First Year
The Black Mage, Book 1
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 $19.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Melissa Moran
-
By:
-
Rachel E. Carter
About this listen
For 15-year-old Ryiah the choice has always been easy. Become a warrior and leave the boring confines of her lowborn life behind. Set to enroll in the School of Knighthood on the eve of her next birthday, plans suddenly shift when her twin brother discovers powers. Hoping that hers will soon follow, she enrolls with Alex at the Academy instead - the realm's most notorious war school for those with magic.
Yet when she arrives, Ry finds herself competing against friend and foe for one of the exalted apprenticeships. Every "first-year" is given a trial year to prove their worth - and no amount of hard work and drive will guarantee them a spot. It seems like everyone is rooting for her to fail - and first and foremost among them Prince Darren, the school prodigy who has done nothing but make life miserable since she arrived.
When an accidental encounter leads Ryiah and Darren to an unlikely friendship, she is convinced nothing good will come of it. But the lines become blurred when she begins to improve - and soon she is a key competitor for the faction of Combat. Still, nothing is ever as it seems - and when the world comes crashing down around her, Ry is forced to place faith in the one thing she can believe in - herself. Will it be enough?
©2014 Clean Reads (P)2016 Clean ReadsListeners also enjoyed...
-
Non-Heir
- The Black Mage Prequel Novella, Book 0
- By: Rachel E. Carter
- Narrated by: Pavi Proczko
- Length: 2 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This prequel novella is set before the events of First Year (The Black Mage Book 1), following Prince Darren as a child through adolescence and his first run-in with Ryiah at the Academy of Magic. Listeners discover the dark backstory between the two princes and their father, as well as the ensuing events that shaped Darren into the Academy's most prodigal mage.
-
-
Enticement into the series, quite successful
- By Holly on 01-16-21
By: Rachel E. Carter
-
Firstborn Academy: The Complete Trilogy
- Firstborn Academy, Book 1-3
- By: Isla Frost
- Narrated by: Amanda Dolan
- Length: 18 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ever since magic stormed the world, the price for human survival is surrendering your firstborn to the monsters. But this year it's Nova's turn, and the monsters better watch their backs.
-
-
I wouldn’t recommend
- By Megan Webster on 05-29-21
By: Isla Frost
-
Elemental Magic: The Complete Series
- The Coven
- By: Chandelle LaVaun
- Narrated by: Vanessa Moyen
- Length: 40 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I was nobody. No matter how hard I tried, I never fit in with anyone at my high school. Now I know why. Turns out I'm a witch. A scary powerful one, too. Except The Coven that claimed me won't teach me how to use my magic. Suddenly, I'm selected by the Goddess to hunt down a mythical locket needed to save the world from destruction. The only person who actually tries to help me is the alarmingly attractive Tennessee. He has immeasurable power and breathtaking mismatched eyes. I'm drawn to him on a level I can't explain...and he's forbidden from getting too close to me.
-
-
I am so sad that I spent credits on this.
- By SBScorpio on 08-22-22
By: Chandelle LaVaun
-
Air Awakens
- Air Awakens Series, Book 1
- By: Elise Kova
- Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
- Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.
-
-
surprisingly awesome
- By EJC.TSUCHIYA on 07-03-22
By: Elise Kova
-
An Heir Comes to Rise
- An Heir Comes to Rise, Book 1
- By: Chloe C. Peñaranda
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Evans
- Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the impoverished outer town of a kingdom where fae outrank humans, Faythe, an orphan with a talent for swordplay, knows the importance of keeping her head down around the fae patrol. She and best friend Jakon long for a better life, and her desire to swing her sword in combat may bring the purpose and coin she's yearned for.
-
-
It’s ok.
- By Sara on 01-21-23
-
The Elf Tangent
- By: Lindsay Buroker
- Narrated by: Vivienne Leheny
- Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Studying mathematics and writing papers on economic theory in an effort to fix her people’s financial woes? Her father has forbidden it. With war on the horizon, they must focus on the immediate threat. Reluctantly, Aldari agrees to marry a prince in a neighboring kingdom to secure an alliance her people desperately need. All is going to plan until the handsome elven mercenary captain hired to guard her marriage caravan turns into her kidnapper. His people are in trouble, and he believes she has the knowledge to help.
-
-
Sweet romance, interesting plot
- By AMP5 on 09-08-22
By: Lindsay Buroker
-
Non-Heir
- The Black Mage Prequel Novella, Book 0
- By: Rachel E. Carter
- Narrated by: Pavi Proczko
- Length: 2 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This prequel novella is set before the events of First Year (The Black Mage Book 1), following Prince Darren as a child through adolescence and his first run-in with Ryiah at the Academy of Magic. Listeners discover the dark backstory between the two princes and their father, as well as the ensuing events that shaped Darren into the Academy's most prodigal mage.
-
-
Enticement into the series, quite successful
- By Holly on 01-16-21
By: Rachel E. Carter
-
Firstborn Academy: The Complete Trilogy
- Firstborn Academy, Book 1-3
- By: Isla Frost
- Narrated by: Amanda Dolan
- Length: 18 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ever since magic stormed the world, the price for human survival is surrendering your firstborn to the monsters. But this year it's Nova's turn, and the monsters better watch their backs.
-
-
I wouldn’t recommend
- By Megan Webster on 05-29-21
By: Isla Frost
-
Elemental Magic: The Complete Series
- The Coven
- By: Chandelle LaVaun
- Narrated by: Vanessa Moyen
- Length: 40 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I was nobody. No matter how hard I tried, I never fit in with anyone at my high school. Now I know why. Turns out I'm a witch. A scary powerful one, too. Except The Coven that claimed me won't teach me how to use my magic. Suddenly, I'm selected by the Goddess to hunt down a mythical locket needed to save the world from destruction. The only person who actually tries to help me is the alarmingly attractive Tennessee. He has immeasurable power and breathtaking mismatched eyes. I'm drawn to him on a level I can't explain...and he's forbidden from getting too close to me.
-
-
I am so sad that I spent credits on this.
- By SBScorpio on 08-22-22
By: Chandelle LaVaun
-
Air Awakens
- Air Awakens Series, Book 1
- By: Elise Kova
- Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
- Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.
-
-
surprisingly awesome
- By EJC.TSUCHIYA on 07-03-22
By: Elise Kova
-
An Heir Comes to Rise
- An Heir Comes to Rise, Book 1
- By: Chloe C. Peñaranda
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Evans
- Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the impoverished outer town of a kingdom where fae outrank humans, Faythe, an orphan with a talent for swordplay, knows the importance of keeping her head down around the fae patrol. She and best friend Jakon long for a better life, and her desire to swing her sword in combat may bring the purpose and coin she's yearned for.
-
-
It’s ok.
- By Sara on 01-21-23
-
The Elf Tangent
- By: Lindsay Buroker
- Narrated by: Vivienne Leheny
- Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Studying mathematics and writing papers on economic theory in an effort to fix her people’s financial woes? Her father has forbidden it. With war on the horizon, they must focus on the immediate threat. Reluctantly, Aldari agrees to marry a prince in a neighboring kingdom to secure an alliance her people desperately need. All is going to plan until the handsome elven mercenary captain hired to guard her marriage caravan turns into her kidnapper. His people are in trouble, and he believes she has the knowledge to help.
-
-
Sweet romance, interesting plot
- By AMP5 on 09-08-22
By: Lindsay Buroker
-
Relentless
- By: Karen Lynch
- Narrated by: Caitlin Greer
- Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sara Grey's world shattered 10 years ago when her father was brutally murdered. Now, at 17, she is still haunted by memories of that day and driven by the need to understand why it happened. She lives a life full of secrets, and her family and friends have no idea of the supernatural world she is immersed in or of Sara's own very powerful gift. In her quest for answers about her father's death, Sara takes risks that expose her and her friends to danger and puts herself into the sights of a sadistic vampire.
-
-
Outstanding Plot & Characters
- By BookAddict on 02-02-16
By: Karen Lynch
-
Emma
- An Audible Original Drama
- By: Jane Austen, Anna Lea - adaptation
- Narrated by: Emma Thompson, Joanne Froggatt, Isabella Inchbald, and others
- Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Austen wrote, 'I am going to take a heroine whom no-one but myself will much like' and thus introduces the handsome, clever, rich - and flawed, Emma Woodhouse. Emma is perfectly content with her life and sees no need for either love or marriage; nothing however delights her more than matchmaking her fellow residents of Highbury. But when she ignores the warnings of her good friend Mr. Knightley and attempts to arrange a suitable match for her protegee Harriet Smith, her carefully laid plans soon unravel and have consequences that she never expected.
-
-
Background sonds RUINED this
- By Sandra Dodd on 09-09-18
By: Jane Austen, and others
-
Born in Fire (Dramatized Adaptation)
- Demon Days, Vampire Nights World, Book 1
- By: K.F. Breene
- Narrated by: Elliot Dash, Holly Adams, James Lewis, and others
- Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Supernatural Bounty Hunter isn’t the sort of thing you see on LinkedIn. But with a rare type of magic like mine, I don’t have many options. So dangerous or not, the job is mine. And it was going fine, until an old as sin vampire stole my mark, and with it, my pay day.
-
-
Absolutely worth it to get this version
- By HB on 11-03-22
By: K.F. Breene
-
Reborn
- The Jade Phoenix Saga, Book 1
- By: D.I. Freed
- Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
- Length: 23 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Corrupted. This is the word that has defined Yu since her infancy. Her God Sign is corrupted and so she is a cultivator without cultivation. Frail and sickly, Yu is the only descendant of her mighty warrior lineage to live without strength, without purpose. She is a stain on the honor of her family, an embarrassment to her prestigious clan. Hidden away, Yu comes to live with the constant scorn and ridicule of her peers. She is bullied, beaten, and bloodied. But she is never broken. She dreams of one day proving herself worthy.
-
-
Loved it, worth the credit
- By Kindle Customer on 06-30-22
By: D.I. Freed
-
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Book 1
- By: J.K. Rowling
- Narrated by: Jim Dale
- Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!
-
-
A great reading of the wrong book
- By P on 11-24-15
By: J.K. Rowling
-
Wildest Dreams
- By: Kristen Ashley
- Narrated by: Tillie Hooper
- Length: 19 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Seoafin Wilde was taught by her parents that every breath was a treasure and to seek every adventure she could find. She learns this lesson the hard way after they perish in a plane crash. When she discovers there’s a parallel universe where every person has a twin, she finds a witch who can send her there so she can see her parents again. And have the adventure of a lifetime.
-
-
Important note if you're unsure about listening!
- By Kagomaru on 06-26-19
By: Kristen Ashley
-
The Silmarillion
- By: J. R. R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien
- Narrated by: Andy Serkis
- Length: 19 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The tales of The Silmarillion are set in an age when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor. Included on the recording are several shorter works. The Ainulindalë is a myth of the Creation and in the Valaquenta the nature and powers of each of the gods is described. The Akallabêth recounts the downfall of the great island kingdom of Númenor at the end of the Second Age, and Of the Rings of Power tells of the great events at the end of the Third Age.
-
-
TIPS when reading this book:
- By Anonymous User on 06-29-23
By: J. R. R. Tolkien, and others
-
Paper Princess
- By: Erin Watt
- Narrated by: Angela Goethals
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
These Royals will ruin you...Ella Harper is a survivor - a pragmatic optimist. She's spent her whole life moving from town to town with her flighty mother, struggling to make ends meet and believing that someday she'll climb out of the gutter. After her mother's death, Ella is truly alone. Until Callum Royal appears, plucking Ella out of poverty and tossing her into his posh mansion among his five sons who all hate her. Each Royal boy is more magnetic than the last, but none as captivating as Reed Royal, the boy who is determined to send her back to the slums.
-
-
Angsty YA Steprother type book
- By Ana's Attic on 02-16-17
By: Erin Watt
-
Trial of the Sun Queen
- Artefacts of Ouranos, Book 1
- By: Nisha J Tuli
- Narrated by: Corvin King, Soneela Nankani
- Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King's rule. Her only desire is to get free and pay him back for every moment of misery she's endured. When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight as she competes against nine other tributes for the role of queen. If she wins his heart, she'll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge. But Lor doesn't belong in the Sun Queen trials.
-
-
Male reader is too monotone.
- By emily on 09-07-23
By: Nisha J Tuli
-
Curse of Shadows and Thorns
- The Broken Kingdoms, Book 1
- By: LJ Andrews
- Narrated by: Stina Nielsen
- Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As niece of the king, Elise Lysander cares about two things: sneaking into gambling dens, and avoiding an advantageous marriage at all costs. When her uncle holds the life of her deathly ill father over her head, reluctantly, Elise puts her fate into the hands of Legion Grey, the handsome and mysterious dowry negotiator. He may be arrogant and infuriating, but soon Legion incites a blistering, forbidden passion she can’t ignore.
-
-
Great concept, poor execution on the writing side
- By Kel on 11-24-22
By: LJ Andrews
-
Academy Magic: The Complete Series
- The Coven
- By: Chandelle LaVaun
- Narrated by: Vanessa Moyen
- Length: 43 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You know you’re invisible when even your bullies forget to pick on you. That’s me, Bettina Blair, hidden in plain sight. No matter how hard I try, I just never fit in with my classmates. Now I know why. I’m a witch...apparently. One little demon attack and my parents confess their ugly secret…and ship me off to an elite academy of magic—for witches only. I just don't belong here, and Jackson Lancaster keeps reminding me every single chance he gets. This boy is the most insufferable, intolerable, unbearable, judgmental person to ever have the right to be that gorgeous.
-
-
Do NOT get this audiobook! See review:
- By Iniysa on 06-16-23
By: Chandelle LaVaun
-
Ender's Game
- By: Orson Scott Card
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison
- Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A full-cast production of the science fiction classic featuring original recordings of Orson Scott Card
By: Orson Scott Card
Related to this topic
-
The Adventurers Guild
- The Adventurers Guild Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Zack Loran Clark, Nick Eliopulos
- Narrated by: Johnny Heller
- Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In one of the last cities standing after the world fell to monsters, best friends Zed Kagari and Brock Dunderfel have high hopes for the future. Zed desperately wishes to join the ranks of the Mages Guild, where his status as Freestone's only half-elf might finally be an asset. Brock, the roguishly handsome son of merchants, is confident he'll be welcomed into the ranks of the Merchants Guild. But just as it seems the boys' dreams have come true, their lives take a startling turn...and they find themselves members of the perilous Adventurers Guild.
-
-
Well written and well read.
- By Reviewer on 05-22-19
By: Zack Loran Clark, and others
-
The Affiliate
- By: K.A. Linde
- Narrated by: Erin Mallon
- Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, 17-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland - an Affiliate to the Queen. Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems.
-
-
Not a fan of Narrator
- By Priscilla on 05-25-17
By: K.A. Linde
-
Dragonvein, Book One
- By: Brian D. Anderson
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Carentan, France, 1944 - Ethan Martin, a soldier in the 101st Airborne, is fighting for his life. But soon he will learn what peril truly is when he is ripped from his world and transported to a land of magic, swords, and dragons. And though the Nazis are now far, far away, danger is closer than ever.
-
-
Interesting Story but very light on in details.
- By Kindle Customer on 07-16-15
-
Onyx & Ivory
- By: Mindee Arnett
- Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
- Length: 14 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
They call her Traitor Kate. It’s a title Kate Brighton inherited from her father after he tried to assassinate the high king of Rime. Cast out of the nobility, Kate now works for the royal courier service. Only the most skilled ride for the Relay and only the fastest survive, for when night falls, the drakes - deadly flightless dragons - come out to hunt. Fortunately, Kate has a secret edge: She is a wilder, born with forbidden magic that allows her to influence the minds of animals.
-
-
Fantastic.
- By Alex Tollefson on 06-04-18
By: Mindee Arnett
-
Taming Fire
- Dragonprince Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Aaron Pogue
- Narrated by: Cameron Beierle
- Length: 14 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Daven Carrickson grew up as a beggar in the filthy alleys beneath the shadows of the palace. He's the son of a known thief, disgraced and despised. His only real talent is his ability with a sword, and his only real chance at finding honor or a home is a desperate dream of joining the King's Guard. Then, Daven receives a new future when Master Claighan invites him to study magic at the Academy. The wizard offers to make him into a new kind of soldier: a swordsman equally skilled with forged blades and mystic forces.
-
-
Wow what a ride this kid had to take
- By Krop Circle LLC on 08-09-14
By: Aaron Pogue
-
Lichgates
- Book One of the Grimoire Saga
- By: S.M. Boyce
- Narrated by: Kara Kovacich Stewart
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Kara Magari uncovers a secret door in the middle of the forest, she discovers (and trips through) a portal to a hidden world full of terrifying things: Ourea. She just wants to go home, but the natives have other plans for her. She clashes with immortal shapeshifters, is carried off by a dragon, nearly dies on several occasions, and somehow becomes the master of an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire. Every time she thinks she's safe, her new "friends" show their true colors.
-
-
A twisting tale
- By James on 11-19-15
By: S.M. Boyce
-
The Adventurers Guild
- The Adventurers Guild Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Zack Loran Clark, Nick Eliopulos
- Narrated by: Johnny Heller
- Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In one of the last cities standing after the world fell to monsters, best friends Zed Kagari and Brock Dunderfel have high hopes for the future. Zed desperately wishes to join the ranks of the Mages Guild, where his status as Freestone's only half-elf might finally be an asset. Brock, the roguishly handsome son of merchants, is confident he'll be welcomed into the ranks of the Merchants Guild. But just as it seems the boys' dreams have come true, their lives take a startling turn...and they find themselves members of the perilous Adventurers Guild.
-
-
Well written and well read.
- By Reviewer on 05-22-19
By: Zack Loran Clark, and others
-
The Affiliate
- By: K.A. Linde
- Narrated by: Erin Mallon
- Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, 17-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland - an Affiliate to the Queen. Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems.
-
-
Not a fan of Narrator
- By Priscilla on 05-25-17
By: K.A. Linde
-
Dragonvein, Book One
- By: Brian D. Anderson
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Carentan, France, 1944 - Ethan Martin, a soldier in the 101st Airborne, is fighting for his life. But soon he will learn what peril truly is when he is ripped from his world and transported to a land of magic, swords, and dragons. And though the Nazis are now far, far away, danger is closer than ever.
-
-
Interesting Story but very light on in details.
- By Kindle Customer on 07-16-15
-
Onyx & Ivory
- By: Mindee Arnett
- Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
- Length: 14 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
They call her Traitor Kate. It’s a title Kate Brighton inherited from her father after he tried to assassinate the high king of Rime. Cast out of the nobility, Kate now works for the royal courier service. Only the most skilled ride for the Relay and only the fastest survive, for when night falls, the drakes - deadly flightless dragons - come out to hunt. Fortunately, Kate has a secret edge: She is a wilder, born with forbidden magic that allows her to influence the minds of animals.
-
-
Fantastic.
- By Alex Tollefson on 06-04-18
By: Mindee Arnett
-
Taming Fire
- Dragonprince Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Aaron Pogue
- Narrated by: Cameron Beierle
- Length: 14 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Daven Carrickson grew up as a beggar in the filthy alleys beneath the shadows of the palace. He's the son of a known thief, disgraced and despised. His only real talent is his ability with a sword, and his only real chance at finding honor or a home is a desperate dream of joining the King's Guard. Then, Daven receives a new future when Master Claighan invites him to study magic at the Academy. The wizard offers to make him into a new kind of soldier: a swordsman equally skilled with forged blades and mystic forces.
-
-
Wow what a ride this kid had to take
- By Krop Circle LLC on 08-09-14
By: Aaron Pogue
-
Lichgates
- Book One of the Grimoire Saga
- By: S.M. Boyce
- Narrated by: Kara Kovacich Stewart
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Kara Magari uncovers a secret door in the middle of the forest, she discovers (and trips through) a portal to a hidden world full of terrifying things: Ourea. She just wants to go home, but the natives have other plans for her. She clashes with immortal shapeshifters, is carried off by a dragon, nearly dies on several occasions, and somehow becomes the master of an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire. Every time she thinks she's safe, her new "friends" show their true colors.
-
-
A twisting tale
- By James on 11-19-15
By: S.M. Boyce
-
Brimstone Angels
- A Forgotten Realms Novel
- By: Erin M. Evans
- Narrated by: Dina Pearlman
- Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rejected at birth and raised in a village of tiefling misfits, Farideh expects a life without friends, love, or control over her destiny. Then she makes a pact with a devil named Lorcan, and everything changes. Lorcan promises all she ever dreamed of and asks for nothing in return. Her twin sister Havilar urges Farideh to resist the devil’s sway. But Farideh’s not so sure. Lorcan may be dangerous but the power he offers is exhilarating.
-
-
I think I would have loved this when I was 13
- By C2 on 10-29-20
By: Erin M. Evans
-
The Traitor's Kiss
- Traitor's Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Erin Beaty
- Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney
- Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With a sharp tongue and an unruly temper, Sage Fowler is not what they'd call a lady, which is perfectly fine with her. Deemed unfit for marriage, Sage is apprenticed to a matchmaker and tasked with wrangling other young ladies to be married off for political alliances. She spies on the girls - and on the soldiers escorting them. As the girls' military escort senses a political uprising, Sage is recruited by a handsome soldier to infiltrate the enemy ranks.
-
-
It was ok, but i didn't even finish it
- By Guy A on 10-14-17
By: Erin Beaty
-
Defy (Defy Trilogy, Book 1)
- By: Sara B. Larson
- Narrated by: Rebecca Mozo
- Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alexa uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alexa can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory. The longer Alexa is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets.
-
-
Could have been a great story
- By Rebecca on 04-29-14
By: Sara B. Larson
-
Of Beast and Beauty
- Daughters of Eville, Book 1
- By: Chanda Hahn
- Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky
- Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Everyone dreams of marrying a prince - except for me. I am nothing more than a pawn in my adoptive mother's diabolical plot against the seven kingdoms. I was the chosen tool, her sharpened blade that would cut the deepest into the heart of the kingdom of Baist. But like all deadly weapons, my wedding is two-edged sword that could cost me my soul. For I am Rosalie, one of the adopted daughters of Lady Eville, and it is my duty to enter into a loveless and hate-filled marriage with the narcissistic Crown Prince of Baist.
-
-
OF BEAST AND BEAUTY
- By 🐺 SCARLET PIMPERNEL 🐺 on 11-08-19
By: Chanda Hahn
-
Fatemarked
- The Fatemarked Epic, Book 1
- By: David Estes
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 19 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
They are the fatemarked. Misunderstood. Worshipped. Hated. Murdered at birth. Their time to step into the light has come. An ancient prophecy foretold their coming, the chosen few who will bring peace to a land embroiled in a century of mistrust and war. When kings start dying, that hope and belief swiftly turns to fear. Roan Loren is one of the fatemarked, but has hidden his mark of power his entire life, fearing the damage it might cause to those around him. A great evil is coming. He can't hide anymore.
-
-
Written to fit an ideology, not the story it tells
- By znidarsic.blaz on 04-30-18
By: David Estes
-
Touch of Power
- By: Maria V. Snyder
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
- Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.
-
-
Not worth it if you've read Poison Study
- By Jaime on 09-10-12
By: Maria V. Snyder
-
The Storm Siren Trilogy
- Storm Siren, Siren's Fury, Siren's Song
- By: Mary Weber
- Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman, Christine Stevens
- Length: 30 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Storm Sire: As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth—meaning, she shouldn’t even exist. Siren's Fury: Nym risked her life to save Faelen, her homeland, from a losing war, only to discover that the shapeshifter Draewulf has stolen everything she holds dear. Siren's Song: Nym and Draewulf prepare to face off in a battle destined to destroy more lives than it saves.
-
-
The destination is not worth the journey
- By Amazon Customer on 01-25-24
By: Mary Weber
-
The Fate's Forsaken Omnibus
- Books 1-2 and Prequel Novella
- By: Shae Ford
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 37 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Books 1, 2, and the prequel novella of the Fate's Forsaken series. The series follows the adventures of Kael: a young man who is thrust from his home in the Unforgivable Mountains and onto a hero's path. The journey is long, the battles are fierce - nearly all of his companions are outlaws. And Kael's rotten bad luck seems to make everything worse. This is his story.
-
-
Fantasy with light romance
- By Skipper on 09-23-15
By: Shae Ford
-
Royal Bastards
- By: Andrew Shvarts
- Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
- Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Being a bastard blows. Tilla would know. Her father, Lord Kent of the Western Province, loved her as a child but cast her aside as soon as he had trueborn children. At 16 Tilla spends her days exploring long-forgotten tunnels beneath the castle with her stablehand half brother, Jax, and her nights drinking with the servants, passing out on Jax's floor while her castle bedroom collects dust. Tilla secretly longs to sit by her father's side, enjoying feasts with the rest of the family.
-
-
Reading is not the same as the physical copy
- By Annelle Powell on 07-09-18
By: Andrew Shvarts
-
Web of Eyes
- By: Rhett C. Bruno, Jaime Castle
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When a piece of the crown prince's soul is stolen by a traitorous warlock, disgraced knight Torsten Unger makes it his sworn duty to get it back and save the last hope for the kingdom. But he can't do it alone. Self-proclaimed "World's Greatest Thief" Whitney Fierstown sits in the castle dungeon, destined for the gallows until Torsten offers this choice: rot and die in a dank cell or join him on a dangerous expedition to put his skills to good use and earn his freedom.
-
-
A Fantasy Version of 48 Hours
- By John Kang on 12-24-18
By: Rhett C. Bruno, and others
-
The Demon King
- A Seven Realms Novel
- By: Cinda Williams Chima
- Narrated by: Carol Monda
- Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The first of a new young adult trilogy, The Demon King features a former thief, Han, who’s trying to provide for his mother and sister. One day Han, who sports mysterious (and certainly magical) silver cuffs on his wrists, confronts wizards setting fire to a sacred mountain. Now possessing one ofthe wizards’ amulets, Han faces more trouble than he ever could have imagined.
-
-
Sooooooo Good!!!!!
- By Sharon on 06-15-13
-
Moonburner
- By: Claire Luana
- Narrated by: Emma Lysy
- Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When 17-year-old Kai is exposed as a female sorceress, a moonburner, she knows the punishment is death. Despite the odds against her, Kai escapes her fate and undertakes a harrowing journey to a land where moonburners are revered and trained as warriors. But the moonburner citadel is not the place of refuge and learning that Kai imagined.
-
-
Excellent!!
- By Natalie @ ABookLoversLife on 11-07-16
By: Claire Luana
What listeners say about First Year
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anne
- 03-16-17
awesome!!!
I cannot wait to hear the sequels!! thank you audible books! I would recommend this
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ben
- 12-02-16
Appealing but unfulfilling YA
My first impression of this book wasn't great. The narrator seemed to over-enunciate every word, the action was spurred by outlandishly implausible events (who jams their entire grasping hand into a thorny berry bush at night on purpose?). However, the complexity of this book lies in its peaks and troughs. It is well-written, but not outstandingly so. The narrators grew on me after an hour or so and I found her to be well-suited to the role by the end. The plot, however, moves from extremely exciting scenes and sequences that pulled me forward, to awkward and unappealing portions that made me contemplate not finishing.
My primary issue was that I found the main character to be somewhat uninteresting, and to not be worthy of the positive treatment and expectations she occasionally received. Honestly, she's desperate to become a battle mage but seems to have little to no natural aptitude for fighting when compared to other students. Fortunately, many of the secondary characters were quite fun. My other problem was that there is somewhere between little and no world building. We don't really learn ANYTHING about how magic works or interacts with the world. If you try to picture the world this takes place in, it's effectively just one or two vague buildings and a hazy palace off in the mists.
Clearly, the book is focused on the characters, and to a lesser extent on romance. The author does a good enough job with this that I'm considering picking up the second book. The characters are somewhat stereotypical, but these stereotypes exist because the characters that fit them are intriguing to follow. A love triangle is looming on the horizon in the second book. And I'm crossing my fingers, hoping we'll find out SOMETHING magic and the kingdom and what all these crazily trained mages are FOR in a realm without a war in 60 years. I may have been hoping for too much from YA fantasy/romance, but I've read a few truly excellent ones that set my expectations high. This one is eminently readable, and often enjoyable, but fails to reach greatness.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 10-04-17
A decent start
I enjoyed this book more than not, but did feel there was a bit too much struggle for the main character. After all her hard work, she deserved a pay off, but it never came, which was frustrating, her wins come through luck or 'potential' not her hard work. I hope that gets cleared up in the upcoming volumes and she van succeed for her work, not just plot reasons.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kim
- 10-24-19
Narrator really brought the story down a peg
This narrator just wasn’t the right fit. The aristocracy had exaggerated Brooklyn accents (wrong for “high-borns” and just generally wrong for the world Carter creates). The prince ended up sounded like a dumb bro. Moreover, the narrator didn’t use contractions even when they were built into the writing, so it constantly sounded like someone was reading from some formal treatise — really unnatural. I enjoy Carter’s writing in ebook format, but wouldn’t purchase other audiobooks in the series if they have the same narrator.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Holly
- 01-22-21
Fun escapism, interesting magic system
Fun escapism, easy to follow and be caught in the world. Strong magic system. School is like a boot camp. I would have enjoyed more mundane day to day life, but the library elements were very absorbing. Not exactly my cup of tea, but enjoyable. I do wish the "mean girl" aspect of fantasy was not so one dimensional--just appallingly mean, as in so many YA fantasies. The voicing of the main male was not to my liking, even though I prefer female narrators to cover all voices, if I must pick.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 09-16-17
amazing!!!
i loved this book ive read it 3 times already because i was waiting for the money to buy the next one i finally have apprentice and i cant wait to listen to it .
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 10-30-23
Compelling
Compelling story of grit & determination. Classic bullies vs underdogs. Vision and tenacity … who will survive?
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Koolaid53
- 12-07-16
Growing Pains
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
Harry Potter a little bit, just starting older.
Magic. Just getting started.
Romance. Wait and see.
Underdog. Yes.
Add them all together and you have a great book. Would recommend this to everyone.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 08-15-17
Not good
Is there anything you would change about this book?
It was very predictable and the characters did not seem real or well rounded. The highlight of the book was the end…but then again we all knew that it was coming.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- T. Lynn Moellendorf
- 12-20-16
I love the story and the writer but...
What made the experience of listening to First Year the most enjoyable?
I just started listening to audiobooks recently and have fallen in love. I don't always have to read the hard copy story, so listening to them is easier.
What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?
The only thing that I felt detracted from the story was that at times the narrator sounded more robotic then human. When speaking for the characters, she had personality. But as narrator, she sounded more like the automatic narrator on my kindle then a real person.
Any additional comments?
Overall, this book was enjoyable, but could have been better. I look forward to the second and final book to come out.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful