The Grace of Kings cover

The Grace of Kings

The Dandelion Dynasty • Book 1

by Ken Liu

Narrated by Michael Kramer

3.73 ABR Score (31.7K ratings)
★ 3.8 Goodreads (29.8K) ★ 4.15 Audible (1.9K)
21h 37m Released 2015 Fantasy

Why Listen to This Audiobook?

Two best friends overthrow an empire together — then spend the rest of 21 hours destroying each other.

  • Great if you want: epic political fantasy with morally complex, unforgettable characters
  • Listening experience: slow-building but sweeping — rewards patient listeners who love scope
  • Narration: Kramer handles a huge cast cleanly, grounding the political chaos
  • Skip if: you prefer tight plots over wide-lens historical-style epics

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About This Audiobook

Ancient empires crumble and new alliances form in this sweeping fantasy epic set in a world where gods walk among mortals and technological marvels like silk airships fill the skies. When rebellion ignites against a tyrannical ruler, two unlikely heroes emerge from opposite walks of life: a cunning bandit with silver tongue and golden heart, and a noble warrior bound by honor and tradition. Their friendship, forged in the crucible of revolution, becomes the foundation for overthrowing an oppressive regime. Yet victory brings its own challenges as former allies must navigate the treacherous waters of leadership and conflicting visions for their liberated homeland.

Michael Kramer delivers a masterful performance that brings Liu's intricate world to vivid life through his measured pacing and distinct character voices. His narration captures both the intimate moments of friendship and the grand scale of political intrigue with equal skill. Kramer's experience with epic fantasy serves him well in managing the complex cast and shifting perspectives, while his clear diction ensures that Liu's elegant prose and philosophical depth resonate fully. The audio format enhances the story's mythic quality, transforming dense political maneuvering into an engaging oral tradition.