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  • Heroes Die

  • The First of the Acts of Caine
  • By: Matthew Stover
  • Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
  • Length: 22 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (185 ratings)
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Heroes Die cover art

Heroes Die

By: Matthew Stover
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
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Summary

Audie Award Nominee, Fantasy, 2013

Renowned throughout the land of Ankhana as the Blade of Tyshalle, Caine has killed his share of monarchs and commoners, villains and heroes. He is relentless, unstoppable, simply the best there is at what he does.

At home on Earth, Caine is Hari Michaelson, a superstar whose adventures in Ankhana command an audience of billions. Yet he is shackled by a rigid caste society, bound to ignore the grim fact that he kills men on a far-off world for the entertainment of his own planet - and bound to keep his rage in check.

But now Michaelson has crossed the line. His estranged wife, Pallas Rill, has mysteriously disappeared in the slums of Ankhana. To save her, he must confront the greatest challenge of his life: a lethal game of cat and mouse with the most treacherous rulers of two worlds.

©1998 Matthew Woodring Stover (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Stover's fans and those who like their fantasy/SF tinged red should enjoy this energetic tale." ( Publishers Weekly)
" Day of the Jackal meets Lord of the Rings.... A marvelous conspiracy thriller of worlds within worlds, where no one is necessarily who or what they seem." (Simon R. Green)
"Stefan Rudnicki performs with the skill of a master swordsman as he slices through the action scenes. His gravelly tone is perfect for the story as he portrays Caine's controlled wrath and tightly leashed passion." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about Heroes Die

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Uncomfortable, but Compelling

Where does Heroes Die rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

An excellent book, definitely in my top 5.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Heroes Die?

The closing sequence (which I won't spoil for you) is amazing. I was captivated.

What about Stefan Rudnicki’s performance did you like?

Stefan Rudnicki is one of the best audiobook readers I've ever listened to. This performance does not disappoint.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found this book gut-wrenching in places, and uplifting in others. The story and the performance combine to make this a totally immersive experience, as you live the highs and lows alongside the characters.

Any additional comments?

I'd give this six stars, if I could.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars

Don't be put off by the cover

Great story, not sure what I was expecting but wasn't this. Kept me hooked throughout.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Caine Rocks!

Enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Excellent plot, fantastic and well thought out characters and just really good story telling. Enjoyed the development of the main characters and the pace and complexity of the story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

love it

A grreat story thst is really well narrated, it completely stands the test of time.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Everything about this book is Great!!!

It's a brilliant sci-fi/fantasy epic crossover of a dystopian future (but relatable) where corporations and surrogate entertainment rules humanity and a medieval magic world where the masses loose themselves through the surrogate's adventure!!! Brilliant writing, brilliant story, brilliantly performed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Clever, violent and it has Caine.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I downloaded this title as I'd heard nothing about the author or the series before, which in itself is strange because I'm a voracious reader. Anyway, I took the chance and started listening.

Imagine my surprise then, that as the last few words of the book faded away in my ears, I came to the conclusion that this may have been one of the finest fantasy books I'd ever come across! The narration is simply sublime - every nuance of the characters is brought to life by Stefan's apparent understanding of their motivations.
The sci-fi/fantasy crossover is handled exceptionally well, as are the philosophical musings by the main players of the story (or should I say actors? :-), and the way that the plot unfolds. It might also be able to lay claim to one of the most badass main characters in fiction.
Note that it is brutally violent (seriously, if you are squeamish stay away), has morally realistic characters (there is no good or evil but merely the acts that men, and Gods, do) and some clever plotting that turns most fantasy tropes on their head. Even though is was written more than 10 years ago, it still feels fresher and does more to push the fantasy genre somewhere new than most current authors.
Do yourself a favour, if you fancy some fantasy and are fed up with the current lot (baring maybe Joe Abercrombie), try this out for size. And remember one thing, it's followed up by a block that manages to better it in almost ever way.
Happy ever after indeed!

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

amazing book and concept

Really great book for fans of hard fantasy and sci fi. only downside is the author isn't exactly prolific.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Hit the nail on the head.

I picked this book because the narrator is one of my favourites and was expecting an other predictable action story. Instead I was blown away. I don't often come across books where I end up fist pumping the air at the apex cos I never saw it coming. this book is smart, funny, unpredictable and an unexpected journey.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story. Narrator has a really nice voice.

I just love the characters. I felt for every one. I got so into this book I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

pleasantly surprised!

As soon as I heard "wake up"I assumed it works be some "it's all a game/dream" nonsense but this actually played very well. All events were interconnected and actually meant something and the story was solid. Far more enthralling than the terrible cover would suggest lol

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