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Dwarvish Dirty Dozen #4
Stone Cold
War is never pretty, and sieges are the uglier offspring of its dirty doings.
If one people can weather the storm of nasty, it’s the dwarves.
Stern, stoic, and stout, they meet any challenge with the endurance of mountains, but what happens when the enemy is as relentless as death itself?
Pairing dwarven fortitude with something more...unorthodox is the only solution.
Thankfully, that's exactly where the scoundrels of the Bad Badgers do their best work.
From baited traps to counter-ambushes and every scheme in between, they're about to show the enemy why they’re called the Dirty Dozen.
Things are getting complicated in the Dwarvish Empire. It’s not all booze and brutality. There’s a whole lot of scheming happening behind closed doors, too.
Wheels are spinning and gears are turning. Deals are cut and knives are being sharpened for the reckless heroes’ backs. The Bad Badgers have their work cut out for them, but that’s nothing new.
When the enemy goes low, the Bad Badgers can always go lower.
The Bad Badgers know that this isn't just about one battle, but the whole war.
Can they stand against a foe that has broken mountains in their conquests?
Scroll up and click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE and grab your copy of the raucous, rampaging Dwarvish Dirty Dozen series today to find out!
If one people can weather the storm of nasty, it’s the dwarves.
Stern, stoic, and stout, they meet any challenge with the endurance of mountains, but what happens when the enemy is as relentless as death itself?
Pairing dwarven fortitude with something more...unorthodox is the only solution.
Thankfully, that's exactly where the scoundrels of the Bad Badgers do their best work.
From baited traps to counter-ambushes and every scheme in between, they're about to show the enemy why they’re called the Dirty Dozen.
Things are getting complicated in the Dwarvish Empire. It’s not all booze and brutality. There’s a whole lot of scheming happening behind closed doors, too.
Wheels are spinning and gears are turning. Deals are cut and knives are being sharpened for the reckless heroes’ backs. The Bad Badgers have their work cut out for them, but that’s nothing new.
When the enemy goes low, the Bad Badgers can always go lower.
The Bad Badgers know that this isn't just about one battle, but the whole war.
Can they stand against a foe that has broken mountains in their conquests?
Scroll up and click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE and grab your copy of the raucous, rampaging Dwarvish Dirty Dozen series today to find out!
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2023
About the author
Aaron D. Schneider
36 books17 followersAaron was born to parents who taught him two very important things: truth matters and imagination is not a crime.
Our protagonist has spent the rest of his life trying to live out those two maxims, much to the chagrin of every unfortunate around him (progenitors included).
As such, by age six or seven, he was writing stories about a dark, reptilian avenger who brought final, painful justice to the guilty- with unsettling illustrations to boot. His beloved and benighted parents realized that budding sociopathy would simply not do, and so they began introducing him to tales of great and good heroes. First the account of a certain carpenter, then a hairy-footed burglar, then a savior lion, and after that point our protagonist was plunging face first and arms out into a world of heroism both real and imagined. While far from a hero himself, he has endeavored to try and capture that same bowed but unbroken spirit that dwells in a dark and ugly world, because that as far as he can tell is what makes it all worth while.
Along this rambling, dreaming way he managed to find a woman he could bamboozle into loving him, and then even have children with, Lord have mercy on them all.
Now Aaron has managed to cram no few exciting jobs and hair-raising experiences into his life so far, and God help him, he hopes for many more. It is these that drive his captured glimpses of something epic. If you have the time you should pull up a chair, grab a beer, light a pipe, or whatever your pre-literary consumption ritual may be and give them a look. It's been said they are truly monstrous, but as any true hero knows, monsters often guard treasure.
Our protagonist has spent the rest of his life trying to live out those two maxims, much to the chagrin of every unfortunate around him (progenitors included).
As such, by age six or seven, he was writing stories about a dark, reptilian avenger who brought final, painful justice to the guilty- with unsettling illustrations to boot. His beloved and benighted parents realized that budding sociopathy would simply not do, and so they began introducing him to tales of great and good heroes. First the account of a certain carpenter, then a hairy-footed burglar, then a savior lion, and after that point our protagonist was plunging face first and arms out into a world of heroism both real and imagined. While far from a hero himself, he has endeavored to try and capture that same bowed but unbroken spirit that dwells in a dark and ugly world, because that as far as he can tell is what makes it all worth while.
Along this rambling, dreaming way he managed to find a woman he could bamboozle into loving him, and then even have children with, Lord have mercy on them all.
Now Aaron has managed to cram no few exciting jobs and hair-raising experiences into his life so far, and God help him, he hopes for many more. It is these that drive his captured glimpses of something epic. If you have the time you should pull up a chair, grab a beer, light a pipe, or whatever your pre-literary consumption ritual may be and give them a look. It's been said they are truly monstrous, but as any true hero knows, monsters often guard treasure.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 29, 2023
Once again, with the resounding sounds of battle… SUCCESS!
Aaron and Michael never fail to deliver! Well, unless it’s a continuation of their first collaboration, about which I hold absolutely no grudges (I LIE!)!
Ok, setting all whining aside, this book delivers, and does so with style, agony and, nonetheless, utter grace! Well done, gentlemen! Well done!
Aaron mentions in his author’s notes that some had issues with the end of the last book. Now, I get that it ended on the precipice of a major battle, but that ending was flawless, IMHO, and set the stage, brilliantly, for THIS book, which explores more deeply the motivations behind the characters and their battles as well as the cultures which engendered it all, or as Aaron likes to refer to it, the lore which underlies the story.
In regard to that lore, I love the fact that Aaron is not one of those who describes a culture and it’s peculiarities. Rather, he simply lets his characters act as they normally would, and leaves it for us as observers to piece it all together. BUT, sometimes I really want to shake his tree and knock a few more nuggets loose. Alas, he’s a man not a plant.
In that regard, to speak to a point Michael raised in his notes, the elves in this world are despicable, and more so, the more we learn about them. I would definitely prefer these Dwarves over most and definitely over most dwarves as they’re portrayed elsewhere (other than in the Inquisitors… those dwarves are top shelf).
I’m a way, this book closes out a storyline, so I’m anxious to see what comes next. Bottom line, you can’t go wrong in picking up this series. I guarantee it.
Aaron and Michael never fail to deliver! Well, unless it’s a continuation of their first collaboration, about which I hold absolutely no grudges (I LIE!)!
Ok, setting all whining aside, this book delivers, and does so with style, agony and, nonetheless, utter grace! Well done, gentlemen! Well done!
Aaron mentions in his author’s notes that some had issues with the end of the last book. Now, I get that it ended on the precipice of a major battle, but that ending was flawless, IMHO, and set the stage, brilliantly, for THIS book, which explores more deeply the motivations behind the characters and their battles as well as the cultures which engendered it all, or as Aaron likes to refer to it, the lore which underlies the story.
In regard to that lore, I love the fact that Aaron is not one of those who describes a culture and it’s peculiarities. Rather, he simply lets his characters act as they normally would, and leaves it for us as observers to piece it all together. BUT, sometimes I really want to shake his tree and knock a few more nuggets loose. Alas, he’s a man not a plant.
In that regard, to speak to a point Michael raised in his notes, the elves in this world are despicable, and more so, the more we learn about them. I would definitely prefer these Dwarves over most and definitely over most dwarves as they’re portrayed elsewhere (other than in the Inquisitors… those dwarves are top shelf).
I’m a way, this book closes out a storyline, so I’m anxious to see what comes next. Bottom line, you can’t go wrong in picking up this series. I guarantee it.
June 21, 2023
Well a-bless my soul
The last time I had to learn a new lexicon was Robert Jordans Wheel of Time series. I powered through that confusing mess and ended up loving the books almost as much as Drizzt Do'Urden or Dragonlances Heroes of the Lance. Anyone who knows good books would know that when I say I think its well worth the trouble to learn a new lexicon for these Bad Badgers books that they're really a enjoyable read. Keep up the good work and keep the good books coming.
The last time I had to learn a new lexicon was Robert Jordans Wheel of Time series. I powered through that confusing mess and ended up loving the books almost as much as Drizzt Do'Urden or Dragonlances Heroes of the Lance. Anyone who knows good books would know that when I say I think its well worth the trouble to learn a new lexicon for these Bad Badgers books that they're really a enjoyable read. Keep up the good work and keep the good books coming.
June 25, 2025
I started to read this fourth book of an excellent series and, before I knew it, dawn had arrived, & I had one chapter left to read.
I'm really going to have to try and get some proper rest, soon, but I find this series so compelling to read, that I'm finding it hard to stop, and at least get a few hours of sleep, before finishing the book! lol
But, once again, and despite them becoming just a little bit more acceptable to their fellow Dwarves, the 'Bad Badgers' become more integrated within the whole Holt'Dwan - well, maybe, just for a while, anyway!
There were other losses in this story - but, then, when you are reading about all the dark vicissitudes of War, it would be a very strange thing NOT to lose any of them.
There were other losses, too, but I'll leave that for you, the potential reader, to discover who, how, and why - after all, that's the whole point of reading books, isn't it? Lol
Well, I'm going straight on to Book 5: 'Rock Hard', and, once I've read it, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I thought about it all!
LARDWAN KLAUS - Torbjon's Commander & old friend. He deals with Communications and Intelligence. Killed in 'Stone Cold'.
BAD BADGERS:-
TORBJON - Disgraced Son of Emperor Hral Dromson of Clan Cyniburg - Ruling Clan.
Former Tweldwan: or Division Commander.
Now Outcast Commander of the 'Bad Badgers'.
Torbjon is now one of the Shabr'dwan: - the Condemned.
RAELON - Dwarf: died in the first mission of the book..
MORI - Dwarfess; died in the same battle as Raelon.
WAELON - Raelon's Brother. A strong fighter. Killed in 'Stone Cold'.
GROMIC - Older Dwarf. Former Fordwan: a Line Officer. Hard Fighter. Skilled.
HAEDA- Older Dwarfess. A strong fighter. Looks after the Sows who pull the Team Wagon.
TOMZA - Younger Dwarfess. Ascedwan: - Soldier with a special skill. She is a Healer/Witch. As she keeps using the powers taught to her by her Mother, her persona darkens.
OBER - Tomza's younger brother - inhabited by a Spirit. Dwan - lowest rank in the Army. Has finally come to a partnership with the Spirit.
I'm really going to have to try and get some proper rest, soon, but I find this series so compelling to read, that I'm finding it hard to stop, and at least get a few hours of sleep, before finishing the book! lol
But, once again, and despite them becoming just a little bit more acceptable to their fellow Dwarves, the 'Bad Badgers' become more integrated within the whole Holt'Dwan - well, maybe, just for a while, anyway!
There were other losses in this story - but, then, when you are reading about all the dark vicissitudes of War, it would be a very strange thing NOT to lose any of them.
There were other losses, too, but I'll leave that for you, the potential reader, to discover who, how, and why - after all, that's the whole point of reading books, isn't it? Lol
Well, I'm going straight on to Book 5: 'Rock Hard', and, once I've read it, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I thought about it all!
LARDWAN KLAUS - Torbjon's Commander & old friend. He deals with Communications and Intelligence. Killed in 'Stone Cold'.
BAD BADGERS:-
TORBJON - Disgraced Son of Emperor Hral Dromson of Clan Cyniburg - Ruling Clan.
Former Tweldwan: or Division Commander.
Now Outcast Commander of the 'Bad Badgers'.
Torbjon is now one of the Shabr'dwan: - the Condemned.
RAELON - Dwarf: died in the first mission of the book..
MORI - Dwarfess; died in the same battle as Raelon.
WAELON - Raelon's Brother. A strong fighter. Killed in 'Stone Cold'.
GROMIC - Older Dwarf. Former Fordwan: a Line Officer. Hard Fighter. Skilled.
HAEDA- Older Dwarfess. A strong fighter. Looks after the Sows who pull the Team Wagon.
TOMZA - Younger Dwarfess. Ascedwan: - Soldier with a special skill. She is a Healer/Witch. As she keeps using the powers taught to her by her Mother, her persona darkens.
OBER - Tomza's younger brother - inhabited by a Spirit. Dwan - lowest rank in the Army. Has finally come to a partnership with the Spirit.
September 25, 2023
With this book I was exited to see the outcomes from the cliffhanger at the last book. I have mixed emotions with the outcomes. Much like Torbjorn at the end of the book I was disappointed with Ghedau. I was interested in seeing what she would have become and was frustrated with her demise. Though that is not necessarily a bad thing they were able to quickly get me invested into a character.
I enjoyed the time jump between the two books and think Aaron and Michael pulled off a satisfying conclusion to this one.
My favourite of the series so far is still the second book as I have had the most fun reading when the dirty dozen are all verbally bouncing against each other. This book confused me at points with some of characters actions but I am enjoying the ride and want to keep on reading.
I enjoyed the time jump between the two books and think Aaron and Michael pulled off a satisfying conclusion to this one.
My favourite of the series so far is still the second book as I have had the most fun reading when the dirty dozen are all verbally bouncing against each other. This book confused me at points with some of characters actions but I am enjoying the ride and want to keep on reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2023
Cease fire
Torbjorn and his dwarves are trying to protect their keep from the wrights and their army of dead. They are out numbered, but with the help of Ober they might have a chance. This series takes me back to the D&D days. There are dwarves, elves, and so much more and the storylines and characters make the books worth reading. I am looking forward to the next adventure with Torbjorn and his rag tag team.
Torbjorn and his dwarves are trying to protect their keep from the wrights and their army of dead. They are out numbered, but with the help of Ober they might have a chance. This series takes me back to the D&D days. There are dwarves, elves, and so much more and the storylines and characters make the books worth reading. I am looking forward to the next adventure with Torbjorn and his rag tag team.
July 17, 2023
Good, but lacking something
Maybe it was length of time between books, but this one took time to get into. The pieces just didn't seem to fit together.as well, didn't seem to grasp me by the.nose and keep.dragging. me along. Still a good story and continuation, just lacking something indefinable to me.
Maybe it was length of time between books, but this one took time to get into. The pieces just didn't seem to fit together.as well, didn't seem to grasp me by the.nose and keep.dragging. me along. Still a good story and continuation, just lacking something indefinable to me.
September 1, 2023
Really great series, always exciting and entertaining!!!!!
Congratulations to Aaron D. Schneider and Michael Anderle for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such interesting and exciting authors who not only write intelligently but also provide top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Congratulations to Aaron D. Schneider and Michael Anderle for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such interesting and exciting authors who not only write intelligently but also provide top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
November 15, 2025
Good book, lots of action
This was a good book with lots of action. Too bad some of the people went bad towards the end, but it would have been a different story if that did not happen, so it all worked out. Lots of magic, action, adventure and some chaos mixed in. I enjoyed this book and recommend it and the series.
This was a good book with lots of action. Too bad some of the people went bad towards the end, but it would have been a different story if that did not happen, so it all worked out. Lots of magic, action, adventure and some chaos mixed in. I enjoyed this book and recommend it and the series.
May 8, 2024
Not much to say. Book exploded from the first page and kept up all the lovely dwarf action till the last page. Still as impressed as I was with book 1.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews