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The Last Ballad #1.5
The Sound of Starfall: A Prelude to The Last Ballad
This is the end
The Warlocks of Yehven have ruled over the Remembered Lands with their songs of dark sorcery since the skies were new.
But now, beneath the shadow of an approaching comet, a mysterious death cult from the wild lands have arrived in the name of Nature to exterminate the Warlocks and their sorcerous Words with them.
As the death cult breaches the walls of the Golden City and Ailar crumbles into anarchy, a Warlock, an enslaved man, and a guard are forced to make decisions that will shape the world for thousands of years to come.
The sky is falling
Nightmares are waking
The sound of starfall eats all else
The Warlocks of Yehven have ruled over the Remembered Lands with their songs of dark sorcery since the skies were new.
But now, beneath the shadow of an approaching comet, a mysterious death cult from the wild lands have arrived in the name of Nature to exterminate the Warlocks and their sorcerous Words with them.
As the death cult breaches the walls of the Golden City and Ailar crumbles into anarchy, a Warlock, an enslaved man, and a guard are forced to make decisions that will shape the world for thousands of years to come.
The sky is falling
Nightmares are waking
The sound of starfall eats all else
89 pages, ebook
Published July 30, 2024
1 person is currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Scott Palmer
3 books74 followersGet your FREE copy of the Sound of Starfall, a Prelude Novella to the Last Ballad Series, by joining Scott's mailing list:
https://www.scottpalmerauthor.com/fre...
Scott Palmer is the award winning author of the bestselling epic fantasy series, the Last Ballad.
He was born in London, Ontario, Canada, where he lives with his wife, daughter, and two cats, and they conjure up magic (love and happiness) daily. His whole life has been a journey of collecting stories and stowing them like a library of experiences.
Growing up in Middle Earth, Kanto, and Hyrule, before moving to darker worlds like Westeros, The Circle of The World, and The Randlands provided a sturdy foundation for Scott’s imagination to grow upon. He traveled to those other worlds and walked, and fought, and bled with the people that lived there. It was somewhere in those pages that he fell in love with the art of storytelling.
Since taking those first steps out of reality, Scott has immersed himself in creating his own world. A place that could transport readers somewhere they could only dream of. A place of magic, and love, forgotten lore, and long history.
Scott started writing seriously in 2020 and now he cannot stop.
https://www.scottpalmerauthor.com/fre...
Scott Palmer is the award winning author of the bestselling epic fantasy series, the Last Ballad.
He was born in London, Ontario, Canada, where he lives with his wife, daughter, and two cats, and they conjure up magic (love and happiness) daily. His whole life has been a journey of collecting stories and stowing them like a library of experiences.
Growing up in Middle Earth, Kanto, and Hyrule, before moving to darker worlds like Westeros, The Circle of The World, and The Randlands provided a sturdy foundation for Scott’s imagination to grow upon. He traveled to those other worlds and walked, and fought, and bled with the people that lived there. It was somewhere in those pages that he fell in love with the art of storytelling.
Since taking those first steps out of reality, Scott has immersed himself in creating his own world. A place that could transport readers somewhere they could only dream of. A place of magic, and love, forgotten lore, and long history.
Scott started writing seriously in 2020 and now he cannot stop.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 5, 2025
I've started the series with the novella, which was an exceptional beginning btw. Mr Palmer, you've won a fan.
I am really curious about how this plot is going to unfurl.
I strongly recommend it.
Thank Mr Palmer for the e-ARC. These were my thoughts about it.
I am really curious about how this plot is going to unfurl.
I strongly recommend it.
Thank Mr Palmer for the e-ARC. These were my thoughts about it.
June 11, 2024
This is the best novella I've ever read.
This was actually my first read of Palmer's work and I was blown away. This short story is a testament of how brilliant indie/self pub books can be.
I already want to read this story again and see how it transformed from my beta read.
What this story has
- Great imagery
- A pressing conflict of mass destruction
- Very intriguing characters
- Bloody awesome magic system
- Amazing prose
So, it might go without saying now that I LOVED this story. If you like fantasy, go read this book. IT'S FREE, CMON MAN!
This was actually my first read of Palmer's work and I was blown away. This short story is a testament of how brilliant indie/self pub books can be.
I already want to read this story again and see how it transformed from my beta read.
What this story has
- Great imagery
- A pressing conflict of mass destruction
- Very intriguing characters
- Bloody awesome magic system
- Amazing prose
So, it might go without saying now that I LOVED this story. If you like fantasy, go read this book. IT'S FREE, CMON MAN!
March 13, 2025
This review was originally posted on SFF Insiders
Re-enter the darkly musical Remembered Lands as we find ourselves in the cursed, golden city of Ailar hours before the Abori death cult brings about the earth-shattering devastation of the Starfall. Multiple POVs paint a picture of the political upheaval that was putting the city of Ailar to fire before the Abori mages ripped a star from the heavens and changes the course of history for Yehven and the entire Remembered Lands for millennia. The Sound of Starfall was dark, gritty, and epic while shocking me with jaw-dropping revelations which made me want to immediately re-read A Memory of Song.
There is an emerging, increasingly common practice for indie authors to publish their first novel and follow it up with a prequel novella of sorts in short order that fleshes out some of the lore or backstory that was revealed in the first novel. Personally, I love this pattern.
The Sound of Starfall stands in a class of its own when compared to many of these “prequel novellas.” Does it expand upon the lore and worldbuilding that Palmer established in A Memory of Song? Absolutely. It was fascinating learning more about The Starfall. The Abori and dream eaters? Horrifying. The Kiss of Silence? Freak yes. The singers in their gemstone pyramids? Please tell me more! It accomplishes its goals as a tantalizing novella that deepens and enriches the Remembered Lands in spades. But then it blows past those standards and starts breaking ankles with its twists, turns, and drops. In a quick 65 pages, Palmer completely flips the way I read and thought I understood A Memory of Song so much that I wanted to immediately reach for the first book again. I’ve read a handful of these prequel novellas and so many of them have been phenomenal, but Palmer’s ability to use this novella to make me completely question my understanding and perspective of A Memory of Song is a true master’s move in thoughtful, dedicated storytelling.
The Sound of Starfall continues in the same grim, dark tone that A Memory of Song introduced us to. There is no lightening of the load because the devastation of The Skyfall hasn’t happened yet. We see the evil, power-hungry machinations of the Warlocks of Yehven and some of the twisted results of accepting the Words into the soul. There are so many interesting threads of story and lore that are begun in The Sound of Skyfall that I cannot wait to see play out over the rest of this series.
As my first review stated, Palmer has crafted a darkly magical world that harkens back to classical fantasy roots with a modern, grim twist. The Sound of Starfall is a vital novella in this story that forces the reader to question everything they thought they understood about the Remembered Lands. As is typically my recommendation, I would 100% recommend reading this novella AFTER reading A Memory of Song for an optimal reading experience.
Scott Palmer is the new, indie fantasy master on the block and The Last Ballad is here to stay. So, stop delaying and Welcome to the Remembered Lands!
Re-enter the darkly musical Remembered Lands as we find ourselves in the cursed, golden city of Ailar hours before the Abori death cult brings about the earth-shattering devastation of the Starfall. Multiple POVs paint a picture of the political upheaval that was putting the city of Ailar to fire before the Abori mages ripped a star from the heavens and changes the course of history for Yehven and the entire Remembered Lands for millennia. The Sound of Starfall was dark, gritty, and epic while shocking me with jaw-dropping revelations which made me want to immediately re-read A Memory of Song.
There is an emerging, increasingly common practice for indie authors to publish their first novel and follow it up with a prequel novella of sorts in short order that fleshes out some of the lore or backstory that was revealed in the first novel. Personally, I love this pattern.
The Sound of Starfall stands in a class of its own when compared to many of these “prequel novellas.” Does it expand upon the lore and worldbuilding that Palmer established in A Memory of Song? Absolutely. It was fascinating learning more about The Starfall. The Abori and dream eaters? Horrifying. The Kiss of Silence? Freak yes. The singers in their gemstone pyramids? Please tell me more! It accomplishes its goals as a tantalizing novella that deepens and enriches the Remembered Lands in spades. But then it blows past those standards and starts breaking ankles with its twists, turns, and drops. In a quick 65 pages, Palmer completely flips the way I read and thought I understood A Memory of Song so much that I wanted to immediately reach for the first book again. I’ve read a handful of these prequel novellas and so many of them have been phenomenal, but Palmer’s ability to use this novella to make me completely question my understanding and perspective of A Memory of Song is a true master’s move in thoughtful, dedicated storytelling.
The Sound of Starfall continues in the same grim, dark tone that A Memory of Song introduced us to. There is no lightening of the load because the devastation of The Skyfall hasn’t happened yet. We see the evil, power-hungry machinations of the Warlocks of Yehven and some of the twisted results of accepting the Words into the soul. There are so many interesting threads of story and lore that are begun in The Sound of Skyfall that I cannot wait to see play out over the rest of this series.
As my first review stated, Palmer has crafted a darkly magical world that harkens back to classical fantasy roots with a modern, grim twist. The Sound of Starfall is a vital novella in this story that forces the reader to question everything they thought they understood about the Remembered Lands. As is typically my recommendation, I would 100% recommend reading this novella AFTER reading A Memory of Song for an optimal reading experience.
Scott Palmer is the new, indie fantasy master on the block and The Last Ballad is here to stay. So, stop delaying and Welcome to the Remembered Lands!
January 2, 2025
The Sound of Starfall is perhaps the best prelude/prequel novella I've ever read.
The atmosphere in this book is absolutely top notch and I could really envision being in this doomed, decaying, panic-stricken city throughout the book.
The plot is a descending comet heading toward the grand, gold plated city of Ailar. Also on their way are a nature-driven death cult called the Abori, coming to ensure the decadent city and its citizens are erased. Within the city, the aristocrats are being overthrown and the guards are rebelling; taking back some power from the ruling classes, if only for a brief time.
In this short novella, we are immersed in a world that already feels in depth and layered, showcasing the author's imaginative craft. The show-don't tell technique is executed well with minimal exposition and it really helps put you into the centre of this situation. You do know enough that you understand exactly what is going on. As more was revealed, this felt like a treat rather than a chore to discover.
This is a dark book, probably on the Grimdark scale - I can't speak for the subsequent novel A Memory of Song but events here are very bleak.
We follow 3 POV characters across 4 chapters, those being:
The Warlock Adequor, locked away in his tower for 27 years.
The rebelling guard, Marton. A man determined to punish the masters, his freedom taken from him from being a boy.
Mose, a slave to his half brother and chapter one POV Adequor. He is simply called 'Nine' by Adequor. He has the biggest part to play in this novella and you would suspect also on the wider story.
All three POVs were really interesting and they all stood out with their own personalities and unique voices. I was disappointed when the book ended as I'd adapted really quickly to reading their POVs; something that in some books takes some getting used to.
Events moved along at a fast pace, while building the different characters and making the setting feel immersive and real. I really loved this book and can't wait to continue with A Memory of Song next.
The atmosphere in this book is absolutely top notch and I could really envision being in this doomed, decaying, panic-stricken city throughout the book.
The plot is a descending comet heading toward the grand, gold plated city of Ailar. Also on their way are a nature-driven death cult called the Abori, coming to ensure the decadent city and its citizens are erased. Within the city, the aristocrats are being overthrown and the guards are rebelling; taking back some power from the ruling classes, if only for a brief time.
In this short novella, we are immersed in a world that already feels in depth and layered, showcasing the author's imaginative craft. The show-don't tell technique is executed well with minimal exposition and it really helps put you into the centre of this situation. You do know enough that you understand exactly what is going on. As more was revealed, this felt like a treat rather than a chore to discover.
This is a dark book, probably on the Grimdark scale - I can't speak for the subsequent novel A Memory of Song but events here are very bleak.
We follow 3 POV characters across 4 chapters, those being:
The Warlock Adequor, locked away in his tower for 27 years.
The rebelling guard, Marton. A man determined to punish the masters, his freedom taken from him from being a boy.
Mose, a slave to his half brother and chapter one POV Adequor. He is simply called 'Nine' by Adequor. He has the biggest part to play in this novella and you would suspect also on the wider story.
All three POVs were really interesting and they all stood out with their own personalities and unique voices. I was disappointed when the book ended as I'd adapted really quickly to reading their POVs; something that in some books takes some getting used to.
Events moved along at a fast pace, while building the different characters and making the setting feel immersive and real. I really loved this book and can't wait to continue with A Memory of Song next.
January 8, 2025
This short story serves as a prequel to A Memory of Song: First Verse of the Last Ballad. And wow! I couldn't put this down and read it all in one sitting.
The imagery in this is so good. I can easily visualize everything going on. The characters were all very intriguing. With the looming threat of a mass destruction event, you got a feel for the despair of them. The magic system here is awesome.
I'm immediately starting up A Memory of Song now and can't wait to dive into this world and setting even more.
The imagery in this is so good. I can easily visualize everything going on. The characters were all very intriguing. With the looming threat of a mass destruction event, you got a feel for the despair of them. The magic system here is awesome.
I'm immediately starting up A Memory of Song now and can't wait to dive into this world and setting even more.
July 4, 2024
This was a beautifully written novella! I wish I read this before 'a memory of song' as it does answer alot of questions..
It was nice to read more insights of certain characters, as it explains why they are a mess lol haha.. nah it explains why they are the way they are.. and why they drink so much, also what happened to the wizards was interesting.
I'm really liking the world that Scott as created and I can't wait for the next book to come along!
It was nice to read more insights of certain characters, as it explains why they are a mess lol haha.. nah it explains why they are the way they are.. and why they drink so much, also what happened to the wizards was interesting.
I'm really liking the world that Scott as created and I can't wait for the next book to come along!
June 15, 2024
This review was originally posted on SFF Insiders
There aren’t many books I can recall that have made me feel true fear in the way that The Sound of Starfall does. I’m talking about the kind of fear that sits deep in your stomach, reminding you constantly that something inevitable is coming, and you won’t know the time or hour that it strikes.
For the sheer size of this novella, it’s an impressive feat of Scott Palmer’s, as a follow up to his strong debut novel, A Memory of Song. This story packs a punch for the seventeen-or-so thousand words that it runs, and it doesn’t shy away from the grimmer side of dark fantasy, which I found to be both contrasting and equally complementary to AMOS. A Memory of Song was certainly a dark fantasy, but the light at the end of the tunnel remained, whereas this novella is a much bleaker story in tone, and reminds us of how small and meaningless we are before the grandeur of mother nature, and the expanse of Space. The concept of the Starfall itself is intriguing, to say the least, while also being especially terrifying.
I will keep this review spoiler-free, of course, but I mention that only to say that the ending of this novella was fantastic. There is a serious twist that will shake readers, particularly if they read this novella before AMOS. The novella shows off some other aspects of magic that AMOS hints at, as well as delivering a lesson on lore that is never boring or info-dumpy.
On the topic of reading order, I think The Sound of Starfall works in either position, whether it be an entrypoint for a new reader into The Last Ballad series, or a supplementary read after AMOS. As with the full-length novel, everything Scott is good at presents itself here: strong emotive writing, interesting characters with layers of depth and history that you want to find out more about, and bone-crushing climactic writing.
I highly recommend The Sound of Starfall not just for the reading experience and the further context it offers readers of A Memory of Song; but equally, as a lesson in concise yet brilliant short-form storytelling that stands on its own feet, with or without the novel that it is a companion to. This is an all-round tonally rich dark fantasy that will have you on the edge of your seat, not because it’s fuelled by action, but rather because it feels brooding and monotonous in the way it rises to its climax and delivers an assault of an ending.
There aren’t many books I can recall that have made me feel true fear in the way that The Sound of Starfall does. I’m talking about the kind of fear that sits deep in your stomach, reminding you constantly that something inevitable is coming, and you won’t know the time or hour that it strikes.
For the sheer size of this novella, it’s an impressive feat of Scott Palmer’s, as a follow up to his strong debut novel, A Memory of Song. This story packs a punch for the seventeen-or-so thousand words that it runs, and it doesn’t shy away from the grimmer side of dark fantasy, which I found to be both contrasting and equally complementary to AMOS. A Memory of Song was certainly a dark fantasy, but the light at the end of the tunnel remained, whereas this novella is a much bleaker story in tone, and reminds us of how small and meaningless we are before the grandeur of mother nature, and the expanse of Space. The concept of the Starfall itself is intriguing, to say the least, while also being especially terrifying.
I will keep this review spoiler-free, of course, but I mention that only to say that the ending of this novella was fantastic. There is a serious twist that will shake readers, particularly if they read this novella before AMOS. The novella shows off some other aspects of magic that AMOS hints at, as well as delivering a lesson on lore that is never boring or info-dumpy.
On the topic of reading order, I think The Sound of Starfall works in either position, whether it be an entrypoint for a new reader into The Last Ballad series, or a supplementary read after AMOS. As with the full-length novel, everything Scott is good at presents itself here: strong emotive writing, interesting characters with layers of depth and history that you want to find out more about, and bone-crushing climactic writing.
I highly recommend The Sound of Starfall not just for the reading experience and the further context it offers readers of A Memory of Song; but equally, as a lesson in concise yet brilliant short-form storytelling that stands on its own feet, with or without the novel that it is a companion to. This is an all-round tonally rich dark fantasy that will have you on the edge of your seat, not because it’s fuelled by action, but rather because it feels brooding and monotonous in the way it rises to its climax and delivers an assault of an ending.
January 8, 2025
Fantastic introduction to the world and the characters of the Last Ballad. Can't wait to continue with the first verse 😍
July 27, 2024
First, a huge thank you to the author for sending me a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This novella easily got five stars from me. Palmer is an incredible writer and reading this made me badly want to read his recent release set in the same world, A Memory of Song.
The novella is split into four chapters, and the first three all cover the same short period of time from the perspectives of three different characters. Each perspective offered new insights into the others, which continually kept me hooked.
The transition between chapters one and two was insane. I ended chapter one feeling hopeful about what might happen next. The beginning of chapter two shattered all my hope into a million pieces and chilled me to the bone. From that moment forward, the novella took on a much darker feel that kept me reading all the way to the end in a VERY short amount of time.
I cannot WAIT to read A Memory of Song.
This novella easily got five stars from me. Palmer is an incredible writer and reading this made me badly want to read his recent release set in the same world, A Memory of Song.
The novella is split into four chapters, and the first three all cover the same short period of time from the perspectives of three different characters. Each perspective offered new insights into the others, which continually kept me hooked.
The transition between chapters one and two was insane. I ended chapter one feeling hopeful about what might happen next. The beginning of chapter two shattered all my hope into a million pieces and chilled me to the bone. From that moment forward, the novella took on a much darker feel that kept me reading all the way to the end in a VERY short amount of time.
I cannot WAIT to read A Memory of Song.
July 5, 2024
4.5 ⭐
The sheer amount of dread I felt in this story, following a detestable character while the world prepares to die around him.
Grim stuff, indeed.
The sheer amount of dread I felt in this story, following a detestable character while the world prepares to die around him.
Grim stuff, indeed.
December 29, 2024
With only a few hours left until the world is crushed, three people emerge—three perspectives, three sides of the story. In a world consumed by evil, they fight until their very last breath
This prequel novella is set before A Memory of Song, before its ultimate destruction. I thought Scott had already shown us the darkest depths of his world in the novel. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The magic system is absolutely fantastic, and this book is a testament to Scott's incredible skill in crafting diverse, complex characters in a dark and twisted world. It’s a gripping read that deepens the lore and leaves you craving more.
This is a book you can enjoy no matter the order you read it in. Personally, I read it after A Memory of Song, and I absolutely loved it.
This prequel novella is set before A Memory of Song, before its ultimate destruction. I thought Scott had already shown us the darkest depths of his world in the novel. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The magic system is absolutely fantastic, and this book is a testament to Scott's incredible skill in crafting diverse, complex characters in a dark and twisted world. It’s a gripping read that deepens the lore and leaves you craving more.
This is a book you can enjoy no matter the order you read it in. Personally, I read it after A Memory of Song, and I absolutely loved it.
July 12, 2024
This is a great prequel novella to A Memory of Song - Book 1 in The Last Ballad series. The author says it can be read alone or after reading book 1, but I would highly recommend reading A Memory of Song first, as he has included a nice little surprise twist in this story!
Scott Palmer is a talented writer and has created a wonderful world, some unique characters, and an intriguing magical system with his Last Ballad series and I look forward to reading more!!
Highly recommended!
Scott Palmer is a talented writer and has created a wonderful world, some unique characters, and an intriguing magical system with his Last Ballad series and I look forward to reading more!!
Highly recommended!
August 26, 2024
What a punch Palmer packs into this novella, hot damn!
With the looming threat of a meteor descending from the sky to obliterate everything, we get a frantic glimpse into the minds of several compelling characters who shine in the brief chance they are given.
His prose is excellent. Vivid scenes and gritty action all flow remarkably well, whilst the tension and dread constantly builds until a heart pounding finale.
I had the privilege to beta read this novella and even then, I devoured it in a single sitting / day. Can’t recommend it enough!
With the looming threat of a meteor descending from the sky to obliterate everything, we get a frantic glimpse into the minds of several compelling characters who shine in the brief chance they are given.
His prose is excellent. Vivid scenes and gritty action all flow remarkably well, whilst the tension and dread constantly builds until a heart pounding finale.
I had the privilege to beta read this novella and even then, I devoured it in a single sitting / day. Can’t recommend it enough!
July 29, 2024
I would like to express my gratitude to the author for providing me with a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Scott Palmer has once again delivered an outstanding book! His mastery of the grim dark genre is truly remarkable. This novella serves as a fantastic prequel to A Memory of Song, the first book in The Last Ballad series. While the author suggests that it can be read as a standalone or after the first book, I highly recommend reading A Memory of Song first, as there is a delightful surprise twist included in this story!
The novella is divided into four captivating chapters. The first three chapters cover the same brief period of time from the perspectives of three different characters, providing fresh insights and keeping me engrossed in the story. I particularly enjoyed the shocking transition between the first and second chapters. The hopeful conclusion of the first chapter was swiftly shattered at the start of the second, sending chills down my spine and setting a much darker tone for the rest of the novella, which captivated me until the end.
Scott Palmer's skillful storytelling has brought to life a rich and intricate world, unique characters, and an intriguing magical system in The Last Ballad series. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of his work in the future! I highly recommend this novella!
Scott Palmer has once again delivered an outstanding book! His mastery of the grim dark genre is truly remarkable. This novella serves as a fantastic prequel to A Memory of Song, the first book in The Last Ballad series. While the author suggests that it can be read as a standalone or after the first book, I highly recommend reading A Memory of Song first, as there is a delightful surprise twist included in this story!
The novella is divided into four captivating chapters. The first three chapters cover the same brief period of time from the perspectives of three different characters, providing fresh insights and keeping me engrossed in the story. I particularly enjoyed the shocking transition between the first and second chapters. The hopeful conclusion of the first chapter was swiftly shattered at the start of the second, sending chills down my spine and setting a much darker tone for the rest of the novella, which captivated me until the end.
Scott Palmer's skillful storytelling has brought to life a rich and intricate world, unique characters, and an intriguing magical system in The Last Ballad series. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of his work in the future! I highly recommend this novella!
October 9, 2025
6 STARS!!
WOW WOW WOW
What a phenomenal start and introduction to a series! Out of the 300+ books I've read, I have only ever scored a handful at 6 stars, (most of them from Malazan book of the fallen), but never once have I found a novella that has scored amongst them. This book had me fully hooked and clutched into its talons by page 10!
I have so many things I want to say about this book, but I'm afraid to give any spoilers. So I'll just say this.
THIS BOOK IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ FOR DARK FANTASY FANS!! This thing is VISCERAL, and very surreal in the dark dark insights to the psychological / moral / ideological / reactions of what humans would ACTUALLY do.
At just around 65 pages, YOU WILL NOT regret reading this, and can breeze through it in about 2hrs. My head is still reeling and trying to process just how perfect this book was. I absolutely can not wait to dive headfirst into the main series now!
WOW WOW WOW
What a phenomenal start and introduction to a series! Out of the 300+ books I've read, I have only ever scored a handful at 6 stars, (most of them from Malazan book of the fallen), but never once have I found a novella that has scored amongst them. This book had me fully hooked and clutched into its talons by page 10!
I have so many things I want to say about this book, but I'm afraid to give any spoilers. So I'll just say this.
THIS BOOK IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ FOR DARK FANTASY FANS!! This thing is VISCERAL, and very surreal in the dark dark insights to the psychological / moral / ideological / reactions of what humans would ACTUALLY do.
At just around 65 pages, YOU WILL NOT regret reading this, and can breeze through it in about 2hrs. My head is still reeling and trying to process just how perfect this book was. I absolutely can not wait to dive headfirst into the main series now!
July 4, 2024
This was a wonderful novella, and as a fan of dark fantasy, I loved it. Having the story told through the perspectives of various characters, none of whom are morally correct or ethical, was extremely refreshing and brought to mind my time reading Glen Cook's the Chronicles of the Black Company.
The story itself is very interesting and eye catching, and Scott was able to pack so much worldbuilding and information into a short story while having it all fit, and with great prose to boot. I'm excited to see where this goes in A Memory of Song, and hopefully we can see Adeqor more in the future.
The only minor thing i have is that I would have liked was a bit more physical descriptions on the characters, but other than that, a phenomenal introduction to Scott's storytelling universe.
The story itself is very interesting and eye catching, and Scott was able to pack so much worldbuilding and information into a short story while having it all fit, and with great prose to boot. I'm excited to see where this goes in A Memory of Song, and hopefully we can see Adeqor more in the future.
The only minor thing i have is that I would have liked was a bit more physical descriptions on the characters, but other than that, a phenomenal introduction to Scott's storytelling universe.
May 28, 2025
I started “The Last Ballad” series with this novella, and I’m so glad I did. The reading order is interchangeable with “The Sound of Starfall”(this novella) & “A Memory of Song”(Book One).
A fleshed out piece of lore and world-building that is deep within the story we as readers dive into in “A Memory of Song”.
I found this Novell to be a great punch to the throat to draw in and entice readers to get ready for what’s coming in Book One.
Whatever you do, make sure you get the full experience of “The Last Ballad” by experiencing each and every novella as I personally know made the story as a whole(so far, as Book 2 isn’t out quite yet) have depth and lore-steeped.
A fleshed out piece of lore and world-building that is deep within the story we as readers dive into in “A Memory of Song”.
I found this Novell to be a great punch to the throat to draw in and entice readers to get ready for what’s coming in Book One.
Whatever you do, make sure you get the full experience of “The Last Ballad” by experiencing each and every novella as I personally know made the story as a whole(so far, as Book 2 isn’t out quite yet) have depth and lore-steeped.
February 20, 2025
This was immense. So much accomplished in such a short amount of pages. I loved the full novel, but this really impressed me. I can't wait for more, I need to learn more and more about the lore and history. Wonderfully dark imagination. Some scenes are vividly etched into my mind, much like the full novel. Read these books if you enjoy grimdark/horror fantasy
June 30, 2024
What a fun ride, great start to the series. 4.5 stars
October 18, 2024
This was one hell of a ride. I would recommend if you're into Grimdark kind of. Also, did I mention cannibals? Because that certainly isn't a feature of this book
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November 26, 2024Read for SFINCS! RTC
February 24, 2025
This review was originally posted on SFF Insiders.
https://www.sffinsiders.com/blog/revi...
Ohhhhh boy. Any of you who have already finished A Memory of Song are in for a dark and twisted treat.
Dark fantasy master Scott Palmer returns to us with a dark and high stakes prequal novella in The Last Ballad series. Strap in for a thrilling ride as you experience firsthand the cataclysmic event known as Starfall. The sky has torn open, chaos reigns, death has arrived.
“This was the end. A literal living nightmare. They’d known it for a century. But it wasn’t easy to accept.”
Just a quick note, I read Scott’s first book “A Memory of Song” prior to reading “The Sound of Starfall.” In my personal option, this is the ideal reading order as book one provides historical accounts and background context that then makes the events of Starfall twice as impactful.
Palmer has taken his worldbuilding to the next level as he crafts a gripping story in under 90 pages. It is no surprise that “Starfall” continues with his theme of dark fantasy, and just like his first book, the novella places you in the heat of the action from the very first page. The story starts off with panic in the streets of Ailar as the city is at the height of a world altering event that will bring about the earth’s destruction.
The plot follows a Warlock, a slave, and a city guardsman as they come to terms with the events set in motion as an army of cultists known as the Abori breach the city’s walls to exterminate the Warlocks within. The landscape and architecture of Ailar, the Golden City, is written with precise details to give the reader a perfect picture. In contrast the portrayal of the falling comet, from its physical appearance to the sounds it creates, is enough to give the reader a sense of urgency and impending doom that one cannot escape.
The book follows three characters, each with their own unique POV chapter. Readers will get a deep dive into of each character’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations behind their actions as they navigate the final hours to Starfall. Despite the brief time readers get to know these characters, you will feel a sense of attachment to each one by the book’s conclusion.
“To be bounds up by the Abori and forced to watch the sky rip apart was the worst kind of death.”
The magic systems presented in the novella are slightly different, yet the same, as the magics encountered in AMOS. In “Starfall,” the Warlocks are at the height of their power, and we get to see how far they have taken their studies into dark sorcery. In AMOS we only get a taste of how powerful a warlock could potentially be. Having this contrast really sets the novella apart and provides fantastic historical lore of the Remembered Lands.
I jumped right into this novella immediately after finishing AMOS, so my anticipation and excitement was high. I thoroughly enjoyed every single page and was almost sad it ended so soon. However, this novella is the prefect length for the story told. Once I reached the last 20 pages the action was relentless and did not let up. There is a very particular moment in the final pages of the book that left me stunned for words and honestly, I needed to pause for a couple of minutes to process what had just happened.
In conclusion, I deeply enjoyed this novella. I highly recommend this book to someone who is looking for a dark yet beautifully written short story with non-stop action that keeps you on your toes to the very end. I cannot wait for the next installment in the Last Ballad Series!
https://www.sffinsiders.com/blog/revi...
Ohhhhh boy. Any of you who have already finished A Memory of Song are in for a dark and twisted treat.
Dark fantasy master Scott Palmer returns to us with a dark and high stakes prequal novella in The Last Ballad series. Strap in for a thrilling ride as you experience firsthand the cataclysmic event known as Starfall. The sky has torn open, chaos reigns, death has arrived.
“This was the end. A literal living nightmare. They’d known it for a century. But it wasn’t easy to accept.”
Just a quick note, I read Scott’s first book “A Memory of Song” prior to reading “The Sound of Starfall.” In my personal option, this is the ideal reading order as book one provides historical accounts and background context that then makes the events of Starfall twice as impactful.
Palmer has taken his worldbuilding to the next level as he crafts a gripping story in under 90 pages. It is no surprise that “Starfall” continues with his theme of dark fantasy, and just like his first book, the novella places you in the heat of the action from the very first page. The story starts off with panic in the streets of Ailar as the city is at the height of a world altering event that will bring about the earth’s destruction.
The plot follows a Warlock, a slave, and a city guardsman as they come to terms with the events set in motion as an army of cultists known as the Abori breach the city’s walls to exterminate the Warlocks within. The landscape and architecture of Ailar, the Golden City, is written with precise details to give the reader a perfect picture. In contrast the portrayal of the falling comet, from its physical appearance to the sounds it creates, is enough to give the reader a sense of urgency and impending doom that one cannot escape.
The book follows three characters, each with their own unique POV chapter. Readers will get a deep dive into of each character’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations behind their actions as they navigate the final hours to Starfall. Despite the brief time readers get to know these characters, you will feel a sense of attachment to each one by the book’s conclusion.
“To be bounds up by the Abori and forced to watch the sky rip apart was the worst kind of death.”
The magic systems presented in the novella are slightly different, yet the same, as the magics encountered in AMOS. In “Starfall,” the Warlocks are at the height of their power, and we get to see how far they have taken their studies into dark sorcery. In AMOS we only get a taste of how powerful a warlock could potentially be. Having this contrast really sets the novella apart and provides fantastic historical lore of the Remembered Lands.
I jumped right into this novella immediately after finishing AMOS, so my anticipation and excitement was high. I thoroughly enjoyed every single page and was almost sad it ended so soon. However, this novella is the prefect length for the story told. Once I reached the last 20 pages the action was relentless and did not let up. There is a very particular moment in the final pages of the book that left me stunned for words and honestly, I needed to pause for a couple of minutes to process what had just happened.
In conclusion, I deeply enjoyed this novella. I highly recommend this book to someone who is looking for a dark yet beautifully written short story with non-stop action that keeps you on your toes to the very end. I cannot wait for the next installment in the Last Ballad Series!
April 10, 2025
The Sound of Starfall is a really interesting and fascinating novella. The characters are introduced in their own chapters one by one during an apocolyptic event. The plot follows along with each character showing how they each prepare and deal with an increasingly desperate situation. I read this in two sittings as it moves at a very fast pace, which was perfect for a novella of this size.
I want to move on to the main series even more so than I did before reading this prequel. Scott Palmer is definitlely an author to watch. Highly recommended!
I want to move on to the main series even more so than I did before reading this prequel. Scott Palmer is definitlely an author to watch. Highly recommended!
July 2, 2025
This was a great story. For me, it kept me guessing all the way to the end as to what actually was going to happen. So most of the story I was confused about what was happening and how it was going to come together but I was extremely surprised and satisfied by the ending. I wonder how these characters we were introduced to will influence the main series! I had already heard great things about this series but now I’m even more excited for book one, Memory of Song!
March 20, 2025
Logically, after Memory of Song, a reread of The Sound of Starfall had to follow. Now some things make a lot more sense and I liked them better.
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