Forging the Runes

About This Audiobook

Josepha Sherman’s *Forging the Runes* is a Celtic-inspired fantasy that doesn’t just borrow from myth—it reshapes it. The story follows Ardagh, an elven prince framed for a crime he didn’t commit, banished from human lands and forced into exile. His journey isn’t just one of survival; it’s a soul-searching quest to reclaim his heritage while confronting a creeping Anglo-Saxon sorcery threatening to swallow Ireland whole. Sherman blends Arthurian legend with Norse myth, creating a world where ancient grudges fester and magic is as much a weapon as a curse. The prose is lush but never overbearing, striking a balance between poetic description and sharp dialogue that keeps the narrative grounded. It’s a tale for readers who crave depth in their fantasy, where the stakes are personal before they’re epic.

The audiobook’s strength lies in its ability to make the mythic feel immediate. A. C. Fellner’s narration is a masterclass in voice work, shifting seamlessly between Ardagh’s weary weariness, the cunning tones of antagonists, and the eerie whispers of supernatural forces. Fellner doesn’t just read the lines—he inhabits them, giving each character a distinct cadence that makes the bloated cast feel manageable. The pacing is deliberate, letting the world breathe without dragging, though a few subplots meander where tighter editing might have served the story better. Still, this is a rare audiobook where the narration elevates the material, transforming a solid fantasy into something immersive and alive.