A Plague of Giants

"A Plague of Giants" is an epic fantasy novel written by Kevin Hearne and the first book in the Seven Kennings series. The audiobook version is narrated by Luke Daniels, a seasoned audiobook narrator who brings the story to life with his expressive performance.

The Plot

The story of "A Plague of Giants" is set in a world where people have different magical abilities or "Kennings," which can range from controlling elements, communicating with animals, or creating illusions. The world is facing a crisis as a race of giants known as the Hathrim has invaded from across the sea and begun a brutal war of conquest. As the people of the world struggle to defend themselves against the Hathrim, a bard named Fintan discovers a way to tell the stories of the war in a way that empowers and inspires people, and he sets out to share these stories with the world.

The novel's narrative is structured around Fintan's storytelling, as he recounts the events of the war from multiple perspectives, including soldiers, refugees, and even giants. As the stories unfold, a larger conspiracy emerges, and the characters are forced to confront their own prejudices and preconceptions about each other.

The Characters

The audiobook's characters are one of its strengths. Each character has their own distinct personality, motivations, and backstory, and Luke Daniels does an excellent job of bringing these characters to life with his narration. Fintan is a particularly engaging character, with his sharp wit and easy storytelling style, but each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

One of the most notable aspects of the book is its diverse cast of characters. The book features characters from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, including LGBTQ+ characters, characters with disabilities, and characters from non-Western cultures. This diversity is seamlessly integrated into the story and adds an extra layer of richness and complexity to the world.

The Narration

Luke Daniels' narration of "A Plague of Giants" is exceptional. He has a talent for voicing characters in a way that captures their individual personalities and emotions, and his pacing and delivery are flawless. Daniels' ability to switch seamlessly between different character voices and accents is particularly impressive, and he brings a sense of energy and enthusiasm to the story that keeps listeners engaged throughout.

The Production

The audiobook production values of "A Plague of Giants" are excellent, with clear and crisp sound quality and no distracting background noise or other technical issues. The music and sound effects used throughout the audiobook add an extra layer of depth to the story, creating a vivid sense of the world and the characters' experiences.

Conclusion

Overall, "A Plague of Giants" audiobook is a must-listen for fantasy fans. With its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and excellent narration, the audiobook version of this epic fantasy novel is an immersive and entertaining experience. Whether you're a fan of high fantasy or simply looking for a captivating audiobook, "A Plague of Giants" is a great choice.