ROAR - A Wardstone Short

The Wardstone Trilogy #0.1

by M.R. Mathias

A fantasy "Short Story" about a gambling Seawardsman named Loudin, and the Lion Lord of Westland. These events happened a handful of years before The Wardstone Trilogy begins. You will find both characters in the #1 bestselling fantasy epic The Wardstone Trilogy, which starts with book one, The Sword and the Dragon. A Wardstone, "Flash Fiction" story called, The Blood of Coldfrost, is also included in this download.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories

19 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2012

About the author

M. R. Mathias is a member of the Authors Guild who cares for his wife, a Breast Cancer Warrior who has Parkinson's. After raising two boys into fine young men, they and two dogs split their time between a modest smalltown home, and an apartment built on a floating dock on Lake Ultura (aka Lake Texoma) which foots into an amazing State Park brimming with all sorts of wildlife. Like the wizards of old, he tends to the animals who share the area and inspire the creatures in his works. He likes to fish, write, play guitar, and he builds all sorts of things out of reclaimed wood. He sold over two million eBooks most of them before eBooks were cool. His work is critically acclaimed, and has earned multiple literary awards, including a coveted Locus Poll nomination.

**Featured in the March 2020, Publisher's Weekly article, "As Luck Would Have It"

"The Master of Epic Fantasy" - Kindle Nation Daily, Nov. 2017

Mathias has authored several fantasy series and compiled an admirable list of accolades along the way.

--Devious Arcana, (ongoing)

--The Wardstone Trilogy (3 Books)

-- Perpetual Fantastica Fantastica (4 Books)

--The Dragoneer Saga (6 Books)

--The Legend of Vanx Malic (10 Books)

--The Crimzon and Clover Short Story Series (8 Books)

--Master Zarvin's Adventures (3 Books)

--Dragon Racers (3 books)

If you are a Kindle Unlimited user, treat yourself to some of the best "hidden gem" fantasy ever written.

Find M. R. Mathias online: mrmathiasbooks .com

Here is what others are saying about M. R. Mathias:

"There are few writers in the genre of fantasy that can equal the creative mind of M.R. Mathias - now acknowledged as a master in this genre of dragons and dwarves, and magic, and spells, and all aspects of fantasy."-- Top 100, Hall of Fame, Vine Voice, Book Reviewer, Grady Harp

"M.R. Mathias imagines a setting that will entice readers and lead them, along with his characters, on a breathtaking adventure." -- Readers Favorite Book Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2017 Award Winning novel "A Gossamer Lens" from The Legend of Vanx Malic series

"M.R. Mathias is a master at world building and is so good with creative descriptions that you can almost feel the wind whipping through your hair as you soar along on the back of a dragon." -- Readers Favorite Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2015 "Gold Medal" Award Winning novel "Blood and Royalty" from The Dragoneer Saga"

"You've (Mathias) already achieved much, much more than so many people who like to think of themselves as writers." -- @Gollancz The Deputy Publishing Director of SF, Fantasy & Horror list of the Orion Publishing Group, 2013

Reviews

[Gilbert Baron · Rating 5 out of 5]

this wil get you into Wardstone

The prequel is short but the trilogy is long. Both are worth your time. If you are a gambler read this and learn that things are not always as they seem.

[Lara Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something special about stepping back into a familiar fantasy setting, especially after the main series has long wrapped up, and this short story delivered exactly that kind of nostalgic joy. It felt like slipping back into a world I already knew and loved, without needing a full novel‑length commitment to enjoy it.

One of the things that made this short so enjoyable is how effortlessly it reconnects readers with the tone and spirit of the Wardstone universe. The writing carries the same sense of adventure and classic fantasy energy that gave the original books their charm. Even in its shorter format, the story manages to capture tension, personality, and that signature sense of magic that fans appreciate. It offers just enough new material to feel fresh, while still staying true to what makes the series memorable.

I’ve always been fond of authors releasing additional shorts after a series concludes, and this one reminded me exactly why. It feels like a small gift—an extra glimpse into a world you weren’t quite ready to leave behind. This story in particular strikes that balance well, adding to the lore without overwhelming it or trying to do too much in a limited space. It’s the kind of bonus content that enhances the series rather than distracting from it.

[Al Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but enjoyable yarn

The story tells of a man's plot to save himself from a lifetime ofI slavery as a result of some bad gbling debts. The writing style and enjoyable characters certainly leave you wanting to read more of the author's work.

[Sandra Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Mr. Mathias! Never ever disappointed.. Thank you for the amazing read.

[Greyweather · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a really enjoyable little story.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt drawn to this short story in the kindle store. Didn't know anything about the series, but definitely do think it is a series I would pick up. I'm sure I'd enjoy it.