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Drasmyr
We vampires do not make easy prey. Our weaknesses are few, our strengths many. Fear is something we do not know, and death but a distant memory. So tread softly, pray to your god, and gird yourself with silver when the moons arise and night’s dark prince awakens. We fear not the wizard, nor the warrior, neither rogue, nor priest; our strength is timeless, drawn from darkness and we know no master save the hot lust of our unending hunger. We long for blood, your blood and no blade, nor spell, nor clever artifice, can keep us long from our prize. Feel our teeth at your throat, your life ebb from you, and know as darkness comes to claim you that the price of your folly is your everlasting soul.
***
In Drisdak, the city on the Sea of Sorrows, the citizens have much to dread. Unease and foreboding has always been associated with the local wizards guild; peasants have an innate distrust of magic and those who use it. But now, something else is on the rise. A mysterious fire at the guild has left two men dead and a third missing. A small matter, you say? Well, one of those men was the guild master, and his successor wants to know what happened to him. Enter Coragan of Esperia, the renowned bounty hunter. If anyone can unravel this mess he can. But is even he prepared to challenge the horrible evil that lurks at the heart of the mystery? An ancient vampire by the name of Lucian val Drasmyr.
***
In Drisdak, the city on the Sea of Sorrows, the citizens have much to dread. Unease and foreboding has always been associated with the local wizards guild; peasants have an innate distrust of magic and those who use it. But now, something else is on the rise. A mysterious fire at the guild has left two men dead and a third missing. A small matter, you say? Well, one of those men was the guild master, and his successor wants to know what happened to him. Enter Coragan of Esperia, the renowned bounty hunter. If anyone can unravel this mess he can. But is even he prepared to challenge the horrible evil that lurks at the heart of the mystery? An ancient vampire by the name of Lucian val Drasmyr.
ebook
First published February 9, 2012
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371 people want to read
About the author
Matthew D. Ryan
9 books160 followersMatthew D. Ryan is a published author living in upstate New York on the shores of Lake Champlain. He has a background in philosophy, mathematics, and computer science. He also has a black belt in the martial arts and studies yoga. He has been deeply involved in the fantasy genre for most of his life as a reader, writer, and game designer. He believes he saw the legendary Lake Champlain Monster (a.k.a Champy) once and he has a cat named Confucius.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 17, 2016
This was an enjoyable read that put two of the biggest fantasy species against one another. From the start, we are given a strong storyline, which continues to build upon itself, throughout the read. It start with few characters, all of which the author has ensured have adequate detail to really bring them to life.
I really enjoyed the storyline to this book, and the series as a whole. I felt that the author gave us plenty of detail and vivid surroundings to really drop us into the moment. I found it easy to become interested and even hooked on what was happening, and often wanting to read me to see what was about to happen.
I really liked the characters. They were a great blend of what you would expect from their type, but also a slightly modern twist to it, to liven it up. I found most of the characters easy to connect with, either in like or dislike.
The pace was good. It allowed for all of the intricately woven detail, but also had a bit of haste added in, to give you spurts of excitement and fast-paced action.
Overall, I was impress d with the author's take on the tale and the way it was written. It is a great story to dive into and flows very well into the series.
**I received this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I really enjoyed the storyline to this book, and the series as a whole. I felt that the author gave us plenty of detail and vivid surroundings to really drop us into the moment. I found it easy to become interested and even hooked on what was happening, and often wanting to read me to see what was about to happen.
I really liked the characters. They were a great blend of what you would expect from their type, but also a slightly modern twist to it, to liven it up. I found most of the characters easy to connect with, either in like or dislike.
The pace was good. It allowed for all of the intricately woven detail, but also had a bit of haste added in, to give you spurts of excitement and fast-paced action.
Overall, I was impress d with the author's take on the tale and the way it was written. It is a great story to dive into and flows very well into the series.
