Today I’m reviewing the audiobook version of A Forest of Vanity and Valour: The Levanthria Series by A.P Beswick narrated by Aaron Smith.

I’ve been following the author on social media for a while but have never got around to giving one of his books a go until now..Not that I didn’t want too.. there’s just so much choice and so little time ha.

Anyway I picked up the audio version of the book as a lift gift for signing up to the authors mailing list..via the BookFunnel app (Side note… how decent is the BookFunnel app?? I’ve used the site before but never new they had an app… very happy indeed and its really bloody decent)

Anyhooo.. after signing up to the mailing list I found I already had the book in my TBR list.. bought back in March 2023.. reading and buying books are different hobbies for me ha ha.

All the signs were there so it was about time to give the book a go.. and I’m glad I did.. from the authors socials it was a sold as an epic fantasy with a robin hood kind of edge… let’s see shall we..

Here’s the blurb.

An aggressive debt collector banished from the kingdom. Now his life depends on his ability to help the less fortunate….

Vireo Reinhold relishes collecting his monarch’s proper dues. Working hard to prolong and fund the king’s never-ending war, the self-centered official revels in the perks of luxury that come with his unorthodox role. But his world upends when he unearths an ancient spellbook that promises to unlock a shadowy, forgotten magic. Embroiled in a secret affair with a fellow noble’s wife, Vireo is mortified when he’s forced to commit an unthinkable act. Driven into exile, no longer able to coerce the vulnerable, and with the powerful tome in his enemy’s hands, the fallen agent’s only shot at survival hangs on his skills at saving others.

Can Vireo redeem himself as the people’s champion before they all fall to a sinister fate?

A Forest of Vanity and Valour is the dark first book in the Tales of Levanthria fantasy-retelling series. If you like fast-paced action, evil-to-good transformations, and classic stories with a twist, then you’ll love A.P Beswick’s ominous tale. Buy A Forest of Vanity and Valour to fight for what’s right today!

Review

Vireo and his friends collect money for the King.. it’s not a great job but it keeps them in the life style they are accustomed too..and no one wants to be at the bottom of the ladder do they. It doesn’t make them popular.. if anything it leads to a few scuffles that could be avoided.

There’s a war going on and the King needs money.. and that means increased taxes. This isn’t going to go down well.

This world has magic, although it’s outlawed. With the war effort going badly it’s time to embrace magic again.

Vireo is on the pulse and has a book that may help!

We soon learn of a secret affair Vireo is having with a nobles wife.. this noble happens to be the person in charge of keeping the money and men flowing to the King so when he learns of the betrayal he’s not going to let this go lightly..

What makes it interesting is its hard to know what actions are carried out by the man himself.. there’s something else going on.. but what?

Not to spoil things but after an harrowing act that rocks Vireo to the core he’s on the run with his pals..but the only place they can hide is the forest.. a forest full of magic, the downside is there’s creatures that live there that could rip a person to pieces.

As Vireo sets out to make a camp of sorts this band of comrades soon learn of the dangers of the forest but there’s luck on Vireo’s side.. and a prior kindness pays off big time.

This is where the story starts to have the robin hood vibe.. but it’s amplified with the epic fantasy punch as we see the men try to forge a life.. to survive.. but they have to deal with actions and the ramifications for the people as they continue to be punished with high taxes.

Things come to a head and a battle is the only outcome.. someone must die..but who will make it out alive.. and who is really the bad guy in this tale? There’s a lot hidden..like we are only touching the surface.

Overall it’s a resounding hit.. but Aaron Smith’s tone and pace is what make the audio version an full on 5* story. I love a good audio book but sometimes struggle to maintain focus as my eyes are always looking elsewhere.. but not so with A Forest of Vanity and Valour.. my attention was focused from the first chapter.. Smith has a commanding presence which hooks you in.

I’ve already used this months audible membership credit to get the next book in the series and I’m keen to get started.

To find out more head to Goodreads, Audible or Amazon… or.. why not sign up for the authors mailing list? That’s what I did..