The Other Magic

Greg Patmore’s narration is the linchpin of this audiobook, and he delivers in spades. His portrayal of Kibure’s transformation—from a timid slave to a figure of terrifying inevitability—is nothing short of gripping. Patmore nails the story’s tonal extremes: the hushed dread of a man realizing he’s marked by something unholy, the explosive rage when that realization curdles into defiance, and the weary gravitas of a world that would rather burn than bend. The production is crisp, with no distracting audio artifacts, though a few sequences drag slightly when Smythe lingers too long on world-building dumps. That said, the payoff is worth it—this isn’t a book that rushes its reckoning with power and consequence. The story’s pacing is its greatest strength and occasional Achilles’ heel. The first act moves like a taut thriller, but midway through, the political machinations slow to a crawl, testing patience. Smythe’s world feels alive, but the sheer volume of lore (families, histories, and grudges) risks overwhelming listeners. Still, when the narrative snaps back into gear—oh, does it snap—the payoff is electric. The final act is a masterclass in escalation, leaving you breathless and hungry for more. If you can stomach the slower burns, *The Other Magic* rewards you with one of the most original magic systems in modern fantasy—one that dares to ask: what happens when the forbidden isn’t just forbidden… it’s *necessary*?