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Sins of the Fathers #1-3
Sins of the Fathers: The Complete Trilogy
To stop the end of the world, they must defy a god.
Three epic books. 1,000+ pages full of dark magic, war, unforgettable characters, and political intrigue.
***Launching at a special low price for a limited time***
Long ago, powerful sorcerers stole the power of a god. Only the courage and sacrifice of great heroes stopped them from conquering the known world.
They thought it was over. But the god who was robbed so long ago remained. He swore that long after the heroes were dead, when his power returned, he would have his vengeance on all of humanity.
Now, the time of his prophecy is at hand. A band of elite desert warriors crosses the sea, hoping faith and courage will be enough to turn aside the coming apocalypse. Their leader, Prelate Yazid Valerian, seeks the mythical city of sorcerers.
There, he believes, he will find allies and answers. But the city has been hidden for centuries for a reason. And he never expects that he and his men may spark the very doom they seek to prevent...
Buy this Special Edition Box Set to experience a sweeping Epic Fantasy Series with a grimdark twist, perfect for fans of Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen, Game of Thrones, and Joe Abercombie's First Law Series.
Included in the Sins of the Father Trilogy:
Book 1: Dead God's Due (2019 Voice Arts Award Nominee)
Book 2: Mad God's Muse
Book 3: War God's Will
Three epic books. 1,000+ pages full of dark magic, war, unforgettable characters, and political intrigue.
***Launching at a special low price for a limited time***
Long ago, powerful sorcerers stole the power of a god. Only the courage and sacrifice of great heroes stopped them from conquering the known world.
They thought it was over. But the god who was robbed so long ago remained. He swore that long after the heroes were dead, when his power returned, he would have his vengeance on all of humanity.
Now, the time of his prophecy is at hand. A band of elite desert warriors crosses the sea, hoping faith and courage will be enough to turn aside the coming apocalypse. Their leader, Prelate Yazid Valerian, seeks the mythical city of sorcerers.
There, he believes, he will find allies and answers. But the city has been hidden for centuries for a reason. And he never expects that he and his men may spark the very doom they seek to prevent...
Buy this Special Edition Box Set to experience a sweeping Epic Fantasy Series with a grimdark twist, perfect for fans of Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen, Game of Thrones, and Joe Abercombie's First Law Series.
Included in the Sins of the Father Trilogy:
Book 1: Dead God's Due (2019 Voice Arts Award Nominee)
Book 2: Mad God's Muse
Book 3: War God's Will
- GenresAudiobook
994 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2020
208 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Matthew P. Gilbert
15 books23 followersMatt Gilbert, in addition to being a fiction author, is a professional video game developer; a veteran; a columnist for his local newspaper; and the father of three wild boys and two wild girls. He was born and raised in Woodbury, GA, and has been on watch for zombies ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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April 13, 2020I wanted to write this review because I think others might enjoy this set while I did not. It is very well written. The characters are well-drawn and so on. The only fault I could point out is that it was a little slow to start. I felt like I was reading a soap opera rather than watching it on television. I don’t enjoy soap operas, but there are obviously many people who do. If you enjoy soap operas, then this is for you.
February 15, 2020
Here we have a grand tale with a wide scope that encompasses strange new cultures, lots of history, and a deep mythology that leaves the truth largely open to interpretation.
As always, Ralph Lister gives a phenomenal audio performance. His robust voice is perfect for this type of fantasy, in much the same vein as Roy Dotrice and Michael Kramer. His one failing, which he shares with Roy Dotrice's later work, is that he lacks the range to produce voices that sound young. Pretty much everyone in the book sounds middle-aged or older. Elsewise, however, his voices are nigh on perfect. His vocal inflections are fantastic, and his tempo shift throughout, while being on the subtle side, almost perfectly convey the tension of any given scene.
Now, as is my wont, I will largely forego any discussion of the plot. There are other reviews that give summaries of the plot.
Throughout the trilogy, the writing is fantastic. The prose flows beautifully, is error-free, and gives just the right amount of focus of the details.
Although it takes quite a bit of time to get there (mid second book), the trilogy takes a deep dive into the major characters and their personalities.
While there are many that I don't actually like as people, nearly all of them grow to the depth of real people and I can't help caring about them. A few that I really didn't like earlier in the trilogy grew on me and by the end I just couldn't help rooting for them.
Throughout the trilogy though, I do have a few issues.
The main one being completely a matter of taste. After so many fantasy epics that focus so strongly on the royal politics of various realms, I find myself utterly burned out on the trope. Between the Meites, the noble houses, the subplots involving the founders, and to an extent even the plots involving the Xanthians, I would say that something near 80% of the novel's conflict revolves around the politics of the nobility/royalty. And while if it's done in a new and unique way (such as in Phil Tucker's Chronicles of the Black Gate) it can hold my interest, here I really struggled to pay attention and get through it.
I just couldn't look past the modernisms. Not only am I not generally fond of advanced sciences (such as anatomy; medical science, including hypodermics, anesthetics, advanced surgery, etc; chemistry; etc.) in fantasy stories, particularly when they exist in a society deemed "primitive" or "barbaric," but for me the larger issue is the modern turns of phrase present in this book. Every time I hear one it throws me right out of the story. And yes, most modern curse words fall into the same general category for me. I just can't force myself to believe that a medieval society would use those words in the same way we do. Especially when I'm hearing a term like "bullsh*t," which appears to have been coined in the early 20th century, but certainly, based on etymology, could not have been in use before the 17th century.
Lastly, the magic system.
Not to put too fine a point in it, there doesn't seem to be one. Our rather, it's left very squishy and undefined. It seems to be able to do anything the author needs it to with no real structure or rules.
And more importantly, there doesn't seem to be any cost to the magic aside from perhaps a bit of exhaustion.
I was also really hoping for some insight into what the meites actually are and how someone becomes one, but that is never addressed.
Now, all that being said, throughout this trilogy we've got a fascinating arc, both in plot and in the various characters. There's a lot of awesome development all throughout the various plot lines.
And finally, the ending.
In each book individually, the endings comes together extraordinarily well. But dramatically more so the final conclusion at the very end.
At one point, I was left feeling "that's it" but then the real climax began and I have to admit that it was suitably epic, exciting, and emotional.
In short, it ticked all the right boxes.
I'm left feeling sad over some of the losses, but in the end I'm very satisfied with this ending and I find myself really hoping there is a followup series in the works!
As always, Ralph Lister gives a phenomenal audio performance. His robust voice is perfect for this type of fantasy, in much the same vein as Roy Dotrice and Michael Kramer. His one failing, which he shares with Roy Dotrice's later work, is that he lacks the range to produce voices that sound young. Pretty much everyone in the book sounds middle-aged or older. Elsewise, however, his voices are nigh on perfect. His vocal inflections are fantastic, and his tempo shift throughout, while being on the subtle side, almost perfectly convey the tension of any given scene.
Now, as is my wont, I will largely forego any discussion of the plot. There are other reviews that give summaries of the plot.
Throughout the trilogy, the writing is fantastic. The prose flows beautifully, is error-free, and gives just the right amount of focus of the details.
Although it takes quite a bit of time to get there (mid second book), the trilogy takes a deep dive into the major characters and their personalities.
While there are many that I don't actually like as people, nearly all of them grow to the depth of real people and I can't help caring about them. A few that I really didn't like earlier in the trilogy grew on me and by the end I just couldn't help rooting for them.
Throughout the trilogy though, I do have a few issues.
The main one being completely a matter of taste. After so many fantasy epics that focus so strongly on the royal politics of various realms, I find myself utterly burned out on the trope. Between the Meites, the noble houses, the subplots involving the founders, and to an extent even the plots involving the Xanthians, I would say that something near 80% of the novel's conflict revolves around the politics of the nobility/royalty. And while if it's done in a new and unique way (such as in Phil Tucker's Chronicles of the Black Gate) it can hold my interest, here I really struggled to pay attention and get through it.
I just couldn't look past the modernisms. Not only am I not generally fond of advanced sciences (such as anatomy; medical science, including hypodermics, anesthetics, advanced surgery, etc; chemistry; etc.) in fantasy stories, particularly when they exist in a society deemed "primitive" or "barbaric," but for me the larger issue is the modern turns of phrase present in this book. Every time I hear one it throws me right out of the story. And yes, most modern curse words fall into the same general category for me. I just can't force myself to believe that a medieval society would use those words in the same way we do. Especially when I'm hearing a term like "bullsh*t," which appears to have been coined in the early 20th century, but certainly, based on etymology, could not have been in use before the 17th century.
Lastly, the magic system.
Not to put too fine a point in it, there doesn't seem to be one. Our rather, it's left very squishy and undefined. It seems to be able to do anything the author needs it to with no real structure or rules.
And more importantly, there doesn't seem to be any cost to the magic aside from perhaps a bit of exhaustion.
I was also really hoping for some insight into what the meites actually are and how someone becomes one, but that is never addressed.
Now, all that being said, throughout this trilogy we've got a fascinating arc, both in plot and in the various characters. There's a lot of awesome development all throughout the various plot lines.
And finally, the ending.
In each book individually, the endings comes together extraordinarily well. But dramatically more so the final conclusion at the very end.
At one point, I was left feeling "that's it" but then the real climax began and I have to admit that it was suitably epic, exciting, and emotional.
In short, it ticked all the right boxes.
I'm left feeling sad over some of the losses, but in the end I'm very satisfied with this ending and I find myself really hoping there is a followup series in the works!
February 6, 2020
This is a tough listen, got it on audible for 1 credit so I have to power through it. A small part is due to the narrator in that he reads.."so and so laughed"...and then he laughs or snorts. Seems like a small thing but after a while it becomes maddening.
The story itself is hard to follow and there really is not one likable character. The author is writing in the 3rd person for the most part but he likes to pop into a character's head for a "thought" that's another frustrating bit with this audible journey.
I have no idea what is happening or why I should care. I am 1.5 books in and the magic system is still mostly unknown. It is very unclear who the protagonist is (or are). Maybe it will get better the last half of the way, it doesn't seem like it though. The most interesting parts of the first two books are the prologues which take place during a different time. Some possibilities there.
The story itself is hard to follow and there really is not one likable character. The author is writing in the 3rd person for the most part but he likes to pop into a character's head for a "thought" that's another frustrating bit with this audible journey.
I have no idea what is happening or why I should care. I am 1.5 books in and the magic system is still mostly unknown. It is very unclear who the protagonist is (or are). Maybe it will get better the last half of the way, it doesn't seem like it though. The most interesting parts of the first two books are the prologues which take place during a different time. Some possibilities there.
July 1, 2020
This trilogy earned me a speeding ticket
I have listened to the audiobook version while commuting, and it was The most entertaining month of my working life.
The books are great. The characters are alive, you can understand their motives and actions. The dialogue is clever and funny, the world believable. Some scenes have enough tension and suspense to make you forget you're driving in a small town way above the speed limit (10/10 would do again). Also, I couldn't guess the ending, not even at 90% of the whole trilogy, which is rare for me.
My only minor problem was that the timeline isn't always linear which can make some events confusing if you're only listening and have no way to go back and check some facts.
All in all, it's a solid 5 stars and I'll hunt down any other books from this author.
I have listened to the audiobook version while commuting, and it was The most entertaining month of my working life.
The books are great. The characters are alive, you can understand their motives and actions. The dialogue is clever and funny, the world believable. Some scenes have enough tension and suspense to make you forget you're driving in a small town way above the speed limit (10/10 would do again). Also, I couldn't guess the ending, not even at 90% of the whole trilogy, which is rare for me.
My only minor problem was that the timeline isn't always linear which can make some events confusing if you're only listening and have no way to go back and check some facts.
All in all, it's a solid 5 stars and I'll hunt down any other books from this author.
April 12, 2020
An enthralling unforgettable read!
With a menagerie of characters, from the warriors of Xanthia to the elites of Nihlos, this book is a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. I think this is a better crafted epic than George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. My favorite characters were the Meites, cranky, argumentative, vindictive and as hilarious as they are powerful. An unforgettable epic read.
With a menagerie of characters, from the warriors of Xanthia to the elites of Nihlos, this book is a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. I think this is a better crafted epic than George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. My favorite characters were the Meites, cranky, argumentative, vindictive and as hilarious as they are powerful. An unforgettable epic read.
February 25, 2020
Sin of the Fathers.
It was a.good series. It was very well written. Kind of hard to stick with at the beginning of book one. Though in the epilogue scene with Karianne of book two doesn't happen until like chapter 4 or 5 in book three kinda throws you for a.loop. As long as you stick with the books by the end you can understand exactly what is going on.
It was a.good series. It was very well written. Kind of hard to stick with at the beginning of book one. Though in the epilogue scene with Karianne of book two doesn't happen until like chapter 4 or 5 in book three kinda throws you for a.loop. As long as you stick with the books by the end you can understand exactly what is going on.
February 6, 2020
Keeps you reading
Read all the books in a couple of days. Good writing with only a few glaring errors. Great story for sure. Glad I read it. As always the question is, will this author continue with this world he's built and with these characters
Read all the books in a couple of days. Good writing with only a few glaring errors. Great story for sure. Glad I read it. As always the question is, will this author continue with this world he's built and with these characters
April 20, 2020
Roller coaster of a ride
This story has fighting, intrigue, infighting and Mayham. You will not get much sleep. I loved the magic and gods, along with the normal sword wielders. There are a lot of twists and turns. As you read there are plenty of clues, so pay attention.
This story has fighting, intrigue, infighting and Mayham. You will not get much sleep. I loved the magic and gods, along with the normal sword wielders. There are a lot of twists and turns. As you read there are plenty of clues, so pay attention.
May 17, 2021
One hell of a ride!!!
Wow just plain wow!!! Gilbert really knows how to build a world and tell a story. Characters were brought to life and I would love to see this as a tv show. If you love GOT, this is very comparable if not better!!!
Wow just plain wow!!! Gilbert really knows how to build a world and tell a story. Characters were brought to life and I would love to see this as a tv show. If you love GOT, this is very comparable if not better!!!
August 5, 2022
actually a fun read.
Initially was a bit skeptical as there is sooo much out there is the swords and sorcery genre (and I have read so many everything get derivative at some point) but it was actually a fun read.
Initially was a bit skeptical as there is sooo much out there is the swords and sorcery genre (and I have read so many everything get derivative at some point) but it was actually a fun read.
June 22, 2025
I have submitted reviews for each of the tiles contained within this series set box after listening to the audiobook of this title. These reviews can be found on the individual title's pages. (Audible )
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews