
Paths of Alir
A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 3
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $41.99
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Nick Podehl
-
By:
-
Melissa McPhail
About this listen
Powerful beings from the fringes of Chaos have come to the realm of Alorin. Fate bends to their will, and their will is set upon Alorin's destruction. Alone in understanding the threat they pose, Alorin's Fifth Vestal, Björn val Gelderan, has launched a desperate plan to stop them: a "great game" played upon the tapestry of mortal life. Now, in Paths of Alir, Björn's Players have taken the field.
Along the lush Caladrian coast of Agasan, the truthreader Tanis d'Giverny returns to the place of his birth and finds mysterious and wonderful workings waiting for him. But the zanthyr Phaedor warns Tanis that ominous events lie ahead, and the lad soon wonders if even his mother's magical lessons will be enough to keep him alive.
In the dungeons of Tal'Shira, held prisoner by the Adept Inquisitor Taliah hal'Jaitar, Prince Trell val Lorian is facing a life of enslavement. Only two paths lie open before him: one means an eternity of torture fighting Taliah's attempts to break him; the other requires surrendering to her will. But can he really sacrifice everything he is to walk Taliah's path of twisted magic known as mor'alir?
In the snow-bound Castle of Tyr'kharta, Prince Ean val Lorian must choose to save his brother Sebastian or his loyal men. But to choose his men means leaving Sebastian to an eternity of enslavement; while rescuing Sebastian means abandoning his friends, and his honor along with them. Either decision will test Ean's newfound skills, as well as his conviction, for as the prince soon learns, once a man becomes a Player in the First Lord's game, not even death can give reprieve.
©2014 Melissa McPhail (P)2016 Podium PublishingListeners also enjoyed...
-
Cephrael's Hand
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 1
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 32 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....
-
-
This is a great book!!!
- By Dason on 07-30-16
By: Melissa McPhail
-
Defiance of the Fall
- A LitRPG Adventure
- By: TheFirstDefier, JF Brink
- Narrated by: Pavi Proczko
- Length: 23 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Zac was alone in the middle of the forest when the world changed... The whole planet was introduced to the multiverse by an unfeeling System... or God. A universe where an endless number of races and civilizations fought for power and dominion. Zac finds himself stuck in the wilderness surrounded by deadly beasts, demons, and worse. Alone, lost and without answers, he must find the means to survive and get stronger in this new cut-throat reality.
-
-
Stick with it, you won’t be disappointed
- By Clay on 06-14-21
By: TheFirstDefier, and others
-
Mage's Blood
- The Moontide Quartet, Book 1
- By: David Hair
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 26 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Most of the time the Moontide Bridge lies deep below the sea, but every 12 years the tides sink and the bridge is revealed, its gates open for trade. The Magi are hell-bent on ruling this new world, and for the last two Moontides they have led armies across the bridge on "crusades of conquest". Now, the third Moontide is almost here, and this time the people of the East are ready for a fight... but it is three seemingly ordinary people that will decide the fate of the world.
-
-
Nick Podehl
- By Logan on 01-05-15
By: David Hair
-
The Primal Hunter
- A LitRPG Adventure
- By: Zogarth
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 20 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was a day like any other when suddenly the world changed. The universe reached a threshold humanity didn’t even know existed, and it was time to finally be integrated into the vast multiverse. A place where power is the only thing anyone can truly rely on.
-
-
Don't listen to the other reviews
- By Wesley Naval on 09-12-22
By: Zogarth
-
Free the Darkness
- King's Dark Tidings, Book 1
- By: Kel Kade
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 16 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.
-
-
What the heck people?
- By Mick on 03-12-17
By: Kel Kade
-
Spellmonger
- Spellmonger, Book 1
- By: Terry Mancour
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well: He found a quaint little shop, he befriended the local lord, the village folk loved him, he found a sharp young apprentice to help out, and, best yet, he met a comely young widow with the prettiest eyes.
-
-
Terrific Book! A great adult fantasy series.
- By Eric on 07-27-17
By: Terry Mancour
-
Cephrael's Hand
- A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 1
- By: Melissa McPhail
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 32 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....
-
-
This is a great book!!!
- By Dason on 07-30-16
By: Melissa McPhail
-
Defiance of the Fall
- A LitRPG Adventure
- By: TheFirstDefier, JF Brink
- Narrated by: Pavi Proczko
- Length: 23 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Zac was alone in the middle of the forest when the world changed... The whole planet was introduced to the multiverse by an unfeeling System... or God. A universe where an endless number of races and civilizations fought for power and dominion. Zac finds himself stuck in the wilderness surrounded by deadly beasts, demons, and worse. Alone, lost and without answers, he must find the means to survive and get stronger in this new cut-throat reality.
-
-
Stick with it, you won’t be disappointed
- By Clay on 06-14-21
By: TheFirstDefier, and others
-
Mage's Blood
- The Moontide Quartet, Book 1
- By: David Hair
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 26 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Most of the time the Moontide Bridge lies deep below the sea, but every 12 years the tides sink and the bridge is revealed, its gates open for trade. The Magi are hell-bent on ruling this new world, and for the last two Moontides they have led armies across the bridge on "crusades of conquest". Now, the third Moontide is almost here, and this time the people of the East are ready for a fight... but it is three seemingly ordinary people that will decide the fate of the world.
-
-
Nick Podehl
- By Logan on 01-05-15
By: David Hair
-
The Primal Hunter
- A LitRPG Adventure
- By: Zogarth
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 20 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was a day like any other when suddenly the world changed. The universe reached a threshold humanity didn’t even know existed, and it was time to finally be integrated into the vast multiverse. A place where power is the only thing anyone can truly rely on.
-
-
Don't listen to the other reviews
- By Wesley Naval on 09-12-22
By: Zogarth
-
Free the Darkness
- King's Dark Tidings, Book 1
- By: Kel Kade
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 16 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.
-
-
What the heck people?
- By Mick on 03-12-17
By: Kel Kade
-
Spellmonger
- Spellmonger, Book 1
- By: Terry Mancour
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well: He found a quaint little shop, he befriended the local lord, the village folk loved him, he found a sharp young apprentice to help out, and, best yet, he met a comely young widow with the prettiest eyes.
-
-
Terrific Book! A great adult fantasy series.
- By Eric on 07-27-17
By: Terry Mancour
-
Mark of the Fool
- A Progression Fantasy Epic
- By: J.M. Clarke
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 19 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After his parents died, Alex Roth had one desire: become a wizard. Through hard work, he was accepted into the University of Generasi, the world’s greatest academy of wizardry.... Fate, however, had another plan. On his 18th birthday, he is Marked by prophecy as one of his kingdom’s five Heroes, chosen to fight the Ravener, his land’s great enemy. But his brand is "The Fool". Worst of the marks.
-
-
Finally a Mc that’s not dumb or overpowered
- By Anonymous User on 09-22-22
By: J.M. Clarke
-
A Warrior's Path
- The Castes and the OutCastes Book 1
- By: Davis Ashura
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 17 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sweeping from the majestic city of Ashoka to the perilous Wildness beyond her borders, enter a world where Caste determines mystical Talents, the purity of Jivatma expresses worth, and dharma may be based on a lie.Rukh Shektan has always understood duty. As a member of Caste Kumma, the warrior Caste, nothing else is acceptable. He is expected to take part in the deadly Trials, to journey the Wildness and protect the caravans linking Humanity's far-flung cities. Though the mission is dangerous, Rukh's hope and optimism are undaunted. Karma, however, is a fickle fiend.
-
-
Very Bad... why all the good reviews?
- By clifford on 09-15-16
By: Davis Ashura
-
Iron Prince
- Warformed: Stormweaver, Book 1
- By: Bryce O'Connor, Luke Chmilenko
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 33 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Reidon Ward will become a god. He doesn't know it yet, of course. Reidon was born weak, sickly, and small. Afflicted with a painful disease and abandoned by his parents because of it, he has had to fight tooth and nail for every minor advantage life has allowed him. However, his perseverance has not gone unnoticed, and when the most powerful artificial intelligence in human history takes an interest in him, things began to change quickly.
-
-
Best book I've heard all year!!
- By Reading Obsessed on 03-23-21
By: Bryce O'Connor, and others
-
Sufficiently Advanced Magic
- Arcane Ascension, Book 1
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 21 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Five years ago Corin Cadence's brother entered the Serpent Spire - a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those who survive the spire's trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers. According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be granted a boon by the spire's goddess. He never returned. Now it's Corin's turn. He's headed to the top floor, on a mission to meet the goddess.
-
-
Very good book
- By Jason N. on 07-20-17
By: Andrew Rowe
-
Forging Divinity
- The War of Broken Mirrors, Book 1
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Some say that in the city of Orlyn, godhood is on sale to the highest bidder. Thousands flock to the city each year, hoping for a chance at immortality. Lydia Hastings is a knowledge sorcerer, capable of extracting information from anything she touches. When she travels to Orlyn to validate the claims of the local faith, she discovers a conspiracy that could lead to a war between the world's three greatest powers. At the focal point is a prisoner who bears a striking resemblance to the long-missing leader of the pantheon she worships.
-
-
OK magic system, but everything else is flat
- By osuushi on 03-22-19
By: Andrew Rowe
-
Dissonance
- A LitRPG Adventure (Unbound Book 1)
- By: Nicoli Gonnella
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 26 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Felix's life on Earth had become a series of dead-end jobs, ruined relationships, and rotating apartments smaller than most postage stamps. By all accounts, even his own, he was a coward. Too afraid to move forward, to take risks. Yet when given the chance to choose between risking his life or walking away from a deadly encounter, he didn't hesitate. Moments before his untimely demise, Felix was snatched from earth and thrust into a magical world known only as "The Continent". Empowered by the "System", he learns that he can strengthen himself through combat and dedication.
-
-
I don't think my words can do this justice
- By Joseph on 05-09-22
By: Nicoli Gonnella
-
A Testament of Steel
- Instrument of Omens, Book 1
- By: Davis Ashura
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 19 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cinder Shade’s life begins on a fateful afternoon at the bottom of a well where he awakens, bruised, battered, and bereft of all memory. His only understanding is a driving imperative to protect those who can’t defend themselves and become a warrior worthy of the name. He discovers within himself a peculiar gift, one in which the codes of combat are made evident and the language of steel is made clear.
-
-
Repetitive plot, terrible dialogue
- By Anonymous User on 01-10-21
By: Davis Ashura
-
Mage of No Renown
- Tales of Terralor, Book 1
- By: Kel Kade
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Wesson is still years from becoming a man when an immense darkness stirs within his core. The sinister power bursts free during a confrontation with an old enemy, and Wesson’s tranquil life is left in tatters. Forced to flee a murderous mob, Wesson stumbles onto a tumultuous path where he must confront the destructive power he has awakened. He must learn control over the power he wields or risk being consumed by it. As he wrestles with his training, an assassin stalks his every move.
-
-
It was OK at best
- By Julien Nicolas on 06-29-22
By: Kel Kade
-
Bastion
- Immortal Great Souls, Book 1
- By: Phil Tucker
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 38 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Scorio will rise from the ashes to conquer the 10 layers of hell. Reborn without memories, Scorio learns that he is a Great Soul, a legendary defender of the ancient city of Bastion. That within the hallowed halls of the Academy and under the stern eyes of the underworld’s greatest instructors he will enjoy enormous privilege, rediscover unique and wondrous powers, and one day return to the millennium-old battle against their infernal foes. Until he is betrayed.
-
-
Very well written.
- By Reed Rasmussen on 03-18-22
By: Phil Tucker
-
Six Sacred Swords
- Weapons and Wielders, Book 1
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Keras Selyrian is already well on the way to cutting his name into the annals of legend. He’s fought false divinities, thieving sorcerers, and corrupt demigods - and left them defeated in his wake. But he’s a long way from home, and Kaldwyn offers a different brand of danger than he’s used to. He’s already got a sword of unfathomable power, but it’s damaged and leaking world-annihilating mana, so he’s in the market for a new one. Possibly six. The more the better, really.
-
-
Different names, same characters. One trick pony?
- By Logophile on 05-16-19
By: Andrew Rowe
-
Edge of the Woods: An Epic Fantasy Adventure
- The Lost Edge, Book 1
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 20 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A young man lives among the trees of a primeval forest, raised by a wizened old sage and friend to the faeries and spirits of his home. He bears only half a name—Lien, an ancient word meaning "blade" or "edge"—and no knowledge of his heritage. As he grows, so too does his need for independence and answers. Thus, he begins his adventure, seeking a shattered sword and the truth behind the mysterious mark on his right hand.
-
-
Too much focus on mechanics, light on story
- By John on 09-21-23
By: Andrew Rowe
-
A Mark of Kings
- The Shattered Reigns, Book 1
- By: Bryce O'Connor, Luke Chmilenko
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 18 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Despite his youth, Declan Idrys knows of the evils of the world. He knows of the bastards and brigands who plague the King's lands, of the monsters skulking in the wooded depths of the realm. Together with his companion, Ryn - a beast of rather peculiar talent - he has spent the last decade of his life beneath the bloody banners of a half-dozen mercenary guilds, hunting precisely such festering wickedness within the borders of Viridian.
-
-
A difficult slog
- By Tony G. on 10-07-19
By: Bryce O'Connor, and others
What listeners say about Paths of Alir
Highly rated for:
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Michael T. Crawford
- 11-29-16
okay. when will book four be out?
okay. when will book four be out? the only issue with audible is they don't complete series.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
- TJ
- 11-02-16
Emotional rollercoaster
Such a great ending, but goodness gracious... McPhail sure can be sedistic in the way she treats the characters you grow to love. It was gut wrenching, and, at times, very hard for me to push through the story, because of the vile things enacted against certain protagonists -coupled with the consistent sense of foreboding and dread that said individuals might actually experience even MORE gruesome and tragic circomstances. But what an ending! My heart is still recovering from the traumatizing ups and downs of this book, but here I sit, excitedly awaiting the next instalment in the series; and, also, intrigued to see where exactly the author plans to lead us next on her Pattern of Shadow and Light.
As a side note... Way too much sex. I mean, seriously. There was a point, it was crossed, then crossed again (and again) for what seemed like merely good measure -especially in regard to all the rape. But I digress..
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Chuck
- 02-19-19
the mind that can create such stories.
great books. mabey not for kids. the descriptions of seems is amazing. great to listen to
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Robert
- 01-26-17
awesome
I didn't want to stop listening. I look forward to the next book. And the narrator made the book even better.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mike2J
- 03-03-17
Perfect narration of an outstanding book
The book is well crafted, and the narration is one of the best I have heard. The series was tough when I started with the first book of the series, but I was totally absorbed in this book.
I can't say enough about Nick Podehl's narration. His voicing of characters was perfect and added much to the magic of the book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Liz gaydon
- 01-05-17
Awesome
After finishing, I need to know what will happen next. Slightly predictable with somethings but still loved it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Information Junkie
- 01-03-17
Amazing book and series
Filled with complex stories and character development reminiscent of Robert Jordan and the wheel of time.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Patrick
- 02-07-17
each new installment gets better and better
this is one of the better books. I've had the pleasure of listening to.
epicfantasy at its finest!
such amazing characters
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jeffrey
- 02-28-18
Gaze
How many times can an author use the word gaze in a book? Listen to these books and take a drink each time you hear gaze or gazed. You won't last long before you're drunk. Good book though.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tracy
- 10-18-18
Not bad
he good Power was so overwhelmed by the evil power would have been better if more evenly matched but worth the.
although this book did demand Focus while listening
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!