Stealing Sorcery

Wonderful Improvement

What made the experience of listening to Stealing Sorcery the most enjoyable?

Stealing Sorcery, the second book in Andrew Rowe's series, The War of Broken Mirrors, is very much a coming of age novel in every way: for the characters, the plot, the antagonists, and, most importantly, the author. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Nick Podehl's rendition of the characters as he took on the growing cast. Andrew Rowe's world is starting to grow from an interesting idea into a more polished and dangerous place. Whereas the the first book in the series, Forging Divinity, seemed a bit cutesy at times, this second book has worked hard to bring more relevance to the characters' actions and driving purpose.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed learning more about what drove each of the characters to act as they do. I also liked some of the intrigue, although it still feels a bit forced at times. The magic system is interesting and starting to mature a bit as the fields of sorcery are broadened and expounded upon. Much of the plot seems to be based around a sort of gulf between those that have new/elite/ancient knowledge of sorcery or abilities and those who do not. Even though I believe this gulf could have been exploited a bit more to bring a bit more color and, perhaps, a bit more realism to the story, it nevertheless provides an interesting story dynamic that Rowe is tapping into more and more. It is always fun to learn with a character as they uncover their own capabilities and learning along with Sal is no exception.

Have you listened to any of Nick Podehl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

As usual, Nick Podehl delivers a great performance. I enjoyed the different accents that Nick chose to embody the different elements of Rowe's society. In fact, I really feel that Nick's narration lifts this story a bit by bringing a bit more lucidity to elements that are still a bit lacking in background information. ~ A great marriage between author and artist here.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Excellent

Any additional comments?

I'm glad I pushed through some slow parts in the first book, because book 2 was so worth it. I love everything about Velas, and the dynamic between all the characters is great. The trials are all interesting in their own way -- no straight forward duels in this book. This is probably the best book I have read in months.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Loved it

The story picks right back up where you left it. I loved it and I wanted more at the end.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Alright

I loved Sufficiently Advanced magic, and thought to see what else the author had written. This is a bit heavy on exposition for me, I had trouble caring about the characters. May be great for someone else.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The War of Broken Mirrors sharpens its fragments

Picking up where Forging Divinity left off, Stealing Sorcery is a superior sequel. The plot develops in a more interesting manner and the reveal is satisfying than Forging Divinity. Andrew Rowe has improved his storytelling between books and I continue to enjoy his style of switching first person perspectives with each chapter.

Nick Podehl continues to deliver amazing performances. I will continue to choose books based on his narration as it has led me to good books and top notch performances. He does a fantastic job of layering on characters with his unique voices for each character.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Another Awesome book!

Would you consider the audio edition of Stealing Sorcery to be better than the print version?

I am sure it is due to the narrator....he is awesome

What other book might you compare Stealing Sorcery to and why?

Cycle of Galand

Which character – as performed by Nick Podehl – was your favorite?

Taelien is the best

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great Story, Great Narrator

This story does away with the all-too-common Mary Sue main characters, allowing them to have problems and failings. This gave it a very rational feel. The story was a pleasure through and through, and the narrator is the best I've heard.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Better than the fIrst book.

Better than the first book. A worthy sequel by all accounts, with excellent narration!!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Stealing Entertainment

While the writing and narration were still excellent, Book 2 lacked the enchantment of Book 1, Forging Divinity. Forging Divinity had a charm about it where the chemistry between Lydia, Taelien and Jonan combined to make the sum greater than the whole in terms of listening pleasure. Stealing Sorcery breaks up the threesome, for the most part, and pairs each of them with other characters, only tangentially connecting with each other throughout the telling.

Taelien is mostly in competition with Velas Jaldin as part a set of tests for Paladins of Tae'os. While he is still portrayed as a naive and noble archswordsman, he is now further shown as arrogant and desperate to make friends and prove his worthiness. He then displays his leadership duncitude as he jeopardizes the purposes of the tests. Regrettably, the jocular, sexual innuendo-strewn banter of Velas toward him seems unimaginative rather than interesting or entertaining.

Lydia, as lead investigator in the murder of the son of one of the world's three most powerful sorcerers, is traipsing throughout the kingdom attempting to uncover leads and evidence as to who the murderer was. This story arc for her is much more of a whodunit role than that of a sorceress.

Jonan, on the other hand, is still working mostly in the background with one of his contacts, Realah/Shiva, to provide defense for the sorcerers remaining family members.

Still, I did find the novel worthy and still look forward to next book in the series.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The Best !

As usual Nick delivered ! He is the best narrator ! The characters come to life and take on their own personalities even though one man is speaking ! I continue to marvel at the talent of Nick ! The book is fantastic and I loved the twists !

Thanks for another great listen,

Melissa M

1 of 1 people found this review helpful