epic storytelling

The Prince’s Poisoned Vow is an epic and expansive piece of storytelling. The large amount of characters doing different things in different places that have an impact on the rest of the characters is kind of mind-blowing. The previous series I have read from this author, had a large supporting group of characters but there felt like there were two main characters that really drove the plot. This book is not like that. There were so many points of view and some were from the four characters mentioned in the blurb, while some were from equally important characters not mentioned. Even the villains got a chance to tell their stories.

This is one seriously long book and audio with so much detail. I am used to being able to listen while doing other things, but found myself lost if I didn’t focus for a few minutes. I definitely had to apply more thought as I listened. And that’s not a bad thing, just something to be careful if you let your mind wander, like I do sometimes.

The beginning of this book begins with a bang, or an inferno, to be more accurate. This story is about the destruction of one ruling family in the land of Ashion, a country of Maricol. A few members find an escape but have to start over with new identities. A princess in the country of Daijal who is hungry for power and a bit of revenge who doesn’t care about who she hurts in her goals. A underground resistance called the Clockwork Brigade that attempts to fight against the collection of debt slaves. Outside the different country borders, are lands guarded by wardens, that are home to revenants, the walking dead brought to life by spores.

All these different groups of people create a dangerous and varied landscape. They are constantly trying to maneuver each other in political games, but they are being moved like chessboard pieces by the another power. Star Gods seem to be aligned with the different royal families and they don’t often don’t see eye to eye with each other

The story is intense and thought provoking. Yes, it required more focus because there is a lot going on, but it is so intriguing. I loved a few of the characters and am a fan of the LGBT representation and relationships. There are definitely some minor cliffhangers that make me eager for the next book. Last but not least, I have to say how well Gary Furlong narrates a book. His ability to morph his voice in a multitude of accents allows us to fully experience the variety of characters and their different countries sound.

1 person found this helpful

Great character voices...

3.5 stars for the narrator

I think Gary does a great job with the character voices. He's created different voices for each and uses numerous accents, He brings emotions to the characters. I just didn't love his reading outside of the character voices. It left a lot to be desired. Overall though he did a solid job.

4 stars for the story

The Rourke's are a family with star fire/ magic in their blood. What I get is that the Star Gods have all chosen sides with the different Countries of Maricol. The inferno essentially was the burning down and destruction of Amari. The point of it was to rid the world of the Rourke family. However, the three children were taken by different Gods and placed where they wanted them.
-Eimarille was placed with King Bernard of of Daijal
-Alasandair aka Soren was placed with the wardens who are neutral parties and protect the border of the countries from revenants.
-Caris in Cosian with Portia and her husband to be raised as their child.

The only Rourke known to be alive is Eimarille. Alassandair (Soren) is believed to be dead and Caris was not even known to have been born.

In the first part they are multiple POVs that get a bit confusing but it is all played out to set up the story. As the story progresses the POV break down to a few main POVs and from there, things get better. There are time jumps the first is a 15 year jump.

From this time jump everyone has aged and have been living the lives they were placed into. There is still a lot going on but the main point is a power grab. The king of Daijal wants to do so by marriage through Eimarille and his son Wesley. He believes doing this will give him power over Amari which will then help him establish power over other countries. But like I said there are other powers, through the Gods, at hand and they don't necessarily all want the same thing.

There is a group called the Clockwork Brigade and their main job is to keep Amari running and to prevent Eimarille from taking the throne. Instead, they want to have the youngest Rourke in power.
Basically, there is a fight for it. It is all really interesting. Like I said power over the Countries of Maricol seem to be the gist of it.
Eimarille doesn't seem like a very good person. Girl is a plotter.

I would say there is romance in the book but it is not really what I consider a romance novel.

Honovi/Blaine (MM)- They are married.
Vanya/Soren (MM)- They came together after Soren saved Vanya's life. They may be my favorite.
Eimarille/Terilyn (FF) -Secret lovers.
Caris/Nathaniel (FM)-Young and blossoming.

I liked most of what was shown with these relationships. I am so intrigued as to what will happen next. Vanya/Soren may be my favorite but Honovi/Blaine are not far behind. I really want to see what happens with Caris/Nathaniel especially because of the events towards the end.

Overall a very interesting beginning to this Saga. This author's story telling and world building skills are impeccable. I could use book 2 now!

1 person found this helpful

Loved It!!!

It's an addictive story with characters you'll both love and hate. It's full of emotion with the right amount of spiciness mixed in.

amazing world building!. and compelling characters

Such a beautifully written story. I would watch if ever became a movie. Loved it!

Epic world and story

This is a fantastic world with some amazing world building. I loved the different characters so much. Each one had a different perspective and were such a joy to get to know. I love the intrigue and want so much more of these characters. And the secret agents and assassins were so awesome. And there were so many different plots that kept me on my toes. The narrator also did a fantastic job with the voices and accents.

What a start to another incredible world

Wow, this was a great start to a new Hailey Turner world. This time Hailey has branched out into the world of Steampunk and I am here for it. Because this was an entirely new world there was a lot to unpack in this book and on occasion the amount of information being thrown at the reader (or listener) could be overwhelming. That being said, I did really get into the story and I have high hopes for the next book now that the bulk of the world building is complete.

I loved all the elements of this story though. The characters, the variety of couples or potential couples, the drama, the conflict. I can’t wait for book 2 to find out what happens next.

Gary Furlong did a wonderful job with the narration. He worked really hard to ensure the characters were distinct and it was excellent job. However, there were enough characters that it may have been better with dual narration. Still, Gary did a good job and it was enjoyable to listen to.

Complex Steampunk fantasy! Terrific narration!

Complex Steampunk fantasy, with intrigue, secret agents, assassins and Star Gods and so much more. Wow,,, what an overabundance of information and plot!

Terrific narration by Gary Furlong!!

So many characters and so much plot really kept you on your toes and keeping notes. So many plots with plots and characters and Star Gods... My oh my!

This is book one of the Infernal War Saga. What a saga it is going to be... so much to look forward to!!

Wonderfully intricate fantasy world!

This is the first Hailey Turner book I have listened to and holy smokes...this story was so complex and dynamic but the reader was still able to follow what is happening. The characters were extremely well written, as was the world building, pulling the listener into the story from the first chapter. I like that there are several different storylines and relationships being explored throughout the story, rather than focusing on two main characters and their relationship. I can't wait to see what is going to happen next!

A Great Listen

Gary did an excellent job with the narration, each was different and the accents were good. he pulled you into the action and adventure and all the emotions.

Huge new world

There are A LOT of moving pieces to this mammoth start to the Infernal War Saga series along with an immense amount of world building. More than once I lost track of details and had to backtrack to clear something up in my mind. That said, both the author and narrator did a good job with telling the story. The political maneuvering isn’t my favorite, but with the way the story is progressing, it’s necessary and fortunately not excessive to the plot. So far, I’d say that signs of romance are slight and merely peripheral to getting all the chess pieces on the board for a game between star gods. That may or may not change later on, but it’s proving to be one heck of a story despite stopping at an inconvenient point (to the reader/listener at least). Is it next year yet.

Rating 4.5 stars, but rounded up despite frustration!