The Length of Years

by Xan Kaplan

Vallon Steere is a man with everything to lose. Falsely accused of a crime he didn't commit, he's trapped in a prison cell with his once-promising future reduced to nothing more than a distant dream. But Vallon is not ready to give up just yet.In a desperate bid to prove his innocence Vallon turns to the court clerk, hoping she'll believe his story. And what a story it is. From his privileged childhood as the son of a rural duke to his time in the King's Army, Vallon has led a life less straightforwardly noble than he'd like to admit. His quest for revenge and his search for a missing sister have taken him down a dark and dangerous path.As Vallon lays bare his past, he's forced to confront some uncomfortable truths. He may not have committed the crime he's accused of, but his actions have consequences. And as war looms on the horizon, Vallon realizes that his past may be the key to securing his future.A tautly written fantasy adventure full of unexpected twists and turns, Xan Kaplan's 'The Length of Years' is a gripping tale of one man's fight for justice. With its richly drawn characters and vividly realized setting, this is a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

Genres: Fantasy, Ebooks

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2023

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inquisitor Vallon Steere is in prison and the clerk needs a statement of confession from him. To do this, Vallon decides to embark on a lengthy tale starting with his childhood. A great deal of detail is described in Vallon’s journey to become the man he is. He’s no saint, but doesn’t believe he warrants execution. After all, as an Inquisitor, he was paid to do what ordinary knights and soldiers aren’t allowed to do.

The mix of cynicism and naivete make Vallon an interesting character. He has a conscience but he’s also driven to kill the man who destroyed his life. He does things to people that he doesn’t want to, so the line between right and wrong is complicated for him. It’s less complicated for his close friend Bruni, who’s equally interesting.

Unfortunately, the ending was a little unsatisfying for me, but others might have a different perspective. Vallon’s story continues in the next book, so those who are like adventure and fantasy will likely enjoy this one.

[J.A. Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding

Vallon Steere finds himself on the wrong end of an interrogation. Once one of the realm’s most notorious inquisitors, it is now his turn to tell his story, and hope the hell he has been through will be enough to satisfy his captors.

This book is a compelling look at how consequences are not always dispersed evenly, or fairly, for those in the higher positions of society. The softer elements examine Vallon’s relationships with his family, whom he had thought long-dead, and how blind he was in his quest for vengeance.

The characterization and world-building are well-balanced within the larger plot. I was sucked in to the story right away, and can’t wait to read the next one.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun fantasy novel!

The Length of Years is an excellent debut novel. It has a well-crafted and developed world, likeable and charming characters, and humor. I’m excited to read book 2!

[Guillaume · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this kind of narration but books with no ending infuriate me. I can’t believe the author leaves us like this . It’s not a “cliff-hanger” it’s just a plain “no-ending-please-read-the-next-book”. Juste make it 600pages

[Hugh Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disappointed by the end

Enjoyed the story up until the point where the author dumped us. Haven't read the 2nd book yet but will. Drat the author's Hyde for sucking me in so!

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

was a bit slow to get into but did get a bit better as it progressed

[Pedro Bedro]

Really enjoyed this book. So much that I got the second one to see what happened next.

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Poor ending. The writer forgot it.