What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood and Tears #1
Rise and Fall
An ill-prepared queen, a soft-hearted mercenary, and a crippled warrior struggle as a kingdom falls and an empire rises. For years the High Mages of Cadonia have maintained an uneasy peace among the nobles disgruntled with the rule of the king. In the aftermath of a tragic event, Elyse, the king’s daughter, is thrust into a role she is not ready for. As queen, she must now determine who to trust while struggling to keep the kingdom from collapsing around her. The Hell Patrol, a legendary mercenary outfit commanded by Jonrell, finds itself disenfranchised with their current employer. Recalling a promise he made over a decade ago, Jonrell breaks his contract in order to right the wrongs of his past. On the continent of Hesh, the Blue Island Clan has long been ignored by its neighbors. Tobin, a warrior and son of the Clan’s ruler, struggles as an outcast as he watches his brother Kaz lead his father’s army to glory. Emboldened by a new friendship with a mysterious shaman, Tobin finds himself gaining the respect he always wanted. An epic fantasy tale, Rise and Fall is the first book in the Blood and Tears Trilogy .
404 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2011
145 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Joshua P. Simon
13 books65 followersJoshua P. Simon is a Christian, husband, father, CPA, fantasy author, and heavy metal junkie. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia and hopes that one day he can leave the life of a CPA behind and devote that time to writing more of the ideas bouncing around his ADD-addled brain.
He has completed and published one epic fantasy series (The Blood and Tears Trilogy) and is now working on several new projects.
You can find out more about him at www.joshuapsimon.blogspot.com.
He has completed and published one epic fantasy series (The Blood and Tears Trilogy) and is now working on several new projects.
You can find out more about him at www.joshuapsimon.blogspot.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 19, 2014
Engaging and compelling series of books. I hadn't heard much about this series (author's first full length novel and trilogy) before and I was pleasantly surprised. I picked this book up on a lark (impulse bought when it was on sale) and now I wonder why I had it lying around for months without reading sooner.
For centuries the threat of high mages (red robes) has kept stability throughout the lands. However, cataclysmic rift among the mages has left a void. What ensues is political and military wrangling which is the setting for these books.
The chapters with the Hell Patrol (mercenary company) was a little reminiscent of Glen Cook's The Black Company. The range of characters you encounter among the company are a treat (quiet and deadly, grumpy and deadly, young-cheerful and deadly, funny and deadly; you get the point). The author has you rooting for flawed, yet intrinsically decent (taking after their leaders) members of the company.
The scale of the books is epic. We have a queen, brothers, kings, mages thousands of miles apart on different continents. The author connects each of the protagonists and you can see their story lines slowly draw together for climactic collisions. Along the way there are many twists and turns.
The series has a strong military fantasy vein. To keep the various empires together, many battles take place to put down aspiring and opportunistic challengers. The battles are detailed with sprinklings of battle mages/shamans and siege equipment-artillery (engineers) taking to the field.
The books can be "dark" but not overly so. It seems that the author isn't afraid to shy away from the ugly realities the characters face during war and political infighting, but doesn't dwell or try too hard to be gory.
Most importantly, the characters are well developed. The camaraderie of soldiers, the love/hate between siblings, machinations of the power hungry, love, despair, hopelessness, insecurities and more are captured within these pages.
If you enjoy epic fantasy with a lot of action you should give these books a try.
For centuries the threat of high mages (red robes) has kept stability throughout the lands. However, cataclysmic rift among the mages has left a void. What ensues is political and military wrangling which is the setting for these books.
The chapters with the Hell Patrol (mercenary company) was a little reminiscent of Glen Cook's The Black Company. The range of characters you encounter among the company are a treat (quiet and deadly, grumpy and deadly, young-cheerful and deadly, funny and deadly; you get the point). The author has you rooting for flawed, yet intrinsically decent (taking after their leaders) members of the company.
The scale of the books is epic. We have a queen, brothers, kings, mages thousands of miles apart on different continents. The author connects each of the protagonists and you can see their story lines slowly draw together for climactic collisions. Along the way there are many twists and turns.
The series has a strong military fantasy vein. To keep the various empires together, many battles take place to put down aspiring and opportunistic challengers. The battles are detailed with sprinklings of battle mages/shamans and siege equipment-artillery (engineers) taking to the field.
The books can be "dark" but not overly so. It seems that the author isn't afraid to shy away from the ugly realities the characters face during war and political infighting, but doesn't dwell or try too hard to be gory.
Most importantly, the characters are well developed. The camaraderie of soldiers, the love/hate between siblings, machinations of the power hungry, love, despair, hopelessness, insecurities and more are captured within these pages.
If you enjoy epic fantasy with a lot of action you should give these books a try.
August 27, 2018
This book really Suprised me. I had it on my ereader for years because it was free one time and finally decided to read it. It was really damn good. I took a star off because there were a few very minor things that I think could be improved on and believe they likely will be improved in the second book, which I have already started reading.
From what I can tell this isn't a very well known series, which is a shame because of how good it is (so far). I would say it is somewhere between grimdark and swords and sorcery style fantasy. It certainly does not hold back on violence or adult situations. Some people may be turned off because the first couple chapters have some grisly scenes but stick with it and you get some excellent character development, a more than competent story that keeps you reading and an ending that wants you to move directly onto the sequel. I did telegraph one of the minor twists, but definitely did not on one of the bigger ones.
Very well done.
From what I can tell this isn't a very well known series, which is a shame because of how good it is (so far). I would say it is somewhere between grimdark and swords and sorcery style fantasy. It certainly does not hold back on violence or adult situations. Some people may be turned off because the first couple chapters have some grisly scenes but stick with it and you get some excellent character development, a more than competent story that keeps you reading and an ending that wants you to move directly onto the sequel. I did telegraph one of the minor twists, but definitely did not on one of the bigger ones.
Very well done.
April 23, 2012
I received a free copy of this book from the author through a Goodreads giveaway.
Rise and Fall, by Joshua P Simon, is the first book in a trilogy. This is a very enjoyable book and surprisingly nuanced for a fantasy novel.
I didn’t like the first chapter of the book and upon inquiry was informed by the author, via Email, that I wasn’t alone. However according to Simon many people also really liked the way he started the book. Apparently the violent beginning polarized readers--but it did give a quick introduction into the potentially deadly politics of this world.
By the third chapter Simon hits his stride and the rest of the book is compelling. In fact, quite compelling. I found the characters in this book to be well drawn and very appealing. Frankly I didn’t want the book to end and I’m quite glad that there’s going to be at least two more books in this series. Currently there’s several shorter works available that are prequels to the series and the second novel will be released late this summer.
The focus in these books is the political and military wrangling between groups of people and to Simon’s credit he makes it very interesting. The character of Jonrell, former prince of Cadonia and current mercenary commander, is particularly appealing. Through his eyes the reader navigates the intricate landscape of the novel and quickly becomes emotionally involved with this novel. I highly recommend it.
Rise and Fall, by Joshua P Simon, is the first book in a trilogy. This is a very enjoyable book and surprisingly nuanced for a fantasy novel.
I didn’t like the first chapter of the book and upon inquiry was informed by the author, via Email, that I wasn’t alone. However according to Simon many people also really liked the way he started the book. Apparently the violent beginning polarized readers--but it did give a quick introduction into the potentially deadly politics of this world.
By the third chapter Simon hits his stride and the rest of the book is compelling. In fact, quite compelling. I found the characters in this book to be well drawn and very appealing. Frankly I didn’t want the book to end and I’m quite glad that there’s going to be at least two more books in this series. Currently there’s several shorter works available that are prequels to the series and the second novel will be released late this summer.
The focus in these books is the political and military wrangling between groups of people and to Simon’s credit he makes it very interesting. The character of Jonrell, former prince of Cadonia and current mercenary commander, is particularly appealing. Through his eyes the reader navigates the intricate landscape of the novel and quickly becomes emotionally involved with this novel. I highly recommend it.
August 27, 2023
Lots of Action in this Fantasy!
Parents: PG13 to almost R mostly due to violence
Language: PG - the language was actually pretty clean - no f-bombs
Violence & Sexual Content: PG13-R - SO this is were I'm on the fence for age level. There are lots of battles and the reality of war isn't glazed over, the violence has some gore to it and there are lots of battles but it's not overly graphic. it also some of the more awful parts mentioned, brief visuals, and discussions of warriors raping the women and young girls in villages that they've taken before they kill them. There are also mentions of sexual encounters and scenes laying in bed after... so use your best judgement.
The wars and bloody battles start pretty much right away, and because of that you start out a little lost but quickly the gaps start filling in. It has so much action and intrigue that I got hooked pretty quickly and it wasn't easy to put down. This is part of a series and while it's not left on a dire cliffhanger there are some big twists and events that take place at the end that really do push you on to the next book.
The narrator (4🌟) did a good job with the differentiations and was fun to listen to. It was a bit slow for me but I usually listen at 1.25x speed, this one felt better to me at 1.35x speed.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents: PG13 to almost R mostly due to violence
Language: PG - the language was actually pretty clean - no f-bombs
Violence & Sexual Content: PG13-R - SO this is were I'm on the fence for age level. There are lots of battles and the reality of war isn't glazed over, the violence has some gore to it and there are lots of battles but it's not overly graphic. it also some of the more awful parts mentioned, brief visuals, and discussions of warriors raping the women and young girls in villages that they've taken before they kill them. There are also mentions of sexual encounters and scenes laying in bed after... so use your best judgement.
The wars and bloody battles start pretty much right away, and because of that you start out a little lost but quickly the gaps start filling in. It has so much action and intrigue that I got hooked pretty quickly and it wasn't easy to put down. This is part of a series and while it's not left on a dire cliffhanger there are some big twists and events that take place at the end that really do push you on to the next book.
The narrator (4🌟) did a good job with the differentiations and was fun to listen to. It was a bit slow for me but I usually listen at 1.25x speed, this one felt better to me at 1.35x speed.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 19, 2021
Good story!
This book has two major issues going on. The first, the hatred between 2 brothers and the rule of their father. The second, is WAR. I’m not a huge war fan but I found the story of the brothers was so engaging that it kept me wanting more.
The war going on had too many factions for me and so many characters that I admit at times I was a bit confused. Did I stop after book 1? Heck no. There was more storyline that I enjoyed than not. But mostly because I enjoyed the narration so much. Jon E Waters was new to me only a few months ago and now I can’t get enough. His voices are brilliant and especially his female voices. I love the way he performs so many different characters in one story. Fantastic. I recommend this book/series but remember sometimes in war good people die. This book is not a standalone and does not have an HEA. The entire trilogy is already published.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
This book has two major issues going on. The first, the hatred between 2 brothers and the rule of their father. The second, is WAR. I’m not a huge war fan but I found the story of the brothers was so engaging that it kept me wanting more.
The war going on had too many factions for me and so many characters that I admit at times I was a bit confused. Did I stop after book 1? Heck no. There was more storyline that I enjoyed than not. But mostly because I enjoyed the narration so much. Jon E Waters was new to me only a few months ago and now I can’t get enough. His voices are brilliant and especially his female voices. I love the way he performs so many different characters in one story. Fantastic. I recommend this book/series but remember sometimes in war good people die. This book is not a standalone and does not have an HEA. The entire trilogy is already published.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
September 26, 2022
DNF.
It is so very rare that I DNF a book that I really can't remember how many years ago it might have been. The book was not bad, but after several hours of listening I honestly could not tell you the name of a single character, who they were, what they were doing, or why they were doing it.
This book did not grab me as I floated away in the stream of my own thoughts. I like to read books to distract me from my own thoughts, not the opposite.
It is so very rare that I DNF a book that I really can't remember how many years ago it might have been. The book was not bad, but after several hours of listening I honestly could not tell you the name of a single character, who they were, what they were doing, or why they were doing it.
This book did not grab me as I floated away in the stream of my own thoughts. I like to read books to distract me from my own thoughts, not the opposite.
August 6, 2021
This Audible book has 2 different stories going on that are moving to intertwine. It takes Several Chapters while author brings the different characters in that are somewhat confusing, but stick with it as it resolves into a Good Story. Narrator does a good job with the characters voices and the storyline.
May 7, 2022
A very exciting turn of events. Following several characters spread out over space and time. I must learn more, especially since this ending was quite a cliffie!
I recommend this book and can also vouch for the audio.
I recommend this book and can also vouch for the audio.
December 5, 2017
Great story!
Really enjoyed this tale. The juxtaposition between the people of the Blue Water clan and the people of Cadonia and the bridge between them was extremely interesting.
Really enjoyed this tale. The juxtaposition between the people of the Blue Water clan and the people of Cadonia and the bridge between them was extremely interesting.
March 11, 2017
Another winner for Simon
Another excellent book by Joshua Simon. Simon is an excellent fantasy military writer who truly brings to life the fantasy soldier. A very good start to the series.
Another excellent book by Joshua Simon. Simon is an excellent fantasy military writer who truly brings to life the fantasy soldier. A very good start to the series.
October 13, 2015
A Story of Battle, Renewal & Loyalty
This isn't like other medieval tales where war begins and ends with characters falling in love and meeting in the end. It's deeper than that and is a tale about loyalty, survival, change and personal growth. I didn't know what to expect but I'm pleased and reading book two.
Simon takes us on a different journey with three key sets of characters in different lands. At each set is a leader, one who is emotionally wounded, a second who is a brooding naive warrior and the third a prince, who is one of a kind, easily loved and admired, a true leader. Three sets face threats in their respective lands, with one set merging together to fight for the kingdom, the prince and his sister, Queen Elyse. One of the characters Tobin is my second favorite to the prince Jonrell. He is a sweet beast of a warrior who lived in the shadow of his brother. Loveless, friendless and living a life as the son of a ruthless leader who shows him no regard, he accepts an opportunity to usurp his brother and war leader, Kaz. However, the plan goes array and little does he know Kaz isn't dead but now a war time commodity in a foreign land and no longer a heartless brutal man.
As we follow the changes occurring in two lands, alliances are made, war carries on between tribes with Tobin leading the fight. We learn of Kaz's new life, alongside the prince and the battle that ensues after Prince Jonrell returns to Cadonia with his Hell Patrol, a band of fighters recruited from different lands, to help his sister keep the throne from assassins looking to dethrone her. The fighting is intense and the characters are true fighters with big hearts. How things play out in book two, I'm eager to learn. Grade A
This isn't like other medieval tales where war begins and ends with characters falling in love and meeting in the end. It's deeper than that and is a tale about loyalty, survival, change and personal growth. I didn't know what to expect but I'm pleased and reading book two.
Simon takes us on a different journey with three key sets of characters in different lands. At each set is a leader, one who is emotionally wounded, a second who is a brooding naive warrior and the third a prince, who is one of a kind, easily loved and admired, a true leader. Three sets face threats in their respective lands, with one set merging together to fight for the kingdom, the prince and his sister, Queen Elyse. One of the characters Tobin is my second favorite to the prince Jonrell. He is a sweet beast of a warrior who lived in the shadow of his brother. Loveless, friendless and living a life as the son of a ruthless leader who shows him no regard, he accepts an opportunity to usurp his brother and war leader, Kaz. However, the plan goes array and little does he know Kaz isn't dead but now a war time commodity in a foreign land and no longer a heartless brutal man.
As we follow the changes occurring in two lands, alliances are made, war carries on between tribes with Tobin leading the fight. We learn of Kaz's new life, alongside the prince and the battle that ensues after Prince Jonrell returns to Cadonia with his Hell Patrol, a band of fighters recruited from different lands, to help his sister keep the throne from assassins looking to dethrone her. The fighting is intense and the characters are true fighters with big hearts. How things play out in book two, I'm eager to learn. Grade A
January 20, 2012
If you enjoy sword and sorcery, combined with politics between houses and multiple points of view, then you will enjoy the first book of this series. In the spirit of full disclosure, I did enter the Goodreads giveaway for this book but was not sent a free copy. I was then contacted via Goodreads by the author, Joshua P Simon, who let me know the title was available for download for a nominal fee. I decided to give it a whirl and was very pleased with the story. Being a long time reader of fantasy, the beginning of the book was somewhat predictable, but the multiple points of view were intriguing enough to keep me interested. As the story progresses, more twists are introduced and the overall story became much more compelling. I'm still unsure how one particular point of view will end up meshing with the rest of the story and that, combined with the behind the scenes machinations of some mystery characters, will bring me back for the next book in the series. Overall, a very enjoyable book. Highly recommended.
January 1, 2013
NOTE: This is my husband, Seth's, review as he is helping me with my gigantic review pile.
Yes, I have felt that I may have read something similar to this in the past, but I don't recall exactly what it was that tickled my memory. It may have been the tricky magician or the warrior. But, nagging memories put aside, I loved this book. The story jumping back and forth between several perspectives might be a little much for some, but I love stories that bring several different stories together for a final product of awesomeness. The viciousness and callousness of the one character mixed in with the amazing leadership of the other along with the reform of the vicious one makes for an awesome read. Plenty of intrigue to keep you interested in reading just one more chapter.
Yes, I have felt that I may have read something similar to this in the past, but I don't recall exactly what it was that tickled my memory. It may have been the tricky magician or the warrior. But, nagging memories put aside, I loved this book. The story jumping back and forth between several perspectives might be a little much for some, but I love stories that bring several different stories together for a final product of awesomeness. The viciousness and callousness of the one character mixed in with the amazing leadership of the other along with the reform of the vicious one makes for an awesome read. Plenty of intrigue to keep you interested in reading just one more chapter.
February 20, 2014
Well - that escalated quickly.
I went into this book it to last me through the weekend...lasted me two days and now I'm reading book 2.
This book has everything! Sword and Sorcery, politics between Houses, a Mercenary Company, Barbarians (for lack of a better word), and my favorite...Amnesia.
Honestly, the best part for me were the chapters about the Mercenary Company. Seeing how the Nobles/Regular soldiers react to these grim fighters was cool to read. The multiple POVs worked brilliantly in this story.
And a siege battle? Never fails, reminded me of Legend.
I went into this book it to last me through the weekend...lasted me two days and now I'm reading book 2.
This book has everything! Sword and Sorcery, politics between Houses, a Mercenary Company, Barbarians (for lack of a better word), and my favorite...Amnesia.
Honestly, the best part for me were the chapters about the Mercenary Company. Seeing how the Nobles/Regular soldiers react to these grim fighters was cool to read. The multiple POVs worked brilliantly in this story.
And a siege battle? Never fails, reminded me of Legend.
May 21, 2015
Occasionally a story comes along that demands attention; the kind of story you cannot put down. Rise and Fall is just one story. The emotions are believable the story is exciting. The Mr. Simon blends the intrigue of a divided court with the action of a spartan. There is romance, betrayal, hope, sorrow, confusion, and to borrow a quote, "the entire spectrum of human emotion." If you enjoy a good story and want to book that makes you hopeful in spite of the tragedy of the setting this book is for you.
May 11, 2015
Overall, an enticing fantasy read which was gripping thoroughout UNTIL the ending.
Character development in particular brought this book into its own. Especially in terms of Kaz and Tobin.
HOWEVER, was I the only one who was unsettled at the circumstances of Jonrells death? Literally came out of nowhere, and seemed unnecessary. He held the plot together, and I hungered constantly for his chapters; I can't see myself enjoying the next books in the series without his parts..
Character development in particular brought this book into its own. Especially in terms of Kaz and Tobin.
HOWEVER, was I the only one who was unsettled at the circumstances of Jonrells death? Literally came out of nowhere, and seemed unnecessary. He held the plot together, and I hungered constantly for his chapters; I can't see myself enjoying the next books in the series without his parts..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2015
Rise and Fall
Rise and Fall is an intriguing fantasy novel. I found the characters to be interesting and we'll nuanced. Joshua Simon does a great job of fleshing them out.
There's a good bit of action and suspense that leaves the reader wanting more
Simon tackles themes like racism and spirituality, but never in an overbearing manner.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Rise and Fall is an intriguing fantasy novel. I found the characters to be interesting and we'll nuanced. Joshua Simon does a great job of fleshing them out.
There's a good bit of action and suspense that leaves the reader wanting more
Simon tackles themes like racism and spirituality, but never in an overbearing manner.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
February 24, 2014
Really great novel with some interesting characters and development set in an interesting fantasy world all brought to life in easy to read style. Bought originally on a whim I had no choice after reading this but to buy the next book, a thoroughly enjoyable read I would recommend to anyone with an interest in the fantasy genre.
August 21, 2014
Is it wrong to have read this book in two days? The characters had a way of drawing you in , and I couldn't get enough. It was fun trying to anticipate the twists and turns the novel takes with the characters. I'm now onto the third instalment, won't read any reviews as I don't want to spoil anything!
March 22, 2015
Very good continuation of the story. The characters and the action continue to build. This was a hard book to put down even when the story gets frustrating. The author stretches each character and doesn't let up on even the less prominent ones. I really like that. I have already started on book 3.
May 27, 2016
First book in the Blood and Tears series.
This is a well designed story of the personal growth and development of several leaders whose lives become intertwined. It is an epic fantasy told from many POV. My main complaint is the foreshadowing of the death of one of the main characters is handled poorly.
This is a well designed story of the personal growth and development of several leaders whose lives become intertwined. It is an epic fantasy told from many POV. My main complaint is the foreshadowing of the death of one of the main characters is handled poorly.
April 12, 2016
Too graphic
I stopped reading this book when one of the characters threatened to rape a 4-year-old. Then she had her throat slit by one of the protagonists.
I am far from squeamish, but I don't like this kind of gratuitous violence. Particularly when it is inflicted on a child.
I stopped reading this book when one of the characters threatened to rape a 4-year-old. Then she had her throat slit by one of the protagonists.
I am far from squeamish, but I don't like this kind of gratuitous violence. Particularly when it is inflicted on a child.
November 13, 2016
Interesting
Very interesting story line. Somewhat disjuncted cgaracters,,but. Preferably there will be a connection of plotlines in the next books. Will probably read t he next installment.
Very interesting story line. Somewhat disjuncted cgaracters,,but. Preferably there will be a connection of plotlines in the next books. Will probably read t he next installment.
January 7, 2015
Addictive..
September 24, 2016
Well written and worth your time to read .
Good read and great character development. You made me care about the characters and the action was constant. Worth it.
Good read and great character development. You made me care about the characters and the action was constant. Worth it.
August 5, 2023
5 stars. Good story and good character development
September 24, 2014
Truly amazing, love how all the stories come together
April 25, 2017
Loved the book. I was annoyed with the number of characters at first.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews