Fantastic listen in both story and voice.

A fantastic example of a gay fantasy novel which does not completely revolve around the relationship aspect of the story. It builds characters which are not just important or interesting due to their sexual orientation or their relations. This is not to say that there are no meaningful relationships or interactions between characters with Rune, Addam and Brand's relationship not being a conventional rushed sexual relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the Hanged man with bated breath.

3 people found this helpful

Good story that explores some dark themes.

I would hesitate to say this was an enjoyable story. The use of sexual assualt as a plot device mad me personally uncomfortable. However, The Last Sun was certainly interesting. I think the the story starts on shaky ground, with the first half not being all that good but it picks up in the later half.

The narration was good and the characters were intriguing. The relationships between the characters is at the core of the book, and on the whole they are well represented. There aren't any female characters at the forefront of this story, which may bother some people. The writer made the decision to write the book in first person, but does not reveal too much information at once and has left plenty of mystery for future additions to the series.

I am interested to see how the story develops in the sequel.

1 person found this helpful

One of the best audio books I’ve listened to.

This is the second time I’ve read this/listened to this and I posted a review on goodreads the first time but for some reason didn’t cross post to here so because i still feel every word of this review as strongly as when I first wrote it, I’m going to leave it here too, edited a little to shorten some of the blabbering from past Lauren.

OKAY SO HERES THE THING. I am so in love with this book I could cry. Right from the start I knew exactly how in love I was going to be, some books are just like that. The fact that I have to wait months for a sequel is ruining my life. I have so many questions! I need answers!

So firstly, one of the best narrations of a fiction book i've ever had the pleasure to listen to. Josh Hurley was a perfect choice, each of his character voices was unique and recognisable and he has such a good grasp of their personalities that it shines through as he speaks them. I would say "my soul for Josh Hurley to narrate any and all sequels of this book!" but lets be honest my soul has already gone on bargaining for time to pass faster so I can read the sequel.

Secondly, the world building of this fantasy universe is one of the most unique i've ever seen in a book. The way the magic system works is intriguing, as is the hierarchical system at play in the background. It feels fully formed and fleshed out and the cast of characters completely enhance this. I loved every single one of them. (Well, the ones we're supposed to love anyway. Ashton can go die in a ditch for the rest of eternity). Addam, Quinn, Max, Queenie, Brand, The Tower, Kieran and, of course, Rune himself. They each have such a distinct personality and presence and they each add something beautiful to the novel, from Addam's enchantingly kind heart and lovable dancing to Brand's own personal brand (ha!) of humour and open devotion to Rune, who himself is a powerhouse of caring and, well, power.

And talking of Rune. I am forever torn between wanting to wrap him in a blanket and feed him animal crackers and standing off to one side holding his coat while he beats up everyone in his path for justice tbh. He can even beat me up if it'll make him feel better. The way his past is slowly revealed through his character arc is so well done and emotional. I NEED him to get justice for himself. I need him to vaporise every single one of the people who hurt him when he was younger. Brand and Addam can help of course.

Which leads me to relationships!

I won't talk about all of them because part of the joy of this book is seeing them unfold for yourself but seriously The Last Sun is a treasure trove of good relationships.

Brand and Rune, for example, have the most pure bond that i've read in recent memory. And I'll be 100% honest with you I really want them to end up romantic. Polyamoury for the win! Addam and Rune, Rune and Brand what could possibly go wrong! Don't get me wrong, It won't be disappointing in the slightest if they stay platonic, Rune himself says several times in the novel that it isn't like that between them (unless this is a case of protesting TOO much lmao) and platonic relationships are just as important as romantic ones so I can definitely see them as platonic best friends who would die for each other because at present that is exactly what they are.

Their love for each other is so well written in The Last Sun that they could do anything for the rest of the series and as long as they do it together i'd be like "Yeah okay!" and 100% happy to read about it haha. As long as they're okay I'M okay.

Overall, in all honesty, I cannot find fault in this book other than now that i've finished it I need the sequel like I need air and since The Hanged Man isn't out for what feels like a lifetime it might end up the death of me haha. I bought The Last Sun as an audiobook because it's easier for me to listen to while I'm at work and these days I only tend to buy the physical copies of book I love because they tend to be more expensive, but i will 100% be getting the physical copy of this, and The Hanged Man, when it comes out. Also I heard that there are going to be 9 books in this series, which, if that's true then I have a new reason to stay alive on top of getting to play The Last of Us 2 and reading The Queen of Nothing lmao. Keep 'em coming K.D. Edwards, keep 'em coming.

(I'm not even joking i dont know what to do with myself now that it's done. I have forgotten how life works. I can't even think about picking up another book when I know it's going to pale in comparison i am the embodiment of the crying emoji).

1 person found this helpful

excellent book, excellent narration

The actor narrating this book is absolutely fantastic. I loved the book itself as well but wanted to specifically leave a review here because the audio is one of the best I've ever encountered. My only regret is that the Russian accent is in no way even remotely accurate, but I'm used to that with audiobooks. Other than that, some of the BEST narration I've ever encountered.

First book in a very promising series

Very enjoyable, interesting plot, with great narration. Can't wait to see where this series leads.

What a romp!

Absolutely brilliant! I bought the audio so no preconceived ideas or ‘voices’. Throughly enjoyed everything about this story and performance. I will definitely be buying book two. I am desperate to find out what happens next to our ‘Hero’ and his sidekick! Their interactions and deep love (platonic) make this book! The bond that these two share is incredible and as other characters are introduced, you get a real sense of who they are from their interactions, both lighthearted and sombre, with each other and others. The story is engaging, adventurous and complex ... a real epic in the making! Five stars well deserved!

Perfection

The story is brilliant and keeps you engaged from start to finish and I am very excited for the next book.

The narrator - I mean wow he nailed it beyond belief. He managed to give such perfect life to the characters and make some scenes cause me to laugh out loud and look weird in public.
Please use him if possible for the next book.

This is the best audible purchase I have made in my 2 years I think.
Ross

Surprisingly very good

The story was actually good, fast paced an full of action, but with enought moments to learn about the characters and connect.
The narration could have been better, sometimes it was hard to tell, which character is speaking, but other than that, I finished the book in one go and am looking forward to the next books in the series.

Unexpectedly excellent

Came across this book by happenstance, having never seen it mentioned under any recommended LGBT* book lists. Some o those lists have included some rather dire numbers in my eyes so I approached this warily. I was delighted in all the best ways. An interesting urban fantasy blend that has me hoping for more and a pleasant range of characters treated with sympathy. If nothing else I fell in love with seeing male characters in a variety of relationships (romantic and non) being allowed to have and express their feelings without shame. The friendship between Rune and his companion was particularly compelling for me and I'd like to see further exploration of how that potential power balance might effect them in the future. I will certainly be revisiting and recommending this one.

Bit too teen pop

Good enough that I listened to the whole thing. But it is the type of work and performance that will appeal to the younger generation.