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The Black Prism
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Gavin Guile is dying. He'd thought he had five years left - now he has less than one. With 50,0000 refugees, a bastard son, and an ex-fiancée who may have learned his darkest secret, Gavin has problems on every side. All magic in the world is running wild and threatens to destroy the Seven Satrapies. Worst of all, the old gods are being reborn, and their army of color wights is unstoppable. The only salvation may be the brother whose freedom and life Gavin stole 16 years ago.
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Without the protection of his father, Kip Guile will face a master of shadows as his grandfather moves to choose a new Prism and put himself in power. With Teia and Karris, Kip will have to use all his wits to survive a secret war between noble houses, religious factions, rebels, and an ascendant order of hidden assassins called The Broken Eye.
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When does an empire fall? The Seven Satrapies have collapsed into four - and those are falling before the White King's armies. Gavin Guile, ex-emperor, ex-Prism, ex-galley slave, formerly the one man who might have averted war, is now lost, broken, and trapped in a prison crafted by his own hands to hold a great magical genius. But Gavin has no magic at all. Worse, in this prison Gavin may not be alone.
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Gavin Guile is dying. He'd thought he had five years left - now he has less than one. With 50,0000 refugees, a bastard son, and an ex-fiancée who may have learned his darkest secret, Gavin has problems on every side. All magic in the world is running wild and threatens to destroy the Seven Satrapies. Worst of all, the old gods are being reborn, and their army of color wights is unstoppable. The only salvation may be the brother whose freedom and life Gavin stole 16 years ago.
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Without the protection of his father, Kip Guile will face a master of shadows as his grandfather moves to choose a new Prism and put himself in power. With Teia and Karris, Kip will have to use all his wits to survive a secret war between noble houses, religious factions, rebels, and an ascendant order of hidden assassins called The Broken Eye.
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When does an empire fall? The Seven Satrapies have collapsed into four - and those are falling before the White King's armies. Gavin Guile, ex-emperor, ex-Prism, ex-galley slave, formerly the one man who might have averted war, is now lost, broken, and trapped in a prison crafted by his own hands to hold a great magical genius. But Gavin has no magic at all. Worse, in this prison Gavin may not be alone.
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Stop reading, buy it already !
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Sandra managed to survive the first major incursion from the nearby Orcs, thanks in part to the help a certain half-orc/half-dwarf provided. However, Kelerim left her dungeon to seek out his father, leaving her all alone with just Winxa - her dungeon fairy - as company. With the loss of her new friend comes some opportunities, at least; she now has the freedom to craft whatever she wants, and the threat of her dungeon core’s destruction from outside forces is practically absent. She even has the opportunity to upgrade her core size.
Publisher's Summary
Gavin Guile is the Prism, the most powerful man in the world. He is high priest and emperor, a man whose power, wit, and charm are all that preserve a tenuous peace. But Prisms never last, and Guile knows exactly how long he has left to live: five years to achieve five impossible goals.
But when Guile discovers he has a son, born in a far kingdom after the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he's willing to pay to protect a secret that could tear his world apart.
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Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tristin
- 2017-12-09
Awesome!
I've physically read this book previously and truly enjoyed it. I very much enjoy Brent Weeks' style and totally unique version of the fantasy epic tale. when i decided to purchase it on audible I was a bit apprehensive but i shouldn't have been. Holy moly what an excellent performance by Simon Vance! He has enough range to give each character a distinct speaking voice while narrating in an expressive tone. The battle scenes had me on the edge of my seat. Thank you Brent Weeks for giving us this amazing story which has completely captivated my imagination. Thank you Simon Vance for bringing this story to life in a while new way. And thank you Audible for just being generally awesome!
7 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2020-01-06
Interesting Book
I enjoyed listening to this book, good narrator, would recommend this title to anyone who enjoys this type of story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- DoM
- 2020-01-03
This title made me buy more credits!
This title made me buy more credits; I really wanted more and more. Beware.
This is a review for the whole 5 books series since, let's be honest, that's what you probably want if you're looking at this.
I did not know Brent Weeks before, but it came as a recommendation from other B.Sanderson fans online.
In short:
+ Action packed
+ Magic system interesting and self-consistent.
+ Good breath of characters: From the heroic wannabe orphan to the super-munchkin guy. Young girl and Middle-life lady.
+ I liked how the author brought only a few character's perspective at a time. 2-3 in first book, 3-4 second and third, 4-6 in the rest. It makes it easy to read/listen => Good progression.
+ Simon Vance did a pretty good job. The only way this could have been improved is by teaming with a female narrator.
+ Some small plot twists here and there keeps the story fresh.
± For the most part, the "vilains" are also well done. There are a few whom's motivations are a bit harder to understand.
- My main complain is that B.Weeks starts to build a sort of "greater expanse" universe towards the 4th book. That falls short: It doesn't really add to the story, leads nowhere and kerfuffle with his magic system.
Overall, I'd five it 4.5*... but let's round up!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ben Smith
- 2019-12-13
Incredible
I was recommended this book by a friend. I went in to it cold not knowing anything.
This book was .. incredible!
I found myself listening to it every waking moment I could, gripped to each scene, character, and twist.
I bought the second book before I finished this audiobook so I could continue the journey!
I love the magic systems, the political intrigue, relatable character struggles and development! So beautifully written!!
I also was surprised to find that the narrator blew me away and had me check out every other project he’s worked on! Easily the best narrator I’ve ever heard, incredible work!
This entire experience is well worth the money - absolutely recommend!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Utilisateur anonyme
- 2019-12-05
Lightbringer series
Amazing book series in general with good character development, the magic system is cool, plot twists, and a cool card game that I hope comes out.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Utilisateur anonyme
- 2019-11-18
Amazing book!!
Amazing book! From someone who listened to nearly 80 books so far this is one of the best series. The twists and turns had me hooked! Definitely recommend!!!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Steven Szelekovszky
- 2019-11-11
great story and narration!
Absolutely love Brent Weeks writing. entertained at every step of the way. and narrarated extremely well too!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kyle
- 2019-11-05
Great Fanatasy
Very interesting magic system and characters. Can't wait to continue this series. The reader did a great job aswell.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2019-07-22
enjoyed the crap out of this!
Brent Weeks is a fantasy king. a Brilliant followup to the Night Angel Trilogy. Simon Vance shows why he is Audiobook Royalty.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Utilisateur anonyme
- 2019-07-05
Amazing
Love the series. The books are amazing and so was this audio version. Can’t wait to hear the rest.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2016-12-13
Nice first book. slow start
I'm a fantasy junkie and put there somewhere in the mix of top 20 books I've listen to. If you like gritty war fantasy (think Cooke or Abercrombie) then you'll like this book. it starts off really slow but once it gets going (about 3/5th of the way) it really can keep you captivated for hours. If you haven't read a lot of fantasy I recommed something better, but if you're a junkie like me and running out of options then this is well worth the money and time. if you haven't listen to acclaimed books like the Stormlight series, Black Company, First Law series, etc. then go listen to those first. if you have mowed through most of these "slam dunk" options then give this a go. lots of magic, and the hero isn't a super-stud that is perfect in everyway. this hero has tons and tons of flaws. Likewise, the villains have many redeeming factors. definitely a gray novel.
55 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- LornaDavis
- 2016-09-19
original and entertaining
I am late to this party and I guess from reading previous reviews that it is a lucky thing since I got to start right out with Simon Vance (one of my favorite readers). Actually, I found this book by looking up books read by him. I often do that with readers when I can't find something that seems to interest me. I am only about half way through the first book but the originality of this book reminds me very much of the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson. Not because the story lines are similar so much but the fresh idea and spot on execution of the storyline. It begins with 2 storylines that mesh up in about 15 chapters and then just keeps getting better as it goes. Based on all the reviews for the rest of the books I am looking forward to many more hours of these wonderful books. How did I miss this series? If you are on the fence, think no more, just hit the button. It is well worth your time and credit.
57 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sam
- 2016-07-18
Simon Vance Finally!
Would you consider the audio edition of The Black Prism to be better than the print version?
Absolutely, Simon Vance is one of my favorite narrators without a doubt.
Any additional comments?
I was incredibly excited that Week's got them to go back and have Simon Vance do this one. The other narrator made the characters flat and boring. Simon Vance made these books something special in the sequels and it's great to not have to suffer through the first one to get to the rest of the series anymore.
52 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- DJK1986
- 2016-08-26
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the reissue!
Would you listen to The Black Prism again? Why?
I definitely will. I love Brent Weeks and I love Simon Vance. I have read the print version of this book multiple times and I have listened to the Blinding Knife and the Broken Eye several times as well because of the nuances in the story and performance. Unfortunately, I was only able to listen through the original audiobook version of the Black Prism once, and I think I only persevered because I had already read the book and loved it. The original narrator was horrible!!! As others have stated, he made Gavin Guile sound like Keanu Reeves in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. I kept waiting for him to say "Dude" at the end of each sentence. It was painful and it was one the first books I got from Audible. At the time I didn't know I could return books, so that version is still in my Audible library taking up space. Such a waste of a credit! But this version ... I will listen again and again.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Black Prism?
I'm still listening through for the first time, so I may find more moments, but I think the opening scene of the book as read by Simon Vance will always be a favorite of mine. I loved the beginning of this book from the first time I read it, because it reveals Kip's personality and the world he lives in so clearly in what is really a very short (well constructed) passage. I have always loved Kip and found him so easy to relate to. He is every awkward kid I knew growing up and he is me every time I lost confidence in myself. He is convinced he is a worthless failure, yet he always manages to persevere and make things happen. He has no idea of his true worth and potential.
What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?
In short ... everything. His characterizations, his pronunciations, his feel for the story, his pacing. He has been one of my favorite narrators ever since I heard the Blinding Knife.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Gavin Guile is respected, loved, and feared; the most powerful Prism in living memory ... or is he?I'm not very good at this, but I do hope a movie series is made based on these books ... as long as it is done by someone who respects Mr. Weeks' story.
Any additional comments?
I can't wait to hear the Blood Mirror. I'm counting the days.
36 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- joel
- 2016-08-26
Colourful story!
The magic system is new to me and neat. The characters are enjoyable and grow throughout the entire story! Simon Vance like always is on point and an amazing narrator! If you have listened to the Cycle of Arawn you will enjoy this series as well I think.
13 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- David_in_Tennessee
- 2016-07-23
Great beginning - better than I expected
I read the Audible and Amazon reviews as well as blogs and reader sites to narrow my listening choices. If I am going to invest 10-30 hours listening to something I want it to be entertaining or thought provoking or profound. Fantasy novels are for me a guilty pleasure, and the best ones build solid foundations on multi faceted characters. I also am reluctant to take on multi-book series without having a good idea that the series improves upon the early expositions of a magic system or political setting to reward the reader later when it all comes together and the imagined underpinnings provide that exhilarating climax. That said, I am excited to move forward in this series because this was so much better than I expected: a great story with twists anchored by a talented and proven narrator.
26 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- ;)
- 2017-12-21
Started out good and then I got bored.
Why was this such a bore?! This book holds many cool premises but it just falls short.
The spectrum magic is super cool and done well but that's about it for me. The plot arc seems hindered and the characters even more so, also - flintlock guns? Not into it. The world would derive fine from a classic medieval-esque fantasy base since everything else in the book seems to.
I could tell where each and every plot arc was going to go and I hated it. Gavin - super cool mysterious character - completely lined out before halfway through the book. Its the same with all the other characters. I was not surprised once.
Brent Week also tends to over explain character thoughts and interactions and it gets a bit tedious.
... I don't know, I really wanted to like this book but I didn't.
Simon Vance was great though, so five stars to you buddy.
15 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Steve Davis
- 2016-07-23
YES!
Thanks for the do-over and with Simon Vance! Now the story is not only well narrated, but the voices and performance match the remaining awesome books.
14 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Bill
- 2017-03-25
Formulaic and rife with stereotypes
What did you like best about The Black Prism? What did you like least?
The voice acting was pretty good.
What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
--
Did The Black Prism inspire you to do anything?
Yes, be more careful with my fantasy selections.
Any additional comments?
If you like tired tropes, pathetic female characters, disheartening dialogue and rehashing old fantasy stories into something that resembles a teenage fantasy, this is your book. It wasn't all bad; just mostly bad.
6 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- ERICK
- 2018-12-24
It is good, but not great
A lot of people will love this book and this writing style. Sad to say, I'm not one of them. I first off found the magic system a bit hard to understand at first. It felt like the author didn't quite find a smooth way to explain it all. The characters are mostly strong, but the main bad guy felt quite stereotypical and not well developed to me. His general is great though. My main problem was the author just didn't connect the characters with me. I felt more like Kip was being fat shamed than being self critical. Which is on the author. That said, Kip is the character I identified with the most. I did enjoy the story arc they were setting up. It was just the problem that the characters just weren't speaking to me. Oh well!
5 people found this helpful