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  • The Dark Lord's Handbook

  • By: Paul Dale
  • Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
  • Length: 13 hrs and 34 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (112 ratings)
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The Dark Lord's Handbook cover art

The Dark Lord's Handbook

By: Paul Dale
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
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Summary

To become a Dark Lord is no easy thing. The simple ambition to hold dominion over the world and bend all to your will sounds straightforward, but it's not. There are armies to raise, fortresses to build, heroes to defeat, and battles to be fought. After many spectacular failures, Evil decided to lend more than inspiration to these would-be tyrants. He wrote an easy-to-follow Dark Lord's Handbook. And yet the next Dark Lord that came along screwed up like all the others. It had been hundreds of years, and the Handbook was lost in the annals of time, along with all that was mythic and exciting in the world. Then one day, a randy dragon had a chance encounter. Nine months later a Dark Lord was born. In time, the Handbook found its way to this new contender: Morden.

©2008 Paul Dale (P)2014 Tantor

What listeners say about The Dark Lord's Handbook

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Exquisite authorship and narrator

Listened to this over a weekend. Was intriguing, memorable and humorous.

I intend to purchase the two sequels in due course. Very worth the purchase.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

I loved this! One of favourite audiobooks. Dark, funny and kept me entertained throughout. Highly recommend you give it a go. Although a great narrator, I did put the narrators voice a notch up on the speed button though as I thought it was a bit too slow. Anyway give this audiobook a go, it’s fab.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Hidden gem! Amazing narration!

This is genuinely one of the best audiobooks I've had the pleasure to listen. I enjoyed every single moment.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A Dark Lord Rises!.....cocks it up and tries again

I wasn't sure about this when i started listening but the story and characters really got me in the end. the narration was excellent.

It's a fantasy book from the dark lords point of view , those difficult teenage years, trying to fit in, early success and bending the rest of the school to your will!

Its about being good at being bad, and being bad at being good.

I enjoyed the foul mouthed love interested, the Machiavellian chancellor and the truly thick hero.

For the fist time you will be cheering for the dark side.

Id like to see what comes next for Morden

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

An Unexpected Favourite

After adding Gildart Jackson to my favourite narrators I was recommended The Dark Lord's Handbook by Audible and really enjoyed it. The characters and story are well crafted and I hope this story continues. A must read for any fantasy fan.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

When are we getting the next two?

Brilliant and laugh out loud funny. Takes what we all know about heroes and dark lords, plays it out but somewhat on its head.

Narration is ace but there are sections where a step back from the mic would’ve been a good idea.

Please may we have the next two books in the series? xx

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very entertaining story.

The story is a twist on all the old high fantasy books such as Tolkien and a good romp. If you like your humour dry then you’ll love it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An unexpectedly good read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The book grows from the same ground as Terry Pratchett, Tom Holt and Robert Asprin and balances dry humour with a solid story.

What does Gildart Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The reading is superlative and complements the text well.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great fun

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I thought this would be a predictable rip off of similar amusing fantasy novels. But it wasn't at all. A delightfully amusing diversion. The story of Morden, who's career choice is being a dark lord. Made me laugh and kept me thoroughly entertained.

What other book might you compare The Dark Lord's Handbook to, and why?

Terry Pratchet....

Have you listened to any of Gildart Jackson’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Yes I have...he does comedic narration very well. Good array of charachters

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Cant say that with out giving the story away

Any additional comments?

Well worth a credit. Good story and good narration and great entertainment value. There is a second book which I hope audible brings out.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

performance great , Story kind of basic

performance was great made the whole thing enjoyable , Story kind of basic needed a bit more

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