The Hod King cover art

The Hod King

The Books of Babel, Book 3

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The Hod King

By: Josiah Bancroft
Narrated by: John Banks
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About this listen

THE THIRD NOVEL IN THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED BOOKS OF BABEL SERIES, SET IN A LABYRINTHINE WORLD OF MENACE AND WONDER.

'It is not merely a 5* book, it's a masterpiece' Mark Lawrence

'A vibrant, wholly original, and expertly crafted novel that transcends genre fantasy. It is an instant literary classic' Fantasy Book Review

Thomas Senlin and his crew have been separated following the orders of the mysterious Sphinx. Meanwhile, the enslaved hods climb the Black Trail and whisper secrets in the dark. As Senlin and his crew are dragged ever further into the Tower's conspiracies, everything falls to one question: who is the Hod King?

Praise for the series:

'Josiah Bancroft is a magician. His books are that rare alchemy: gracefully written, deliriously imaginative, action-packed, warm, witty and thought-provoking' Madeline Miller, author of Circe

'I'm wildly in love with this book' - Pierce Brown, author of Red Rising

'Brilliant' - Publishers Weekly

'I loved it' - Django Wexler, author of The Thousand Names

'A universe of stars out of five' Superstar Drifter

'These books are absolutely incredible' - The Quill to Live

'Spectacular . . . fabulously gripping' - BookBag

'An impressive display of imagination and humour' - SciFiNow

'An engrossing, intoxicating delight' - Forbidden Planet ©2019 Josiah Bancroft (P)2019 Hachette Audio UK
Action & Adventure Fiction Historical Science Fiction Steampunk Fantasy Royalty

What listeners say about The Hod King

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Please make a movie series of this!

Hollywood people, please turn this book series into a tv series or movie! Pretty please

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Thoroughly enjoyable!

I couldn't wait to pick this book up, h saving finished book 2, and didn't have to, as I started the series after these first 3 were written. The characters are interesting, and the writing style keeps the story unfolding at pace that allows the scenery, expressions and climate to absorb the senses. My only sorrow now, is that it seems there is more of this series to come, and as yet the next book is not available.
I would like to get a notification once new books are added to any series I've started. This would be an awesome feature for the Audible app!

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loved it

Enjoyed this book thoroughly. The first novel in this series took some getting used to and Tom's experience of the tower was so frustrating and futile it was painful to hear. But the action picked up eventually and with the added pathos and humour found in books 2 and 3, this has become a cherished series.

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4 people found this helpful

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Fantastic female characters

Too many books in the fantasy genre lack female representation or are just down right sexist. This series stands out with a range of strong, interesting and complex female characters whose actions and decisions move the plot along as much as the male protagonist does.
The books also offer a great combination of a fantastical and fascinating world and characters who are relatable, with fully fleshed out emotions and motives. Highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

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Action with a heart.

I was not impressed with the first few chapters of book 1 and couldn’t find one thing I liked about our protagonist. Then little by little he changed and so did my option of him. I now find myself hungrily moving from one chapter to the next with no idea what’s about to happen. Enemies become friends and friends betray but somehow the crew band together and overcome all. I enjoyed book three more than one and two and I cannot wait for the fourth.

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Common Senlin

Great yarn, love all the angles and views within the story... all the layers... can’t wait for book 4 ... bring it on !!!

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Absolutely Brilliant!!

I have been anxiously awaiting on the release of Josiah Bancroft's next chapter of Tom Senlin's travels through the tower to seek his wife...

and I was not disappointed!! the progression of the story felt a little long winded at times only to make sense further on!

This new release has been a helpful reprieve on my recent commencement of night shift! and would recommend the series on!

also I must mention John Bank's fantastic reading! Voicing such a vast array of characters must be an exhausting ordeal, but John handles it brilliantly!

Thank you so much for all the effort gone into the series! I am looking forward to the next one!

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Best one so far

If u stuck with it this far..the rewards and pay off come fast and frequent. The first book was a curious chore, the second a bit deeper...this is where it all comes into frame and what a revelation it is! Can not wait for the finale!!!!

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Just gets better and better

Can't wait to listen to the next installment.
Brilliantly inventive, brilliantly narrated.
A must read for lovers of the fantastical.

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The Books of Babel

This is a fantasy story so the sky is the limit ( or perhaps the top of the tower is the limit)as to imagination , yet human feelings, failings , fears, cruelty , manipulations are all there. So too is love, friendship, loyalty and courage. Friends come in all shapes sizes and genetic composition so there is no room for prejudice or judgement.
I love the imagination of the story and the characters and the humour . I pre bought and waited patiently to listen to " The Hod King" but Oh No!! This cannot be not the end.
What is the next book, when can I listen?
Ann B

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