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The Bound and the Broken #4.5
The Truth
Not yet published
Expected 31 Aug 26The Truth will set you free.
The final The Bound and The Broken novella coming 2026!
The final The Bound and The Broken novella coming 2026!
Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 31, 2026
About the author
Ryan Cahill
12 books4,086 followersGet your FREE copy of The Fall – a prequel novella from Ryan Cahill's new epic fantasy series, The Bound and The Broken – when you sign up for his mailing list:
www.ryancahillauthor.com
Ryan Cahill is the Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series, The Bound and The Broken.
Born and raised in Ireland, Ryan now resides amongst the rolling hills and hobbit holes of Middle-Earth, New Zealand. He does not own enough swords, would sell his left kidney for a dragon egg, and despises mushrooms in all their eldritch forms.
There are three things Ryan has always told himself about writing. Write the books you want to read. Write the books that your younger self would be proud of you for reading. Make sure they have dragons.
www.ryancahillauthor.com
Ryan Cahill is the Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series, The Bound and The Broken.
Born and raised in Ireland, Ryan now resides amongst the rolling hills and hobbit holes of Middle-Earth, New Zealand. He does not own enough swords, would sell his left kidney for a dragon egg, and despises mushrooms in all their eldritch forms.
There are three things Ryan has always told himself about writing. Write the books you want to read. Write the books that your younger self would be proud of you for reading. Make sure they have dragons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 21, 2026
Revealing, heartbreaking, devastating! RTC
June 17, 2026
“fly, alvira. in this life and always.”
•••
well this novella vindicates me for my eltoar love. it’s never going away. (pls don’t crucify me eltoar haters). and i didn’t expect to be crying over farda of all characters but somehow it happened twice.
this was a perfect novella for me, and a big part of that was definitely the scope. there are five povs on either side, and i empathised with and understood each one. seeing the same characters interact from each of their perspectives was also fascinating. eltoar and fane’s dynamic was probably my favorite. seeing eltoar get sucked into fane’s view of the world and how fane handled him was incredible.
the entire book had this impeding sense of doom as it came closer and closer to full circle, ending up right where the fall started. i just reread the fall and it hits so much harder now, having seen how long these fractures were forming for. hearing eltoar and alvira’s thoughts about each over absolutely killed me. those books really are two sides of the same coin; the fall was so action packed and immediate, focused in on the battle. the truth shows that it goes far beyond that. 92 years before the fall. 20 years. 7. 2. 1. 4 months. it’s very clear that there was never one breaking point for the order, and there were so, so many moments where things could’ve gone differently.
i’m so excited (scared) for of gods and ashes. i know it’s going to be absolutely insane.
•••
well this novella vindicates me for my eltoar love. it’s never going away. (pls don’t crucify me eltoar haters). and i didn’t expect to be crying over farda of all characters but somehow it happened twice.
this was a perfect novella for me, and a big part of that was definitely the scope. there are five povs on either side, and i empathised with and understood each one. seeing the same characters interact from each of their perspectives was also fascinating. eltoar and fane’s dynamic was probably my favorite. seeing eltoar get sucked into fane’s view of the world and how fane handled him was incredible.
the entire book had this impeding sense of doom as it came closer and closer to full circle, ending up right where the fall started. i just reread the fall and it hits so much harder now, having seen how long these fractures were forming for. hearing eltoar and alvira’s thoughts about each over absolutely killed me. those books really are two sides of the same coin; the fall was so action packed and immediate, focused in on the battle. the truth shows that it goes far beyond that. 92 years before the fall. 20 years. 7. 2. 1. 4 months. it’s very clear that there was never one breaking point for the order, and there were so, so many moments where things could’ve gone differently.
i’m so excited (scared) for of gods and ashes. i know it’s going to be absolutely insane.
June 19, 2026
Speechless. RTC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"And believe me when I tell you, the truth will set you free. Or it will kill you.”
We have the final not-a-novella from Ryan Cahill in the behemoth that is The Bound and the Broken, and as a fan, I'd have it no other way. Sitting around 80k words, The Truth is less of a linear story and more like bullet points throughout the time leading up to The Fall. These bullet points highlight important battles, decisions, conversations and revelations. Don't get me wrong, the story flows well and the pacing is fantastic, but we have some big time jumps.
The questions that are answered left me with more…but it does answer some of the lingering questions of the fandom about the build up to that night of betrayal.
Like in everything Cahill writes, he is able to carry on important parts of the plot while deep diving into the thoughts and emotions of his characters. I think this is his finest skill as an author. The ability to take knowledge and events the reader is already aware of and still make them care as they read the moments unfold is a special talent. But there are many new revelations dealing with character relationships and motivations. There were parts that gave me actual chills. Two moments that are still stuck in my mind.
We go through points in time with beloved and disdained characters alike, reliving so many of their darkest moments, while also covering new ground with Alivra, the Archon of the Draleid and the absolute Legend that she has become in the series lore.
Some of the best parts of The Truth are about the characters most of us would consider villains. Fane Mortem is my favorite PoV, followed by Farda Kyrana. There is something sickening to me about finding good qualities and heroic deeds from two characters I've actually hated throughout this series…But that's the point. Nothing is black and white and everything is grey. Fane and Farda are shown in a new light that really starts to make the reader question some of their feelings about them.
Cahill has delivered a tense, emotional, political, thought-provoking installment into his series. The book has the probability to leave readers even more at odds when it comes to how they view the night of The Fall and which side was more right…because you can actually make arguments for both.
"All swords seem a valiant thing until they cut you, and you learn to fear their edge."
The Truth has set the final stage. Of God's and Ashes is the most anticipated book of my life and I look forward to the day I hold it in my hands.
We have the final not-a-novella from Ryan Cahill in the behemoth that is The Bound and the Broken, and as a fan, I'd have it no other way. Sitting around 80k words, The Truth is less of a linear story and more like bullet points throughout the time leading up to The Fall. These bullet points highlight important battles, decisions, conversations and revelations. Don't get me wrong, the story flows well and the pacing is fantastic, but we have some big time jumps.
The questions that are answered left me with more…but it does answer some of the lingering questions of the fandom about the build up to that night of betrayal.
Like in everything Cahill writes, he is able to carry on important parts of the plot while deep diving into the thoughts and emotions of his characters. I think this is his finest skill as an author. The ability to take knowledge and events the reader is already aware of and still make them care as they read the moments unfold is a special talent. But there are many new revelations dealing with character relationships and motivations. There were parts that gave me actual chills. Two moments that are still stuck in my mind.
We go through points in time with beloved and disdained characters alike, reliving so many of their darkest moments, while also covering new ground with Alivra, the Archon of the Draleid and the absolute Legend that she has become in the series lore.
Some of the best parts of The Truth are about the characters most of us would consider villains. Fane Mortem is my favorite PoV, followed by Farda Kyrana. There is something sickening to me about finding good qualities and heroic deeds from two characters I've actually hated throughout this series…But that's the point. Nothing is black and white and everything is grey. Fane and Farda are shown in a new light that really starts to make the reader question some of their feelings about them.
Cahill has delivered a tense, emotional, political, thought-provoking installment into his series. The book has the probability to leave readers even more at odds when it comes to how they view the night of The Fall and which side was more right…because you can actually make arguments for both.
"All swords seem a valiant thing until they cut you, and you learn to fear their edge."
The Truth has set the final stage. Of God's and Ashes is the most anticipated book of my life and I look forward to the day I hold it in my hands.
June 23, 2026
Blessed to have been able to read an ARC of this one!
An incredible addition to the world of The Bound and the Broken and one that provides an immense amount of new perspective to the series.
I’m primed for the final installment and will be counting down the days until its arrival!
An incredible addition to the world of The Bound and the Broken and one that provides an immense amount of new perspective to the series.
I’m primed for the final installment and will be counting down the days until its arrival!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was provided with an eARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
"All great things require sacrifice" and "the truth will set you free" are themes that resonate throughout this novella.
As the final novella in The Bound and the Broken series, The Truth serves as a phenomenal conclusion to storylines that were set in motion long before the events of the main saga. Spanning nearly a century, it chronicles the key events leading up to The Fall and the eventual collapse of the Order.
The story is told through multiple POV characters, many of whom readers will already know well from earlier entries in the series. Through their perspectives, Ryan Cahill gradually reveals the complex chain of events that shaped the world of Epheria and ultimately led to one of the most significant turning points in its history.
What stood out to me most is how effectively the novella demonstrates that nothing in Epheria is truly black and white. Instead, the world is steeped in shades of gray. Characters who were previously viewed as villains are given depth, nuance, and believable motivations. Their actions and decisions are presented in a way that feels both realistic and understandable, even when their choices lead to devastating consequences.
As a result, the reader is constantly encouraged to question their assumptions. Were some of these actions, however tragic, justified from a certain perspective? Is the titular "truth" perhaps found somewhere between the conflicting narratives of both sides?
In my opinion, this is the best-written entry in the entire series. It is filled with sorrow, betrayal, sacrifice, and the deaths of innocent people. The emotional weight carried by the characters is palpable, making their suffering deeply affecting and creating some of the most powerful moments in the saga so far.
The novella also contains several revelations and developments that I will not discuss to avoid spoilers, but they do an outstanding job of setting the stage for the final installment coming in "Of Gods and Ashes". By the time I reached the final page, I felt more excited than ever to see how the story will conclude.
Perhaps the novella's greatest achievement is how it transforms what could have been a relatively straightforward account of the Order's downfall into a thought-provoking exploration of ideology, conviction, and conflict. It convincingly portrays how a divide emerged between two factions that ultimately sought the same goal of improving life in Epheria - but arrived at radically different methods of achieving it. More importantly, it presents both sides with enough depth and credibility that their arguments feel understandable, making the conflict far more compelling and morally complex than it initially appears.
5/5 stars. Ryan Cahill has once again delivered a masterfully crafted story that enriches the world of Epheria while raising the stakes for what promises to be an unforgettable finale.
"All great things require sacrifice" and "the truth will set you free" are themes that resonate throughout this novella.
As the final novella in The Bound and the Broken series, The Truth serves as a phenomenal conclusion to storylines that were set in motion long before the events of the main saga. Spanning nearly a century, it chronicles the key events leading up to The Fall and the eventual collapse of the Order.
The story is told through multiple POV characters, many of whom readers will already know well from earlier entries in the series. Through their perspectives, Ryan Cahill gradually reveals the complex chain of events that shaped the world of Epheria and ultimately led to one of the most significant turning points in its history.
What stood out to me most is how effectively the novella demonstrates that nothing in Epheria is truly black and white. Instead, the world is steeped in shades of gray. Characters who were previously viewed as villains are given depth, nuance, and believable motivations. Their actions and decisions are presented in a way that feels both realistic and understandable, even when their choices lead to devastating consequences.
As a result, the reader is constantly encouraged to question their assumptions. Were some of these actions, however tragic, justified from a certain perspective? Is the titular "truth" perhaps found somewhere between the conflicting narratives of both sides?
In my opinion, this is the best-written entry in the entire series. It is filled with sorrow, betrayal, sacrifice, and the deaths of innocent people. The emotional weight carried by the characters is palpable, making their suffering deeply affecting and creating some of the most powerful moments in the saga so far.
The novella also contains several revelations and developments that I will not discuss to avoid spoilers, but they do an outstanding job of setting the stage for the final installment coming in "Of Gods and Ashes". By the time I reached the final page, I felt more excited than ever to see how the story will conclude.
Perhaps the novella's greatest achievement is how it transforms what could have been a relatively straightforward account of the Order's downfall into a thought-provoking exploration of ideology, conviction, and conflict. It convincingly portrays how a divide emerged between two factions that ultimately sought the same goal of improving life in Epheria - but arrived at radically different methods of achieving it. More importantly, it presents both sides with enough depth and credibility that their arguments feel understandable, making the conflict far more compelling and morally complex than it initially appears.
5/5 stars. Ryan Cahill has once again delivered a masterfully crafted story that enriches the world of Epheria while raising the stakes for what promises to be an unforgettable finale.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**I was provided an E-ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest read and review**
Wow… “The Truth”, 4th and final Novella in Ryan Cahill’s ‘The Bound and The Broken’ was sent my way early, and with a warning from Ryan himself. Stating that this might be one of the hardest parts of the Saga he's had to write, and that it will not be easy to emotionally comprehend what takes place at times…well, that was an understatement I'd say! 🤯
Prepare yourselves fellow fans of Epheria, this is a read that just may shake your very core…betrayal, senseless death, wasted opportunities, pain, loss and rage fill these pages, just as dragons fill the skies. You are entering a book that has Ryan showcasing his ever rising skill with the pen, this is…IMO his most jaw dropping entry yet (yes, I know I'm including OEAD), utter devastation takes place, and the “Truth” behind the ‘why’ makes itself known. When dragons collide, death is all the world knows, we have all experienced ‘The Fall’ and it's utter heartbreak… allow Ryan to spark the light on how it came to pass. 🔥
Vivid battles are written with devastatingly dark, and meticulous clarity. Ryan doesn't need the reader to imagine these scenes he has crafted …because they jump off the page and violently pull you into its clutches! Every location we are thrown into, is described with top notch detail. Even as death and destruction rained down upon these pages, no sentence was wasted and no emotion spared…I was stopping after almost every event, just to catch my breath and wrap my brain around the choices made in the last chapter. There are two sides of the story presented in this Novella, and even knowing the characters involved and where they end up later in this Saga, we can almost sympathize and at times root for what we have since despised as unforgivable villains. The depth and back stories of each character are presented so well in this, that the inconceivable can be almost forgivable. Ryan describes this as “a delicate dance along a rope stretched between two peaks” and by the gods I can't think of a better way to describe it. 🤌
Mixed into all of this, unfathomable tragedy that will shape the decisions as we approach the ending of this Saga of Cahill's. There were moments that I just couldn't believe and still have no idea how those involved continue to persevere. Wow Ryan, this was intense! Orinhale alone rocked me to my core. The emotional reaction to that chapter, as a parent, was something I will forever remember when I see the cover of this book…well done sir, you truly were at the top of your game with this one! 👊
5⭐ feels like a joke…it deserves more than I can give! It's not all complete darkness…but the slivers of light and hope fight for every inch they gain. Honor, love and sacrifice must be the spark to right wrongs made…but for now, we all find ourselves “Dragonbound by fire, Broken by death” 📚
Wow… “The Truth”, 4th and final Novella in Ryan Cahill’s ‘The Bound and The Broken’ was sent my way early, and with a warning from Ryan himself. Stating that this might be one of the hardest parts of the Saga he's had to write, and that it will not be easy to emotionally comprehend what takes place at times…well, that was an understatement I'd say! 🤯
Prepare yourselves fellow fans of Epheria, this is a read that just may shake your very core…betrayal, senseless death, wasted opportunities, pain, loss and rage fill these pages, just as dragons fill the skies. You are entering a book that has Ryan showcasing his ever rising skill with the pen, this is…IMO his most jaw dropping entry yet (yes, I know I'm including OEAD), utter devastation takes place, and the “Truth” behind the ‘why’ makes itself known. When dragons collide, death is all the world knows, we have all experienced ‘The Fall’ and it's utter heartbreak… allow Ryan to spark the light on how it came to pass. 🔥
Vivid battles are written with devastatingly dark, and meticulous clarity. Ryan doesn't need the reader to imagine these scenes he has crafted …because they jump off the page and violently pull you into its clutches! Every location we are thrown into, is described with top notch detail. Even as death and destruction rained down upon these pages, no sentence was wasted and no emotion spared…I was stopping after almost every event, just to catch my breath and wrap my brain around the choices made in the last chapter. There are two sides of the story presented in this Novella, and even knowing the characters involved and where they end up later in this Saga, we can almost sympathize and at times root for what we have since despised as unforgivable villains. The depth and back stories of each character are presented so well in this, that the inconceivable can be almost forgivable. Ryan describes this as “a delicate dance along a rope stretched between two peaks” and by the gods I can't think of a better way to describe it. 🤌
Mixed into all of this, unfathomable tragedy that will shape the decisions as we approach the ending of this Saga of Cahill's. There were moments that I just couldn't believe and still have no idea how those involved continue to persevere. Wow Ryan, this was intense! Orinhale alone rocked me to my core. The emotional reaction to that chapter, as a parent, was something I will forever remember when I see the cover of this book…well done sir, you truly were at the top of your game with this one! 👊
5⭐ feels like a joke…it deserves more than I can give! It's not all complete darkness…but the slivers of light and hope fight for every inch they gain. Honor, love and sacrifice must be the spark to right wrongs made…but for now, we all find ourselves “Dragonbound by fire, Broken by death” 📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Score: 7.9; Note: Read via an Advanced Reading Copy from Ryan Cahill's Patreon
The Truth continues Ryan Cahill's standard of excellence, excelling in the areas that he has meticulously mastered throughout the years he has been writing this series.
The heart of Cahill's writing lies in his characters and their emotional turmoil as they reconcile the world around them with who they are as people. In The Truth, the challenges that the characters face are central to the main narrative. Every POV character is used to highlight their emotional over the course of the 92 years this novella takes place in. Eltoar and Farda's journeys in particular are done particularly well, showing a natural evolution and who they are and who they will become as time marches forth.
While called The Truth, this novella is less about an objective truth, and more about the internal truths governing each character's mentality as the character slowly march towards inevitability of The Fall. The motivations, and how each character arrived those motivations, are explored in depth, giving a multi-faceted depth to what "The Truth" could ultimately refer to. It is in those small moments which character stew upon that eventually blossom to an end of an era. There are as many sides to a story, and as many truths existent in the world, as there are people in the world, and Ryan Cahill displays to this great effect by how the same event can have a different distortion on each individual present.
Ryan Cahill's use of language to convey these emotionally poignant moments is particularly striking, and shows his evolution as an author in how he is able to convey all of the complex emotions in a resonant way without feeling heavy-handed. His evocative language was done wonderfully in Of Empires And Dust, and continues here to masterful effect, through imparting emotional weight to scenes, concepts, and themes with less of a runtime compared to his longer works.
The length of The Truth is one of the main things holding it back from true greatest. Evidently enough, being an novella, The Truth will necessarily be a shorter length story, and in that, some of progression can feel somewhat sudden or jerky. While converting this into a full-length novel is undoubtedly a tad unrealistic, given everything, what is present feels a bit barebones compared to the scope and scale what 92 years truly means. Nevertheless, that does not diminish what is present, but simply that what is there does not capture the full picture to the best of its abilities.
Ultimately, The Truth is an excellent continuation of The Bound and the Broken and demonstrates plenty of Ryan Cahill's strengths in full force. This novella instills faith that Of Gods and Ashes will be an heart-rending and extraordinary conclusion to this epic saga.
The Truth continues Ryan Cahill's standard of excellence, excelling in the areas that he has meticulously mastered throughout the years he has been writing this series.
The heart of Cahill's writing lies in his characters and their emotional turmoil as they reconcile the world around them with who they are as people. In The Truth, the challenges that the characters face are central to the main narrative. Every POV character is used to highlight their emotional over the course of the 92 years this novella takes place in. Eltoar and Farda's journeys in particular are done particularly well, showing a natural evolution and who they are and who they will become as time marches forth.
While called The Truth, this novella is less about an objective truth, and more about the internal truths governing each character's mentality as the character slowly march towards inevitability of The Fall. The motivations, and how each character arrived those motivations, are explored in depth, giving a multi-faceted depth to what "The Truth" could ultimately refer to. It is in those small moments which character stew upon that eventually blossom to an end of an era. There are as many sides to a story, and as many truths existent in the world, as there are people in the world, and Ryan Cahill displays to this great effect by how the same event can have a different distortion on each individual present.
Ryan Cahill's use of language to convey these emotionally poignant moments is particularly striking, and shows his evolution as an author in how he is able to convey all of the complex emotions in a resonant way without feeling heavy-handed. His evocative language was done wonderfully in Of Empires And Dust, and continues here to masterful effect, through imparting emotional weight to scenes, concepts, and themes with less of a runtime compared to his longer works.
The length of The Truth is one of the main things holding it back from true greatest. Evidently enough, being an novella, The Truth will necessarily be a shorter length story, and in that, some of progression can feel somewhat sudden or jerky. While converting this into a full-length novel is undoubtedly a tad unrealistic, given everything, what is present feels a bit barebones compared to the scope and scale what 92 years truly means. Nevertheless, that does not diminish what is present, but simply that what is there does not capture the full picture to the best of its abilities.
Ultimately, The Truth is an excellent continuation of The Bound and the Broken and demonstrates plenty of Ryan Cahill's strengths in full force. This novella instills faith that Of Gods and Ashes will be an heart-rending and extraordinary conclusion to this epic saga.
Review of advance copy received from Author
History becomes heartbreak in Ryan Cahill’s most emotionally devastating novella yet.
There are stories that surprise you with their ending, and then there are stories like The Truth, where you know exactly where everything is heading and yet spend the entire journey wishing it wasn’t.
From the very first pages, a sense of inevitability hangs over this novella. The Fall looms over every conversation, every decision, and every fleeting moment of hope. Ryan Cahill takes that foreknowledge and turns it into one of the novella’s greatest strengths, crafting a story that feels less like uncovering a mystery and more like witnessing history unfold before your eyes.
What struck me most was how carefully Cahill builds the road to tragedy. There is no single turning point, and no simple answer to how events spiral towards disaster. Instead, The Truth shows how history is shaped by people: by loyalties, fears, ambitions, misunderstandings, and choices made with the best of intentions. Time and again I found myself thinking about how differently things might have unfolded if certain conversations had happened sooner, or if trust had been placed in different hands.
That is what makes this novella so heartbreaking. We are watching people struggle to do what they believe is right while knowing that the outcome they desperately want to avoid is drawing ever closer.
What surprised me most was just how emotional this novella made me. Despite knowing where the story was heading, there were several moments that genuinely stopped me in my tracks. There were scenes that lingered with me long after I finished reading, because of the emotional weight they carried.
More importantly, this novella changes how I view the wider story. Rather than simply filling in gaps, it reshapes the context surrounding major events and revelations. Moments that once seemed straightforward become layered with new meaning, and the emotional weight of what follows becomes even heavier.
The novellas have always been excellent companions to the main series, but The Truth feels different. This is not merely additional lore or an interesting side story. It feels like a crucial piece of the larger narrative, one that enriches everything that came before while laying the emotional groundwork for what comes next.
For anyone caught up with The Bound and the Broken, I would consider this essential reading. It is thoughtful, tragic, revealing, and incredibly rewarding for readers invested in the history of this world and the people who inhabit it.
There are stories that surprise you with their ending, and then there are stories like The Truth, where you know exactly where everything is heading and yet spend the entire journey wishing it wasn’t.
From the very first pages, a sense of inevitability hangs over this novella. The Fall looms over every conversation, every decision, and every fleeting moment of hope. Ryan Cahill takes that foreknowledge and turns it into one of the novella’s greatest strengths, crafting a story that feels less like uncovering a mystery and more like witnessing history unfold before your eyes.
What struck me most was how carefully Cahill builds the road to tragedy. There is no single turning point, and no simple answer to how events spiral towards disaster. Instead, The Truth shows how history is shaped by people: by loyalties, fears, ambitions, misunderstandings, and choices made with the best of intentions. Time and again I found myself thinking about how differently things might have unfolded if certain conversations had happened sooner, or if trust had been placed in different hands.
That is what makes this novella so heartbreaking. We are watching people struggle to do what they believe is right while knowing that the outcome they desperately want to avoid is drawing ever closer.
What surprised me most was just how emotional this novella made me. Despite knowing where the story was heading, there were several moments that genuinely stopped me in my tracks. There were scenes that lingered with me long after I finished reading, because of the emotional weight they carried.
More importantly, this novella changes how I view the wider story. Rather than simply filling in gaps, it reshapes the context surrounding major events and revelations. Moments that once seemed straightforward become layered with new meaning, and the emotional weight of what follows becomes even heavier.
The novellas have always been excellent companions to the main series, but The Truth feels different. This is not merely additional lore or an interesting side story. It feels like a crucial piece of the larger narrative, one that enriches everything that came before while laying the emotional groundwork for what comes next.
For anyone caught up with The Bound and the Broken, I would consider this essential reading. It is thoughtful, tragic, revealing, and incredibly rewarding for readers invested in the history of this world and the people who inhabit it.
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
Ryan Cahill has a talent for taking hope, wrapping it in beautiful moments of friendship, loyalty, and courage, and then shattering your heart with it.
The Truth tells the story up until the night everything changed. Knowing where the future leads did not make this story any less impactful. If anything, it made every choice, every warning, and every act of loyalty hit even harder.
What stood out most to me was the cast. Alvira was a character I admired from beginning to end. Her determination to do what was right, even when it would have been easier to look away, made her impossible not to root for. The bond between the riders and their dragons was beautifully written, and several scenes left me genuinely emotional.
The tragedy of Eltoar's fall was another highlight. Watching someone who truly believed he was doing the right thing slowly lose himself was heartbreaking. The corruption did not happen all at once. It was subtle, insidious, and made all the more painful because you could still see glimpses of the man he once was beneath it.
Salara's storyline absolutely destroyed me. The trust, love, and loyalty she had for her mentor made the events of the final act even more devastating. Some scenes were incredibly difficult to read, not because they were poorly written, but because they were written so well.
And then there was Farda. His grief, regret, and final farewell to Alvira were among the most emotional moments in the entire book. Long after I finished reading, those scenes stayed with me.
This is a story filled with sacrifice, betrayal, friendship, loss, and impossible choices. It answers long-standing questions while raising new ones, and the ending left me equal parts satisfied and desperate for more.
Heartbreaking, powerful, and unforgettable.
The truth may set you free... or it may break your heart.
The Truth tells the story up until the night everything changed. Knowing where the future leads did not make this story any less impactful. If anything, it made every choice, every warning, and every act of loyalty hit even harder.
What stood out most to me was the cast. Alvira was a character I admired from beginning to end. Her determination to do what was right, even when it would have been easier to look away, made her impossible not to root for. The bond between the riders and their dragons was beautifully written, and several scenes left me genuinely emotional.
The tragedy of Eltoar's fall was another highlight. Watching someone who truly believed he was doing the right thing slowly lose himself was heartbreaking. The corruption did not happen all at once. It was subtle, insidious, and made all the more painful because you could still see glimpses of the man he once was beneath it.
Salara's storyline absolutely destroyed me. The trust, love, and loyalty she had for her mentor made the events of the final act even more devastating. Some scenes were incredibly difficult to read, not because they were poorly written, but because they were written so well.
And then there was Farda. His grief, regret, and final farewell to Alvira were among the most emotional moments in the entire book. Long after I finished reading, those scenes stayed with me.
This is a story filled with sacrifice, betrayal, friendship, loss, and impossible choices. It answers long-standing questions while raising new ones, and the ending left me equal parts satisfied and desperate for more.
Heartbreaking, powerful, and unforgettable.
The truth may set you free... or it may break your heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Truth is a prequel to The Fall. Simply put, now we know WHY The Fall happened and it upends everything we as readers of this series knew about that horrific night. This novella is a book about grief and how people respond to it in different ways. It is a tragedy on so many different levels. It's also very much a Hitchcockian train wreck, in that we the readers know what's going to happen, even as the characters are unaware, and we can't tear ourselves away!
The following may have minor spoilers for those who haven't read the series (and if you haven't, you really should...starting with The Fall - Svidarya for the win!!):
Almost from the first page through until the last, we get the points of view from our series "bad guys," Eltoar, Farda, and Fane. We also get Alvira's POV and what we are forced to realize is that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Everyone is doing what they are doing because they believe it is the right thing to do. Unfortunately, corruption runs rampant everywhere, even within The Order. Although, again, to be fair, the leaders make choices they believe are for the good of the many. The few must be sacrificed. It's really a tough read, knowing that blood will be spilled and lives will end.
It was difficult to read for all those very emotional reasons. And, I couldn't stop, nor did I want to.
I am grateful to Ryan Cahill for sending me a copy of the eArc to review. It lives up to every hope and I couldn't be more excited and proud of the excellence of this story.
The following may have minor spoilers for those who haven't read the series (and if you haven't, you really should...starting with The Fall - Svidarya for the win!!):
Almost from the first page through until the last, we get the points of view from our series "bad guys," Eltoar, Farda, and Fane. We also get Alvira's POV and what we are forced to realize is that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Everyone is doing what they are doing because they believe it is the right thing to do. Unfortunately, corruption runs rampant everywhere, even within The Order. Although, again, to be fair, the leaders make choices they believe are for the good of the many. The few must be sacrificed. It's really a tough read, knowing that blood will be spilled and lives will end.
It was difficult to read for all those very emotional reasons. And, I couldn't stop, nor did I want to.
I am grateful to Ryan Cahill for sending me a copy of the eArc to review. It lives up to every hope and I couldn't be more excited and proud of the excellence of this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I cannot wait for everyone to read this novella.
If you have followed the journey of The Bound and the Broken series you will know that every book Ryan writes, quite simply just emphasises why people love his work. I also feel that with every book put out the evolution and depth of Ryan’s writing jumps levels. The Truth is no exception. This book is the last novella in the series and is the prequel to The Fall, which you have at the very least need to of read if not the whole series before you can grasp The Truth.
This book is unbelievably well written and if you know Ryan’s work you’ll know that’s praise indeed. The Truth is set across 92 years with 5 different POV’s and penultimately tells us how we got to The Fall. For me this is Cahill’s most emotive book yet with some of his best writing. Ultimately we know where the journey of the book is going to take us but in that journey Ryan has given this book a complete set of feelings that begin at the very first word. It’s completely indescribable, it’s very much in theme with the other books in the series but The Truth just feels somewhat different. You can tell Ryan has poured his soul into this and it is translated in every page. The pain, anger, joy (list any other emotion) stay with you throughout and I personally love it when a book can do that and it is exceptionally rare in my experience.
Ryan continues to amaze and I can’t wait for Of Gods and Ashes
If you have followed the journey of The Bound and the Broken series you will know that every book Ryan writes, quite simply just emphasises why people love his work. I also feel that with every book put out the evolution and depth of Ryan’s writing jumps levels. The Truth is no exception. This book is the last novella in the series and is the prequel to The Fall, which you have at the very least need to of read if not the whole series before you can grasp The Truth.
This book is unbelievably well written and if you know Ryan’s work you’ll know that’s praise indeed. The Truth is set across 92 years with 5 different POV’s and penultimately tells us how we got to The Fall. For me this is Cahill’s most emotive book yet with some of his best writing. Ultimately we know where the journey of the book is going to take us but in that journey Ryan has given this book a complete set of feelings that begin at the very first word. It’s completely indescribable, it’s very much in theme with the other books in the series but The Truth just feels somewhat different. You can tell Ryan has poured his soul into this and it is translated in every page. The pain, anger, joy (list any other emotion) stay with you throughout and I personally love it when a book can do that and it is exceptionally rare in my experience.
Ryan continues to amaze and I can’t wait for Of Gods and Ashes
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Truth by Ryan Cahill 5/5
As a patreon subscriber I had the opportunity to be one of the first people to read The Truth. It is essentially a longer version of The Fall and goes into more detail about the events than the action. A key theme that repeats is how every time there is a war, there is someone screaming loudly how we need to do everything we can to stop it. But sadly they are not successful. This gives us a deeper look at The Order in the years before the main series.
As with any war, this leads to the tragic loss of life, some that stick with these characters over decades. We also watch the slow evolution of some characters towards what we ultimately see them become in the series many years later. Seeing their early iterations makes you question whether they were always the same evil person they became, or if not, what caused the shift. Many characters we know as villains in the main series seem almost normal here.
This is a deeply tragic book and often sad. Yet it is also inspiring as it reminds us that those of us with privilege can and should do more for those who can't speak for themselves. It was wonderful to return to this world as I wait for the final book. This is a book best read only if you are caught up to the series and not one for newcomers. Though I felt the sadness it didn't make me cry like some of the other novellas.
As a patreon subscriber I had the opportunity to be one of the first people to read The Truth. It is essentially a longer version of The Fall and goes into more detail about the events than the action. A key theme that repeats is how every time there is a war, there is someone screaming loudly how we need to do everything we can to stop it. But sadly they are not successful. This gives us a deeper look at The Order in the years before the main series.
As with any war, this leads to the tragic loss of life, some that stick with these characters over decades. We also watch the slow evolution of some characters towards what we ultimately see them become in the series many years later. Seeing their early iterations makes you question whether they were always the same evil person they became, or if not, what caused the shift. Many characters we know as villains in the main series seem almost normal here.
This is a deeply tragic book and often sad. Yet it is also inspiring as it reminds us that those of us with privilege can and should do more for those who can't speak for themselves. It was wonderful to return to this world as I wait for the final book. This is a book best read only if you are caught up to the series and not one for newcomers. Though I felt the sadness it didn't make me cry like some of the other novellas.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐ rounded up.
The Truth is a novella written for me. It essentially collects most of my favourite characters from the main series and puts them in a novella. Yup, I've been an Eltoar apologist before it was cool.
So of course I had a blast with it. It was great being back with these characters and seeing that some of the things I have been saying for years are actually true. Vindicaaaaaaaation!!! 🤭
Ryan's writing truly shines when it comes to character emotions, and this novella is no exception. It's filled with raw emotions, loss, and grief. There are also some frustrating miscommunications and plenty of "oh, just kiss already for fuck's sake" moments that had me wanting to shake and slap the characters.
If I want to be completely honest though the novella didn't add a huge amount to the overall story beyond a few important reveals and a few extra tears. With that said, the only reason it missed out on 5 stars is that the character voices weren't distinct enough. Three of the characters sounded very similar, and there were several moments where a line of dialogue could have belonged to any of them. It didn't ruin the experience, but it did pull me out of the story occasionally.
The Truth might not set you free but it will definitely make you question how you feel towards these characters.
The Truth is a novella written for me. It essentially collects most of my favourite characters from the main series and puts them in a novella. Yup, I've been an Eltoar apologist before it was cool.
So of course I had a blast with it. It was great being back with these characters and seeing that some of the things I have been saying for years are actually true. Vindicaaaaaaaation!!! 🤭
Ryan's writing truly shines when it comes to character emotions, and this novella is no exception. It's filled with raw emotions, loss, and grief. There are also some frustrating miscommunications and plenty of "oh, just kiss already for fuck's sake" moments that had me wanting to shake and slap the characters.
If I want to be completely honest though the novella didn't add a huge amount to the overall story beyond a few important reveals and a few extra tears. With that said, the only reason it missed out on 5 stars is that the character voices weren't distinct enough. Three of the characters sounded very similar, and there were several moments where a line of dialogue could have belonged to any of them. It didn't ruin the experience, but it did pull me out of the story occasionally.
The Truth might not set you free but it will definitely make you question how you feel towards these characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ryan Cahill has done it again! Every time I think this series can't get any better, he proves me wrong. This is, without a doubt, one of the greatest fantasy series I've ever read. Each book brings something fresh and unique, and The Truth is no exception.
What truly sets this story apart is the incredible character work. The Truth adds so much depth and perspective that every character feels real, flawed, and deeply human. Their struggles, fears, and inner battles are explored so brilliantly that you can't help but connect with them on an emotional level. The antagonists are written with such care and nuance that it's impossible to simply hate them-you understand their pain, their motivations, and the choices that shaped them.
Ryan Cahill's ability to create complex, compelling characters and weave them into an epic story is nothing short of masterful. This series continues to raise the bar for modern fantasy, and The Truth is another exceptional addition to an already phenomenal saga. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to see what comes next! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ryan Cahill has done it again! Every time I think this series can't get any better, he proves me wrong. This is, without a doubt, one of the greatest fantasy series I've ever read. Each book brings something fresh and unique, and The Truth is no exception.
What truly sets this story apart is the incredible character work. The Truth adds so much depth and perspective that every character feels real, flawed, and deeply human. Their struggles, fears, and inner battles are explored so brilliantly that you can't help but connect with them on an emotional level. The antagonists are written with such care and nuance that it's impossible to simply hate them-you understand their pain, their motivations, and the choices that shaped them.
Ryan Cahill's ability to create complex, compelling characters and weave them into an epic story is nothing short of masterful. This series continues to raise the bar for modern fantasy, and The Truth is another exceptional addition to an already phenomenal saga. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to see what comes next! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
Unlimited stars out of 5! First and foremost, I'm super stoked to be a part of Ryan Cahill's Patreon and can't thank him enough for allowing his patrons to read this amazing book early. Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you that Cahill has been solidified as one my favorite authors of all time for a number of years now and with The Truth, that fact is further cemented. Cahill weaves threads of Lore, Heart, Fury, Duty and Honor throughout The Truth with multiple POVs over decades to provide us with the actual truth of how The Fall came to be. He balances political intrigue, action, despair and loss as if he moonlights as an Olympic pro athlete. Since Of War and Ruin, his writing has been in top form and I did not think he could possibly fly higher than he did with Of Empires and Dust and I'm happy to say I do not know anything and was completely proven wrong. Tears were shed, rage was felt, sadness gripped my heart and hope alighted within me. Please go out and get this book and read it by any means necessary.
June 17, 2026
Great book, by far the best novella in the series so far.
This book is all about giving context to the fall and it's cause, as well as some key side characters from the main books:
Spoilers from here below
Farda(absolutely heartbreaking, can't really blame the man for turning on the order honestly), Eltoar and Fane. I really liked how we got to know more about how Fane became what he became: from good intentions ang helping innocent elves to trying to undermine the order to getting the means to destroy it from Kaygan, all the while being his usual manipulative snake. I never thought about the possibility of a connection between Kaygan and Fane but it actually makes a lot of sense.
It was very interesting to see how Eltoar and Alvira changed from the first part to the second, both full of regrets but handling them absolutely differently, and those regrets of Eltoar were what eventually brought him to treachery step by step. It is truly tragic that were he to just trust in Alvira she would've brought the council to justice and history would've gone a much different way.
This book is all about giving context to the fall and it's cause, as well as some key side characters from the main books:
Spoilers from here below
Farda(absolutely heartbreaking, can't really blame the man for turning on the order honestly), Eltoar and Fane. I really liked how we got to know more about how Fane became what he became: from good intentions ang helping innocent elves to trying to undermine the order to getting the means to destroy it from Kaygan, all the while being his usual manipulative snake. I never thought about the possibility of a connection between Kaygan and Fane but it actually makes a lot of sense.
It was very interesting to see how Eltoar and Alvira changed from the first part to the second, both full of regrets but handling them absolutely differently, and those regrets of Eltoar were what eventually brought him to treachery step by step. It is truly tragic that were he to just trust in Alvira she would've brought the council to justice and history would've gone a much different way.
Read
June 18, 2026Thank you Ryan Cahill for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This novella must be read after Of Empires and Dust, and ideally, after you've read all the other books and novellas in the series. There are spoilers, and a lot of things won't make sense if you don't know everything about certain characters.
Ryan has commented on social media that this was the most challenging story for him to write. It pieces together 92 years of history before The Fall and how everything slowly fell apart from four different perspectives that we know. This installment is high on the emotional damage scale, especially with all of the context and character development that the other novellas bring.
My favourite parts were some of the quiet or peaceful moments that we get before certain characters are traumatized and changed by The Fall's events. I'm worried about spoilers, so I won't name anyone specifically.
If you want to read the entire series, I highly recommend reading all the novellas—this one is the best one, no matter how much it hurts.
This novella must be read after Of Empires and Dust, and ideally, after you've read all the other books and novellas in the series. There are spoilers, and a lot of things won't make sense if you don't know everything about certain characters.
Ryan has commented on social media that this was the most challenging story for him to write. It pieces together 92 years of history before The Fall and how everything slowly fell apart from four different perspectives that we know. This installment is high on the emotional damage scale, especially with all of the context and character development that the other novellas bring.
My favourite parts were some of the quiet or peaceful moments that we get before certain characters are traumatized and changed by The Fall's events. I'm worried about spoilers, so I won't name anyone specifically.
If you want to read the entire series, I highly recommend reading all the novellas—this one is the best one, no matter how much it hurts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am full. What a book. First I wanna say thank you to Ryan Cahill, this series has easily become one of my favorites, it inspires me each day to love and care for others as deeply as possible. I am honored to have gotten the chance to read this eARC early you have my many thanks!!
Now The Truth answered so many of the “why” questions I had about characters. The characters are among the best parts of TBAB Series and wow do we get a helping of that. I didn’t think it was possible to give these characters any more love than I have but I have been proven wrong. I loved this book so much it was heartbreaking to see what led up to the fall and the what ifs that were brought up during this story only lead me to grieve what could have been for all of the hearts within. But with that, we saw the flames of rebellion lit. With this deeper look into the beginning, it deepens my hunger for the end. I cannot wait for more I will see you in the skies brothers and sisters, for the time for the end of this journey will be with us soon.
Now The Truth answered so many of the “why” questions I had about characters. The characters are among the best parts of TBAB Series and wow do we get a helping of that. I didn’t think it was possible to give these characters any more love than I have but I have been proven wrong. I loved this book so much it was heartbreaking to see what led up to the fall and the what ifs that were brought up during this story only lead me to grieve what could have been for all of the hearts within. But with that, we saw the flames of rebellion lit. With this deeper look into the beginning, it deepens my hunger for the end. I cannot wait for more I will see you in the skies brothers and sisters, for the time for the end of this journey will be with us soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
★★★★★
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Truth by Ryan Cahill, and it absolutely did not disappoint.
The Bound and The Broken is my favourite ongoing fantasy series, and once again Ryan proves why. The novellas and short stories are never just optional extras—they add incredible depth, context, and emotional weight to the main story. The Truth is no exception.
This novella gives readers a much deeper understanding of both the world and its characters. It fills in important gaps, provides new perspectives, and allows you to connect with familiar characters on a far more personal level. Ryan has a remarkable ability to make every piece of the story feel meaningful, and this instalment enriches the wider narrative in ways that will resonate throughout the series.
If you’re a fan of The Bound and The Broken, this is an essential read. Thought-provoking, emotional, and brilliantly written, The Truth further cements Ryan Cahill as one of the most exciting voices in modern fantasy.
Highly recommended.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Truth by Ryan Cahill, and it absolutely did not disappoint.
The Bound and The Broken is my favourite ongoing fantasy series, and once again Ryan proves why. The novellas and short stories are never just optional extras—they add incredible depth, context, and emotional weight to the main story. The Truth is no exception.
This novella gives readers a much deeper understanding of both the world and its characters. It fills in important gaps, provides new perspectives, and allows you to connect with familiar characters on a far more personal level. Ryan has a remarkable ability to make every piece of the story feel meaningful, and this instalment enriches the wider narrative in ways that will resonate throughout the series.
If you’re a fan of The Bound and The Broken, this is an essential read. Thought-provoking, emotional, and brilliantly written, The Truth further cements Ryan Cahill as one of the most exciting voices in modern fantasy.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another excellent novella by Ryan Cahill.
Thanks to Ryan for the advance copy: I loved it.
I think fans of The Bound and the Broken will love it.
EDIT:
I should probably elaborate on a bit on why I enjoyed this book so much. But I don't want to give too many details because of spoilers, so here are few more of my thoughts.
This book covers some events in the lead up to, and in the immediate aftermath of, the novella, The Fall. To be honest, I wasn't sure I'd like it before going in for that very reason (I'm not one of the types to immerse myself so completely in the lore). But I needn't have worried. For me, it had more depth of emotion than the other novellas in this series (in fact, some tears might have been shed....) and it had just as much action as The Fall plus it had lots of dragons.
In other words, it had everything I love about Ryan Cahill's The Bound and the Broken series, which is why I gave this book 5 stars.
Thanks to Ryan for the advance copy: I loved it.
I think fans of The Bound and the Broken will love it.
EDIT:
I should probably elaborate on a bit on why I enjoyed this book so much. But I don't want to give too many details because of spoilers, so here are few more of my thoughts.
This book covers some events in the lead up to, and in the immediate aftermath of, the novella, The Fall. To be honest, I wasn't sure I'd like it before going in for that very reason (I'm not one of the types to immerse myself so completely in the lore). But I needn't have worried. For me, it had more depth of emotion than the other novellas in this series (in fact, some tears might have been shed....) and it had just as much action as The Fall plus it had lots of dragons.
In other words, it had everything I love about Ryan Cahill's The Bound and the Broken series, which is why I gave this book 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Truth did not set me free. It made me very sad if anything.
I am a loud and proud Farda and Eltoar hater, and The Truth had me in their corner in a number of places. Which is honestly quite rude of Ryan. Don't make me agree with those two. I don't need that in my life.
But the corner jumping happened anyway, which really shows the turmoil and consideration and decisions that led to The Fall. And we know The Fall is coming. Not only because of a timeline given to us throughout The Truth but also because The Fall was published years ago, so there you go. But that makes everything we see all the more tragic.
If people had made different decisions, if certain conversations had happened earlier or at all.
This also adds so much to everything we thought we knew about The Fall and events after.
The novellas are always additional to the main storyline but The Truth is absolutely required reading.
I am a loud and proud Farda and Eltoar hater, and The Truth had me in their corner in a number of places. Which is honestly quite rude of Ryan. Don't make me agree with those two. I don't need that in my life.
But the corner jumping happened anyway, which really shows the turmoil and consideration and decisions that led to The Fall. And we know The Fall is coming. Not only because of a timeline given to us throughout The Truth but also because The Fall was published years ago, so there you go. But that makes everything we see all the more tragic.
If people had made different decisions, if certain conversations had happened earlier or at all.
This also adds so much to everything we thought we knew about The Fall and events after.
The novellas are always additional to the main storyline but The Truth is absolutely required reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to get the ARC for The Truth! Wow just another great story to add to this fantastic series! I loved this so much!
In this last novella in the series you get the events leading up to The Fall and a little bit afterward. This novella has everything - heart, fury, rage, politics. Even though you know The Fall will happen, it is still devasting. And then on top of that, Ryan makes us feel for Farda and Eltoar and the events that happened to get them to the point of The Fall. We get to see the hard decisions that were made and that nothing was black and white.
You definitely need to read all the books up to this point before you read The Truth. And you should because the whole series is fantastic and just gets better. Now I am even more excited to read the last book in the series!
In this last novella in the series you get the events leading up to The Fall and a little bit afterward. This novella has everything - heart, fury, rage, politics. Even though you know The Fall will happen, it is still devasting. And then on top of that, Ryan makes us feel for Farda and Eltoar and the events that happened to get them to the point of The Fall. We get to see the hard decisions that were made and that nothing was black and white.
You definitely need to read all the books up to this point before you read The Truth. And you should because the whole series is fantastic and just gets better. Now I am even more excited to read the last book in the series!
June 21, 2026
Got to read this early as an ARC thanks to Ryan’s Patreon. This is basically The Bound and The Broken’s Revenge of the Sith, except we’re getting it as the penultimate entry in the main series. You know the downfall that’s surely coming but can’t stop reading.
I appreciate Cahill muddying the waters of morality a bit in terms of the truth behind the fall. Eltoar is easily one of my favorite fantasy characters at this point and this novella finally gives us the broader picture of who he is. You spend a substantial chunk of time with him and three other fan favorite characters, actively experiencing the 92+ year lead-up to the fall and a collective fuckton of dragons (and other creatures).
This is a must-read for fans of the series and I can’t wait to see how it factors into the final book, Of Gods and Ashes!
I appreciate Cahill muddying the waters of morality a bit in terms of the truth behind the fall. Eltoar is easily one of my favorite fantasy characters at this point and this novella finally gives us the broader picture of who he is. You spend a substantial chunk of time with him and three other fan favorite characters, actively experiencing the 92+ year lead-up to the fall and a collective fuckton of dragons (and other creatures).
This is a must-read for fans of the series and I can’t wait to see how it factors into the final book, Of Gods and Ashes!
June 19, 2026
"'I think you might have a drinking problem'......'I have many problems. I happen to count wine as a solution'"
Well said!!!
This book was an incredible back story. All the characters were very grey. It was great to hear how the characters turned towards Fane rather than staying with The Order. I was surprised, but glad, that Alvira was taken in by the gold and jewels. It showed she was just as human as the rest of us.
I cried when I found out about her last day. So sad that just as she had the information, everything changed.
Farda's story was incredibly heart-wrenching. I hope he got revenge on all those mages.
A must-read, but ensure you've read the other books, especially The Fall, as you'll get so much more from it.
Well said!!!
This book was an incredible back story. All the characters were very grey. It was great to hear how the characters turned towards Fane rather than staying with The Order. I was surprised, but glad, that Alvira was taken in by the gold and jewels. It showed she was just as human as the rest of us.
I cried when I found out about her last day. So sad that just as she had the information, everything changed.
Farda's story was incredibly heart-wrenching. I hope he got revenge on all those mages.
A must-read, but ensure you've read the other books, especially The Fall, as you'll get so much more from it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an eARC of this book from the author.
As the title suggests, Ryan provides the truth of what caused the fall of The Order by telling an emotional backstory of the events leading up to his earlier (and equally excellent) The Fall. Knowing how this ultimately ended did not diminish the suspense and politic intrigue leading up to it. In fact, the outstanding character relationships enhanced my emotional attachment to these characters and changes the way I feel towards them forever. A must read for all fans of The Bound And The Broken. If you have not read the novellas within this series, you absolutely should do so right away, including The Trurh as it adds so much depth to the world and answers many lingering questions that you may have.
As the title suggests, Ryan provides the truth of what caused the fall of The Order by telling an emotional backstory of the events leading up to his earlier (and equally excellent) The Fall. Knowing how this ultimately ended did not diminish the suspense and politic intrigue leading up to it. In fact, the outstanding character relationships enhanced my emotional attachment to these characters and changes the way I feel towards them forever. A must read for all fans of The Bound And The Broken. If you have not read the novellas within this series, you absolutely should do so right away, including The Trurh as it adds so much depth to the world and answers many lingering questions that you may have.
Review of advance copy
"What you see as black and white is in fact fifty shades of grey." - Matharius
I got this eARC from being on Ryan's patreon and I kinda threw out the other book I was reading to binge this real quick.
This book was heart wrenching. We kinda knew there was corruption, but not this much corruption. Ryan also has this way of making you feel for the "bad guys". I'll give him Eltoar and Farda, but I'm never going to be on Fane's side.
As always this was a fantastic book and I cannot wait for the last book, especially with all the info we got dropped. Now to patiently wait for a few years for Of God's and Ashes to be written and come out.
I got this eARC from being on Ryan's patreon and I kinda threw out the other book I was reading to binge this real quick.
This book was heart wrenching. We kinda knew there was corruption, but not this much corruption. Ryan also has this way of making you feel for the "bad guys". I'll give him Eltoar and Farda, but I'm never going to be on Fane's side.
As always this was a fantastic book and I cannot wait for the last book, especially with all the info we got dropped. Now to patiently wait for a few years for Of God's and Ashes to be written and come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Ryan for the eARC of The Truth! This is by far my favorite novella. So much packed in, it's more like it's own novel than a novella!! So many layers to characters that you think you had all figured out. The world is not black and white, it's all shades of grey. I absolutely loved seeing how events unfolded in the 100 years before the events of The Fall and how characters got to where they are now. So many Easter eggs laid out in the previous books that are coming to light now. This novella made me crave the final book so bad!! I just can't get enough!
Review of advance copy received from Author
E-ARC provided by author.
Doom. That is the tone of this book. Doom knowing that whatever happens, the events in The Fall have to transpire. Doom knowing that despite growing empathy and sympathy for the characters involved, awful things are going to happen to and be done by them.
Knowledge of the rest of the series is necessary and will be richly rewarded here. Ryan manages to cut deep and keep reading.
Well played sir.
Doom. That is the tone of this book. Doom knowing that whatever happens, the events in The Fall have to transpire. Doom knowing that despite growing empathy and sympathy for the characters involved, awful things are going to happen to and be done by them.
Knowledge of the rest of the series is necessary and will be richly rewarded here. Ryan manages to cut deep and keep reading.
Well played sir.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Again, Ryan Cahill has shredded my soul—what a stunning and gutting novella. I’m truly in awe of the way he continues to weave this story. The truths we learn in this book both wrecked me and stoked the fire for what comes next. I fear I’m about to be catapulted into a reread. (Twist my arm, why don’t ya.)
In short:
12/10 on the pain scale
♾️⭐️
In short:
12/10 on the pain scale
♾️⭐️
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