Etwas endet, etwas beginnt

Oliver Siebeck’s narration is the secret weapon of this audiobook. His performance doesn’t just carry the stories—it *inhabits* them. For “The Road with No End,” he switches between a weary, world-weary traveler and a snarling, otherworldly entity with such precision that I had to check if multiple actors were involved. The voice he gives to the sorcerer in “A Question of Price” is a masterclass in villainy: honeyed menace laced with the kind of charm that makes you question your own morality. That said, the production isn’t flawless. A few tracks suffer from abrupt volume shifts, particularly in quieter scenes where a sorcerer’s whisper suddenly pierces your eardrums like a needle. The pacing is another standout—some stories unspool like slow-burn mysteries, while others deliver revelations so abrupt they feel like narrative whiplash. Sapkowski’s habit of leaving certain threads tantalizingly unresolved is either a bold artistic choice or an infuriating tease, depending on your mood. The title story, a meditation on legacy and endings, is the emotional core of the collection, but it’s buried under a mountain of tangential worldbuilding that might frustrate listeners seeking a tight, linear narrative. Still, if you’re here for Sapkowski’s signature blend of folklore, philosophy, and sheer audacity, this is a ride worth taking—just don’t expect to emerge unscathed.