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The Sendyne Empire Series #1
A Sword of the Three Rivers: The Sendyne Empire Series
Begin an epic journey in a forgotten time, where empires rise and fall, helping or destroying smaller provinces along the way. Follow the bloody and lusty adventures of young Bovir of the Woodlands, as his destiny becomes intertwined with the many colorful characters, beautiful vixens, kingdoms, politicians, priests, bankers, and terrifying warlords that he meets along the way, simply trying to return home and find his revenge for the many wrongs dealt to him. Alongside these quests, he must deal with the whims of the gods, ancient prophecies, and the corruption of the religious overlords that keep their secrets. An odyssey for a new generation of readers and fantasy fans.
- GenresFantasyEpic Fantasy
Audible Audio
First published September 14, 2022
18 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 3, 2022
Incipient talent, but not quite there yet.
A Sword of the Three Rivers is the tale of the adventures of Bovir of the Three Rivers. And does he have adventures! All of the classic tropes of heroic fantasy are here—war, betrayal, a rise from obscurity to power and of course, love.
What I liked — The author’s obvious enthusiasm for his work and his desire to create a world with depth and richness. The novel spans a continent with varied cultures and there’s always a new twist around the corner.
What I didn’t like — The author provides a prologue to warn us that this is a first novel, written a while ago, indicating that he knows it has problems. It is obviously a first draft and suffers mightily from a lack of editing. Grammatical errors and poor word choices abound. Also, there are no chapter breaks (in a 200+ page book!)—the story plunges forward in a headlong race, leaping from place to place and character to character. It’s a hard book to put down simply because there is no place to put it down. There is very little resolution of anything; it’s like a 1940s film serial, going from cliffhanger to cliffhanger. When I was finished with it. I was unsure about what had really happened.
I’ve given the effort three stars based solely on the author’s enthusiasm and perseverance, and the many passages where the writing shines as well. Unfortunately, these are offset by equally many where it falls flat. However, I do see great potential here. As an indie author myself, I know how difficult it can be to get good editing and beta-reading, but I think that would make all the difference to this author’s work.
A Sword of the Three Rivers is the tale of the adventures of Bovir of the Three Rivers. And does he have adventures! All of the classic tropes of heroic fantasy are here—war, betrayal, a rise from obscurity to power and of course, love.
What I liked — The author’s obvious enthusiasm for his work and his desire to create a world with depth and richness. The novel spans a continent with varied cultures and there’s always a new twist around the corner.
What I didn’t like — The author provides a prologue to warn us that this is a first novel, written a while ago, indicating that he knows it has problems. It is obviously a first draft and suffers mightily from a lack of editing. Grammatical errors and poor word choices abound. Also, there are no chapter breaks (in a 200+ page book!)—the story plunges forward in a headlong race, leaping from place to place and character to character. It’s a hard book to put down simply because there is no place to put it down. There is very little resolution of anything; it’s like a 1940s film serial, going from cliffhanger to cliffhanger. When I was finished with it. I was unsure about what had really happened.
I’ve given the effort three stars based solely on the author’s enthusiasm and perseverance, and the many passages where the writing shines as well. Unfortunately, these are offset by equally many where it falls flat. However, I do see great potential here. As an indie author myself, I know how difficult it can be to get good editing and beta-reading, but I think that would make all the difference to this author’s work.
October 31, 2022
Captivating! The 20-odd-years-old, red-blooded, thin-bearded Bovir of the Woodlands, fearsome second-in-command warrior of the Three River People, shows off his leadership talents by urging his people not to go to war with the Charrians as long as the traitor in their midst is not found. He is more perceptive than the formidable but naïve general Oscala, who fails to see the dangers of the corruption sapping the community’s energy from within. Power-hungry, war-mongering druids and priests, headed by the manipulative Iamenolos, have hijacked the rituals and beliefs that hold the Three River People together. And it turns out that Iamenolos holds a terrible secret! But it is not only the fate of his people that seizes Bovir’s ardor. The beguiling, voluptuous vixen Littvya stirs his passions as well. “… she could drown a man, or she could heal a man, just like the sea.” Yet, this doesn’t stop him from saving his skin by fulfilling the sensual demands of a horde of cannibalistic savages that capture him.
A Sword of the Three Rivers narrates timeless themes of power and corruption—how the authority and customs growing from cooperation become an Achilles Heel for the corrupt forces of evil to aim at. Hobbs’s imaginative, sweeping, humorous style easily drew me into the adventure, even when I found the prose at times somewhat windy. Readers who look for an escape into a richly adorned, rousing fantasy world will certainly not be disappointed.
A Sword of the Three Rivers narrates timeless themes of power and corruption—how the authority and customs growing from cooperation become an Achilles Heel for the corrupt forces of evil to aim at. Hobbs’s imaginative, sweeping, humorous style easily drew me into the adventure, even when I found the prose at times somewhat windy. Readers who look for an escape into a richly adorned, rousing fantasy world will certainly not be disappointed.
November 11, 2022
A fun and capturing environment, with charming memorable characters. The author gives a fresh style to action in goryious detail.
January 27, 2023
When brash warrior Bovir finds himself betrayed and exiled, his fate becomes entwined with the philosophy of 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'. This simple plot thread weaves itself through various unexpected twists, where rescues are far from resulting in better prospects and opportunities lie only by committing more treachery.
This is an ambitious world-building saga pitting far-flung islands of small tribes against the might of a vast empire seeing to consume them. Imagine the Asterix comics depicted in dark grim violence, sans the humor, and an unlikely hero rising from the ashes to lead a rebellion.
Being the first in a series, this books leaves the reader on a cliffhanger as all the main players converge on where the tale began - at the Three Rivers. Fast-paced with well-depicted characterization and action, I'm looking forward to the sequel.
This is an ambitious world-building saga pitting far-flung islands of small tribes against the might of a vast empire seeing to consume them. Imagine the Asterix comics depicted in dark grim violence, sans the humor, and an unlikely hero rising from the ashes to lead a rebellion.
Being the first in a series, this books leaves the reader on a cliffhanger as all the main players converge on where the tale began - at the Three Rivers. Fast-paced with well-depicted characterization and action, I'm looking forward to the sequel.
January 29, 2023
A Sword of the Three Rivers runs along at breakneck speed. There is never a dull moment in the book to be sure. I actually wish it wasn’t as fast paced because the author created some cool places and scenarios and I would have like to see more of them.
The main character, Bovir, is as strong and competent a character as you could want. The book follows him as his world is turned upside down by a betrayal from within his own village. Bovir rises to the challenges thrown at him with courage and humor. Beside him is Abzrielle, a woman who saves him several times.
Abzrielle is one of the characters I would have liked to see more of. She is introduced in a fantastic manner with a great display of bravery and fighting prowess. However, she doesn’t fight much after that. She’s a little reactive in the events that follow, though it is made clear that she still has much inner fortitude - I would just have liked to see more of that outwardly.
The book ends with the introduction of some of the big players of the Sendyne Empire and honestly, it seems like its setting up something pretty cool.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interesting in a very fast-paced combat-heavy adventure.
The main character, Bovir, is as strong and competent a character as you could want. The book follows him as his world is turned upside down by a betrayal from within his own village. Bovir rises to the challenges thrown at him with courage and humor. Beside him is Abzrielle, a woman who saves him several times.
Abzrielle is one of the characters I would have liked to see more of. She is introduced in a fantastic manner with a great display of bravery and fighting prowess. However, she doesn’t fight much after that. She’s a little reactive in the events that follow, though it is made clear that she still has much inner fortitude - I would just have liked to see more of that outwardly.
The book ends with the introduction of some of the big players of the Sendyne Empire and honestly, it seems like its setting up something pretty cool.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interesting in a very fast-paced combat-heavy adventure.
April 5, 2024
What I liked.
- The big concept of the book is fresh and fits well into the genera. And I liked the world the author has created.
- I like the development of Bovir’s character.
- The overall plot is well thought out with enough surprises to keep it interesting.
- The book has a fabulous cover that is inviting.
What I didn’t enjoy and took me out of the story as a reader.
-While the storyline was interesting, I never was drawn into the scenes; it was like this was a detailed summary of the story. I was kept arm’s length because the author told me what was happening, rather than delivering the scenes as they unfolded and letting me, the reader, draw my own conclusions.
- I read the Kindle version and there were several instances with formatting issues. It made it difficult to read. For this reason, my 3.5 star rating dropped to a 3.
While this novel has great promise, it needs tweaking. It has the bones of a 5 star bestseller but isn’t there yet.
- The big concept of the book is fresh and fits well into the genera. And I liked the world the author has created.
- I like the development of Bovir’s character.
- The overall plot is well thought out with enough surprises to keep it interesting.
- The book has a fabulous cover that is inviting.
What I didn’t enjoy and took me out of the story as a reader.
-While the storyline was interesting, I never was drawn into the scenes; it was like this was a detailed summary of the story. I was kept arm’s length because the author told me what was happening, rather than delivering the scenes as they unfolded and letting me, the reader, draw my own conclusions.
- I read the Kindle version and there were several instances with formatting issues. It made it difficult to read. For this reason, my 3.5 star rating dropped to a 3.
While this novel has great promise, it needs tweaking. It has the bones of a 5 star bestseller but isn’t there yet.
December 16, 2023
A sword of the three rivers is a far more intimate story. We follow Bovir as he is betrayed, his tribe murdered and he is exiled and left for dead on an island. Just as he is about to be sacrificed and eaten alive by sharks, he is rescued by Abzrielle. Together, they flee the island, unfortunately, they end up on a ship controlled by the Sendyne Empire. The rest of the book follows the two characters as Bovir attempts to find his way home so he can enact his revenge.
The strengths of this book lies in the characters, worldbuilding and plotting. As we follow as smaller group of characters, you are shown what is happening and that allows tension to build.
Needless to say, the story ends on a cliffhanger that left me wanting more. I highly recommend sword of the three rivers, it is a great first installment into this world.
The strengths of this book lies in the characters, worldbuilding and plotting. As we follow as smaller group of characters, you are shown what is happening and that allows tension to build.
Needless to say, the story ends on a cliffhanger that left me wanting more. I highly recommend sword of the three rivers, it is a great first installment into this world.
July 4, 2023
Definitely 3.5! Interesting start to the series! I enjoyed the story building and character building. I just felt like there was a LOT of explaining in certain parts.
March 30, 2023
In “A Sword of the Three Rivers” we’ll embark with Bovir on his journey to avenge his betrayal and exile, and save The Three Rivers from his enemies. And I will tell you, what a journey! During his exile he meets Abzrielle, who had also been betrayed and exiled, and she joins Bovir in his quest. It seems like a simple and linear plot, but it is definitely not: it takes us through betrayals, fights, friendships, love, trust, honor, all of that in 282 pages. There are so many twists and turns that at a given point you feel as if you were inside the book, fighting side by side with Bovir, Ubumgleto, and the whole pack. This book’s structure and some aspects of the plot remind me so much of Drakon, by C.A. Caskabel, which for me is a good thing: I love when books describe the places and the characters in a way that I can picture them in my mind. And I love these books that make me think they’d be a great Netflix series!!!
The only downside, I would say, is that because there are so many things going on, you get lost with so many names, places, and I had to go back a couple of times to remember who was who… I am hoping the sequel will wrap up some loose ends, and I hope it also explores more some characters like Abzrielle – I was eager to see what her role was going to be during the journey back to the Three Rivers, but she practically disappeared on the second half of the book. I am starting the sequel this week and will write a second review shortly!
The only downside, I would say, is that because there are so many things going on, you get lost with so many names, places, and I had to go back a couple of times to remember who was who… I am hoping the sequel will wrap up some loose ends, and I hope it also explores more some characters like Abzrielle – I was eager to see what her role was going to be during the journey back to the Three Rivers, but she practically disappeared on the second half of the book. I am starting the sequel this week and will write a second review shortly!
December 31, 2022
Being a lover of Fantasy novels, I truly enjoyed Seth Hobbs’ first novel. The story follows the adventures of Bovir, a young warrior, and Abzrielle, the woman whose life becomes unavoidably entangled with his. The novel will be particularly appreciated by readers who love actioners, as the author often depicts detailed duels and battles. The genre of the story is reminiscent of Conan the Barbarian. It is the first of a series. If you love series like I do you will appreciate the way the storyline evolves through twists and turn with the emergence of new and more powerful enemies as the protagonists fight for their lives.
December 13, 2022
Great read, the author really sets the scene.
November 17, 2022
Great story
Easily found myself becoming immersed into the story and wanting to continue without pause. I look forward to reading the next in this series.
Easily found myself becoming immersed into the story and wanting to continue without pause. I look forward to reading the next in this series.
June 2, 2023
Exploding with fast paced action and adventure, ‘A Sword of Three Rivers’, the first of its series, launches into what seems to be Bovir’s exploration of vengeance, identity, and an unraveling of injustices. A wild roller coaster of twists and turns, the journey introduces many characters, challenges and experiences that one might expect from a fantastical adventure featuring a young warrior. As such, the novel leans into a masculine and heroic perspective and presents a merged approach towards what might be Middle Age and modernized perspectives.
Immersive right from the start, the novel has a strong presence of passionate and imaginative writing, capturing a depth and attention that many do not. The exploration of betrayal, love, lust, humility, greed and pain in conjunction with the descriptive passages of action also leave the reader feeling continuously present and attached to character’s journey. Descriptive introductions and initial contexts are provided when scenes and characters are presented and there is a reasonably comfortable balance between dialogue and action.
However, the constantly high-paced nature of the narrative along with the many characters, twists and turns introduced, along with the lengthy chapters, presents a challenge in the following of the context and direction of the novel. Readers are not provided much reprieve, resulting in difficulty towards taking the time to invest and process events as they occur. While a disclaimer was presented at the commencement of the novel in an effort induce the reader to take a less critical stance, the passion presented in the writing would suggest that more thorough effort toward editing should have been invested before publication, which would have largely contributed to a more enjoyable and valued experience as it would most likely have resolved the previously mentioned setbacks.
The use of common tropes and fast speed and action filled nature of the plot may appeal to some readers, while the need for another thorough edit and re-pacing of many parts may make it difficult for others to follow.
Immersive right from the start, the novel has a strong presence of passionate and imaginative writing, capturing a depth and attention that many do not. The exploration of betrayal, love, lust, humility, greed and pain in conjunction with the descriptive passages of action also leave the reader feeling continuously present and attached to character’s journey. Descriptive introductions and initial contexts are provided when scenes and characters are presented and there is a reasonably comfortable balance between dialogue and action.
However, the constantly high-paced nature of the narrative along with the many characters, twists and turns introduced, along with the lengthy chapters, presents a challenge in the following of the context and direction of the novel. Readers are not provided much reprieve, resulting in difficulty towards taking the time to invest and process events as they occur. While a disclaimer was presented at the commencement of the novel in an effort induce the reader to take a less critical stance, the passion presented in the writing would suggest that more thorough effort toward editing should have been invested before publication, which would have largely contributed to a more enjoyable and valued experience as it would most likely have resolved the previously mentioned setbacks.
The use of common tropes and fast speed and action filled nature of the plot may appeal to some readers, while the need for another thorough edit and re-pacing of many parts may make it difficult for others to follow.
July 5, 2023
An action-packed fantasy novel with powerful writing and beautiful imagery.
Although a young warrior, Bovir has earned the respect of his fellow soldiers and stands side-by-side with his experienced general, Oscala. Yet, their military exploits are foiled by a traitor within their midst, and the troop is all but decimated in a treacherous ambush. Bovir, who survives, is captured and exiled to an island that all fear worse than death. Had it not been for the brave assistance of the beautiful fugitive Abzrielle, Bovir would have perished at the hands of the sadistic cannibals on the forsaken island. Their dramatic escape into the open seas mirrored the expression ‘out of the frying pan and into the fire’ as exile became servitude to masters on a ship from a conquering empire.
‘A Sword of the Three Rivers’ is a fast-paced fantasy that keeps readers turning pages for never-ending action and adventure. Author Seth Hobbs writes fight scenes like the best of them with vivid descriptions of the grace, grittiness, and gore of battle. Yet, amongst the bloody violence is artistry and beauty in wordsmithing with metaphors and images that are sometimes stunning. The reader is immersed in a world that reflects the darker side of human nature with deceit, greed, betrayal, and colonialism, yet is counterbalanced with spicy romance, admirable spirit, and strength of conviction.
I suggest the author replace the preface with warnings of the volume’s misgivings with a more robust effort to edit the grammatical errors and repetitive word choices that pull the reader from the story. The brilliance of writing evident in the novel could shine even more brightly with the help of a good editor. There were a few issues, such as the relatively weak portrayal of women, and occasional language that didn’t reflect the period, that could also benefit from editing. I was also somewhat bothered by the abrupt ending, but as the first book in a series, it is a cliffhanger that will attract many readers to the sequel. Reading a fantasy novel that avoids the tired trope of witches, wizards, and magic was refreshing.
Although a young warrior, Bovir has earned the respect of his fellow soldiers and stands side-by-side with his experienced general, Oscala. Yet, their military exploits are foiled by a traitor within their midst, and the troop is all but decimated in a treacherous ambush. Bovir, who survives, is captured and exiled to an island that all fear worse than death. Had it not been for the brave assistance of the beautiful fugitive Abzrielle, Bovir would have perished at the hands of the sadistic cannibals on the forsaken island. Their dramatic escape into the open seas mirrored the expression ‘out of the frying pan and into the fire’ as exile became servitude to masters on a ship from a conquering empire.
‘A Sword of the Three Rivers’ is a fast-paced fantasy that keeps readers turning pages for never-ending action and adventure. Author Seth Hobbs writes fight scenes like the best of them with vivid descriptions of the grace, grittiness, and gore of battle. Yet, amongst the bloody violence is artistry and beauty in wordsmithing with metaphors and images that are sometimes stunning. The reader is immersed in a world that reflects the darker side of human nature with deceit, greed, betrayal, and colonialism, yet is counterbalanced with spicy romance, admirable spirit, and strength of conviction.
I suggest the author replace the preface with warnings of the volume’s misgivings with a more robust effort to edit the grammatical errors and repetitive word choices that pull the reader from the story. The brilliance of writing evident in the novel could shine even more brightly with the help of a good editor. There were a few issues, such as the relatively weak portrayal of women, and occasional language that didn’t reflect the period, that could also benefit from editing. I was also somewhat bothered by the abrupt ending, but as the first book in a series, it is a cliffhanger that will attract many readers to the sequel. Reading a fantasy novel that avoids the tired trope of witches, wizards, and magic was refreshing.
September 20, 2022
Author Review: First of all, let me disclose that I am Seth Hobbs. I am the author of this book, and I have seen people debate whether authors should rate their own work. I am trying to be as objective as possible, but if you like Fantasy or Historical Fiction work, romance, or adventure, then I think you will enjoy the worlds I have created. I am very confident in this first book, and I want to finish a trilogy. It is very frustrating not to get any reviews or ratings as a new author, so I just wanted to talk a little bit about this work. I did not give it 5 stars, because I was younger when I wrote this first book, and I think I have better things to come. I do think it is fun, clever, and enjoyable, with plenty of characters, witty dialogue, comical thoughts, battles, and political intrigue to be worthy of a decent rating. I hope you will forgive me for tooting my own proverbial horn, but I am confident you will love the story if you give it a try. I would love to rapidly expand this fictional world, with more books to come, but I want to get a little feedback from the community to see if there is any demand for it. Bovir of the Woodlands must complete an epic odyssey to find the answers and revenge he seeks, and along the way, he will be introduced to many intriguing characters and provinces, while preparing to go against the mighty Sendyne Empire, but there is division and uncertainty on all sides. This story has it all-- love, lust, war, politics, assassins, sharks, cannibals, emperors, generals, warlords, etc. If you like epic fantasy, but tire of the overused magical nonsense and dragons, this might be a new world for you to enjoy. I am just getting started...
February 20, 2024
Editing is everything - Esther Freud
The tale is cinematically told in a series of convincing action sequences and mesmerising fight scenes; the author is evidently well-versed in combat blades and pointed weapons of all kinds and their use. Passages of savage barbarity and moving tenderness are skillfully interwoven, giving an emotionally layered feel to the narrative.
The book abounds in vivid, vital, characters, their motivations well drawn and entirely credible - the detail where Bovir, the hero, offers water to his female companion only once he has quenched his own thirst is particularly telling of an observant, imaginative, mind at work. The story world is evoked with meticulous attention to detail, the terrains traversed strongly visualised.
Despite these good points, however, I found the book a struggle to read because of the (extreme) draft nature of the text, a failing that does the self-publishing project no favours. Which is disappointing, as the quality of those passages which appear to have been carefully edited clearly shows the author’s true capability.
The tale is cinematically told in a series of convincing action sequences and mesmerising fight scenes; the author is evidently well-versed in combat blades and pointed weapons of all kinds and their use. Passages of savage barbarity and moving tenderness are skillfully interwoven, giving an emotionally layered feel to the narrative.
The book abounds in vivid, vital, characters, their motivations well drawn and entirely credible - the detail where Bovir, the hero, offers water to his female companion only once he has quenched his own thirst is particularly telling of an observant, imaginative, mind at work. The story world is evoked with meticulous attention to detail, the terrains traversed strongly visualised.
Despite these good points, however, I found the book a struggle to read because of the (extreme) draft nature of the text, a failing that does the self-publishing project no favours. Which is disappointing, as the quality of those passages which appear to have been carefully edited clearly shows the author’s true capability.
January 25, 2024
The author of this story has a fantastic imagination! Bovir is the main character, and has the typical adventures, misadventures, and troubles as you would expect in a fantasy novel with a character who struggles to face the lot he's been given.
I think the author would have done well not to include the author's note indicating his awareness of faults in the grammar/writing. Rather, having an editor look over it for both line and content would have been a better choice than admit outright that the novel is flawed. And there are a number of grammatical errors and awkward word choices. Additionally, chapters don't have a page break in between them, and one chapter jumps to another on the same page with barely a space from the ending of the chapter to the beginning of a new one. It's a visual complaint, but having a bit of space after one chapter gives a reader a bit of a breather before going on into the next chapter. The story ends with what looks like a set-up for a next book. Overall, I think the story was imaginative and promising.
I think the author would have done well not to include the author's note indicating his awareness of faults in the grammar/writing. Rather, having an editor look over it for both line and content would have been a better choice than admit outright that the novel is flawed. And there are a number of grammatical errors and awkward word choices. Additionally, chapters don't have a page break in between them, and one chapter jumps to another on the same page with barely a space from the ending of the chapter to the beginning of a new one. It's a visual complaint, but having a bit of space after one chapter gives a reader a bit of a breather before going on into the next chapter. The story ends with what looks like a set-up for a next book. Overall, I think the story was imaginative and promising.
February 20, 2024
Seth Hobbs draws you into the action from the beginning in his novel “The Sword of Three Rivers.” He has created an ancient land populated by warriors, generals, emperors, priests, comely maidens, and traitors. The hero, Bovir is lured along with his General Oscala into an ambush set by the tribes enemies, the Charrians. The story continues it’s action pack adventures until the end when the reader learns the who and why of the treachery.
I wish Hobbs had created characters with more depth and less predicability. The author would benefit with some professional editing. However if you want action and suspense in this ancient land of brave warriors and cowards, this is a good book for you.
I wish Hobbs had created characters with more depth and less predicability. The author would benefit with some professional editing. However if you want action and suspense in this ancient land of brave warriors and cowards, this is a good book for you.
December 11, 2022
I would have given A Sword of the Three Rivers three and a half stars if it was possible. Hobbs is a really good storyteller, so I found myself caught up in the story. But too much of it was over-explained, over-written and under-edited for me. The action will get your heart beating and keep you turning pages, but I got bogged down in all the words. I hope Hobbs will hire an editor and copywriter for his next book because he has the potential to be a memorable storyteller. He just has to get out of the way of his tendency to over-explain. Good effort though - and I look forward to more from him.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews