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The Arbiter Codex #1
Elegy
"The story hits the ground running and doesn't slow down to the final confrontation." – M. Todd Gallowglas, author of the Tears of Rage Sequence
D'Arden Tal arrives at the city of Calessa to reclaim it from darkness. Even to enter, he must fight his way past the corruption gathering at its gates. Armed with only his mind, his crystalline sword and the sheer force of his will, D'Arden must shatter the chains of corruption which threaten to consume every soul within those stone walls. Deep beneath the earth, he discovers an evil which will cause him to question his faith, his devotion, and his very existence.
"… a really solid read." – Mat Nastos; artist, director, writer
"The Arbiter Codex series has definitely catapulted to the top of my must read list whenever a new installment is released." – Amazon.com user review
If you like your fantasy grim and gritty, with the feel of dirt underneath the hero's fingernails, ELEGY is for you. Readers of Robert E. Howard, Fritz Leiber and Andrzej Sapkowski (The Witcher) will find themselves right at home when they dive into THE ARBITER CODEX.
D'Arden Tal arrives at the city of Calessa to reclaim it from darkness. Even to enter, he must fight his way past the corruption gathering at its gates. Armed with only his mind, his crystalline sword and the sheer force of his will, D'Arden must shatter the chains of corruption which threaten to consume every soul within those stone walls. Deep beneath the earth, he discovers an evil which will cause him to question his faith, his devotion, and his very existence.
"… a really solid read." – Mat Nastos; artist, director, writer
"The Arbiter Codex series has definitely catapulted to the top of my must read list whenever a new installment is released." – Amazon.com user review
If you like your fantasy grim and gritty, with the feel of dirt underneath the hero's fingernails, ELEGY is for you. Readers of Robert E. Howard, Fritz Leiber and Andrzej Sapkowski (The Witcher) will find themselves right at home when they dive into THE ARBITER CODEX.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2011
4 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 7, 2011
Wow. I literally just finished this and I have to say I REALLY enjoyed it and I will definitely be hunting down more of his books. I liked the fact that the characters were falible as for me imperfections make it easier for me to believe. I look forward eagerly to the next book in this series!
June 27, 2012
If you like your fantasy dark, you'll enjoy this gritty, engaging, violent, and occasionally gory Swords and Sorcery adventure.
September 13, 2018
Good quick read
Interesting world that is created here. He spins a quick paced adventure that could turn into a robust series. There are some discrepancies regarding powers from his other books though.
Interesting world that is created here. He spins a quick paced adventure that could turn into a robust series. There are some discrepancies regarding powers from his other books though.
October 6, 2016
Just as the introduction short story that precede it, this first book in The Arbiter Codex series is exactly what I was looking for: a dark sword and sorcery classic adventure. The atmosphere in Elegy reminded me strongly of the Solomon Kane stories from Robert E. Howard. The main character roams the world to destroy all sorts of evil manifestations in the name of good and purity. The writing style of the author is kept simple but still very evocative and flowing. The action sequences are always charged with a sense of dread and mystery. This is one of the better books I read in a long time, so if you like classic sword and sorcery, gothic horror stories and effective storytelling, you will absolutely love this book..
September 4, 2012
An exciting and original fantasy novel.
This is the second piece of Christopher Kellen’s writing that I have read and the first novel-length work. Set in the same world as that other work (Sorceror’s Code) and with one of the same characters Elegy was his first novel.
Much as I enjoyed it, with many of the same positive points that I enjoyed while reading Sorceror’s Code, such as well-written and interesting characters and the sense of a world with a history, I have to say that at times this did read like a first novel. I am not going to dwell on the negative points, especially as they are mostly contained in the early parts of the book, but I will point out the ‘worst’ one: Kellen (and, let me reiterate, this is only early on in the book – it improves radically by the end) has a tendency to repeat a word very soon after using it rather than work out a synonym. This is probably most notable when he is describing the magical effects of ‘manna’ (the energy that powers magic in this world). It is blue. Blue fire, a blue glow and manna-blue eyes etc. While this did not particularly detract from the story it did become quite noticeable. With perhaps one more editing run-through this could have been caught.
Anyway, enough of the bad. On to the good. It was an exciting, well-thought out and highly enjoyable read that kept me enthralled for the time it took me to read. The protagonist, D’Arden Tal is an Arbiter, a paladin-like warrior-cleric charged with finding and rooting out manna that has become twisted.
As such, he has arrived at the town of Calessa to discover that it is on the verge of being destroyed by a source of manna that has been utterly corrupted. The atmosphere of the town is described quite effectively and you can almost feel the all-pervading oppressiveness.
D’Arden Tal’s investigations lead him to various places in the town and we get to see the effects that the corrupt manna stream has had on many of the inhabitants – from zombies to the creation of demonic beings who were once ordinary people.
Interestingly, there is also a clever and original drug-use metaphor here in the effect that pure manna has, both on those who are exposed to a raw, unfiltered source of manna to the near-addiction that D’Arden Tal has for it. He has near super-human abilities but they have been granted to him at a cost – he must use a special knife (a heartblade – an object that figures largely in ‘Sorceror’s Code’) to ‘inject’ himself with a dose of pure manna. The use of the heartblade leads to one of the most heart-wrenching scenes when D’Arden Tal is forced to use it in a way in which it is not meant to be used.
The other characters that appear in the story are well-written and interesting. They come across as individuals rather than cookie-cooker stock characters and so when bad things happen to some of them I did feel empathy for them. My favourite character, after D’Arden Tal, was probably the girl soldier, Elisa, who Tal saves from an attack by manna-twisted creatures. She is bright, witty and brave, questioning Tal when he needs to be questioned and continuing to fight even when the odds seem unsurmountable.
In conclusion, despite a few, fairly minor, editorial concerns early on in the book, Elegy, is a mostly successful book and is an intriguing start to a trilogy which I am looking forward to continuing.
This is the second piece of Christopher Kellen’s writing that I have read and the first novel-length work. Set in the same world as that other work (Sorceror’s Code) and with one of the same characters Elegy was his first novel.
Much as I enjoyed it, with many of the same positive points that I enjoyed while reading Sorceror’s Code, such as well-written and interesting characters and the sense of a world with a history, I have to say that at times this did read like a first novel. I am not going to dwell on the negative points, especially as they are mostly contained in the early parts of the book, but I will point out the ‘worst’ one: Kellen (and, let me reiterate, this is only early on in the book – it improves radically by the end) has a tendency to repeat a word very soon after using it rather than work out a synonym. This is probably most notable when he is describing the magical effects of ‘manna’ (the energy that powers magic in this world). It is blue. Blue fire, a blue glow and manna-blue eyes etc. While this did not particularly detract from the story it did become quite noticeable. With perhaps one more editing run-through this could have been caught.
Anyway, enough of the bad. On to the good. It was an exciting, well-thought out and highly enjoyable read that kept me enthralled for the time it took me to read. The protagonist, D’Arden Tal is an Arbiter, a paladin-like warrior-cleric charged with finding and rooting out manna that has become twisted.
As such, he has arrived at the town of Calessa to discover that it is on the verge of being destroyed by a source of manna that has been utterly corrupted. The atmosphere of the town is described quite effectively and you can almost feel the all-pervading oppressiveness.
D’Arden Tal’s investigations lead him to various places in the town and we get to see the effects that the corrupt manna stream has had on many of the inhabitants – from zombies to the creation of demonic beings who were once ordinary people.
Interestingly, there is also a clever and original drug-use metaphor here in the effect that pure manna has, both on those who are exposed to a raw, unfiltered source of manna to the near-addiction that D’Arden Tal has for it. He has near super-human abilities but they have been granted to him at a cost – he must use a special knife (a heartblade – an object that figures largely in ‘Sorceror’s Code’) to ‘inject’ himself with a dose of pure manna. The use of the heartblade leads to one of the most heart-wrenching scenes when D’Arden Tal is forced to use it in a way in which it is not meant to be used.
The other characters that appear in the story are well-written and interesting. They come across as individuals rather than cookie-cooker stock characters and so when bad things happen to some of them I did feel empathy for them. My favourite character, after D’Arden Tal, was probably the girl soldier, Elisa, who Tal saves from an attack by manna-twisted creatures. She is bright, witty and brave, questioning Tal when he needs to be questioned and continuing to fight even when the odds seem unsurmountable.
