The Other Magic by Derrick Smythe

The Other Magic

Magic defies the law in a brutal world

Written byDerrick Smythe
Narrated byGreg Patmore
Length20h19m
Release dateJune 30, 2020
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.4 (4 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorDerrick Smythe
NarratorGreg Patmore
Runtime20h19m
PublishedJune 30, 2020
Rating★★★★☆ 4.4 / 5 (4 ratings)
CategoriesScience Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Epic
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

In *The Other Magic*, Derrick Smythe crafts a world where power isn’t just forbidden—it’s lethal. Slavery, political intrigue, and a magic system that upends the divine order collide when Kibure, a mere slave, unwittingly unleashes an unstoppable force. The narrative thrives on its stark brutality: clerics hoard sanctioned magic while dissenters are erased, making Kibure’s forbidden power both a curse and a revolution. Smythe’s prose crackles with tension, blending visceral action with philosophical weight—think *The Broken Earth Trilogy* meets *The First Law*, but with its own gritted-teeth ferocity. This isn’t escapism; it’s survival against a system designed to crush the powerless.

What sets this apart is its refusal to coddle the reader. The world of *The Other Magic* is one where hope is a luxury, and morality is a luxury, too. The audiobook’s length—20 hours—feels earned, not padded, with Greg Patmore’s narration grounding the story in raw, unflinching delivery. His voice shifts seamlessly from the whisper of a trapped slave to the snarl of a man pushed beyond endurance, making every moment immersive. If you crave fantasy that punches you in the gut while making you question what power truly costs, this is your next obsession.

Tags: dark fantasy audiobookmagic system rebellionslave-to-tyrant fantasyunconventional hero journeybrutal world-building fantasy

Why Listen to The Other Magic?

  • Expert narration by Greg Patmore brings every character and scene to life across 20h19m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.4 stars by 4 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

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*?

Download: The Other Magic

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The Other Magic by Derrick Smythe is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Greg Patmore with a runtime of 20h19m, 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.