-
Deryni Checkmate
- Chronicles of the Deryni, Book 2
- Narrated by: Jeff Woodman
- Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $21.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's summary
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Deryni Rising
- Chronicles of the Deryni, Book 1
- By: Katherine Kurtz
- Narrated by: Jeff Woodman
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the kingdom of Gwynedd, the mysterious forces of magic and the superior power of the Church combine to challenge the rule of young Kelson. Now the fate of the Deryni -- a quasi-mortal race of sorcerers -- and, indeed, the fate of all the Eleven Kingdoms, rests on Kelson's ability to quash the rebellion by any means necessary...including the prescribed use of magic!
-
-
WONDERFUL! Thank you Audible!
- By D Spaulding on 06-16-09
By: Katherine Kurtz
-
The Bishop's Heir
- The Histories of King Kelson, Book 1
- By: Katherine Kurtz
- Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
- Length: 13 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Once again, the Kingdom of Gwynedd under young King Kelson found itself facing the horror of war between the Church and the Deryni. As the Pretender Queen plotted to free Meara from Gwynedd's control, and the ex-Archbishop hatched a devious plan, it looked like the peace of Gwynedd was to be a thing of the past.
-
-
At last in audio, but this narrator isn't the best
- By CatBookMom on 12-22-11
By: Katherine Kurtz
-
King Kelson's Bride
- A Novel of the Deryni
- By: Katherine Kurtz
- Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
- Length: 18 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a rival monarch takes his rightful place on the throne of a nearby land, it becomes more imperative than ever that King Kelson produce a long-awaited heir. Love is set aside for duty-and Kelson the king must make the choice that Kelson the man can not.
-
-
Wraps up King Kelson's story
- By Katherine on 03-20-15
By: Katherine Kurtz
-
In the King's Service
- Childe Morgan Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Katherine Kurtz
- Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
- Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this first book of an all-new Deryni trilogy, New York Times best-selling author Katherine Kurtz takes listeners back in time - before King Kelson's bride...before King Kelson's birth... when the magical Deryni blood was sought by the most powerful men and women in the kingdom of Gwynedd. Back when a man named Donal ruled over all.
-
-
Needs a female reader
- By Shannon on 02-07-19
By: Katherine Kurtz
-
Guardians of the West
- The Malloreon, Book 1
- By: David Eddings
- Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
- Length: 13 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Warned by the prophecy that a new and greater danger threatens the lands of the west, Garion, Belgarath, and Polgara must begin another quest to save the lands from great evil.
-
-
Wonderful story line
- By Kindle Customer on 10-29-24
By: David Eddings
-
Belgarath the Sorcerer
- By: David Eddings, Leigh Eddings
- Narrated by: Cameron Beierle
- Length: 32 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Best-selling authors David and Leigh Eddings welcome fans back to the time before The Belgariad and The Malloreon series. Join them as they chronicle that fateful conflict between two mortally opposed Destinies, in a monumental war of men and kings and gods.
-
-
My Fav
- By Viv on 08-04-17
By: David Eddings, and others
-
Deryni Rising
- Chronicles of the Deryni, Book 1
- By: Katherine Kurtz
- Narrated by: Jeff Woodman
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the kingdom of Gwynedd, the mysterious forces of magic and the superior power of the Church combine to challenge the rule of young Kelson. Now the fate of the Deryni -- a quasi-mortal race of sorcerers -- and, indeed, the fate of all the Eleven Kingdoms, rests on Kelson's ability to quash the rebellion by any means necessary...including the prescribed use of magic!
-
-
WONDERFUL! Thank you Audible!
- By D Spaulding on 06-16-09
By: Katherine Kurtz
-
The Bishop's Heir
- The Histories of King Kelson, Book 1
- By: Katherine Kurtz
- Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
- Length: 13 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Once again, the Kingdom of Gwynedd under young King Kelson found itself facing the horror of war between the Church and the Deryni. As the Pretender Queen plotted to free Meara from Gwynedd's control, and the ex-Archbishop hatched a devious plan, it looked like the peace of Gwynedd was to be a thing of the past.
-
-
At last in audio, but this narrator isn't the best
- By CatBookMom on 12-22-11
By: Katherine Kurtz
-
King Kelson's Bride
- A Novel of the Deryni
- By: Katherine Kurtz
- Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
- Length: 18 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a rival monarch takes his rightful place on the throne of a nearby land, it becomes more imperative than ever that King Kelson produce a long-awaited heir. Love is set aside for duty-and Kelson the king must make the choice that Kelson the man can not.
-
-
Wraps up King Kelson's story
- By Katherine on 03-20-15
By: Katherine Kurtz
-
In the King's Service
- Childe Morgan Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Katherine Kurtz
- Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
- Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this first book of an all-new Deryni trilogy, New York Times best-selling author Katherine Kurtz takes listeners back in time - before King Kelson's bride...before King Kelson's birth... when the magical Deryni blood was sought by the most powerful men and women in the kingdom of Gwynedd. Back when a man named Donal ruled over all.
-
-
Needs a female reader
- By Shannon on 02-07-19
By: Katherine Kurtz
-
Guardians of the West
- The Malloreon, Book 1
- By: David Eddings
- Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
- Length: 13 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Warned by the prophecy that a new and greater danger threatens the lands of the west, Garion, Belgarath, and Polgara must begin another quest to save the lands from great evil.
-
-
Wonderful story line
- By Kindle Customer on 10-29-24
By: David Eddings
-
Belgarath the Sorcerer
- By: David Eddings, Leigh Eddings
- Narrated by: Cameron Beierle
- Length: 32 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Best-selling authors David and Leigh Eddings welcome fans back to the time before The Belgariad and The Malloreon series. Join them as they chronicle that fateful conflict between two mortally opposed Destinies, in a monumental war of men and kings and gods.
-
-
My Fav
- By Viv on 08-04-17
By: David Eddings, and others
-
Gryphon in Light
- Kelvren's Saga, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey, Larry Dixon
- Narrated by: Paul Woodson
- Length: 14 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the border between Valdemar and the deadly Pelagirs Forest, the gryphon hero Kelvren returns from a near-fatal self-sacrifice that won him the approval of Valdemar's ground troops, but caused a diplomatic crisis. Frustrated by his lack of a hero's welcome, Kelvren is talked into helping with an expedition by his old friend, Firesong. Firesong struggles with his own age and mortality, and he intends to solve a vast mystery at the center of legendary Lake Evendim as his crowning achievement.
-
-
It’s as if the author hadn’t read the previous books
- By ChocolateChipCookie330 on 11-22-23
By: Mercedes Lackey, and others
-
Dragonflight
- Dragonriders of Pern, Book 1
- By: Anne McCaffrey
- Narrated by: Dick Hill
- Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the beautiful planet Pern, colonized for centuries, Land Holders and Craftsmen have traditionally tithed food and supplies to the dragonweyrs to which they are bound. In times past, the mighty telepathic dragons and their riders were the only protection from the dreaded, life-threatening Thread. Now those times may be returning....
-
-
Poor reading
- By Miles Gloriosus on 09-08-08
By: Anne McCaffrey
-
Deverry: Books 1-4
- By: Katharine Kerr
- Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart
- Length: 58 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This boxed set includes books 1-4 in the the Deverry series: Daggerspell, Darkspell, The Bristling Wood, and The Dragon Revenant.
-
-
Masterpiece
- By Luke on 09-05-22
By: Katharine Kerr
-
The Diamond Throne
- The Elenium, Book 1
- By: David Eddings
- Narrated by: Greg Abby
- Length: 15 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sparhawk, the Pandion Knight and Queen's Champion, returns from a long spell of exile to find his native land overrun with evil and intrigue, and his young Queen grievously ill. Indeed, Ehlana lies magically entombed within a block of crystal, doomed to die unless a cure can be found within a year.
-
-
mispronounciations make the book unlistenable
- By Becca on 12-11-09
By: David Eddings
-
The Gold Falcon
- The Silver Wyrm, Book 1
- By: Katharine Kerr
- Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart
- Length: 17 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Orphaned by a cholera epidemic, Neb and his young brother are sent to the desolate farm of their last living relative. But when the savage Horsekin tribes begin raiding the villages along Deverry's western border, the brothers must flee for their lives. A chance encounter with Salamander—a bard and master of dweomer magic—proves their salvation, as he brings them to the shelter of Tieryn Cadryc's dun. Here Neb finds love with his soulmate Branna only to be dragged into a war for the very survival of the kingdom.
-
-
As good as ever
- By Zach Stack on 06-24-23
By: Katharine Kerr
-
Witch World: Estcarp Cycle Trilogy
- By: Andre Norton
- Narrated by: John Lee, Adjoa Andoh
- Length: 22 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Set on a planet in a parallel universe where magic is a reality, these three high fantasy novels from the Witch World series transport you to the eastern continent of Estcarp, illustrating why prolific author Andre Norton was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Contains Trey of Swords, Ware Hawk, and The Gate of the Cat.
-
-
A very good series
- By Crystalshannon1 on 05-11-21
By: Andre Norton
-
Beyond
- Founding of Valdemar Series, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Paul Woodson
- Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Within the Eastern Empire, Duke Kordas Valdemar rules a tiny, bucolic Duchy that focuses mostly on horse breeding. Anticipating the day when the Empire's exploitative and militant leaders would not be content to leave them alone, Korda's father set out to gather magicians in the hopes of one day finding a way to escape and protect the people of the Duchy from tyranny.
-
-
Exceptional Listen
- By Amazon Customer on 09-27-21
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Theft of Swords
- Riyria Revelations, Volume 1
- By: Michael J. Sullivan
- Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
- Length: 22 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Acclaimed author Michael J. Sullivan created instant best sellers with his spellbinding Riyria Revelations series. This first volume introduces Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, two enterprising thieves who end up running for their lives when they’re framed for the death of the king. Trapped in a conspiracy bigger than they can imagine, their only hope is unraveling an ancient mystery - before it’s too late.
-
-
Two books in one - keep listening!!
- By Magpie on 08-21-12
-
The Hills Have Spies
- Valdemar: Family Spies, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this new series, set in the bestselling world of Valdemar, Heralds Mags and Amily must continue to protect the realm of Valdemar while raising their children and preparing them to follow in their footsteps.
Mags, Herald Spy of Valdemar, and his wife, Amily, the King’s Own Herald, are happily married with three kids. The oldest, Peregrine, has the Gift of Animal Mindspeech—he can talk to animals and persuade them to act as he wishes. Perry's dream is to follow in his father's footsteps as a Herald Spy, but he has yet to be Chosen by a Companion.
-
-
Great continuation of the series!
- By Peter on 06-28-18
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Closer to Home
- Valdemar: The Herald Spy, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mags was once an enslaved orphan living a harsh life in the mines, until the King's Own Herald discovered his talent and trained him as a spy. Now a Herald in his own right, at the newly established Heralds' Collegium, Mags has found a supportive family, including his Companion Dallen.Although normally a Herald in his first year of Whites would be sent off on circuit, Mags is needed close to home for his abilities as a spy and his powerful Mindspeech gift.
-
-
Great story !!
- By T on 10-19-14
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Lord Foul’s Bane
- The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, Book 1
- By: Stephen R. Donaldson
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 19 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Thomas Covenant is a leper, a bitter and solitary pariah who is mystically transported to another Earth where time moves differently than ours, one in which magic takes many forms. The Land is threatened by many evils, the most immediate of which is a maddened Cavewight whose subterranean excavations have unearthed the ancient and puissant Staff of Law. More dangerous to the free people of the Land is the Gray Slayer, Lord Foul, the Despiser, who intends to destroy the actual foundations of the Earth that he might wage war against the universe’s creator.
-
-
The most underrated saga of our time
- By Matthew D. Bixby on 09-02-20
-
On Basilisk Station
- Honor Harrington, Book 1
- By: David Weber
- Narrated by: Allyson Johnson
- Length: 15 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Honor Harrington has been exiled to Basilisk station and given an antique ship to police the system. The vindictive superior who sent her there wants her to fail. But he made one mistake: he's made her mad....
-
-
Thanks for the memories
- By ShySusan on 03-23-13
By: David Weber
Related to this topic
-
Deryni Rising
- Chronicles of the Deryni, Book 1
- By: Katherine Kurtz
- Narrated by: Jeff Woodman
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the kingdom of Gwynedd, the mysterious forces of magic and the superior power of the Church combine to challenge the rule of young Kelson. Now the fate of the Deryni -- a quasi-mortal race of sorcerers -- and, indeed, the fate of all the Eleven Kingdoms, rests on Kelson's ability to quash the rebellion by any means necessary...including the prescribed use of magic!
-
-
WONDERFUL! Thank you Audible!
- By D Spaulding on 06-16-09
By: Katherine Kurtz
-
Cephrael's Hand
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 1
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 32 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....
-
-
This is a great book!!!
- By Dason on 07-30-16
By: Melissa McPhail
-
Grave Mercy
- His Fair Assassin, Book 1
- By: Robin LaFevers
- Narrated by: Erin Moon
- Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Escaping an arranged marriage, 17-year-old Ismae finds sanctuary in the St. Mortain convent, where the sisters worship the gods of old. There, Ismae learns that the God of Death has special plans for her—a destiny that will one day compel her to betray the man she loves.
-
-
Slow Start but Finished Strong
- By The Mankers on 10-12-12
By: Robin LaFevers
-
The Bone Doll's Twin
- Tamir Triad, Book 1
- By: Lynn Flewelling
- Narrated by: Victor Bevine, Lynn Flewelling
- Length: 16 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As people start to recall the Oracle's prophecy, Erius begins to quietly kill off his female relatives who pose the only threat to his monarchy. Constantly in fear for her life, Princess Ariani the King's sister, gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. But Ariani is married to Lord Rhius, the patron of the powerful wizard Iya, and Iya has sinister plans for the babes.
-
-
Not a bad beginning, but . . .
- By bluestatereader on 12-29-10
By: Lynn Flewelling
-
Green Rider
- By: Kristen Britain
- Narrated by: Ellen Archer
- Length: 16 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Karigan G’ladheon, running away from school, is traveling through a deep forest when a galloping horse pounds up to her, its rider impaled by two black-shafted arrows. With his dying breath, he tells her he is a Green Rider, one of the magical messengers of the King. Before he dies, he makes Karigan swear to deliver the message he’s carrying, and gives her his green coat, with the symbolic brooch of his office.
-
-
What a fantastic discovery!
- By GLENNO on 11-27-14
By: Kristen Britain
-
Kushiel's Dart
- By: Jacqueline Carey
- Narrated by: Anne Flosnik
- Length: 31 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good...and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.
-
-
The Kushiel series in order
- By Glen Gaines on 10-27-09
By: Jacqueline Carey
-
Deryni Rising
- Chronicles of the Deryni, Book 1
- By: Katherine Kurtz
- Narrated by: Jeff Woodman
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the kingdom of Gwynedd, the mysterious forces of magic and the superior power of the Church combine to challenge the rule of young Kelson. Now the fate of the Deryni -- a quasi-mortal race of sorcerers -- and, indeed, the fate of all the Eleven Kingdoms, rests on Kelson's ability to quash the rebellion by any means necessary...including the prescribed use of magic!
-
-
WONDERFUL! Thank you Audible!
- By D Spaulding on 06-16-09
By: Katherine Kurtz
-
Cephrael's Hand
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 1
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 32 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....
-
-
This is a great book!!!
- By Dason on 07-30-16
By: Melissa McPhail
-
Grave Mercy
- His Fair Assassin, Book 1
- By: Robin LaFevers
- Narrated by: Erin Moon
- Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Escaping an arranged marriage, 17-year-old Ismae finds sanctuary in the St. Mortain convent, where the sisters worship the gods of old. There, Ismae learns that the God of Death has special plans for her—a destiny that will one day compel her to betray the man she loves.
-
-
Slow Start but Finished Strong
- By The Mankers on 10-12-12
By: Robin LaFevers
-
The Bone Doll's Twin
- Tamir Triad, Book 1
- By: Lynn Flewelling
- Narrated by: Victor Bevine, Lynn Flewelling
- Length: 16 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As people start to recall the Oracle's prophecy, Erius begins to quietly kill off his female relatives who pose the only threat to his monarchy. Constantly in fear for her life, Princess Ariani the King's sister, gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. But Ariani is married to Lord Rhius, the patron of the powerful wizard Iya, and Iya has sinister plans for the babes.
-
-
Not a bad beginning, but . . .
- By bluestatereader on 12-29-10
By: Lynn Flewelling
-
Green Rider
- By: Kristen Britain
- Narrated by: Ellen Archer
- Length: 16 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Karigan G’ladheon, running away from school, is traveling through a deep forest when a galloping horse pounds up to her, its rider impaled by two black-shafted arrows. With his dying breath, he tells her he is a Green Rider, one of the magical messengers of the King. Before he dies, he makes Karigan swear to deliver the message he’s carrying, and gives her his green coat, with the symbolic brooch of his office.
-
-
What a fantastic discovery!
- By GLENNO on 11-27-14
By: Kristen Britain
-
Kushiel's Dart
- By: Jacqueline Carey
- Narrated by: Anne Flosnik
- Length: 31 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good...and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.
-
-
The Kushiel series in order
- By Glen Gaines on 10-27-09
By: Jacqueline Carey
-
The Sworn
- The Fallen Kings Cycle, Book 1
- By: Gail Z. Martin
- Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne
- Length: 17 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As plague and famine scourge the Winter Kingdoms, a vast invasion force is mustering from beyond the northern seas. And at its heart, a dark spirit mage wields the blood magic of ancient, vanquished gods. Summoner-King Martris Drayke must attempt to meet this great threat, gathering an army from a country ravaged by civil war. Neighboring lands reel toward anarchy while plague decimates their leaders.
-
-
Above average book with a poor narrator
- By Ross on 02-11-11
By: Gail Z. Martin
-
The Widow's Kiss
- By: Jane Feather
- Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
- Length: 16 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lady Guinevere Mallory has been married four times in 12 years, and each of her husbands has died mysteriously. Adept in the laws of property, she has secured the land of each of her late spouses, vastly increasing her personal wealth. After the death of her fourth husband, this trend raises some eyebrows at the royal court, and Hugh of Beaucaire is sent to investigate these puzzling events.
-
-
Not bad, but veeerryyy ssslllooowwww narration.
- By I like to shop on 08-31-18
By: Jane Feather
-
The Briar King
- The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, Book 1
- By: Greg Keyes
- Narrated by: Patrick Michael
- Length: 19 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two thousand years ago, the Born Queen defeated the Skasloi lords, freeing humans from the bitter yoke of slavery. But now monstrous creatures roam the land and destinies become inextricably entangled in a drama of power and seduction. The kings woodsman, a rebellious girl, a young priest, a roguish adventurer, and a young man made suddenly into a knight all face malevolent forces that shake the foundations of the kingdom, even as the Briar King, legendary harbinger of death, awakens from his slumber.
-
-
Good stuff
- By Jake on 06-10-10
By: Greg Keyes
-
Rhapsody
- Child of Blood
- By: Elizabeth Haydon
- Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins
- Length: 30 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rhapsody is a woman, a singer of some talent who is swept up into events of world-shattering import. On the run from an old romantic interest who won't take no for an answer, Rhapsody literally bumps into a couple of shady characters: half breeds who come to her rescue in the nick of time. Only the rescue turns into an abduction, and Rhapsody soon finds herself dragged along on an epic voyage--one that spans centuries and ranges across a wonder-filled fantasy world.
-
-
Good story! Terrible narration.
- By CharmY2K on 04-30-15
By: Elizabeth Haydon
-
Son of Avonar
- Bridge of D'Arnath, Book 1
- By: Carol Berg
- Narrated by: Angele Masters
- Length: 19 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Magic is forbidden throughout the Four Realms. For decades, sorcerers and those associating with them were hunted to near extinction.But Seri, a Leiran noblewoman living in exile, is no stranger to defying the unjust laws of her land. She is sheltering a wanted fugitive who possesses unusual abilities-a fugitive with the fate of the realms in his hands...
-
-
Great Series!
- By Bob-o on 08-30-16
By: Carol Berg
-
I, Strahd: The Memoirs of a Vampire
- Ravenloft: Strahd, Book 1
- By: P. N. Elrod
- Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
- Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Some of the parchment pages were the color of cream, thick and substantial, made to last many, many lifetimes. Other pages were thin and desiccated, positively yellow from age, and crackled alarmingly as Van Richten turned them over. There were no ornate illuminations, no fussy borders, only lines of plain text in hard black ink. The flowing handwriting was a bit difficult to follow at first; the writer's style of calligraphy had not been in common use for 300 years. No table of contents, but from the dates it looked to be some kind of history.
-
-
Love it...just one complaint....
- By Ryan Conrad on 03-15-14
By: P. N. Elrod
-
The Second Generation
- By: Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
- Length: 16 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Years have passed since the end of the War of the Lance. The people of Ansalon have rebuilt their lives, their houses, their families. The Companions of the Lance, too, have returned to their homes, raising children and putting the days of their heroic deeds behind them. But peace on Krynn comes at a price. The forces of darkness are ever vigilant, searching for ways to erode the balance of power and take control. When subtle changes begin to permeate the fragile peace, new lives are drawn into the web of fate woven around all the races.
-
-
Good story
- By Tom Hiltbrunn on 01-04-15
By: Margaret Weis, and others
-
Katherine
- A Novel
- By: Anya Seton
- Narrated by: Lorna Bennett
- Length: 29 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Set in the vibrant fourteenth century of Chaucer and the Black Death, the story features knights fighting in battle, serfs struggling in poverty, and the magnificent Plantagenets—Edward III, the Black Prince, and Richard II—who rule despotically over a court rotten with intrigue. Within this era of danger and romance, John of Gaunt, the king’s son, falls passionately in love with the already-married Katherine. Their affair persists through decades of war, adultery, murder, loneliness, and redemption.
-
-
my favorite novel brought to life
- By Heather on 10-04-23
By: Anya Seton
-
Between Two Fires
- A Novel
- By: Mark Noce
- Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik
- Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Saxon barbarians threaten to destroy medieval Wales. Lady Branwen becomes Wales' last hope to unite their divided kingdoms when her father betroths her to a powerful Welsh warlord, the Hammer King. But the fledgling alliance is fraught with enemies from within and without as Branwen becomes the target of assassination attempts and courtly intrigue.
-
-
An epic tale!
- By Voracious Reader on 09-14-16
By: Mark Noce
-
Magic Casement
- A Man of His Word, Book 1
- By: Dave Duncan
- Narrated by: Mil Nicholson
- Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Princess Inos lived an idyllic life in her fathers' sleepy, backwater kingdom, and she was best friends with her childhood companion, the stableboy, Rap. But when a prophecy seemed to say Inos should be married, she was exiled to the Impire to learn to be a lady. She was far away when Rap's magical talents began to emerge, and it was he who told her of the fate awaiting them both.
-
-
One of my favorite Fantasy Series
- By Sean Dustman on 10-12-12
By: Dave Duncan
-
The Legend of Huma
- Dragonlance: Heroes, Book 1
- By: Richard A. Knaak
- Narrated by: Richard Topol
- Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Only fragments of the account of Huma survived the Cataclysm that broke the world of Krynn. The fullness of his tale has never been told – until now. One man took up the call to defend the world against the Queen of Darkness. He was the first Hero of the Lance, driven by his devotion to the Oath and the Measure and his love for a silver dragon. His life made him a hero. Here is the tale that made him a legend….
-
-
poor performance, good story
- By Tim & Michelle on 10-25-16
By: Richard A. Knaak
-
The Queen's Lady
- By: Barbara Kyle
- Narrated by: Barbara Kyle
- Length: 21 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Abducted as a child-heiress, Honor Larke escapes to London seeking justice from the only lawyer she knows: the brilliant Sir Thomas More. With More as her affectionate guardian, Honor grows to womanhood, when the glitter of the royal court lures her to attend Her Majesty, Queen Catherine of Aragon. But life at Henry VIII’s court holds more than artifice for an intelligent observer, and Honor knows how to watch - and when to act.
-
-
Very Disappointing
- By elizabeth on 03-27-14
By: Barbara Kyle
What listeners say about Deryni Checkmate
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Boats
- 06-18-22
One of my Favorite Series
King Kelson is a great character that needs help, thru loyalty, friendship and a bit of magic help comes to those to deserve it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tork
- 01-15-18
Lover this book
I must have read it ten times by now. Listening is just as good. Love it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- steven fulford
- 05-01-17
keeps the high standards of the previous book
What did you love best about Deryni Checkmate?
The interaction of church and the crown.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Deryni Checkmate?
When the bishop reveled himself as a Deryni also
Which character – as performed by Jeff Woodman – was your favorite?
Duncan
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
civil war and inquisition run wild!
Any additional comments?
This continues the great beginning of the first book with additional complications of a civil war. Well thought out, well read, great characters.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
- D Spaulding
- 06-16-09
THRILLING!
More politics and intrigue and Deryni magic! One might think the prejudices in this work mirror our world's conflict with race and religion, and at times it -is- a little heavy handed, but well worth the listen! The narrator is -excellent-. I highly recommend this work
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- C. Buck
- 04-18-18
Very enjoyable
I enjoyed listening to this book very much. I can't wait to get the next one.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- KH
- 12-16-14
Church vs. State
Originally published at Fantasy Literature.
Deryni Checkmate, first published in 1972, is the second novel in Katherine Kurtz’s epic fantasy series that’s set in a world called Gwynedd (loosely based our own medieval UK) where some people have inherited magic from a race called the Deryni which has interbred with normal humans. The church of Gwynedd considers magic anathema and is using its wealth, power, and influence to rid the world of Deryni magic. Thus, Kurtz’s story is clearly inspired by our own middle ages when the Roman Catholic Church dominated Western religious and political systems and, having strayed from its Biblical roots, lorded it over the political leaders and the rest of the citizenry.
In the previous novel, Deryni Rising (1970), we met young King Kelson who ascended the throne after his father was killed by an evil Deryni sorceress. With help from his father’s friends and advisors, Kelson discovered his own Deryni powers and defeated her. Now, only a few months later, Kelson is 14 and he realizes how inexperienced he is. He relies on the help of his uncle Duke Alaric Morgan and Morgan’s cousin Monsignor Duncan McLain, a priest of the church. Both men are half-Deryni. But the church is after Morgan (at the beginning of the novel they don’t yet know about Duncan). They’ve ex-communicated Morgan which means that Kelson is not allowed to have any sort of relationship with his Uncle at a time when a neighboring kingdom is threatening to invade and Kelson needs Morgan’s connections and military expertise. The church is threatening to put the entire region under interdict if Morgan will not turn himself in and recant his powers. This causes a rift between the church and state and threatens to lead toward civil war and even a split in the church itself.
Meanwhile, an anti-Deryni zealot named Warin de Grey is gathering minions and terrorizing citizens. Because they both have the same enemies (the Deryni), the Archbishop is courting Warin, but he doesn’t know all the zealot’s secrets. Another subplot involves Morgan’s sister Bronwyn and her fiancé Brian, who is Duncan’s brother. They get caught up in an incident involving another evil sorceress. Thus we see that Deryni magic has the potential to be a weapon of terror and destruction, which helps us sympathize with the church’s traditional stance on the issue, if not with the Archbishop who is actually leading the witch hunt.
I don’t typically enjoy older medieval-style epic fantasy as much as I used to; I’m a little tired of all the pomp and circumstance, all the courtly mannerisms, and just the heaviness of it all, but I like Katherine Kurtz’s heroes — especially Morgan and Duncan. I suspect that I’ll also become increasingly fond of Kelson as he matures into his role as king. I’m certainly interested in what happens to these people in the next book, High Deryni. Will Morgan and Duncan be reinstated? Will all of Gwynedd be punished for the sins of its Duke? Will there be a Reformation in the church? What will Kelson be like when he becomes a man? I plan to find out.
I listened to Audible Studio’s production of Deryni Checkmate which is 9.5 hour long and excellently read by Jeff Woodman. He has a pleasant English accent, nice pacing, and does a great job with both male and female voices. I will choose High Deryni in this format, also.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Douglas Sundseth
- 01-27-24
Good Story, Mediocre Narrator
Kurtz did a brilliant job of making both the heroes and villains of this piece believable. Nearly all of them believe that they're doing the right things, even when their actions are what I would consider evil. The only exception is a character who does evil in one of the most banal ways possible.
The protagonists (here Duncan and Morgan, not King Kelson) are faced with a multitude of existential threats and their struggle against all of them at once is both believable and serious, and their actions do not stretch credulity.
The church represented here is clearly based on the medieval Roman Catholic church, but no mention of any hierarchy above kingdom level is made, which makes things a bit odd. It's not clear how much power individual church leaders have, either in law or in persuasion, which damages the story a bit.
Among the best elements of this series is its excellent demonstration of both the good and evil of organized religion. The power of the morally certain for both good an ill is very strong, both in fiction and in reality.
Jeff Woodman, the narrator, has a pleasant voice and presents a decent version of the characters, but he consistently pronounces a few words wrong. In particular, his pronunciation of "interdict", which is a core element of the plot, is not supported by any dictionary I've found. The result is that the story flow is interrupted every time the word comes up.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
- Leo Fry
- 07-01-09
NOGO
Ist book was fine,but this one was not upto par.Installed Characters that did nothing for the story but take up space.About 3 hours of the book had anything to enhance the story.I will try next of series and hope it is better.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful