For those who have read The Echoes Saga and need more, the more is here! Set three years after A Clash of Fates, the first novella in the Verda universe begins here, with Asher and his intrepid dragon, Avandriell.
A new world is beginning to take shape in the aftermath of The Fated War, a world that must be brought together if it is to survive. As the king and queen of Illian, it falls on Vighon and Inara Draqaro to forge this future. As they did during the war, they have allies—old friends—to call upon, heroes all who fought and bled for Verda’s fragile era of peace.
Among those allies are the likes of a ranger and a dragon.
The world’s greatest monster requires the world’s greatest hunters. Between them, Asher and Avandriell possess the skills required to face an ancient beast that has long prevented mutual prosperity between Illian and Erador. If the two realms of man are to secure an everlasting peace, this creature of antiquity, this Leviathan, must finally be vanquished.
Philip started his career as an emergency nurse and began writing the books he’d want to read as a hobby between shifts.
He published his first novel in 2016, and soon began his epic fantasy series, The Echoes Saga which went straight into the Amazon bestsellers list in 4 countries.
Now one of the best-selling indie authors worldwide, Philip lives in Manchester, England with his wife and two young children and is hoping this is just the beginning.
Essa uma novela de The Echoes Saga que se passa após os 9 livros principais e se foca especificamente em Asher e Avandriell não vou entrar em detalhes sobre os personagens em si porque pode ser spoiler mas assim no geral eu gostei muito dessa novela eu não via hora de ler pra ver mais da dinâmica do Asher com a Avandriell e tivemos mas na minha a opinião eu acho que poderia ter tido um pouco mais e também foi legal a nostalgia de rever vários personagens icônicos que eu gosto tanto como Inara e Vighon e Galanor achei que eles fizeram uma ponta legal agora o que me pegou que foi que novamente o autor fez o Asher sofrer de novo cara que RAIVAAAAAAAA O ASHER NÃO TEM UM MINUTO DE PAZ NESSA DESGRAÇA DE MUNDO ELE COMEU O PÃO QUE O DIABO AMASSOU E QUANDO EU PENSO QUE ELE VAI TER UM REFRESCOU ATÉ A ÚLTIMA COISA BOA QUE ELE TEVE DEPOIS DE ANOS DE SOFRIMENTO FOI TIRADO DELE QUE ÓDIO CARA EU ESPERO QUE NA PRÓXIMAS NOVELAS ISSO SEJA RESOLVIDO PORQUE O ASHER NÃO MERECE ISSO 😭😭😭 tirando o trauma foi bem legal o encerramento com todo mundo se reunindo em um lugar icônico da série e eu espero que eles reencontrem ali mais vezes agora nas histórias que estão por vir enfim um boa história curta desse mundinho pra quem é fã vai gostar.
I was very grateful for the recap at the beginning of the book to refresh my memory as it’s been some time since I finished the last one in the series. This book is like a walk down memory lane; it reintroduces the key characters from previous books in the series which was very exciting even if they weren’t in it for long (it’s a short book.) Once again I loved every word and was completely engrossed in the story, the characters and the world. It’s surprising how much you miss characters when you have been away from a series for a long time. I really would have liked a longer version of this book to expand on Asher and Avandriell’s adventures. Still I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.
I absolutely did not realise how much I had missed Asher until this novella. Seeing his growing relationship with Avandriell, his dragon, was so heartwarming, and their internal conversations were filled with their unique personalities. I absolutely loved the developments, and the story itself was, of course, filled with the usual camaraderie and exciting fight scenes. This novella is not to be missed by any fans of Verda!
This novella rings all the right notes. Asher and Avandriell are simply superb as duo, complementing each other. Galanor and Aenwyn's presence is also adorable, although I would have liked to hear more from her, as she still a bit of a mystery for us all.
The story moves at break neck pace, and the action is incredible, it packs a punch, much like the Leviathan itself! A worthy adversary!
Leviathan is everything I needed in a novella with Asher and Avandriell. It’s an epic fantasy brimming with heart, danger, and wonder. Quaintrell masterfully weaves together breathtaking battles, short but intimate character quest, and the world feels so vivid. Every chapter pulls you deeper, balancing the sheer scale of high fantasy with the emotional weight of bonds, sacrifice, and hope. It’s the kind of short story that leaves you both satisfied and desperate for more especially the final page!!
Must read for fans of The Echoes Saga. This novella was something I always wanted but didn't think would come, and wow, it was everything and more. I missed these characters so much. Going on another battle quest, seeing Asher and Avandriell working like such a solid team, cameos from past characters, moments of happiness, the action and gore. Philipswritingg is only getting better. They way someone can make me attached to new and old characters within less than 200 pages is talent. I honestly wish it was longer. I could easily read 10 more books in this world and with these characters. I need more Doran now, please, and thank you
Firstly, I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Asher is back, that’s all you need to know. Drop whatever you’re reading and delve back in to the awesome world of Asher, Avandriell and a few other beloved characters.
The world created by Mr Q is all you need for a cosy little novella. Buckle up, it’s going to get messy.
Some new echoes! I listened to this, as that is the only way to consume this at the moment, and I absolutely loved it, only across two days I might add!
And here we go again, welcome back to Verda my friends! Leviathan: An Asher & Avandriell Story has finally found its way to us all. I am convinced that Phillip can't write anything in this realm and not have it be an instant 5⭐ classic!! This is something fans of Quaintrells works have been no doubt praying to see hit our libraries for a while now. Asher is back!!! 🔥
Like riding a bike, it takes less than the first page to feel right back at home in this world of wonder, magic, monsters and dragons. In less than 200 pages, Quaintrell manages to pen another wild, heart stopping, emotional and grand monster slaying adventure that no one but our 2 title characters could pull off!
Asher and his magnificent dragon Avandriell have been tasked once again with the "almost" impossible...almost because these two are capable of anything. But not only does our duo manage to always write their names into the history books and songss of Bards across the realm...they usually have the help of a supporting cast of familiar faces from or beloved Echos Saga. There is no shortage of action, magic, gore and emotion in this quick romp, and the guest appearances we are blessed with will bring a smile (and tear) to fans of the books. (I'll let you find out who 😏)
Bottom line, this is a must read and you will devour it's pages like a Leviathan (or dragon 😈) locked into its prey! I truly hope we are not done with these two, or the rest of our cast for that matter...(I'm thinking a Heavybellied Dwarf and a drunk Hog need a new adventure Phillip 😉). Make sure your weapons are sharp and magic is primed, when friends are in need you answer the call...this may tug at your heart a bit, but endure my friends...it's worth the risk. 📚 Philip you've done it once again sir! 🍻 5⭐
First off, I’m really upset that this is the last Quaintrell book we’re getting this year. It kind of made it hard for me to read knowing that fact. But that sadness aside, I absolutely loved this novella! Seriously everything Phillip writes is gold. From his character work to world building and rich history to prose and storytelling. I love it all. This novella while short was an amazing treat to be able to go back to Asher and his tale with Ava. This story was fast paced and action packed with twists and turns and some good humor too! I found myself sucked into this story from the very beginning. The last chapter was heartwarming and so full of emotion. I got goosebumps and felt my face turn up into a huge grin reliving all the memories of the Echoes Saga and the Ranger Archives. What an absolutely amazing, emotional ending to and amazing, emotional reunion!
An excellent, short, and sweet adventure following on from Echoes. Getting to see Asher and Ava working together as the most badass rangers in the world was awesome. Some very nice cameos from fan favourite characters and truly epic and cinematic action scenes.
I am very much enjoying A Time of Dragons, but once that's finished, I would be stoked to see a return to Illian and Ayda and more follow-ups to Echoes. Even if it's more Novellas following some of the other characters. Love this world.
I’m always down for an Asher story, and now that he has Avandriell with him, I’m down for it even more. Thankfully since I just finished A Clash of Fates yesterday, so my time in Verda, all the events and characters are still fresh in my mind, but for those that haven’t been in this world for a bit, Quaintrell has done what all authors should do, and added a story so far refresher. So if you’re a fan of Asher, why wouldn’t you be? Then you’re going to enjoy this short novella of an action packed adventure with a few of our favorite rangers battling some orcs, a little warship battle with a pirate king and an incredible battle with the nightmarish leviathan.
“Think of the bards of the world, the dragon insisted, her tone mixed with excitement and amusement. They must tire of singing the same songs about us. Let’s give them some new material!”
Since this takes place a few years after the events of A Clash of Fates, I love the growth that Asher & Avandriell have had during that time since they have gone on many missions and are now, a lot better with their aerial battle tactics. On top of that, you can never go wrong with the addition of Galanör & Aenwyn to the mix as they help Asher and Avandriell defeat the Leviathan. But the addition of a few new characters, some that live, some that don’t, make for an interesting future. I think the part that makes me the happiest about all of this though, is the emotional reunion between all of the characters. Like Quaintrell did with A Clash of Fates, he ended this story with a somewhat happily ever after type of ending that gave me all the fuzzies.
Because this is a story about fighting a Leviathan, and there’s not a lot of movie depictions of that in film, I really wasn’t quite sure of what to expect when going into this, was it going to something like Jaws, Moby Dick or maybe Clash of the Titans? Instead of those, it actually reminded me a little more of the kraken scene from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, which I thought was an excellent inspiration, if it was in fact, the inspiration. Quaintrell has a way about writing these battle scenes and he makes them so epic and wonderful to read, and that continues to be the case within these pages. This makes excited to see what the future holds for all the original and new characters and the world of Verda.
Philip C Quaintrell can really do it all. He is without question my favourite author, the books since The Echoes Saga are just cementing that. His first novella is as impressive as any of his works and it made me want to read all The Echoes again. Asher & Avandriell needed this as much as we, the fans, needed this. I wasn’t prepared for the jolt of memories the novella brought back to me smiling every time a character first appeared, the joy of being in their company again and having some time sorely needed with Asher, delving into the relationship that had been built with Avandriell. This does not disappoint as she is becoming the dragon that I can now not see Asher without, it’s like she has always been involved in his story. Between the expert world building, familiar & new, the history between characters was delivered with nostalgia whilst giving us glimpses of some new possibilities amongst them Philip does what I consider him to be the king of and builds to a battle scene that dominates the story. Everything Quaintrell does with his writing is masterful but his battle/fight scenes are unparalleled. You can’t help but be drawn in feeling every movement made, every punch thrown, landed and absorbed, every sword stroke that finds its mark or is narrowly evaded. I swear at some points I could actually feel the dragon fire. Throw into the mix a leviathan of the deep and I genuinely began to sweat as I went through the back and forth of the battle through each chapter…FUCK! Although this is a novella writers worth their salt have shown what they can do with a very limited amount of words to convey something that makes it feel, or delivers such an impact thus making it feel so much more grand. Philip has done this and I don’t want to spoil anything but he has developed quite the art of getting you in your feels at the end of this book. Fu@k you Philip for making me feel stuff. This is yet another piece of work that will make me read and champion anything Philip C Quaintrell does. He is deserving of his success and I wish him nothing but the continuation of it. King of the battle scene.
Leviathan: An Asher & Avandriell Story What a great story! From start to finish, the story takes hold of you and gives no quarter! Be it in the form of exciting action sequences or emotional character building, Mr. Quaintrell once again draws us in a lovingly crafted tale that is definitely written for fans of the series. The book introduces us to some new characters to care about and a new villain to boo and hiss. Familiar faces and places turn up and it feels like you're coming home again. I honestly do not believe I have ever smiled as much as I have been reading a book as I did with this one. It really was SO good! If you have read the Echoes Saga and The Ranger Archives, then you certainly will want to read this book. If your intrigued by it, but haven't read either of those stories yet, I would suggest you start with the Echoes Saga before reading this one. But trust me, you'll be glad you did! *stands up and claps* Bravo, Mr. Quaintrell. Bravo!
I really liked this short book, though short it gave Asher (and Avandriell) back to us! I’ve now read the entire books available from Echoes Saga to the Ranger Archives and now Leviathan. For me it is my absolute favorite fantasy series of all! I’ve read a lot from classic Tolkien to Feist and Hobbs and now modern faves like First Law Trilogy, to The Malazan Book of the Fallen (all 10!) But what a refreshing change to have classic fantasy, magic, elves, dwarves etc, so very readable, so easy to engage with the characters, so get on and read the lot!!! Lastly I love that with Kindle Unlimited I can read the lot as part of that deal and then go through them on Audible and it’s read so very well. Excellent excellent all round experience, can’t recommend it highly enough and of course it’s all from the magic of Phillip C Quaintrell’s imagination!
Once again, Asher continues to be one of my favorite characters im fiction and now with Avandriell at his side, best dynamic duo?! An amazing read and reconnecting with old characters. My personal wish is he does lose the Nights Eye. Though it would've been interesting for him to use it in parts of this book before losing it, I agree with Inara that its the final part of his past that can be let go for the future. But that's my opinion, at this point I will trust on whatever direction you feel to take them since I believe you clearly love this team...just keep them around for a while...a very long while 😁
Asher and Avandriell are simply irisitable and gruffily lovable. Doran Heavybelly arriving in Illian really touched my heart. I simply loved that dwarf! I wish this book was longer in length, so I could visit with all of my favorite characters a while longer. For example, Nathaniel and Reyna. King and queen of the Elves. I miss them too. The Leviathan was an abomination that I'm glad Asher and Avandriell destroyed. The twists and turns Asher and company employed to kill the beast were captivating to read. Thank you so very much, Mr. Quaintrell, for this unforgettable novella expertly written by you.
A nostalgic and action packed 5/5. The Echos Saga was one of the series that pushed me back into reading fantasy again, and this was a fun return to Verda. Old characters, call backs to the saga, and a new high stakes adventure, I found myself smiling quite a bit!
Hadarax was the fucking man! I love the bond between Asher and Avandirell, and this was quite the rollercoaster for them! Of course, any time I get some Heavybelly in my life, I’m a happy camper! This book had a little bit of everything, resets the world for the future, and I will be curious to see what what happens next once the author returns from exploring the past!
A really sweet little epilogue to the Echoes Saga. Reminds me a lot of the prequel Asher books--Rise of the Ranger--it's a monster-hunting book! But with cameos from a lot of the Echoes crew, good action, some nice comeuppance moments, and fun new characters too. Even a few feels. The end though--makes me really wonder if Quaintrell is planning still more books in the series... maybe an outquel trilogy, similar to Ranger books, but after Echoes?
I will ALWAYS want more of the world of Verda, of Asher and Ava, and whatever else the author can come up with in this world.
Asher quickly became one of my all time favorite characters in fantasy, and having a full novella of him and Ava makes me want to read so much more of them.
The writing felt a bit different than the other books in the saga, but I still enjoyed it. I’m very sad Asher lost his ability to see in the dark because that is one of my favorite parts of these books. It’s so unique, it’s so well written that I’m hoping it comes back somehow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’m greedy and I want MORE. That said I’m entirely grateful that Mr. Quaintrell has given us this tidbit, this utterly necessary morsel as I’ve missed this incredible world he’s created. He’s given us a satisfying glimpse into Asher and Ava’s easy, comfortable bond, and lets us check in on more than a few old friends. I could read a million words and not be sated, so the delicious anticipation of more will have to suffice. Well met, Sir. Well met.
This is exactly what it describes itself to be. Not to short. Has a clear beginning middle and full end. My only disappointment, long standing disappointment, Galanor. No man or elf not a dragon rider has spent more time with or on the back of a dragon. From the very first to fly in ages he was on its back. Has redeemed himself. Is a sword master. I have been waiting with excitement for him to step onto the land of Erador. He finally did and didn’t go near the eggs!! I’m devastated.
It was so nice to be reading about Asher again and getting to know Avandriell a little better. A nice visit with old friends, meeting some new ones and plenty of action. This isn’t just a glimpse into their lives, it’s a full fledged story that moves the overall story forward.
Asher is one of my favorite characters of all time and he has changed a bit and become even better with Ava at his side but they are still Rangers at heart and they don’t let anyone forget it!
I have read every single book Phillip C has written that's on Amazon and Goodreads. They are at the very top of along list of books I read and he is my top 1 OR 2 author. This is a grand story and I seriously hope they make movies out of all of them. With the right actors, it will be a gorgeous series. Please keep writing Mr. Quaintrll, and full time would mean more stories for all us loyal fans !!
Our old friends combine to defeat one more evil beast but at what cost?
Asher and his now grown dragon Avandriell answer the call from the King and queen to destroy a monster controlling the sea. With help from his elf legends and some unwanted pirates, they rise to the occasion. Heroes never die.
A wonderful addition to an already fantastic saga. I’m sure I speak for many fans when I say this only left us wanting more! From a personal point of view I greatly enjoyed exploring the “after”. It is an area of these stories often left to the imagination for readers, an I believe a missed opportunity for many writers. Bravo.
Absolutely phenomenal work. After going thru the main series 4 times it's so refreshing to hear a new story from my favorite world and to hear from Steven Brand again. Philip deserves to be in the same conversation with Sanderson and Tolkien. Excellent and expansive world building. Endearing characters and story telling.
I am an avid reader, it took me a bit to orient myself on where I was in the story, but once I grasped the ranger and Avandriel I was transported into that timeline, It was a wonderful visit with old friends filled with adventure and the awe inspiring connection to dragon