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Oath Keeper: On the Other Hand
"Some promises don't require magic. The most important ones never do."
After stealing a dragon egg, an Oath Keeper is caught between a few contradicting, binding oaths.
After stealing a dragon egg, an Oath Keeper is caught between a few contradicting, binding oaths.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2024
66 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Lieberman
36 books53 followersWords are magic, and Ellie Lieberman has been enamored with the magic of storytelling since before she could hold a pencil. She learned how to write so she could write her stories. Though her books vary between ages and genre, one element that is always a guarantee is the light in the dark, from the flicker of a candle to dragon fire.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 3, 2025
Much better than I thought!
It was a short but very pleasant read that kept me entertained until the end. The writing is smooth and the characters, even if the story is short, are well described. I really liked the protagonist!
It was a short but very pleasant read that kept me entertained until the end. The writing is smooth and the characters, even if the story is short, are well described. I really liked the protagonist!
October 20, 2024
didn't expect this to be such an enjoyable book, such a nice fantasy story about brotherly love and platonic love.
the main character has such a distinct and interesting voice, the lack of descriptions made it even more interesting as in my head it was constantly morphing and the way this story is told made it even more enjoyable, without the too long chapters of description but with a fast pace and various details about the world thrown here and there.
i would be interested in reading a full novel with these characters, exploring the world and the magic system, that both already seemed intriguing in such a short story.
four stars
the main character has such a distinct and interesting voice, the lack of descriptions made it even more interesting as in my head it was constantly morphing and the way this story is told made it even more enjoyable, without the too long chapters of description but with a fast pace and various details about the world thrown here and there.
i would be interested in reading a full novel with these characters, exploring the world and the magic system, that both already seemed intriguing in such a short story.
four stars
July 4, 2024
This was an intriguing story of sibling devotion and forbidden magic. Add a pissed-off dragon and a thief with a heart of gold and what’s really not to like??
Trapped in a terrible situation because of an unlucky deal with their magic, the MC is forced to do the dirty work for some not-so-nice people, all to stay alive and keep his younger sister safe. But when he steals a dragon egg - and the dragon turns out to hold a grudge - his luck seems to have run out.
The first chapter hooked me right away with the MC’s voice and character. It had an adventurous vibe and dry humor that very suddenly turned very dark. I went from thinking the MC a bit of an ass to feeling pity for him and his unwilling companion.
The MC is a good mix of selfish survival, terrible choices, and noble sacrifices that keep you on your toes throughout the short-ish read.
There’s great chemistry between the characters (fully platonic) and the sibling dynamic was very sweet and believable.
The world was intriguing and made me wish the story was longer. I’d love to read more about the different kinds of magic, especially the younger sister’s. There was a lot of potential and lore for everyone involved and I hope there’ll be more stories in this world!
Trapped in a terrible situation because of an unlucky deal with their magic, the MC is forced to do the dirty work for some not-so-nice people, all to stay alive and keep his younger sister safe. But when he steals a dragon egg - and the dragon turns out to hold a grudge - his luck seems to have run out.
The first chapter hooked me right away with the MC’s voice and character. It had an adventurous vibe and dry humor that very suddenly turned very dark. I went from thinking the MC a bit of an ass to feeling pity for him and his unwilling companion.
The MC is a good mix of selfish survival, terrible choices, and noble sacrifices that keep you on your toes throughout the short-ish read.
There’s great chemistry between the characters (fully platonic) and the sibling dynamic was very sweet and believable.
The world was intriguing and made me wish the story was longer. I’d love to read more about the different kinds of magic, especially the younger sister’s. There was a lot of potential and lore for everyone involved and I hope there’ll be more stories in this world!
May 15, 2024
Great emotion and loved the ending
This book had an excellent main character. She had a great voice, and I stayed engaged the whole time.
Relationships were great.
Sometimes, the sentences and character’s voice sounded awkward. Other times, I became confused with what was happening and who was talking to whom, but overall, I enjoyed it.
This book had an excellent main character. She had a great voice, and I stayed engaged the whole time.
Relationships were great.
Sometimes, the sentences and character’s voice sounded awkward. Other times, I became confused with what was happening and who was talking to whom, but overall, I enjoyed it.
October 20, 2024
I don’t get it… 🤷🏻♀️
May 9, 2024
🌟 A note about my rating system 🌟
I am a mood reader. I will always choose how the book made me feel over the technical aspects of the book. Now, if someting is glaringly obvious, I will include that in my review, BUT I will always rate based off of how I felt while reading the book and about the characters. If you prefer a more technical break down of books and smart discourse about derivative writing patterns…I am not the reviewer for you. Hisses and Kisses, have fun!
Type: Action Fantasy
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:
Speed of Burn:
Character Arcs: Learning to trust, learning to be truthful, learning to finish tasks
Darkness:⛅️☀️
POV: 🧍♂️
Tropes: Underdog to Leader, abused indentured servant in order to care for younger sibling,
Series: Standalone ( ATM, I would love to see more of the story)
Synopsis:
Our main character has been finding work wherever they can in order to have money to pay the Uncle that is taking care of the little sister. When the mark is a priceless dragon egg, the MC becomes the target of an upset and single minded dragon determined to get her egg back. Now the MC has a magic little sister and an opinionated librarian to keep safe as they try to rescue the egg and return it to it's rightful place.
Review:
Ok, first thing....I am pretty sure the MC is never gendered and is only referenced in neutral terminology. I LOVE THAT. So much. It has to have been on purpose, which is great because it's so hard to find non gender specific fantasy. It makes it so specific about the storyline and not about the gender of the character, which means there and no expectations about how that character is suppose to act and react.
Also, the storyline is easy to follow but the details that go into creating characters are so detailed. The writing style felt like I was the main character, finding out information as it happened in real time and it made the storyline momentum enthralling. I was actually very surprised and sad whenn the book ended. I would love to see a full novel with this storyline.
Similar Vibes:
I don't have any comparisons.
Trigger Warnings:
PG13 mention of death and implied abuse of a minor, fire, chasing, implied kidnapping
I am a mood reader. I will always choose how the book made me feel over the technical aspects of the book. Now, if someting is glaringly obvious, I will include that in my review, BUT I will always rate based off of how I felt while reading the book and about the characters. If you prefer a more technical break down of books and smart discourse about derivative writing patterns…I am not the reviewer for you. Hisses and Kisses, have fun!
Type: Action Fantasy
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:
Speed of Burn:
Character Arcs: Learning to trust, learning to be truthful, learning to finish tasks
Darkness:⛅️☀️
POV: 🧍♂️
Tropes: Underdog to Leader, abused indentured servant in order to care for younger sibling,
Series: Standalone ( ATM, I would love to see more of the story)
Synopsis:
Our main character has been finding work wherever they can in order to have money to pay the Uncle that is taking care of the little sister. When the mark is a priceless dragon egg, the MC becomes the target of an upset and single minded dragon determined to get her egg back. Now the MC has a magic little sister and an opinionated librarian to keep safe as they try to rescue the egg and return it to it's rightful place.
Review:
Ok, first thing....I am pretty sure the MC is never gendered and is only referenced in neutral terminology. I LOVE THAT. So much. It has to have been on purpose, which is great because it's so hard to find non gender specific fantasy. It makes it so specific about the storyline and not about the gender of the character, which means there and no expectations about how that character is suppose to act and react.
Also, the storyline is easy to follow but the details that go into creating characters are so detailed. The writing style felt like I was the main character, finding out information as it happened in real time and it made the storyline momentum enthralling. I was actually very surprised and sad whenn the book ended. I would love to see a full novel with this storyline.
Similar Vibes:
I don't have any comparisons.
Trigger Warnings:
PG13 mention of death and implied abuse of a minor, fire, chasing, implied kidnapping
December 21, 2024
This was read as part of SFINCS2 round one!
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Oath Keeper
Oath Keeper immerses readers into a harsh world where those with magic are often seen as cursed. The main character has fallen in with a rough crowd to support her sister, and taken a deal that may mean her demise. When she is tasked to steal a dragon’s egg, it will spark an endless pursuit by an angry mother dragon.
Ellie Lieberman in just a few pages creates a meaningful family relationship between the main character and her sister. There will be no doubt in the reader’s mind the main character will stop at nothing to do what she deems best by her sister. Even if it means sacrificing her own life. Such a strong bond between characters will pull the reader in and keep them wondering what happens next to the pair.
The magic of the world is teased out in tales from the Teller and the main character’s cursed history with it. While it does not go into overly detailed explanations, readers are able to quickly grasp the concept due to the effects oaths have on the main character and those she interacts with.
Oath Keeper is a wonderful foray into a dark tale of sisterly love, and the lengths at which some family will go to protect their own. Readers looking for a fantasy tale with dragons and subtle magic will be sure to enjoy this novella.
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Oath Keeper
Oath Keeper immerses readers into a harsh world where those with magic are often seen as cursed. The main character has fallen in with a rough crowd to support her sister, and taken a deal that may mean her demise. When she is tasked to steal a dragon’s egg, it will spark an endless pursuit by an angry mother dragon.
Ellie Lieberman in just a few pages creates a meaningful family relationship between the main character and her sister. There will be no doubt in the reader’s mind the main character will stop at nothing to do what she deems best by her sister. Even if it means sacrificing her own life. Such a strong bond between characters will pull the reader in and keep them wondering what happens next to the pair.
The magic of the world is teased out in tales from the Teller and the main character’s cursed history with it. While it does not go into overly detailed explanations, readers are able to quickly grasp the concept due to the effects oaths have on the main character and those she interacts with.
Oath Keeper is a wonderful foray into a dark tale of sisterly love, and the lengths at which some family will go to protect their own. Readers looking for a fantasy tale with dragons and subtle magic will be sure to enjoy this novella.
February 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this! 4.5⭐️
The cover and blurb undersell this, imho. It's a short story that tells so much in a matter of pages. We have an intriguing world with intriguing characters -- I want to know more about Oath Keepers and Tellers and the Libraries! The dragon lore brought something new to the table, too. And first person POV might be a hit or miss with people, but I thought it was necessary and well utilized for this story.
What really stood out for me? There were so many quotable lines! I don't even remember when was the last time I highlighted anything in my ebooks, but for this one I had a LOT. For instance: Some promises don't require magic. The most important ones never do. And so much more.
If you're looking for a short fantasy read, I highly recommend this!
The cover and blurb undersell this, imho. It's a short story that tells so much in a matter of pages. We have an intriguing world with intriguing characters -- I want to know more about Oath Keepers and Tellers and the Libraries! The dragon lore brought something new to the table, too. And first person POV might be a hit or miss with people, but I thought it was necessary and well utilized for this story.
What really stood out for me? There were so many quotable lines! I don't even remember when was the last time I highlighted anything in my ebooks, but for this one I had a LOT. For instance: Some promises don't require magic. The most important ones never do. And so much more.
If you're looking for a short fantasy read, I highly recommend this!
April 17, 2024
OATH KEEPER was a delightful novella with a charming dark fairytale feel. When a dragon egg is stolen, the dragon will do anything to get it back and absolute havoc and destruction ensue. We learn more about the person who took it and this interesting world through Ellie Lieberman’s clever world building and short fairy tales within fairy tales. Loved this! (And okay, can I just say I was rooting for #TeamDragon ALL THE WAY! Don’t mess with Mama Dragon and her egg!)
5/5 stars.
5/5 stars.
May 30, 2024
Phenomenal Story!
This book was absolutely amazing and outstanding. I loved the magic and world and characters. The Oath Keeper and his sisters relationship felt so real and authentic, and I love his banter with the Teller. The fight and dragon and the ending was beautiful in so many ways.
This book was absolutely amazing and outstanding. I loved the magic and world and characters. The Oath Keeper and his sisters relationship felt so real and authentic, and I love his banter with the Teller. The fight and dragon and the ending was beautiful in so many ways.
December 2, 2024
A small novella, about a oath keeper that steals a dragon egg. To be honest this was not my favorite story ever, but it was okay. It took me a long time to finish since I wasn't really in the mood to read during these past few weeks. But if u just want a nice, short story with a morally gray MC then reading this one wont disappoint.
December 28, 2025
I love how you are just dropped into the action of this story. The author tells the reader just enough to feel the stress and pressure of the Oath Keeper's situation but keeps you reading to find out what happens. I'd say this could qualify as a morally-gray MC but really, the morality if those who extract the oaths are more in question. Quick but not light read.
October 26, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
It was fairly enjoyable. I couldn’t figure out in what era it was set. I kept imagining like the 1800s. Maybe I missed some info or it just wasn’t that obvious. Maybe up for the reader to decide.
It was fairly enjoyable. I couldn’t figure out in what era it was set. I kept imagining like the 1800s. Maybe I missed some info or it just wasn’t that obvious. Maybe up for the reader to decide.
October 20, 2024
A fun short story. Very quick read. Well told in a very concise way.
October 30, 2024
If your questioning reading this
If your questioning reading this. Stop lol and just read it it’s short but still definitely worth the read. So DO IT❣️
If your questioning reading this. Stop lol and just read it it’s short but still definitely worth the read. So DO IT❣️
November 10, 2024
Great idea but I finished with more questions than answers – wish it was fleshed out a bit more.
November 25, 2024
This is a fun and lighthearted read! It has an interesting plot and interesting characters. This reminded me of the things I loved to read as a kid.
January 17, 2025
Ebook
This story starts in the middle of a story. It is short bit with a lot of detail. I would love if it was longer and had the back story.
This story starts in the middle of a story. It is short bit with a lot of detail. I would love if it was longer and had the back story.
May 13, 2025
I'm sorry, but no. 🙄
November 29, 2025
i feel like this had a strong premise but it really needed further development. the story felt rushed and didn’t have room to breathe. i enjoyed the sibling relationship and lack of romantic relationship, however i feel like we got a lot over explained to us and i think it would’ve been better if there were maybe 100 more pages to develop everything further. (1.5⭐️)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews