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The Bound and the Broken #0.6
The Blood that Burns the Winter Snow
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.
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.
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Published June 11, 2024
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About the author
Ryan Cahill
11 books3,600 followersGet 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 award-winning author of the bestselling 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.
www.ryancahillauthor.com
Ryan Cahill is the award-winning author of the bestselling 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
June 3, 2025
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.
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.
June 1, 2024
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.
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.
June 15, 2024
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! 😪
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! 😪
March 13, 2025
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!!
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!!
June 6, 2024
Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly love Vars Bryer any more… Ryan releases this fantastic novella! 🥹
RTC!
RTC!
March 4, 2025
This was short and sweet. I loved this glimpse into Vars’ life. I need more though 😍
March 2, 2025
(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!
Feelings remain the same: 5 stars because it is Ryan. Love you dude!
June 4, 2024
"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.
June 12, 2024
A brilliant short story 👏👏
October 13, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ║ 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
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
June 11, 2024
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
Super short story that just makes me wanna read the series all over again tbh
Read
December 8, 2025feels 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.
Getting to see the difference and growth in Ryan’s writing is so nice as well.
April 1, 2025
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.
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.
July 7, 2024
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!!
Listed as 0.6 on Goodreads but I recommend reading after of war and ruin!!
November 16, 2024
Vars MF you should’ve brought an army Bryer
November 30, 2024
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!
September 17, 2025
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.
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.
June 1, 2024
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!
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!
June 2, 2024
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.
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.
January 12, 2025
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!
June 15, 2024
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.
June 25, 2025
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.
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.
July 7, 2024
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!
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!
May 30, 2024
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.
Any extra words and stories from this series is always a welcomed treat.
This one is a must read for fans of the series.
June 3, 2024
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!
May 30, 2024
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.
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.
May 30, 2024
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!
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!
July 22, 2024
3.25⭐️
Quaint little short story that revolves around Vars Breyer and his young family. It’s mainly Vars telling bedtime stories to his three kids while he drinks mead and they eat stew, cuddled up around a cozy fire inside the family’s log cabin. It’s also part Vars versus six mercenaries in a deadly knife and sword battle while outside in the bitter cold snow. Best of both worlds I suppose.
Quaint little short story that revolves around Vars Breyer and his young family. It’s mainly Vars telling bedtime stories to his three kids while he drinks mead and they eat stew, cuddled up around a cozy fire inside the family’s log cabin. It’s also part Vars versus six mercenaries in a deadly knife and sword battle while outside in the bitter cold snow. Best of both worlds I suppose.
October 10, 2024
I read this as part of The Advent of Winter Anthology and it was certainly one of the highlights.
Cahill has a perfect grasp on what a man will do for his family and I found it really relatable! This is perfect for fans of The Bound and the Broken but you don't have to know the characters, it's a great wintery fantasy novella!
Cahill has a perfect grasp on what a man will do for his family and I found it really relatable! This is perfect for fans of The Bound and the Broken but you don't have to know the characters, it's a great wintery fantasy novella!
March 14, 2025
I would give anything for vars to be alive. I long for his interactions with Calen
Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews