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The West Road
He would defend them, unless the demons got there first...
(A Ring Keeper Story)
Dane had been a soldier for most of his life. And he’d traveled for nearly a year before a muddy country road brought him to Gildan. Sworn to complete a quest even with time quickly running out, he can’t give up his search for a missing girl and an enchanted ring. If he fails, his nation will be destroyed.
In the woods on a rainy night, Dane finds a wandering child and escorts him back to his mother. Lindy is a widow, raising her son alone, but she shares shelter and food. Dane and Lindy find the beginnings of friendship. While he’s trying to help her, he discovers that she holds the final clue that could enable him to complete his quest.
Soon, Dane realizes he isn’t the only one searching the countryside. Shekkar Demons have begun their deadly hunt. Dane will do everything he can to protect Lindy and her son from the demon’s poisoned claws.
(A Ring Keeper Story)
Dane had been a soldier for most of his life. And he’d traveled for nearly a year before a muddy country road brought him to Gildan. Sworn to complete a quest even with time quickly running out, he can’t give up his search for a missing girl and an enchanted ring. If he fails, his nation will be destroyed.
In the woods on a rainy night, Dane finds a wandering child and escorts him back to his mother. Lindy is a widow, raising her son alone, but she shares shelter and food. Dane and Lindy find the beginnings of friendship. While he’s trying to help her, he discovers that she holds the final clue that could enable him to complete his quest.
Soon, Dane realizes he isn’t the only one searching the countryside. Shekkar Demons have begun their deadly hunt. Dane will do everything he can to protect Lindy and her son from the demon’s poisoned claws.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
About the author
A.J. Park
11 books115 followers AJ Park is an Award-Winning Fantasy author. Her stories focus on adventure with all the fantasy staples: courage, dangerous quests, magic, love, betrayal and satisfying endings.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 16, 2024
Content:
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. There are supernatural attacks, and deaths, but all are off-screen. Screaming is about all that is portrayed.
Sexual: Mild. There is some hugging and kissing, but not at all steamy or detailed.
This is a very short intro story to The Ring Keeper, which is the full length novel that centers around the girl that the two soldiers in this story are looking for when they wander into a small village and have to fend off an attack of demons.
Clocking in at about 30 pages, I read it super fast. The first few chapters of the novel are included, but I opted to not read them because I want to grab the full book and read it without interruption. So, having said that, it's probably fairly obvious I liked this little snippet. Dane made my heart all soft and melty with how loyal and dedicated he was portrayed. I'm a little sad that it seems like the full novel is more about his fellow soldier.
It will be interesting to see where the demon monster thing goes. That can be a big turn-off for me just using the term 'demon', but if it's just a way to say monster, then I'm fine with it. We'll see if it bothers me in the full novel.
The tone of this is a classic adventure story, two guys searching for a lost girl who can save their country. It's classic for a reason, and the way it's written made me snuggle down in my chair for a fun fantasy journey. I look forward to reading more from the author.
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. There are supernatural attacks, and deaths, but all are off-screen. Screaming is about all that is portrayed.
Sexual: Mild. There is some hugging and kissing, but not at all steamy or detailed.
This is a very short intro story to The Ring Keeper, which is the full length novel that centers around the girl that the two soldiers in this story are looking for when they wander into a small village and have to fend off an attack of demons.
Clocking in at about 30 pages, I read it super fast. The first few chapters of the novel are included, but I opted to not read them because I want to grab the full book and read it without interruption. So, having said that, it's probably fairly obvious I liked this little snippet. Dane made my heart all soft and melty with how loyal and dedicated he was portrayed. I'm a little sad that it seems like the full novel is more about his fellow soldier.
It will be interesting to see where the demon monster thing goes. That can be a big turn-off for me just using the term 'demon', but if it's just a way to say monster, then I'm fine with it. We'll see if it bothers me in the full novel.
The tone of this is a classic adventure story, two guys searching for a lost girl who can save their country. It's classic for a reason, and the way it's written made me snuggle down in my chair for a fun fantasy journey. I look forward to reading more from the author.
October 14, 2024
"The West Road" is a short story prequel to AJ Park's award-winning book, "The Ring Keeper." In it, we get a little more backstory of the two warriors searching for Cirana, prior to their meeting. We also get introduced to the demons and the terror spreading through the countryside. I found this short tale full of suspense. It kept me glued to my phone screen with every moment I could spare until it was done.
It also includes the first few chapters of "The Ring Keeper" also, just enough to grab your appetite for more. I think fantasy readers will bond with the characters and develop an early attachment with them. I'm eager to move on to the novel itself!
It also includes the first few chapters of "The Ring Keeper" also, just enough to grab your appetite for more. I think fantasy readers will bond with the characters and develop an early attachment with them. I'm eager to move on to the novel itself!
July 28, 2025
Exciting
July 10, 2026
The West Road
A.J. Park
A fantasy about a warrior it would seem.
The short proves to be a sword and sorcery teaser for a book a sampler of which constitutes 2/3rds of the book.
A.J. Park
A fantasy about a warrior it would seem.
The short proves to be a sword and sorcery teaser for a book a sampler of which constitutes 2/3rds of the book.
September 21, 2026
"The West Road" by A. J. Park is a short story that gives you a glimpse into the lives of two soldiers on an important quest. Dane and Zarek seek a girl and a magical object, but along the way they stop and find connections. Their world and larger mission is fascinating, with a demon threat impending. Dane is entirely likeable, and I would like to continue reading Park's work because I want to know how his mission goes.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews