Audiobook Sample
Listen to the sample to experience the story.
Please wait while we verify your browser...
- Title: Blood of the Fold
- Author: Terry Goodkind
- Narrator: Buck Schirner
- Length: 22:26:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 16/05/2017
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something profoundly intimate about experiencing an epic fantasy through audiobook – the way a skilled narrator can transform a long journey into a shared campfire tale. I first discovered this while driving through Chile’s Atacama Desert, where the surreal landscape merged with García Márquez’s magical realism in my headphones. That same alchemy happens in Buck Schirner’s narration of Terry Goodkind’s “Blood of the Fold”, though the terrain here is one of sword-clashing battles and world-shaking magic rather than South American deserts.
Goodkind’s third Sword of Truth installment finds Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell facing their greatest challenge yet – an ancient evil breaching the barrier between worlds. What makes this audiobook special is how Schirner’s gravelly, authoritative voice perfectly captures the weight of these stakes. His performance reminds me of those evenings in Oaxaca listening to abuelas spin tales – there’s a lived-in quality to his narration that makes even the most fantastical elements feel grounded.
The story unfolds like a tapestry of political intrigue and personal transformation. Goodkind excels at creating moral complexity within his fantasy framework – this isn’t just about good versus evil, but about the difficult choices leaders must make. Schirner’s voice work shines in these moments, particularly in Richard’s internal struggles. You can almost hear the weight of responsibility in his voice when Richard must make impossible decisions.
What struck me most was the sensory richness of the listening experience. Schirner makes you feel the metallic tang of blood in battle scenes, the whisper of silk as Kahlan moves through palace corridors, the oppressive heat of magical confrontations. His ability to differentiate dozens of characters through subtle vocal shifts is remarkable – from the guttural growls of enemy soldiers to the melodic lilt of the Mord-Sith.
The audiobook’s 22+ hour runtime might seem daunting, but like my cross-continental road trips, the journey becomes its own reward. There are moments where the pacing lags – some political discussions could be tighter – but Schirner’s performance keeps you engaged even during philosophical digressions.
Compared to similar fantasy audiobooks, “Blood of the Fold” stands out for its emotional depth. Where some narrators treat fantasy as pure escapism, Schirner finds the human core in Goodkind’s mythic storytelling. It’s closer to an oral history of another world than a simple reading.
For listeners new to the series, I’d recommend starting with earlier books, though Schirner’s narration provides enough context to follow along. Fantasy enthusiasts who enjoy Robin Hobb’s character depth or Brandon Sanderson’s worldbuilding will find much to appreciate here.
My only critique is that some female voices lean toward caricature, though this improves as the story progresses. The audio production itself is crisp, with excellent balancing between narration and the subtle background effects.
May your literary journeys be ever magical, Marcus
Marcus Rivera
