The Fall of Ithar

Arva Universe

by Kevis Hendrickson

The Fall of Ithar recounts the events of the great war fought to protect the last kingdom of Men from the dreaded hosts of the Shadow-Kings. It is a tale of epic heroes and fearsome villains. Journey to a time when the gods walked among Men and heroes lived and died by their courage!

Genres: Short Stories, Fantasy

21 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2012

About the author

Kevis Hendrickson is the author of eight Science Fiction and Fantasy novels, including The Legend of Witch Bane and the Rogue Hunter series. His second novel Rogue Hunter: Quest of the Hunter won the Red Adept Annual Indie Award (2010) for 'Top Science Fiction'. His most recent novel is Rogue Hunter: Valor. The sixth book in the series, Rogue Hunter: Death Moon, is scheduled for release in 2017. Along with an epic fantasy re-telling of Cinderella, he is working on a brand new urban fantasy series which also makes its debut this year. He has also published one novella, one epic poem, one non-fiction book, and eight short stories.

Reviews

[Flora Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a science fiction short story that reminds me alot of The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien.

The kingdom of Ithar is assaulted by the forces of evil and the king and one of his sons is slain. The other son realizing that he is the reason that the kingdom is under attack flees with his wife. They escape into the caves where they meet their doom. This short tells what befalls them and how their fate is met.

This is a story of love and glory of battle. We see the honor and deeds of men as they fight their foes and the evil that comes. I would love to see this story expanded into a much longer novel and read what happens before the battle with the quests of the prince as well as the life of the queen before her fate is met.

Overall, if you enjoy sci fiction, especially Tolkein type stories, you should give this one a try. But I warn you this is a tragedy, no happy ending this time. But it definitely fits the story. Its definitely one I shall re-read.

[Infinite · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Fall of Ithar is a short-story, written in much the same way, as one that readers of epic fantasies and Tolkinesque literature would expect characters to share over a campfire. The story is easily understood and pared down to just the essentials. Descriptions and other extraneous details are eschewed; instead the author uses a writing style clearly meant to evoke an almost beowoulf-ish feel in the reader.
The Fall of Ithar is an adequate representation of the writing genre it seeks to emulate. However, it has a few flaws the entire story passes by extremely quickly and at times the reader is left in the dust trying to discern what or who something is. The fall of Ithar reads like the prologue to a novel or a story that would be inside a book, not as a stand-alone short story.
The Fall of Ithar is a satisfactory read; but it has a slighlty unfinished quality.
Age group: 13 an up (younger ages probably would have difficulty understanding the writing)
Content: a hint at a woman conceiving a baby against her will, vague descriptions of violence
Disclaimer: The Fall of Ithar was obtained from author for review in PDF format.

[Kathryn Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tales from Arva: Volume 1: I was moved by this story. I felt the panic and pain of Garathos and Adranel. The desolation of Adrenal at the end was breathtaking.

[Mike Gemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well written high fantasy story about the pride of battle and the depth of love. That being said, if you are hoping for a happy ending then your thirst shall not be quenched.
The author did a great job keeping to the genre with the addition of a few short passages of dialog spoken in "king's English." While the numerous character names and weapons names got a little confusing at times, this story is not hard to read at all.
While I personally would have liked for a little more expansion on the battle scenes, this is indeed a complete story. For any fans of high fantasy, reminiscent of Tolkien, this is quite a good quick read and I recommend it to you all.

[Literary Chanteuse · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story that immediately transports the reader to the world of the Avar universe. It continues in a narration style that feels as though the story is being read to you. A legend and undying love that endures the ages of war is also a pleasing element to the story giving it a fairy tale quality that is one of my personal favorites in fantasy stories such as this one. Overall a good story! 3.5 stars

[Eruwenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written in almost a textbook synopsis sort of style, this short story felt rather lifeless. Fleshed out, it could be so much more, but alas it is what it is.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Creative, but full of pointless Old English and contextless to the point of uselessness.