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Ruritanian Rogues #1
A Looming of Vultures
While an ugly war with its neighbouring realm continues to rage, the insulated members of Ruritania’s upper class laugh and dance their way through their superficial lives.
Some people, increasingly disillusioned by the pointless conflict, start to consider how the King might be persuaded - or forced - to end it.
Meanwhile, an increasing number of items of great value are going missing from those attending these high society gatherings.
At whom will the finger of suspicion point? Who can be trusted?
With so many competing, yet intertwined, agendas, what will be the outcome of this looming of vultures?
Some people, increasingly disillusioned by the pointless conflict, start to consider how the King might be persuaded - or forced - to end it.
Meanwhile, an increasing number of items of great value are going missing from those attending these high society gatherings.
At whom will the finger of suspicion point? Who can be trusted?
With so many competing, yet intertwined, agendas, what will be the outcome of this looming of vultures?
5 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 10, 2017
17 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Richard Storry
13 books17 followersRichard is delighted that all his books are available from Amazon, not only in print, but also as e-downloads and as audio versions!
Prior to writing his first novel, "The Cryptic Lines" Richard was very busy in the theatrical world:
He composed the incidental music to Chekhov's Three Sisters, seen in London's West End, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Eric Sykes, and subsequently broadcast on BBC4 television.
His music for Rumplestiltskin received over 300 performances in its first year alone.
His musical adaptation of "The Brothers Lionheart" premiered at London's Pleasance Theatre, followed by a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival where it was voted 'Best Childrens' Play'.
"The Cryptic Lines" has now been adapted for the stage and screen. Following the publication of his second novel, "Order of Merit," about a professional hitman who uses his musical skill as cover for his nefarious exploits, Richard has frequently been asked whether he wrote it from his own experience. Naturally, he is not at liberty to answer such questions(!)
Prior to writing his first novel, "The Cryptic Lines" Richard was very busy in the theatrical world:
He composed the incidental music to Chekhov's Three Sisters, seen in London's West End, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Eric Sykes, and subsequently broadcast on BBC4 television.
His music for Rumplestiltskin received over 300 performances in its first year alone.
His musical adaptation of "The Brothers Lionheart" premiered at London's Pleasance Theatre, followed by a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival where it was voted 'Best Childrens' Play'.
"The Cryptic Lines" has now been adapted for the stage and screen. Following the publication of his second novel, "Order of Merit," about a professional hitman who uses his musical skill as cover for his nefarious exploits, Richard has frequently been asked whether he wrote it from his own experience. Naturally, he is not at liberty to answer such questions(!)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 1, 2018
A country is at war. A long war. Everyone is sick and tired of it, but war does go on. It just has to.
But, while it continues to be the main topic of conversation amongst the elite of Ruritania, there is a certain individual who doesn't care much about it all. He does, however, care about other things. Shiny, expensive things.
Well, a bit more expensive than a bottle of drink. I'm sure you get the point :-)
The language our characters use is super-flowery. Befitting of our dear Barons, Dukes, Commanders and such. There's absolutely no purple prose present (I'm looking at you, Richard Lee Byers 😡) and once I got into it I really started enjoying the dialogue.
It's awesome seeing what you can get away with, only if you English properly. I can't English anywhere near that level 😅
Characters are well-built, just as much as necessary for this 5-hours-long story. It's a slow-moving, scheming and plotting story rather than one of action. That said, there's still plenty of action going on.
Dialogue is very good and at certain points simply brilliant. Jokes and banter between our two main characters fit so perfectly in their roles. I fully enjoyed their conversations, every single time.
Richard Storry didn't tell me things. He let me experience bits and pieces here and there and kept adding slowly. This made me come up with my own vision and idea of the surroundings and some people, too.
"I just read about this person for the first time. Who is he? Good? Bad?" And then I listened and formed my own opinions. I really, really liked this non-steering towards where the author wants you to go.
Of course, it wouldn't be as good without Jake Urry reading it all for me. Didn't take any adjustment to his voice or the way of speaking. The author took care of the script and Jake delivered like a champion. Thank you for sending me the book, Jake!
I may be easily amused, but this is a solid 5* in my book. Can't wait to read the sequel.
A Looming of Vultures (Ruritanian Rogues #1)
by Richard Storry (Goodreads Author), Jake Urry (Narrator)
But, while it continues to be the main topic of conversation amongst the elite of Ruritania, there is a certain individual who doesn't care much about it all. He does, however, care about other things. Shiny, expensive things.
Well, a bit more expensive than a bottle of drink. I'm sure you get the point :-)
The language our characters use is super-flowery. Befitting of our dear Barons, Dukes, Commanders and such. There's absolutely no purple prose present (I'm looking at you, Richard Lee Byers 😡) and once I got into it I really started enjoying the dialogue.
It's awesome seeing what you can get away with, only if you English properly. I can't English anywhere near that level 😅
Characters are well-built, just as much as necessary for this 5-hours-long story. It's a slow-moving, scheming and plotting story rather than one of action. That said, there's still plenty of action going on.
Dialogue is very good and at certain points simply brilliant. Jokes and banter between our two main characters fit so perfectly in their roles. I fully enjoyed their conversations, every single time.
Richard Storry didn't tell me things. He let me experience bits and pieces here and there and kept adding slowly. This made me come up with my own vision and idea of the surroundings and some people, too.
"I just read about this person for the first time. Who is he? Good? Bad?" And then I listened and formed my own opinions. I really, really liked this non-steering towards where the author wants you to go.
Of course, it wouldn't be as good without Jake Urry reading it all for me. Didn't take any adjustment to his voice or the way of speaking. The author took care of the script and Jake delivered like a champion. Thank you for sending me the book, Jake!
I may be easily amused, but this is a solid 5* in my book. Can't wait to read the sequel.
A Looming of Vultures (Ruritanian Rogues #1)
by Richard Storry (Goodreads Author), Jake Urry (Narrator)
Verdict A very good story. Need more!
Overall
Performance
Story
August 31, 2018
**I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jake Urry. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.**
The last few years, I’ve been primarily focused on reading/reviewing romance novels of the fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal variety. But every once in a while, I find myself in the mood for something vastly different. Enter “A Looming of Vultures” and it’s 4-ish hours of humor, suspense, and mystery.
There was a surprising amount of plot in this book, considering how short it was. Mr. Storry even managed to throw in a plot twist that I aaaalmost didn’t see coming, it was so subtly hinted at in a previous chapter. The pace of events was perfect for the story he had to tell and his characters were interesting and nicely developed. There was also just enough detail devoted to scene-setting and just enough background information given to paint a good backdrop for the events of the story. Ruritania was made real enough that I found myself wanting to check a map to see if I could find it in Europe somewhere!
As a thief and an aristocrat in a country suffering through war, Rudy could have been so easy to dislike…but I loved him. He’s clever, funny, inventive, and unapologetic in his desire to have the pretty/valuable things that belong to other wealthy individuals. His interactions with Wilhelm were hilarious and he was surprisingly courteous to his servant, despite the general attitude people like the General displayed towards their staff. Rudy and Willy seemed to have a lot of history and a good working relationship with one another. Wilhelm seemed to be the character that “doth protest too much” and it was surprisingly endearing rather than the annoying character trait it could have been. The other characters played their parts well and gave us a glimpse into the current atmosphere of Ruritania.
Several months ago, I listened to another Richard Storry/Jake Urry collaboration (“The Cryptic Lines”, which I reviewed here) and was really, really impressed. Mr. Storry is a very talented author and though it appears his works tend to be on the shorter side, he manages to present incredible details, developed characters, and interesting plot twists. He knows how to balance the elements of whatever mood he’s trying to set so that it isn’t too…monochromatic. There are subtleties that give his work texture and flavor and dimension, if that makes any sense. He also allows his reader enough freedom of imagination to make it easy to ‘picture’ what he’s writing. Mr. Urry has a voice that is PERFECT for suspense, action, and intrigue, and his accent lends just the right touch of both elegance and gravity. The audio quality of his narrations is spot-on, with not random volume changes, awkward pauses, or distracting background noises to interrupt the spell he’s weaving over the reader. I hope he narrates the rest of the Ruritanian Rogues series!
Bottom line: Everything about this story was just right: the length, the narrator, the balance of suspense and lightheartedness, and that one little plot twist. The addition of the vulture at the beginning and the end definitely set the tone and was a rather creative use of a normally off-putting creature. I highly recommend this book, especially in audio format, to anyone who loves a good intrigue!
Oh, and Willy’s Chocolate Tiffin recipe is included at the end, so that’s pretty awesome. 😊
The last few years, I’ve been primarily focused on reading/reviewing romance novels of the fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal variety. But every once in a while, I find myself in the mood for something vastly different. Enter “A Looming of Vultures” and it’s 4-ish hours of humor, suspense, and mystery.
There was a surprising amount of plot in this book, considering how short it was. Mr. Storry even managed to throw in a plot twist that I aaaalmost didn’t see coming, it was so subtly hinted at in a previous chapter. The pace of events was perfect for the story he had to tell and his characters were interesting and nicely developed. There was also just enough detail devoted to scene-setting and just enough background information given to paint a good backdrop for the events of the story. Ruritania was made real enough that I found myself wanting to check a map to see if I could find it in Europe somewhere!
As a thief and an aristocrat in a country suffering through war, Rudy could have been so easy to dislike…but I loved him. He’s clever, funny, inventive, and unapologetic in his desire to have the pretty/valuable things that belong to other wealthy individuals. His interactions with Wilhelm were hilarious and he was surprisingly courteous to his servant, despite the general attitude people like the General displayed towards their staff. Rudy and Willy seemed to have a lot of history and a good working relationship with one another. Wilhelm seemed to be the character that “doth protest too much” and it was surprisingly endearing rather than the annoying character trait it could have been. The other characters played their parts well and gave us a glimpse into the current atmosphere of Ruritania.
Several months ago, I listened to another Richard Storry/Jake Urry collaboration (“The Cryptic Lines”, which I reviewed here) and was really, really impressed. Mr. Storry is a very talented author and though it appears his works tend to be on the shorter side, he manages to present incredible details, developed characters, and interesting plot twists. He knows how to balance the elements of whatever mood he’s trying to set so that it isn’t too…monochromatic. There are subtleties that give his work texture and flavor and dimension, if that makes any sense. He also allows his reader enough freedom of imagination to make it easy to ‘picture’ what he’s writing. Mr. Urry has a voice that is PERFECT for suspense, action, and intrigue, and his accent lends just the right touch of both elegance and gravity. The audio quality of his narrations is spot-on, with not random volume changes, awkward pauses, or distracting background noises to interrupt the spell he’s weaving over the reader. I hope he narrates the rest of the Ruritanian Rogues series!
Bottom line: Everything about this story was just right: the length, the narrator, the balance of suspense and lightheartedness, and that one little plot twist. The addition of the vulture at the beginning and the end definitely set the tone and was a rather creative use of a normally off-putting creature. I highly recommend this book, especially in audio format, to anyone who loves a good intrigue!
Oh, and Willy’s Chocolate Tiffin recipe is included at the end, so that’s pretty awesome. 😊
January 26, 2018
This was a fun listen! Rudolph (Rudy) enjoys relieving high society individuals of their valuables. I think he does it mostly out of boredom. His manservant, Wilhelm (Willy), has tried everything he can think of to break him of this bad habit. This situation provided plenty of humor throughout the story.
At a fancy dinner party, an expensive necklace goes missing and this newspaper reporter gets blamed but perceptive folks don’t truly believe he stole it. Rudy has a naughty laugh up his sleeve because he knows exactly who took that necklace. Meanwhile, Willy is trying really hard not to roll his eyes at this while others are around.
So this baron or count or some such decides to take extra precautions concerning his safe. He brings three others into the plan, including Rudy because he believes he is an honorable man. Of course, this just presents a challenging opportunity for Rudy to get rich. Willy once again tries to persuade him not to do so… including threatening to never, ever make Rudy his favorite chocolate tiffin ever again. Ha! This story had me chuckling at every turn.
So while I know I shouldn’t root for Rudy, I didn’t want him caught and punished either. Luckily, the story gives us a true villain. There’s murder and deception and politics! Rudy and Willy inadvertently get drawn into this and when pushed up against the wall, they have to decide where that moral line is.
My one criticism for this story is that the ladies don’t really get to do anything. They flutter about in expensive sparkly jewelry and tell their men how clever they are. Really, you could have left them out all together and the plot wouldn’t have been impacted at all. So I would have liked some real female characters.
Overall, this story was a delicious mix of humor and serious crime. The play between Willy and Rudy was great and often had me laughing. Rudy is a bit of a scoundrel but I can see him taking on greater things, especially if there’s a bit of silver or gold in it for him. I love that the author included a recipe for the chocolate tiffin. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Richard Urry was excellent in performing this book. He has distinct voices for all the characters and his lady voices are feminine. I loved his voice for Willy as I could just picture all the facial remarks this character made (rolling eyes, grimacing, etc.). Also, there’s a recipe at the end of the book and Urry proves that he’s delightful to listen to no matter what he’s reading. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jake Urry. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
At a fancy dinner party, an expensive necklace goes missing and this newspaper reporter gets blamed but perceptive folks don’t truly believe he stole it. Rudy has a naughty laugh up his sleeve because he knows exactly who took that necklace. Meanwhile, Willy is trying really hard not to roll his eyes at this while others are around.
So this baron or count or some such decides to take extra precautions concerning his safe. He brings three others into the plan, including Rudy because he believes he is an honorable man. Of course, this just presents a challenging opportunity for Rudy to get rich. Willy once again tries to persuade him not to do so… including threatening to never, ever make Rudy his favorite chocolate tiffin ever again. Ha! This story had me chuckling at every turn.
So while I know I shouldn’t root for Rudy, I didn’t want him caught and punished either. Luckily, the story gives us a true villain. There’s murder and deception and politics! Rudy and Willy inadvertently get drawn into this and when pushed up against the wall, they have to decide where that moral line is.
My one criticism for this story is that the ladies don’t really get to do anything. They flutter about in expensive sparkly jewelry and tell their men how clever they are. Really, you could have left them out all together and the plot wouldn’t have been impacted at all. So I would have liked some real female characters.
Overall, this story was a delicious mix of humor and serious crime. The play between Willy and Rudy was great and often had me laughing. Rudy is a bit of a scoundrel but I can see him taking on greater things, especially if there’s a bit of silver or gold in it for him. I love that the author included a recipe for the chocolate tiffin. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Richard Urry was excellent in performing this book. He has distinct voices for all the characters and his lady voices are feminine. I loved his voice for Willy as I could just picture all the facial remarks this character made (rolling eyes, grimacing, etc.). Also, there’s a recipe at the end of the book and Urry proves that he’s delightful to listen to no matter what he’s reading. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jake Urry. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
January 26, 2018
Ruritania, a country described as laying somewhere East of France and the North of the Mediterranean, has been for a long time at war with Germania. In the midst of this tumult, the upper class is worried about some thefts occurred recently, and the best way to prevent them.
It is not specified when the events in this book occur, but the mention of electricity as a novelty and only within reach of the king, it could translate into late 19th century or early 20th. Being Ruritania an imaginary country, I couldn't help by try to guess in what countries it was inspired. Some names sounded Russian, but other could also have been Prussian. I know this is not relevant to the story but I always wonder about these things!
This book was really enjoyable. The characters were very well depicted, and each one had their own quirks. I especially liked the weird pair formed by Baron Rudolf and Wilhelm, with their never-ending arguments to the point that they resulted really endearing. I didn't share the motivations of the characters but I could understand them and I think Storry did a really good job in creating very vivid characters with down to earth imperfections that made them real.
The plot was cleverly exposed and had a nice pace. The book had me really entertained for more than the first half just to be surprised with interesting twist. I guess this is exactly what happened to the upper class of Ruritania, too busy with meaningless things (but important to them) to be able to see what was really in front of them.
Some things were not explained, like how the bad guys managed to do what they did, but this is part of the charm of this story, which feels sometimes like a fairy tale. I loved every moment of this it, and I enjoyed being distracted by a clever plot, like the people from Ruritania.
Jake Urry's performance was, as always, wonderful. He really brought the characters to life giving the impression of facing real people. He set the right atmosphere with his poweful and velvet-like voice, transporting me to a far away country. Urry has become of of my favorite narrators!
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jake Urry. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
It is not specified when the events in this book occur, but the mention of electricity as a novelty and only within reach of the king, it could translate into late 19th century or early 20th. Being Ruritania an imaginary country, I couldn't help by try to guess in what countries it was inspired. Some names sounded Russian, but other could also have been Prussian. I know this is not relevant to the story but I always wonder about these things!
This book was really enjoyable. The characters were very well depicted, and each one had their own quirks. I especially liked the weird pair formed by Baron Rudolf and Wilhelm, with their never-ending arguments to the point that they resulted really endearing. I didn't share the motivations of the characters but I could understand them and I think Storry did a really good job in creating very vivid characters with down to earth imperfections that made them real.
The plot was cleverly exposed and had a nice pace. The book had me really entertained for more than the first half just to be surprised with interesting twist. I guess this is exactly what happened to the upper class of Ruritania, too busy with meaningless things (but important to them) to be able to see what was really in front of them.
Some things were not explained, like how the bad guys managed to do what they did, but this is part of the charm of this story, which feels sometimes like a fairy tale. I loved every moment of this it, and I enjoyed being distracted by a clever plot, like the people from Ruritania.
Jake Urry's performance was, as always, wonderful. He really brought the characters to life giving the impression of facing real people. He set the right atmosphere with his poweful and velvet-like voice, transporting me to a far away country. Urry has become of of my favorite narrators!
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jake Urry. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
July 6, 2018
This book!!! This surprised me so much. I didn't read the blurb fully and was expecting a high fantasy kind of book filled with war and fighting etc, but what I got was a fun, story that's filled with mystery, murder plots, theft and highly likable characters. I really think you should go into this book blind, it's such fun!!
I adored the duo of Rudolph and Wilhelm. Rudolph is the rich master, but he also has sticky hands and Wilhelm has made him promise not to take anything again. But when one of his friends tells Rudolph about an uncrackable safe he recently got, Rudolph just has to take up the challenge and try to crack it! It helps when his friend entrusts Rudolph with some of the code for the safe. 2 others have the other parts of the code. This is to ensure that nobody other that the owner will have access to the code should he ever forget it. So Rudolph sets off to get the parts of the code and crack the safe! But he finds out something along the way... there is a plot to kill the king! Rudolph has to twart the plot before it's too late.
Rudy and Willy were such great characters!! I know you shouldn't root for the thief but it's hard not to when he is such a lovable rogue!! I was hoping he wouldn't get caught. I loved the dynamics between the two too! I laughed out loud a good few times while listening to it!! Willy threatens Rudy with not making his favourite treat if he keeps stealing, but Rudy wants this last big score to earn more than enough to keep them both comfortably! The author has created some unforgettable characters!!
In all, this is a gem of a book and one I urge everyone to try!!It's extremely well written and entertaining and I can not wait till book 2 comes out!!
Jake Urry was exceptional!! He has such a distinctive voice and it worked so well here. I know he has experience in theater and it shows because he brought the atmosphere and characters to life effortlessly. He didn't just read this, he performed it! He immersed me in the world the author created and I can't recommend him enough!!
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts
I adored the duo of Rudolph and Wilhelm. Rudolph is the rich master, but he also has sticky hands and Wilhelm has made him promise not to take anything again. But when one of his friends tells Rudolph about an uncrackable safe he recently got, Rudolph just has to take up the challenge and try to crack it! It helps when his friend entrusts Rudolph with some of the code for the safe. 2 others have the other parts of the code. This is to ensure that nobody other that the owner will have access to the code should he ever forget it. So Rudolph sets off to get the parts of the code and crack the safe! But he finds out something along the way... there is a plot to kill the king! Rudolph has to twart the plot before it's too late.
Rudy and Willy were such great characters!! I know you shouldn't root for the thief but it's hard not to when he is such a lovable rogue!! I was hoping he wouldn't get caught. I loved the dynamics between the two too! I laughed out loud a good few times while listening to it!! Willy threatens Rudy with not making his favourite treat if he keeps stealing, but Rudy wants this last big score to earn more than enough to keep them both comfortably! The author has created some unforgettable characters!!
In all, this is a gem of a book and one I urge everyone to try!!It's extremely well written and entertaining and I can not wait till book 2 comes out!!
Jake Urry was exceptional!! He has such a distinctive voice and it worked so well here. I know he has experience in theater and it shows because he brought the atmosphere and characters to life effortlessly. He didn't just read this, he performed it! He immersed me in the world the author created and I can't recommend him enough!!
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts
November 21, 2019
*My review is for the audiobook format, narrated by Jake Urry.*
I wasn't too far into "A Looming of Vultures" before I began to imagine this story being translated into a TV program, where it could easily fit into the "Masterpiece Mysteries" series on PBS. (The same is true for the second and third books of the Ruritanian Rogues series, as well.) Humor abounds amongst all three books. The banter between main characters Baron Rudolph von Mayerling (Rudy) and his manservant, Wilhelm (Willy), gives the Rogues series its zest and delightfulness. One might mistake them for an old married couple at times, but these two characters help to create balance between haughty aristocratic life and the darker, more mysterious corners of Strelsau. Before starting the series, I had read just enough of the book's description to pique my interest but was ultimately surprised at how well written and executed the Rogues books were. It wasn't long before I had lost myself completely in the decadent, turn-of-the-century European town of Strelsau, where lies and accusations live alongside thievery and murder. In Strelsau, appearances will deceive you, and you never know who, or what, is in the shadows, lying patiently in wait for the opportunity to strike.
It is Jake Urry's narration that takes this story straight up and out into the stratosphere. With equal parts charm and mystique, Urry provides a warm, natural, and professional performance that truly enhances the written word. There is no other voice that could breath life into Storry's creation quite like Mr. Urry. The same could be said of his narration for books 2 and 3 of the series, as well. Storry and Urry make a decidedly formidable team.
(I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request, and I have voluntarily written this review.)
I wasn't too far into "A Looming of Vultures" before I began to imagine this story being translated into a TV program, where it could easily fit into the "Masterpiece Mysteries" series on PBS. (The same is true for the second and third books of the Ruritanian Rogues series, as well.) Humor abounds amongst all three books. The banter between main characters Baron Rudolph von Mayerling (Rudy) and his manservant, Wilhelm (Willy), gives the Rogues series its zest and delightfulness. One might mistake them for an old married couple at times, but these two characters help to create balance between haughty aristocratic life and the darker, more mysterious corners of Strelsau. Before starting the series, I had read just enough of the book's description to pique my interest but was ultimately surprised at how well written and executed the Rogues books were. It wasn't long before I had lost myself completely in the decadent, turn-of-the-century European town of Strelsau, where lies and accusations live alongside thievery and murder. In Strelsau, appearances will deceive you, and you never know who, or what, is in the shadows, lying patiently in wait for the opportunity to strike.
It is Jake Urry's narration that takes this story straight up and out into the stratosphere. With equal parts charm and mystique, Urry provides a warm, natural, and professional performance that truly enhances the written word. There is no other voice that could breath life into Storry's creation quite like Mr. Urry. The same could be said of his narration for books 2 and 3 of the series, as well. Storry and Urry make a decidedly formidable team.
(I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request, and I have voluntarily written this review.)
November 3, 2017
( Format : audiobook )
"Your magnificent chocolate Tiffin."
Delicious in every way, this book of dirty deeds amongst the grandeur of Ruritanian nobility has echos of the gentleman thief books of Raffles and sidekick, Bunny. Gloriously written by Richard Storry, a visual and gastric delight providing a colourful background to the amusing story of thefts and double dealing. There is even an end recipe for the delectable chocolate Tiffin.
Simply to say that it is narrated by Jake Urry should be enough. His excellent narration with just a twinge of the sinister gives this sumptuous and whimsical tale the needed gravitas. Perfectly read, as always, he voices the characters and paces the text perfectly, his reading not disguising the inherent humour.
Good story, definitely fun and definitely recommended.
"Your magnificent chocolate Tiffin."
Delicious in every way, this book of dirty deeds amongst the grandeur of Ruritanian nobility has echos of the gentleman thief books of Raffles and sidekick, Bunny. Gloriously written by Richard Storry, a visual and gastric delight providing a colourful background to the amusing story of thefts and double dealing. There is even an end recipe for the delectable chocolate Tiffin.
Simply to say that it is narrated by Jake Urry should be enough. His excellent narration with just a twinge of the sinister gives this sumptuous and whimsical tale the needed gravitas. Perfectly read, as always, he voices the characters and paces the text perfectly, his reading not disguising the inherent humour.
Good story, definitely fun and definitely recommended.
December 4, 2017
What an entertaining listen! An aristocratic thief, a treacherous murder plot and scrumptious baked goods - sounds like fun to me. Will Rudy finally learn his lesson or is he beyond redemption? Will the assassins succeed or will an unlikely hero save the day? Listen and find out!
I really enjoyed this story. The dialogue between Rudy and his manservant was hilarious and they definitely had an interesting relationship. The action and suspense had me captivated. As for the narration, you can always count on it being great with Jake Urry as the narrator. I would recommend this.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This review is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this story. The dialogue between Rudy and his manservant was hilarious and they definitely had an interesting relationship. The action and suspense had me captivated. As for the narration, you can always count on it being great with Jake Urry as the narrator. I would recommend this.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This review is my honest opinion.
January 27, 2018
*Audiobook version*
I loved the story idea and execution for this book. Set in Ruritana, the upper class are full of jealously, suspicions, squabbles and conflict. The characters are very well developed adding depth and strength to the story. My favorites were Baron Rudolph and his loyal servant, Wilheim. They totally breathed life into the story!
Part of the beginning was a bit more narrative than I’d like, even a bit of an info-dump, but not too bad. In the overall scheme of things, very minute. Excellent book.
See full narrator review here: https://wp.me/p90Ozw-kv
I loved the story idea and execution for this book. Set in Ruritana, the upper class are full of jealously, suspicions, squabbles and conflict. The characters are very well developed adding depth and strength to the story. My favorites were Baron Rudolph and his loyal servant, Wilheim. They totally breathed life into the story!
Part of the beginning was a bit more narrative than I’d like, even a bit of an info-dump, but not too bad. In the overall scheme of things, very minute. Excellent book.
See full narrator review here: https://wp.me/p90Ozw-kv
November 18, 2018
FUN, EXCITING & SUSPENSUL TRILOGY!
This was such a fun listen, really enjoyed this entire series, really interesting!
What a world the author has created - dangerous, intriguing, and even comical on occasion. War can bring out the best and the worst in people....
When you push them to their limits, it can backfire.
Very well written, I was drawn in and listened to one after the other, until I was done.
Narration was awesome, really enjoyed it!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This was such a fun listen, really enjoyed this entire series, really interesting!
What a world the author has created - dangerous, intriguing, and even comical on occasion. War can bring out the best and the worst in people....
When you push them to their limits, it can backfire.
Very well written, I was drawn in and listened to one after the other, until I was done.
Narration was awesome, really enjoyed it!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 5, 2018
Richard Storry’s A Looming of Vultures was both poetic and intriguing! As two realms war with one another, a second secret war is happening amongst the overindulgent ruling class. This Robin Hood-esque tale is full of intrigue and action, but it’s almost written like a poem with beautiful imagery and cadence. All around a lovely work of art and I look forward to seeing where the story goes next!
June 8, 2019
***** A real tongue-in-cheek laugh riot! When electric lights were new and carriages were the going form of transportation, in Ruritania we are introduced to the light fingered Rudy and his long suffering manservant, Wilhelm. Expensive things go missing and the plot thickens! Great fun! The audio is performed by Jake Urry of the delightful voice and marvelous interpretation.
I won this audio in a giveaway and I really win!
I won this audio in a giveaway and I really win!
February 17, 2018
Audible:This was a really good story narrated by my favorite narrator,Jake Urry.There were twists and turns i would have never guessed.Not giving anything away.Loved it!“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
April 25, 2018
Trouble in Ruritania.
This is the third book I've read by Richard Story and narrated by Jake Urry; a formidable duo. The Cryptic Lines still remains my favourite, but I enjoyed this humorous fantasy, set somewhere around the early twentieth century. The setting of Ruritania is fictitious and it's certainly not a book to be taken seriously, more of a 'romp' than a who-done-it.
It's quite a short book, at just 220 pages, but that gave me just enough time to get to know the characters, without the humour wearing thin. I'm not the sort of reader who laughs uproariously at a book, but I did find my face cracking a smile from time to time.
Covering an assassination plot and an attempt to steal some valuable coins, I'm not sure I'd have read this as a novel and it definitely benefits from being narrated. There is a second book, The Nest of Vipers and as this is also narrated by Jake Urry, I may well give it a try in the future.
This is the third book I've read by Richard Story and narrated by Jake Urry; a formidable duo. The Cryptic Lines still remains my favourite, but I enjoyed this humorous fantasy, set somewhere around the early twentieth century. The setting of Ruritania is fictitious and it's certainly not a book to be taken seriously, more of a 'romp' than a who-done-it.
It's quite a short book, at just 220 pages, but that gave me just enough time to get to know the characters, without the humour wearing thin. I'm not the sort of reader who laughs uproariously at a book, but I did find my face cracking a smile from time to time.
Covering an assassination plot and an attempt to steal some valuable coins, I'm not sure I'd have read this as a novel and it definitely benefits from being narrated. There is a second book, The Nest of Vipers and as this is also narrated by Jake Urry, I may well give it a try in the future.
October 18, 2017
The lives of the landed gentry in Ruritania seems like an episode from Downton Abbey! I adore the language and the etiquette employed. The gentleman burglar is so endearing, I know I should abhor his behaviour, but I simply couldn't bring myself to dislike anyone so fond of chocolate tiffin! Of course, the exquisite language was enhanced by the narration of Jake Urry - a man who's voice can be likened to liquid chocolate. There doesn't exist a word, story or tale that cannot be turned into a masterpiece by the addition of Mr Urry. I'm thrilled to recommend this tale, it's simply lovely!
April 11, 2018
Ruritanian Rogues Book 1 “A Looming of Vultures” By: Richard Storry is a bit outside my normal genre, however, I really enjoyed the story. There’s loads of action and suspense, with enough humor to keep things fun and a twist to keep things interesting. Narrated by: Jake Urry who does an amazing job bringing individual characters to life. Highly Recommend!
February 7, 2020
Intriguing, comical but not funny, I found myself smiling at certain points. My favorite character so far is the manservant. Narrator is doing a fantastic job.
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