I have been enjoying Chuck Wendig’s special brand of horror, (even if he forever ruined apples for me) and was excited to dive into The Calamities, book one of the Fiends. A dark fantasy horror with demons, greed, powerful families and vivid dreams that bring four characters together on a deadly quest. I read along as I listened to the audiobook with it’s all star cast of narrators.
by Chuck Wendig
Series: The Fiends #1
Narrator: Dani Martineck, Nicole Cash, MacLeod Andrews, Xe Sands
Length: 19 hours and 3 minutes
Genres: Horror
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.45x
The heir to one of the world’s most influential families reckons with the demonic secret of their power in this contemporary dark fantasy that melds occult magic with shocking family drama, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Accidents.
“Vivid, unsettling, and darkly compelling, The Calamities is Chuck Wendig at his best.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth
Mourning Mayne knows he’ll one day bear the duty of managing his family’s vast empire of wealth and power. But the feckless Mourning has always struggled to accept this legacy of cruelty, domination, and exploitation . . . and something even darker.
Because the Maynes are no ordinary Hidden in our world are the fiends—half-human, half-demon, and possessed of a dark magic born from buying human souls—and the Maynes are one of the oldest and most influential fiendish families.
But when Mourning’s estranged father, the formidable and terrifying Hadrian Mayne, demands that Mourning return to the fold, he has to decide whether to accept his legacy and embrace his role in the family or to forge his own destiny, and with it, change the course of the world.
Because along the way home, he will meet Key, a black-market seller of human souls, and Quinn, an artist who may hold the dark truth behind the fate of the fiends. Alone, they have all struggled with the darkness of their natures . . . but together, they might find a path out of the shadows.
The Maynes are no ordinary family. In their world you will find the fiends—half-human, half-demon, and possessed of a dark magic born from buying human souls. The Maynes are one of the oldest and most influential fiendish families and Mourning Mayne will one day he will be at the helm of this empire. When we meet Mourning he’s living in Seattle, on the outs with his father but all of that changes when he is summoned home. Mourning soon finds himself searching for his father and the strange place in his dreams.
Key works for the Diantalions another of the powerful families. She doesn’t drink from the fount, but collects souls for them. Her journey will set her on a path towards Mourning.
Something is happening to Quinn. They are having trouble distinguishing between their dreams and reality. Only their orange tabby named Apple brings comfort. The images they draw and their cries for help soon set others on their path.
Silas (the Clever) is servant to another of the families and is sent out into the world to help protect their fount and discover what is happening. Their path crosses with Mourning and soon Mourning, Key, Silas and Quinn will find themselves working together. To save them all or destroy everything they do not know. Trust isn’t given easily and the families are coming for them.
Gads, this was dark and Wendig took his time building each storyline and character as he revealed this world to us. Greed, power and hunger are at its core and something more sinister than the families themselves. The worldbuilding and sheer horror of the world kept me engaged and reminded me a little of The Passage trilogy by Justin Cronin.
As I said, I read along as I listened to the audiobook which quite frankly rocked. The story was narrated by Dani Martineck, Nicole Cash, MacLeod Andrews and Xe Sands. All gave outstanding performances and captures the tone and characters while heightening the horror of it all. I recommend grabbing both the book and audio version. I know I will.
While this is the first of the Fiends books, it ended well with enough of a hook to have me counting down the days until book two. On a side note; if like me you are a fan of Wendig’s work I know you will appreciate all the nods to his previous works in the telling of this tale.
About Chuck Wendig
Chuck Wendig is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Star Wars: Aftermath, as well as the Miriam Black thrillers, the Atlanta Burns books, Zer0es/Invasive, Wanderers, and Book of Accidents. He’s also worked in a variety of other formats, including comics, games, film, and television. A finalist for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer and the cowriter of the Emmy-nominated digital narrative Collapsus, he is also known for his books about writing. He lives in Pennsyltucky with his family. His agent is Stacia Decker, with Dunow, Carlson and Lerner.
About Dani Martineck
Dani Martineck is a New York-based actor and writer with a passion for stories that help us feel less alone. A published playwright and Audie- and Earphones Award-winning audiobook narrator, they just wrapped their newest short film, Handle With Care (co-starring Vico Ortiz), as part of a short-to-feature pipeline deal with Sundance-lauded producing team The Dazey Phase.
About MacLeod Andrews
MacLeod Andrews is an American actor and audiobook narrator. He has won 15 Earphone Awards and 2 Audie Awards, as well as acting awards.
About Nicole Cash
Audie nominated audiobook narrator, proud mama of 2 humans and 2 dogs, inspired by all the people who make the world more beautiful by creating art.
About Xe Sands
Xe Sands is an award-winning narrator known for her authentic characterizations and intimate delivery. She has more than a decade of experience bringing stories to life through narration, performance, and visual art, including recordings of Wonderland by Stacey D'Erasmo, The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro, and Survival Lessons by Alice Hoffman. Sands has also been recognized for her engaging romance narrations and was named Most Impressive Narrator Discovery for titles such as Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins and On Thin Ice by Anne Stuart.
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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
Mary Kirkland
I’ve heard of this author but haven’t read anything by him yet. This sounds good.
Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews
This sounds perfect for October listening.
Sophia Rose
A little to scary for me, but glad you loved it and the all-star narration team.
Sarah @ Sarah's Book Solace
This sounds spooky — right in time for Halloween! Definitely adding to my TBR this fall.