Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Of Blood and Bone
- Author: Nora Roberts
- Narrator: Julia Whelan
- Length: 14:00:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 04/12/2018
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Paranormal, Apocalyptic & Dystopian
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s a particular magic that happens when a master storyteller like Nora Roberts pairs with a narrator as gifted as Julia Whelan. As I listened to “Of Blood and Bone” while driving through the misty backroads of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the boundary between my world and Roberts’ post-apocalyptic realm blurred in the most delicious way. The rain pattering on my rental car’s roof became the sound of Faerie footsteps, and the dense evergreens lining the road transformed into the haunted woods where young Fallon Swift begins her extraordinary journey.
This second installment in Roberts’ Chronicles of The One series builds beautifully on the foundation laid in “Year One”. We follow Fallon, now nearly thirteen, as she leaves the relative safety of her family’s farm to train with the mysterious Mallick. Roberts’ world-building here is exquisite – she creates a post-Doom America that feels both terrifyingly plausible and rich with magical possibility. The societal collapse elements reminded me of stories I’ve heard from survivors in disaster zones around the world, while the emerging magic system has the depth and logic that will satisfy even the most discerning fantasy reader.
Julia Whelan’s narration is nothing short of alchemy. She captures Fallon’s transition from sheltered child to burgeoning warrior with perfect nuance. There’s a particular scene where Fallon first successfully calls lightning that gave me chills – Whelan’s delivery builds from tentative wonder to triumphant power in a way that made me pull over just to fully experience the moment. Her ability to distinguish between characters is remarkable; Mallick’s ancient wisdom carries in his gravelly tones, while the various magical creatures each have distinct vocal signatures that help bring Roberts’ world to vibrant life.
What struck me most profoundly was how Roberts weaves themes of found family and self-discovery into this dystopian tapestry. It reminded me of evenings spent with a Quechua family in the Peruvian Andes, where storytelling wasn’t just entertainment but survival – a way to pass down knowledge when written words might be lost. Fallon’s journey mirrors our own universal coming-of-age struggles, just amplified by extraordinary circumstances. Her training sequences – learning healing arts, sword fighting, and magical control – unfold with such tactile detail that you can almost smell the herbal poultices and feel the weight of the practice sword in your hands.
The audiobook’s pacing deserves special praise. At just under 14 hours, it’s substantial but never sluggish. Roberts balances action sequences with quieter moments of character development, and Whelan’s narration keeps the rhythm engaging throughout. There’s a particularly effective use of silence during a crucial scene where Fallon must make a morally complex decision – the pause speaks volumes.
For listeners familiar with Roberts’ romance work, be prepared for something different here. While there are elements of connection and relationship (this is Nora Roberts, after all), the focus remains firmly on Fallon’s hero’s journey and the rebuilding of a shattered world. Fans of “The Stand” or “The Passage” will find familiar apocalyptic thrills, but with Roberts’ signature focus on community and personal growth.
If I have any critique, it’s that some of the magical exposition scenes can feel slightly didactic in audio format. There were moments when I wished for slightly more showing rather than telling about the rules of this universe. However, Whelan’s performance helps smooth over these patches with her engaging delivery.
As someone who’s documented recovery stories from disaster zones worldwide, I found Roberts’ vision of post-collapse humanity remarkably nuanced. The Raiders and Purity Warriors represent our worst impulses, but the various communities working to rebuild showcase our resilience. It’s this balance that elevates “Of Blood and Bone” above typical dystopian fare.
The production quality is excellent throughout, with crisp audio that does justice to Whelan’s dynamic range. I particularly appreciated how well-balanced the volume was – no sudden spikes that make you scramble for the volume control during action sequences.
For your listening experience, I’d recommend this as perfect for a long road trip or immersive weekend listening. It’s the kind of story that benefits from sustained attention, though the chapter breaks are well-placed if you need to consume it in smaller portions. Pair it with a mug of strong herbal tea and a rainy afternoon for maximum atmosphere.
With stories in my heart and miles yet to travel,
Marcus Rivera
