his System so strange, and why does it keep talking to him? As the march of time continues, something evil grows in power across the ocean.
-
-
Good story, good pacing
- By Kirby on 03-17-23
By: Macronomicon
-
Sorcerer
- Dear Spellbook, Volume One
- By: Peter J. Lee
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hello stranger, my name is Tal, and I’m not an adventurer—those people are crazy. I’m just a sorcerer who is masquerading as a wizard. Oh, and I’m searching for answers about my parents’ mysterious deaths. Also monsters and other foes seem to show up wherever I go. All right, I see it. My new traveling companions are seasoned adventurers and are teaching me their ways—or at least they were before something happened to Time.
-
-
A Masterful Story and a Facinating Premise
- By O-C on 04-05-23
By: Peter J. Lee
-
Claws Out: A LitRPG Native World Adventure
- Dragon Sorcerer, Book 1
- By: Sean Oswald
- Narrated by: Neil Hellegers
- Length: 15 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nico, a young dragon of barely fifty, is rudely chased from his home by a group of murderous adventurers. Of his entire clutch, only he and one sister remained, but now he is alone. Isolated and hungry, Nico’s magic awakens, bonding him with Cami, a brave young woman. To hide from the adventurers’ pursuit, Nico takes on human form. However, once they discover that both he and Cami have magical abilities, they are required by law to attend the Imperial Academy.
-
-
A+ Fantasy LitRPG!
- By DaynenMc on 05-17-23
By: Sean Oswald
-
Whisper of Iron Omnibus, Books 1-3
- By: Matt Pivots
- Narrated by: Matt Hicks, Erin Bateman
- Length: 21 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A mysterious force transports Noah to a fantasy realm of magic and levels. Unable to return home, he leans into his Blacksmith Apprentice class. By killing creatures in battle, mining ore, and even picking plants, Noah will obtain the ingredients he needs to create items to help him survive. His old life drags on him at first, a fact he doesn't let hold him down, because on Prixa, there's a brutal war between feline warriors and werewolves.
-
-
A top-notch series
- By Ed Pegg Jr on 03-21-24
By: Matt Pivots
-
Induction
- Welcome to the Multiverse, Book 1
- By: Sean Oswald
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Silas is inducted into the System, becoming the last in a long line of Earth's "forerunners." The rewards are great, but the danger is greater. We are not alone in the universe. The fate of five worlds hangs on how their forerunners perform. Will Silas have what it takes to win Earth a place in the multiverse? Or will Earth become another mining world stripped of all resources and left a barren husk floating in the cosmos?
-
-
the main characters annoying to a degree
- By Anonymous User on 11-08-23
By: Sean Oswald
-
The Fusionist
- A Fantasy LitRPG Academy Adventure (Magical Fusion, Book 1)
- By: Jonathan Brooks
- Narrated by: Miles Meili
- Length: 16 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Larek Holsten is different from most people living in the Kingdom of Androthe, where his seven-foot-tall frame is looked at with suspicion and anger from its shorter residents; but as long as it helps him become the best Logger he can be, he doesn’t let it bother him all that much. He and his best friend, an axe with a powerful Fusion that causes it to become sharper and stronger than a normal tool, are feared by the trees in the magical forest north of his home, as he can fell the quickly growing monoliths faster than anyone else in the community.
-
-
Tough call
- By Chaz R. on 09-07-23
By: Jonathan Brooks
-
Bastard
- Last Life Series, Book 1
- By: Alexey Osadchuk, Andrew Douglas Schmitt - translator
- Narrated by: Ryan Burke
- Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a former life, Jack was gifted, meaning he possessed peculiar abilities. If rich folks found themselves in a jam, Jack could use his talents to get them out of it. Where others were sure to fail, Jack's aristocratic clientele could always count on him to finish jobs cleanly, efficiently, and leave no trace, for which his services commanded a hefty fee. But one day, Jack picked a fight with the wrong man and his old life came to an end. But, as it turned out, his story was far from over.
-
-
MC is a bit of a murder hobo
- By Forrest on 04-30-23
By: Alexey Osadchuk, and others
-
The Fortifier
- A LitRPG Adventure
- By: D.K. Landtroop
- Narrated by: Andrew Tell
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Surviving the first days of the apocalypse, William is a wreck and hiding in an attic. The daily acid storms, floating elementals, and bizarre mutated animals are the least of his problems. The reality-warping apocalypse has rules and a system much like those in video games. To survive, he must learn how the new uncooperative system works, choose a class without any real knowledge of what it does and create a place safe from the spawning horrors.
-
-
EMO
- By Michael R Lynch on 02-21-23
By: D.K. Landtroop
-
The Mage of Shimmer Mountain: The Complete Series
- A LitRPG Fantasy Box Set
- By: Adam Sampson
- Narrated by: Ronnie Rowlands
- Length: 57 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The day after Hugo gains access to magic, his train explodes. Unknown magic flings him back in time, and he narrowly avoids death this time. While he is trying to unravel the mystery of this unexpected second chance, life goes on. His new gifts lead him to the magic academy. At the school, he will face off against noble students that don’t want him to be there, teachers that expect him to already know everything, and literal monsters that want to kill him. To survive and thrive he will need weapons, friends, and a healthy danger sense.
-
-
lackluster
- By Dog momma on 01-05-24
By: Adam Sampson
-
Legend of the Arch Magus: Publisher's Pack
- Legend of the Arch Magus, Book 1-2
- By: Michael Sisa
- Narrated by: Tom Taylorson
- Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Contains The Expansion (book one) and The Upheaval (book two) of the Legend of the Arch Magus series. An Arch Magus dies, only to find himself in the body of a young man in a medieval kingdom. He finds out that he is the second son of a Duke, exiled to a desolated town by his own family. Shackled by the notorious reputation of his new shell, he tries his best to develop his domain, implementing new policies and innovations, leading his subjects to prosperity. In this world where magic is undeveloped, he shall once again pave a new path.
-
-
Unique story, but could have used a thesaurus
- By Kernman on 05-06-20
By: Michael Sisa
-
Elf Empire: A LitRPG Kingdom-Building Adventure
- Elf Empire, Book 1
- By: John Stovall
- Narrated by: Todd Haberkorn
- Length: 17 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Leo wanted to make something out of himself—and build dams. However, the world doesn't want dams. And it mostly doesn't want civil engineers. It doesn't want men who do any sort of building or fighting or grand design, it seems. So, when Leo finds his current girlfriend and boss being threatened by a brutal loan shark and all three of them get dragged through a portal to another world, it doesn't take long for him to decide this is the place for him. Plus, everyone has magic, and who wouldn't want that?
-
-
Loved it.
- By Mandymomof3boyz on 08-26-23
By: John Stovall
-
Isekai Cheat Appraiser
- A Slow Life of Wandering & Treasure-Hunting, Volume 1 (Light Novel)
- By: Sebastian Guzman
- Narrated by: Erin Bateman
- Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nowadays, Melchior's a guy who lives under the radar, traveling from place to place, plundering dungeons, making money, and visiting his favorite people. Armed with his completely unfair [Appraisal] ability, no other Appraiser can compare to him. His income is the most secure and certain thing in Maestros. But Maestros is an ever-changing world, one populated by humans blessed by gods themselves, the Masters.
-
-
ENJOYABLE STEAMY FANTASY- SLICE OF LIFE STORY
- By North Wind Knight on 04-05-23
By: Sebastian Guzman
-
Dark Lord of the Farmstead
- A High Fantasy Slice-of-Life LitRPG
- By: John Broadway
- Narrated by: Jonathan Waters, Jessica Threet
- Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Isekaied into a level 86 Necromancer-King's body, I leave his life of war behind in favor of peace in the idyllic Borderlands. Upon meeting the elven maiden Narya Summerdew and a razor-toothed half-elven child, the three of us form an unlikely improvised family in the hopes of remaining anonymous. As we embrace the eccentric community of Gelderham, we find happiness in simplicity…But my past casts shadows on our growing bonds. How will Narya react when she learns her new husband was once the evil king set on destroying her people?
-
-
It was wonderful.
- By Cole on 10-03-23
By: John Broadway
-
Amazon Apocalypse
- By: Marvin Knight
- Narrated by: Jack Douglas, Jessica Threet
- Length: 20 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Growing up, she was the girl down the street. Even then, I knew she was different. She was tough, rough, and had the strength to stop a speeding car with her bare hands. We were as thick as thieves, sharing every adventure. Then one day she revealed a secret. She wasn't from Earth. She was from a distant place called the Arcadia Multiverse. Her people lived under the rule of a god-like entity known as the System. That System had its gaze fixed on Earth. And it was only a matter of time before it came for us.
-
-
Good, but very derivative towards the end
- By Anonymous on 10-28-23
By: Marvin Knight
-
A Summoner Awakens: Origins: (A Deck Building LitRPG)
- By: Kerberos
- Narrated by: Jeff Hays
- Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After the collapse of the known world, Rowan Wilder opened his eyes and found himself on the first floor of the Tower. With a flawless memory and a mere eight cards to his name, he must venture out and prepare himself for the coming calamity.
-
-
Saved by Jeff Hays
- By Julie Pickerill on 07-18-23
By: Kerberos
-
Sylver Seeker
- A LitRPG Adventure
- By: Kennit Kenway
- Narrated by: Garrett Michael Brown
- Length: 20 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Don't miss the start of this LitRPG adventure about a reincarnated necromancer growing in power and finding his way in a new world where the rules have changed vastly since he last "lived".
-
-
Bad lit, OK fantasy.
- By Danger nood on 01-10-24
By: Kennit Kenway
-
Mud, Blood, and Magic
- By: A. D. Krabis
- Narrated by: Melanie Hastings
- Length: 14 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Life doesn't always go according to plan. For ex-CIA Agent Samuel Caulfield, his plans were ripped out from under him after a chance encounter in a firefight. One deal with a dark goddess later, and he's cast into the trenches of a Victorian world, with clashing empires, Elves, Dwarves, Dragons, and more. Surrounded by death, on the front lines of a war without intelligence, he'll have to rely on his wits, his platoon, and a surprise gift from his goddess.
-
-
Harem in a war setting
- By Fredrik on 03-18-23
By: A. D. Krabis
Related to this topic
-
The Color of Dragons
- By: R. A. Salvatore, Erika Lewis
- Narrated by: Aline Stokes, John York
- Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Magic needs a spark. And Maggie’s powers are especially fickle. With no one to help her learn to control her magic, the life debt that she owes stretches eternally over her head, with no way to repay it. Until she meets Griffin, the king’s champion, infamous for hunting down the draignochs that plague their kingdom. Neither has any idea of the destiny that they both carry, or that their meeting will set off a chain of events that will alter every aspect of the life they know - and all of history thereafter.
-
-
More please.
- By Allison on 10-24-21
By: R. A. Salvatore, and others
-
Shielded
- Shielded, Book 1
- By: KayLynn Flanders
- Narrated by: Caitlin Davies
- Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The kingdom of Hálendi is in trouble. It's losing the war at its borders, and rumors of a new, deadlier threat on the horizon have surfaced. Princess Jennesara knows her skills on the battlefield would make her an asset and wants to help, but her father has other plans. As the second-born heir to the throne, Jenna lacks the firstborn's magical abilities, so the king promises her hand in marriage to the prince of neighboring Turia in exchange for resources Hálendi needs. Jenna must leave behind everything she has ever known if she is to give her people a chance at peace.
-
-
I couldn't put it down.
- By Ripley on 01-16-22
By: KayLynn Flanders
-
Year of the Reaper
- By: Makiia Lucier
- Narrated by: Jonathan Myles
- Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three years ago, young Lord Cassia disappeared in the midst of war. Since then, a devastating illness has swept the land, leaving countless dead and a kingdom forever altered. Having survived war and plague, Cas, now 18, wants only to return to his home in the mountains and forget past horrors. But home is not what he remembers.
-
-
Narrator Really Isn't My Cup of Tea...
- By Kallie on 12-03-21
By: Makiia Lucier
-
The Last Swordsman
- The Last Swordsman, Book 1
- By: Benjamin Corman
- Narrated by: Marc Vietor
- Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nikolis’ parents are dead - murdered before his eyes. What’s worse, they were traitors to the crown. At least that’s what he hears the village folk saying moments before he is whisked away to the castle of Highkeep. There he finds himself before the aged King Alginor, a man brought to a boil by his very presence.
-
-
This book is horrible
- By Amazon Customer on 09-10-20
By: Benjamin Corman
-
The Dragon Waiting
- By: John M. Ford
- Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
- Length: 13 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a snowbound inn high in the Alps, four people meet who will alter fate. A noble Byzantine mercenary.... A female Florentine physician.... An ageless Welsh wizard.... And Sforza, the uncanny duke. Together they will wage an intrigue-filled campaign against the might of Byzantium to secure the English throne for Richard, Duke of Gloucester - and make him Richard III.
-
-
Read not listen.
- By Anna Marie on 08-08-21
By: John M. Ford
-
Between Two Fires
- By: Christopher Buehlman
- Narrated by: Steve West
- Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The year is 1348. Thomas, a disgraced knight, has found a young girl alone in a dead Norman village. An orphan of the Black Death, and an almost unnerving picture of innocence, she tells Thomas that plague is only part of a larger cataclysm - that the fallen angels under Lucifer are rising in a second war on heaven, and that the world of men has fallen behind the lines of conflict. Is it delirium or is it faith? She believes she has seen the angels of God. She believes the righteous dead speak to her in dreams. And now she has convinced the faithless Thomas to shepherd her across a depraved landscape to Avignon.
-
-
Mesmerizing Knight Errant Tale
- By Tango on 05-01-13
-
The Color of Dragons
- By: R. A. Salvatore, Erika Lewis
- Narrated by: Aline Stokes, John York
- Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Magic needs a spark. And Maggie’s powers are especially fickle. With no one to help her learn to control her magic, the life debt that she owes stretches eternally over her head, with no way to repay it. Until she meets Griffin, the king’s champion, infamous for hunting down the draignochs that plague their kingdom. Neither has any idea of the destiny that they both carry, or that their meeting will set off a chain of events that will alter every aspect of the life they know - and all of history thereafter.
-
-
More please.
- By Allison on 10-24-21
By: R. A. Salvatore, and others
-
Shielded
- Shielded, Book 1
- By: KayLynn Flanders
- Narrated by: Caitlin Davies
- Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The kingdom of Hálendi is in trouble. It's losing the war at its borders, and rumors of a new, deadlier threat on the horizon have surfaced. Princess Jennesara knows her skills on the battlefield would make her an asset and wants to help, but her father has other plans. As the second-born heir to the throne, Jenna lacks the firstborn's magical abilities, so the king promises her hand in marriage to the prince of neighboring Turia in exchange for resources Hálendi needs. Jenna must leave behind everything she has ever known if she is to give her people a chance at peace.
-
-
I couldn't put it down.
- By Ripley on 01-16-22
By: KayLynn Flanders
-
Year of the Reaper
- By: Makiia Lucier
- Narrated by: Jonathan Myles
- Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three years ago, young Lord Cassia disappeared in the midst of war. Since then, a devastating illness has swept the land, leaving countless dead and a kingdom forever altered. Having survived war and plague, Cas, now 18, wants only to return to his home in the mountains and forget past horrors. But home is not what he remembers.
-
-
Narrator Really Isn't My Cup of Tea...
- By Kallie on 12-03-21
By: Makiia Lucier
-
The Last Swordsman
- The Last Swordsman, Book 1
- By: Benjamin Corman
- Narrated by: Marc Vietor
- Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nikolis’ parents are dead - murdered before his eyes. What’s worse, they were traitors to the crown. At least that’s what he hears the village folk saying moments before he is whisked away to the castle of Highkeep. There he finds himself before the aged King Alginor, a man brought to a boil by his very presence.
-
-
This book is horrible
- By Amazon Customer on 09-10-20
By: Benjamin Corman
-
The Dragon Waiting
- By: John M. Ford
- Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
- Length: 13 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a snowbound inn high in the Alps, four people meet who will alter fate. A noble Byzantine mercenary.... A female Florentine physician.... An ageless Welsh wizard.... And Sforza, the uncanny duke. Together they will wage an intrigue-filled campaign against the might of Byzantium to secure the English throne for Richard, Duke of Gloucester - and make him Richard III.
-
-
Read not listen.
- By Anna Marie on 08-08-21
By: John M. Ford
-
Between Two Fires
- By: Christopher Buehlman
- Narrated by: Steve West
- Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The year is 1348. Thomas, a disgraced knight, has found a young girl alone in a dead Norman village. An orphan of the Black Death, and an almost unnerving picture of innocence, she tells Thomas that plague is only part of a larger cataclysm - that the fallen angels under Lucifer are rising in a second war on heaven, and that the world of men has fallen behind the lines of conflict. Is it delirium or is it faith? She believes she has seen the angels of God. She believes the righteous dead speak to her in dreams. And now she has convinced the faithless Thomas to shepherd her across a depraved landscape to Avignon.
-
-
Mesmerizing Knight Errant Tale
- By Tango on 05-01-13
-
The Stepsister Scheme
- By: Jim C. Hines
- Narrated by: Carol Monda
- Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What would happen if an author went back to the darker themes of the original fairy tales for his plots, and then crossed the Disney princesses with Charlie's Angels? What's delivered is The Stepsister Scheme, a whole new take on what happened to Cinderella and her prince after the wedding. And with Jim C. Hines penning the tale, listeners can bet it won't be "and they lived happily ever after."
-
-
This isn't Disney...
- By Brad on 09-20-12
By: Jim C. Hines
-
Empires of Bronze: Son of Ishtar
- By: Gordon Doherty
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 15 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
1315 BC: Tensions soar between the great powers of the Late Bronze Age. The Hittites stand toe-to-toe with Egypt, Assyria and Mycenaean Ahhiyawa, and war seems inevitable. More, the fierce Kaskan tribes—age-old enemies of the Hittites—amass at the northern borders. When Prince Hattu is born, it should be a rare joyous moment for all the Hittite people. But when the Goddess Ishtar comes to King Mursili in a dream, she warns that the boy is no blessing, telling of a dark future where he will stain Mursili’s throne with blood and bring destruction upon the world.
-
-
Great story!! Cant wait for book two!
- By David Stansbury on 09-24-19
By: Gordon Doherty
-
Plague of Shadows
- By: Howard Andrew Jones
- Narrated by: Dina Pearlman
- Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The race is on to free Lord Stelan from the grip of a wasting curse, and only his old, half-elf mercenary companion Elyana has the wisdom - and swordcraft - to solve the mystery of his tormentor and free her old friend before three days have passed and the illness takes its course.
-
-
Good -- rough recording IMO
- By Nico Ecenarro on 01-23-17
-
Dies the Fire
- A Novel of the Change
- By: S. M. Stirling
- Narrated by: Todd McLaren
- Length: 22 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Michael Havel was flying over Idaho en route to the holiday home of his passengers when the plane's engines inexplicably died, forcing a less than perfect landing in the wilderness. And, as Michael leads his charges to safety, he begins to realize that the engine failure was not an isolated incident.
-
-
Misleading description....
- By David on 06-12-08
By: S. M. Stirling
-
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
- The Wingfeather Saga, Book 1
- By: Andrew Peterson
- Narrated by: Andrew Peterson
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.
-
-
Fun fact in review. Excellent book. Sweet yet suspenseful.
- By kristy on 01-08-21
By: Andrew Peterson
-
Incursion
- The Necromancer's Key, Book 1
- By: Mitchell Hogan
- Narrated by: Michael Kramer
- Length: 15 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Seventeen years have passed since the Necromancer Queen Talia was overthrown and slain, and her capital city destroyed by the Knights of the Order of Eternal Vigilance. Anskar DeVantte, raised in the sacred disciplines of the Order, is now ready to face the brutal initiation trials to become a consecrated knight-sorcerer. But the further Anskar rises in the ranks the more his faith wavers. As troubling powers awaken within him, a schism grows between Anskar and his hallowed Order, and he draws the hungry gaze of the vanquished queen’s fanatical followers.
-
-
Michael Kramer!
- By Momof3inSLC on 07-24-20
By: Mitchell Hogan
-
Heartstone
- Heartstone Series, Book 1
- By: Elle Katharine White
- Narrated by: Billie Fulford-Brown
- Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
They say a Rider in possession of a good blade must be in want of a monster to slay—and Merybourne Manor has plenty of monsters. Passionate, headstrong Aliza Bentaine knows this all too well; she’s already lost one sister to the invading gryphons. So when Lord Merybourne hires a band of Riders to hunt down the horde, Aliza is relieved her home will soon be safe again. Her relief is short-lived.
-
Deeds of Honor
- By: Elizabeth Moon
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
- Length: 5 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With two exclusive, never-before-published stories featuring characters from the Paladin's Legacy series, Deeds of Honor gathers together lore and legends from Paksenarrion’s world, along with tales from the Paladin’s Legacy era, all revised and updated for this special compilation. Rich with the vivid and immersive storytelling for which Elizabeth Moon is known, the eight short stories in Deeds of Honor are certain to please any fan of the Paksenarrion saga.
-
-
Great icing on the cake
- By Amy Conner on 06-23-21
By: Elizabeth Moon
-
The Complete Chronicles of Corin An Fol
- Legends of Ansu
- By: J.W. Webb
- Narrated by: Andrew McDermott
- Length: 68 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Six volumes together in one collection! Follow the adventures of Corin an Fol as he avenges his family, learns the way of the sword, and battles evil across the world of Ansu. Includes: Gray Wolf, Legends of the Longsword, Wolves and Assassins, The Shattered Crown, The Lost Prince, and The Glass Throne.
-
-
Deep, Celtic, Epic Fantasy
- By Armour Bearer on 04-19-21
By: J.W. Webb
-
The Henchmen Chronicles Collection, Books 1-5
- By: Craig Halloran
- Narrated by: Alexander Cendese
- Length: 39 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Contains the complete Henchmen Chronicles series.
-
-
for a credit, why not
- By Daniel on 06-24-23
By: Craig Halloran
-
Skinwalkers
- By: Wendy N. Wagner
- Narrated by: Karen White
- Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a young woman, Jendara left the cold northern isles of the Ironbound Archipelago to find her fortune. Now, many years later, she's forsaken her buccaneer ways and returned home in search of a simpler life, where she can raise her young son, Kran, in peace. When a strange clan of shapeshifting raiders pillages her home, however, there's no choice for Jendara but to take up her axes once again to help the islanders defend all that they hold dear.
-
-
eh.
- By Amanda Please on 05-03-16
By: Wendy N. Wagner
-
Bloodleaf
- By: Crystal Smith
- Narrated by: Nicola Barber
- Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Princess Aurelia is a prisoner to her crown and the heir that nobody wants. Surrounded by spirits and banned from using her blood-magic, Aurelia flees her country after a devastating assassination attempt. To escape her fate, Aurelia disguises herself as a commoner in a new land and discovers a happiness her crown has never allowed. As she forges new bonds and perfects her magic, she begins to fall for a man who is forbidden to rule beside her.
-
-
Not Understanding All the Praise
- By GPChlorine on 08-23-19
By: Crystal Smith
What listeners say about Heliotrope
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jo64
- 01-19-24
Compelling Characters and Narration
An engaging story brought to life by a stellar narrator, George Guidall. I usually listen to audiobooks at a slightly advanced speed but always listen to Mr. Guidall at normal to get every nuance. Pickering’s characters are interesting and developed. Credit worthy!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Twainy
- 05-15-23
Great epic high fantasy!
Loved the characters & story. I look forward to book two! I like the addition of the heliotropes!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jonathan
- 04-17-23
Old fashioned high fantasy.
I enjoyed this book with two caveats. The volume of the recording at the beginning of this book was below acceptable standards. The narrator is one of the best in the business for high fantasy, but the initial production had this flaw that I found somewhat annoying. I also disliked how the author practically eliminated the presence of a main character.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Derek B.
- 11-25-23
Family that was lost and family that was found...
I found my personal enjoyment of this to be all over the place during my reading experience for a variety of reasons. Ultimately though, I've decided that this is a really worthwhile read for the right audience.
CHARACTERS
To the character-driven readers out there, this one is for you. In the absence of a clear narrative through-line, a lot of weight is placed upon the characters and while I don't love books that do that, I think the characters largely rose up to the challenge of carrying the book on their shoulders. The story is mostly told through the perspective of Teleo, a former soldier who now makes a living as a stone mason. His artistry brings him to work a project for the royal family of The Verdant Valley where he comes across a young princess who's been disguised as a prince her whole life and a young "Hill Boy" who serves as a captured slave. Events lead both of these youths to leave the palace with Teleo as they all flee for their lives. They meet up with Teleo's cousin Dinsmora who is an adept practitioner of magic and together they form a sort of found family as they uproot their lives in search of asylum from the dangers that follow them. Each of the four main protagonists brings a lot to the table. Teleo serves as a deeply compelling main characters. His warm disposition is juxtaposed by a much more brutal side that comes out whenever he is in combat. He also contends with a deeply tragic past filled with loss and heartbreak. Dinsmora, while perhaps not as traumatized, has chosen a life of relative solitude from others given the dangers of using magic. I found her motivations and goals to be really interesting and admired the love and care she shows towards Teleo and the children. Jessum and Kaspari are easily the most interesting members of the supporting cast. Jessum remains gentle and sincere despite years of cruelty, loss, and abuse at the hands of his captors while Kaspari was born into privilege and yet lived a life of captivity in her own way, especially given her disguised identity. I appreciated that these two quickly formed a bond instead of there being some kind of cliché princess and pauper antagonism between them that softened over time. I also enjoyed the dynamic they both shared with Teleo as well as Teleo's familial bond with Dinsmora. The role that Sigurd plays later in the story was also super interesting. The bonds that all of these characters shared were so wholesome and I think it was this aspect of the book that really kept me going even when I wasn't as jazzed about the plot's momentum.
The various people that the party meets along the way are a mix of authentic individuals though some are definitely more memorable than others, which is largely to be expected in this type of novel. I will say that the way Pickering handles animals felt so lifelike. I am no expert in horses or sheep, but it felt pretty clear to me that the author knows her stuff here. I wouldn't describe these as "animal companions" in the same way that a Disney hero will have an animal sidekick. These creatures don't talk, they're just regular animals, but in some ways they do take on unique character traits similar to how animals do in real life. Their personalities are subtle, yet the story would absolutely not have been the same without them.
PLOT/TONE
I think where I struggled the most with this story is that the narrative didn't really have a strong forward pull for most of the book. We begin with an introduction to Teleo and there is some initial intrigue as he witnesses the abhorrent treatment of the young Jessum. This initial subplot was really interesting to me and then things get even more intense when a coup rocks The Verdant Valley and our heroes find themselves on the run. Along the way, there's lots of worldbuilding expertly woven into the journey, but eventually the gang settles down and that's kind of where my interest wavered. It's not so much that the events were boring or anything, I think I just need a stronger sense of momentum and direction when it comes to a narrative. I think the point of Heliotrope isn't really to tell a high-energy, blockbuster-style story. It felt more like the value of this book is in spending time with the characters, watching them grow as a family, and face the various points of conflict that they confront along the way. There are still some moments of intense action though. The stunning battle imagery depicted on the cover isn't just for show, there are some pretty epic action scenes, it's just important to know that this isn't really the main focus of the story. It's also worth mentioning that a lot of these sequences are clustered in the first and final acts. I have never read a Robin Hobb book, but based on how her work has been described by fellow book lovers, I'd be willing to bet that fans of her work would really click with HELIOTROPE. In terms of my personal tastes, I strongly prefer when character development is more balanced with narrative focus, but I can still appreciate the story that we got here even if it takes a back seat to the character work. It is also worth noting that the prose is extremely descriptive. As someone who's really visual, I typically appreciate detailed depictions of characters and scenery, but I will say that the degree to which things are described in this book was a little much even for me at times and that may have contributed to my overall impression of the narrative moving slowly. Where the extreme descriptiveness actually made things feel more intense though were whenever a character was dealing with a wound or injury of some kind. This added a degree of realism and stakes that would not have been present otherwise and things felt believable enough where I had to wonder if maybe the author has some knowledge of first aid and/or military medicine.
SETTING/WORLD
In some ways, the world of HELIOTROPE is a fairly standard medieval fantasy setting. There aren't any magical beings, there's no alien races or fauna, and the way that the various kingdoms are set up will feel reasonably familiar. Where I think things start to get special is in the way that magic works in this world. There are layers of intrigue when it comes to the various forms of magic as well as where said magic comes from. The titular heliotropes scattered throughout the world are one important example, but I enjoyed that magic could come from things like precious gems, enchanted embroidery, and even enchanted wool. Things never get quite as crazy as say, a Sanderson novel, but it was all fascinating to learn about and the way that the magic factors into the story's final acts felt appropriately rewarding. Even though the politics aren't anything too terribly innovative, I think the fact that the characters were so interesting, made this aspect feel more compelling as well. Even some of the more hate-able characters were still fascinating in their own, twisted way. I think it would have been nice to learn a little bit more about some of them, but that probably would have contrasted a bit strangely with the wholesome bonds being formed among the protagonists. The landscape itself is also more interesting that it might initially seem. The hard-to-get-to location that the characters hide away in for a while, the prosperous Verdant Valley, the dystopian Sapphire Valley, and the rural home of the hill folk were all steeped in rich history. The lands felt alive in a way and the presence of magic in each realm added a layer of intrigue to the otherwise mundane geography.
AUDIOBOOK
The narrator for the audio edition of this book is clearly a seasoned audio professional. Everything is clean and crisp and the prose is expertly recited. All of that said, I think that for some reason, it also didn't fully work for me. I think the slow, almost-cozy style of the performance was probably a good fit for the story, but it also furthered my impression that things were moving too slowly. At the risk of sounding a bit ageist, I also just felt like the narrator's voices for some of the characters didn't sound quite right. While he did a great job with Teleo and other more mature characters, younger characters like Jessum all kind of sounded the same and the delivery of their lines felt far more weathered and weary than what someone so young would reasonably sound like even with the hard lives they've led. If this was a shorter book with a smaller cast, then I think I would have taken less issue with all of this. Those who love experiences where it feels like your grandfather is telling you a story will likely enjoy this much more than me. I again, don't have anything against the narrator. I could see myself really liking his work in a shorter, more intimate type of novel, but in this case, I did feel like the listening experience lessened my enjoyment of the story somewhat.
CONCLUSION
Overall, I probably enjoyed this one a little bit less than others that I've rated with 4 stars, but I definitely liked it more than those I've rated as a 3. I have done half stars in the past, but I just don't feel like those are super helpful and I think this was closer to a 4 than it was a 3. I do think that readers who like richly descriptive prose that focuses on getting to know characters in an intimate way and spending a lot of time with them as they live their lives and form relationships with each other will almost certainly love this wholeheartedly. If you're looking at the cover and thinking that this will be a non-stop action romp, then you will want to adjust their expectations, but I also think there's a good amount of value here for any type of reader as long as you can go in with an open mind.
(+) Teleo is a fantastic protagonist
(+) The secondary characters were all compelling and endearing
(+) Fascinating magic system(s)
(+) Some brutal and bloody action scenes
(-) The lack of forward momentum for much of the book resulted in my interest wavering at times
(-) The narration didn't fully work for me and probably made the middle sections of the story tougher for me to get through.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dr. Pamela K. Rose
- 07-03-23
Story has promise, but narration is VERY poor.
So I have listened to hundreds (if not thousands) of audiobooks but have never ran into this narrator before. The story seems like I would love it, but I keep giving up and stopping listening due to the narration. Enunciation is very poor - I still can't figure out half of the characther's names. Cadence/timing is also painful. Not certain if the narrator runs out of breath or what but it is very distracting. I may have to buy this in E book as the story is right up my alley but I have quit listening for the 3rd time and I am only on chapter 9. I have never left a poor review before, I think I am a pretty forgiving listener, but this one is just not up to audible's normally high standards. I should have listened to the sample, so that is my fault.
If I make it through the book in either form, I will try to come back and re-rate the story itself. I suspect it will be a 4 or 5 but I am not far enough in to be certain.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!