It’s no secret that I adore listening to audiobooks. Some of my favorite books I’ve listened to are as audiobooks. Now, I love fantasy books in audiobook format. Why? Because fantasy audiobooks create a perfect imaginary world in my mind that translates well into audio format. I also have a really hard time picking up any physical copy of a fantasy book, to be honest. So today, I’m going to be reviewing Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson.
I’ve been friends with Suzanne for awhile now, so when she announced her audiobook journey for her first book, Visions of Zarua, I knew I needed to listen to it. My favorite genre for audiobooks is fantasy so this book is right up my alley. I can’t wait to get started!
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Visions of Zarua
Author: Suzanne Rogerson
Narrator: Guy Barnes
Genre: Fantasy
Series: n/a
Publication Date: November 16, 2015
My Rating: 3.5 pens
Goodreads Synopsis: Two wizards, 350 years apart. Can they save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past?
An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.
Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.
Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.
The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions and save the Paltrian people before the dark menace of Zarua’s past is unleashed?
Topics and Triggers: Magic, Ancient Evil, Suicide
Source: Audiobook in exchange for honest review
Purchase Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Book Depository
This is my first Suzanne Rogerson book, and I’m happy to say that I look forward to reading more by her. Now, let me tell you why I enjoyed Visions of Zarua.
~Magic / Magical Beasts
~Past and Present
~The Audiobook Narration
~Characters’ Ages and Behaviors Don’t Align
~Random Twist
Visions of Zarua is a fantasy story that you should read. It perfectly mixes past and present timelines into one unique story that will have you enjoying each moment. And who doesn’t like some magic and magical beasts? Guy Barnes does a great job narrating this book. He gives a voice and personality to every character, crafting a wonderful listening experience. Although, the characters are intriguing, there are some actions and events that I think hinder their overall development as characters.
Purchase your copy of Visions of Zarua today on: Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Book Depository
Do you enjoy fantasy audiobooks? Is there ever a time that you don’t like a piece of a book’s plot? Have you read either of these books? Talk books with me in the comments below!
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Great reviews, I’m really glad you fully enjoyed both books. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
Thanks Katiria! 😊
I love audiobooks. Fantasy ones are great because they are such big books. I am currently listening to All Souls Trilogy and the king Fountian series. I have heard either of these!
Fantasy books are so big which are very intimidating which is why I enjoy audiobooks so much because I really enjoy fantasy books. I definitely need to look into the All Souls Trilogy, do you like it?
The Wicked King is one of my favorite books.
It’s such an amazing series! I can’t wait for The Queen of Nothing to release!
Glad you enjoyed this book!
They were good!
Nice reviews. I haven’t read either of these books but they both sound great.
They are both good. Thank you! 😊
i have not been able to get into audiobooks yet.. but am always drawn in when i read posts such as yours!
Thanks Vidya! I hope you do try one of these out.
I really need to read this series!
I suggest you do! It’s really good! 😊
Excellent post – you rocked this
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Thanks DJ!
I haven’t listened to any of these but I do listen to a lot of fantasy audiobooks. Great Post.
Thank you! I definitely suggest these.
I confess I’m not a big fan of audiobooks in general (I can’t seem to concentrate on the story if I’m not reading it myself), but I imagine some stories work really well in audiobook format. 🙂 Great reviews!
Some books are definitely way better in audiobook, but concentration is required to fully enjoy the book. Thank you! 😊
I really liked both Cruel Prince and Wicked King as well. I think if you want to start listening to fantasy audiobooks, they are a great way to start. I find that listening to fantasy books is a little daunting because fantasy books are generally longer and more elaborate than normal fiction books, and it’s a little harder to digest the information when you’re listening to it rather than reading it.
I agree that they are good audiobooks to start with. I honestly prefer listening to fantasy books because usually the physical books are massive and daunting for me to pick up. I probably wouldn’t read as many fantasy books if it weren’t for audiobooks.
WOW! You seemed to have enjoyed both of these Jenn. It does irritate me when the ages and behaviors don’t align.
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They were both very good fantasy stories! I recommend them both! 😊
Thanks for reviewing Visions of Zarua, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I have been wanting to read Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince for ages. I can’t believe the trilogy will be complete already, though at least I won’t have to wait for each book now!
You’re welcome! Thank you for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook. 😊
I think The Cruel Prince trilogy is so good! I can’t wait for the last book to release!