**I received this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 9, 2013
I would like to thank the author Matthew D. Ryan for giving me this book for review. This book is really good. Drasmyr is a very old evil deadly vampire, who is betrayed by a wizard guild master who came to his home and he spared through a deal they had made. The wizard guild master sends two warriors to kill him. That sets him off and he kills the wizard. The story is very strong, I like the characters they are each very well written. There is a mysterious fire and two men dead and one missing. The new guild master hires a bounty hunter and his two companions to investigate the fire and find out what happened and if they can find the missing guild master. The story kept me hooked to the end. I look forward to reading more of his work.
January 29, 2016
This was actually a really good read. There are vamps, mages, humans and some other stuff! I LOVED when the vampires would actually turn into bats! Every vamp book I have read they don't do that. I felt like this was a book going back to the "orgins" of vampires. The story line was soooo good too. You have an average human who pretty much saves the day. There was plenty of plot twits and OMG moments!
April 28, 2014
A seamless blend of vampires and classic fantasy genre. Well written and developed story.
September 3, 2012
Originally posted at: http://aurorareviews.blogspot.com/201...
Drasmyr effectively returns us to the days when vampires were evil (not sparkly) and something to be feared.
Truth: I almost didn't choose to read this. I wasn't impressed by the blurb (really, it tells us nothing of the story) and didn't love the cover (and I've been known to buy--or not buy--a book for the cover alone). But I gave it a try, skeptically started the first page and was completely hooked. This author has mad writing skills!
The story is told from various points-of-view: a mage, a thief, a bounty hunter and, of course, from the vampire's himself. He's evil to the core and has all the vampire traits of old: he's a shape-shifting, coffin sleeping, blood-thirsty, immortal. It's surprisingly refreshing to return to this type of vampire after reading so many romanticized versions of the creature.
The writing is deeply descriptive, interesting, complex. This isn't a fluffy read, but it's oh-so good. The characters are so real and we become truly and completely invested in them. Though the author is marketing this a YA dark fantasy, it's a book that will appeal to any and all fantasy lovers. And, thankfully, it's just the beginning. I checked: he's writing more! I, for one, am thrilled.
Folks, if you're looking for a story that will grab you and hang on tight, for a story that enthralls and leaves you wanting more, then look no farther than Drasmyr. It's really that good.
Drasmyr effectively returns us to the days when vampires were evil (not sparkly) and something to be feared.
Truth: I almost didn't choose to read this. I wasn't impressed by the blurb (really, it tells us nothing of the story) and didn't love the cover (and I've been known to buy--or not buy--a book for the cover alone). But I gave it a try, skeptically started the first page and was completely hooked. This author has mad writing skills!
The story is told from various points-of-view: a mage, a thief, a bounty hunter and, of course, from the vampire's himself. He's evil to the core and has all the vampire traits of old: he's a shape-shifting, coffin sleeping, blood-thirsty, immortal. It's surprisingly refreshing to return to this type of vampire after reading so many romanticized versions of the creature.
The writing is deeply descriptive, interesting, complex. This isn't a fluffy read, but it's oh-so good. The characters are so real and we become truly and completely invested in them. Though the author is marketing this a YA dark fantasy, it's a book that will appeal to any and all fantasy lovers. And, thankfully, it's just the beginning. I checked: he's writing more! I, for one, am thrilled.
Folks, if you're looking for a story that will grab you and hang on tight, for a story that enthralls and leaves you wanting more, then look no farther than Drasmyr. It's really that good.
April 13, 2014
The idea intrigued me, a vampire and a wizard guild battling it out. I just didn't care for any of the characters over all. I also found it a bit rambling, using 3 paragraphs to say the same thing got a bit monotonous. I found Drasmyr to be more than borish. Didn't find it believable he lead an army as he's just an egotist with about as much brains as a 15 year old spoiled boy that got too much power and not enough discipline. The action parts were well done though, the battles, the group being trapped on the river, that was quite exciting. The scenery descriptions were wonderful, almost felt as though you were walking along with them at times. Over all, not a bad read, just didn't really click with me.
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July 25, 2014Finally, a real vampire :)
April 13, 2021
DNF - I just didn't like this book. I wasn't interested in the characters or the plot and I didn't like the way it was written. 100 pages and I gave up.
September 3, 2012
I'm not sure why this is being marketed as YA, as none of the characters is a young adult, and the storyline is certainly adult (though, I do believe teens would really eat it up). If you're a grown-up and hesitant to read anything marked "YA" but you love a good fantasy, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.
It was refreshing to find a book which makes vampires scary again. To have them long for human blood, to make their souls dark and their powers strong. This book is very much a battle between good and evil.
I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the blurb for this book -- and it's not a good representation of what this is about. But I completely enjoy a good fantasy, so was game for just about anything and accepted the challenge. I cut my reading teeth on fantasy many years ago (didn't most kids?) and haven't found many of late that were really enjoyable. I'm happy to say, this was the exception. I gobbled this book up, picked my teeth and looked for more.
Drasmyr has all the elements of a good, old-fashioned fantasy: wizards, a quest, and great evil. The writing reminds me of the classic fantasies with sometimes flowery descriptions and formal dialogue. I enjoyed every word. The author is incredibly talented and truly paints a picture with words. I was immersed in the story from the first line and didn't want to stop reading. He cleverly used different points-of-view, so I was invested in every character (even the vampire's) and had to know what happened to them.
Each piece to the puzzle is cleverly added, many surprises were in store for me (I love a story where I can't figure everything out right off the bat) and the ending is satisfying (and clearly indicates that this is the beginning of a series). I'm so glad I chose to review this book, despite my apprehensions over the blurb and somewhat lackluster cover (yes, it reflects the darkness of the book, but just didn't grab me with anything that felt unique and certainly doesn't make it clear that it's a story filled with magic and fantasy elements). The author's way with words made the journey through Drasmyr utterly entertaining and worth every minute of my time. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Don't believe me? Try for yourself. Drasmyr is currently available FREE at all eBook outlets.
It was refreshing to find a book which makes vampires scary again. To have them long for human blood, to make their souls dark and their powers strong. This book is very much a battle between good and evil.
I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the blurb for this book -- and it's not a good representation of what this is about. But I completely enjoy a good fantasy, so was game for just about anything and accepted the challenge. I cut my reading teeth on fantasy many years ago (didn't most kids?) and haven't found many of late that were really enjoyable. I'm happy to say, this was the exception. I gobbled this book up, picked my teeth and looked for more.
Drasmyr has all the elements of a good, old-fashioned fantasy: wizards, a quest, and great evil. The writing reminds me of the classic fantasies with sometimes flowery descriptions and formal dialogue. I enjoyed every word. The author is incredibly talented and truly paints a picture with words. I was immersed in the story from the first line and didn't want to stop reading. He cleverly used different points-of-view, so I was invested in every character (even the vampire's) and had to know what happened to them.
Each piece to the puzzle is cleverly added, many surprises were in store for me (I love a story where I can't figure everything out right off the bat) and the ending is satisfying (and clearly indicates that this is the beginning of a series). I'm so glad I chose to review this book, despite my apprehensions over the blurb and somewhat lackluster cover (yes, it reflects the darkness of the book, but just didn't grab me with anything that felt unique and certainly doesn't make it clear that it's a story filled with magic and fantasy elements). The author's way with words made the journey through Drasmyr utterly entertaining and worth every minute of my time. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Don't believe me? Try for yourself. Drasmyr is currently available FREE at all eBook outlets.
September 15, 2012
I'm not sure why this is being marketed as YA, as none of the characters is a young adult, and the storyline is certainly adult (though, I do believe teens would really eat it up). If you're a grown-up and hesitant to read anything marked "YA" but you love a good fantasy, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.
It was refreshing to find a book which makes vampires scary again. To have them long for human blood, to make their souls dark and their powers strong. This book is very much a battle between good and evil.
I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the blurb for this book -- and it's not a good representation of what this is about. But I completely enjoy a good fantasy, so was game for just about anything and accepted the challenge. I cut my reading teeth on fantasy many years ago (didn't most kids?) and haven't found many of late that were really enjoyable. I'm happy to say, this was the exception. I gobbled this book up, picked my teeth and looked for more.
Drasmyr has all the elements of a good, old-fashioned fantasy: wizards, a quest, and great evil. The writing reminds me of the classic fantasies with sometimes flowery descriptions and formal dialogue. I enjoyed every word. The author is incredibly talented and truly paints a picture with words. I was immersed in the story from the first line and didn't want to stop reading. He cleverly used different points-of-view, so I was invested in every character (even the vampire's) and had to know what happened to them.
Each piece to the puzzle is cleverly added, many surprises were in store for me (I love a story where I can't figure everything out right off the bat) and the ending is satisfying (and clearly indicates that this is the beginning of a series). I'm so glad I chose to review this book, despite my apprehensions over the blurb and somewhat lackluster cover (yes, it reflects the darkness of the book, but just didn't grab me with anything that felt unique and certainly doesn't make it clear that it's a story filled with magic and fantasy elements). The author's way with words made the journey through Drasmyr utterly entertaining and worth every minute of my time. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Don't believe me? Try for yourself. Drasmyr is currently available FREE at all eBook outlets.
It was refreshing to find a book which makes vampires scary again. To have them long for human blood, to make their souls dark and their powers strong. This book is very much a battle between good and evil.
I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the blurb for this book -- and it's not a good representation of what this is about. But I completely enjoy a good fantasy, so was game for just about anything and accepted the challenge. I cut my reading teeth on fantasy many years ago (didn't most kids?) and haven't found many of late that were really enjoyable. I'm happy to say, this was the exception. I gobbled this book up, picked my teeth and looked for more.
Drasmyr has all the elements of a good, old-fashioned fantasy: wizards, a quest, and great evil. The writing reminds me of the classic fantasies with sometimes flowery descriptions and formal dialogue. I enjoyed every word. The author is incredibly talented and truly paints a picture with words. I was immersed in the story from the first line and didn't want to stop reading. He cleverly used different points-of-view, so I was invested in every character (even the vampire's) and had to know what happened to them.
Each piece to the puzzle is cleverly added, many surprises were in store for me (I love a story where I can't figure everything out right off the bat) and the ending is satisfying (and clearly indicates that this is the beginning of a series). I'm so glad I chose to review this book, despite my apprehensions over the blurb and somewhat lackluster cover (yes, it reflects the darkness of the book, but just didn't grab me with anything that felt unique and certainly doesn't make it clear that it's a story filled with magic and fantasy elements). The author's way with words made the journey through Drasmyr utterly entertaining and worth every minute of my time. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Don't believe me? Try for yourself. Drasmyr is currently available FREE at all eBook outlets.
July 17, 2013
By no means is Drasmyr 'just' a vampire book, although Lucian is at the heart of its story. He is not a 'sparkly' vampire, and this is not a book for readers who are looking for a love story! Lucian is cruel, cold and takes pleasure in taking human life, although at the beginning of Drasmyr we see him take a bride in the form of Clarissa, this is more for her beauty and as a method of revenge on those who have sent her.
Matthew D Ryan has cleverly combined the paranormal elements with the fantasy world of the Mages who are searching for the Sceptre of Morgulan. he writes in such detail that the city of Drisdak is alive from the smells to the food, clothes and imagery.
Although I was distrustful of the Mages I liked the Bounty Hunters Galladrin, Corragan and Borak, however despite their experience and bravery there are times that even they show fear and "terror" on their journey and for them nothing is as it seems.
Drasmyr is a book full of action, a sophisticated plot and the reader meets many characters during the story; at times I admit I became confused about plotlines. However, this is a book I would recommend.
Matthew D Ryan has cleverly combined the paranormal elements with the fantasy world of the Mages who are searching for the Sceptre of Morgulan. he writes in such detail that the city of Drisdak is alive from the smells to the food, clothes and imagery.
Although I was distrustful of the Mages I liked the Bounty Hunters Galladrin, Corragan and Borak, however despite their experience and bravery there are times that even they show fear and "terror" on their journey and for them nothing is as it seems.
Drasmyr is a book full of action, a sophisticated plot and the reader meets many characters during the story; at times I admit I became confused about plotlines. However, this is a book I would recommend.
January 30, 2013
“Listen to them - children of the night. What music they make.” - Bram Stoker, Dracula
in Drisdak, the city on the Sea of Sorrows, the disappearance of Guild Master Arcalian and a mysterious fire in the Mages' Guild House prompts Councilman Regecon to hire a bounty hunter, a rogue and a warrior to investigate and solve the enigma. the quest for answers brings these three men to confront an ancient, evil and powerful enemy - the vampire Lucian val Drasmyr.
author Matthew D. Ryan's novel is a refreshing take on the Dracula legend and is set in a world inhabited by humans and supernatural creatures.
i was very impressed with this dark literary fantasy. it is filled with heart-stopping scenes and a storyline that engages the reader from the first page to the last. the prose is also excellent and i never had a dull moment as the story progressed.
i highly recommend this book which i devoured in one sitting. it has enough magic, mystery and adventure combined to provide chills and thrills for lovers of fantasy and vampire stories.
in Drisdak, the city on the Sea of Sorrows, the disappearance of Guild Master Arcalian and a mysterious fire in the Mages' Guild House prompts Councilman Regecon to hire a bounty hunter, a rogue and a warrior to investigate and solve the enigma. the quest for answers brings these three men to confront an ancient, evil and powerful enemy - the vampire Lucian val Drasmyr.
author Matthew D. Ryan's novel is a refreshing take on the Dracula legend and is set in a world inhabited by humans and supernatural creatures.
i was very impressed with this dark literary fantasy. it is filled with heart-stopping scenes and a storyline that engages the reader from the first page to the last. the prose is also excellent and i never had a dull moment as the story progressed.
i highly recommend this book which i devoured in one sitting. it has enough magic, mystery and adventure combined to provide chills and thrills for lovers of fantasy and vampire stories.
April 29, 2013
Welcome to My World of Dreams--and welcome to the review of Drasmyr, a new YA vampire story--but it is not your Twilight. Buffy gave us the vampires we love to... well, love. Drasmyr takes us back to the vampire of old--the dark, the soulless, the destroyer. And he does it in such a wonderful way!
The book is unusual, in that the first person POV is not the "hero" of the book--but he is easily the most compelling.
The human characters are just as well-drawn as the vampire, and the interaction and the ultimate battle all work together to create a work that was hard to put down.
I understand this is just the first of a series with these characters. I eagerly look forward to finding out what is in store for them and this world.
The book is unusual, in that the first person POV is not the "hero" of the book--but he is easily the most compelling.
The human characters are just as well-drawn as the vampire, and the interaction and the ultimate battle all work together to create a work that was hard to put down.
I understand this is just the first of a series with these characters. I eagerly look forward to finding out what is in store for them and this world.
August 16, 2012
Let me start by saying I love a good fantasy/paranormal novel, and Drasmyr was no exception. At first, the novel was a little confusing with the back and forth between characters, but I was easily able to adapt and adjust. The plot is strong enough to keep you involved, and mysterious enough to keep you guessing. I truly enjoyed this novel and recommend it to any fan of fantasy/paranormal/vampires. Mr. Ryan’s writing still is refreshing, and he draws you into the characters and the story, and I found it hard to even put this book down. I cannot wait to see what else this talented author has in store for us.
January 28, 2013
The movement and detail in this book grabbed my attention. You were able to know each of the major characters from their own point of view, giving a lot of insight to what was going on. The "good guys" and the "bad guys" all had their own story. It is packed full of magic and vampires! I was unaware at first that this book is a prequel to a trilogy, but I am sure I will be following this story to see where it will go. I must say, I was somewhat surprised at the ending of this book!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews