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The Bowl of Souls #8
The Ogre Apprentice
The Jharro Grove Saga: Part Three
Justan’s time in Malaroo isn’t going well. A deadly shape-shifting assassin seeks his life and he is struggling to win over Jhonate’s father.
Fist is the only ogre ever to train at the Mage School. He is determined to make the most of this opportunity, but his plans are derailed and his burgeoning powers tested when he receives a visit from the tribe he had long thought dead.
An army closes in on the grove, a new race of monsters emerges from the swamps, and a great evil grows in the mountains. The survival of the known lands may depend on the strength of The Ogre Apprentice.
Justan’s time in Malaroo isn’t going well. A deadly shape-shifting assassin seeks his life and he is struggling to win over Jhonate’s father.
Fist is the only ogre ever to train at the Mage School. He is determined to make the most of this opportunity, but his plans are derailed and his burgeoning powers tested when he receives a visit from the tribe he had long thought dead.
An army closes in on the grove, a new race of monsters emerges from the swamps, and a great evil grows in the mountains. The survival of the known lands may depend on the strength of The Ogre Apprentice.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2015
54 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Trevor H. Cooley
32 books251 followersI was born in South Carolina and have lived all around the United states. Utah, New Mexico, Michigan and Tennessee.
I started reading novels in second grade and my love of Fantasy started with Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain series. I couldn't get enough, continued with David Eddings, Tolkein, Robert Jordan. All I wanted was to become a published writer.
The characters and concepts that eventually became the Bowl of Souls series started in my teens. I wrote short stories, kept notebooks full of ideas, and generally dreamed about my world constantly. There were several attempts at starting a novel over the years.
Not long after I was married, my wife told me to stop talking about the story and write it down. Here I am, many years and rewrites and submissions and rejection letters later taking the plunge into self publishing.
The Bowl of Souls Series:
THE MOONRAT SAGA
1. Eye of the Moonrat
2. Messenger of the Dark Prophet
3. Hunt of the Bandham
1.5. Hilt's Pride
4. War of Stardeon
5. Mother of the Moonrat
THE JHARRO GROVE SAGA
1. Tarah Woodblade
2. Protector of the Grove
3. Ogre Apprentice
4. The Troll King
5. Priestess of War
6. Behemoth (2017)
THE DARK PROPHET SAGA
1. Sir Edge (Upcoming)
TALLOW JONES
1. Tallow Jones: Wizard Detective (Fall 2017)
NOOSE JUMPERS
1. Noose Jumpers: A Mythological Western
2. (Upcoming)
I currently live in Idaho with my wife and four children.
I started reading novels in second grade and my love of Fantasy started with Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain series. I couldn't get enough, continued with David Eddings, Tolkein, Robert Jordan. All I wanted was to become a published writer.
The characters and concepts that eventually became the Bowl of Souls series started in my teens. I wrote short stories, kept notebooks full of ideas, and generally dreamed about my world constantly. There were several attempts at starting a novel over the years.
Not long after I was married, my wife told me to stop talking about the story and write it down. Here I am, many years and rewrites and submissions and rejection letters later taking the plunge into self publishing.
The Bowl of Souls Series:
THE MOONRAT SAGA
1. Eye of the Moonrat
2. Messenger of the Dark Prophet
3. Hunt of the Bandham
1.5. Hilt's Pride
4. War of Stardeon
5. Mother of the Moonrat
THE JHARRO GROVE SAGA
1. Tarah Woodblade
2. Protector of the Grove
3. Ogre Apprentice
4. The Troll King
5. Priestess of War
6. Behemoth (2017)
THE DARK PROPHET SAGA
1. Sir Edge (Upcoming)
TALLOW JONES
1. Tallow Jones: Wizard Detective (Fall 2017)
NOOSE JUMPERS
1. Noose Jumpers: A Mythological Western
2. (Upcoming)
I currently live in Idaho with my wife and four children.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 28, 2015
Good read but I have an irrational fear of squirrels now thanks to this book.
When I started reading this series I found myself becoming emerged in the lore and the world in a way I had rarely had done before. The characters were terrific the plot was incredible and the action stunning. I have enjoyed every book in this series and this was no exception. We find ourselves for a good part of this book dealing with Fist and certain ahh family problems I guess you could say. I won't go into details but I have to say that we see more of the ways of the ogres. We also do see a good bit of Sir Edge and jhonate and there is a bit of romance and a smidgen of character development between the two. The others kinda get sidelined in this one although deathclaw is still trying to work out the finer nuances of human emotion and etiquette. Really my only qualms about the book.(so far I will re-read later). Is that is that our most hated assassin's death did not (to me anyways) feel more satisfying. All in all this was a marvelous read and I hope that anyone who reads this will pick up this series and see for yourself.
When I started reading this series I found myself becoming emerged in the lore and the world in a way I had rarely had done before. The characters were terrific the plot was incredible and the action stunning. I have enjoyed every book in this series and this was no exception. We find ourselves for a good part of this book dealing with Fist and certain ahh family problems I guess you could say. I won't go into details but I have to say that we see more of the ways of the ogres. We also do see a good bit of Sir Edge and jhonate and there is a bit of romance and a smidgen of character development between the two. The others kinda get sidelined in this one although deathclaw is still trying to work out the finer nuances of human emotion and etiquette. Really my only qualms about the book.(so far I will re-read later). Is that is that our most hated assassin's death did not (to me anyways) feel more satisfying. All in all this was a marvelous read and I hope that anyone who reads this will pick up this series and see for yourself.
March 4, 2015
Loved it!! The 8th book in the Bowl of Souls series does not disappoint. What amazes me is that this book was available so quickly after Mr. Cooley finished writing it. I think it was either the day of or the day after he mentioned finishing writing the book on facebook that it was available to buy on Amazon. The speed at which he gets these books out is just amazing. As for the book itself, if you liked the previous ones (and if you didn't, please re-read them) then you'll love this one. This continues to be one of my favorite fantasy series. It definitely has me laughing more so than any other series I've read. The conversations between characters is just hilarious, especially with my favorite character, Squirrel. Can't wait to read the next one!
March 17, 2015
I loved this one. I loved all the humor and I really liked how Fist's character has grown. I look forward to future installments.
February 26, 2019
"Your greatest power isn’t your skill. It isn’t the weapons you wield and it most definitely isn’t your name. Your greatest power is your ability to lead them.”
The Ogre Apprentice is the 8th book in The Bowl of Soul Saga as well as being the 3rd in the Jharro Grove Saga. This is actually the first review I've done in the series since the 4th book I believe, so thing have changed since last we've met. This one is very hard to rate. I think overall I might give it like 3.8, round up to 4. The problem with this book is it seems to focus on the Fist travelling side plot that does not progress the overall story, for the majority of the book. The thing is that the side plot does develop the characters surrounding Fist, but at the same time it was a little bit of a sludge to get through. I really enjoyed the part of the story focusing on Justan when he was meeting the Roo-Tan, and enjoyed learning about the people and culture there. There seems like there is still so much to learn about this world.
The one thing I think Trevor really shines at is his writing of the quirky character here. Cletus, Vincent, Deathclaw, and all the others are so well written and I loved their dialogue especially. His characters overall are fantastic but these really do shine. Justan remains to be my favorite character to read about and I thoroughly enjoy his story.
Overall I enjoyed the book although like I said it seemed to hang there a little bit and the plot stopped for a chunk during the middle. Looking forward to the next book.
“We have to keep our focus on the things we can control. Don’t spend so much time looking upward, that you miss what’s happening around you.”
The Ogre Apprentice is the 8th book in The Bowl of Soul Saga as well as being the 3rd in the Jharro Grove Saga. This is actually the first review I've done in the series since the 4th book I believe, so thing have changed since last we've met. This one is very hard to rate. I think overall I might give it like 3.8, round up to 4. The problem with this book is it seems to focus on the Fist travelling side plot that does not progress the overall story, for the majority of the book. The thing is that the side plot does develop the characters surrounding Fist, but at the same time it was a little bit of a sludge to get through. I really enjoyed the part of the story focusing on Justan when he was meeting the Roo-Tan, and enjoyed learning about the people and culture there. There seems like there is still so much to learn about this world.
The one thing I think Trevor really shines at is his writing of the quirky character here. Cletus, Vincent, Deathclaw, and all the others are so well written and I loved their dialogue especially. His characters overall are fantastic but these really do shine. Justan remains to be my favorite character to read about and I thoroughly enjoy his story.
Overall I enjoyed the book although like I said it seemed to hang there a little bit and the plot stopped for a chunk during the middle. Looking forward to the next book.
“We have to keep our focus on the things we can control. Don’t spend so much time looking upward, that you miss what’s happening around you.”
May 1, 2018
Oh my God. These books have quickly became my everything!
The character growth in this book is incredible. It’s been such a brilliant experience watching them grow into the individuals that they have become and also watching their bond tighten.
The story has had me hooked. It’s made me laugh, cry and gasp (waking up my sleeping fiancé making him think something awful was happening to me).
I actually wanted to step away from the series for a short while to finish a load of books on my bookshelf, I promised myself that I wouldn’t buy anymore until they had all been read, but I just can’t. Be buying the next one tonight.
I honestly have never had a book grab me the way that this series has. Not once have I finished one of these books and felt let down, I’m just always desperate to get my hands on the next one.
Trevor H.Cooley, thank you for creating this wonderful world and characters that I have honestly fell in love with.
The character growth in this book is incredible. It’s been such a brilliant experience watching them grow into the individuals that they have become and also watching their bond tighten.
The story has had me hooked. It’s made me laugh, cry and gasp (waking up my sleeping fiancé making him think something awful was happening to me).
I actually wanted to step away from the series for a short while to finish a load of books on my bookshelf, I promised myself that I wouldn’t buy anymore until they had all been read, but I just can’t. Be buying the next one tonight.
I honestly have never had a book grab me the way that this series has. Not once have I finished one of these books and felt let down, I’m just always desperate to get my hands on the next one.
Trevor H.Cooley, thank you for creating this wonderful world and characters that I have honestly fell in love with.
July 11, 2017
Love bowl of souls.
Awesome book,one of the best fantasy series out there. Can't wait to see how he finishes the story from here.
Awesome book,one of the best fantasy series out there. Can't wait to see how he finishes the story from here.
August 6, 2017
Another solid chapter in a good fantasy series.
November 22, 2018
Great book
Great book continues the bowl of soul adventure. Can't wait for the next book. Great book and it has strong female character
Great book continues the bowl of soul adventure. Can't wait for the next book. Great book and it has strong female character
March 18, 2017
My Thoughts:
Now Fist is my favouritest character. In The Ogre Apprentice we get to see a lot of Fist, and that made me very happy indeed! ... Then the book ended with a cliffhanger... of course....... but even that could not take away the joy of reading about my favourite ogre. Then there is the beautiful world building and I like the way the plot is going even though it followed the same formulaic pattern as the previous story arc... but I like it just the same. Kudos to the author for making it interesting despite being similar. Even the cliffhanger ending didn't bother me so much, maybe because of the fact that I already have the next book downloaded. The Ogre Apprentice, I believe is my favouritest in the series thus far.
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 4
Plot = 3.5
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Now Fist is my favouritest character. In The Ogre Apprentice we get to see a lot of Fist, and that made me very happy indeed! ... Then the book ended with a cliffhanger... of course....... but even that could not take away the joy of reading about my favourite ogre. Then there is the beautiful world building and I like the way the plot is going even though it followed the same formulaic pattern as the previous story arc... but I like it just the same. Kudos to the author for making it interesting despite being similar. Even the cliffhanger ending didn't bother me so much, maybe because of the fact that I already have the next book downloaded. The Ogre Apprentice, I believe is my favouritest in the series thus far.
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 4
Plot = 3.5
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
February 28, 2015
As the title implies much of the book is centered on Fist and his companions although from the title, I was expecting more time spent at the magic academy. I don't want to give away the story so I won't get into details. The only draw back of the story is that it does open up with a continuation from the previous book with Tarah Woodblade and her companions but then other than a couple of cameo rolls, nada and the few revelations made about her are likely to be forgotten by the time the next book is release since they were mere footnotes in this book. Also this book does continue Justin'
s story but I wonder if that was really necessary. Perhaps more time could have been spent developing Fist character as well as Squirrel as was done with Tarah in the previous book. For those reasons I am giving this a four out of five stars. Well worth the read and as entertaining as the previous books.
s story but I wonder if that was really necessary. Perhaps more time could have been spent developing Fist character as well as Squirrel as was done with Tarah in the previous book. For those reasons I am giving this a four out of five stars. Well worth the read and as entertaining as the previous books.
April 8, 2015
So good!
I absolutely love this series! I was hooked after book 2, and immediately bought and devoured the rest of them. The worldbuilding is brilliant throughout both sagas. The way the characters continue to evolve and grow is so realistic that I'm emotionally invested in them! This book in particular may be my favorite so far... I liked getting to see Fist come into his own, and Squirrel!!! Omg Squirrel saying "I am Deathclaw" was the best! I'm very intrigued to see what Matthew is up to as well. I can't really say too much more without spoilers, but suffice it to say that Justan continues to be one of my favorite fictional characters of all time. Another awesome book in an awesome series! Can't wait for the next one!
I absolutely love this series! I was hooked after book 2, and immediately bought and devoured the rest of them. The worldbuilding is brilliant throughout both sagas. The way the characters continue to evolve and grow is so realistic that I'm emotionally invested in them! This book in particular may be my favorite so far... I liked getting to see Fist come into his own, and Squirrel!!! Omg Squirrel saying "I am Deathclaw" was the best! I'm very intrigued to see what Matthew is up to as well. I can't really say too much more without spoilers, but suffice it to say that Justan continues to be one of my favorite fictional characters of all time. Another awesome book in an awesome series! Can't wait for the next one!
February 28, 2015
finally here....contains spoilers
I like this board it has a bit of development but I think it's just shy of being enough. Justan, who is supposedly smart shows no interest in maximizing his potential. He has become quite whiny and his character is getting stalled. I like the development with Tara but there wasn't enough. Many parts were too descriptive and the story almost fizzled. All in all I'm still interested in what happens, I just wish the author would spend less time describing specific scenes or actions if they don't move the story forward and give us more story.
I like this board it has a bit of development but I think it's just shy of being enough. Justan, who is supposedly smart shows no interest in maximizing his potential. He has become quite whiny and his character is getting stalled. I like the development with Tara but there wasn't enough. Many parts were too descriptive and the story almost fizzled. All in all I'm still interested in what happens, I just wish the author would spend less time describing specific scenes or actions if they don't move the story forward and give us more story.
February 15, 2016
Captivating!
Kept my interest, Hard to put down! Can't wait to read the next book! Well Written!
Highly Recommended! Definitely worth the price of admission!
Kept my interest, Hard to put down! Can't wait to read the next book! Well Written!
Highly Recommended! Definitely worth the price of admission!
September 11, 2015
Great books
I love this series (except for the tarah woodblade book) the editing in this one is really lazy and sloppy though
I love this series (except for the tarah woodblade book) the editing in this one is really lazy and sloppy though
February 18, 2016
Fist is also boring as paint. Take three dull-ish storylines and you get a book I was forcing myself to go on with.
April 29, 2016
I'm committed to the story and I like how it's progressing.
February 7, 2016
Really excellent character building.
April 22, 2017
This series has a slow build, each book adds just a little more to the lore. Every book has a great story, and makes one smile. The characters are good and very well scripted. You won't find morally grey characters, most every character is good or bad. -Thats about the series overall, read on for comments about this book individually.
Of all the books in this series, this one adds the most to the lore! This is great for me, I love deep and complex worlds, and by the end of this novel the world seems much more deep and the situations much more serious.
One thing about this series in general is that things rarely feel huge. The situations almost seem localized and only important to a small group. However, by the end of this book you start seeing how the troubles are truly affecting everyone.
So, if you have given up on this series prior to this, I recommend picking this up and hammering through it. I am positive by the end you will desire to continue to dive into the world!
Of all the books in this series, this one adds the most to the lore! This is great for me, I love deep and complex worlds, and by the end of this novel the world seems much more deep and the situations much more serious.
One thing about this series in general is that things rarely feel huge. The situations almost seem localized and only important to a small group. However, by the end of this book you start seeing how the troubles are truly affecting everyone.
So, if you have given up on this series prior to this, I recommend picking this up and hammering through it. I am positive by the end you will desire to continue to dive into the world!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews