The Blood that Burns the Winter Snow

The Bound and the Broken #0.6

by Ryan Cahill

The Blood that Burns the Winter Snow is a short story set in the world of The Bound and The Broken.

Vars Bryer is a man of The Glade. He loves his wife, feels at peace in his home, and would give the air in his lungs to keep his children safe. But the past has finally found him, and it cares little for the wants and desires of men.

Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Short Stories, Fiction, Dragons, Novella, High Fantasy

ebook

Published June 11, 2024

About the author

Get your FREE copy of The Fall – a prequel novella from Ryan Cahill's new epic fantasy series, The Bound and The Broken – when you sign up for his mailing list:
www.ryancahillauthor.com


Ryan Cahill is the Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series, The Bound and The Broken.

Born and raised in Ireland, Ryan now resides amongst the rolling hills and hobbit holes of Middle-Earth, New Zealand. He does not own enough swords, would sell his left kidney for a dragon egg, and despises mushrooms in all their eldritch forms.

There are three things Ryan has always told himself about writing. Write the books you want to read. Write the books that your younger self would be proud of you for reading. Make sure they have dragons.

Reviews

[Henrique · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blood That Burns The Winter Snow


The Blood That Burns The Winter Snow is a short story that takes place 4 years before the first book Of Blood and Fire in the series The Broken and The Bound by author Ryan Cahill and in this short story we follow the point of view of Vars, Calen's father, who is the protagonist of the first book and here the author plays with a dark story that Vars carries and when his past knocked on his door he has to do everything to keep his family safe and even though it was a short story I liked the narrative it makes you curious about Vars' character and learn more about him and I hope that in the other books we have more of his story and that he passes his skills on to his children so that they become as strong as their father is for those who want to read something short from this universe I highly recommend both this short story and the novel The Fall because they add a lot to the lore of this universe that I am increasingly fascinated to read.

[Anna [Bran. San. Stan] · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story shows us an event five years prior to the events in book 3 of The Bound and The Broken series. I really enjoyed seeing Calen’s father Vars succinctly dealing with a problem related to his past. (Which we now know more about thanks to Therin’s story telling in book 3.) Onward!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super happy to get a message saying there was a new Cahill story!

This is definitely a short story and it feels odd to give a rating but, did I enjoy it? Yes, yes I did. Obviously, I always want more to read from Cahill, but understanding this is supposed to be a short story, it is still super enjoyable. I read this in probably 15 minutes, but I can say I am glad that I got to read it. It adds a little bit of back story to Vars Bryer that we did not have before. Cahill's writing and stories just continue to get better and I love every story I can get!

This takes place a few years before Blood and Fire. I did enjoy getting a glimpse at Vars Bryer’s life and there is a great fight scene as well.

I do believe this story adds something to the world and I am glad to have read it. I love that no matter how short or long of a story Cahill writes, he somehow is always able to transport the reader to a wonderful fantasy world that gives that comfort fantasy feel. I can’t wait to read more from him of this world.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.. Ryan this was freaking excellent! You have found your voice my friend!!

Vars lifted his chin and once more looked into Freis’s his wife’s eyes.

This couple that has been blessed with children with a great community and a love of a man and a woman.
A past that lingers and a man that will fight tooth and nail for his family!!

It is great to revisit of what could have been! 😪

[Joey, The Dragon Reread · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blood that Burns the Winter Snow (how's that for a sick name??) is a fantastic short story, diving into a harrowing evening in Vars life before the events of Of Blood and Fire. It's everything you can expect from Cahill: pulse-poundingly violent and heartfelt.

This is a very short story, especially considering some of Cahill's gargantuan door stoppers. But even within these few pages, we get a few bits of Epherian lore that make the story completely worth a read for all fans of The Bound and the Broken. Additionally, it was so fun to see the whole family together and interacting.

I don't know how he does it, but every time I start one of Cahill's books, he is able to INSTANTLY draw me back to Epheria and remind me how much I love this world.

The saddest thing about this book? It marks me officially being totally caught up on The Bound and the Broken....until Of Empires and Dust hits the shelves!!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly love Vars Bryer any more… Ryan releases this fantastic novella! 🥹

RTC!

[Ashley Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was short and sweet. I loved this glimpse into Vars’ life. I need more though 😍

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Of Empires and Dust prep reread). This is a wonderful little tale to help shed some light on a great character and backstory and I think fits nicely here at the beginning during a reread.

Feelings remain the same: 5 stars because it is Ryan. Love you dude!

[Tyrell ⚔️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There were three occasions Vars knew never to cross a sweet woman: when they were mad, which wasn't often; when they were tired, which was far too often; or when they were hungry, which was a death sentence."

This short story tells us of an event that occurred after Vars Bryer returned home to wife and kids. His past catches us to him and leaves him with no choice but to soak the Earth in blood. It was quick read and truly a delight that I'm sure TBATB fans will love.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant short story 👏👏

[Zach Reads Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ║ Short and sweet. A quick little tale from Vars’s perspective during Calen’s youth. I like the backstory and showing more of Vars, but wish it wasn’t so dang short. We basically get a fight scene and family time. I liked it but wanted more!

The Bound and the Broken by Ryan Cahill
Book 1: Of Blood and Fire 3/5
Book 1.5 (prequel novella): The Fall 4/5
Book 2: Of Darkness and Light 4/5
Book 2.5 (prequel novella): The Exile 4/5
Book 3: Of War and Ruin 4/5
Book 3.5 (prequel novella): The Ice 4/5
Book 3.6 (prequel short story): The Blood that Burns the Winter Snow 4/5

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan why have you done this to me? After the HEARTBREAK that is Var’s story… BOOM. Look how much he loved his family 🤣😭

Super short story that just makes me wanna read the series all over again tbh

[Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was a delight. Vars Bryer and his family, cozy, quaint...

But Cahill is unable to write without a little action!

Just a wonderful, poignant story, a comfort to read but also bittersweet by design: we know what happens later on in the story for this family.

Ryan Cahill, with The Blood That Burns The Winter Snow, you have me craving more short stories about this little family. And especially Vars.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet (with a hint of violence) slice of life short story that any B&B fans will enjoy. Felt very special to get a glimpse of the family before destiny called.

Listed as 0.6 on Goodreads but I recommend reading after of war and ruin!!

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vars MF you should’ve brought an army Bryer

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first taste of Ryan Cahill’s work, and seeing it could be read as a standalone novella, I couldn’t resist. I wanted a glimpse into the world of The Bound and the Broken and a sense of his writing style. And I have to say, it was short and sweet—I loved his writing. In just a few pages, I was already rooting for Vars, which says a lot about Cahill’s storytelling. Isn’t that the mark of a great author? Can’t wait to dive into Of Blood and Fire next month!

[Graham | The Wulvers Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read Ryan Cahill's The Blood that Burns the Winter Snow as part of The Advent of Winter. I have since re-read this and it gets better every time.

Vars Bryer is a man of The Glade. He loves his wife, feels at peace in his home, and would give the air in his lungs to keep his children safe.

But the past has finally found him, and it cares little for the wants and desires of men.

Vars Bryer is a brilliant character. From his introduction in Of Blood and Fire throughout the series, we see him in his son, Calen Bryer, and that goes to show the character that he is. Ryan has written a short story featuring Vars as the main point of view and it shows a fascinating insight to the type of person he is, his past and how things affect his family in the future.

This is a short story, but Ryan has created such a pressured atmosphere that makes you want to know more about Vars and the road that lead him here. I particularly enjoyed how Ryan made this personal for the Bryer family. From the perfectly choreographed fight scenes to the longing hugs from his family, Vars is a force to be reckoned with and Ryan has made us longing for more in just 22 pages.

Another solid, yet short, entry into the Bound and the Broken series and a testament to Ryans writing that something so short can be so impactful.

[Hamad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fall ★★★★
Of Blood and Fire ★★★★
Of Darkness and Light ★★★★ 1/2
The Exile ★★★★
Of War and Ruin ★★★★★
The Ice ★★★★
The Blood that Burns the Winter Snow ★★★★

This is a very short story in The Bound & The Broken series. It follows a day in the life of Vars Bryer. And although it doesn't add much to the plot given that we already know what happens to these characters, it added depth to Vars character, and I love him and his family even more now.

This felt like reading a single chapter but a damn-good chapter nonetheless!

[Emmy Carrasco]

feels weird to rate something under 30 pages but a wonderful novella that gives you insight on Calen’s father Vars. Worth the short read!

Getting to see the difference and growth in Ryan’s writing is so nice as well.

[Wolfmantula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow me on X: Twitter.com/wolfmantula
For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/

MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.75/5
FORMAT: Advanced Reader Copy

I originally read this back in December when it was part of the Advent of Winter anthology put together by Dom (@dominish_books), but I was eager to read it again now that it’s being re-published, as I am always willing to go back to Epheria when I get the chance to. Cahill always does such a great job of sucking readers in, especially me, and even though this is a short story, it’s still just as impactful as the rest of his Bound and the Broken work is. TBTBTWS (that’s a mouthful…🤭) is a peaceful, feel-good tale of family with a little razzle dazzle, of typical Cahill intensity, that always hits the spot.

“There was nothing beautiful about death, nothing forgiving, or gentle, or kind. It was harsh, dark, and unyielding, and Vars hated himself for finding such freedom in its embrace. But death was a part of him and he would wield it without hesitation to protect the ones he loved.”

One of the stories I’ve always wanted to find out was of Vars and his “chain breaker” moniker. While this isn’t exactly that, we will find out one day, this short story was the perfect way to show a little glimpse into who the man was prior to the first meeting in Of Blood and Fire, and to put it simply, he is exactly who we knew he was, a family man willing to do anything to protect the ones he loves, especially when the past comes back to cause trouble. It shows the warmth of a husband and father, while also showing the protector in him, that will do whatever he needs to keep the ones he loves, safe from any kind of harm. If you didn’t love Vars before this, I don’t know why you wouldn’t, you’ll definitely love him after this… and if you did love him, you’ll love him even more.

[Myles Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was needed and yet again, another awesome prequel to this world. Ryan Cahill made me a little misty in the eyes with this one! Being able to get a glimpse as to what Vars was capable of and the measures he took to keep his family safe was admirable and inspiring. This was another awesome novella and would recommend to anyone who is caught up with the series!

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that we got a little bit of backstory about such an interesting character that we didn’t get to see much in the main series. This was such a fun story that definitely shouldn’t be skipped. It’s so atmospheric and conveys the feelings of the MC so well. I first read this as part of the Advent of Winter short story collection but will always make it part of my regular rereads from now on.

[Omar Iquira · Rating 3 out of 5]

LE DOY TRES ESTRELLAS PORQUE ES UN PASAJE ENTRETENIDO DENTRO DE ESTE UNIVERSO DE FANTASÍA. Y PORQUE DA ALGO DE CONTEXTO A LOS QUE SE NOS MUESTRA EN EL TERCER LIBRO DE LA SAGA... PERO ME HUBIERA GUSTADO QUE FUERA UN POCO MÁS LARGO. SE PASARON CON LO DE "CORTO" EN ESTE RELATO.

Una pequeña historia del pasado en el universo de "The Bound and The Broken" (Los Vinculados y los Rotos) que narra un pasaje de la historia del padre del protagonista; "Calen Bryer". Ya conocimos un poco del pasado de su estimado progenitor en el libro Nro. 3 "Of War and Ruin" (De Guerra y Ruina), en el que se nos dice que su padre, "Vars Bryer", fue un soldado en la sí llamada "Guerra de Varsund", varios años antes del inicio de los hechos relatados en el primer libro. Pero después de enterarse de un horrible acto que había cometido el rey para el cual luchaba, decidió abandonar su puesto y convertirse en un renegado. Tomo el alias, "Cassian Tal", y se reveló para tratar de detener la guerra en compañía de algunos aliados y del elfo "Therin Eiltris" (quien luego se convertiría en un entrañable amigo de la familia). De hecho, lo hizo tan bien como renegado que pasó a convertirse en leyenda en todo el sur del continente, y las historias sobre sus hazañas y las de sus compañeros se volvieron parte del folklore de Epheria.

Pero hubo un precio que pagar por todas sus aventuras. Y al terminar la guerra, tuvo que pasar a la clandestinidad y esconderse del reino al que una vez sirvió por miedo a sus represalias. Tiempo después conoce a su esposa, "Freis", se casan y tienen tres hijos; Ella, Haem y Calen. Siendo este último quien se convertiría en el primer jinete de dragón en aparecer después de mil años, y desencadenaría los relatos de la saga principal.

Para saber el destino de la familia tienen que leer los libros, pero este pequeño relato nos muestra un pasaje hasta ahora desconocido de la vida del patriarca del clan Bryer. Cuando después de muchos años viviendo en paz en "The Glade" (El Claroscuris), un pequeño pueblo al sur del continente de Epheria, un viejo conocido de Vars llega al poblado y amenaza con destruir todo lo que ha construido. Vars, por supuesto, no puede permitirlo. Y se desata un enfrentamiento secreto del que nadie nunca sería testigo.

Básicamente es un relato corto y entretenido, que nadie conocía, de la vida de este personaje. Hay una escena de acción muy bien coreografiada, y la verdad es que no aburre para nada. La narración es ágil y rápida. La trama es simple y directa. Y no se anda por las ramas ni se dan explicaciones de más. Es necesario haber leído antes los demás libros para entenderlo a cabalidad. Pero la verdad es que por momentos casi parece el prologó de un relato más extenso. Estoy seguro que el autor de esta saga, Ryan Cahill, fácilmente podría construir unas serie de novelas tipo precuela utilizando este relato (y quién sabe, tal vez lo haga en el futuro). Pero si uno es fanático de este universo, la pasará bien leyendo este pequeño cuento.

Como dije, tienen que leer los libros para conocer el destino de la familia Bryer. Pero si es que saben lo que les sucede apreciaran la escena familiar que se proyecta en esta historia. Como vivían. Como se querían los unos a los otros... Y como fueron felices.

Bonita historia.
Solo me hubiera gustado que fuera más larga.
Quien sabe, tal vez en el futuro podremos saber más del pasado de Vars (eso sin duda me gustaría).
Recomendado para fanáticos de la saga.

[Brooke ☯︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Rounded up

A very short story focusing more on the character Vars. There is some action. I found the story to be very straightforward, if not too much so. I'm lacking intrigue in this world. It all just feels too comfortable. I'm not sure I will continue with this series.

[Joanna Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course it’s five stars, it’s Ryan Cahill.
How does he do it… this is a short - short story, yet bloody brilliant!
Loved it… so nice to get a glimpse into the past.
Yes Vars…. Yaaaaaaaaaaaas!

[Craig Bookwyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional and gripping story that adds some wecolmed depth to a fan favourite, Vars Bryer.

Any extra words and stories from this series is always a welcomed treat.

This one is a must read for fans of the series.

[Joshua Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to participate in the beta read for this story, as I have done before for Ryan’s work. A fantastic example of a short story that is brimming with action, thematic significance, and deeper meaning. Highly recommend!

[Ariana Weldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Ryan has packed so much into so few pages. It's a nice glimpse into Vars, his past and his incredible love for his family that we got glimpses of in Of Blood and Fire and the talk of his past from Of War and Ruin. This is especially heartwarming if you're like me and haven't forgiven Ryan for what happened in OBAF. Sure I could blame Farda, but I'm just going to go to the source here.

As always, the little bits that we get from Ryan always results in hoping for more. I would love to know even more about Vars and Freis' past, both together and individually.

Overall, it's a perfect, enjoyable, very short read that gives you a little bit of the world again to soothe the crushing weight of waiting for Of Empires and Dust.

[Jai · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.00/5.00

It's whatever. Just a chapter. Cute.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting to get anything The Bound and The Broken this year so thank you Ryan for the ARC of this short story. It's always good to be back in this world even if it's just for 5,000 words or so.

This is a story focused on Vars Bryer, Calen, Ella, and Haem's dad from the main series of novels. It should probably be read after Of War and Ruin. Even though there is some really good punchy action in this short work it also does a really good job of being a character driven piece about Vars who we don't get to see much from in the main series. It shows not only a bit about his backstory but who he really is at heart and what lengths he is prepared to go to in order to protect his family. The action here is superb. Cahill really knows how to write a fight scene that is visceral and easy to visualize. The rest provides a little heartwarming family stuff but also some great added context to Vars as a character. Is it something that is probably a "must read" in the series? No. But is it good fun in a world you probably already enjoy (assuming you've already read the series) that you can read in maybe 30 minutes or less? Absolutely!