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By Sword and Star
Prince Tiran of Silverglen may be heir to the throne of all Asteria, but he's always felt more at home among the villagers, no matter how many lectures he gets from his father. But when the elk-lord Roden slaughters the royal family and claims the throne for himself, only Tiran is left to avenge their deaths and take his place as the rightful king. His journey will lead him from the shadowed heart of his forest home into the treetops with the squirrel-clan of the Drays, across the western plains, and among the mysterious and deadly wolves of the Northern Reach. With his allies' help, Tiran must become the king his people need him to be–or risk fulfilling an ancient prophecy that will spell the end of Asteria itself.
- GenresUnicornsAnthropomorphic
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
109 people want to read
About the author
Renee Carter Hall
41 books55 followersRenee Carter Hall writes fantasy and science fiction for adults who never quite grew up, with occasional excursions into dark fantasy, poetry, and stories for children and teens. Talking animals slip into her stories whenever they get a chance, and her work has been influenced by storytellers from a range of media, including Steven Spielberg, Ray Bradbury, and Jim Henson. Her most recent book, the anthropomorphic fantasy Huntress, received the 2014 Cóyotl Award for Best Novella.
Renee lives in West Virginia with her husband, their cat, and more books than she will ever have time to read. She can be found online at reneecarterhall.com and on Twitter as @RCarterHall.
Renee lives in West Virginia with her husband, their cat, and more books than she will ever have time to read. She can be found online at reneecarterhall.com and on Twitter as @RCarterHall.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 21, 2013
I had known of this story for some time, much to my chagrin, before reading it. In fact, I ended up with a free copy for reviewing. I can definitively state that I will be purchasing a copy with my next paycheck.
At first blush, it seems like a familiar tale. Bratty prince goes through ordeals and grows up to be a proper king. There's a dozen other tales along those lines. Some might compare it to such works as The Lion King or even The Emperor's New Groove. Doing so, however, would do this story a grave injustice.
This is no mere Disney tale, whitewashed and politically correct. This is a more adult tale with a more realistic outlook on the price that is paid to put a crown on someone's head. Yet in all that, the author does an excellent job of avoiding the other danger, of reveling in vulgarity. You, the reader, are shown the prices that are paid, the love and the hate and the death of loved ones and friends... but it is also a story I would permit my young adult child to read.
I will warn you now, this book is a face-hugger, and while I would never dare to call it literary junk food, the pages practically turn themselves and chapters vanish like popcorn at a double feature. You may find yourself drawn into the story as I was, wondering where the hours went as I close the final chapter.
The author also did an excellent job in making the various cultures distinct and unique. Indeed, one of the undercurrents of the story is that the young prince must grow to understand the various cultures of his own people and his neighbors in order to find peace for his own nation. I could wish modern day rulers would gain such understanding of their neighbors, it might well be a better world if they did.
When, not if, I purchase the book, it will rest on one of my several bookshelves. The author might not be as well known or as popular as, say, Mercedes Lackey, Ann McCaffery, or Lois McMaster Bujold... but I would say, as a reader, that the quality of her writing is easily on their level, and my bookshelf will be much improved for having this book snugly nestled in with the rest.
It is not just that the story has everything necessary for a good novel: magic, murder, betrayal, love, sacrifice, temptation, honor... it is that the author weaves these into a whole greater than the sum of its parts. It has been some time since I have read a story this gripping.
I would suggest this book for anyone who fears the Fantasy genre is becoming stale and simply re-hashing tired old plotlines, for anyone who dares to dream a world of fantasy which includes such less noble emotions as lust and hate, and for anyone who wishes to improve their literary collection with a rare diamond in the rough.
At first blush, it seems like a familiar tale. Bratty prince goes through ordeals and grows up to be a proper king. There's a dozen other tales along those lines. Some might compare it to such works as The Lion King or even The Emperor's New Groove. Doing so, however, would do this story a grave injustice.
This is no mere Disney tale, whitewashed and politically correct. This is a more adult tale with a more realistic outlook on the price that is paid to put a crown on someone's head. Yet in all that, the author does an excellent job of avoiding the other danger, of reveling in vulgarity. You, the reader, are shown the prices that are paid, the love and the hate and the death of loved ones and friends... but it is also a story I would permit my young adult child to read.
I will warn you now, this book is a face-hugger, and while I would never dare to call it literary junk food, the pages practically turn themselves and chapters vanish like popcorn at a double feature. You may find yourself drawn into the story as I was, wondering where the hours went as I close the final chapter.
The author also did an excellent job in making the various cultures distinct and unique. Indeed, one of the undercurrents of the story is that the young prince must grow to understand the various cultures of his own people and his neighbors in order to find peace for his own nation. I could wish modern day rulers would gain such understanding of their neighbors, it might well be a better world if they did.
When, not if, I purchase the book, it will rest on one of my several bookshelves. The author might not be as well known or as popular as, say, Mercedes Lackey, Ann McCaffery, or Lois McMaster Bujold... but I would say, as a reader, that the quality of her writing is easily on their level, and my bookshelf will be much improved for having this book snugly nestled in with the rest.
It is not just that the story has everything necessary for a good novel: magic, murder, betrayal, love, sacrifice, temptation, honor... it is that the author weaves these into a whole greater than the sum of its parts. It has been some time since I have read a story this gripping.
I would suggest this book for anyone who fears the Fantasy genre is becoming stale and simply re-hashing tired old plotlines, for anyone who dares to dream a world of fantasy which includes such less noble emotions as lust and hate, and for anyone who wishes to improve their literary collection with a rare diamond in the rough.
April 26, 2012
This is a well crafted example of a furry fantasy fable. The world is richly developed, the mythology established. The writing style is eloquent and lyrical. And most importantly, the characters are interesting. It has faint echoes of Redwall - the fierce squirrels, the brave rabbits but also a darker and more mature side. In particular, I liked the presence of the half-Awakened animals - the idea that animals could become intelligent in mind and spirit without becoming anthropromorphic appealed to me.
This is the story of Prince Tiran, the unicorn heir-to-the-throne. He is a strong hearted lad, who prefers to spend his time helping the villagers or gambling in the local tavern to the more noble pursuits that his father requires of him. I started this novel by downloading the sample - and it was during this that the story really gripped me. Because, Tiran and his father have an argument, and Tiran leaves in a bit of a snit, heading off deep into the woods to a farther tavern and walking out of an important royal meeting. During his absence, his family are slaughtered, leaving him the true heir. At first he is forced into hiding, but soon realises that he cannot remain that way forever - he must step out, seek allies and claim what is rightfully his before his entire world crumbles.
This is the story of Prince Tiran, the unicorn heir-to-the-throne. He is a strong hearted lad, who prefers to spend his time helping the villagers or gambling in the local tavern to the more noble pursuits that his father requires of him. I started this novel by downloading the sample - and it was during this that the story really gripped me. Because, Tiran and his father have an argument, and Tiran leaves in a bit of a snit, heading off deep into the woods to a farther tavern and walking out of an important royal meeting. During his absence, his family are slaughtered, leaving him the true heir. At first he is forced into hiding, but soon realises that he cannot remain that way forever - he must step out, seek allies and claim what is rightfully his before his entire world crumbles.
August 22, 2014
A well-written, full adventure that was perfectly paced. Easy to put down and pick up again due to the plot always being coherent, but a book I didn't want to put down if I could avoid it. I would very much reccommend it to fantasy fans and fans of Redwall-- while it was reminiscent of Redwall, it defininitely had its own vibe, style, world, and maturity that.
On a side note, the wonderful, amazing dialogue was probably my favorite part of the book.
On a side note, the wonderful, amazing dialogue was probably my favorite part of the book.
May 6, 2012
Before I start, I'd like to mention that I'm friends with the author. It's hard to avoid it, since my name is featured in the acknowledgements, but that's because I've been a fan and supporter of Renee's work for many years. And once again, By Sword and Star did not disappoint. It's just as good when I read it the second time (which I rarely ever do), and it proves that Renee is an exceptionally talented writer.
By Sword and Star is a fantasy novel set in a world of anthropomorphic animals and it centers around a unicorn prince named Tiran, who enjoys drinking, playing cards, and spending more time with the common folk than being a member of the royal family. Until his world is turned upside down by the invading elk-lord Roden and his army. The royal family is killed and Tiran is spared, be it by fate or by luck, because he's hanging out at the bar. From there his quest is set, and it will take Tiran to the treetops where he meets the squirrel-clan of the Drays, through the Shadowgrove to run with the Children of the West Wind, and to the Northern Reach where he has to hunt with and gain the trust of the wolf-clan. Ultimately, it leads to his triumphant return where he has to do battle with the elk-lord who slaughtered his family. And if he fails, then all the animals of Asteria will lose their sentience, a gift granted to them by their God, who's referred to as The Lady.
What I truly loved about By Sword and Star is how the fantasy aspect of this novel is so beautiful woven. I've never been a big fan of the fantasy genre, so if someone can write a fantasy novel that I can enjoy, then they're doing something right. The story is concise, never having a dull moment, and it isn't bloated down with extra material to pointlessly increase the author's page count. The book also has a great balance between the physical combat and the use of magic (called erys). The characters are believable, memorable and lovable, especially when it comes to the excellent supporting cast. Characters like the squirrel warrior Rikka, who prefers a few swigs of ale before battle to steady her hand, and the hardened, yet passionate wolf huntress Zeta who hopelessly falls for the "promised" prince Tiran. If anyone ever wanted to know how to write an anthropomorphic tale with meaning and purpose, this is how you do it.
And I really don't have any complains. The dialogue did cause me to stumble a few times, mostly because it is a fantasy novel and the characters talk in a different, sort of old world dialect from time to time. Then there are some of the secondary characters who are so beautifully put together that they could literally star in their very own novels. Normally not a typical complaint, but I found myself getting disappointed when they had to leave because I wanted to see even more of them. And I wish that the story was longer, only because I didn't really want it to end. It's great to find one of those books that you can't wait to read every night when you go to bed.
Overall, this is a fantastic novel that any fan of anthropomorphic animal characters should read. A true gem that brings you back to the joy and love of reading a truly wonderful tale.
By Sword and Star is a fantasy novel set in a world of anthropomorphic animals and it centers around a unicorn prince named Tiran, who enjoys drinking, playing cards, and spending more time with the common folk than being a member of the royal family. Until his world is turned upside down by the invading elk-lord Roden and his army. The royal family is killed and Tiran is spared, be it by fate or by luck, because he's hanging out at the bar. From there his quest is set, and it will take Tiran to the treetops where he meets the squirrel-clan of the Drays, through the Shadowgrove to run with the Children of the West Wind, and to the Northern Reach where he has to hunt with and gain the trust of the wolf-clan. Ultimately, it leads to his triumphant return where he has to do battle with the elk-lord who slaughtered his family. And if he fails, then all the animals of Asteria will lose their sentience, a gift granted to them by their God, who's referred to as The Lady.
What I truly loved about By Sword and Star is how the fantasy aspect of this novel is so beautiful woven. I've never been a big fan of the fantasy genre, so if someone can write a fantasy novel that I can enjoy, then they're doing something right. The story is concise, never having a dull moment, and it isn't bloated down with extra material to pointlessly increase the author's page count. The book also has a great balance between the physical combat and the use of magic (called erys). The characters are believable, memorable and lovable, especially when it comes to the excellent supporting cast. Characters like the squirrel warrior Rikka, who prefers a few swigs of ale before battle to steady her hand, and the hardened, yet passionate wolf huntress Zeta who hopelessly falls for the "promised" prince Tiran. If anyone ever wanted to know how to write an anthropomorphic tale with meaning and purpose, this is how you do it.
And I really don't have any complains. The dialogue did cause me to stumble a few times, mostly because it is a fantasy novel and the characters talk in a different, sort of old world dialect from time to time. Then there are some of the secondary characters who are so beautifully put together that they could literally star in their very own novels. Normally not a typical complaint, but I found myself getting disappointed when they had to leave because I wanted to see even more of them. And I wish that the story was longer, only because I didn't really want it to end. It's great to find one of those books that you can't wait to read every night when you go to bed.
Overall, this is a fantastic novel that any fan of anthropomorphic animal characters should read. A true gem that brings you back to the joy and love of reading a truly wonderful tale.
August 14, 2012
By Sword and Star is a story involving anthropomorphic characters. The main character is Prince Tiran, a unicorn of the royal family. The enemies that have taken his family and heritage from him are the elk lead by Roden.
The elk and unicorn characters seem to be pretty much human in behavior. The other species exhibit more animal characteristics especially the wolves and squirrels. I actually really enjoyed those two groups and the parts that they played. The wolves are a bit more primitive, living in caves, struggling to survive the harsh environment. The squirrels are more of an elite fighting group using their crazy agility to give them an advantage in combat.
The story itself is pretty familiar with the lost prince coming for revenge against the rebellious noble who killed his family. The animal characters are what really set the book apart from all of those other stories. This book only took me 2 days to read so it's a quick, but enjoyable read. This book should work well for general fans of fantasy, but especially for people who enjoy the anthropomorphic subgenre.
Review copy provided by the author.
The elk and unicorn characters seem to be pretty much human in behavior. The other species exhibit more animal characteristics especially the wolves and squirrels. I actually really enjoyed those two groups and the parts that they played. The wolves are a bit more primitive, living in caves, struggling to survive the harsh environment. The squirrels are more of an elite fighting group using their crazy agility to give them an advantage in combat.
The story itself is pretty familiar with the lost prince coming for revenge against the rebellious noble who killed his family. The animal characters are what really set the book apart from all of those other stories. This book only took me 2 days to read so it's a quick, but enjoyable read. This book should work well for general fans of fantasy, but especially for people who enjoy the anthropomorphic subgenre.
Review copy provided by the author.
April 30, 2013
The unicorn prince isn't looking forward to taking the reins of his father's kingdom, but when his family is murdered and he is ousted from Astoria by elk usurpers, it's up to Teiran to fix things. His quest to gather an army takes him to the treetop world of the squirrels and the bleak, snowy territory of the wolf people.
I liked By Sword And Star very much - it has humour, romance and character development, in a detailed and delightful fantasy setting. I would say 'fans of Redwall will enjoy this', but I enjoyed it and I can't stand the Redwall books.
I liked By Sword And Star very much - it has humour, romance and character development, in a detailed and delightful fantasy setting. I would say 'fans of Redwall will enjoy this', but I enjoyed it and I can't stand the Redwall books.
April 7, 2013
I had some trouble with the story at first, mostly with the too convenient coincidences: characters who knew more than should be expected, characters who appear at the right place, at the right time… but between the plot and the solid worldbuilding, I read the second half of the novel in one sitting (the writer owes me a few hours of sleep!).
All in all, and considering that this is a first novel, I'd give it four stars and a half.
All in all, and considering that this is a first novel, I'd give it four stars and a half.
June 23, 2012
Liked the book and the cahracters, would like to hear more about how the animals came to be more than they used to be. Also would like to hear more about the cat and see if he will find any more of his kind, and about the the horses and why exactly they were only half gifted.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews