Narrated by Jarret Lemaster, the Witch Hunter Trilogy by K.S. Marsden contains the novels; The Shadow Rises, The Shadow Reigns, and The Shadow Falls. I found the story engaging from the protagonist, Hunter Astley, a seventh generation witch hunter, to the world Marsden created. Come see why I enjoyed this series and the issues I had with the audio production.
by K.S. Marsden
Series: Witch Hunter #1, Witch Hunter #2, Witch Hunter #3
Narrator: Jarret Lemaster
Length: 16 hours and 50 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.35x
Now available as a complete trilogy - the story of prejudice, betrayal, and forbidden love.
When a new witch threat rises, only Hunter Astley can stop them…
In the face of dark magic and evil witches, a secret witch-hunting society works tirelessly to keep them at bay. The Malleus Maleficarum Council have strict rules and practises for eradicating magic.
Due to their work, witches have been almost forgotten, relegated to myth; but rumours are starting to emerge of a new power that will throw the world into chaos.As the only 7th generation witch-hunter, Hunter Astley is the best the MMC has to offer. With the help of his colleagues, it’s a race to track down this new threat and stop them… in any way he can.
Let’s get the issues out of the way first, because this trilogy is good, and the narrator did a stellar job. I had some issues with the production. As someone who listens to a hundred plus audiobooks a year, I’ve noticed things mostly when they aren’t right. The audiobook needs a proper edit to remove long pauses, improper cuts, and handle differences in sound. Sometimes there was such a long pause I wondered if my earbud lost connection. The volume of the audio also dipped higher and lower. Having said that…..
I really enjoyed the Witch Hunter trilogy. I found Hunter Astley to be charismatic and the storyline from his affair to the escalating war with the witches engaging.
The Shadow Rises book one introduced us to the world and Hunter Astley, a seventh generation witch hunter and one of the most powerful. We learn about the Malleus Maleficarum Council and its strict rules regulating magic and eradicating its use. Hunter, along with his friend James and new apprentice Sophie, are hunting for a possible Shadow Witch. The story was engaging, and full of twists as Marsden delightfully fleshed out the world.
The Shadow Reigns book two has a lengthy recap before we dive back into the story. This was an engaging middle book as the witch hunters are scattered and Hunter realizes he himself is performing magic. I loved the struggles, the confrontations with the Shadow Witch and the allies Hunter has gathered.
The Shadow Falls book three was suspenseful from almost the first page. Hunter is feeling pressures from all sides and questioning everything he believed. There is more at stake and he must find a balance for the world. I laughed, got angry, cheered, cried and found myself complete caught up even with the audio issues. Marsden did a great job of allowing me to connect with the protagonist and others in his motley crew. I even felt like I understood the villains.
Jarret Lemaster is a new to me narrator, but I enjoyed his narration from the unique voices to the accents. Both his male and female voices were well done.
Fans of urban fantasy, witches, magic and secret councils will enjoy the Witch Hunter Trilogy. The books are available in Kindle Unlimited and audio.
The Witch Hunter Trilogy by K.S. Marsden is a perfect trilogy for fans of urban fantasy, witches, magic and secret council. #audiobookreview #UrbanFantasy #Witches #JarretLemaster Share on XAbout K.S. Marsden
Kelly S. Marsden grew up in Yorkshire, and there were two constants in her life - books and horses. Graduating with an equine degree from Aberystwyth University, she has spent most of her life since trying to experience everything the horse world has to offer. She is currently settled into a Nutritionist role for a horse feed company in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Her first book, The Shadow Rises, was published in January 2013, and she now has several successful series under her belt.
About Jarret Lemaster
Jarret has narrated a wide range of audio books from Fantasy to non-fiction. Jarret is a veteran actor and has been a character actor in theater and film for twenty years. He is an avid reader which lead to a passion for narration. He has been a dialect coach, a voice over casting agent, and has a knack for matching voices and impersonation that has lead to many parts in film and TV.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Nadene
This sounds great. I guess I will forego the audio and opt for the ebook instead. grat review.
Maureen @ Maureen's Books
This sounds like a fun trilogy. And I love that cover. Sorry about the production issues though. I’ll probably wouldn’t even notice 😉
Wendy
Sad that they didn’t spend more time on the production and editing of the audiobook. I like that you can listen to all three books at once.
Sophia Rose
I don’t come across audio editing issues too often, but now and then, yes, I notice them.
Another intriguing series you’re introducing me, too. Interesting that he discovers he can do magic… 🙂
Felicity Grace Terry
You had me with ‘dark magic, evil witches, and a secret witch-hunting society’.
Just when I though I was sooo over the whole witch/vampire/werewolf hunting genre along comes a post like this one that sees me adding yet another book to my Wish List. Ah well! At least now available as a trilogy there is only one book to be added rather than three 😂
Wow! Just looked at Amazon UK and the paperback edition is retailing at £25.99. I’ve added it to my Wish List but will definitely be searching elsewhere.