The Whisper of Silenced Voices

After the Rift #3

by C.J. Archer

When the husband of the king’s mistress is poisoned, Josie must pretend he died of natural causes, or risk putting her own life in danger. It’s yet another secret she must learn to keep, yet another intrigue whispered about in the gilded halls of King Leon’s mysterious palace.

With her enemies intent on ruining her, Josie needs all the friends she can get. Friends that include the captain of the guards, a man determined to find out about his past before he gives in to desire.

As the captain becomes more certain that magic stole the servants’ memories, some very powerful people also hear the whispers of magic and begin to wonder. With rivals from several quarters closing in on the truth, events are set in motion that could change the course of the kingdom, and see the palace servants and Josie lose everything.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Mystery, Magic, Romance, Fiction, Young Adult

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2019

About the author

C.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.

She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.

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Reviews

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0
I’m really stuck between a three and a four star on this one. The aspects I love, I REALLY love, but the points of frustration are REALLY annoying!

Aspects I LOVE:

The characters!! Oh, my goodness, Ms. Archer writes her characters with such a fine touch that one can’t help but adore every single one - whether good or bad! She embues every person who hits that page with personality so real a reader can’t help but be drawn in completely.

The world. It is such a beautiful creation that is realistically described in the historical realm yet in reality only exists in fantasy. It’s amazing how it seems so very real and... normal. Eveything can be related to so easily YET.... it isn’t! It is, in truth, a completely created world with magic ruling. One has to only read to completely understand how expertly the author has accomplished this feat.

Frustrations that make me consider giving the series up:

There is SO little movement in overall plot in this series that it drives me batty!! Great characters and an interesting world can only last so long. At some point the plot needs enough forward progression to keep us coming back! In this installment there was one teensy, ever-so-slight, change in the overal storyline but that was it. It is pretty much just as it was in book one on all fronts.

The relationship aspect of this series is even worse! It doesn’t move AT ALL! Yearning is all we have seen in three entire books! It is especially infuriating in this installment, however, because of the circumstances Josie finds herself. Dane could help her SO much if he would just accept the beauty he has before him (both the woman and the circumstances) and embrace it WHILE he searches for answers. Instead Josie continues to sink and not one single thing moves forward... in fact, in her life it has actually digressed.

SO.... what to do? While I adore the good parts, I’m honestly not sure if I’ll continue. And, that makes me very sad because there are so, SO many ways the plot could move and be exciting... if only it would.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me at the end of The Whisper of Silenced Voices



So I found this series on my libraries free Hoopla app and devoured it immediately! However, it only showed three books for the series so I definitely had a panic attack as I came closer and closer to the ending of the book without having everything I needed resolved. To sum it up, I was gonna murder someone if this was the last book. Luckily I remained calm as I quickly looked up the authors page to discover this is not the final book! Calmness restored.

This series continues off with Josie going on more adventures and getting in a lot of trouble. This book focuses more on the overall mystery about the palace that was given in the first book. The second book strayed a little from it, so I was really happy when it went back to the magic in this third book. I am glad the books will continue this December, but I have a fear that I will not get all the answers I want. I don't know how long C.J. Archer plans on having this series go on for. I would be happy for tons of books as long as the palace mystery is solved. I just need to know what happens!

Hoping for more answers in the next one!

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐

I love the overall plot and the characters are well developed. Unfortunately the story arc moves at a snail's pace. Each book feels like a bridge book to something better. The romance isn't just a slow burn it's a no burn.

Most info moving the plot forward is still acquired through eaves dropping instead of investigation. I was a bit disappointed in Josie, who is precariously close to becoming the town's doormat / scapegoat. The book ended rather abruptly and didn't resolve Josie's situation at all. I found that disappointing.

[Jennifer Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the After the Rift series. We finally get a little more background info on the palace servants and King. While the first book was full of gray characters, there had been a shift to more extreme good/evil characters. The Ashmoles' are terrible. How is it that no other residents in the village are upset about the difference in treatment between Josie's father and the new guy?

Josie and Dane had better get together in the next book or my Kindle is going to be thrown across a room in frustration.

[Rhonda 🌒🌕🌘 🐈‍⬛ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww Josie and Dane have captured my heart in this retelling of Aladdin. A series of earthquakes causing a rift, a palace full of servants with no memories and a king who may or may not actually be the king. Scheming and plotting from the Lords and Ladies to overthrow the king abound. So many mysteries to figure out. Will Dane & Josie get to be together? Will Josie get her family home back? Will women be allowed to attend college? So many questions to be answered!!

[heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only 3 stars had to wrestle myself through this book dont know why or how but the story just didnt catch my attention much stil liked it tho

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are well written but do drag on a bit. Also, why can’t Josie see the real people who set her up are the ones with avarice in their eyes, scoping out the joint? Duh!!! I’m sure they had help but they’re in on it and it’s because they suck.

Personally, she should speak the truth more often and stand up for herself. Also, WTF is with these people that they’d never thought of first aid, triage, nursing or anything that would allow someone with knowledge or damn common sense to help someone else in an emergency and/or if there’s no one else available or willing to help? Weird place.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book three of the after the rift series. The saga of the mysterious magic of the palace continues. With much more danger. Secrets are revealed while questions remain unanswered. I have to say the villain surname "Ashmole" tickles my funny bone. I ordered the next three books to this series immediately.

[Wonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying this series...quick, fast-paced listens...Josie rode the struggle bus this novel, had me as a reader fighting mad for her. We got a few answers to the spell cast by our mysterious sorcerer...Excited to jump into the next one! PS...Slow burn is now making me edgy, 😆 🤣!

[Gale Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Enjoying as this story progresses. Still with many unanswered questions, things are unfolding rather unexpectedly. I’m looking forward to more!

[Alexandra G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Really good, as always, but towards the end it was kinda' dissatisfying. Like, I expected more.
It felt like we were strung along and now we have to wait for the next book. Again. And we didn't really learn much in this one, besides the big confrontation at the end.
Also, am I the only one that doesn't really hate Brant? He's an asshole, sure, but I could end up liking him if we found out more. Weird.

Oh, well. See you in December most likely.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was so excited to finally read the ending in this third book (as it states 3 of 3 books) only to find out there is a forth book. I was really hoping for a little more closure that was given in the 3rd book.

[Sussan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to quote a Bette Davis here, and suggest that you “Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night.” Oh but what a night woohoo
If it weren't for the fact that I did actually have things to do, and couldn't delay or cancel them, I'd have finished this book in one sitting. It was totally absorbing, mesmerising, enchanting, frustrating at times too but above all else totally entertaining.
If you've enjoyed the other two books in the series this will NOT disappoint, I think CJ has stepped her game up another notch on the one. Its a brilliant, well crafter piece of literary magic. If this is the first book in the series you've stumbled on to I'd suggest you start with, The Palace of Lost Memories (After the Rift Book 1). You will not be disappointed

[Lindap · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.50 / 4 Stars

***HOOPLA Audio***

MCs: Jolie & Hammer (aka Dane, aka Captain)

Good grief, every time Jolie turns around she's trapped, slapped, bulled and threatened by all sides. It's getting old fast. There are several people threatening Jolie and she's naive about it all. A carriage is at her house and she doesn't take caution, doesn't stay away until she knows for sure who it is. Doesn't double check who's at her door before she opens it. Each time it's someone who hurts her while threatening her. Jolie has many TSTL moments.

Although there are annoyances, it's still a good overall story and I've popped the rating up to 4 Stars.

[Jieqi Xu · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the first two books in the series, I thought things will pick up for me but it was not to be. Josie cannot stop swooning over Hammer since the first book despite her supposedly being an intelligent being. Her personality did not stand out for me at all. And all that internal dialogue of Dane over Hammer which felt inane after awhile. I'm sorry but I think this series is not for me.

[Terry Berger · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. Enjoyed the first two books but this was just a collection of bad things happening to Josie, one after another, with no movement on understanding the mystery. Sadly, I am done with the series now.

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the Town crier announced... The King is ..

First off to truly enjoy this book you need to have read the previous two titles in the After the Rift series, The Palace of Lost Memories(1) and The Echo of Broken Dreams (2) by C.J Archer. Secondly, if you have read the two mentioned you certainly will not be disappointed in the direction of this book and dying to see how things pan out in The Temple of Forgotten Secrets (4).
This instalment we continue to witness the lies and deceit that continue to follow the good people that dutifully serve the King and the treachery of some of the nobles will undertake to try to disrupt the King's power and magic. Our two major characters Captain Dane, otherwise known by his men as Hammer who oversees the King's protection and the lovable female Miss Josie, the town's midwife and apothacary still trying to solve the magical mysteries of the Kingdom's existence and creation, all whilst fighting their own personal demons and feelings for each other. The author, C.J. Archer has written this story in such a manner that is easy to follow with such an array of wonderful characters both good and bad that you will love and hate, and at times wonder how people could be so terribly horrible to others. But I guess when people have no memories of their past life and the power of a kingdom are at risk then life is going to get a little scary. The reality is this is a story set in a fictional world but still connects to so many issues we witness in today's modern society... power struggles, socio-economics of society, housing issues, job opportunities and lawlessness when not all of society has an equal standing and the key component of people's values towards others and the most important, love and acceptance.
Highly recommend this book and series if you enjoy mysteries, romance and action in your stories complimented with such wonderful characters you will fall in love with.

[Sandy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this author and this series, but something about this book bothers me. The heroine is constantly in danger, being threatened by various men, and there is a hero who does little to stop these dangers or threats. Unlike the other series that I have read, the heroine often does not try to fight back but seems to sort of accept the "fact" that she has less power - both physically and often socially than her oppressors. While that is likely realistic, I really had a problem with the sheer number of attempted sexual and physical assaults that this female character faced. I did empathize and root for her. I don't like that only the poorest of her attackers seemed to face any kind of consequence for his attack. I guess even the fictional justice system in Glancia is flawed and fictional women face the same dangers faced by real women in our real world. Despite this, I really did enjoy the book. I also liked how Josie manages to stay true to herself despite facing these challenges and even having her livelihood and home taken away. I can't wait to start the next one. You should read this!

[Kelsey Bedolli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as the first two, as the poisoning theme was a little bit re-hashed, but the stakes are a lot higher, conflict in Mull is taking some surprising turns, and things definitely did NOT go as smoothly for our characters as I am used to with C.J.s writing (which was really refreshing and a welcome change!)

We get more of a taste for the international politics, Josie goes from flitting seamlessly between palace and town to not really fitting in either, things with Hammer are painfully ambiguous (because C.J. does that slow-burn well and the situation "plays havoc with your nerves"), and the situation at the palace is spiraling. The whole book leaves you with this sense of "she is setting up for something major in book 4" and then the ending....totally did not see that coming. Sudden. Abrupt. Major. Excellent.

Can't wait to see what happens next!

[Suzanne Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the husband of the mistress of the king is poisoned, there is unrest between the nobles and the king feels he is a target. Josie and the Captain have much to do. And things go rapidly downhill from there.

This is the third book in the After the Rift series. This series is set in a whole new world with magic and almost a Middle Ages feel. The characters are simply amazing, complete with strengths and weakness that make them seem real. With the great descriptions we are able to visualize the setting and get a feel for the people who live there. I love how the characters interact with each other and the witty dialogue. As the story progresses the chapters continue to become more dimensional. The mystery is great and definitely worth the read. The story continues to improve and get more and more interesting. I really enjoyed this.book.

[Caprice Alizah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread this series because I always enjoy C.J.‘s writing and couldn’t really find anything I was interested in reading at the time. I love this series and the little bit of magic that enters into C.J.‘s normally historical-only worlds (which I love just the same without magic). I loved the female lead in this (Josie) who was strong and desired to be independent. She was quirky and had a sense of humor that I loved. I loved the male lead, too (Hammer/Dane) who was noble, just, and so caring. Their journey of becoming a couple is beautifully written and believable, a slow burn across the series. And with a very happy ending 💕 There is some strong language from a select few characters. You know when to prepare for it when a certain character enters the scene. But it’s not an overwhelming amount throughout the whole series, so I can stand it for the story even if it makes me cringe.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The heroine hasn’t gotten any smarter about avoiding being alone in dangerous situations since the last book. In fact, she might be a bit worse in The Whisper of Silenced Voices. Alas, will she wise up by Book 6, or will the hero continue to have to bail her out? Feisty is good, if you have brains. If not, it’s kinda dumb. Anyway, The Whisper of Silenced Voices continues the saga of the palace most likely created by magic, and its servants who can’t remember their pasts. Plus the protagonist, who mostly shows up in the wrong place at the wrong time.

After much intrigue and in-fighting among the nobles and mucky-mucks throughout the book, many of whom have an antagonistic connection to the protagonist, the plot moves ahead in an unexpected direction. This will most likely increase the nobility-acting-badly factor in Book 4. Oh well. I’m halfway to the end, at least.

[Camilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another VERY abrupt ending and with no solid answers in sight! Argh! I really thought this would be an adventurous ending to a fun story, but it's like a mini-series with a cliffhanger at the end of each book. We are literally no closer to finding out the mystery of the story and since there was no other primary conflict in the story, it feels like this book was a bit of a dud compared to the other two. It's clear the author set up new tangents in this book to take us into the next one (or several) book(s), but I was really hoping for a solid conclusion for once. It's wonderful to read Archer's stories but also very hard because she drags out the story across so many novels and it's hard to keep up and keep interested for so long.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book three is NOT the end of the series. But we do finally get to find out how the palace was built, and if magic was used. We lost a main character at the end of the last book and their presence is missed in this book. It makes things so much harder on Josie. But she is a strong person and will make the best of every bad situation. There are so many things that a modern woman will just want to shake their hand in the air about, such as women not being allowed to practice medicine. It’s a crock, but it leads to the major conflict of the story. Once again this was well written, and well recorded. I have to wait for the audiobook of book of 4. But the author assured me it was almost ready (yes I emailed and asked). I look forward to it and the forthcoming book 5 as well.

[Sarah Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Major Like of this Series

Once again C.J. Archer catches my attention enough with her intriguing storylines that while I don't absolutely love it, I'm in very deep like of the series - in this case the After the Rift Books. The Whisper of Silenced Voices was a good addition. While set in a fantasy world, it talks about issues that are valid and important - I appreciate that, especially in books that are appropriate for young adults to read. It also has a few unexpected situations that make me very curious how the next book plays out. Overall it left me wanting more of the details and hooked enough to read the next book.

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book of the “After the Rift” series earns 4 stars. The characters are still interesting, following unexpected arcs. My only real complaint is the repetitiveness of the plot. How many times can Josie be kidnapped, held against her will or beat up? This book’s storyline moved slowly and felt much like a repeat of the previous book. At least we’re talking about magic now. Maybe the next book will actually result in something happening instead of more speculation with a side of heavy-lidded eyes. (To be fair, the heavy lidded eyes are used much less so far in this series than some of Ms Archer’s other series’.) On to Book 4...

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally!!! This is the type of book and writing I have come to expect from C.J. Archer. Thank goodness this book came when it did! The first 2 started out slowly and I wasn't sure what to expect with the others but this book was a saving grace.

There was so much plotting and action and growth not only for the characters but for the main plot. I am loving where this book went and how it added to the storyline. The excitement in this book was definitely a highlight and I can't wait to see where the next book takes us!

Also, the slow burn romance is heating up and I can't wait to see if Dane and Josie finally get together!

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this story and the mystery of it all, and damn that moment near the end of this book changes everything.

I must admit that I am getting a tiny bit frustrated about how slow the slow-burn is between Josie and the captain, but at the same time, I understand why it is so s l o w for them to get together and there's a reason for it all, and once more is revealed all will be okay.

Eagerly anticipating book 4 later this year, as it's been so enjoyable listening to the audiobooks while I sort books at the library.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in this series and this one too, focused a little too much on the romantic relationship held in abeyance by the main characters. The mystery of the stone was somewhat resolved in this part but not the reason for the lost memories of the castle servants and guards. There is lots happening in this part of the story that keeps one's interest despite the over emphasis of sexuality. I was hoping the story would be over with this installment but the epilogue states that book 4 is in the works.

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have I found a new favorite series? I think so. I’ve just purchased the rest after finishing this book and what can I say except. Holy shit, so that just happened. While I can’t fully say I’m surprised by Brant killing Leon, I can say I am surprised that I’m willing to forgive him for that assassination. Actually my exact words were “Go Brant!” when he stabbed Leon.

I’ve been excited to find out the truth since Book 1 and now that I’m further into the series I’m nervous to see what happens based solely on the gained information.

And lastly; fuck the Ashmole’s