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A Grey Beginning
Step into a world sculpted by the transgressions of kings and the upheaval of the masses, where a sinister force lurks, gnawing at the very essence of existence. The Grey, a barrier between the known and the unknown, advances relentlessly, hungry to consume everything in its path with the searing flames of humanity. Its tendrils of despair endanger the entire realm, as power-hungry rulers engage in a perilous game of thrones, battling for supremacy and control.
Yet, a brave few stand defiant, striving to shield the realm from succumbing to darkness. They rise against the onslaught of The Grey, forging a path towards a new era of enlightenment and hope. For the shackles of the past must be broken, lest the realm remains forever bound by its own misdeeds.
As the stakes escalate and the conflict intensifies, journey alongside a diverse cast of characters, each navigating the treacherous terrain before them, harboring their own hidden motives and secrets. As battles rage, alliances are forged, and the burden of history looms large, one question will they triumph, or will The Grey consume them, leaving only darkness in its wake?
The softcover version of A Grey Beginning truly elevates this literary experience into a piece of art. Enriched with original pen-and-ink artwork, it immerses readers into the world and characters, harmoniously blending the written narrative with captivating illustrations. Don't miss the chance to explore this extraordinary union of literature and art that brings the story to life.
Yet, a brave few stand defiant, striving to shield the realm from succumbing to darkness. They rise against the onslaught of The Grey, forging a path towards a new era of enlightenment and hope. For the shackles of the past must be broken, lest the realm remains forever bound by its own misdeeds.
As the stakes escalate and the conflict intensifies, journey alongside a diverse cast of characters, each navigating the treacherous terrain before them, harboring their own hidden motives and secrets. As battles rage, alliances are forged, and the burden of history looms large, one question will they triumph, or will The Grey consume them, leaving only darkness in its wake?
The softcover version of A Grey Beginning truly elevates this literary experience into a piece of art. Enriched with original pen-and-ink artwork, it immerses readers into the world and characters, harmoniously blending the written narrative with captivating illustrations. Don't miss the chance to explore this extraordinary union of literature and art that brings the story to life.
435 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2023
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Raymond G. Bruderman Jr.
1 book8 followersRaymond G. Bruderman Jr. is an accomplished author, self-publisher, and inspiring voice for those facing challenges. As a child, Raymond struggled with a medical disability, a learning disability, and comprehension problems, but he never let that hold him back from pursuing his passions.
Raymond's unwavering dedication and perseverance extend beyond his writing. He worked in education for almost 15 years and pursued a Masters in Special Education to help inspire those with disabilities to achieve their full potential. Raymond has also faced numerous health issues throughout his life, and he always found himself working on a story. Writing became his solace during these trying times, helping him cope with depression and feelings of helplessness.
Despite the obstacles he's faced, Raymond's debut dark fantasy novel, 'A Grey Beginning,' is a testament to his tenacity and the power of the human spirit. His writing evokes a sense of timelessness and poeticism while maintaining accessibility for all readers.
Through his work, Raymond hopes to inspire others to never let labels define who they are or limit what they can achieve. His story is a reminder that anyone can do anything with enough hard work, determination, and a willingness to never give up.
When he's not writing, Raymond enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors. He currently resides in Long Island, New York] and is working on his next novel, A Grey Dawn, set to be released in Fall 2023.
Raymond's unwavering dedication and perseverance extend beyond his writing. He worked in education for almost 15 years and pursued a Masters in Special Education to help inspire those with disabilities to achieve their full potential. Raymond has also faced numerous health issues throughout his life, and he always found himself working on a story. Writing became his solace during these trying times, helping him cope with depression and feelings of helplessness.
Despite the obstacles he's faced, Raymond's debut dark fantasy novel, 'A Grey Beginning,' is a testament to his tenacity and the power of the human spirit. His writing evokes a sense of timelessness and poeticism while maintaining accessibility for all readers.
Through his work, Raymond hopes to inspire others to never let labels define who they are or limit what they can achieve. His story is a reminder that anyone can do anything with enough hard work, determination, and a willingness to never give up.
When he's not writing, Raymond enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors. He currently resides in Long Island, New York] and is working on his next novel, A Grey Dawn, set to be released in Fall 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 11, 2023
The following was my first review of my book on Amazon!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I'm usually not a huge fantasy fan, but I decided to give this book a try based on a friend's recommendation about the complex relationships between multiple characters and the unexpected twists.
And boy, am I glad I did. From the first chapter, I was hooked. I found myself staying up late at night, unable to put the book down. The world is so immersive and vivid, and the characters are so well-developed that they feel like old friends.
But what I really loved about this book was the suspense that lingered throughout the story. There was always a lurking presence that kept me on edge and made me feel like something paranormal was at play. And the ending was simply a work of art as all the pieces came together perfectly and left me feeling satisfied yet eager for more as I will admit I had more questions I wanted answers for.
Overall, "A Grey Beginning" is a must-read for any fantasy fan, and even for those who may not typically enjoy the genre. Bruderman's writing style is poetic yet accessible, and the story is a true masterpiece. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see where the story takes me next.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I'm usually not a huge fantasy fan, but I decided to give this book a try based on a friend's recommendation about the complex relationships between multiple characters and the unexpected twists.
And boy, am I glad I did. From the first chapter, I was hooked. I found myself staying up late at night, unable to put the book down. The world is so immersive and vivid, and the characters are so well-developed that they feel like old friends.
But what I really loved about this book was the suspense that lingered throughout the story. There was always a lurking presence that kept me on edge and made me feel like something paranormal was at play. And the ending was simply a work of art as all the pieces came together perfectly and left me feeling satisfied yet eager for more as I will admit I had more questions I wanted answers for.
Overall, "A Grey Beginning" is a must-read for any fantasy fan, and even for those who may not typically enjoy the genre. Bruderman's writing style is poetic yet accessible, and the story is a true masterpiece. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see where the story takes me next.
April 18, 2023
The opening page of this book filled me with delight. The author used words that pleased my love of words — vocabulary that I am familiar with but seldom use in my own writing. I suppose the style was designed to evoke images of civilization of old, when people speak like that.
However, few pages on, it became confusing. Not the words, but the setup. The narrative. Information was sprung on the reader without foreshadowing. I was told that the MC felt this, and that, but I couldn't feel it. The relationship between the MC and his mentor was perplexing. It didn't read deep bond, more like an antagonistic, but tolerant one. Like how two people would treat each other if they were the last ones on earth. So, their parting felt... arm's length.
The same with the relationship between Luka and Leyla. Their feelings for each other came out of the blue. Not the sexual tension, because that was narrated as existing, but there was no emotional weight.
The description of the setting reflected the chaos this imaginary world was supposed to be immersed in. That was effective, because I felt confused as I read. The doom and gloom that enveloped the land was well conveyed, but the action of the characters weren't as effective because it was told, rather than shown. The world was immersive, but I couldn't empathise with the characters.
For example: "The bitter winds howled across the ship's deck, sending shivers down the spine of every man aboard. They huddled together, waiting for a plan of action as the cold and dry air seeped into their bones."
I felt the bitter winds. I can imagine the huddling. But the telling me that it sent shivers down the spine, and that they were waiting for a plan of action, pulled me out of it. Whose POV was that?
The book had many moments of head-hopping, and at times, the dialogues (who was speaking) were confusing. The conversation was also thick with well-worn phrases, and at times lapsed into modern speech.
There were also moments where I frowned at the exchange. For example, a male character said, "It seems our allies have made new friends, and we lost some in the process." The female character responded, "What are you saying? Speak plainly." And his response was, "We have been betrayed, right when our backs were turned. They stabbed us in the heart and left us to bleed. The pact is broken." My initial reaction was, huh? That must have been a really long knife to puncture the heart from the back. And since they are still conversing, then that line is, well, figurative. And cliche.
But still I persisted reading, because I love the words used in this book, especially the banter between the characters. An example: "'Tis his tongue that instills trepidation." "Verily, he has sharpened the art of malevolent eloquence under the guidance of the paramount." "You brandish your talent for repartee as though it were the foresight of a divine oracle." and the response, "My maw is a weapon, and I possess a venomous tongue, one I brandish with exactitude." Such chewy mouthful.
There were a number of references of characters, named and unnamed, where wives and women were threatened with rape, or subjugated through sex. I suppose it was how women were viewed in the old days. Most notable was "Let us show our guests our great city and all the whores who stand tall on their knees beneath our cocks. We are the future of this land." That one was uttered by the prince of the land. Lovely gentleman.
None of the characters struck admiration in my heart. Not because they were unlikeable, but because they appeared flat. It was hard to root for anyone because you were not given a reason to. Luka's initial backstory had a promise, but the massive time jump took away the opportunity to learn about him, how he survived. From a child in the first pages, suddenly, he was a young man. A stranger, with no further experiences to endear him to me. Four chapters on, as he left his land and into another, all we saw is a frightened child with the randy urgings of a man of undetermined age. I had no idea how old he was. My only inkling that he was at least an adult was he was confident in his prowess as a lover. He was supposed to be a warrior but there were no scenes of him fighting. Running scared, yes, plenty of them. His POV, except when talking about his feelings, was always distant, like a fly on the wall. It was a puzzle how two women found him attractive at all. Unlike most novels, there was no description of what he looked like (we were just told he was comely), but there were no description of note to form an image of him.
Leyla was the token strong woman character with warrior + femme fatale skills. Again, like Luka, I have no idea how old she was. She first struck me as perhaps mid-thirties, because her dialogue and banter with other characters made it sound like she was a woman of considerable experience. And yet, she became the lover of Luka. Their interaction was also baffling. At one point, she was the seducer, and then she would turn into a blushing maiden, because Luka in the beginning was acting like a teenage boy, then suddenly convert into a Valentino. Very confusing.
Amara was another character with a cookie-cutter personality of a strong female. Risk-taker and seductive. And, that's it. And like Leyla and the rest of the characters, we have no idea how old she is.
Ron, quite a boring name in this fantasy, was your standard betrayed hero with a dark past. Again, we have no idea how old he was, but he gives off an image of an older man. Just because of his words. Like all the characters in this book, he claims to be a man of considerable sexual prowess.
Gail, the antagonist, was contradictory enough to be an effective traitor. But he was hard to like.
However, few pages on, it became confusing. Not the words, but the setup. The narrative. Information was sprung on the reader without foreshadowing. I was told that the MC felt this, and that, but I couldn't feel it. The relationship between the MC and his mentor was perplexing. It didn't read deep bond, more like an antagonistic, but tolerant one. Like how two people would treat each other if they were the last ones on earth. So, their parting felt... arm's length.
The same with the relationship between Luka and Leyla. Their feelings for each other came out of the blue. Not the sexual tension, because that was narrated as existing, but there was no emotional weight.
The description of the setting reflected the chaos this imaginary world was supposed to be immersed in. That was effective, because I felt confused as I read. The doom and gloom that enveloped the land was well conveyed, but the action of the characters weren't as effective because it was told, rather than shown. The world was immersive, but I couldn't empathise with the characters.
For example: "The bitter winds howled across the ship's deck, sending shivers down the spine of every man aboard. They huddled together, waiting for a plan of action as the cold and dry air seeped into their bones."
I felt the bitter winds. I can imagine the huddling. But the telling me that it sent shivers down the spine, and that they were waiting for a plan of action, pulled me out of it. Whose POV was that?
The book had many moments of head-hopping, and at times, the dialogues (who was speaking) were confusing. The conversation was also thick with well-worn phrases, and at times lapsed into modern speech.
There were also moments where I frowned at the exchange. For example, a male character said, "It seems our allies have made new friends, and we lost some in the process." The female character responded, "What are you saying? Speak plainly." And his response was, "We have been betrayed, right when our backs were turned. They stabbed us in the heart and left us to bleed. The pact is broken." My initial reaction was, huh? That must have been a really long knife to puncture the heart from the back. And since they are still conversing, then that line is, well, figurative. And cliche.
But still I persisted reading, because I love the words used in this book, especially the banter between the characters. An example: "'Tis his tongue that instills trepidation." "Verily, he has sharpened the art of malevolent eloquence under the guidance of the paramount." "You brandish your talent for repartee as though it were the foresight of a divine oracle." and the response, "My maw is a weapon, and I possess a venomous tongue, one I brandish with exactitude." Such chewy mouthful.
There were a number of references of characters, named and unnamed, where wives and women were threatened with rape, or subjugated through sex. I suppose it was how women were viewed in the old days. Most notable was "Let us show our guests our great city and all the whores who stand tall on their knees beneath our cocks. We are the future of this land." That one was uttered by the prince of the land. Lovely gentleman.
None of the characters struck admiration in my heart. Not because they were unlikeable, but because they appeared flat. It was hard to root for anyone because you were not given a reason to. Luka's initial backstory had a promise, but the massive time jump took away the opportunity to learn about him, how he survived. From a child in the first pages, suddenly, he was a young man. A stranger, with no further experiences to endear him to me. Four chapters on, as he left his land and into another, all we saw is a frightened child with the randy urgings of a man of undetermined age. I had no idea how old he was. My only inkling that he was at least an adult was he was confident in his prowess as a lover. He was supposed to be a warrior but there were no scenes of him fighting. Running scared, yes, plenty of them. His POV, except when talking about his feelings, was always distant, like a fly on the wall. It was a puzzle how two women found him attractive at all. Unlike most novels, there was no description of what he looked like (we were just told he was comely), but there were no description of note to form an image of him.
Leyla was the token strong woman character with warrior + femme fatale skills. Again, like Luka, I have no idea how old she was. She first struck me as perhaps mid-thirties, because her dialogue and banter with other characters made it sound like she was a woman of considerable experience. And yet, she became the lover of Luka. Their interaction was also baffling. At one point, she was the seducer, and then she would turn into a blushing maiden, because Luka in the beginning was acting like a teenage boy, then suddenly convert into a Valentino. Very confusing.
Amara was another character with a cookie-cutter personality of a strong female. Risk-taker and seductive. And, that's it. And like Leyla and the rest of the characters, we have no idea how old she is.
Ron, quite a boring name in this fantasy, was your standard betrayed hero with a dark past. Again, we have no idea how old he was, but he gives off an image of an older man. Just because of his words. Like all the characters in this book, he claims to be a man of considerable sexual prowess.
Gail, the antagonist, was contradictory enough to be an effective traitor. But he was hard to like.
April 20, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would have given it a 4.5-star rating, but since there's no option for that, I decided to round it up to a 5 as I was always taught to do.
The language used in this book was refreshing and a delightful departure from what I've read recently. It almost took me back to my school days, as you don't come across this writing style too often. At the same time, the language was accessible, with a sprinkling of modern terms that made it easy for readers unfamiliar with the style to grasp the narrative. I'm unsure if this was intentional or just the author's natural voice, but it worked well.
The world-building was excellent, and I found myself completely immersed in it. When I closed my eyes, I could envision the vivid details of this world. The sense of dread and chaos was there, yet subtle enough to keep me on edge, wondering what might happen next.
The story followed multiple characters, initially focusing on Luka, who wasn't my favorite at the beginning. However, as the plot unfolded and more characters were introduced, their paths converged, offering a variety of perspectives. Without spoiling anything, I grew to appreciate Luka more toward the end, as well as Lena, a character you're not supposed to like.
The book does contain some explicit sexual scenes between characters, especially in the later chapters. As a reader from an older generation, I enjoyed some of them but found others a bit too much. However, the younger audience might appreciate this unfiltered approach. The book seems to aim for making readers feel uncomfortable at times, possibly to foster empathy for the characters and their world.
As a fan of mystery novels and plot twists, I was pleased to find many in this story, setting the stage for potential sequels that could be even better. The title suggests that this is just the beginning, and I find myself eager to read the next installment.
I would recommend this book if you're looking for a unique and intriguing reading experience. Don't expect a polished, big-name author's work; instead, be prepared for a different kind of adventure with engaging dialogue, bickering, and a captivating story.
The language used in this book was refreshing and a delightful departure from what I've read recently. It almost took me back to my school days, as you don't come across this writing style too often. At the same time, the language was accessible, with a sprinkling of modern terms that made it easy for readers unfamiliar with the style to grasp the narrative. I'm unsure if this was intentional or just the author's natural voice, but it worked well.
The world-building was excellent, and I found myself completely immersed in it. When I closed my eyes, I could envision the vivid details of this world. The sense of dread and chaos was there, yet subtle enough to keep me on edge, wondering what might happen next.
The story followed multiple characters, initially focusing on Luka, who wasn't my favorite at the beginning. However, as the plot unfolded and more characters were introduced, their paths converged, offering a variety of perspectives. Without spoiling anything, I grew to appreciate Luka more toward the end, as well as Lena, a character you're not supposed to like.
The book does contain some explicit sexual scenes between characters, especially in the later chapters. As a reader from an older generation, I enjoyed some of them but found others a bit too much. However, the younger audience might appreciate this unfiltered approach. The book seems to aim for making readers feel uncomfortable at times, possibly to foster empathy for the characters and their world.
As a fan of mystery novels and plot twists, I was pleased to find many in this story, setting the stage for potential sequels that could be even better. The title suggests that this is just the beginning, and I find myself eager to read the next installment.
I would recommend this book if you're looking for a unique and intriguing reading experience. Don't expect a polished, big-name author's work; instead, be prepared for a different kind of adventure with engaging dialogue, bickering, and a captivating story.
April 30, 2023
A Grey Beginning is a beautifully written fantasy adventure with a likeable group of characters and some dire end-of-the-world stakes. I recommend it for any fans of the genre looking to support the self-published space.
My favourite parts of A Grey Beginning revolve around the personal characters, each dealing with their own issues and traumas; the sense of scale and stakes that come with the Grey spreading across this wonderfully crafted world; and the worldbuilding as a whole. Bruderman has a very sophisticated style of writing that elevates the entire work, giving it an elegant and professional style.
I have a few issues that truly kept me from loving this book however, but nothing terrible- just some nitpicks that affected my experience. Sentence structure is often repetitive, and most dialogue scenes are hampered by poor pacing due to the overuse of long, descriptive dialogue tags that often feel unnecessary.
Other than that, I had a great time with A Grey Beginning and look forward to future works from this author.
My favourite parts of A Grey Beginning revolve around the personal characters, each dealing with their own issues and traumas; the sense of scale and stakes that come with the Grey spreading across this wonderfully crafted world; and the worldbuilding as a whole. Bruderman has a very sophisticated style of writing that elevates the entire work, giving it an elegant and professional style.
I have a few issues that truly kept me from loving this book however, but nothing terrible- just some nitpicks that affected my experience. Sentence structure is often repetitive, and most dialogue scenes are hampered by poor pacing due to the overuse of long, descriptive dialogue tags that often feel unnecessary.
Other than that, I had a great time with A Grey Beginning and look forward to future works from this author.
April 24, 2023
The prose in "A Grey Beginning" is poetic and eloquent, drawing the reader into the story through vivid, immersive descriptions and a lyrical narrative voice. The author's ability to evoke a sense of wonder and unease in equal measure is truly remarkable, making for a reading experience that is as haunting as it is captivating.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the exploration of the themes of fate, free will, and the power of choice.
I liked it!
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the exploration of the themes of fate, free will, and the power of choice.
I liked it!
April 24, 2023
I thoroughly relished reading this novel, despite its length, as I never felt disinterested. The author's writing style is captivating, imbued with vivid details that effortlessly conjure up mental images. While I usually struggle with books that utilize more complex vocabulary, the author seamlessly provides context through descriptive imagery following dialogue. Nonetheless, if I had to nitpick, I would categorize this novel as Grimdark rather than Dark Fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews