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The Kinless Trilogy #1
The Wrath of the Orphans
Malwynn and his twin sister Umaryn live in a small town in northern Varrland. In idyllic New Picknell nearly nothing happens, and when their day to day routine is interrupted by a skirmish between an invading patrol of the dead from The Amaranth Empire and a defending force from Varrland, their world begins to come undone.
With international war looming on the horizon New Picknell becomes the center of quite unwanted attention, and the twins have their world shattered. With nothing left to lose, they set out on a mission of vengeance that will take them to places they'd never dreamed of visiting, discovering mystical powers in The Way that will change their lives forever, and revealing dark knowledges best left undiscovered.
Written by the author of the internet phenomenon Adrian's Undead Diary, The Wrath of the Orphans is the first book in a sprawling dark fantasy epic trilogy that is sure to thrill, charm, and disturb.
With international war looming on the horizon New Picknell becomes the center of quite unwanted attention, and the twins have their world shattered. With nothing left to lose, they set out on a mission of vengeance that will take them to places they'd never dreamed of visiting, discovering mystical powers in The Way that will change their lives forever, and revealing dark knowledges best left undiscovered.
Written by the author of the internet phenomenon Adrian's Undead Diary, The Wrath of the Orphans is the first book in a sprawling dark fantasy epic trilogy that is sure to thrill, charm, and disturb.
330 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2013
44 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
Chris Philbrook
82 books446 followers About Chris Philbrook
I am the creator and author of Tesser: A Dragon Among Us as well as Elmoryn's The Kinless Trilogy, Colony Lost, Adrian's Undead Diary and the Darkness of Diggory Finch.
I've gone to a LOT of college. I've got a Business degree as well as a Psychology degree, and I've done the full program at the school of hard knocks. I've been a printing press operator, bouncer, purchasing agent, bodyguard, customer service representative, mental health counselor, and more. I can write about weird shit because I've done weird shit. Trust me.
I call the wonderful state of New Hampshire my home, but I love to travel. I love to read, write, play role playing games, miniatures games, video games, and Magic: The Gathering. When I find the time to be active, I like to hike, play basketball, and play football. I am married to a wonderful woman, and together we have two wonderful daughters.
I am the creator and author of Tesser: A Dragon Among Us as well as Elmoryn's The Kinless Trilogy, Colony Lost, Adrian's Undead Diary and the Darkness of Diggory Finch.
I've gone to a LOT of college. I've got a Business degree as well as a Psychology degree, and I've done the full program at the school of hard knocks. I've been a printing press operator, bouncer, purchasing agent, bodyguard, customer service representative, mental health counselor, and more. I can write about weird shit because I've done weird shit. Trust me.
I call the wonderful state of New Hampshire my home, but I love to travel. I love to read, write, play role playing games, miniatures games, video games, and Magic: The Gathering. When I find the time to be active, I like to hike, play basketball, and play football. I am married to a wonderful woman, and together we have two wonderful daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 7, 2014
So, I've been a Chris Philbrook fan for years now, and while I am a diehard AUD girl (go check out that series RIGHT NOW!) I must admit that I was also drawn into Elmoryn as well. It took me a bit to get into this story, mainly because I think I was still set in an AUD frame of mind when I first tried to read it, but once I got maybe a chapter or so into the book, I was absolutely 100% hooked. The characters are amazing, and Chris does a great job at finding ways to make them come to life for the reader, which is just one of his many talents. I also love the fact that Chris is able to write in both a more realistic style (AUD) and a fantasy world setting (Elmoryn & Tesser), and make all of it enjoyable and believable for his readers. Chris will definitely be on my list of "favorite authors" for years to come, and I couldn't be happier that I gave Elmoryn a chance. I am looking forward to reading more of this story!!! Anyone who enjoys zombies, magic, quests of revenge, dark humor, and amazing fantasy worlds should definitely give Elmoryn a read!
September 21, 2013
Well I'm the author... so I loved it. Please let me hear your feedback on the story here and on Amazon!
June 23, 2016
My original The Wrath of the Orphans audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Malwynn and his twin sister, Umaryn live in the near idyllic setting of a farming community and the gentle magic of their mother on the planet Elmoryn. Malwynn is about to be engaged to the love of his life and Umaryn is apprenticed to a master blacksmith. Both are happy and looking forward to a peaceful future. Tragedy strikes while the two are away on a stroll in the mountains. Their entire village is burned to the ground, everyone, including their parents and little sister are dead. Their lives are destroyed and their grief is unbearable. They vow revenge, no matter what the cost, even if it means traveling to the northern Amaranth Empire where zombies and necromancers reign.
Some kind of plague on the planet of Elmoryn struck almost 300 years ago. Anyone who dies, either becomes a zombie, or has their soul released into a kind of twilight world where they can be called on for magic and healing. Many people on Elmoryn have special skills to touch this magic, called “The Way.” Umaryn has the ability to speak to man-made objects to strengthen or weaken them at her will.
Wrath of the Orphans is a cross between zombie and fantasy novels which is in itself is pretty intriguing. The inexperienced twins reach into their limited experience to fight impossible odds over and over, discovering strengths and abilities they didn’t know they had. The story is linear, unfolding in a straightforward way, from challenge to challenge, solution to solution. Help, healing, magic and friends arrive at the perfect moment each time. There is plenty of action, but little in the way of suspense.
The story is performed by Kevin Collins. His voice is pleasant and his character voices are easily discerned. His reading style is to dramatize every sentence which can be distracting, but eventually the listener gets used to it. The voices of the villains are the most developed and compelling. Overall a good performance.
If you are looking for a new twist on zombies and fantasy, Wrath of the Orphans is worth a listen. There is nothing all that groundbreaking here, just an entertaining story with a straightforward plot.
Note: The teenage characters and theme make this story a good candidate for young adults. Be warned there is strong language.
Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR.
Malwynn and his twin sister, Umaryn live in the near idyllic setting of a farming community and the gentle magic of their mother on the planet Elmoryn. Malwynn is about to be engaged to the love of his life and Umaryn is apprenticed to a master blacksmith. Both are happy and looking forward to a peaceful future. Tragedy strikes while the two are away on a stroll in the mountains. Their entire village is burned to the ground, everyone, including their parents and little sister are dead. Their lives are destroyed and their grief is unbearable. They vow revenge, no matter what the cost, even if it means traveling to the northern Amaranth Empire where zombies and necromancers reign.
Some kind of plague on the planet of Elmoryn struck almost 300 years ago. Anyone who dies, either becomes a zombie, or has their soul released into a kind of twilight world where they can be called on for magic and healing. Many people on Elmoryn have special skills to touch this magic, called “The Way.” Umaryn has the ability to speak to man-made objects to strengthen or weaken them at her will.
Wrath of the Orphans is a cross between zombie and fantasy novels which is in itself is pretty intriguing. The inexperienced twins reach into their limited experience to fight impossible odds over and over, discovering strengths and abilities they didn’t know they had. The story is linear, unfolding in a straightforward way, from challenge to challenge, solution to solution. Help, healing, magic and friends arrive at the perfect moment each time. There is plenty of action, but little in the way of suspense.
The story is performed by Kevin Collins. His voice is pleasant and his character voices are easily discerned. His reading style is to dramatize every sentence which can be distracting, but eventually the listener gets used to it. The voices of the villains are the most developed and compelling. Overall a good performance.
If you are looking for a new twist on zombies and fantasy, Wrath of the Orphans is worth a listen. There is nothing all that groundbreaking here, just an entertaining story with a straightforward plot.
Note: The teenage characters and theme make this story a good candidate for young adults. Be warned there is strong language.
Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR.
July 21, 2014
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check!
This was an interesting little fantasy. I thought it was a cross between Sweeney Todd and the Count of Monte Cristo with a magic system and twins in the mix. Like the revenge scenarios of Sweeney and the Count, the twins lose everything that they hold dear and they vow to pay back the people who wronged them. The story then details their trip to the home city of their enemies, honing of martial skills, and then confrontation of the man they believe to be responsible for their misfortune.
The strengths of this book are in its magic system and dungeon crawl scenario before the big confrontation scene. The gamer background of Chris Philbrook shines at these moments. The weaknesses of this story were the seemingly random use of profanity (I don't mind if it is in the character's nature, but I dislike when it is used for descriptions outside of the dialogue) and the occasional misspelling or lack of commas. When characters address each other, it is common to put a comma before the name or noun used to name the person. An example from page 10 in my copy: "How long has she been gone Nickolas?". I would have written "How long has she been gone, Nickolas?". A small thing, I know, but it bothered me.
I also didn't like how easily Malwynn embraced the magic of his enemies when his own mother spent her entire life preventing that magic from spreading across the world. I know that he was out for revenge "at any cost" but that's still a huge character shift, especially when you consider how he was raised and what he was taught to believe. All of the twins' other actions in the story were believable, except that one thing.
I enjoyed The Wrath of Orphans and it ended on a fairly exciting set up for the next book in the series. I think that fans of pulp fantasy novels may like it too if the reader is willing to overlook a few publication errors and, perhaps, an unbelievable plot twist.
This was an interesting little fantasy. I thought it was a cross between Sweeney Todd and the Count of Monte Cristo with a magic system and twins in the mix. Like the revenge scenarios of Sweeney and the Count, the twins lose everything that they hold dear and they vow to pay back the people who wronged them. The story then details their trip to the home city of their enemies, honing of martial skills, and then confrontation of the man they believe to be responsible for their misfortune.
The strengths of this book are in its magic system and dungeon crawl scenario before the big confrontation scene. The gamer background of Chris Philbrook shines at these moments. The weaknesses of this story were the seemingly random use of profanity (I don't mind if it is in the character's nature, but I dislike when it is used for descriptions outside of the dialogue) and the occasional misspelling or lack of commas. When characters address each other, it is common to put a comma before the name or noun used to name the person. An example from page 10 in my copy: "How long has she been gone Nickolas?". I would have written "How long has she been gone, Nickolas?". A small thing, I know, but it bothered me.
I also didn't like how easily Malwynn embraced the magic of his enemies when his own mother spent her entire life preventing that magic from spreading across the world. I know that he was out for revenge "at any cost" but that's still a huge character shift, especially when you consider how he was raised and what he was taught to believe. All of the twins' other actions in the story were believable, except that one thing.
I enjoyed The Wrath of Orphans and it ended on a fairly exciting set up for the next book in the series. I think that fans of pulp fantasy novels may like it too if the reader is willing to overlook a few publication errors and, perhaps, an unbelievable plot twist.
June 24, 2017
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I loved the relationship and interaction between the two main characters, Malwynn and Umaryn, twin siblings. The emotional depth of the characters was amazing and I would recommend this book based on this aspect alone.
However, they seemed rather fortuitous with the situations they faced, especially with foes that were much better prepared and better equipped than the siblings and their friends. It just seemed really easy to me.
I loved the relationship and interaction between the two main characters, Malwynn and Umaryn, twin siblings. The emotional depth of the characters was amazing and I would recommend this book based on this aspect alone.
However, they seemed rather fortuitous with the situations they faced, especially with foes that were much better prepared and better equipped than the siblings and their friends. It just seemed really easy to me.
March 4, 2019
Definitely a winner
This is going to be a great trilogy......I just know it,from this first book. The characters and the way the storyline is written sucks the reader in, hook, line and sinker. You can't not love the Orphans
This is going to be a great trilogy......I just know it,from this first book. The characters and the way the storyline is written sucks the reader in, hook, line and sinker. You can't not love the Orphans
December 14, 2013
I admit this is my first book with Zombies in it and not my usual genre, but I really enjoyed it. Chris Philbrook did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life...
The Wrath of the Orphans is both enchanting and captivating. Twins Malwynn and Umaryn live a peaceful simple life in the small town of New Picknell, until one day their world is flipped on its axis. When everything they love is snatched away from them they are left with little option but to wither away to nothing or seek vengeance to give their lives purpose. What follows is a journey of justice, determination and will as they track down those who harmed the ones they loved.
