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Song of the Exiles #1
Bard Hard
Wisdom hides from adventure.
Panic doesn’t have a plan.
Never listen to the guy who brings a lute to a sword fight.
All souls enter the afterlife screaming, but Renly Teurig's didn't make a sound. Intrigued, the goddess Neuillya came to hear the Bard's tale.
Born of the Teurig, a renowned company of performers, a young musician unwittingly binds himself to the lute of a celestial muse. Tragedy, exile, and chaos follow. As Renly struggles to master the lute's power and understand the mysterious forces that threaten his world, his days become a series of supernatural encounters, daring gambles, and near-death escapes.
Bard Hard is high-fantasy at its best, combining immersive world-building and magic systems with a humorous narrator. It takes readers on their first journey into the fantastical world of Kiir, following the life and times of one of its most enigmatic and conflicted inhabitants. With epic quests, thrilling battles, and unexpected twists and turns, it's a tale of destiny, identity, truth, sacrifice, and the power of storytelling.
Panic doesn’t have a plan.
Never listen to the guy who brings a lute to a sword fight.
All souls enter the afterlife screaming, but Renly Teurig's didn't make a sound. Intrigued, the goddess Neuillya came to hear the Bard's tale.
Born of the Teurig, a renowned company of performers, a young musician unwittingly binds himself to the lute of a celestial muse. Tragedy, exile, and chaos follow. As Renly struggles to master the lute's power and understand the mysterious forces that threaten his world, his days become a series of supernatural encounters, daring gambles, and near-death escapes.
Bard Hard is high-fantasy at its best, combining immersive world-building and magic systems with a humorous narrator. It takes readers on their first journey into the fantastical world of Kiir, following the life and times of one of its most enigmatic and conflicted inhabitants. With epic quests, thrilling battles, and unexpected twists and turns, it's a tale of destiny, identity, truth, sacrifice, and the power of storytelling.
- GenresFantasy
475 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2024
84 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
T. Ellery Hodges
6 books471 followersT. Ellery Hodges was born in Sacramento, Ca in 1981. He moved to Seattle at nineteen and received his Bachelors of Science from the University Of Washington.
Somewhere in high school and early college, he gravitated toward writing. Then he forced unsuspecting students, who had made the mistake of taking creative writing during the same period as him, to endure the reading of his short stories.
During his twenties he worked in a laboratory performing drug trials, traveled most of Washington State fixing computers for Apple, sold gym memberships, and helped manage an international supply chain for a chemical distributor. Yet, much like the rest of his generation, he found that he wasn't well suited to doing any type of work for long.
So, he brushed the metaphorical dust off the novel he'd been writing in his head for the last six years. Then, he looked up the definition of 'metaphorical' because he was pretty sure that people who called themselves writers knew that one. He found that there was at least one thing he could endure doing for forty hours a week for the rest of his life.
There is a lesson in all that about ignoring what you want to do for what you think you should, but this is a biography not a lecture.
Currently, he lives with his wife, sons, and daughter, in Seattle. He has two dogs, a Border Collie and a Doberman, Darwin and Dharma, respectively.
In the 2015 Reader's Favorite book award contest, T. Ellery Hodges' debut novel, The Never Hero, was awarded an honorable mention in the category of Science Fiction. In 2017, the sequel, The Never Paradox, was awarded a Bronze Metal for the category of YA Urban Fantasy.
Somewhere in high school and early college, he gravitated toward writing. Then he forced unsuspecting students, who had made the mistake of taking creative writing during the same period as him, to endure the reading of his short stories.
During his twenties he worked in a laboratory performing drug trials, traveled most of Washington State fixing computers for Apple, sold gym memberships, and helped manage an international supply chain for a chemical distributor. Yet, much like the rest of his generation, he found that he wasn't well suited to doing any type of work for long.
So, he brushed the metaphorical dust off the novel he'd been writing in his head for the last six years. Then, he looked up the definition of 'metaphorical' because he was pretty sure that people who called themselves writers knew that one. He found that there was at least one thing he could endure doing for forty hours a week for the rest of his life.
There is a lesson in all that about ignoring what you want to do for what you think you should, but this is a biography not a lecture.
Currently, he lives with his wife, sons, and daughter, in Seattle. He has two dogs, a Border Collie and a Doberman, Darwin and Dharma, respectively.
In the 2015 Reader's Favorite book award contest, T. Ellery Hodges' debut novel, The Never Hero, was awarded an honorable mention in the category of Science Fiction. In 2017, the sequel, The Never Paradox, was awarded a Bronze Metal for the category of YA Urban Fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 11, 2024
I signed up for a bard and ended up with a druid, a witch, an orc, a dryad and a...goat? Bard Hard envelopes you with the vast potential of its rich worlds and setting, and the intimate and robust portraits of Renly and his charmed circle of broken misfits. The squad is the book's driving force; you hope, wonder, care and fear for them as they try to navigate a space with complex cultures, politics and mysticism. Will this Breakfast Club vanquish their internal and external demons? I'm all in.
November 11, 2024
I wasn't sure if I was going to like it due to the fact I haven't been reading a lot of epic fantasy for several years. It's been urban fantasy and military sci-fi mostly. T. Ellery Hodges Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs was what tipped the scales for me to read this new series. I'm glad I did. It is very well written, has deep engaging characters, keeps the reader engaged by taking the story in directions you don't expect. T. Ellery Hodges was just added to my "Stop reading whatever I'm reading now because he has a new book out!" List.
February 4, 2025
Well, with a name like that, how could I not?
It's very funny without being satire, had a good time, did not see twists coming, and I am angry I am not able to immediately read the sequel.
Could have done without like a dozen pages of orc lore dumped in a single conversation, but I am willing to look past it.
It's very funny without being satire, had a good time, did not see twists coming, and I am angry I am not able to immediately read the sequel.
Could have done without like a dozen pages of orc lore dumped in a single conversation, but I am willing to look past it.
April 19, 2025
Once again the Author knocked it out of the park. A fantastic story with characters who are well defined. The only frustration will be waiting to find out what happens next! I will have to go and revisit the Never Hero while I wait.
November 11, 2024
In his series follow-up to the Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs, T Ellery Hodges takes us to the fantastical land of Velia Naer where we are introduced to our hero, Renly Teurig. We discover that our talented bard must regale Death’s bride in an effort to avoid eternity in his domain. Thus begins a tale of the young man acquiring his unique lute and entering the service of a goddess in an effort to find a song to change the world. Renly meets several companions through the story that he both changes and is changed by as they battle the Blood Mist.
Hodges sticks the landing in his initial offering for what is shaping up to be another compelling series. Hodges balances character development with a steady advancement of plot all while introducing us to Renly, his companions, and this new world. The ending came too soon as we are left anticipating the next stage of Renly’s journey. A must read for fans of Patrick Rothfuss and Brandon Sanderson!
Hodges sticks the landing in his initial offering for what is shaping up to be another compelling series. Hodges balances character development with a steady advancement of plot all while introducing us to Renly, his companions, and this new world. The ending came too soon as we are left anticipating the next stage of Renly’s journey. A must read for fans of Patrick Rothfuss and Brandon Sanderson!
September 1, 2025
First thing to know: This book is a little slow moving. Let it cook.
Lots of world building.
The narrative is winding. It's told like your grandpa was sitting down to tell you a story. It's written that way on purpose and once you look at it through that lense, it's much more enjoyable.
The narrator isn't a narrator. He's a bard. He's weaving a story and sometimes stories aren't formed from one single direction - sometimes little bits and pieces are relavent and there is side tracking. I found this very charming once I realized that this wasn't a simple story being told like a flash back or something. It isn't meant to be straight forward, in my opinion.
Renly died. He is telling the story of events that lead up to him dying. He is recounting these tales to a goddess. It's not going to be super direct because there are a lot of things that led up to Renly being dead. Lots of choices - choices that Renly is aware aren't the best choices. He regularly says, "But this is not the story of a wise man." So at least he's self aware? lol
Renly is a likable screw up. To be honest, his screw ups aren't ever really his fault. He's just frequently unlucky and more brave than self preserving - regardless of what he thinks. I found him very relatable and felt like a majority of the things he does are things I could see myself doing if I were in his shoes.
I found the layers of mystery and puzzle pieces to be really interesting. There is a lot of world building. The magic is cool and unique. The banter between characters is entertaining. I managed to laugh out loud a couple times - I typically don't laugh at book jokes, but this one had me audibly chuckling a few times.
I will definitely read, "Bard Harder" (which is a hysterical book title).
Lots of world building.
The narrative is winding. It's told like your grandpa was sitting down to tell you a story. It's written that way on purpose and once you look at it through that lense, it's much more enjoyable.
The narrator isn't a narrator. He's a bard. He's weaving a story and sometimes stories aren't formed from one single direction - sometimes little bits and pieces are relavent and there is side tracking. I found this very charming once I realized that this wasn't a simple story being told like a flash back or something. It isn't meant to be straight forward, in my opinion.
Renly died. He is telling the story of events that lead up to him dying. He is recounting these tales to a goddess. It's not going to be super direct because there are a lot of things that led up to Renly being dead. Lots of choices - choices that Renly is aware aren't the best choices. He regularly says, "But this is not the story of a wise man." So at least he's self aware? lol
Renly is a likable screw up. To be honest, his screw ups aren't ever really his fault. He's just frequently unlucky and more brave than self preserving - regardless of what he thinks. I found him very relatable and felt like a majority of the things he does are things I could see myself doing if I were in his shoes.
I found the layers of mystery and puzzle pieces to be really interesting. There is a lot of world building. The magic is cool and unique. The banter between characters is entertaining. I managed to laugh out loud a couple times - I typically don't laugh at book jokes, but this one had me audibly chuckling a few times.
I will definitely read, "Bard Harder" (which is a hysterical book title).
August 30, 2025
Good not Great.
Hodges previous series "The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs" was absolutely phenomenal. After listening to this I can honestly say the book is completely different from that series.
Overall this is a good book but I'll be honest. I was expecting better.
Firstly the Good:
● Great writing and dialogue
● Interesting world and powers
● Side characters are unique
● Seeds of great worldbuilding seem to be in place
Things that didnt work for me:
● The biggest issue is that there really isn't a whole lot of tension throughout the story. Partly this comes from the MC's overly jovial personality and partly the way the author set up the story whereby solutions were quick at hand due to some prior untold experience. Moments that were supposed to feel tense kind of fell flat.
● Linking to my point above, a lot of the ability and knowledge the MC has is told to you rather than shown. It would have been better if we saw how the MC earned that ability/knowledge first as this would have made the victories and defeats more impactful.
● There are parts of the book where nothing meaningful happens. I guess the author was using these to build the MC's personality but honestly I didnt get the feeling of a whole lot of character progression.
I'll still pick up the next book as I see potential in this series but I really hope the issues are addressed.
Hodges previous series "The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs" was absolutely phenomenal. After listening to this I can honestly say the book is completely different from that series.
Overall this is a good book but I'll be honest. I was expecting better.
Firstly the Good:
● Great writing and dialogue
● Interesting world and powers
● Side characters are unique
● Seeds of great worldbuilding seem to be in place
Things that didnt work for me:
● The biggest issue is that there really isn't a whole lot of tension throughout the story. Partly this comes from the MC's overly jovial personality and partly the way the author set up the story whereby solutions were quick at hand due to some prior untold experience. Moments that were supposed to feel tense kind of fell flat.
● Linking to my point above, a lot of the ability and knowledge the MC has is told to you rather than shown. It would have been better if we saw how the MC earned that ability/knowledge first as this would have made the victories and defeats more impactful.
● There are parts of the book where nothing meaningful happens. I guess the author was using these to build the MC's personality but honestly I didnt get the feeling of a whole lot of character progression.
I'll still pick up the next book as I see potential in this series but I really hope the issues are addressed.
July 13, 2025
Disclaimer:
Due to the nature of Goodreads’ aggregate review system, I only leave 5-star reviews. Please note that a 5-star rating does not mean the book is perfect; it simply means I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. I will try to specify in my review the type of reader who might enjoy the book.
Negative reviews are not something I typically write.
I primarily listen to audiobooks, so I’m not concerned with punctuation or minor editing errors. However, I may comment on the quality of the narration.
Review:
I came into this as a fan of the author’s previous work, and I’m incredibly impressed by the quality of this story! It’s completely different from the sci-fi/superhero aesthetic of The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs, yet it still feels like it was crafted by a seasoned professional in the fantasy genre. The title led me to expect a more satirical story, but I’m very satisfied with the tone. It offers plenty of drama and introspection, balanced with comedic moments that never undercut the heavier scenes.
If you’re in the mood for an enjoyable fantasy tale with compelling themes and a fun cast of characters, give this story a chance.
The narration was also of very high quality.
Due to the nature of Goodreads’ aggregate review system, I only leave 5-star reviews. Please note that a 5-star rating does not mean the book is perfect; it simply means I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. I will try to specify in my review the type of reader who might enjoy the book.
Negative reviews are not something I typically write.
I primarily listen to audiobooks, so I’m not concerned with punctuation or minor editing errors. However, I may comment on the quality of the narration.
Review:
I came into this as a fan of the author’s previous work, and I’m incredibly impressed by the quality of this story! It’s completely different from the sci-fi/superhero aesthetic of The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs, yet it still feels like it was crafted by a seasoned professional in the fantasy genre. The title led me to expect a more satirical story, but I’m very satisfied with the tone. It offers plenty of drama and introspection, balanced with comedic moments that never undercut the heavier scenes.
If you’re in the mood for an enjoyable fantasy tale with compelling themes and a fun cast of characters, give this story a chance.
The narration was also of very high quality.
July 9, 2025
This book is a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. And I was there. For. It.
Things I liked: There was not any spice. Like, none at all. But there was crud boy humor and alluding to spicy things/times. Which was amusing. I really enjoyed all the “bards are cheap and easy” jokes, actually. Renly is a good story teller, and by proxy, so is the author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its rpg table top feel/style of storytelling.
What I did not like: this book is slooooooow. My average book reading speed is 8 days, per 350-page book. And with 475 pages long, I expected this book to take me maybe 11 or 12 days. It took me 110 days. Because there was so much detail and description. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does make the story grind at times. I also did not enjoy the extra bits that set the stage for why Renly has to tell the story. This book did not need to be a story within a story. I would have read it for its own merits alone.
Also, the title. There is a bard. There is nothing hard about him….
I am not sure I will read the second book.
I rented this book through kindle unlimited.
Things I liked: There was not any spice. Like, none at all. But there was crud boy humor and alluding to spicy things/times. Which was amusing. I really enjoyed all the “bards are cheap and easy” jokes, actually. Renly is a good story teller, and by proxy, so is the author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its rpg table top feel/style of storytelling.
What I did not like: this book is slooooooow. My average book reading speed is 8 days, per 350-page book. And with 475 pages long, I expected this book to take me maybe 11 or 12 days. It took me 110 days. Because there was so much detail and description. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does make the story grind at times. I also did not enjoy the extra bits that set the stage for why Renly has to tell the story. This book did not need to be a story within a story. I would have read it for its own merits alone.
Also, the title. There is a bard. There is nothing hard about him….
I am not sure I will read the second book.
I rented this book through kindle unlimited.
March 22, 2025
So, I don't normally write reviews, because I am not a very good writer. But this book deserves one. The title made me buy it, and I'm so glad I did! It had me hooked from the beginning and I loved the world building, characters, creatures and humor. I enjoyed every bit of it and I can't wait to see what the squad gets up to in the sequel, because I will definitely be finishing this series. The writing is great and there are so many possibilities for the story. (It was also cool to see my name in a book, as I never see it anywhere 😂) This one has definitely been one of my favorite reads this year. My only one tiny little thing that I might suggest is another proof read as there were a couple of minor errors, but that can be fixed. But, 5 Stars from me.
December 4, 2024
Oh, uh... yeah. I gave it five stars. Honestly, I didn’t think it would let me do that, but... uh... it did. And now it’s gonna look weird because, you know... author.
But hey, it’s honest—I wouldn’t have published it if I thought it was just a four-star book. Sigh... this is awkward. I guess I should probably say something critical to balance it out.
Okay, so here’s one thing: I’m a little nervous the cover and title might make some readers think it’s... uh... "tentacle erotica." I assure you, it is most definitely... [double checks notes]... not that.
Alright then. That’s what I’ve got. Good day.
But hey, it’s honest—I wouldn’t have published it if I thought it was just a four-star book. Sigh... this is awkward. I guess I should probably say something critical to balance it out.
Okay, so here’s one thing: I’m a little nervous the cover and title might make some readers think it’s... uh... "tentacle erotica." I assure you, it is most definitely... [double checks notes]... not that.
Alright then. That’s what I’ve got. Good day.
December 18, 2024
I would give it 10 stars, if I could......
This has got to be the best novel that I've read in several years. Its not often that a novel can make me laugh out loud and cry all in the same paragraph........ The characters and plot are top notch. The story line and dialogue flow as fast and smooth quick silver. I listen to a minimum of 500 pgs per day and this novel is one that you can't let pass by. You'll never find a better way to pass time! Thanks T. Ellory. You nailed it!
This has got to be the best novel that I've read in several years. Its not often that a novel can make me laugh out loud and cry all in the same paragraph........ The characters and plot are top notch. The story line and dialogue flow as fast and smooth quick silver. I listen to a minimum of 500 pgs per day and this novel is one that you can't let pass by. You'll never find a better way to pass time! Thanks T. Ellory. You nailed it!
June 9, 2025
Absolutely amazing! I was hooked from the 1st chapter. Such vivid writing and wonderful storytelling. Made me laugh so much throughout the whole book. I fell in love with Renly and all the side characters (they are my babies now). I love the world you've created and how detailed it is. I could go on and on about this book, and I will!
but I want to say bravo to the narrator, Steven Barnett. He was a one man show and an absolute JOY to listen to. He really brought this book to life. 10/10 would recommend.
but I want to say bravo to the narrator, Steven Barnett. He was a one man show and an absolute JOY to listen to. He really brought this book to life. 10/10 would recommend.
November 11, 2024
Epic Humor, Epic Action, Epic Epic!!!
Picked by the gods, or picked on by the gods? either is problematic...
Quests, good friends who have your back, or do they? Fabulous Action, Witty Banter ( I love wit!!!) Heroes face insurmountable challenges.
this is an Immersive Experience, the world draws you in and Oh, Yes! You're gonna love it here!!!!
LOTR, GOT, Watch out, the New Epic is Here!!!! I can't wait for the next book, the author is Brilliant!!!
Picked by the gods, or picked on by the gods? either is problematic...
Quests, good friends who have your back, or do they? Fabulous Action, Witty Banter ( I love wit!!!) Heroes face insurmountable challenges.
this is an Immersive Experience, the world draws you in and Oh, Yes! You're gonna love it here!!!!
LOTR, GOT, Watch out, the New Epic is Here!!!! I can't wait for the next book, the author is Brilliant!!!
April 1, 2025
I saw this advertised, and I don’t often see books in genres I enjoy being pushed at me so I thought I’d give it a try.
I mean this in a nice way but the book reminded me of early Rothfuss when he hooked me with name of the wind.
The bard is telling his story at his pace, and when he comes back to things, the present feels a little more fleshed out. I hope he bards a little harder real soon because I can’t wait to see if they split the party.
I mean this in a nice way but the book reminded me of early Rothfuss when he hooked me with name of the wind.
The bard is telling his story at his pace, and when he comes back to things, the present feels a little more fleshed out. I hope he bards a little harder real soon because I can’t wait to see if they split the party.
December 14, 2024
I picked this book at random, barely even checking the blurb, and honestly, I'm blown away. I like the characters, the back and forth between narration and present, the suspicion of an unreliable character, and the worldbuilding is not only very solid but also feels unique. Great surprise, I'll be looking forward to the following books.
January 2, 2025
Quite the robust fantasy world, I really enjoyed it. I'll be looking forward to seeing these character's interact in the next book, perhaps less as strangers and more companions, lots of potential there. I think the only thing the book was missing was Renly musically putting Deek in his place, a musical duel feels needed.
I will certainly be picking up the next book in the series on release.
I will certainly be picking up the next book in the series on release.
February 6, 2025
not anything like his last series
Great characters and liked how magic visions goddesses are brought into the story. Sometimes a little confusing but it makes sense after a while . Really like the main character! Shy, the Druid and the orc are great fun!
Great characters and liked how magic visions goddesses are brought into the story. Sometimes a little confusing but it makes sense after a while . Really like the main character! Shy, the Druid and the orc are great fun!
April 11, 2025
Super fun. Felt like a proper fantasy story of my youth, which I hadn't read in quite a while. It does feel a little Name of the Wind-y what with the son of a traveling troupe of story tellers narrating his own life story, but it feels less fantastic and unreliable than Kvothe.
April 30, 2025
This is very well written and a lot of fun. The characters are interesting too. However this feels more like a very long prologue, and not nearly enough of the questions raised are actually answered in this book. A lot of the problems could have been resolved with a conversation
January 21, 2025
Not the tone I was expecting based on the title and cover, but it is a good book, and better than what I expected. Just needs a proofreader to take one more look through it.
February 27, 2025
Highly enjoyable. Great writing. Great main and side characters.
April 3, 2025
Reminds me a little of name of the wind except things actually happen and the protagonist is SO much better! Fun story, fun world, and can’t wait for book 2!
September 2, 2025
took a bit to get into but once I did i found it a fascinating new fantasy world and interesting pov of the main character being a bard.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews