Dark fantasy exceptionally written and performed

Thorben, struggling to raise his family from their financial troubles, gets an unexpected visit. He is offered a deadly job in exchange for the financial security of his family.

The Delving is a dark fantasy story with a mixture of adventure, suspense, horror as well as some emotional moments. The plot is well written, with vividly described scenes and characters. Your imagination will go into overdrive listening to this one.

Matthew narrated masterfully. He takes on a variety of character voices and you sometimes wonder whether there is more than one performer. His performance fits the scenes superbly with scary, emotional and exciting tones. He is one of my favourite narrators and does not disappoint with this one.

I recommend this story to dark fantasy lovers, particularly those who like to visualize the stories they are reading.

Note: This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this objective review voluntarily.

3 people found this helpful

The past must stay buried

Thorben Paulson will do anything to take of his wife and seven kids even if that means bringing his past into his present. He must learn that some things should be left as they are. Delving is forbidden for a reason and they are about to find out why.
Aaron Bunce really worked some creative magic in this book. The Delving is full of suspense, love, sacrifice, supernatural creatures and mystery. The book is well written and kept me intrigued. Narrator Matthew E. Berry really brought the story alive he was phenomenal. I highly recommend this book you will not be disappointed.
I received this book at my request. I am leaving my honest review here voluntarily of my own volition. Do not let this book to unread or unheard.

3 people found this helpful

A picky audio listener

I’m a picky audio-listener. Almost high maintenance-ly picky. I found this narrator to have quite a pleasant voice and excellent acting. He truly brought the story to life. I have a few favorite narrators that I’ll listen to despite the genre of the book their reading, and I plan to add Matthew Berry to that list.

The story was good. A little predictable but not in a “I feel cheated” way. The journey was thrilling, tinged with horror and peppered with suspense. I liked that the characters themselves didn’t have magic, but what they sought after ended up being magical. Interesting fantasy twist to it. Not something I’d normally pick up, but glad I did.

The story reminds me quite a bit of Six of Crows. The plot is different, but the feel is the same: a band of criminals, some with more to lose than the others, all in a fictional world with fun quests that never go as planned. It’s dark, but deliciously so. Matthew was able to truly bring out the creepy parts in the story, and I found myself with goosebumps a few times, and embarrassingly I admit, he startled me once, lol.

I’d recommend this for dark fantasy lovers, perhaps gothic fantasy lovers as well. If you like quests, this would be a good one. The main character is a middle-aged man so probably won’t be relatable to many teens.

When the second audio book comes out, I will be snatching it up. Matthew Berry has a new fan!

2 people found this helpful

Can’t wait to hear the next

Just when I really started to get into it felt like it was already over. However the story was very intriguing kinda has hobbit vibe so to speak. Looking forward to continuing the story with the next in the series. Berry does a very good job narrating the story. Can always tell the different characters apart and doesn’t over do it. Easy voice to listen to be it in the car , doing chores around the house or listening to as I go to sleep. I definitely recommend not only this story but also Matt berry’s other works as well. He’s great narrator and lately those can be hard to come by. Some narrators can just really ruin entire story you might otherwise enjoy but just can’t get through due to the sound of their voice for number reasons. I genuinely enjoyed all his books I have listened to. This is first time I’ve listened to this author however after this story I will definitely be looking into more. I really like these types of stories however good ones can be hard to find as most nowadays just tend to be what I call ,pardon my expression , fairy porn. This was no where near close and would allow my daughter to hear it if she wanted. I was given this audio in exchange for honest and fair review for free and I would definitely recommend it.

1 person found this helpful

The Delving

I tried but just did not connect with this book.I found it too wordy and whiney.I didn't like any of the characters.It just wasn't for me.Matthew E. Berry was a fine narrator for the work. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

A new experience

Enjoyed the listen different from what I am use to but I found it interesting held my attention I had to listen to the end and enjoyed the narration was great easily understood if you are looking for a new experience I recommend this listen

A promising beginning with a lackluster finish.

The delving is a tale of a man down on his luck who is convinced to go back to a life that he though he had left behind. While the author does a great job at building up story in the beginning of the book the details and story almost feel like they fall apart when the action starts happening. That isn’t to say that the action scenes are described poorly but rather that the author seems to forget about the plots and what is driving his characters. Overall I would say give the book a shot but do not have high expectations and see if it is your cup of tea. This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review. Personally I will not be continuing the story.

Dark Fantasy

Very dark and ominous story of a broken man with only 1 goal. Once the story got going, this turned into a very good listen.

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

Good.

If you like books such as lord of the rings I think you would have a good time with this book.
Received for free and left an honest review.

R.I.P.

The Delving is a unique dark fantasy tale in the way the occupation of grave robbing is presented. Here it is portrayed as more dangerous and exciting, similar to dungeon diving. This is my first exposure to Aaron Bunce, his writing quite crisp and flowing if not a bit overly descriptive at times. I enjoyed the story although the mid-point bogged down for me to where I was thinking the book may not need to be ten hours. The characters were interesting and came off as being quite authentic. Thorben’s family, their ability to cope with whatever life threw at them, and his dedication and love were quite heartwarming. For any of Thorben’s faults, you still had to like him. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.