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The Ricker Duology #1
The Tragedy of Oli Ricker
More than a decade after their father died, Oli and Layla Ricker are barely making ends meet in Watchful, a village on the edge of the Kingdom of Trevelar. Oli is a Stražar, a hunter who daily delves into the nearby forest in search of wild game. But the forest is an enchanted maw wanting to devour him and everyone else.
Leagues away, the kingdom is under siege by an enemy that seems incapable of being stopped. Léonie Baudelaire believes that the kingdom's only chance of survival lies at the heart of the dangerous forest, where a demonic and heretical power lies. When she arrives in Oli's village, she offers him a chance to earn enough money to last him and his sister a lifetime.
Except, it will come at a price.
Oli must take Léonie deep into the heart of that dark wood, to the place he watched his father die. Can he survive the depths of the forest—and relive his own traumas? Meanwhile, the encroaching army lays siege to Watchful. Layla is forced to try and survive in a world of violence and death, where everything has more meaning than she could possibly understand.
Leagues away, the kingdom is under siege by an enemy that seems incapable of being stopped. Léonie Baudelaire believes that the kingdom's only chance of survival lies at the heart of the dangerous forest, where a demonic and heretical power lies. When she arrives in Oli's village, she offers him a chance to earn enough money to last him and his sister a lifetime.
Except, it will come at a price.
Oli must take Léonie deep into the heart of that dark wood, to the place he watched his father die. Can he survive the depths of the forest—and relive his own traumas? Meanwhile, the encroaching army lays siege to Watchful. Layla is forced to try and survive in a world of violence and death, where everything has more meaning than she could possibly understand.
442 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 26, 2025
Seriously great read. The plotline is original, the twists are highly engaging, and La'Azurus feels like a place worth knowing. Philip Snyder does an excellent job at creating multidimensional, unique, characters that you genuinely care about.
Already looking forward to the next book.
Already looking forward to the next book.
October 24, 2026
From the first pages, this story really gripped me. There were lots of mysteries, plus plenty of tension and lots of action. The prose was gorgeous. The only reason I took off half a star was because I felt it lagged a little from probably around 20-50%, but if that's you and you're reading this, hang in there. There's an unexpected payoff headed your way! The pace definitely accelerates the last 30%!
Also, I really liked what the author had to say with several of the themes - and I look forward to reading more of his stories in the future!
Also, I really liked what the author had to say with several of the themes - and I look forward to reading more of his stories in the future!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews