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The Storm And Fire Series #1
The Storm's Own Son: Book One
Heir to mighty gifts of power. Chosen by no fate. Guided by no one. Bound by no destiny. As the world will soon learn.
An ancient world of magic. Eternal human questions.
Talaos is a tough young man in a vast, ages-old city. Orphaned in the teeth of a storm at sea, his origins lie in lands far to the north. A rising gangster on the rough streets he calls home, he lives by his blades. A trail of blood and broken hearts lies behind him and an unknown future ahead. Wondering what more life might have to offer, he feels the call of change. When an immortal sorcerer sends acolytes to kill him, he discovers his true nature.
His roots are far older and deeper than he ever imagined. His choices will lead farther than he ever thought possible.
An ancient world of magic. Eternal human questions.
Talaos is a tough young man in a vast, ages-old city. Orphaned in the teeth of a storm at sea, his origins lie in lands far to the north. A rising gangster on the rough streets he calls home, he lives by his blades. A trail of blood and broken hearts lies behind him and an unknown future ahead. Wondering what more life might have to offer, he feels the call of change. When an immortal sorcerer sends acolytes to kill him, he discovers his true nature.
His roots are far older and deeper than he ever imagined. His choices will lead farther than he ever thought possible.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2014
66 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Gillis
8 books161 followersThe child of hippie adventurer parents, I lived on my father’s sailboat, an island off the coast of Costa Rica, a converted school bus, and a ramshackle house in Ft. Lauderdale with a leaky roof and a sand yard, before settling down to something resembling a normal childhood. Something in all that made me decide to enlist and serve in the United States Air Force, and then earn a bachelor’s degree in history and an MBA. I worked in accounting and finance from the early 1990s until 2014, but I've since made the leap to full time writer.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 18, 2014
Well that was unexpected, didn't know what to expect when I first started this...
There's two things I love when I play video games; duel wielding swords and using lightning powers to destroy my enemies. Well Anthony Gillis just took my character and put him in a book!
Loved this, the MC reminds me a bit of other "rogue" characters from books I've read, mostly Hearne from Watchers Blade and Kylar from the Night Angel Trilogy.
Anyways, the writing in this one is pretty good, the action scenes were the best parts I found, the world building was decent, Anthony gives you a tiny glimpse into this huge world at war...and a world at war, is where our MC belongs, as he is the storms own son.
When I first started, I was worried I'd have to read half the book before Talaos grew and learned from life experiences...I was happy to find that this was not the case, thisis no coming of age story where it's going to take the whole first book for the MC to become bad ass. No, in this Talaos is already established as a man who loves the battle, complete with his own harem.
I'll get book 2 for sure, great action in this one and I'm looking forward to seeing more from the Madmen.
There's two things I love when I play video games; duel wielding swords and using lightning powers to destroy my enemies. Well Anthony Gillis just took my character and put him in a book!
Loved this, the MC reminds me a bit of other "rogue" characters from books I've read, mostly Hearne from Watchers Blade and Kylar from the Night Angel Trilogy.
Anyways, the writing in this one is pretty good, the action scenes were the best parts I found, the world building was decent, Anthony gives you a tiny glimpse into this huge world at war...and a world at war, is where our MC belongs, as he is the storms own son.
When I first started, I was worried I'd have to read half the book before Talaos grew and learned from life experiences...I was happy to find that this was not the case, thisis no coming of age story where it's going to take the whole first book for the MC to become bad ass. No, in this Talaos is already established as a man who loves the battle, complete with his own harem.
I'll get book 2 for sure, great action in this one and I'm looking forward to seeing more from the Madmen.
January 5, 2024
I'd have to say that anyone who likes this book is probably a 12 year old boy or an immature douche-nozzle who acts like a 12 year old boy.
The main character is the most epic badass at everything, ever.
He has two swords and he whips them all around better that Drizzt Do'Urden. He has buxom ladies absolutely begging to have threesomes with him. He, like, totally murders people with swords and lightning. He's super tough and can shrug off wounds that would kill most men. He's a lover, a fighter, and a bad-ass that can fry people with lightning, and did I mention the SWORDZZZ!!1!1!!
It reads more like someone's crappy back story for their WOW character than an actual novel. It should have never been published.
The main character is the most epic badass at everything, ever.
He has two swords and he whips them all around better that Drizzt Do'Urden. He has buxom ladies absolutely begging to have threesomes with him. He, like, totally murders people with swords and lightning. He's super tough and can shrug off wounds that would kill most men. He's a lover, a fighter, and a bad-ass that can fry people with lightning, and did I mention the SWORDZZZ!!1!1!!
It reads more like someone's crappy back story for their WOW character than an actual novel. It should have never been published.
August 10, 2016
Not much to recommend here, if anything, so I'll make this short.
The prime focus of the book is the titular "Storms own son", nickname of Talaos. A particularly bland character, albeit one who is either singularly talented in everything he does, or is able to fall ass-backward into some unknown magic-talent and/or prime slice of luck.
He's utterly deadly with blades, regularly has threesomes, women fawn at his feet (and he takes advantage of it), is nigh-on in-destructable, loyal only to himself, a touch arrogant and not at all interesting.
How he becomes this character, we don't know - he just is.
First half of the book takes place in his home town. Gang wars, regular bedroom antics (of the graphic kind) and an assembly of friends to meet and scheme with. Those events swiftly dealt with (presumably left in state for later books?) – and supporting cast either killed off two minutes after speaking their names, or left behind elsewhere – Talaos then is weirdly dragged into a much larger war (a big-bad is hinted at in early chapters), so off he goes on foot to sort it out his own way.
On the way, he stops at a village to kill some more men and bang the local chief's daughter; later he joins an army and is made a squadron leader five minutes after introducing himself.
The ending should be predictable by this point. (hint: Talaos is apparently just awesome, who knew)
The writing is very poor indeed and makes the material (not a long book by any stretch) a tough slog for large parts. Lots of adverbs, passive voice and pointless flowery-descriptions of various characters clothing. Don't know where to start with the dialogue.
An exercise in mediocrity.
The prime focus of the book is the titular "Storms own son", nickname of Talaos. A particularly bland character, albeit one who is either singularly talented in everything he does, or is able to fall ass-backward into some unknown magic-talent and/or prime slice of luck.
He's utterly deadly with blades, regularly has threesomes, women fawn at his feet (and he takes advantage of it), is nigh-on in-destructable, loyal only to himself, a touch arrogant and not at all interesting.
How he becomes this character, we don't know - he just is.
First half of the book takes place in his home town. Gang wars, regular bedroom antics (of the graphic kind) and an assembly of friends to meet and scheme with. Those events swiftly dealt with (presumably left in state for later books?) – and supporting cast either killed off two minutes after speaking their names, or left behind elsewhere – Talaos then is weirdly dragged into a much larger war (a big-bad is hinted at in early chapters), so off he goes on foot to sort it out his own way.
On the way, he stops at a village to kill some more men and bang the local chief's daughter; later he joins an army and is made a squadron leader five minutes after introducing himself.
The ending should be predictable by this point. (hint: Talaos is apparently just awesome, who knew)
The writing is very poor indeed and makes the material (not a long book by any stretch) a tough slog for large parts. Lots of adverbs, passive voice and pointless flowery-descriptions of various characters clothing. Don't know where to start with the dialogue.
An exercise in mediocrity.
August 18, 2014
If you ever wondered how an RPG would work as an book this here is a pretty good example of it. Take a bit of Skyrim, mix it with some LotR or any other typical fantasy book and add a spoonful of teenager dreams and this will be the result.
It has a very interesting start, with interesting ideas that differ somewhat from the typical genre standard, but by the time you reach the middle of it it becomes clear that the book lacks any sort of depth. Its characters lack...well character, its plot is as unimaginative as possible (Hero vs. big bad evil overlord) and the writing is mediocre.
The ending is perhaps the worst part of story, erasing what little character the MC had and leaving us wondering what exactly the author wanted to accomplish with all this.
It probably deserves only 2 stars but I liked some the ideas and think that the book has some potential, it simply needs a bit more work.
It has a very interesting start, with interesting ideas that differ somewhat from the typical genre standard, but by the time you reach the middle of it it becomes clear that the book lacks any sort of depth. Its characters lack...well character, its plot is as unimaginative as possible (Hero vs. big bad evil overlord) and the writing is mediocre.
The ending is perhaps the worst part of story, erasing what little character the MC had and leaving us wondering what exactly the author wanted to accomplish with all this.
It probably deserves only 2 stars but I liked some the ideas and think that the book has some potential, it simply needs a bit more work.
May 18, 2022
Absolutely ridiculous. I had no empathy with the key character at all and the plot was wafer thin. The dialouge failed miserably. All it seems to be about is how many of his enemies the key character can slay. So many of these self published authors fail to meet the standards of good writing and story telling. No wonder ebook sales have dropped off, no wonder I am adverse to paying for over rated books with five star reviews that only deserve one and sometimes not even that. Not recommended.
February 6, 2015
The book description really caught my interest. The main character, Talaos sounded completely untraditional and more than a little wicked and free. And I can say the story as it unfolds does not disappoint!
Talaos as a main character is very unlike any I’d encountered before. A man with questionable values and great skill with both swords and women, he isn’t a knight in shining armor. And the men and women he calls friends are a dark lot as well. But he does care and love, making his character relatable and engaging. He also has amazing abilities that he is only beginning to learn about. What develops into potentially boundless power is saved from cliche by a character that is only beginning to uncover and accept his hidden potential.
Other things I loved about the story include descriptions you can chew on they are so concisely concrete. The cultures of the world are varied and well drawn. The history of the lands is emphasized from the beginning, making the world feel that much more real. I was also struck by the variety of weapons and skills of the wielders, adding personality to the characters while giving further depth to the story. There are some good fight scenes, great love scenes, and overall the book is a very enjoyable read.
With all that, I have very few complaints. I would love to know more of Talaos thoughts and reactions (deeper POV). He is such an interesting character that I want to be in his head more. I also thought there was too much description during fight scenes when the occurring action would never allow such observations. And my last complaint is purely personal: there are only 13 chapters of standard length, which to me doesn’t make this a novel. It is more of a novella.
The story is engaging and well written. I really like the characters and how much they evolve (in those thirteen chapters!). A lot happens in a short amount of time and all of it flows naturally with the plot and story. A few days after finishing the novel, I found myself thinking about the characters, wondering what happens next, realizing how much I enjoyed the story, and then buying the next book.
My rating 4.5 stars out of 5, rounded up to 5!
Talaos as a main character is very unlike any I’d encountered before. A man with questionable values and great skill with both swords and women, he isn’t a knight in shining armor. And the men and women he calls friends are a dark lot as well. But he does care and love, making his character relatable and engaging. He also has amazing abilities that he is only beginning to learn about. What develops into potentially boundless power is saved from cliche by a character that is only beginning to uncover and accept his hidden potential.
Other things I loved about the story include descriptions you can chew on they are so concisely concrete. The cultures of the world are varied and well drawn. The history of the lands is emphasized from the beginning, making the world feel that much more real. I was also struck by the variety of weapons and skills of the wielders, adding personality to the characters while giving further depth to the story. There are some good fight scenes, great love scenes, and overall the book is a very enjoyable read.
With all that, I have very few complaints. I would love to know more of Talaos thoughts and reactions (deeper POV). He is such an interesting character that I want to be in his head more. I also thought there was too much description during fight scenes when the occurring action would never allow such observations. And my last complaint is purely personal: there are only 13 chapters of standard length, which to me doesn’t make this a novel. It is more of a novella.
The story is engaging and well written. I really like the characters and how much they evolve (in those thirteen chapters!). A lot happens in a short amount of time and all of it flows naturally with the plot and story. A few days after finishing the novel, I found myself thinking about the characters, wondering what happens next, realizing how much I enjoyed the story, and then buying the next book.
My rating 4.5 stars out of 5, rounded up to 5!
October 28, 2015
Another reviewer hit the nail on the head when they described it as a book about sex, violence, and magic. The protagonist isn't your standard do-gooder type, he is perfectly designed with passions and flaws. Truth be told, at the start of the book I wasn't sure it was going to be my kind of thing, but as you may have gathered, I soon changed my mind, so much so that I read the second one straight after..
Without spoilers, the book itself is about the personal war of Talaos against The Living Prophet, one which unexpectedly sees new bonds, and powers developing in ways the reader would not have imagined given the start of the first book. It centres around Talaos' personal war and the battles he chooses to involve himself in.
There are plenty of well-constructed fighting scenes as well as character growth and development. Mr Gillis uses a wide cast of supporting characters, all of which are as well-designed and detailed as the protagonist and even have their own sense of humour.
I highly recommend this book, the writing style is smooth and enjoyable, the book is packed with actions, and the characters have a way of drawing you in.
Without spoilers, the book itself is about the personal war of Talaos against The Living Prophet, one which unexpectedly sees new bonds, and powers developing in ways the reader would not have imagined given the start of the first book. It centres around Talaos' personal war and the battles he chooses to involve himself in.
There are plenty of well-constructed fighting scenes as well as character growth and development. Mr Gillis uses a wide cast of supporting characters, all of which are as well-designed and detailed as the protagonist and even have their own sense of humour.
I highly recommend this book, the writing style is smooth and enjoyable, the book is packed with actions, and the characters have a way of drawing you in.
December 9, 2014
WITH AN UNASSUMING COVER, Storm's Own Son is a bit of a surprise. I gambled and the story take root and never lets up. The protagonist is a mysterious figure saddled with a curious mix of abilities. That drew me on and when I last check, I'm right at the end, hoping for more.
My recommendation is, give this book and chance and the story will surprise you. Be warned though, it is a bit short and you might want to have the sequel in easy reach.
My recommendation is, give this book and chance and the story will surprise you. Be warned though, it is a bit short and you might want to have the sequel in easy reach.
July 29, 2014
4.5 stars.
Very fast paced and action packed.
Very fast paced and action packed.
August 8, 2014
Cliffhanger. It's a page turner that I can't wait for the next book. It's now on my already long list , but now at the must read as it's released list.
April 19, 2016
Gripping
I chose this ratting because I loved the fast pace of this book, and thought the two girls definitely had a good role for girls power
I chose this ratting because I loved the fast pace of this book, and thought the two girls definitely had a good role for girls power
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September 6, 2017Not my type of book. No character development at all.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews