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Akiri: The Scepter of Xarbaal  By  cover art

Akiri: The Scepter of Xarbaal

By: Brian D. Anderson,Steven Savile
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
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Publisher's summary

Akiri is a blistering new heroic fantasy novel from the multiple award-winning international best sellers Brian D. Anderson and Steven Savile who have come together to create the first adrenalin-filled standalone novel in Akiri's tortured world.

Can one betrayal can save a kingdom? Will two destroy it?

Acharia is a nation at war. Ruled by the Sorcerer King, Zemel, who believes himself to be invincible. And with a weapon created in the pits of hell by the god of death he might well be. The ancient Scepter of Xarbaal harnesses a magic capable of shattering the very foundations of the world. But such power is borne at a cost. Those who dare test their will against its ancient evil are doomed to madness. Before the Sorcerer King can raze his entire kingdom to the ground, those closest to him risk everything by betraying him. They steal the scepter, hoping to release him from its insidious influence. But for Zemel there is no such salvation.

Driven to the edge of madness by a need for vengeance against those who have wronged him and a thirst for fire and death that no amount of war can slake, the Sorcerer King is willing to tear the world asunder to recover his lost treasure. Paranoia means that Zemel trusts no one, but there is enough of the old king left inside his mind to still respect one man: Akiri.

The Dul' Buhar are the deadliest of warriors, gifted extraordinary skills through the dark magic of their king, and Akiri is the greatest of them. His mind is as lethal as a steel trap, his blade twice as deadly. Born into a life of constant battle, he is unlike any man...which might just be his salvation. But if he succeeds on the mad king's quest, Akiri might well be the death of the world.

The Scepter of Xarbaal is a brand new pulse-pounding edge-of-your-seat adventure in the spirit of the very best heroic fantasy of old, a must-listen for fans of R. E. Howard's Conan, Joe Abercrombie's Blade Itself, and David Gemmell's Legend. With its fusion of classic heroic fantasy and modern grit, Akiri is sure to leave listeners gasping for more.

©2016 Brian D. Anderson and Steven Savile (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"For old-school fantasy with a modern edge, you can’t do better than Steven Savile and Brian D. Anderson. If you’re looking for thrilling heroics and a breathless pace, you’ve come to the right fellows." (Dave Gross, author Pathfinder Tales)
"A rousing saga of swordplay and skullduggery with the best battle scenes in the business." (Kevin Andrew Murphy, author of Wild Cards and Pathfinder Tales)

What listeners say about Akiri: The Scepter of Xarbaal

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Buy this story!!!

Incredible story, I hope to hear much more from this author!! Pace, characters, and overall story are flawless, one of the few times I was actually mad that a story concluded so neatly.

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5 people found this helpful

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solid story with good pacing

solid story with good pacing, a bit short and dont expect a whole lot of depth though.

also contains some very detailed sex scenes so be warned

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4 people found this helpful

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Pitch perfect.

Outstanding combination of writing and narration. Dark and satisfying. Fully engrossing. Moving on to Lords of the Sith because of this performance.

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4 people found this helpful

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So when's the next book?

There is so much to say about this book that I won't even try to tell all. I will merely say this getting Akiri was one of the best decisions that I made this year. The book is amazing and the narrator dose a fantastic job. So I will say again when's the next book?

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4 people found this helpful

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good book

I wouldn't suggest it for a kid. But full of action. waiting for the next.

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4 people found this helpful

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Excellent

I eagerly await the next book hopefully it won't be years before the next one is out

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4 people found this helpful

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Amazing

Great compelling story, very well written. loved it can't wait until the next installment of the series!

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4 people found this helpful

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Good Story

It's an interesting book, alot of action. Though I thought it could have been longer, it still carried the story line well.

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4 people found this helpful

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Great!

Great book really enjoyed the story from beginning to end never a dull moment and can't wait to see where and what Akiri will do. Thank you to both authors for their work. Awesome job!

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4 people found this helpful

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Exhausting!

The non-stop action and the reader’s performance made it difficult for me to take a break. Well done! Thanks!

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3 people found this helpful