Zodak, The Last Shielder

Book 1 of the Tempest Rising Series

Fiction - Audiobook
428 Pages
Reviewed on 09/19/2024
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Zodak: The Last Shielder by Max Moyer is an epic fantasy audiobook and the first in the Tempest Rising series. The story follows Zodak, a mistreated orphan in the village of Laan, whose life changes when a water sprite reveals a great destiny. After his uncle is kidnapped, Zodak escapes with a mysterious medallion, embarking on a dangerous quest to uncover secrets about his past. Along the way, he encounters goblins, dwarves, and an ancient evil threatening humanity. As dark forces rise, Zodak must embrace his fate and face impossible odds to save his world.

Author Max Moyer has crafted a richly imagined universe packed with detailed cities, mythical creatures, and mysterious forces. From the novel’s engrossing opening, it's clear that this author has developed his world in every detail to inform the attitudes and choices of the characters. Zodak’s transformation from an outcast orphan to a potential savior is an engaging and relatable character arc, drawing readers into his growth and struggles as they learn more about the world around him and his changing place in it as his role develops. This sinister and wonderful narrative is filled with mysteries, hidden orders, and dark conspiracies, keeping listeners on edge as Zodak uncovers layers of deception at just the right moments to keep the pace swift.

In terms of audio production, the narration is crisp and clear with perfect pacing from narrator Dallin Bradford, who brings a regal air to the proceedings with a variety of charming accents and vocalizations. The characters come to life with vibrant attitudes, and Bradford switches deftly between humorous banter and sinister villainy at the drop of a hat. The audiobook thrives on its fast-paced and adventurous scenes, combining thrilling battles with emotional stakes, making for a gripping epic fantasy that is even better listened to than it is read. Overall, Zodak: The Last Shielder is a must in its audiobook format for fans of immersive and well-penned epic fantasy.