As a longtime fan of the board game Catan and its expansions, I was thrilled to dive into the Catan audiobook. It’s such an intriguing idea—taking the beloved game’s world and transforming it into an epic Viking adventure. The audiobook does a fantastic job of drawing us into the lives of Thorolf, Asla, and their comrades as they set out in search of a new homeland. The storyline is rich with dramatic stakes: Asla’s forbidden love with Thorolf sets off a cascade of tensions and quests for retribution, leading the characters to leave their ravaged homeland behind. Listening to this story, I felt the familiar anticipation of a Catan game, where each decision and turn could change the outcome entirely.

Klaus Teuber, the mastermind behind Catan, brings a unique vision to this audiobook, blending adventure, survival, and the spirit of exploration that fans of the board game will recognize and love. The settlers’ journey to the mysterious land of Catan echoes the game’s strategic elements as they forge alliances, scavenge for resources, and grapple with internal conflicts. As their society takes shape, it’s intriguing to see the early seeds of democracy and organized religion forming. The historical and philosophical undertones add depth to the characters’ interactions and make the setting feel authentic, even amidst the mythical adventure. Although some sections of the book move slowly, the story retains its charm, much like a longer-than-expected game of Catan, where patience and strategy are eventually rewarded.

Narrator Evan Sibley’s performance is a highlight, bringing the characters to life with distinct voices and accents that make it easy to follow the complex web of relationships and rivalries. His voice work captures the intensity and camaraderie of the settlers, making the audiobook a truly immersive experience. Though the length might deter some younger listeners, fans of Catan and epic adventures like The Brotherband Chronicles or Rick Riordan’s books will find this story captivating. With sequels promised, I’m eager to see how the story and the settlers’ society continue to evolve.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to experience this imaginative expansion of the Catan universe!

Firstly, I loved the narrator.
The book got slow in parts, but I needed to know what was going to happen, Like the game, Catan, these people were settlers establishing their lives on this island. It was fascinating to see how they settled, bartered and lived off of the kand and each other. I especially appreciated the drive to democracy and organized religion and who needed to follow that life. Can't wait for #2!

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the audiobook ARC!

Imagine my delight when I saw that Klaus Teuber, the creator of my personal (and I know I'm not alone in this!) 'gateway' game into the world of complex strategy games had written a book! Then I almost immediately thought: 'Do you think he used a ghostwriter?'

Well, it didn't take long to see that there was definitely no ghostwriter involved in this project, much to its detriment. Unlike his gameplay mechanics, Teuber's writing is awkward and clunky. The character development feels as arbitrary as the roll of the dice. And the hole-ridden plot meanders like the longest road that has been interrupted by a well-placed knight.

Still, I'm sure Catan enthusiasts will find something to enjoy here. At the very least, it will look pretty, shelved right next to all their Catan games.

When Thorolf and Asla fell in love, they set off a major chain reaction. Asla’s elopement with Thorolf and caused her father to lose face and seek revenge. Asla was promised to another Viking chieftain. Her younger sister, knowing she would be expected to take Asla’s place with the old chieftain left with Asla, Thorolf, and his brothers Yngvi and Digur. Retribution was swift. After their lands were pillaged, the brothers were banished for at least seven years.

The brothers, together with friends and farmers looking for a better life, set sail to find the land of the sun, Catan. Other explorers had told of it and the group decided to settle on that island, though they weren’t really sure where it was. Eventually the group found an island and claimed it as Catan. The island was fertile and farming was successful but it didn’t go entirely smoothly. People didn’t all think alike. They had taken some slaves with them. The slaves rose up and escaped. There were tools to forge, resources to locate and day to day altercations over goods and women.

It is unusual to base a book on a board game. Though some portions of the book moved slowly, I was eager to read it as I’ve been an avid player of the game. The author promises two sequels. I think young adults, especially males who enjoyed the Brotherband series by Flanagan, or Rick Riordan’s books, would like this but they may be deterred by the length as the book comes in at over 500 pages. The audiobook may be an easier sell for that age group. Narrator/actor Evan Sibley believably voices each of the characters distinctively.

Note: I listened to an audio ARC provided by NetGalley

As a longtime big fan of the board game Catan (and all its expansions) I was so interested in this. Klaus clearly has so many great ideas because what a great time this was!! I can't wait to read/listen to the sequels and see how he continues enriching this concept and series.

Thank you to NetGalley for this Audiobook eARC in exchange for my honest review.