The Spirit of Things: A Gripping Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy cover art

The Spirit of Things: A Gripping Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy

Beyond Horizon, Book 1

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The Spirit of Things: A Gripping Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy

By: Ben McQueeney
Narrated by: Nigel Peever
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About this listen

Growing up in a village of elves is hard when you’re the only human. Especially when humans are hated by all other species in Tellusm. But Fulco is determined to fit in.

After discovering he has the magical power of "sapience" to control beasts, he makes it his mission to join the elven Portare team. A sport where players must ride upon a beast, beat each other with bats, score goals, and influence the outcome of the game with magic.

But Tellusm is uncertain and troublesome. A place where three-headed lizards roam wild, a curse runs rampant turning its inhabitants into mindless monsters, and a violent storm separates it from the rest of the world.

With three gods fighting over the fate of the land, mysterious dreams, alluring strangers, and awakening powers lead Fulco toward the destiny from which his elven parents have been trying so desperately to shield him. As his power grows, so does the trouble that stalks him.

An exciting and immersive coming of age fantasy packed with spellbinding magic, astounding mythical creatures, a threatening menace, growing romance, and a bow tie-wearing werewolf called Gary. Perfect for fans of Patrick Rothfuss, J.K. Rowling, Brandon Sanderson, and Terry Pratchett.

©2020 Ben McQueeney (P)2020 Ben McQueeney Coming of Age Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Literature & Fiction Magic Science Fiction & Fantasy Destiny

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All stars
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I love reading fantasy novels so I was looking forward to hearing this audiobook.
It took me a while to get into as I am not used to having background ambience. I stuck with it though, and I'm glad I did.
The world building and characters are so well written and Nigel Peevers effortlessly brings the whole story to life.
I'm not going to give spoilers for this, I am however, happy to recommend this audiobook.

Enchanting tale.

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Listener received this title free

A gripping fantasy novel with lovable characters, a well-thought-out plot, and an enchanting audiobook.

The Spirit of Things is a coming-of-age fantasy novel about Fulco, an adopted young Hume, finding his place in the world. The book is set in an Elphen town called Tellusm where Fulco – being the only Hume – constantly feels the need to prove himself and protect his adoptive family. I immediately felt for Fulco, through his struggles and each deserving victory. However, Fulco is not like any other Hume. Later in the book, we discover that he actually has the power of sapience. This twist added so much more to the book, creating a theme that is relatable to many of us – a theme of trying to find one’s place in the world and figure out who they are. This is one of the many reasons why I enjoyed listening to Fulco’s adventure unfold.

I listened to the audiobook for The Spirit of Things and must say, I fully enjoyed it. The narrator (Nigel Peever) did a superb job of adding a magical-feel to the already spellbinding book, with the characters’ voices, diegetic sounds, ambient music, and of course the narrator’s smooth, easy-to-listen-to voice. I looked forward to listening to McQueeny’s audiobook each day.

The book itself includes a balance of description and dialogue that was also pleasant to listen to. The world-building was subtle yet effective – I felt like I was really there. Too much description in a book tends to put me off, but McQueeny’s writing is concise and didn’t give my mind a chance to wander.

Overall, I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It is well-written, well-produced, and a joy to come back to after each chapter. McQueeny has done a fantastic job; the story drew me in and didn’t let go.

A gripping fantasy novel & an enchanting audiobook

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Looking forward to continuing with Fulco on his adventures
This first in the series has set the story well of the young Hume finding his place in the world.

Excellent

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Loved this Story. The characters are well written and the pace of the book is steady. I figured out most of the twists just before they were revealed however a few caught me out. I'm definetly going to follow up with the story as Im curious as two how the two themes connect. I have my ideas but need book 2 to figure it out.
The narrator was fantastic. He seemed to enjoy the book too.

things get intriguing and curious

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I am not YA, I am 46, but I still loved this story. It has everything you would want a fantasy tale to have, and the narration keeps you listening. Absolutely recommendable.

Great fantasy tale.

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