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  • The Unspoken Name

  • The Serpent Gates, Book 1
  • Written by: A. K. Larkwood
  • Narrated by: Avita Jay
  • Length: 18 hrs and 37 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (33 ratings)

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The Unspoken Name cover art

The Unspoken Name

Written by: A. K. Larkwood
Narrated by: Avita Jay
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Publisher's Summary

"Narrator Avita Jay manages a large cast of characters in this fantasy.... Jay captures the growing affection and trust between Csorwe and those she enlists to help her. Most importantly, Jay's narration captures Csorwe's manner and personality as she transforms from a meek priestess to a formidable character." (AudioFile Magazine)

A. K. Larkwood's The Unspoken Name is a stunning debut fantasy about a young priestess sentenced to die, who at the last minute escapes her fate; only to become an assassin for the wizard who saved her. 

What if you knew how and when you will die?

Csorwe does - she will climb the mountain, enter the Shrine of the Unspoken, and gain the most honored title: sacrifice.

But on the day of her foretold death, a powerful mage offers her a new fate. Leave with him, and live. Turn away from her destiny and her god to become a thief, a spy, an assassin - the wizard's loyal sword. Topple an empire, and help him reclaim his seat of power.

But Csorwe will soon learn - gods remember, and if you live long enough, all debts come due.

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books

"In the vein of Le Guin's magnificent Tombs of Atuan - if Arha the Eaten One got to grow up to be a swordswoman mercenary in thrall to her dubious wizard mentor. I love this book so much." (Arkady Martine, author of A Memory Called Empire)

"Hooked me in from the first page and never let go. Fabulous, in every meaning of the word." (Jenn Lyons, author of Ruin of Kings)

©2020 A. K. Larkwood (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

What the critics say

"An unexpected and new take on classic orcs 'n' swords fantasy. Stylish, classy, and timeless - but with racing stripes and an inbuilt camera. I cannot recommend it enough." (Tamsyn Muir, author of Gideon the Ninth)

“Action-packed and emotionally engaging ... Lushly detailed with incredible worldbuilding, Larkwood's debut is a singular take on orcish fantasy, filled with fierce fighting and magic.” (Library Journal, starred review)

Featured Article: The Best Fantasy Audiobook Series

From grim worlds of gritty war and betrayal to light-hearted stories of romance, adventure, and magic, fantasy has it all. It’s the genre to listen to for a little escapism and a lot of enjoyment. And it’s one that is constantly updated with new names, new voices, and new stories to explore.

What listeners say about The Unspoken Name

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  • A
  • 2021-04-19

This is the lesbian content I was looking for.

A beautiful love story and really unusual, interesting world, read by a fantastic narrator.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable

The story was interesting, but I feel as if there were quite a few threads left dangling. I’m not sure I want to get into a series.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

it was fine

I only finished it because it was for bookclub. it's not bad! Just not ideal for me

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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More please!

I loved this book and only wish that each section was expanded. There are so many worlds and characters that I wanted more information about

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

hard to listen to

this book was extremely disappointing seemed like it could have been a wonderful story. but it was incredibly hard to listen to it just sounded like babble maybe save this one for reading.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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  • Ali
  • 2021-02-12

Feels incomplete

Great concept with poor execution. It's like I'm reading a draft of the characters personalities. Their thoughts and experiences have no depth. The author skims over a significant amount of character development to get to the story, but that leave the experience quite hollow.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

First in a very promising series!

This book is a masterpiece of world building. Every setting was so rich and intriguing that I want to read an entire book set there! Add to that a fast-paced plot and complex, morally-grey characters, and I was hooked from beginning to end. I cannot wait to read what this author brings next!

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