In conclusion, despite a few, fairly minor, editorial concerns early on in the book, Elegy, is a mostly successful book and is an intriguing start to a trilogy which I am looking forward to continuing.
November 21, 2011
Summoned to the dying city of Calessa, D'Arden Tal has been tasked with wiping out the evil lies within. Mind you, he's no ordinary mortal. He lives the life of an Arbiter, beings who have been blessed with the true power of manna, the world's life source. Only those who are able to manipulate that power are able to cleanse the corruption that inhabits the world around them. His crystalline sword, made from manna's very essence, gives him the strength he needs to conquer the atrocities that hide within those darkened corners waiting for unsuspecting passersby.
Encountering the evil on the very day he sets foot within Calessa, D'Arden can't help but wonder as to what it is that he's gotten into. While the corruption is strongly apparent, he's determined to complete his task and cleanse the filth from its very walls.
Acquiring the help of a local, he sets off into the heart of the city, intent on finding the culprit's lair. The scent of death and decay strengthens with their every step, yet he doesn't let this fact deter him. He sends the boy away upon arriving at the nearest source of the corruption, never knowing that it'll have the direst of consequences.
Preparing himself for what's to come, he soon achieves a portion of what he set out to do. Yet he knows it's not enough. Something is still out there and it, too, needs to be cleansed. Invoking the spirit of manna, he marches head on into what could very well be the last time he ever sets eyes on the skies above.
A truly fantastic read! I enjoyed every minute of it. Christopher has built a very intriguing and complex world that captivates the reader from the very moment they begin reading his book. The action starts at the very beginning and is consistent through out the entire story. I recommend this sword and sorcery fantasy to all those who enjoy reading fantasy books.
Encountering the evil on the very day he sets foot within Calessa, D'Arden can't help but wonder as to what it is that he's gotten into. While the corruption is strongly apparent, he's determined to complete his task and cleanse the filth from its very walls.
Acquiring the help of a local, he sets off into the heart of the city, intent on finding the culprit's lair. The scent of death and decay strengthens with their every step, yet he doesn't let this fact deter him. He sends the boy away upon arriving at the nearest source of the corruption, never knowing that it'll have the direst of consequences.
Preparing himself for what's to come, he soon achieves a portion of what he set out to do. Yet he knows it's not enough. Something is still out there and it, too, needs to be cleansed. Invoking the spirit of manna, he marches head on into what could very well be the last time he ever sets eyes on the skies above.
A truly fantastic read! I enjoyed every minute of it. Christopher has built a very intriguing and complex world that captivates the reader from the very moment they begin reading his book. The action starts at the very beginning and is consistent through out the entire story. I recommend this sword and sorcery fantasy to all those who enjoy reading fantasy books.
July 4, 2012
One of my biggest pet peeves with fantasy these days is that too many writers of fantastic fiction want to make their work much more that it actually is. They see the works of Robert Jordan, George RR Martin, and Steven Erikson, and want to emulate these icons of epic fantasy. The problem is, not all writers have that much to say.
ELEGY by Christopher Kellen is a refreshing change of pace. At it's heart, ELEGY is a gritty sword and sorcery adventure in the tradition of Robert Howard and Fritz Leiber. D'Arden is an Arbiter, a sort of sorcerer-warrior who can channel this world's magic in the form of manna. Grim and stoic, D'Arden travels from place to place in this magically charged world seeking out places where manna has corrupted animals, people, and even whole cities so that he can cleanse these corruptions. In the opening scene, we have a great fight scene as D'Arden approaches a city he's been sent to cleanse. The story hits the ground running and doesn't slow down to the final confrontation.
The best part about Kellen's writing is that he's created a great new world with sense of weight and depth and a wonderfully harsh magic, but he doesn't have the insecurity that other writers seem to suffer as they give the reader several hundred extra pages of wandering narrative to tell us how cool and clever his world is. The careful reader will pick up on the details Kellen seamlessly seeds into the story only as needed for the current scene, so that even as we get surprising details of the history and them magic toward the end of the book, we buy into them without question because of Kellen's masterful storytelling earlier in the book.
The story ends with all the ends tied up, no cliffhanger, but with definite room for growth in several different directions. I eagerly await the sequel, LEGACY.
Well done Mr Kellen. You may just have a new reader for life.
ELEGY by Christopher Kellen is a refreshing change of pace. At it's heart, ELEGY is a gritty sword and sorcery adventure in the tradition of Robert Howard and Fritz Leiber. D'Arden is an Arbiter, a sort of sorcerer-warrior who can channel this world's magic in the form of manna. Grim and stoic, D'Arden travels from place to place in this magically charged world seeking out places where manna has corrupted animals, people, and even whole cities so that he can cleanse these corruptions. In the opening scene, we have a great fight scene as D'Arden approaches a city he's been sent to cleanse. The story hits the ground running and doesn't slow down to the final confrontation.
The best part about Kellen's writing is that he's created a great new world with sense of weight and depth and a wonderfully harsh magic, but he doesn't have the insecurity that other writers seem to suffer as they give the reader several hundred extra pages of wandering narrative to tell us how cool and clever his world is. The careful reader will pick up on the details Kellen seamlessly seeds into the story only as needed for the current scene, so that even as we get surprising details of the history and them magic toward the end of the book, we buy into them without question because of Kellen's masterful storytelling earlier in the book.
The story ends with all the ends tied up, no cliffhanger, but with definite room for growth in several different directions. I eagerly await the sequel, LEGACY.
Well done Mr Kellen. You may just have a new reader for life.
September 15, 2012
Glowing swords! Undead mutant wolves! Possessed corpses! Mushroom clouds!
OK, so ELEGY doesn't actually include any mushroom clouds. But it's got everything else gritty and post-apocalyptic that a dark fantasy reader's twisted little heart desires. Framed in a medieval-equivalent fantasy setting, this Robert E. Howard-esque adventure revolves around grim swordsman Tal D'Arden, who minces and dices the afore-mentioned monsters with the afore-mentioned glowing sword. D'Arden is an Arbiter. Sent to sort out the troubled city of Calessa, he must seek the evildoer who has latched onto the "manna" (life-force, kinda like Gaia energy) in the area and corrupted it, causing a plague of mutant wolves, demons, etc. The story hits the ground running and never stops for breath as D'Arden takes on one lot of nasties after another, trouncing the lot of them (of course) but suffering some genuinely heart-wrenching reversals on his way to the final showdown.
If you're looking for the next Robert Jordan or G.R.R.M., you will not enjoy this book. We spend the whole story in D'Arden's point of view, and Kellen's world-building is spare to the point of insufficiency. In fact, this was my only complaint as a reader: Kellen has created an intriguing world and I wanted to know more about it! The lack of big-picture details makes for some confusing moments, as, for instance, when D'Arden notes, "To pray was to die." Uh, what? I hope this and other niggles get cleared up in the sequel. But Kellen's lean, tight storytelling is perfectly keyed to deliver what ELEGY stands out from the pack for: non-stop action! Overall, I'm reminded of Richard K. Morgan's THE STEEL REMAINS, without the boring bits. Five big glittery stars, minus one for having female soldiers in a medieval setting (a personal peeve; economically, it just ain't gonna happen).
OK, so ELEGY doesn't actually include any mushroom clouds. But it's got everything else gritty and post-apocalyptic that a dark fantasy reader's twisted little heart desires. Framed in a medieval-equivalent fantasy setting, this Robert E. Howard-esque adventure revolves around grim swordsman Tal D'Arden, who minces and dices the afore-mentioned monsters with the afore-mentioned glowing sword. D'Arden is an Arbiter. Sent to sort out the troubled city of Calessa, he must seek the evildoer who has latched onto the "manna" (life-force, kinda like Gaia energy) in the area and corrupted it, causing a plague of mutant wolves, demons, etc. The story hits the ground running and never stops for breath as D'Arden takes on one lot of nasties after another, trouncing the lot of them (of course) but suffering some genuinely heart-wrenching reversals on his way to the final showdown.
If you're looking for the next Robert Jordan or G.R.R.M., you will not enjoy this book. We spend the whole story in D'Arden's point of view, and Kellen's world-building is spare to the point of insufficiency. In fact, this was my only complaint as a reader: Kellen has created an intriguing world and I wanted to know more about it! The lack of big-picture details makes for some confusing moments, as, for instance, when D'Arden notes, "To pray was to die." Uh, what? I hope this and other niggles get cleared up in the sequel. But Kellen's lean, tight storytelling is perfectly keyed to deliver what ELEGY stands out from the pack for: non-stop action! Overall, I'm reminded of Richard K. Morgan's THE STEEL REMAINS, without the boring bits. Five big glittery stars, minus one for having female soldiers in a medieval setting (a personal peeve; economically, it just ain't gonna happen).
July 30, 2012
D’Arden Tal is drawn to Calessa to purify the corrupted manna contained within it’s walls. The corruption is so bad that the land surrounding Calessa has died and there is a pervading chill to the air. D’Arden at first thinks that the vast corruption has come from a demon. With the help of the captain of the guard and a young soldier, Mikel, he starts exploring the different areas of the city.
In the high quarter, D’Arden and Mikel discover that most of the people have been turned into zombie like creatures and other have been kept alive for tortuous entertainment. The more he tries to purify the corrupted manna, the worse things seem to get.
Then he stumbles upon a young lady, Elisa, which is the last of a group of guards that were attacked by demons. D’Adren pairs up with her making her an offer to further her training if she survives. With a turn of events, D’Adren’s knowledge of becoming an Arbiter changes with Elisa. Will D’Adren be able to purify Calessa? What will become of Elisa?
I really enjoyed this book. I can’t believe that I didn’t read this sooner. What a great story with lots of potential for other books. I got sucked in when D’Adren first kills a fel beast at the gates to Calessa to Elisa. There were some great twists and horrible creatures that you just want destroyed.
If you like fantasy, this is one book that you have to read. I just discovered that The Corpse King takes place 60 years before this story is free on Amazon (as of 7/17/12). I had to get that and I have the second book, Legacy, on my wish list.
I received this book for free from the Library Thing Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.
In the high quarter, D’Arden and Mikel discover that most of the people have been turned into zombie like creatures and other have been kept alive for tortuous entertainment. The more he tries to purify the corrupted manna, the worse things seem to get.
Then he stumbles upon a young lady, Elisa, which is the last of a group of guards that were attacked by demons. D’Adren pairs up with her making her an offer to further her training if she survives. With a turn of events, D’Adren’s knowledge of becoming an Arbiter changes with Elisa. Will D’Adren be able to purify Calessa? What will become of Elisa?
I really enjoyed this book. I can’t believe that I didn’t read this sooner. What a great story with lots of potential for other books. I got sucked in when D’Adren first kills a fel beast at the gates to Calessa to Elisa. There were some great twists and horrible creatures that you just want destroyed.
If you like fantasy, this is one book that you have to read. I just discovered that The Corpse King takes place 60 years before this story is free on Amazon (as of 7/17/12). I had to get that and I have the second book, Legacy, on my wish list.
I received this book for free from the Library Thing Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2017
i didnt click with this
April 11, 2014
This is my second Kellen book, after the entertaining Sorcerer's Code, which I suggest you read first as it's clearly superior to this work.
What we have here is a typical sword and sorcery yarn that's a little rough around the edges and showing all the hallmarks of an early effort from the author.
D'Arden Tal is humourless and dour at times, with some of the dialogue he spouts coming from 'what the hero should say 101'. The book itself feels like three interconnected stories that take place in the same city.
More interesting than Tal himself is his profession, an Arbiter. There's some inventive work with regards to the magic system and the atmosphere that pervaded the first effort I read is still here.
It's solid stuff for the genre, and doesn't outstay its welcome, definitely closer to a 3.5 than a 3 in terms of rating.
Overall Elegy can be seen as a gateway into Eisengoth, the world of Christopher Kellen. He wears his influences on his sleeve, and fine influences they are too. He's a humble man who just wants to add some much needed sword and sorcery fiction into a world that has been lacking it of late. For that I salute him, as this really is a solid effort worth buying.
What we have here is a typical sword and sorcery yarn that's a little rough around the edges and showing all the hallmarks of an early effort from the author.
D'Arden Tal is humourless and dour at times, with some of the dialogue he spouts coming from 'what the hero should say 101'. The book itself feels like three interconnected stories that take place in the same city.
More interesting than Tal himself is his profession, an Arbiter. There's some inventive work with regards to the magic system and the atmosphere that pervaded the first effort I read is still here.
It's solid stuff for the genre, and doesn't outstay its welcome, definitely closer to a 3.5 than a 3 in terms of rating.
Overall Elegy can be seen as a gateway into Eisengoth, the world of Christopher Kellen. He wears his influences on his sleeve, and fine influences they are too. He's a humble man who just wants to add some much needed sword and sorcery fiction into a world that has been lacking it of late. For that I salute him, as this really is a solid effort worth buying.
February 26, 2015
This review was originally published by Kurt's Frontier on Invincible Love of Reading.
Synopsis:
Arbiter D’Arden Tal arrives at the city of Calessa to fight the corrupt magic that is gathering there. There are undead people and creatures that have been twisted by the corruption surrounding the city, while some have gained a foothold within. Wielding pure magic, his crystalline sword, and a fierce force of will, Arbiter Tal sets about trying to track down the source of corruption that threatens to engulf the entire city.
Review:
Christopher Kellen has written an exciting dark fantasy novel that embodies a basic story of good versus evil. The action begins within the first couple of pages and is consistently present throughout. The “science” behind the magic is intriguing and is well woven into the story. Dialogue is believable. There are twists and turns that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Synopsis:
Arbiter D’Arden Tal arrives at the city of Calessa to fight the corrupt magic that is gathering there. There are undead people and creatures that have been twisted by the corruption surrounding the city, while some have gained a foothold within. Wielding pure magic, his crystalline sword, and a fierce force of will, Arbiter Tal sets about trying to track down the source of corruption that threatens to engulf the entire city.
Review:
Christopher Kellen has written an exciting dark fantasy novel that embodies a basic story of good versus evil. The action begins within the first couple of pages and is consistently present throughout. The “science” behind the magic is intriguing and is well woven into the story. Dialogue is believable. There are twists and turns that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
February 8, 2012
Elegy is a dark fantasy about the struggle for light to survive in a world where darkness is both strong and prevalant. In many places, the life-force has become corrupt resulting in unimaginable horrors. The main protagonist is an Arbiter, whose job it is to seek out such corruption and cleanse the life-force - no easy feat. This book had me riveted from beginning to end. The final twist was unpredictable and I was left wanting more. I actually went searching for the sequel but, alas, it is yet to written! Many e-books show sloppy editing and bad grammar - this is not one of them. Not once was I distracted from the story because of poor spelling or mis-placed words. I highly recommend this book to fans of the fantasy genre.
September 19, 2011
It's always tough to get into a new fantasy world that you don't know anything about, especially when it is by a new author. Luckily, Elegy:The Arbiter Codex by Christopher Kellen, was a really solid read. While he did kind of toss the reader into the deep end with the start of the story, he did a great job in detailing the world and characters. At no time was I lost or confused by the rules he set up or the story. I really enjoyed it and hope he puts out another book in the series soon!
April 10, 2013
I'm not sure how good an IT specialist Mr Kellen is but he can certainly write a good story. Excellent adventure yarn. Arbiter D' Arden has been sent to the city of Calessa to rid the magical manna of corruption. D'Arden thinks this is going to be like any other cleansing, but he has a suprise waiting for him. Great descritions give for good visuals and this was an excellent way to spend the afternoon in the sun.
December 13, 2013
I could picture the events of this novel unfolding like the very best Anime. There is nothing understated about the conflicts in terms of good vs. evil and no compromise in its depiction of sheer blazing power. The heroes and villains harken back to the pulp era without being a rehash. This is like something from Howard or Lieber with dash of Moorcock and Lovecraft for good measure. It's a weird, intense, and ultimately fun ride!
October 9, 2014
It was good and exciting. The book has an interesting plot. I may pick up the next book in the series.
Want to read
November 21, 2012Kindle freebie, 11/21/12
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews