A Crucible of Souls cover art

A Crucible of Souls

The Sorcery Ascendant Sequence, Book 1

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A Crucible of Souls

By: Mitchell Hogan
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
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About this listen

When Caldan’s parents are brutally slain, he is raised by monks and taught the arcane mysteries of sorcery. Vowing to discover for himself who his parents really were, and what led to their violent end, he is thrust into the unfamiliar chaos of city life. With nothing to his name but a pair of mysterious heirlooms and a handful of coins, he must prove his talent to earn an apprenticeship with a guild of sorcerers.

But he soon learns the world outside the monastery is a darker place than he ever imagined, and his treasured sorcery has disturbing depths.

As a shadowed evil manipulates the unwary and forbidden powers are unleashed, Caldan is plunged into an age-old conflict that brings the world to the edge of destruction.

This is an updated recording from the original 2014 edition, also performed by Oliver Wyman, which matches the current reissue of the print book.

©2013 Mitchell Hogan (P)2014 Audible Inc. Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Magic Sorcery

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Critic reviews

  • Winner of Best Fantasy Novel, 2013 Aurealis Awards
"For a debut novel this is more than a little impressive. Characters are vividly drawn, multi-layered, and in one or two cases, compelling. Hogan joins with the new wave of fantasy authors in his use of morally ambivalent characters, distinct and tight points of view, believable world building, an intelligible magic system, and some edgy, gritty content." (D.P. Prior, author of The Nameless Dwarf)
All stars
Most relevant  

Would you listen to A Crucible of Souls again? Why?

The plot and character development are intertwined and intricate enough to to allow a retread.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The protagonist with his humble nature unaware of the power and potential within.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Chaldeans first test duel with the protector master and discovering respect through performance.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

if only there were enough hours to listen in a day.

Any additional comments?

It was an entertaining read throughout.

An excellent approach and cracking characters

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What other book might you compare A Crucible of Souls to, and why?

Similar to the Magician. Orphan meets wizards discovers he is special.

Any additional comments?

Orphan discovers he is special... again. Good enough that I bought book 2.

Another story about Pug

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If you could sum up A Crucible of Souls in three words, what would they be?

Caught up in the whole story

What did you like best about this story?

The main character and the explanation of how magic is formed and used.

Any additional comments?

A good book to get caught up in although can be a little slow in places.

A great entertaining listen.

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This feels like both the author and narrator are aiming high, but fall short at times. For example, 'girls' voices are innately done and irritating. Whilst the story seems to leap forward at times, by the end of the book I felt I hadn't experienced the satisfaction of a story arc. The author takes time to develop ideas but these are often not followed through, and leave a feeling of aborted ideas.
That I enjoyed the story, and these ideas, and the narrator's enthusiasm was commendable, is why I felt underwhelmed with the overall effect.

Ambitious but not always successful

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Listened up until the last two hours but still ended up dropping it. Main Character is a serious mary-sue who's experiences and actions don't line up at all. Pretty dull.

Mary-Sue fest thats hard to take seriously

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My enjoyment reminded me of reading The Name of the Wind - not quite the same depth and breath but definitely as much fun.

Great fantasy yarn

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Great story, well narrated. On my way to book two immediately.
I'm glad I bought the whole series in advance.

Excellent

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Slow to start but only
setting the scene! Cracking when you get into it!! Great stuff and I enjoyed it

Great book

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its a n absorbing and gripping story listened to it into the early hours. start8ng 2nd book now....great narration he brings the characters to life, most enjoyable.

gripping. story have the 2nd book now cant wait!!!

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Great series, just plane good old fun epic fantasy. Good narration. I bought the whole book series in one go.

Double plus good

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