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Simian's Lair: A Tale from the Land of Verne

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This 'Tale from the Land of Verne' is a children's short story that takes place in the world of the Grim Doyle Adventures. Enjoy reading about some of the characters you know from Scourge!

Four orphans from the land of Verne are lured into Simian's Lair - a dark abode whose purpose has been lost to the ravages of time. In it dwells an evil that must be cleansed, and from it, they must retrieve a secret that's been locked away for centuries. Join them, along with Madam Patrice and Master Rickett, on a journey where courage is found in the darkest of places.

Also includes the first chapter of A Grim Doyle Adventure

Audible Audio

First published April 16, 2011

1 person is currently reading
65 people want to read

About the author

David H. Burton

16 books172 followers
Author, adoptive father of 3 boys, manager of chaos, science and technology geek, person of the queer persuasion, and purveyor of sacrilege.


See my web site for more info.


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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Julie.
17 reviews8 followers
April 20, 2011
It never fails, I read a David H. Burton story, and all I want to do is to read more!

I have read Scourge, but Simian's Liar has me once again intrigued. I want to thoroughly explore the world of Verne, but I must be patient and what for the next adventure (and I am not doing very well on the patient part- I trust that David will make it well worth the wait...)

Simeon's Lair is brief, but full of action and adventure, the way a story for children should be! It will be interesting to see how the story continues to unfold, and to discover more of the "history" of Verne.

I recommend this story for any who enjoy something a little different. If you've read Scourge, this is a "must read." If you have not read Scourge, this will certainly spark your interest!

Oh, and David, thanks a lot for adding yet another one of your books/stories to the list of books for me to talk about incessantly to any and all who like to read.
Profile Image for Cathy.
896 reviews22 followers
July 31, 2011
This 'Tale From the Land of Verne' is a children's short story that takes place in the world of the Grim Doyle Adventures.
Four orphans from the land of Verne are lured into Simian's Lair - a dark house whose purpose has been lost to the ravages of time. In it dwells an evil that must be cleansed.
Truthfully, it was so short I didn't really get a feel for the characters other than the children. They are from the land of the Unseen but are visible to everyone because they all have a mechanical implant - an eye, an ear, a wing, etc. I liked the kids. They had guts beyond their years.
I admit I haven't read any of the Grim Doyle stories but perhaps I will someday.
Profile Image for Patrice Sartor.
885 reviews14 followers
May 3, 2016
I read this short story aloud to my sons (14 and 12) about a month ago, and completely forgot that I hadn't reviewed it. I remember thinking it was just okay, another dungeony adventure book with four hapless youths, bonded together, blah blah blah. I wish I could remember more about why I didn't find it that great. The short story format isn't something that usually appeals to me anyway. I don't have enough time to get into the characters, and since this story featured so many different ones, introducing them felt almost formulaic.

FWIW, my 12 year old gives it 3.5 stars. He's a big fan of fantasy stuff, whether short, long, derivative, or original.
Profile Image for Helen.
984 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2011
Enjoyable short story (20 minute read), had it on kindle and the last 32% is a sample of a different book.
Profile Image for Sarah.
135 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2013
Was to short! :p yea I know short story but I truly enjoyed it and wanted it to continue!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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