The Last Light of the Sun Audiobook By Guy Gavriel Kay cover art

The Last Light of the Sun

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The Last Light of the Sun

By: Guy Gavriel Kay
Narrated by: Holter Graham
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Bern Thorkellson, punished for his father’s sins, denied his heritage and home, commits an act of vengeance and desperation that brings him face-to-face with a past he’s been trying to leave behind...

In the Anglcyn lands of King Aeldred, the shrewd king, battling inner demons all the while, shores up his defenses with alliances and diplomacy - and with swords and arrows. Meanwhile his exceptional, unpredictable sons and daughters give shape to their own desires when battle comes and darkness falls in the spirit wood...

And in the valleys and shrouded hills of the Cyngael, whose voices carry music even as they feud and raid amongst each other, violence and love become deeply interwoven when the dragon ships come and Alun ab Owyn, pursuing an enemy in the night, glimpses strange lights gleaming above forest pools...

Making brilliant use of motifs from saga and song and chronicle, Guy Gavriel Kay conjures a work of subtle, intricate richness, bringing to life an unforgettable world balanced on the knife-edge of change.

©2004 Guy Gavriel Kay (P)2009 Recorded Books Epic Epic Fantasy Fairy Tales Fantasy Fiction Historical Magic Royalty
Lyrical Prose • Masterful Storytelling • Perfect Narrator • Engaging Plot • Historical Fantasy • Poetic Writing
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I really liked this fantasy recreation of the end of the viking age. It reminded me of the Norse Sagas. I thought the author captured the acceptance of fate in Norse culture.

Good twist of fantasy and history

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Norse stuff is somewhat played out at this point, but that wouldn’t have been the case when this book was written. Likewise, GGK handles the overall story in a way that keeps everything engaging. The narrator did a much better job than those of Kay’s earlier books (that I’ve listened to).

Narrator did a Great Job

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I'm on a mission to read every Guy Gavriel Kay novel. This is number 14 of 15, for me, with only A Song for Arbonne remaining. I have simultaneously read and listened to most of these, for a fully immersive experience. As with every GGK book I've read so far, this is a masterclass in storytelling and writing. My problem, unfortunately, is with the narrator. Although I truly believe it's a case of "it's not you, it's me " Maybe I'm biased because I don't prefer audio books with American narrators, but I like to think I'm pretty fair because accent is often made up for with a solid reading. That just wasn't the case here. Much like in the narration of the Sarantium duology, there is very little inflection or poetry in the reading - and Guy Gavriel Kay's writing is nothing if not poetic. It was also almost impossible to distinguish between characters as the narrator barley changed his voice. It's not that it is a bad reading, but I think I've been spoiled by Simon Vance.
Regardless, it's an excellent book with an okay narration and, as with every GGK novel, I highly recommend it.

Guy Gavriel Kay can do no wrong

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Unreal how good this book is… with a caveat. I at times knew that there would be people who could if they wanted judge this a little harshly for not having the character depth they might want, not enough intrigue, beliefs and preconceived notions not challenged, etc. etc. but that’s not why I was reading this book. I was reading it to be entertained, to learn more about Vikings and Alfred the Great of England, and kingdoms and fiefdoms of medieval Great Britain… of course names and locations changed, with Kay’s signature fantasy twist… and to just feel a little better for the journey I was taking.

It was a wonderful voyage. I am incredibly grateful for the trip!! BTW — if you have gotten super tied to Simon Vance taking you through Kay’s magnificent worlds, like me, Holter Graham is a shock to the system… but I can assure you once you reconcile the fact that Holter is not Simon Vance, will never be Simon Vance… and comes from an entirely different part of this Earth that Simon Vance, and thus differently accented… you will soon come to really enjoy Holter Graham.

I should note that I lived in Denmark as a kid so I’m a sucker for all things Vikings. I was thrilled to live in this world with maybe the only mildest of disappointments that we didn’t really get to live in the world of the Norsemen as much as had been hoped… but… even though I am trying to complain, I can’t. It’s just too good.

My highest recommendation.

Perhaps the first time for 5 stars in all three categories for me

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Not his best, but still great GGK. That means a poetic and masterful telling of the joy and sorrow of people striving for good and honor, often in opposing groups, in a historical representation of our difficult world.

The narrator is decent, but he can't imbue the prose with the gravitas and emotion that others (like Simon Vance or Tim Gerard Reynolds) do so well.

Quintessential GGK, but the narrator is a bit weak.

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Like all of Guy Gavriel Kay's, this is a story worth telling, and he does it with prose so lyrical you want to wallow in it. The characters are excellently drawn and you care about them. The narrator is perfect for this tale.

This is a treasure to be savored

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Narrator wasn’t my favorite but didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. This author contains to keep my attention.

Great listen.

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I recommend this to anyone who likes amazing books. and good voice acting. Best book I've ever listened to

Best book I've ever listened to

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I loved this book. Holter Graham was the perfect choice for narrator. Sometimes I would forget I was not listening to Patricia Briggs because of him. There are overlaps in content, subject and style so perhaps that can be forgiven and understood.
The danger with some of these epic historic fantasies, former, is that they can feel pompous. Particularly with women's lives, because they are so often portraits as either victims or witches. There is far more nuance, compassion and identification in this book. I never felt this book to be pompous. Big, yes. Full of opinions about the nature of life and reality, certainly, and always artful enough that I didn't feel lectured to- it was mearly thought provoking. All and all a lovely book. Beautifully written and read.

Lyrical and Believable

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Very well read, and not your typical Viking story! I'd recommend this novel to history buffs, and medieval fantasy lovers as well! Top Notch!

Not your typical Viking saga :)

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