The Poisoned Princess: Warders Book 1
by Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
Length: 6hr 16 min
Publisher: Armen Pogharian
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Sword & Sorcery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
Forced to leave the elven forest because of his barbarian heritage, half-elven Toran finds work in a rundown tavern in Eridan’s thieves’ quarter. Combining his keen elven senses and barbarian battle skills, he thwarts an assassination attempt on a visiting princess and earns an invitation to join the secret protectors of Eridan, known as the Warders.
Review:
Toran is shunned by his elven family because he is of mixed blood. His non-elven nature makes the others afraid that he will not be able to control his barbarian strengths as he grows into them. His uncle finds him work in a town where mixed blood is accepted. Toran inadvertently thwarts an assassination attempt on the Princess. He has a lot to learn but others quickly recognize that he is skilled and is a willing and apt student. He is accepted into a secret group of guardians, or warders, who protect the royal family. His skills and the mixed group of warders around him, dwarfs, elves, and those yielding magic, soon find their skills needed in earnest.
A handful of the warders, including Toran, must journey fast and far to get an antidote to save the poisoned Princess. They face many surprising evils and dangers including the Kraken and Barbarians. If they can retrieve the necessary ingredients, can they get back in time to save the life of the Princess?
I was engaged by this creative story. I liked the personalities and skills of the different characters, even the villains. The dangers they face might not be totally unique, but the battles and resolutions made sense. I would enjoy more adventures in this series.
Audio Notes: I have enjoyed this author and narrator on other middle grade stories and was pleased to accept the offer of an audio code. I do have to get used to Michelle Babb's voice especially when I start one of the children’s stories. But I soon settle into the tone and voices of the characters. I think the author and narrator make a good match. I had slight trouble with the Spotify App as it seemed to freeze at the end of each chapter. Once I figured out how to go back and click from the main screen I was not frustrated by that glitch. I enjoyed listening to this story and appreciate the opportunity to listen and to share this review.
Source: July 8 Audio Code for Spotify from Narrator. This qualifies for 2023Audiobook and 2023Review goals.
