The Incorruptibles
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Narrated by:
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Steven Pacey
About this listen
In the contested and unexplored territories at the edge of the Empire, a boat is making its laborious way upstream. Riding along the banks are the mercenaries hired to protect it - from raiders, bandits and, most of all, the stretchers, elf-like natives who kill any intruders into their territory. The mercenaries know this is dangerous, deadly work. But it is what they do.
In the boat the drunk governor of the territories and his sons and daughters make merry. They believe that their status makes them untouchable. They are wrong. And with them is a mysterious, beautiful young woman, who is the key to peace between warring nations and survival for the Empire.
When a callow mercenary saves the life of the Governor on an ill-fated hunting party, the two groups are thrown together. For Fisk and Shoe - two tough, honourable mercenaries surrounded by corruption, who know they can always and only rely on each other - their young companion appears to be playing with fire. The nobles have the power, and crossing them is always risky. And although love is a wonderful thing, sometimes the best decision is to walk away. Because no matter how untouchable or deadly you may be, the stretchers have other plans.
©2014 John Hornor Jacobs (P)2014 Orion Publishing GroupOverall really enjoyable and worth a listen
Brilliant
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absorbing plot and sublime narration
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I honestly found it, and bought it, by virtue of the fact that Stephen Pacey was the narrator (can't go wrong there) but once it got going, I was as hooked by the story and the characters as much as by the narrator's performance.
One of my favourite elements of the book is that it is set over a relatively short period of time, maybe 4 to 6 weeks which means the author really focuses in, and doesn't try to cram far too much in there. The story doesn't meander too wide, it's just a riot of twists and turns right in the present.
Fantastic characters, a variety of likeable, admirable, despicable, mysterious, weak, suspicious, doubtable and strong in there, with a few strong females which I always like to see, and crucially, I think John Hornor Jacobs makes you really care about the main two or three.
I think other reviewers captured the gist of the story well, a sort of alternate time in history similar to when North America was being colonised, with some magic and devils thrown in.
Absolutely fantastic, looking forward to the sequel!
From about chapter 3, I couldn't stop listening
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If you've listened to The First Law by Joe Abercrombie, you'll know how fantastic Stephen Pacey is as a voice actor. Took a minute to get used to the American accent he uses for Shoe, but it does click eventually.
Overall, a fantastic book.
Oustanding
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As far as world building goes, it's a mix of wild west, roman empire, with a dose of demon and elf lore.....but not elves as you'll have experienced previously.
I'm not sure I was satisfied with the plot and the solution for the Stretcher and the demon hand (no more detail for fear of spoilers) -but perhaps it was too subtle for me. Despite this annoyance, it's a good gripping tale, and I will be looking out for the sequel.
Fisk and Shoe are interesting characters, and some good groundwork has been set for future adventures.
Steven Pacey does an excellent job, as always.
Surprisingly good
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