Stories from Arisa: Volume One by Davis Ashura

Stories from Arisa: Volume One

Mythic Bite-Sized Fantasy with a Warrior’s Edge

Written byDavis Ashura
Narrated byNick Podehl
Length1h26m
Release dateSeptember 20, 2016
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.4 (144 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorDavis Ashura
NarratorNick Podehl
Runtime1h26m
PublishedSeptember 20, 2016
Rating★★★★☆ 4.4 / 5 (144 ratings)
CategoriesScience Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Epic, Science Fiction, Anthologies & Short Stories
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Davis Ashura’s *Stories from Arisa: Volume One* isn’t just a collection of fables—it’s a razor-sharp return to the brutal, lyrical world of *A Warrior’s Path*, distilled into four standalone tales that thrum with the weight of legend. These aren’t meandering vignettes but tightly wound parables, each packing the emotional punch of a full novel into 20-minute bursts. The prose crackles with Ashura’s signature blend of visceral combat and philosophical heft, making this a rare short-form listen that lingers like a battle scar.

Nick Podehl’s narration is a masterclass in restraint and power—his gravelly, measured delivery turns even the quietest moments into something ominous, while his combat scenes snap with the precision of a drawn blade. The production is impeccable, with subtle audio cues (a distant wind, the *shink* of steel) that immerse without overwhelming. What sets this apart isn’t just the worldbuilding—though Arisa’s harsh beauty shines—but how each story *feels* like a missing piece of a larger epic, rewarding longtime fans while hooking newcomers with its mythic rawness.

Tags: dark epic fantasy short storiesmythic warrior fiction audiobookvisceral combat narration (Nick Podehl)philosophical sword-and-sorceryimmersive worldbuilding in under 90 minutesfor fans of *The Poppy War* and *The Blade Itself*

Why Listen to Stories from Arisa: Volume One?

  • Expert narration by Nick Podehl brings every character and scene to life across 1h26m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.4 stars by 144 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I’ll admit: I approached *Stories from Arisa* skeptical that short fantasy could avoid feeling like scraps from a larger feast. Within five minutes, Ashura dismantled that bias. These aren’t just stories—they’re *lessons*, wrapped in blood and wonder. My favorite, *The Last Oath of Jian-Li*, is a gut-punch of duty and sacrifice, its duel scene so vivid I actually paused to catch my breath. Podehl’s narration elevates it further; his voice carries the weight of a warrior who’s seen too much, especially in the way he lets silence hang after a killing blow. It’s a performance that understands *pace*—no rushed exposition, no melodramatic overacting, just the quiet certainty of a blade unsheathed. That said, this isn’t a flawless listen. The second tale, *The Weaver’s Gambit*, stumbles slightly with a twist that feels more clever than earned—Ashura’s strength lies in emotional brutality, not misdirection. And at 86 minutes total, the collection *demands* a second volume; the abrupt end to *The Hollow Crown* left me audibly groaning. But these are quibbles. The real triumph here is how Ashura and Podehl make every minute *matter*—whether it’s the crunch of snow under a dying man’s boots or the way a single line (‘*Some debts are paid in blood, others in silence*’) echoes like a curse. If you love fantasy that’s lean, lethal, and haunted by its own myths, this is a must-listen. Just clear your schedule afterward; you’ll want to dive straight into *A Warrior’s Path*

Download: Stories from Arisa: Volume One

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Stories from Arisa: Volume One by Davis Ashura is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Nick Podehl with a runtime of 1h26m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.