Heroes Die cover art

Heroes Die

The First of the Acts of Caine

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Heroes Die

By: Matthew Stover
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
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About this listen

Audie Award Nominee, Fantasy, 2013

Renowned throughout the land of Ankhana as the Blade of Tyshalle, Caine has killed his share of monarchs and commoners, villains and heroes. He is relentless, unstoppable, simply the best there is at what he does.

At home on Earth, Caine is Hari Michaelson, a superstar whose adventures in Ankhana command an audience of billions. Yet he is shackled by a rigid caste society, bound to ignore the grim fact that he kills men on a far-off world for the entertainment of his own planet - and bound to keep his rage in check.

But now Michaelson has crossed the line. His estranged wife, Pallas Rill, has mysteriously disappeared in the slums of Ankhana. To save her, he must confront the greatest challenge of his life: a lethal game of cat and mouse with the most treacherous rulers of two worlds.

©1998 Matthew Woodring Stover (P)2012 Audible, Inc. Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Sword & Sorcery

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Critic reviews

"Stover's fans and those who like their fantasy/SF tinged red should enjoy this energetic tale." ( Publishers Weekly)
" Day of the Jackal meets Lord of the Rings.... A marvelous conspiracy thriller of worlds within worlds, where no one is necessarily who or what they seem." (Simon R. Green)
"Stefan Rudnicki performs with the skill of a master swordsman as he slices through the action scenes. His gravelly tone is perfect for the story as he portrays Caine's controlled wrath and tightly leashed passion." ( AudioFile)
All stars
Most relevant  
Really great book for fans of hard fantasy and sci fi. only downside is the author isn't exactly prolific.

amazing book and concept

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I picked this book because the narrator is one of my favourites and was expecting an other predictable action story. Instead I was blown away. I don't often come across books where I end up fist pumping the air at the apex cos I never saw it coming. this book is smart, funny, unpredictable and an unexpected journey.

Hit the nail on the head.

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Great story, not sure what I was expecting but wasn't this. Kept me hooked throughout.

Don't be put off by the cover

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Enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Excellent plot, fantastic and well thought out characters and just really good story telling. Enjoyed the development of the main characters and the pace and complexity of the story.

Caine Rocks!

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Where does Heroes Die rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

An excellent book, definitely in my top 5.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Heroes Die?

The closing sequence (which I won't spoil for you) is amazing. I was captivated.

What about Stefan Rudnicki’s performance did you like?

Stefan Rudnicki is one of the best audiobook readers I've ever listened to. This performance does not disappoint.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found this book gut-wrenching in places, and uplifting in others. The story and the performance combine to make this a totally immersive experience, as you live the highs and lows alongside the characters.

Any additional comments?

I'd give this six stars, if I could.

Uncomfortable, but Compelling

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I don't know why this book isn't more popular. it's fantastic. the rest of the series is just as good.

grimdark before it was a thing

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A grreat story thst is really well narrated, it completely stands the test of time.

love it

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It's a brilliant sci-fi/fantasy epic crossover of a dystopian future (but relatable) where corporations and surrogate entertainment rules humanity and a medieval magic world where the masses loose themselves through the surrogate's adventure!!! Brilliant writing, brilliant story, brilliantly performed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Everything about this book is Great!!!

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I had to be patient with this story it took some time to get into but in the end it was a good listen

Pot burner

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I heard about this book on Reddit in a Game of Thrones topic. Similar fantasy/political series were asked for, and many were pitched. At the bottom, Acts of Caine was mentioned as a very different type of fantasy.

Its very true. I cant think of another book similar to this.
Its so different from the usual that I genuinely had no idea how it was going to pan out. Its not your usual good vs evil battle

The narration was top notch. All characters instantly recognisable, that clearly shows the narrators (Rudnicki) range

A different type of fantasy

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