Philbrook is an amazing world creator. The dark world full of magic and The Way jumps off the pages. The characters both good and sinister are enticing. The Wrath of the Orphans is a page turner as more details of the story unfold to leave clues as to who was accountable for the fatal day in New Picknell. You'll meet Ivar the grave undead warrior who wishes to protect his family from beyond the grave and who can take down living warriors like a spider devours flies; Dram, who is mysterious and just may or may not be trustworthy; and a host of other interesting characters as Malwynn and Umaryn progress on their journey. It's a fascinating story of the undead, a nation captured under a mysterious Queen, and the motivations of the living who have nothing left to lose.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
The Wrath of the Orphans is both enchanting and captivating. Twins Malwynn and Umaryn live a peaceful simple life in the small town of New Picknell, until one day their world is flipped on its axis. When everything they love is snatched away from them they are left with little option but to wither away to nothing or seek vengeance to give their lives purpose. What follows is a journey of justice, determination and will as they track down those who harmed the ones they loved.
Philbrook is an amazing world creator. The dark world full of magic and The Way jumps off the pages. The characters both good and sinister are enticing. The Wrath of the Orphans is a page turner as more details of the story unfold to leave clues as to who was accountable for the fatal day in New Picknell. You'll meet Ivar the grave undead warrior who wishes to protect his family from beyond the grave and who can take down living warriors like a spider devours flies; Dram, who is mysterious and just may or may not be trustworthy; and a host of other interesting characters as Malwynn and Umaryn progress on their journey. It's a fascinating story of the undead, a nation captured under a mysterious Queen, and the motivations of the living who have nothing left to lose.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
January 25, 2014
I was originally turned on to Chris Philbrook's epic story Adrian's Undead Diary (AUD) in early 2011 and was instantly addicted to it. I recall many nights waiting for the newest entry to drop online. Some time during the year or so that followed, I decided to begin reading Chris' other work Elmoryn online. As I read through the first chapter I was not hooked to it and I gave up. Fast forward to this year when Chris announced that my beloved epic Adrian's Undead Diary was going to be published. Chris was scrounging for funding to get it in to print and I figured I could help out a bit by picking up Elmoryn in paperback. I received it and it sat on my book shelf waiting for AUD to be published. I hadn't even opened it up until I was completed with "Alone No More" (book two in AUD) and was waiting for the release of book three "Midnight". During the short stint in between, I began Elmoryn and had to grind through the first two chapters and was still on the fence. "Midnight" finally dropped and I quickly went back to the AUD universe. That brings me to this month. Still another week until "The Failed Coward" (AUD 4) releases so I went back to Elmoryn. I am so glad I did! After a slow start in which Chris had to set the scene and introduce the characters, things really took off. I read Elmoryn every night for the last week or so and always could not wait to get back into it. I hope Chris is working on the next Elmoryn book as I type because I want more. Trust me, get Elmoryn and give it a chance to begin, once it does you will be addicted. (Oh yeah, Get book one of AUD also!)
November 10, 2013
Easy to love this. It's unique, it's intriguing, it's well written, and it's just getting ramped up! Not to mention there are zombies.
To write a story is an amazing feat. To write a story that generates, depicts, and explains its own world all while building interesting characters, imaginative creatures, and an entirely new view on magic is genius.
This is fantasy redesigned, and Mr. Philbrook does a wonderful job creating this unique world in your mind. The glories and horrors of this book put you right into the thick of the Elmoryn world as the story takes you through one adventurous turn after another. I completely recommend this to anyone looking for a brand new spin on fantasy fiction. And it's a trilogy so we can look forward to more!
To write a story is an amazing feat. To write a story that generates, depicts, and explains its own world all while building interesting characters, imaginative creatures, and an entirely new view on magic is genius.
This is fantasy redesigned, and Mr. Philbrook does a wonderful job creating this unique world in your mind. The glories and horrors of this book put you right into the thick of the Elmoryn world as the story takes you through one adventurous turn after another. I completely recommend this to anyone looking for a brand new spin on fantasy fiction. And it's a trilogy so we can look forward to more!
October 30, 2013
I absolutely love this story. I say love because it's book one of a trilogy so it isn't over yet (yay!) This is a classic grand adventure with characters that will pull you in from the very first, magic and evil bad guys. Write faster Chris.. I cannot WAIT for book two!
December 9, 2013
This puts zombies magic and mythical creatures into a whole different light! Very creative and refreshing twist on these subjects!!! This is another book I will read over and over! Keep them coming Chris and I WILL keep reading!
June 10, 2016
Audiobook
Good story, enjoyed this one. Not the norm of what i traditionally listen too.
I never heard of Chris Philbrook but a pop up on audible convinced me to listen to Adrian's undead diaries. That was a winner so checking all his books out.
Now on to book two of the kinless trilogy.
Good story, enjoyed this one. Not the norm of what i traditionally listen too.
I never heard of Chris Philbrook but a pop up on audible convinced me to listen to Adrian's undead diaries. That was a winner so checking all his books out.
Now on to book two of the kinless trilogy.
October 12, 2013
A must read book hard to put down once you start to read it !
October 17, 2013
What an amazing epic journey this book takes you on. I recommend visiting this authors websites and learning more about all of his stories and his writing.
January 5, 2014
Another great book by Philbrook! I'm usually not into fantasy such as this, but just like with his other works, the author drew me in.
January 4, 2017
This is an extremely well written and plotted story. The characters are nuanced and detailed in a deep, authentic way. Worth a credit? You bet! You will want to get the all of Chris Philbrook's other books as well.
Malwynn and Umaryn live an idyllic life in a farming community called New Picknell. They have status in this small community because their mother is an apostle and can release the dead so they do not rise as undead after death. The undead rise within hours of death so the ritual to save their souls must be done very soon after a person passes. The twins' lives seem set as Malwynn is about to propose marriage to a village girl and become a farmer like his father while Umaryn is apprenticed to the village blacksmith and is learning to use 'the Way' or magic in this world. That all comes to a screeching halt one afternoon when everyone in New Picknell is slaughtered and a good portion of the dead are taken away to a distant land to serve as undead.
This tragedy puts Malwynn and Umaryn on a path quite different from the one they envisioned just a short time ago. They vow vengeance and to do whatever it takes to find out who murdered their parents and young sister. Their journey begins...they are patient and resourceful and, ultimately, get the chance they have fought so dearly for. Whether they retain their humanity is yet to be seen.
I did not dislike Kevin Collins' narration as others did. However, I did find it a bit distracting to begin with and never quite got used to his cadence and tone and the way he voiced the characters. It came off as stilted and a little awkward to me. In fact, I may buy the kindle versions of the other parts of this story instead of listening to them.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
Malwynn and Umaryn live an idyllic life in a farming community called New Picknell. They have status in this small community because their mother is an apostle and can release the dead so they do not rise as undead after death. The undead rise within hours of death so the ritual to save their souls must be done very soon after a person passes. The twins' lives seem set as Malwynn is about to propose marriage to a village girl and become a farmer like his father while Umaryn is apprenticed to the village blacksmith and is learning to use 'the Way' or magic in this world. That all comes to a screeching halt one afternoon when everyone in New Picknell is slaughtered and a good portion of the dead are taken away to a distant land to serve as undead.
This tragedy puts Malwynn and Umaryn on a path quite different from the one they envisioned just a short time ago. They vow vengeance and to do whatever it takes to find out who murdered their parents and young sister. Their journey begins...they are patient and resourceful and, ultimately, get the chance they have fought so dearly for. Whether they retain their humanity is yet to be seen.
I did not dislike Kevin Collins' narration as others did. However, I did find it a bit distracting to begin with and never quite got used to his cadence and tone and the way he voiced the characters. It came off as stilted and a little awkward to me. In fact, I may buy the kindle versions of the other parts of this story instead of listening to them.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2017
“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
I listened to this book at pretty decent pace. A couple commutes and evenings. I found I enjoyed the world, the magics, and also some questions I found I was asking. The world is a bit different. No spoilers... Necromancy is almost a dominant magic. The dead WILL rise, unless they are seen to by what I thought of as White Mages or Priests. Our protagonists stumble intro trouble, come of age in their way, and then seek to unleash their Wrath. I really enjoyed the setting and methods these things came about. I was not blown away, but I was definitely entertained! I am looking forward to the 2nd book. I haven't personally found books that explore Necromancy very much and I really like the expansion to the typical magic world by having Necromancy at the forefront of this world. I like where Chris Philbrook has us pointed at the end of book 1. Old questions tied up, new ones raised appropriately, and characters developed. Well done!
I listened to this book at pretty decent pace. A couple commutes and evenings. I found I enjoyed the world, the magics, and also some questions I found I was asking. The world is a bit different. No spoilers... Necromancy is almost a dominant magic. The dead WILL rise, unless they are seen to by what I thought of as White Mages or Priests. Our protagonists stumble intro trouble, come of age in their way, and then seek to unleash their Wrath. I really enjoyed the setting and methods these things came about. I was not blown away, but I was definitely entertained! I am looking forward to the 2nd book. I haven't personally found books that explore Necromancy very much and I really like the expansion to the typical magic world by having Necromancy at the forefront of this world. I like where Chris Philbrook has us pointed at the end of book 1. Old questions tied up, new ones raised appropriately, and characters developed. Well done!
September 15, 2022
i didnt know if i would even be able to finish this book. for me it started very slowly and took a while for me to even care what was going on. i gave it a shot anyways and i have to say it did pick up and wasnt that bad...........this odd story takes place in the future hundreds of years after the dead have started to rise. this story has a mid-century feel to it as technology and electricity are not mentioned or a luxury. the author also adds a twist of magic by giving certain people powers that they harvest from their surroundings. when the twins of a small village take off to gather berries, they never imagined they would come home to find their village burned to the ground. not only is everything burned down but the towns people along with their family are either dead or missing. wrapped in grief and anger the twins set off on a mission to find answers and avenge their town, family, and loved ones.
September 12, 2021
I love Chris Pilbrooks works but this is something a bit different. It was very good but different. I wanted more zombies. Lol
I feel like this is a future earth…. After some major catastrophe or something to bring on the second moon.
The twins seem to have two different ways of communicating. One a more modern way with curse words and another almost like pilgrims or religious people would. That was a bit odd at first but I got use to it. I am eager to see where they go on their journey. I thought their mentor would betray them in some way….. I will not let on if he did or not. Their savage ways knew no boundaries as their thirst for vengeance and knowledge grew.
Narration by Kevin Collins was so good that at times I thought someone else had started narrating.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I feel like this is a future earth…. After some major catastrophe or something to bring on the second moon.
The twins seem to have two different ways of communicating. One a more modern way with curse words and another almost like pilgrims or religious people would. That was a bit odd at first but I got use to it. I am eager to see where they go on their journey. I thought their mentor would betray them in some way….. I will not let on if he did or not. Their savage ways knew no boundaries as their thirst for vengeance and knowledge grew.
Narration by Kevin Collins was so good that at times I thought someone else had started narrating.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 17, 2023
Umaryn and Malwynn, twin sister and brother have lost everything when a patrol of the dead led by a Necromancer destroy their small town of New Picknell and kill all the people including their parents, little sister and the girl Malwynn loved. On their journey seeking vengeance for those responsible, they are enlisted by Dram Sorber a Necromancer who will help them in their plan while also using them for a plan of his own. He helps both of them hone their talents using The Way. I recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre.
January 14, 2021
A terrific start to a series, with very well built characters. I loved the depth that each character has and the level of care that Chris put into each one. I look forward to reading the next installment.
Read
March 9, 2020Simply amazing series of books. Very well written.
September 7, 2016
A book that lives up to its name, Wrath of the Orphans is intense, gruesome—wrathful, even—and it stars a pair of orphans. Snark aside, It’s an intense ride. The pair endure the unthinkable: losing family, loved ones, home, and future in a single night. Truth be told, it was a bit cliché.
That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. I'll admit to a bit of groaning when the first act of the story took me down such a familiar path; I was ready to be bored by the story at that point. But given that this was an audiobook (from the kind folks at Audible) and that I had many a chore to complete, I kept listening.
And I'm glad I did. After the methodical destruction of their entire lives, the orphans don't go down the path of traditional heroes. Rather, they go pretty much berserk and vote violent revenge upon those who took everything from them.
It's at this point in the audiobook that Kevin T. Collins, the narrator, imbues every single word with a boiling anger that obscures—eclipses, really—the content of the story. It's reasonable, of course, that these things would drive the twins to an blind rage, but as a far as the listening experience is concerned, it was a bit distracting.
All of that being said, though, I found the book and narration totally compelling. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea (it’s gory and features explicit language), but it works for me in the same way Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire trilogy worked for me.
The “choreography” in Chris Philbrook’s writing is excellent. He paints his scenes with vivid clarity that makes the reading (or listening, in my case) particularly good. The fights are intense and visceral, and the stakes are raised at consistent enough clips to pull the reader along the path to darkness that the twins follow in pursuit of revenge.
By and large, I enjoyed Wrath of the Orphans, in spite of my initial misgivings and what was (for a good portion of the book, at least) a too-wrathful reading. I turned the speed of the reading to 2X (the Audible app is great, by the way), and blew through the book, feeling very satisfied at the end, and curious enough to follow the loose ends in the next book in the series.
That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. I'll admit to a bit of groaning when the first act of the story took me down such a familiar path; I was ready to be bored by the story at that point. But given that this was an audiobook (from the kind folks at Audible) and that I had many a chore to complete, I kept listening.
And I'm glad I did. After the methodical destruction of their entire lives, the orphans don't go down the path of traditional heroes. Rather, they go pretty much berserk and vote violent revenge upon those who took everything from them.
It's at this point in the audiobook that Kevin T. Collins, the narrator, imbues every single word with a boiling anger that obscures—eclipses, really—the content of the story. It's reasonable, of course, that these things would drive the twins to an blind rage, but as a far as the listening experience is concerned, it was a bit distracting.
All of that being said, though, I found the book and narration totally compelling. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea (it’s gory and features explicit language), but it works for me in the same way Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire trilogy worked for me.
The “choreography” in Chris Philbrook’s writing is excellent. He paints his scenes with vivid clarity that makes the reading (or listening, in my case) particularly good. The fights are intense and visceral, and the stakes are raised at consistent enough clips to pull the reader along the path to darkness that the twins follow in pursuit of revenge.
By and large, I enjoyed Wrath of the Orphans, in spite of my initial misgivings and what was (for a good portion of the book, at least) a too-wrathful reading. I turned the speed of the reading to 2X (the Audible app is great, by the way), and blew through the book, feeling very satisfied at the end, and curious enough to follow the loose ends in the next book in the series.
June 20, 2016
Twins Malwynn and Umaryn live in a peaceful village when one day, their lives are turned upside down and everyone and everything is taken from them in an horrific way. The twins really have only one choice and that's to track down those who were responsible. What follows is their journey of vengeance and discovery.
I've been a fan of Chris Philbrook for some time now and couldn't wait to dive into this new world. Well, what an amazing world it is!! Filled with vengeance, death, destruction, magic, the undead and everything you need in a great fantasy book. This author can do no wrong!!
Character wise, the twins were well written and developed. They have quite a journey ahead of them but they do what's necessary to get there. Again, the author shines in his ability to make the reader fall for his characters. He makes them so real that it's hard not to root for them all.
In all, this is a must read for fans of this author. He really knows how to grab you and drag you into the worlds he creates. Its an amazing read and one I highly recommend.
Kevin T. Collins did a great job with the narration. He had plenty of tones and knew when to give the right inflections at the right times. I will definitely be checking out more narrated by him.
*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affected my thoughts.*
I've been a fan of Chris Philbrook for some time now and couldn't wait to dive into this new world. Well, what an amazing world it is!! Filled with vengeance, death, destruction, magic, the undead and everything you need in a great fantasy book. This author can do no wrong!!
Character wise, the twins were well written and developed. They have quite a journey ahead of them but they do what's necessary to get there. Again, the author shines in his ability to make the reader fall for his characters. He makes them so real that it's hard not to root for them all.
In all, this is a must read for fans of this author. He really knows how to grab you and drag you into the worlds he creates. Its an amazing read and one I highly recommend.
Kevin T. Collins did a great job with the narration. He had plenty of tones and knew when to give the right inflections at the right times. I will definitely be checking out more narrated by him.
*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affected my thoughts.*
July 25, 2014
Bold choices kick off this fantasy...
The Wrath of the Orphans follows twins Malwynn and Umeryn, children of an Apostle mother who has the ability to be in touch with spirits and perform mystical blessings, a talent known as “The Way.” The twins live in the idyllic little town of New Picknell, but the children are soon forced to start using their own gifts, for shooting, for navigating, even for using “The Way,” when their town is destroyed.
I was intrigued by the bold title of this book, and it soon became apparent that this boldness was not misplaced; the story turns intense and serious quickly. It takes some very high stakes to make a revenge plot work, but over the course of this excerpt, the author seems to be going in the right direction. The characters are bonded tightly, the setting is well drawn, and the motivation for revenge is clear....
To read the full excerpt review, go to: http://www.towerbabel.com/library/999...
The Wrath of the Orphans follows twins Malwynn and Umeryn, children of an Apostle mother who has the ability to be in touch with spirits and perform mystical blessings, a talent known as “The Way.” The twins live in the idyllic little town of New Picknell, but the children are soon forced to start using their own gifts, for shooting, for navigating, even for using “The Way,” when their town is destroyed.
I was intrigued by the bold title of this book, and it soon became apparent that this boldness was not misplaced; the story turns intense and serious quickly. It takes some very high stakes to make a revenge plot work, but over the course of this excerpt, the author seems to be going in the right direction. The characters are bonded tightly, the setting is well drawn, and the motivation for revenge is clear....
To read the full excerpt review, go to: http://www.towerbabel.com/library/999...
May 26, 2016
An interesting and entertaining dark journey through the world of Elmoryn. The story follows Malwynn and Umaryn through their path of revenge against those who wronged the people they loved. You are immediately drawn into their journey filled with twists ,turns ,betrayal, murder and moral boundaries crossed all in their pursuit of revenge. With Malwynn and Umaryn's use of magic "the way", inquisitors who create zombies and a mysterious queen the story should only get better from here.
This is my first Chris Philbrook book. It will not be my last. I need to check out his other series Adrian's Undead Diary.
I have listened to many books narrated by Kevin T. Collins. His narration in this book was different from the others I have listened to. While the narration is smooth and clearly spoken, there is a lot of emphasis in each sentence even if it doesn't need to be there.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of audiobookboom.com
This is my first Chris Philbrook book. It will not be my last. I need to check out his other series Adrian's Undead Diary.
I have listened to many books narrated by Kevin T. Collins. His narration in this book was different from the others I have listened to. While the narration is smooth and clearly spoken, there is a lot of emphasis in each sentence even if it doesn't need to be there.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of audiobookboom.com
May 28, 2014
Won this in a First Reads giveaway. It was an okay read. I did like the world the author created and his take on "zombies". Using the "spirits" of the dead for good or evil was interesting as was using the dead as weapons. I found the two main characters (brother and sister) frustrating as I felt that they turned to a life of bloodshed a little too easily without too much remorse. I also took issue with how easily they "befriended" their enemies and turned on those that had helped them, but that's just me.
Unfortunately, I didn't think the writing was all that strong, and the book was in some serious need of a proof reader/copy editor. Grammatical errors threw me out of the "flow" of the story.
Unfortunately, I didn't think the writing was all that strong, and the book was in some serious need of a proof reader/copy editor. Grammatical errors threw me out of the "flow" of the story.
May 30, 2016
I enjoy a good fantasy story and this book was a satisfying foray into the genre.While the book starts out a little slow for me I really enjoyed it overall.The narrator did a good job and has a pleasant voice to listen too.Which is extremely important to my overall enjoyment of an audiobook.I would reccomend this book to any fan of the fantasy genre.I received an audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2014
This is definitely a big step away from his AUD series, but I find myself connecting with the characters on the same level. Set 300 years post zombie plague, it's a world of magic and danger that's told through a fast paced and action packed story.
January 14, 2017
Surprisingly good
Surprisingly good with some unique and well crafted turns of phrases. A unique taken on both the fantasy and zombie genre. Definitely recommend it if you enjoy either.
Surprisingly good with some unique and well crafted turns of phrases. A unique taken on both the fantasy and zombie genre. Definitely recommend it if you enjoy either.
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