An Echo of Things to Come Audiobook by James Islington | The Licanius Trilogy Series

Summary

As the Boundary weakens and shadows lengthen across the land, the past refuses to stay buried for the Augurs who thought they had escaped it. James Islington delivers a sequel that amplifies the stakes of “The Shadow of What Was Lost”, plunging listeners back into a world where memory is a weapon and destiny is a trap.

Audiobook Info

• Author: James Islington
• Narrator: Michael Kramer
• Publisher: Hachette Audio
• Release Date: August 22, 2017
• Series: The Licanius Trilogy
• Book: 2

Review

If you thought the web of intrigue in the first installment was complex, James Islington creates a veritable labyrinth in “An Echo of Things to Come”. This audiobook defies the dreaded “middle book syndrome” by expanding the world-building exponentially rather than treading water. The narrative threads tighten significantly as the ancient barrier protecting the land begins to fail, and the invasion from the North becomes an imminent reality rather than a distant threat. Islington masterfully balances high-stakes action with a dense, cerebral plot involving time manipulation and prophecy, rewarding listeners who pay close attention to every detail.

The true star of this audio experience, however, is the legendary Michael Kramer. For fans of epic fantasy, Kramer’s voice is synonymous with quality, having voiced some of the genre’s titans. Here, he brings a necessary gravitas to the proceedings. His performance is particularly effective in portraying Caeden, a character burdened by lost memories and a potentially dark history. Kramer shifts effortlessly between the weariness of an immortal being and the youthful determination of Davian, ensuring that despite the large cast of characters, the listener never loses track of who is speaking. His pacing is deliberate and rhythmic, perfectly matching the unfolding mystery.

Thematically, this book dives deep into the concepts of identity and redemption. The storyline surrounding the Augurs and their persecution adds a layer of political and social tension that grounds the magical elements in something very human. The character arcs are not linear; they are messy and fraught with moral ambiguity, particularly as we learn more about the antagonists, who are revealed to be far more complex than simple villains. The philosophical questions raised about whether we are defined by our past actions or our current choices resonate long after the chapter ends.

As a listening experience, this is epic fantasy in its purest form. It is immersive, grand in scale, and emotionally resonant. The magic system is hard and defined, reminiscent of Brandon Sanderson’s work, but with Islington’s unique flair for twisting timelines. It requires focus – this is not an audiobook to have on in the background while distracted – but the payoff is immense. As the plot threads from the first book begin to weave together with the new revelations of the second, the realization of Islington’s planning is nothing short of satisfying.

This audiobook is a must-listen for fans of “The Wheel of Time” or “The Stormlight Archive”. If you crave sprawling worlds, intricate magic systems, and narratives that challenge your intellect as much as they entertain, “An Echo of Things to Come” delivers on every front. It sets the stage for a finale that promises to be earth-shattering, leaving you eager to see how this intricate puzzle finally resolves.

Download & Listen

Don’t miss out on this crucial chapter of the Licanius Trilogy, brought to life by one of the industry’s best narrators. Download “An Echo of Things to Come” today at KTAudiobooks.com and discover the truth behind the shadows.