Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Baptism of Fire
- Author: Andrzej Sapkowski
- Narrator: Peter Kenny
- Length: 11:59:21
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 04/08/2015
- Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
The first time I heard Peter Kenny’s voice bring Geralt of Rivia to life, I was navigating a winding mountain road in Montenegro, the fog clinging to pine trees like the moral ambiguity that clings to Sapkowski’s characters. There’s something about listening to epic fantasy while moving through dramatic landscapes that makes both experiences more vivid – the audio performance blending with the scenery outside your window to create something transcendent. That’s exactly what you get with the Baptism of Fire audiobook experience.
Sapkowski’s third Witcher novel finds our protagonist at his most vulnerable – physically broken after the coup at Thanedd Island, yet spiritually unbroken in his quest to find Ciri. What struck me most during this listening experience was how the narrative structure mirrors the long, arduous journeys I’ve taken through the Balkans – moments of intense action punctuated by stretches of road where characters reveal themselves through conversation and quiet reflection. Kenny’s narration captures this rhythm perfectly, his pacing allowing space for the philosophical depth that sets Sapkowski’s work apart from typical fantasy fare.
The audio performance is nothing short of masterful. Kenny creates distinct voices for each member of Geralt’s company – from the world-weary Milva to the delightfully verbose Regis – that are so consistent you could remove dialogue tags and still know exactly who’s speaking. I particularly admired how he handles the multilingual aspects of the text, shifting seamlessly between different accents that reflect the cultural melting pot of the Continent. It reminded me of those evenings in Oaxaca listening to abuelita’s stories, where a single voice could conjure an entire world of characters.
Sapkowski’s themes of found family and moral compromise resonate deeply in this installment. As someone who’s documented refugee stories across three continents, I was particularly moved by the portrayal of war’s collateral damage – the displaced peasants, the broken soldiers, the children caught in political crossfires. Kenny’s narration brings appropriate weight to these moments without veering into melodrama. His delivery of Geralt’s dry humor provides perfect counterbalance, like bitter coffee cutting through sweet pan dulce.
The battle sequences showcase Kenny’s technical prowess. During the pivotal bridge fight, his breath control and rhythmic delivery create such vivid audio imagery that I actually pulled my rental car over to fully experience it. The clang of swords, the whistle of arrows – all emerge through vocal performance alone. It’s a testament to how audiobooks at their best can surpass visual media in imaginative stimulation.
Some listeners might find the political maneuvering dense at times, but Kenny’s clear enunciation and thoughtful pacing help navigate these complexities. I’d recommend this especially to fans of gritty, character-driven fantasy like Joe Abercrombie’s works, though Sapkowski’s philosophical depth and dry humor give it a distinct flavor. The translation by David French flows beautifully in audio format, with Kenny highlighting the lyrical quality of Sapkowski’s prose.
Having listened to hundreds of audiobooks across six continents, I can say this stands among the best performances in fantasy. The 12-hour duration feels perfectly paced – long enough to immerse you in this world, concise enough to maintain tension. Whether you’re a Witcher veteran from the games or coming fresh from the Netflix series, this audiobook offers the richest version of Sapkowski’s vision.
May your journeys – both literary and literal – be filled with such rich storytelling,
Marcus
Marcus Rivera
