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Tales of Seann Àite #1-6
Call of the Black Wing
In a treacherous world filled with deception and distrust, Fiadh the Crow had plied her trade ridding the people of the Seann Àite of spirits and monsters.
Beneath it all lies whispers in the dark leading men astray, whispers from a world beyond her own. Dark pacts are struck, and innocent souls are sacrificed for the promise of power from beyond.
Far from home, Fiadh travels seeking answers gripping the fell blade Caerdrich. Together they journey the seas seeking revenge for the loss those whispers brought them so long ago.
This book contains the six Tales of the Seann Àite
Whispers to a Crow
Names of the Dead
A Gift of the Sea
The Woven Thread
Eyes of Gold
The Red Raven
Beneath it all lies whispers in the dark leading men astray, whispers from a world beyond her own. Dark pacts are struck, and innocent souls are sacrificed for the promise of power from beyond.
Far from home, Fiadh travels seeking answers gripping the fell blade Caerdrich. Together they journey the seas seeking revenge for the loss those whispers brought them so long ago.
This book contains the six Tales of the Seann Àite
Whispers to a Crow
Names of the Dead
A Gift of the Sea
The Woven Thread
Eyes of Gold
The Red Raven
- GenresFantasy
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2024
7 people are currently reading
879 people want to read
About the author
Tristan Gray
7 books59 followersBorn in Jersey, Tristan Gray was a latecomer to Scotland, moving to the north in 2014.
After years of searching to find the real spark behind his writing Scotland unlocked it - The rugged country and dark history, which also inspired the works of George R. Martin, David Gemmell, and Elizabeth May, gave new meaning to the fantasy tales of his childhood.
Now, with a new connection to an adopted home driving his work, and inspiration stretching from conventional novels, to graphic novels, to games, Tristan is writing tales worthy of the inspiration by the land around him.
His first published work, the short story Whispers to a Crow, was published in August 2020.
After years of searching to find the real spark behind his writing Scotland unlocked it - The rugged country and dark history, which also inspired the works of George R. Martin, David Gemmell, and Elizabeth May, gave new meaning to the fantasy tales of his childhood.
Now, with a new connection to an adopted home driving his work, and inspiration stretching from conventional novels, to graphic novels, to games, Tristan is writing tales worthy of the inspiration by the land around him.
His first published work, the short story Whispers to a Crow, was published in August 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 24, 2025
This book was a bit of a rollercoaster from start to finish. The start was quite slow but the build up was worth it with the heavy punches and plot twists at the end that the book had.
There is a lot of world building and some likeable characters to boot. I particularly grew fond of Annis.
Overall a solid book that I really enjoyed. The author himself was a lovely guy that I met at Comic-Con before trying out his book :)
There is a lot of world building and some likeable characters to boot. I particularly grew fond of Annis.
Overall a solid book that I really enjoyed. The author himself was a lovely guy that I met at Comic-Con before trying out his book :)
August 23, 2025
Call of the Black Wing wil je doen geloven dat het een epos is. Het profileert zich als de grootse verzameling van Fiadh's mythische reis, een spookachtige pelgrimstocht door oude landen doordrenkt van legendes en verdriet. Wat het in werkelijkheid is... zijn zes novellen vol overdreven sfeer, aan elkaar geplakt met de emotionele samenhang van een Tumblr-moodboard.
Van Whispers to a Crow tot The Red Raven, deze serie volgt een neerwaartse spiraal – niet alleen van Fiadh, maar ook van tempo, structuur en narratieve duidelijkheid. Elk deel belooft diepgang, maar levert alleen maar vochtigheid. Je leest niet zozeer als wel ploetert door een eindeloos moeras van vaag verdriet, gebroken tijdlijnen, mystieke NPC's en proza dat zo zelfingenomen is dat het geleverd zou moeten worden met een fluwelen gordijn en een rookmachine.
Laten we eerlijk zijn: dit is geen “wereld”. Het is een met mist doordrenkte achtergrond. Elke stad is spookachtig. Elk monster is somber. Elk zwaard is vervloekt. Er zijn geen emotionele hoogtepunten – alleen een lange, grijze vallei van melancholie met verspreide raven, onleesbare dialecten en sombere interne monologen. Je zou denken dat we in boek zes antwoorden zouden krijgen. In plaats daarvan krijgen we weer een fragment van een achtergrondverhaal begraven onder poëtisch afval.
Fiadh, de titelheldin Crow, mag nooit een personage worden. Ze is een vat voor trauma's, drijvend van zoektocht naar zoektocht met een zwaard dat “hongerig” is en een sidekick die niets anders bijdraagt dan uitleg. Het zwaard Caerdrich, naar verluidt een belangrijke mythische kracht, heeft de dramatische aanwezigheid van een verzamelbare sleutelhanger. Annis is zo onderbelicht dat je hem zou kunnen vervangen door een pratende geit zonder dat het verhaal aan kracht inboet.
En dan is er nog de Rode Raaf – zes boeken lang opgebouwd als de ultieme antagonist, de kern van Fiadh's wraakverhaal – die als een natte lucifer uitdooft. De confrontatie die de hele serie zou moeten definiëren, voelt alsof Gray vergeten was dat hij een deadline had. Geen catharsis, geen openbaring, alleen een troebele, halfbakken afronding. Het is geen einde. Het is een terugtrekking.
Het schrijven? Opgeblazen. Verstikt in metaforen. Niet in staat om een moment gewoon te laten zijn zonder het te verpakken in zoveel lagen van overlevering en symboliek dat het verstikt. Als je de mist en de pseudo-mythische stijl weglaat, wat blijft er dan over? Een reeks fetch quests, trauma-flashbacks en teleurstellende gevechten, die allemaal nog meer inwisselbaar zijn dan de vorige.
Het is eigenlijk ironisch. Een boek met de titel Call of the Black Wing, en toch heeft het geen vleugels. Het komt nooit van de grond. Het cirkelt alleen maar eindeloos rond in een grijze lucht die het zelf heeft gecreëerd.
Van Whispers to a Crow tot The Red Raven, deze serie volgt een neerwaartse spiraal – niet alleen van Fiadh, maar ook van tempo, structuur en narratieve duidelijkheid. Elk deel belooft diepgang, maar levert alleen maar vochtigheid. Je leest niet zozeer als wel ploetert door een eindeloos moeras van vaag verdriet, gebroken tijdlijnen, mystieke NPC's en proza dat zo zelfingenomen is dat het geleverd zou moeten worden met een fluwelen gordijn en een rookmachine.
Laten we eerlijk zijn: dit is geen “wereld”. Het is een met mist doordrenkte achtergrond. Elke stad is spookachtig. Elk monster is somber. Elk zwaard is vervloekt. Er zijn geen emotionele hoogtepunten – alleen een lange, grijze vallei van melancholie met verspreide raven, onleesbare dialecten en sombere interne monologen. Je zou denken dat we in boek zes antwoorden zouden krijgen. In plaats daarvan krijgen we weer een fragment van een achtergrondverhaal begraven onder poëtisch afval.
Fiadh, de titelheldin Crow, mag nooit een personage worden. Ze is een vat voor trauma's, drijvend van zoektocht naar zoektocht met een zwaard dat “hongerig” is en een sidekick die niets anders bijdraagt dan uitleg. Het zwaard Caerdrich, naar verluidt een belangrijke mythische kracht, heeft de dramatische aanwezigheid van een verzamelbare sleutelhanger. Annis is zo onderbelicht dat je hem zou kunnen vervangen door een pratende geit zonder dat het verhaal aan kracht inboet.
En dan is er nog de Rode Raaf – zes boeken lang opgebouwd als de ultieme antagonist, de kern van Fiadh's wraakverhaal – die als een natte lucifer uitdooft. De confrontatie die de hele serie zou moeten definiëren, voelt alsof Gray vergeten was dat hij een deadline had. Geen catharsis, geen openbaring, alleen een troebele, halfbakken afronding. Het is geen einde. Het is een terugtrekking.
Het schrijven? Opgeblazen. Verstikt in metaforen. Niet in staat om een moment gewoon te laten zijn zonder het te verpakken in zoveel lagen van overlevering en symboliek dat het verstikt. Als je de mist en de pseudo-mythische stijl weglaat, wat blijft er dan over? Een reeks fetch quests, trauma-flashbacks en teleurstellende gevechten, die allemaal nog meer inwisselbaar zijn dan de vorige.
Het is eigenlijk ironisch. Een boek met de titel Call of the Black Wing, en toch heeft het geen vleugels. Het komt nooit van de grond. Het cirkelt alleen maar eindeloos rond in een grijze lucht die het zelf heeft gecreëerd.
August 4, 2024
I was afraid to read this last book, because the adventures would come to an end.
The end is just, as it should be, though it made me endlessly sad. For months I was with Fiadh and Annis. Every time a new book would come out, I re-read the previous ones again.
My favourite parts are 1, 3 and 6.
I will come many times back to this story. I cannot say goodbye.
While reading, I had wishes. I wished I knew how to pronounce the names, I wished I made a list of all the gods and creatures.
My wishes came true: in this book all the names are there and explained. The pronunciation is taken care of. The language is spoken of and even links to information and a language course.
This book is complete. Everything is covered. Nothing left unanswered.
Deep in my heart, I hope I will meet Annis again. I wish. A last wish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The end is just, as it should be, though it made me endlessly sad. For months I was with Fiadh and Annis. Every time a new book would come out, I re-read the previous ones again.
My favourite parts are 1, 3 and 6.
I will come many times back to this story. I cannot say goodbye.
While reading, I had wishes. I wished I knew how to pronounce the names, I wished I made a list of all the gods and creatures.
My wishes came true: in this book all the names are there and explained. The pronunciation is taken care of. The language is spoken of and even links to information and a language course.
This book is complete. Everything is covered. Nothing left unanswered.
Deep in my heart, I hope I will meet Annis again. I wish. A last wish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 6, 2024
This brought me so much enjoyment.
I haven't had so much pleasure reading a standalone fantasy book in over a year.
I am now recommending this to anyone that loves fantasy. What a fantastic world Gray has built. It's rich with Scots and Gaelic language and folklore and keeps on giving until the very bittersweet end.
Fiadh is a fantastic character and her companion is a great contrast to her. I am intrigued by the ending that hopefully gives us an indicator that we will have more from these characters and from Gray in the future.
If you liked the Witcher, read this.
If you like strong female MCs with mystery, read this.
If you like incredible world building, read this.
If you love fantasy with plenty of monsters and creatures, READ THIS!
You won't regret it, it's an absolute blast!
Well done, Tristan! I can't wait to read more from you.
I haven't had so much pleasure reading a standalone fantasy book in over a year.
I am now recommending this to anyone that loves fantasy. What a fantastic world Gray has built. It's rich with Scots and Gaelic language and folklore and keeps on giving until the very bittersweet end.
Fiadh is a fantastic character and her companion is a great contrast to her. I am intrigued by the ending that hopefully gives us an indicator that we will have more from these characters and from Gray in the future.
If you liked the Witcher, read this.
If you like strong female MCs with mystery, read this.
If you like incredible world building, read this.
If you love fantasy with plenty of monsters and creatures, READ THIS!
You won't regret it, it's an absolute blast!
Well done, Tristan! I can't wait to read more from you.
August 12, 2024
So magical.
There is so much to say about these stories, about this book. Grey has an amazing talent for storytelling, for world building, and for characters and situations that pull at your heart.
I am incredibly sad to see Fiadh's story come to an end. The whole experience was wonderful, wrenching, and beautifully written. I loved all the characters, and I really hope we get to see more of them in the future.
I don't want to give anything about the plot away, so I'll just say it is engaging and hooks you right from the beginning. Then there is a ton of adventure and twists and turns, it's fabulous.
I think everyone should try this book, but especially those who love a good fantasy story with roots in lore and lots of atmosphere.
There is so much to say about these stories, about this book. Grey has an amazing talent for storytelling, for world building, and for characters and situations that pull at your heart.
I am incredibly sad to see Fiadh's story come to an end. The whole experience was wonderful, wrenching, and beautifully written. I loved all the characters, and I really hope we get to see more of them in the future.
I don't want to give anything about the plot away, so I'll just say it is engaging and hooks you right from the beginning. Then there is a ton of adventure and twists and turns, it's fabulous.
I think everyone should try this book, but especially those who love a good fantasy story with roots in lore and lots of atmosphere.
August 16, 2024
Ḍeep and Layered Mythology
Tristan Gray has created an enthralling world with a unique mythology in "Call of the Black Wing." The main character's quest unfolds before the reader as we learn more about the history of the world and the characters. Reminiscent of other fantasy epics blending religious sects with a hearty dose of magic such as Garth Nix's Abhorsen series, there are quite a few more stories that can be told about the Seann Àite.
I was initially concerned about reading the dialog written in Scots, but it's not too bad when read with a Scottish accent - but I don't recommend text to speech readers. The Kindle one does okay with pronouncing the Gaelic words, but Scots read in an American accent makes zero sense.
Tristan Gray has created an enthralling world with a unique mythology in "Call of the Black Wing." The main character's quest unfolds before the reader as we learn more about the history of the world and the characters. Reminiscent of other fantasy epics blending religious sects with a hearty dose of magic such as Garth Nix's Abhorsen series, there are quite a few more stories that can be told about the Seann Àite.
I was initially concerned about reading the dialog written in Scots, but it's not too bad when read with a Scottish accent - but I don't recommend text to speech readers. The Kindle one does okay with pronouncing the Gaelic words, but Scots read in an American accent makes zero sense.
July 23, 2024
This is basically 6 books in one. I read 4 of them separately. I absolutely love this story, even though the ending wasn't what I wanted. It was the correct ending, however, and I can appreciate that. It is NOT a cliffhanger, just unexpectedly expected. (I expected what happened, I just didn't think it actually would.)
These characters are really great; you get a wonderful sense of them in their world and they feel real. This is the kind of fantasy I really enjoy most. The magic system is subtle, to me, which means there are no spells or anything overt like that. There is fabulous magic, though, and it works perfectly within the story.
I definitely recommend Tristan Gray's work.
These characters are really great; you get a wonderful sense of them in their world and they feel real. This is the kind of fantasy I really enjoy most. The magic system is subtle, to me, which means there are no spells or anything overt like that. There is fabulous magic, though, and it works perfectly within the story.
I definitely recommend Tristan Gray's work.
September 30, 2025
full disclosure I liked the idea.of this book way more than I enjoyed reading it! Which is a shame as it is seldom one gets to read a book with lots of Scots and Gaelic in it and based on a lot of Scottish folklore. I enjoyed the world of Fiadh a lot as it was so well based on Scottish folklore.
I felt the story didn't quite work as smoothly as it should have and I think maybe the fact it was.in books made it feel like less.of a concise tale.
I did enjoy it and will absolutely check out other works by the same author.
if you want a good intro to Scots folklore and the fey this is well.worth picking up!
I felt the story didn't quite work as smoothly as it should have and I think maybe the fact it was.in books made it feel like less.of a concise tale.
I did enjoy it and will absolutely check out other works by the same author.
if you want a good intro to Scots folklore and the fey this is well.worth picking up!
July 26, 2024
Call of the Black Wing is an epic tale steeped in Celtic and Norse mythology. The writer has gone on a journey with the book and I have enjoyed how characters and story has developed. The character depth evolves through the book, perfectly interspersed with humour. The descriptions of the antagonists are particularly visceral and faithful to the mythology from which they have been inspired. As a Scot I enjoyed how Call of the Black Wing celebrated the Scots language and taught me things about my country’s mythology.
November 25, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this collection of short stories; the fey element of the settings with deep-set cultural myths and beliefs that both cause and solve problems for the characters. Fiadh is an interesting Witcher-like character, a Crow, or basically a hunter of paranormal criminals or solver of those sorts of issues. As an outsider, she has a more objective, though lonely, view of situations she encounters. I'd like to see more of this world, and dig deeper into the background and travels of the Crows. I think this would translate well to a graphic novel series.
August 20, 2024
I was hooked from the cover and description, it was what I was hoping for and enjoyed the overall story going through this book. I enjoyed the way the fantasy element worked with the mythology element going on. The characters had that element that I wanted and was glad I got to read this. Tristan Gray has a wonderfully done storyline and can't wait for more from them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2025
Call of the Black Wing is a dark fantasy novel (six interconnected tales) with Scottish and Gaelic folklore woven into the story. Tritan Gray is a natural storyteller and each tale is compelling. The atmospheric descriptions are well done and take the reader on a wonderful journey. I found the pronunciation guide helpful for some of the dialogue.
August 29, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable - a complex and enthralling tale, with a complex and fascinating lexicon. There were characters to love and admire, and those to despise and fear. The world building was sound and evocative. I look forward to more.
November 19, 2024
A thrilling collection of six tales which will pull you in and keep you there until you finish the last story. Each one will take you on a different journey which will pull you in. Sit down and enjoy
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved where I was taken as I read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved where I was taken as I read
January 28, 2025
There is so much fantasy around now and I somehow kept putting off reading this one. But when I did, I found myself riveted to the story. It's a beautiful read that captured my heart and I will remember this one for a long time. Hope to see something more from this author some day soon.
November 22, 2024
Amazing story! The characters, world building are incredible. Tristan Gray pulls you right in to the story with his writing.
November 30, 2025
A brilliant weaving of original story with Scottish folklore. Loved the inclusion of Scots and Scottish Gaelic. an ending that will stay with me for a while
September 11, 2024
A Call of the Black Wing is a beautifully written fantasy that pulls you right into its world building from the get go.
I loved the use of Scottish Gaelic in the story, complete with pronunciation guides - something I absolutely needed, a thoughtful touch that not only made the language accessible but deepened my connection to the characters, creatures and settings.
Fiadh is a fantastic character, full of mystery and surprises. She takes some time figuring out and I loved getting to know her story. Annis is another standout character - I’m sure a fan favourite. He’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for, and I’m really hoping we see more of him in future books. The world Fiadh and Annis travel through is described in such detail that it feels like you’re right there with them both.
Call of the black wing is a great read for anyone who loves fantasy, folklore and mythical adventures. Tristan has crafted a tale that is as beautiful as it is immersive, with characters that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Fiadh is a fantastic character, full of mystery and surprises. She takes some time figuring out and I loved getting to know her story. Annis is another standout character - I’m sure a fan favourite. He’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for, and I’m really hoping we see more of him in future books. The world Fiadh and Annis travel through is described in such detail that it feels like you’re right there with them both.
Call of the black wing is a great read for anyone who loves fantasy, folklore and mythical adventures. Tristan has crafted a tale that is as beautiful as it is immersive, with characters that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews