Listen free for 30 days
-
Across the Fray
- Jon Oklar, Book 5
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Series: Jon Oklar, Book 5
- Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Action & Adventure
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £36.69
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Echoes of a Fallen Kingdom
- Stalwart Link, Book 1
- By: B. T. Narro
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Strong-willed and full of hope, Leo strives to learn more of the magic he has read so much about. He's heard of invisible links in his world, and hidden rifts to other realms filled with creatures and stones of power. But Leo's family is stuck in an impoverished city. He performs backbreaking farm work beside his older brother, a rebellious and cunning thief, but nonetheless a brother whom Leo would trust with his life. Leo believes everything will change for the better when he begins work as a bookbinder and finally leaves the dreadful farm.
-
-
Good set up for the rest of the series
- By The Curator on 16-03-21
-
Kin of Kings (The Kin of Kings: Book 1)
- By: B.T. Narro
- Narrated by: Brad C. Wilcox
- Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The first great war of Ovira is over, and the most hated king in centuries is dead, but his nephew still lives. However, Basen had nothing to do with the destructive war his uncle started. In fact it was his uncle who exiled him and his father to the territory of their enemies, where Basen's dreams of becoming a legendary mage now fade, as he must work all day just to eat. His only chance at regaining some semblance of the life he thought he would lead is to join an elite school that trains, houses, and feeds a thousand new young men and women each year.
-
-
There is humour, action, tension and magic.
- By Tony Bough on 30-01-16
-
The King's Ranger
- The King's Ranger, Book 1
- By: AC Cobble
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A ranger’s duty. The rotten heart of a king. Rebellion spilled from the blood of family. Rew, the king’s ranger, accepted a role on the far edge of the realm to avoid the morass of intrigue and betrayal that bleeds from the heart of the kingdom. His only desire is to shoulder the burden he’s taken, to protect the village of Eastwatch, and to monitor the wilderness beyond. When three youths are arrested for petty theft in the village and beg for his help, Rew’s oldest friend insists he take responsibility for them.
-
-
WoW
- By Anonymous User on 25-10-20
-
Awaken
- The Mortal Mage, Book 1
- By: B. T. Narro
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 11 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Desil has spent his life training, but a promise to his mother has kept him from using his abilities for anything worthwhile. Now all he does is help his mother manage her tavern as his father rests in a grave. Desil knows there's at least one other mage somewhere in this territory who can do what he can; they share a connection through their magic, although they've never met. He stays up nights wondering what they might be able to accomplish together.
-
-
Great Book as always but different pronunciations
- By Mark on 29-05-21
-
The Song of the First Blade
- The Bladeborn Saga, Book 1
- By: T.C. Edge
- Narrated by: Steven Brand
- Length: 28 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the heart of Vandar, as dark forces close in, Elyon, a gifted Bladeborn knight, fights for his family's survival in a world on the brink of war. In the beleaguered northlands of Tukor, a servant girl with a mysterious past is forced on the run by a treacherous lord, propelling her on a journey that will change her world forever. From the Shadowfort, an ancient power is unleashed, one that will set into motion a series of events that will bring the world to its knees.
-
-
love it
- By andrew berwick on 04-08-21
-
The Mercenary Code
- The Shattering of Kingdoms, Book 1
- By: Emmet Moss
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 19 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Centuries ago, the murder of a beloved king tore apart the Kingdom of Caledun. The land was plunged into chaos and thousands perished. A new order was established in an attempt to return Caledun to its former glory. It failed, but in its place rose the beginnings of the Code. During this same period, the mystical caretakers of the Great Wood retreated from the world of Kal Maran, their disappearance an ominous harbinger of the suffering that was to follow. The Great Wood now grows out of control. Cities, towns, and villages have fallen before the relentless march of the forest.
-
-
Really enjoyed this book
- By Mrs Jude on 21-02-21
-
Echoes of a Fallen Kingdom
- Stalwart Link, Book 1
- By: B. T. Narro
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Strong-willed and full of hope, Leo strives to learn more of the magic he has read so much about. He's heard of invisible links in his world, and hidden rifts to other realms filled with creatures and stones of power. But Leo's family is stuck in an impoverished city. He performs backbreaking farm work beside his older brother, a rebellious and cunning thief, but nonetheless a brother whom Leo would trust with his life. Leo believes everything will change for the better when he begins work as a bookbinder and finally leaves the dreadful farm.
-
-
Good set up for the rest of the series
- By The Curator on 16-03-21
-
Kin of Kings (The Kin of Kings: Book 1)
- By: B.T. Narro
- Narrated by: Brad C. Wilcox
- Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The first great war of Ovira is over, and the most hated king in centuries is dead, but his nephew still lives. However, Basen had nothing to do with the destructive war his uncle started. In fact it was his uncle who exiled him and his father to the territory of their enemies, where Basen's dreams of becoming a legendary mage now fade, as he must work all day just to eat. His only chance at regaining some semblance of the life he thought he would lead is to join an elite school that trains, houses, and feeds a thousand new young men and women each year.
-
-
There is humour, action, tension and magic.
- By Tony Bough on 30-01-16
-
The King's Ranger
- The King's Ranger, Book 1
- By: AC Cobble
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A ranger’s duty. The rotten heart of a king. Rebellion spilled from the blood of family. Rew, the king’s ranger, accepted a role on the far edge of the realm to avoid the morass of intrigue and betrayal that bleeds from the heart of the kingdom. His only desire is to shoulder the burden he’s taken, to protect the village of Eastwatch, and to monitor the wilderness beyond. When three youths are arrested for petty theft in the village and beg for his help, Rew’s oldest friend insists he take responsibility for them.
-
-
WoW
- By Anonymous User on 25-10-20
-
Awaken
- The Mortal Mage, Book 1
- By: B. T. Narro
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 11 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Desil has spent his life training, but a promise to his mother has kept him from using his abilities for anything worthwhile. Now all he does is help his mother manage her tavern as his father rests in a grave. Desil knows there's at least one other mage somewhere in this territory who can do what he can; they share a connection through their magic, although they've never met. He stays up nights wondering what they might be able to accomplish together.
-
-
Great Book as always but different pronunciations
- By Mark on 29-05-21
-
The Song of the First Blade
- The Bladeborn Saga, Book 1
- By: T.C. Edge
- Narrated by: Steven Brand
- Length: 28 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the heart of Vandar, as dark forces close in, Elyon, a gifted Bladeborn knight, fights for his family's survival in a world on the brink of war. In the beleaguered northlands of Tukor, a servant girl with a mysterious past is forced on the run by a treacherous lord, propelling her on a journey that will change her world forever. From the Shadowfort, an ancient power is unleashed, one that will set into motion a series of events that will bring the world to its knees.
-
-
love it
- By andrew berwick on 04-08-21
-
The Mercenary Code
- The Shattering of Kingdoms, Book 1
- By: Emmet Moss
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 19 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Centuries ago, the murder of a beloved king tore apart the Kingdom of Caledun. The land was plunged into chaos and thousands perished. A new order was established in an attempt to return Caledun to its former glory. It failed, but in its place rose the beginnings of the Code. During this same period, the mystical caretakers of the Great Wood retreated from the world of Kal Maran, their disappearance an ominous harbinger of the suffering that was to follow. The Great Wood now grows out of control. Cities, towns, and villages have fallen before the relentless march of the forest.
-
-
Really enjoyed this book
- By Mrs Jude on 21-02-21
-
The Risen Shard
- The Chain Breaker, Book 1
- By: D. K. Holmberg
- Narrated by: John Pirhalla
- Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Trained to kill from a young age, Gavin Lorren finally escaped that life. No more killing innocents. No more working alone. The jobs are still dangerous, but at least he can choose. Now an old friend has invited him to the city of Yoran where the work is plentiful. The Roasted Dragon tavern is rough but cozy. The regulars are seedy but welcoming. The owner, Jessica, is fond of him. It's almost too good to be true.
-
The Fire Within
- Elemental Academy, Book 1
- By: D.K. Holmberg
- Narrated by: John Pirhalla
- Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With the threat of rogue elementals escaping from the element bond and fear of another attack by the Draasin Lord, life at the edge of Terndahl is difficult for Tolan. Without any magic of his own, he spends his days working as a carpenter’s apprentice. When an elemental attack draws the attention of the Inquisitors from the Academy, everything changes.
-
-
A Nice Listen
- By Anonymous User on 16-11-20
-
Legend of Tal
- Volume I: Books 1-2 (Legend of Tal)
- By: J.D.L. Rosell
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 24 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Contains books one and two of Legend of Tal, a sword-and-sorcery, coming-of-age adventure.
-
-
Entertaining
- By jason on 07-06-21
-
King of Ashes
- Firemane, Book 1
- By: Raymond E. Feist
- Narrated by: David Thorpe
- Length: 18 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A new novel from internationally best-selling author Raymond E. Feist. The world of Garn once boasted five great kingdoms, until the King of Ithrace was defeated and every member of his family executed by Lodavico, the ruthless King of Sandura, a man with ambitions to rule the world. Ithrace's ruling family were the legendary Firemanes and represented a great danger to the other kings. Now four great kingdoms remain, on the brink of war. But rumour has it that the newborn son of the last king of Ithrace survived....
-
-
An Old Master Returns in Classic Style!
- By Simon on 30-04-18
-
The Legacy
- The Darkness Within Saga, Book 1
- By: JD Franx
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 21 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
DeathWizards have been the scourge of Talohna for over 5000 years; they are executed at birth or hunted to the death. There are no exceptions. Pulled by magic and blood sacrifice into a world he can't possibly begin to understand, Kael Symes soon finds himself the focus of a Talohna-wide manhunt. Desperate and trying to stay ahead of ArchWizard Giddeon Zirakus's execution squad, Kael soon discovers that Talohna's ArchWizard may be the least of his worries.
-
-
Horrible
- By Alexandru Dorel Ungureanu on 26-09-18
-
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.
-
-
Loved this story
- By fcon on 29-11-20
-
The Traitor's Son
- Path of the Ranger, Book 1
- By: Pedro Urvi
- Narrated by: John Banks
- Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A kingdom in danger, a great betrayal, a boy seeking to redeem his father's honor. Will he succeed in exonerating him and saving the realm from an enemy in the shadows before it’s too late?
-
-
Wonderful Story.
- By emrys on 11-07-21
-
Kingfall
- The Kingfall Histories, Book 1
- By: David Estes
- Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
- Length: 29 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Infused with magic, shadows and starlight, the powerful godblades were believed to be lost nearly half a millennia ago, when the Godswar ended. Now, however, one has been found by the unlikeliest of wielders: Sampson Gaard, a blind but ambitious prince with something to prove. The only question is whether he controls the blade or the blade him. With an insidious evil lurking in the shadows, the answer may very well determine the fate of all Kingfall.
-
-
Amazing read
- By Toriz on 12-08-21
-
The Squire
- Blood of Kings, Book 1
- By: Duncan M. Hamilton
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Conrad lives a quiet rural life with his parents in the Northlands. During one fated night, his world is turned on its head, as nightmares become reality. While his Northlands blood cries out for revenge, Conrad’s head tells him surviving is the best he can do. Rescued by a motley band of mercenaries, Conrad embarks on a life he could barely have imagined. As new challenges, friends, and enemies present themselves, Conrad knows that one day he will have to face the evil that so altered his life, and when that day comes, he must be ready.
-
-
Had potential but flawed, he said
- By SAQ on 24-09-21
-
The Other Magic
- Passage to Dawn, Book 1
- By: Derrick Smythe
- Narrated by: Greg Patmore
- Length: 20 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A prophesied king is born, but not all will benefit from his foretold conquests. In a realm where only clerics are permitted to practice magic, Kibure, a mere slave, draws the attention of much more than just his master after wielding an unknown force in a moment of desperation. In a twist of fate, Sindri, the priestess hired to strip Kibure of his power, defies the law, revealing designs of her own. This wayward pair will have to work together if they hope to evade capture at the hands of the Empire's most potent wielders.
-
-
Great book and narration
- By Milky Letters on 17-08-21
-
Bastial Energy
- The Rhythm of Rivalry: Book 1
- By: B. T. Narro
- Narrated by: Nigel Patterson
- Length: 15 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
By using the energy of the land, some humans have found they can develop extraordinary abilities. At the age of 17, these warriors, magicians, chemists, and psychics are allowed the opportunity to train at the Academy, increasing their opportunity for a well-paying career. But there's a catch. They must fight beside the Army if requested by their king. Most aren't concerned by this, as the current treaty has prevented battle for nearly 70 years...but that's about to change.
-
He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure
- He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 1
- By: Shirtaloon, Travis Deverell
- Narrated by: Heath Miller
- Length: 28 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It’s not easy making the career jump from office-supplies-store middle manager to heroic interdimensional adventurer. At least, Jason tries to be heroic, but it's hard to be good when all your powers are evil. He’ll face off against cannibals, cultists, wizards, monsters...and that’s just on the first day. He’s going to need courage, he’s going to need wit, and he’s going to need some magic powers of his own. But first, he’s going to need pants.
-
-
Wow.
- By hudefa on 16-03-21
Summary
Jon and his allies are far from home. An unstoppable force is coming, and a play for the crown has left their army broken.
A choice must be made to side with the lesser of two evils. Will the ends justify the means? How much will have to be sacrificed to ensure some semblance of a future for Lycast? One thing is for certain. Jon and his allies must use everything available to them to get through this, and even then it might not be enough.
To take on everyone who opposes their king means mysteries must be uncovered. It means Jon’s people must regain the strength they lost after the betrayal. They will have to find support in places out of reach of their enemies, and fast. Soon the fray will ignite the fire that could destroy everything.
More from the same
Narrator
What listeners say about Across the Fray
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Dylan Byler
- 03-08-22
Beautiful ending to a great series
I hope I will one day hear more of john’s adventures. a good ending to a wonderful series.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Cory Marshburn
- 25-07-22
Great book!
Loved the story, descriptive battle scenes, and a terrific ending. Must read for fantasy genre lovers.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kindle Customer
- 20-07-22
Great Saga
This is one of my favorite series. I enjoyed the story, and felt the narration added a lot of feeling and emotion. John finds a special friend among the girls that he has interacted with. The war draws toward a conclusion as the balance among the antagonists tilts back and forth. I like the action, humor, intrigue, and romance.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kyle J. Dore
- 17-07-22
Someone needs to have a serious talk with Author
MC almost dies and barely survives fight. Demi-God villain team rockets away like a 1980s cartoon villain after failing again. Sound familiar? Yeah I bet it does after this book series.
Making a constant chain of crappy events that consistently puts MC and friends at a disadvantage while I’m forced to listen to the constant prattling of the most annoying antagonist I’ve ever had to hear is like nails on chalkboard.
Oh and before I forget, having the villain or one of his new sidekicks (the guy literally always has some new, previously unknown, amazing sorcerer mortal sidekick) almost be killed 25-30 times only to have him be spared by MC getting blindsided from the side is not creative writing. Honestly how many times can you have a sword descending on someone’s throat only to have victory ripped from their hands at the last possible second allowing the villains to barely survive. Idk if the writer thinks this is some kinda subversion of expectation or thrilling moment, but it’s so predictable at this point that I’m actually surprised when someone “important” dies. Idk how you can write such a unique and intriguing story and then completely botch the delivery to such a point that I spend most of your book annoyed at you (yes I am literally annoyed at the actual writer).
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Il-Sim
- 27-06-22
Solid book, solid series. Skillful Imperfection
It was the right time to end this series, and the author did it in a way that I find to be ideal for series endings. My comments pertain to both this book and to the series in general. The resolution closed all the loose ends that I cared about, but also left me curious without feeling dissatisfied. It’s hard to explain without giving anything away—you’ll see when you read it.
I love the series, and I want to end my comments on a high note, so I’ll just mention this first: Overall, the romantic/love scenes were described tastefully, and respectfully—so much better than the misogynistic, violent sex scenes that have become prevalent in this drama.
I also found that the focus on the body parts of female characters was excessive, and the descriptions were noticeably “male-gaze-y.” To be fair, the descriptions were written as the thoughts of a teenage boy. The descriptions are probably much more nuanced and tasteful than those of many teenage boys.
Still, some of the descriptions were sometimes a bit repetitive, lengthy without purpose, or just unnecessary in general. At times, they’re so out of place that they’re jarring and takes the listener out of the story, In those instances, I wonder if the story would have been better off without it, or if those parts could’ve been written in a way that was less distracting.
I may be the only person on earth with this opinion—Who knows, maybe everyone else thinks the descriptions are their favorite parts of the book, and renounce writers think that they’re flawlessly-written. No judgment here—who am I to yuck your yum?
Regardless of what I think of that, I noticed so many things in this book and the rest of the Jon Oklar series that the author did exceptionally well:
I was pleasantly surprised at how well the author switched from first person to third person. As a general rule, I can’t stand reading stories written from the first-person perspective, and I dislike reading stories written from multiple perspectives even more. I often find it confusing or just annoying—too much head-hopping, not enough showing and too much telling through inner dialogue, and too much inner snarky banter. None of these was an issue here. For that I am eternally grateful.
The author is particularly skilled at tempering cliffhangers with resolution of some issue of interest—the cliffhangers left me wanting more, and the resolution kept me satisfied as a listener and more invested in the series, rather than manipulated into buying the next book (and cliffhanger) in the series, wondering how many books there will be before any of my questions are answered.
The magic system had the potential to be clunky and excruciating to read about, but thankfully, was not. Instead of writing a manual of the ins and outs of the magic system, he left the listener a little bit in the dark at first—just like the characters were—and instead, showed what the magic did. I love that. Even when it got complicated, he didn’t shovel-feed the whole magic system all at once. I wish more authors did that.
I also appreciate that the author didn’t make me read arbitrary copy and paste job recaps of the previous books in every subsequent book just in case someone decides to read the books out of order. Who does that (on purpose)? Thankfully, the author uses recaps sparingly, and is thoughtful about the placement of the recaps, the details he includes in them, and how they’re written. Not a verbatim recitation of details from previous book, but enough to remind listeners of important things they may have forgotten, and probably enough so that someone reading out of order can figure out what’s going on.
I enjoyed the way the author uses tropes and character archetypes but made them less…”tropey,” a skill that’s essential for fantasy writers. By resisting the urge to eliminate every character flaw and solve every problem for the sake of resolution, he avoids making the mistake of destroying the elements that make the story and characters more interesting and less tropey.
For example, his depiction of the main character: At first, I was afraid that Jon was going to be another predictable, one-dimensional superhero who can do no wrong. Thankfully, I was wrong. Jon improved and matured throughout the series, but his flaws and limitations didn’t magically disappear. He never became a superhero that was the best at every kind of magic and who knew more than everyone else. Even though he was a hero, not everyone liked him.
He was similarly consistent with other characters’ weaknesses and flaws. They didn’t overcome every challenge or solve all their problems and inner conflicts overnight, if at all. A character introduced as unperceptive never metamorphosed into a paragon of insight and wisdom. When they did find resolution or gain insight, it wasn’t inexplicable, and it took time and effort. Tensions between classes didn’t disappear just because people from different classes happened to work together once or twice. “Good guys” were sometimes “bad guys” (and vice versa). Unlikeable characters didn’t transform into everyone’s best friend. Trust and forgiveness were not automatically earned through apologies and good deeds.
My excessively long, uneducated opinions aside, I do recommend this book and the rest of the series wholeheartedly.
And how could I forget Simon Vance? As usual, he does not disappoint, There were so many characters in this story, and the voices he used were distinct enough for me to keep track of the characters during the dialogue-heavy bits.
This book and the rest of the Jon Oklar series are fun, and easy-to-read. They’re not perfect, but that’s what makes them special, and why I’ll be reading more books by Mr Narro.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- JimJ
- 02-06-22
Good Story too much profanity
It was a very good story, and series.
There was too much profanity.
The performance was excellent.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- john
- 12-05-22
Almost
It was good,could have been better.Seemed to wander at times.The originality of the stort kept it fresh
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 30-04-22
disappointed
i liked the story up until this book jon became a mindless slave not standing up for his friends and mentor
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anthony E Perkins
- 14-04-22
Great finish!
Love the narrator, love the characters, and love the finish! Well written conclusion for the finish. Simon Vance is awesome, as always!!