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Arts of Dark and Light #0.1
A Magic Broken
A Magic Broken is an excellent introduction to Arts of Dark and Light, the series that has been described as "the most promising new series in epic fantasy". Written by Vox Day, the novella is a magical combination of epic fantasy and the spy thriller.
A Magic Broken is a novella set in the world of Selenoth, the epic fantasy world of A Throne of Bones. A fantastic tale of ruthlessness, courage, and deceit, the novella tells the story of Captain Nicolas du Mere, an exile fleeing the death of his rebel lord, and Lodi, son of Dunmorin, a brave dwarf seeking to rescue his fellow dwarves from slavery. Their dangerous paths meet, but in a manner that is anything but predictable.
Translated editions of A Magic Broken are available in Bahasa Indonesia, Brazilian Portuguese, Finnish, and French.
A Magic Broken is a novella set in the world of Selenoth, the epic fantasy world of A Throne of Bones. A fantastic tale of ruthlessness, courage, and deceit, the novella tells the story of Captain Nicolas du Mere, an exile fleeing the death of his rebel lord, and Lodi, son of Dunmorin, a brave dwarf seeking to rescue his fellow dwarves from slavery. Their dangerous paths meet, but in a manner that is anything but predictable.
Translated editions of A Magic Broken are available in Bahasa Indonesia, Brazilian Portuguese, Finnish, and French.
ebook
First published October 9, 2012
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About the author
Vox Day
69 books451 followers Theodore Beale does much of his writing under the pseudonym Vox Day. Three-time Hugo Award nominee Vox Day writes epic fantasy as well as non-fiction about religion, philosophy, and economics. His literary focus is military realism, historical verisimilitude, and plausible characters who represent the full spectrum of human behavior. He is a professional game designer who speaks four languages and a three-time Billboard top 40 recording artist.
He maintains a pair of popular blogs, Vox Popoli and Alpha Game, which between them average over 20 million annual pageviews. He is a Native American and his books have been translated into ten languages.
He is the Lead Editor of Castalia House, and is also, with Tom Kratman, the co-creator of the military science fiction anthology series, RIDING THE RED HORSE.
He maintains a pair of popular blogs, Vox Popoli and Alpha Game, which between them average over 20 million annual pageviews. He is a Native American and his books have been translated into ten languages.
He is the Lead Editor of Castalia House, and is also, with Tom Kratman, the co-creator of the military science fiction anthology series, RIDING THE RED HORSE.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 9, 2014
Another short story set in the same world as The Wardog's Coin. This was a quick, light fantasy read about two different protagonists, one a human wizard, one a dwarf warrior, both on a mission to rescue an elf princess from a brothel.
If that sounds very AD&Dish, it is. All your standard medieval fantasy tropes are here; if you liked AD&D novels as a teenager, you'll probably like Vox Day's fantasy novellas. Which is not to say they are juvenile, particularly, but they're not deep or reinvigorating the genre, they're just swashbuckling, spell-slinging adventure tales with worldbuilding on a par with one of the better AD&D settings and decent dialog and action scenes.
The writing is a bit clunky at times, but it's not bad, so if you like your fantasy Tolkien-by-way-of-TSR-flavored, these are good, quick reads. Really 3.5 stars; the scheming and the twists made this a well-plotted story, so I would have given it 4 stars, but some of the prose awkwardness keeps me from rating it as highly as I would a more original and better-written fantasy.
If that sounds very AD&Dish, it is. All your standard medieval fantasy tropes are here; if you liked AD&D novels as a teenager, you'll probably like Vox Day's fantasy novellas. Which is not to say they are juvenile, particularly, but they're not deep or reinvigorating the genre, they're just swashbuckling, spell-slinging adventure tales with worldbuilding on a par with one of the better AD&D settings and decent dialog and action scenes.
The writing is a bit clunky at times, but it's not bad, so if you like your fantasy Tolkien-by-way-of-TSR-flavored, these are good, quick reads. Really 3.5 stars; the scheming and the twists made this a well-plotted story, so I would have given it 4 stars, but some of the prose awkwardness keeps me from rating it as highly as I would a more original and better-written fantasy.
October 31, 2013
I got this on a lark. I don't usually listen to audio-books and I don't much care for the type of fantasy stories that involve wizards, orcs, elves, dwarfs, and dragons. But I happened upon a chance to listen to it in exchange for an honest review, and figured I'd give it a go (it's only a couple hours long). And I'm glad to say that I was thoroughly entertained throughout. The beginning was a bit heavy on the world building data dumps, but it didn't bother me much. And I think this was helped by the smooth, professional (and British) narration. After the world setup was finished, and the story began, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was a quite dark and gritty little tale, like high fantasy noir.
February 7, 2013
Anymore, there seems to be cliches all around about what HAS to be in a high fantasy epic.
Elves? Yep.
Dragons? Aye.
Dwarves? Oh, definitely.
Strange names? It's there.
Okay, this story seems to play on those rules that have been there even before Tolkien popularized them. The thing is, in this short story prequel the first book in Arts of Dark and Light, there's also quite a quick, somewhat modernized wit. Albeit, it's mature, but this series won't be aimed to kids unlike The Hobbit. And it shows, especially when parts of the story are in a whorehouse, and most of the women are called as much.
When a quick-minded soldier goes into a town called Malkan to seek out a dwarf for help, he finds him, and the needed help. But beyond the plan, things go a little awry. At necessary moments, with the right amount of comical irony. The plan is to find and rescue an elfess trapped in a whorehouse and bring her back to her people. Well, the man wants to rescue her. The dwarf wants the gold her kin are willing to pay to have her back. Yet there's something about this elfess the dwarf doesn't know. Nor the man. Nor is it ever mentioned, not even implied that the master of the 'house knows her secret or not.
Though this story is by a Christian author, that doesn't mean it'll have explicit Christian or Biblical themes, so if you're that kind of expectant Christian reader, this won't be your area. Same if you bristle at the thought of swearing in a Christian book, which this book has some mild stuff in it. As well as spots violence. More referential than graphic by a long shot. And a little rude humor in between the lines. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this prequel, which means it's onto the next one.
Oh, and kudos to Kirk Duponce for a great, artistic cover!
Elves? Yep.
Dragons? Aye.
Dwarves? Oh, definitely.
Strange names? It's there.
Okay, this story seems to play on those rules that have been there even before Tolkien popularized them. The thing is, in this short story prequel the first book in Arts of Dark and Light, there's also quite a quick, somewhat modernized wit. Albeit, it's mature, but this series won't be aimed to kids unlike The Hobbit. And it shows, especially when parts of the story are in a whorehouse, and most of the women are called as much.
When a quick-minded soldier goes into a town called Malkan to seek out a dwarf for help, he finds him, and the needed help. But beyond the plan, things go a little awry. At necessary moments, with the right amount of comical irony. The plan is to find and rescue an elfess trapped in a whorehouse and bring her back to her people. Well, the man wants to rescue her. The dwarf wants the gold her kin are willing to pay to have her back. Yet there's something about this elfess the dwarf doesn't know. Nor the man. Nor is it ever mentioned, not even implied that the master of the 'house knows her secret or not.
Though this story is by a Christian author, that doesn't mean it'll have explicit Christian or Biblical themes, so if you're that kind of expectant Christian reader, this won't be your area. Same if you bristle at the thought of swearing in a Christian book, which this book has some mild stuff in it. As well as spots violence. More referential than graphic by a long shot. And a little rude humor in between the lines. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this prequel, which means it's onto the next one.
Oh, and kudos to Kirk Duponce for a great, artistic cover!
February 27, 2013
The story begins a bit slowly, but the world created by the author becomes realistic in a hurry! This is a fantasy that makes its own way, veering from the usual path.
Nicolas is a mage, Lodi is a mercenary dwarf. Each view is fresh and hints at a bigger story to come. Definitely an intriguing read as a precursor to a much larger story!
Nicolas is a mage, Lodi is a mercenary dwarf. Each view is fresh and hints at a bigger story to come. Definitely an intriguing read as a precursor to a much larger story!
December 27, 2012
This is a very small book. probably a small prelude to what is to follow. However it doesn't live upto the expectation set by the description.
December 16, 2013
Interesting fantasy story. I will definitely remember this series in my future readings.
December 18, 2012
After seeing the film version of “The Hobbit,” I was in the mood for another fantasy story (atypical, because I don’t read that many fantasies) that took place in a story world similar to that of Tolkien’s classics. I didn’t want anything too long, though, either. I have lots of books on my stack.
I’m glad to say that “A Magic Broken” fit the bill quite nicely. It has been years since I read “Summa Elvetica” so I’d almost forgotten what a solid storyteller Mr. Day (Beale) is. But his ability is quite evident here. There is always just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. Strong characterization, solid dialog, good plotting—all makes for another fun adventure with elves and dwarves.
The only niggle I could come up with here was the fact that some of the sentences were quite long and complicated. Real mouthfuls, even if you aren’t reading aloud. Those are few and far between, though. They don’t dispel the enjoyment.
A word of caution: Much of the narrative takes place in and around a brothel. Nothing explicit, but “A Magic Broken” probably isn’t as good a choice for a bedtime story as the “The Hobbit” would be.
Tis a well-written tale, though. I’m glad Mr. Day is taking us back into his world.
I’m glad to say that “A Magic Broken” fit the bill quite nicely. It has been years since I read “Summa Elvetica” so I’d almost forgotten what a solid storyteller Mr. Day (Beale) is. But his ability is quite evident here. There is always just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. Strong characterization, solid dialog, good plotting—all makes for another fun adventure with elves and dwarves.
The only niggle I could come up with here was the fact that some of the sentences were quite long and complicated. Real mouthfuls, even if you aren’t reading aloud. Those are few and far between, though. They don’t dispel the enjoyment.
A word of caution: Much of the narrative takes place in and around a brothel. Nothing explicit, but “A Magic Broken” probably isn’t as good a choice for a bedtime story as the “The Hobbit” would be.
Tis a well-written tale, though. I’m glad Mr. Day is taking us back into his world.
May 8, 2013
This novella is the first book recommended by the author to start first on his epic fantasy series. For 50 pages of medieval heist story, it's excellent. Albeit, the two protagonists are not the purest of heart by any stretch of imagination. Nicolas du Mere, the agent infiltrating the walled city of Malkan is almost a classic case of sociopath. He has no almost no remorse on the sets of events that he initiated and finished, leaving behind quit a few corpse. As other reviewer have noted, even though more than half of the narration are from his point of view, he does not allow his own true self to be revealed. At least not in this novella.
By contrast, Lodi the dwarven former gladiator-slave turn self-employed entrepreneur hired by some concern dwarven parents to rescue some fool hearted youths was much more straight forward. He wants to get his job done, but isn't above going an extra mile to turn extra profit, even though it might be considered unethical.
Unfortunately, I read the novel "A Throne of Bones" first, so events in this novella was referred in several passages, and I was not able to get the final plot twist unspoiled.
By contrast, Lodi the dwarven former gladiator-slave turn self-employed entrepreneur hired by some concern dwarven parents to rescue some fool hearted youths was much more straight forward. He wants to get his job done, but isn't above going an extra mile to turn extra profit, even though it might be considered unethical.
Unfortunately, I read the novel "A Throne of Bones" first, so events in this novella was referred in several passages, and I was not able to get the final plot twist unspoiled.
November 20, 2012
“No dwarf warrior is capture by orcs. Never. We say is better to die in battle than cook in the pots. If what you bought was more than bones, you bought no warriors.”
This is an appetizer for the author's upcoming fantasy epic, A Throne of Bones. In most things the conventions of the genre are kept intact. There are Men, Elves, Dwarves and the promise of Dragons. Its major asset is worldbuilding, even in this sort novella-length format. Every character has a distinct voice and there is balanced use of dialogue & description. In short, it's a take on High fantasy through the dark alleys of Sword & Sorcery.
[Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy from Black Gate Magazine]
This is an appetizer for the author's upcoming fantasy epic, A Throne of Bones. In most things the conventions of the genre are kept intact. There are Men, Elves, Dwarves and the promise of Dragons. Its major asset is worldbuilding, even in this sort novella-length format. Every character has a distinct voice and there is balanced use of dialogue & description. In short, it's a take on High fantasy through the dark alleys of Sword & Sorcery.
[Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy from Black Gate Magazine]
March 29, 2013
This was a short novella that was well-written, descriptive and managed to build an intriguing, fantastical world in about 50 pages. The characters were quite well fleshed out and interesting and comprised of the typical races of a fantasy story--humans, mages, wizards, elves, and dwarves. There was even a hint of dragons...one of my favourite magical beings.
I believe this short story is the prelude to a full-length novel, and I am intrigued and scintillated enough by this tantalising morsel to want to pursue the next adventures in Mr. Day's imaginary world.
Highly recommended to fans of the genre.
I believe this short story is the prelude to a full-length novel, and I am intrigued and scintillated enough by this tantalising morsel to want to pursue the next adventures in Mr. Day's imaginary world.
Highly recommended to fans of the genre.
January 20, 2016
Quickly-paced and satisfying heist tale. Several locations and tribes are noted that have no direct impact in this story, but they are related without jarring you out of the story: they give a hint of the wider world without wasting your time.
Best quality of the book: a sense of danger that precedes and follows each character's actions. Everything was risky in its own way.
As the mildly insane motivation of the protagonist is revealed at the end of the story, I am curious to see its impact in subsequent books.
Best quality of the book: a sense of danger that precedes and follows each character's actions. Everything was risky in its own way.
As the mildly insane motivation of the protagonist is revealed at the end of the story, I am curious to see its impact in subsequent books.
May 22, 2016
A Magic Broken by Vox Day is the first, but not last, book of this author that I've read. I really enjoyed this novella which is a prequel to his epic fantasy series.
Captain Nicolas du Mere has been sent to the city of Malkan to retrieve a stolen item. Lodi, a dwarf who is there to free some younger dwarves decides that he also would like to profit from the stolen item. I don't want to give it away, but it's a race as to who gets there first and what happens.
It was an enjoyable introduction to a series that now I will go on to read.
Captain Nicolas du Mere has been sent to the city of Malkan to retrieve a stolen item. Lodi, a dwarf who is there to free some younger dwarves decides that he also would like to profit from the stolen item. I don't want to give it away, but it's a race as to who gets there first and what happens.
It was an enjoyable introduction to a series that now I will go on to read.
February 6, 2014
If you are looking for a good introduction to how Vox Day writes, this short story will serve you well. The characters are decently made but not terribly deep. Where the characters might limp, the story moves at a good clip. I found the whole story a lot of fun and am looking forward to more from Vox.
November 21, 2012
A Magic Broken is a short introduction to the full-length book, "A Throne of Bones," which I haven't read yet.
This is a very well written and compelling story, reminiscent of the Game of Thrones series. I look forward to the full book.
This is a very well written and compelling story, reminiscent of the Game of Thrones series. I look forward to the full book.
September 17, 2015
Interesting plot handled with a good pace, efficient world-building that lends itself well as an introduction for a greater work (i.e. "A Throne of Bones"), believable characters. The only thing that bugged me was I didn't quite get the title. But apart from that - what's not to like?
January 4, 2016
After buying and reading Throne of Bones, I have purchased all the books related in fantasy from Vox and I am glad I did. These are the type of books missing from today's bookstores!
Do yourself a favor and buy this book and enjoy a well written book.
Do yourself a favor and buy this book and enjoy a well written book.
March 14, 2016
Good series intro
With so many unanswered questions, this is clearly a start to a series that I would expect to contain quite a well-developed fantasy world. Overall well written and a fun read.
With so many unanswered questions, this is clearly a start to a series that I would expect to contain quite a well-developed fantasy world. Overall well written and a fun read.
February 17, 2014
5 stars = Yearly re-read
4 stars = Re-read eventually
3 stars = Very Good
2 stars = OK
1 stars = Pass on this one.
0 stars = Couldn't finish it.
4 stars = Re-read eventually
3 stars = Very Good
2 stars = OK
1 stars = Pass on this one.
0 stars = Couldn't finish it.
May 10, 2013
Loved the story can't wait for more and have to wait since reading for free as a Amazon Prime member.
September 29, 2014
nice and well written but way too short and with too many unfinished threads at the end.
February 12, 2014
A very interesting and well executed story.
January 3, 2016
Probably my favorite of the Selenoth short stories.
June 15, 2018
An Expectation of Quality in Writing to Achieve Publication Broken.
November 6, 2020
Another short story. I wanted more Lodi, I got more Lodi.
October 21, 2019
Good companion to A Throne Of Bones that gives some backstory to some of the main characters.
April 18, 2017
A Magic Broken by Vox Day is the first, but not last, book of this author that I've read. I really enjoyed this novella which is a prequel to his epic fantasy series.
Captain Nicolas du Mere has been sent to the city of Malkan to retrieve a stolen item. Lodi, a dwarf who is there to free some younger dwarves decides that he also would like to profit from the stolen item. I don't want to give it away, but it's a race as to who gets there first and what happens.
It was an enjoyable introduction to a series that now I will go on to read.
Captain Nicolas du Mere has been sent to the city of Malkan to retrieve a stolen item. Lodi, a dwarf who is there to free some younger dwarves decides that he also would like to profit from the stolen item. I don't want to give it away, but it's a race as to who gets there first and what happens.
It was an enjoyable introduction to a series that now I will go on to read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews