Really liked it and then I Hated it...

viscerally. The story was well written and entertaining, yet along the way some of the characters acted somewhat inexplicably at points of tension. In these situations the author had the characters do incredibly stupid things and the only explanation given is that the situation was stressful. At first I just rolled with it, but eventually it seemed like the author was just doing this to drag out the drama... He repeatedly forces clumsy misunderstandings between characters in situations where any normal person would easily make obvious connections or give one sentence of information and resolution would result. Instead high drama ensues and everyone does something totally idiotic. It got so bad that I couldn't take it anymore and quit the book with an hour or so to go. I was so frustrated at that point that I had to stop myself from chucking my phone across the room.

This illustrates why I'm giving this book 2 stars instead of 1. If the book was just bad I wouldn't have cared. But he did a great job of building tension right up to the point of the climaxes and then he repeatedly crapped all over the place instead of having the characters act on their motivations.

Also, Simon Vance was great just like he always is.

20 people found this helpful

Not Epic .... But Great Story!

When I need a change or break from my usual genres I listen too, I usually look for an epic fantasy to get lost in, and stumbled across Golden Age. While I don’t think I would consider Golden Age to be an “epic” fantasy, it was most certainly an intriguing, well developed story that capture my attention, and took me on an journey; albeit sometimes an intense journey, with two unique characters as they headed out on their own journey one by choice, the other by capture.
 
Like with most fantasy stories, Golden Age starts off a bit slowly while developing the world, and characters making them appear both real and  tangible. However, before long the story picks up, moves at a steady pace all the way till the end.

Simon Vance performance was outstanding, and his voice is perfect for fantasy stories. He really brought both the story and characters to life.

A Kindle Unlimited gem and great story for fantasy fans.

16 people found this helpful

disturbing scenes

If you enjoy war stories with graphic deaths this may be a good one for you. Other than horrific torture, the story is well written and Simon Vance does an excellent job narrating as usual.

9 people found this helpful

Awesome story and performance

This was a great audiobook of an exceptional story. I'm a big lover of fantasy stories, but tend toward stories that are mostly realistic. I love authors who are careful with the fantastic elements they put in their novels.

Golden Age is an exceptional example of such a novel. Almost everything is realistic, with only one major element of fantasy. The fantasy therefore enriches the drama and story rather than detracting from it.

Strongly recommended for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially for those who enjoy strong female characters.

5 people found this helpful

Imagiinative Ancient Days

Where does Golden Age rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A fun read, with engaging characters. Great for fantasy lovers.

What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Simon Vance is the best narrator ever!!!!

3 people found this helpful

Encapsulating Expositional Epic

Despite being an introductory book for Maxwell's new series, the story remains unencumbered by the "set-up" and has a dynamic plot that flows seamlessly through perfectly paced chapters (~11 minutes on average). I will admit some bias, as I am a sucker for anything with the slightest hint of greek mythological flavor; however, the originality and unforeseeable details that drive the somewhat predictable climax was what impressed/enthralled me the most. Vance's performance synergistically submerged the reader with its expertly individualized dialogue and sincere tones. I can't even criticize the tragic flaws of the characters because the circumstances were brilliantly crafted so that the limitations were logical. The Golden Age's dynamic plot, compelling characters, and surface penetrating proposed philosophical quandaries earned it 5 stars from me; I'm all too anxious for the sequel.

**The following crude summary may contain some "spoiled" content**

Chloe, the protagonist, is the daughter of the First Counsel of Fulija. After an unusual natural disaster that demands the help of the dangerous but powerful Eldrin (shape shifting people that can turn into: dragons, servants, giants, furies, and mer-people) her father holds an assembly attempting to sort out how to respond. Additionally, the seismic activity ushered a foreign warship, representative of a mysterious and powerful expansionist nation to their shore. The first counsel welcomes them and allows them to make repairs in his harbor; however, this act of kindness was in vain, as they kidnapped his daughter and gathered reconnaissance for their gold-hungry king. Fortunately, a misfit heir with a unique origin from Fulija's neighboring ally (Xanthos) sets out across the sea to rescue her and learn what he can about this new enemy. I have to commend Maxwell for expertly alternating between perspectives and suspense-fully sequencing eachs' reveals, as it had me glued to my car stereo from chapter to chapter instead festering in traffic.

3 people found this helpful

A great start

A great opening novel to a series that left me wanting more. Proceeding directly into book 2!!

2 people found this helpful

great adventure

What made the experience of listening to Golden Age the most enjoyable?

the narrator really puts it all to make the characters sound distinctive

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

maybe more action

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the end where characters forced to change their futures

2 people found this helpful

Excellent Series Opener

With everything that happened in Golden Age, I can't imagine what the author has saved for the next one!

1 person found this helpful

Basically the setting of 300 with a twist

told from the perspective of 2 kids. Interesting character development, unimaginative setting and plot. Sides are even color coordinated accordingly, red are spartans, blue are athenians.

1 person found this helpful