Before the Brittle Sea

by Tom Kane

Two lives. Two choices. One world sliding towards disaster.

Before the Brittle Sea is a free prequel novella set in the years before The Brittle Saga Trilogy.

William Harker grows up believing survival is a transaction. In the shipyards of New York, Liverpool, and Belfast, he learns how ambition is rewarded, how silence is bought, and how easily a man can become useful to those who value profit over people.

In Ukraine, Magda Asparov faces a harsher truth. Survival is not granted. It is claimed. As power tightens its grip, she must decide what she is willing to sacrifice, and what she will not surrender, no matter the cost.

Their stories unfold separately, but the forces shaping them are the same. Corruption. Debt. Compromise. And a world racing towards catastrophe.

Before the Brittle Sea can be read on its own, or as the opening chapter to The Brittle Saga Trilogy, which continues in The Brittle Sea.

115 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2025

About the author

Tom Kane is a seasoned writer whose literary journey began at the age of eight with his first short story, "Planet A for Acid." Armed with a pencil and notepad, he embarked on a lifelong passion for storytelling. Transitioning to a typewriter in his thirties, he penned tales whenever time allowed. It was the advent of the Kindle that spurred him to become an indie author and publish his debut novel, "Operation Werewolf," based his father's World War II experiences.

Drawing from personal and family narratives, Kane's writing evolved, exemplified by "The Diary of a Debt Collector," inspired by his wife's professional encounters. This catalyst ignited a prolific period, yielding both fiction and non-fiction works, with 1,284 copies sold.

During the Covid lockdown, Kane delved into historical fiction, crafting The Brittle Saga Trilogy comprising "The Brittle Sea," "The Brittle Land," and "The Brittle Sky." Offering the first book as a free enticement resulted in over 10,000 downloads, showing a growing readership.

Currently, Kane's focus now lies on the sequel to "Walking Away from Midnight," "Midnight's Child," his latest historical fiction endeavour part two of a promising series. Additionally, he is on the brink of completing "The Ragged Edge of Time," a captivating science fiction novel slated for release in the autumn of 2024.

With an ever-expanding repertoire and a knack for weaving intricate narratives, Tom Kane invites readers to explore his diverse literary landscape, offering a glimpse into his writing style through his published works.

Reviews

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Two Lives. Two Lies. A World Sliding Toward Disaster."

This heading really of the second part of the prequel accurately sums up this book. Two young people, born in poverty, trying to better themselves in a world ‘sliding toward disaster’.

I found this an exquisitely written story, that mesmerized me from the beginning. Why? 1: Because it was impossible not to put myself in the shoes of the 2 main characters as their stories unfolded. 2: The situations of each of the 2 characters rang true for the time and place of the stories.

Jack is a young fatherless boy in Hell’s Kitchen, struggling to survive the gangs first as a child, then as a young worker coming face to face with the grift and violence rampant on dockside New York.

In Ukraine, Magda Asparov and her brother Peter are near starvation along with their dying father. A true “robber baron’ has robbed them of their land and livelihood. To escape Magda walks, rides on wagons, purchases the cheapest berth available to her, to reach her goal of England and a woman whose name was given her by an American passing through her village: Mrs. Eleanor Wren. Magda learns English and how to comport herself as a lady of worth, by listening to, watching, and learning to emulate Mrs. Wren.

What ties the stories of Jack and Ursula together? The same man. To Jack, he owns and orders Jack’s world. To Magda, he represents salvation from her destitution, and hope for a future for herself and hopefully for the two boys that represent the only family and friend she has left.

This prequel ends as Magda boards a boat to take her to New York and a new life. We are left to wonder when the two shall meet, as it seems they must. Yes, I am going to read the next book in this series, as I find the writing outstanding.

I received an early copy of this book from Book Sirens. My review is voluntary and the opinions are my own.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. This book is brilliant! I have read Tom Kane's Prequel to and first 3 books in his Midnight series and they are so good that when I was offered this book, the prequel to another of his series, I snapped it up. I didn't disappoint - in fact I now can't wait to read the series. The book focuses on two completely different characters from different worlds. Jack,a young boy from "Hell's kitchen" as a certain area of New York was called at the beginning of the 20th century, who is intelligent and clever enough to get himself a good job in a shipyard. He finds himself in a situation that he must escape to save his life, so he does just that. This is just the beginning of his new life and new misfortunes. Part two is about a poor Ukranian girl who has intelligence, ambition and strength of character enough to work, lie and carve out a much better position for herself in Southampton, England. While the young man had worked on the building of the Titanic, Magda managed to get passage on the ship. We know what happened to the ship - but what will happen to Magda and Jack? After reading their individual stories, it's almost a compulsion to read what happens next. It is my opinion that Tom Kane is up there with the great and famous authors.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written, immersive historical novel. The prose is vivid and restrained, and the characters feel deeply alive. Several passages stopped me in my tracks. Before the Brittle Sea is thoughtful, moving, and quietly unforgettable.