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Errant Gift
Errant Gift is a soul-stirring fantasy adventure with shades of horror. Told through dual timelines, readers can expect an intricate story of unlikely heroes, tangled mysteries, and chilling monster encounters.
A young shepherdess named Tali and her father abandon their flock to seek out a fallen star that speaks to them in wondrous visions and whispers. Under the star’s guidance, they are rewarded with a new life of luxury and status they could never have imagined. Everything seems blissful until Tali’s father is asked to partake in a strange ritual that may cost him his life. To her horror, he willingly agrees.
Nine years later, swarms of Nemagraws—nightmarish creatures of unknown origins—have begun to spread across the land. Caught in their path of destruction is bookish Dale who fled the comforts of home when his parents were arrested on charges of treason. Armed with nothing but a keen knowledge of botany, Dale searches for his brother Finley, a fabled warrior who might be their best hope of saving the family from ruin. But when he finally finds Finley living with a mysterious cult, he realises that his brother will be of no help at all.
Unbeknownst to Tali and Dale, their journeys are bound by a common enemy—one whose aims are far greater and darker than any have yet perceived.
A young shepherdess named Tali and her father abandon their flock to seek out a fallen star that speaks to them in wondrous visions and whispers. Under the star’s guidance, they are rewarded with a new life of luxury and status they could never have imagined. Everything seems blissful until Tali’s father is asked to partake in a strange ritual that may cost him his life. To her horror, he willingly agrees.
Nine years later, swarms of Nemagraws—nightmarish creatures of unknown origins—have begun to spread across the land. Caught in their path of destruction is bookish Dale who fled the comforts of home when his parents were arrested on charges of treason. Armed with nothing but a keen knowledge of botany, Dale searches for his brother Finley, a fabled warrior who might be their best hope of saving the family from ruin. But when he finally finds Finley living with a mysterious cult, he realises that his brother will be of no help at all.
Unbeknownst to Tali and Dale, their journeys are bound by a common enemy—one whose aims are far greater and darker than any have yet perceived.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
10 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Price
1 book5 followersRhys lives in Cape Town, South Africa, with his wife and two unruly Boston Terriers. His taste in speculative fiction skews darker, weirder—so long as there’s clever plotting involved.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 2, 2024
Errant Gift is a fantastic blend of thrilling mystery, fantasy and horror, making it one of the most unique stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
The prose is smooth and makes for swift reading while the interesting characters and plot threads pull you along with ease. I’m truly impressed by the author’s ability to put the reader in the shoes of each character and provide enough context to keep you wondering while scattering bits of answers and additional questions. This structure kept me not only engaged but on the edge of my seat throughout.
Errant Gift is steeped in mystery as well as an ominous tone that played well with the gut-punches of horror spread within. The arrival of a mysterious fallen star and the effects it has on the world, characters and events at large is enough to keep you flipping pages well into the night. Price has done a great job crafting a very intriguing story that will have you craving more!
(ARC provided by Reedsy Discovery)
The prose is smooth and makes for swift reading while the interesting characters and plot threads pull you along with ease. I’m truly impressed by the author’s ability to put the reader in the shoes of each character and provide enough context to keep you wondering while scattering bits of answers and additional questions. This structure kept me not only engaged but on the edge of my seat throughout.
Errant Gift is steeped in mystery as well as an ominous tone that played well with the gut-punches of horror spread within. The arrival of a mysterious fallen star and the effects it has on the world, characters and events at large is enough to keep you flipping pages well into the night. Price has done a great job crafting a very intriguing story that will have you craving more!
(ARC provided by Reedsy Discovery)
November 23, 2024
☄️ 𝔼𝕣𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝔾𝕚𝕗𝕥 by 𝕽𝖍𝖞𝖘 𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖈𝖊 ☠️
A fantasy book filled with great characters and character growth, horror moments, exclusive and amazing descriptions about places and history! 😍
When a mysterious star/ rock falls to earth, the last thing you think about are the lasting consequences it can have on the world! 🤯
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝑮𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝑹. 𝑹. 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒇𝒖𝒔𝒔? 😱🤩
The prose is smoothy threaded between past and present, and between the characters we are trying to get to know, and the mysteries that are put in front of us! This book had me on my toes from begining to ending!
And I have to sincerely ask and beg for the next one to come as soon as possible, because I don't need sleep, I need answers! 😩😫🧟♀️
It is such an uniquely woven together story! Such unique enemies and armies, such unique characters (Yes, Runa, looking at you, girl) and such perfection...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily (thank you BookSirens). 🙏
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a thrilling, mysterious and uniquely made fantasy, with all the right twists to make our brain turn and turn! 💪
A fantasy book filled with great characters and character growth, horror moments, exclusive and amazing descriptions about places and history! 😍
When a mysterious star/ rock falls to earth, the last thing you think about are the lasting consequences it can have on the world! 🤯
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝑮𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝑹. 𝑹. 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒇𝒖𝒔𝒔? 😱🤩
The prose is smoothy threaded between past and present, and between the characters we are trying to get to know, and the mysteries that are put in front of us! This book had me on my toes from begining to ending!
And I have to sincerely ask and beg for the next one to come as soon as possible, because I don't need sleep, I need answers! 😩😫🧟♀️
It is such an uniquely woven together story! Such unique enemies and armies, such unique characters (Yes, Runa, looking at you, girl) and such perfection...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily (thank you BookSirens). 🙏
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a thrilling, mysterious and uniquely made fantasy, with all the right twists to make our brain turn and turn! 💪
January 28, 2025
A thrilling read from start to finish, brimming with adventure and interesting twists and turns along the way. The monster horror elements were reminiscent of Stranger Things, which I thought worked great in an Epic Fantasy setting.
The prose is beautiful: vivid, visceral, ominous throughout. The characters (Runa was the best!) and intersecting arcs landed well, and I found myself invested from the outset.
Definitely a book that'll stick with you long after you’ve finished! Excited to see where this series goes next.
The prose is beautiful: vivid, visceral, ominous throughout. The characters (Runa was the best!) and intersecting arcs landed well, and I found myself invested from the outset.
Definitely a book that'll stick with you long after you’ve finished! Excited to see where this series goes next.
November 6, 2024
Errant Gift by Rhys Price is a dark fantasy novel and the first in the Antumbra Nova series. It follows the stories of the Owains, a merchant family who are caught up in a world that is slowly being overrun by violent monsters.
The plot is compelling from the start. It unravels in surprising and interesting ways while the main characters grapple with their changing world. The mystery of the origins of the Nemagraws is played out well, and while it is somewhat obvious where that plotline is going, there are still a few little surprises that keep things interesting. The major characters, Dale and Finley, are distinct enough to provide a good amount of conflict as they try to tackle their problems from different angles, often leading to clashes.
This is where Errant Gift shows a bit of weakness. Often these points of conflict come during heightened moments of intensity or action. While this can ring true—stress brings out the worst in people—in this novel, these points of conflict come in the form of heavy dialogue that interrupts the action and breaks the tension that has been slowly building. This is also true of bonding moments between characters. Sharing jokes and bonding while actively fleeing a dangerous situation makes the novel feel more like a modern Marvel movie than a dark fantasy novel. That being said, the prose is good. The descriptions of the world are stellar and while the first half of the novel suffers from issues with info dumping and the dialogue needs tightening up in places, Errant Gift is still a pleasant read that is worth a shot. Errant Gift is worth a read for the plot alone, it’s compelling enough to pull the novel through its patchy spots and through to an end that will likely make you want more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot is compelling from the start. It unravels in surprising and interesting ways while the main characters grapple with their changing world. The mystery of the origins of the Nemagraws is played out well, and while it is somewhat obvious where that plotline is going, there are still a few little surprises that keep things interesting. The major characters, Dale and Finley, are distinct enough to provide a good amount of conflict as they try to tackle their problems from different angles, often leading to clashes.
This is where Errant Gift shows a bit of weakness. Often these points of conflict come during heightened moments of intensity or action. While this can ring true—stress brings out the worst in people—in this novel, these points of conflict come in the form of heavy dialogue that interrupts the action and breaks the tension that has been slowly building. This is also true of bonding moments between characters. Sharing jokes and bonding while actively fleeing a dangerous situation makes the novel feel more like a modern Marvel movie than a dark fantasy novel. That being said, the prose is good. The descriptions of the world are stellar and while the first half of the novel suffers from issues with info dumping and the dialogue needs tightening up in places, Errant Gift is still a pleasant read that is worth a shot. Errant Gift is worth a read for the plot alone, it’s compelling enough to pull the novel through its patchy spots and through to an end that will likely make you want more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2025
Given that I know the author quite well, I was a little nervous reading the book in case it wasn't really my thing and I would have to pretend I liked it to avoid awkwardness. Fortunately I needn't have feared - the book is a great read. The prose flows very smoothly and the plot has enough depth, variety and intrigue to keep you reading.
Not being a native in the worlds of modern fantasy, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but what I got was an accessible story with good pacing and fun twists and turns. It was simple to follow without being simplistic, and had a rich cast of characters and perspectives. The world was vividly brought to life on the page and the set pieces were well executed.
I'm extremely impressed and proud of my friend, but even if I didn't know him, I would recommend this book to any interested reader.
Not being a native in the worlds of modern fantasy, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but what I got was an accessible story with good pacing and fun twists and turns. It was simple to follow without being simplistic, and had a rich cast of characters and perspectives. The world was vividly brought to life on the page and the set pieces were well executed.
I'm extremely impressed and proud of my friend, but even if I didn't know him, I would recommend this book to any interested reader.
January 4, 2025
I know Rhys, so reading a debut of a friend was genuinely impressive. He's woven a very interesting plot through multiple timelines, classes and personalities, and there were more than enough twists and turns to keep me going. The splashes of violence and gore don't detract, rather adding to the mystery and horror of the Nemagraws, and heightening the urgency to make sense of their insatiable habits.
The pacing of the book was good, the dialogue read naturally and the character development was satisfying - some unpredictable human drama never goes wasted! All in, I was very pleasantly surprised and "would recommend to a friend".
All I can promise is that if I see him out-and-about, I'll hurry him back to his writing desk so that Book 2 doesn't take too long!
The pacing of the book was good, the dialogue read naturally and the character development was satisfying - some unpredictable human drama never goes wasted! All in, I was very pleasantly surprised and "would recommend to a friend".
All I can promise is that if I see him out-and-about, I'll hurry him back to his writing desk so that Book 2 doesn't take too long!
January 5, 2025
Highly original and gripping fantasy novel. The story starts with two, poverty-stricken shepards and a falling star. The book proceeds with multi POVs, capturing your attention without being overcomplicated, knowing that somehow these different characters are going to be linked, but not knowing how. The author brings them together in a pace that keeps you reading but without waiting until the last chapter for a "big reveal all".
What I enjoyed most was the originality of the plot and the fantasy world the author created. Nothing about it feels familiar or done before. The author manages to steer clear of feeling like a Lord of the Rings look-a-like or a medieval world. I would recommend the book to both fantasy fans as well as those who do not usually read the genre.
What I enjoyed most was the originality of the plot and the fantasy world the author created. Nothing about it feels familiar or done before. The author manages to steer clear of feeling like a Lord of the Rings look-a-like or a medieval world. I would recommend the book to both fantasy fans as well as those who do not usually read the genre.
November 18, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book, it had that element that I was hoping for in a opening chapter in this series. It had that epic fantasy novel that I wanted and was a suspenseful atmosphere. It had me invested in the Antumbra Nova series and its characters. I enjoyed how good Rhys Price wrote this and can't wait for more.
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.
July 10, 2025
A friend recommended this book, and I was gripped from the first chapter. It has an excellent story and character development, a good balance of male and female characters, and some wonderfully surprising heroes (Especially Runa!)and villains. I enjoyed the elements of the South African environment subtly woven in, such as the milkwood tree forests. I couldn't put the book down and am sad I have to wait for the next installment, and I am not able to read it immediately.
February 17, 2025
Excellent! I'm not a hardcore fantasy reader, but this was the perfect blend of adventure and action, with just enough fantasy to make the plot work.
Would highly recommend, can't wait for the sequel!
Would highly recommend, can't wait for the sequel!
September 22, 2024
Overall, I found Errant Gift to be a thrilling read with beautiful writing, vivid imagery, a mysterious mood, and complex characters. It’s definitely a book that'll stick with you long after you’ve finished.
January 31, 2025
This is an outstanding first novel, starts well and just gets better. I read prolifically, and Mr Price is up there with some big name fantasy authors in terms of sheer readability and instilling a desire to turn the page. And of course the pressure is now on for him to complete the next book in the series! Good characterisation, great story, gripping action scenes - a genuinely good read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews