Tech Details
• Written by: David Wind
• Narrated by: Helene McCardle
• Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
• Release Date: 09/17/15
• Publisher: David Wind
• Reviewed for AudiobookReviewer.com

This is a post-apocalyptic and a fantasy story all in one. The year is 5271 and the world as we know it has been destroyed by nuclear war and while the human race has survived it is more like medieval times, with castles, keeps, Kings, Queens and High Kings. Men are stronger and women can do magic. The radiation has caused many changes in plants and animals of the world. I’m having a hard time coming up with anything more descriptive without giving spoilers, while a bit frustrating, learning as the characters do makes the story more compelling (at least to me it does).

I enjoyed this story, even though at times it seemed to drag a bit, it kept my interest. The world building was good and you did not have a big info dump at the beginning, information is doled out as the story progresses. While not the same, the theme of this story reminded me a lot of The Golden Compass/His Dark Materials series….different worlds, ages but the theme of Good versus Evil and an young man and woman journeying together to fight it….an oversimplification of the plot but you get the idea. The scary part to me is how this reflects so much of what is going on in the world today. The dark circle wants to conquer and enslave all if Neveah and the Dark Circle of 5271 are from the same terrorist group that launched the nuclear war…they use dark sorceresses to cause strife, disharmony…if they can get the kingdoms of Neveah to go to war with each other, the negative energy from this will make them more powerful.

Helene McCardle does an excellent job narrating, while some of the male characters were not quite as easy to distinguish, all the female characters were very distinct. I do think that this story is one hat would do well as either a graphic novel or just in general a full cast narration.
As usual, the most frustrating part is that the adventure is not yet over but the audio for the next book is not yet available….while I could pick up the e-book, this story really works well as an audio so I will wait to continue until it is out.

Audiobook provided by the Author/Publisher via Audiobook Reviewer for an honest review

I read the first book of the Tales of Nevaeh, Born to Magic and gave it 5 Stars in my review. When David Wind released The Dark Masters, I had to buy it! Like its predecessor, it was a great read!

Synopsis (from the author): Across the sea, the sorcerers known as the Dark Masters, launch a fleet of ships with tens of thousands of warriors. In Nevaeh, charged with an epic journey, Areenna and Mikaal, armed only with their psychic abilities, their swords and Areenna's bow, must travel to the desolate Frozen Mountains. There, in the unchartered dangerous region, they must discover not just the legends, but the millennia old secret awaiting them in their fight to save Nevaeh from extermination.

What I liked: David Wind has created an interesting future world where women have magic, men have battle skills, and the animals are mutated versions of current creatures. I enjoyed the way our heroes bonded with their animal friends and how the animals shared power and abilities with them. The battle scenes are well done, and I think the Sixes are cool! Interspersed in the story is the growing attraction between Areenna and Mikaal and their battle to keep it at bay. I also liked the overall theme of the battle between good and evil, and the surprising twist in the mountains was a nice touch!

What I didn’t like: About the only criticism I have is I thought more could have been done to explore the people Areenna and Mikaal met as they journeyed to the mountains. I’m sure it will be a part of the next book, though, so my questions will be answered!

Overall impression: As with the first book, this was an excellent read! Filled with memorable characters, excellent battle scenes, and intrigue and romance, I would recommend The Dark Masters to any fantasy fan! Well done, David Wind!!

My rating: 5 Stars!!