The Coward Audiobook By Stephen Aryan cover art

The Coward

Quest for Heroes, Book 1

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The Coward

By: Stephen Aryan
Narrated by: Matt Wycliffe
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Kell Kressia is a legend, a celebrity, a hero. Aged just 17, he set out on an epic quest with a band of wizened fighters to slay the Ice Lich and save the world, but only he returned victorious. The Lich was dead, the ice receded, and the Five Kingdoms were safe.

Ten years have passed; Kell lives a quiet farmer's life, while stories about his heroism are told in every tavern across the length and breadth of the land. But now a new terror has arisen in the north. Beyond the frozen circle, north of the Frostrunner clans, something has taken up residence in the Lich's abandoned castle. And the ice is beginning to creep south once more.

For the second time, Kell is called upon to take up his famous sword, Slayer, and battle the forces of darkness. But he has a terrible secret that nobody knows. He s not a hero - he was just lucky. Everyone puts their faith in Kell the Legend, but he's a coward who has no intention of risking his life for anyone....

©2021 Stephen Aryan (P)2021 Angry Robot Action & Adventure Dragons & Mythical Creatures Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Mythology
Compelling Character Development • Gritty Adventure Story • Relatable Protagonist • Unconventional Hero
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Coward, the first book in a new series by Stephen Aryan gives a novel start to the "Heroic Quest" type story by beginning after the "Great Hero's Quest" has already taken place. Kel, having already lived through one quest to stop a great evil and still suffering the scars, both seen and unseen, from that journey is then forced to set out on a new journey to the North confronting old and new dangers with a new group of Heroes.

The story itself is entertaining if a bit familiar. Some of the challenges and enemies will remind you of different stories but that can happen with how many fantasy stories are in the world. I enjoyed the twist of a reluctant hero who had already done his part and was hesitant to return to a quest that killed 11 others and almost killed him the first time. The characters were mostly well written, and the journey itself was exciting with known and unknown dangers popping up throughout. Some twists were obvious, others less so, and aside from some production issues where the narrator said the same sentence twice in a row, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and the continuation of Kel's journey.

Great Start to a new Series

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I loved this story. It's been SO long since I've read such a simple, yet compelling and mature, fantasy adventure.

I was impressed with how Aryan explored the inevitable PTSD that one would expect most fantasy heroes to experience. It was a stand out trait that I haven't experienced within Fantasy reading.

The plot, characters and world building all feel original and digestible. The narrative unfolds naturally and many scenes that would typically drag on in this genre are concise and entertaining.

I prefer not give much away. If you're new to the genre, or have been burnt out by the genre tropes, this is a fresh read, I promise.

A Real Hero is a Coward once

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I picked up this book because I was promised a legendary hero that decides NOT to help and runs away. An interesting premise for which I could have forgiven the 1 dimensional characters and 1 dimensional world building for.

Sadly, the premise is quickly abandoned a third of the way into the book. So I left feeling disappointed.

Take that as you will

Abandons premise

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great performance and easy to get hooked. one of the first books to get me involved so quickly

narration

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The protagonist was relatable and the narration and story were compelling. Three more words

Relatable Characters and a good story

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Great

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I thoroughly enjoyed this story, however the ultimate battle ended a little lackluster. The overall journey was more interesting than that battle but nevertheless the ending definitely will make me pick up the sequel!

Loved the Story

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Very compelling concept, but this book absolutely does not pass the bechdel test. Very crude and one dimensional depictions of race and gender, but some good fight scenes.

Interesting concept but fell short

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Well written relaxed story with just enough excitement to keep things interesting. Genuine caring among friends. Romance. Not much magic. Just religion and superstition. Battles are mainly with beasts of the wilderness. I liked the narration. It's a very enjoyable story.

Very Likable Characters

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I thought the twist on the usual hero trope was well done. I will pick up the next book immediately.

Very Enjoyable

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