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Reforged #1
Smoke and Rain
What happens when heroes are as broken as the world they must reforge?
A mad king’s genocide destroyed Alea's home and left her sanity in tatters. Caught in the crossfire between the gods and their creators, Alea realizes the darkness inside her is the only thing that can end the bloodshed.
Across enemy lines, bastard lieutenant Brentemir Barrackborn is horrified by the blood on his hands. He must choose between the gods he worships and newfound family if he has any hope of redemption—or surviving the war.
“I expected a hero to save us all. Turns out, I was thinking of the wrong part of the story. In the beginning, we aren't saved. There are only fragments and grief. The pieces must be gathered and flames kindled before I'm reforged. I don't know what shape I will take. Those pieces might become a hero...or a monster.”
Smoke and Rain won New Apple Literary's Excellence in Independent Publishing Award in 2015 and became an internationally bestselling fantasy in 2019
This series contains scenes of intimacy between queer characters. If this makes you uncomfortable, this is not the series for you.
A mad king’s genocide destroyed Alea's home and left her sanity in tatters. Caught in the crossfire between the gods and their creators, Alea realizes the darkness inside her is the only thing that can end the bloodshed.
Across enemy lines, bastard lieutenant Brentemir Barrackborn is horrified by the blood on his hands. He must choose between the gods he worships and newfound family if he has any hope of redemption—or surviving the war.
“I expected a hero to save us all. Turns out, I was thinking of the wrong part of the story. In the beginning, we aren't saved. There are only fragments and grief. The pieces must be gathered and flames kindled before I'm reforged. I don't know what shape I will take. Those pieces might become a hero...or a monster.”
Smoke and Rain won New Apple Literary's Excellence in Independent Publishing Award in 2015 and became an internationally bestselling fantasy in 2019
This series contains scenes of intimacy between queer characters. If this makes you uncomfortable, this is not the series for you.
429 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2015
23 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
V.S. Holmes
28 books75 followersV. S. Holmes is an international bestselling author of dark, speculative fiction, from fast-paced hard sci-fi to slow-burn gothic fantasy and everything in between. He has two finished series: Stars Edge: Nel Bently Books, a queer archaeological sci-fi, and the dark fantasy Blood of Titans. Smoke and Rain, the award-winning first book in his fantasy quartet, became an international bestseller in 2018. Travelers is also included in the Peregrine Moon Lander mission as part of the Writers on the Moon Time Capsule. In addition, he writes game content for Stone Blade Entertainment and published short fiction in several anthologies.
He is currently working on a folk horror, inspired by death, sex, and their Frisian and Celtic heritage.
Beyond the keyboard, he lives in western Massachusetts, and like to garden, feed the birds, and watch the river change with the seasons. V worked as a contract archaeologist for over a decade before becoming an electrician. V is a trans guy, among other flavors of queer, and married to a fellow archaeologist. They enjoy quiet evenings with food, games, and films with a sweet lab-rottweiler, Rory and the not-so-quiet brown mutt, Millie.
He is currently working on a folk horror, inspired by death, sex, and their Frisian and Celtic heritage.
Beyond the keyboard, he lives in western Massachusetts, and like to garden, feed the birds, and watch the river change with the seasons. V worked as a contract archaeologist for over a decade before becoming an electrician. V is a trans guy, among other flavors of queer, and married to a fellow archaeologist. They enjoy quiet evenings with food, games, and films with a sweet lab-rottweiler, Rory and the not-so-quiet brown mutt, Millie.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 19, 2016
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
"You're worth all the pain of the fire you start, Alea."
This was the first book I read by V.S. and let me tell you... I have found a favorite world to obsess over!!
There are maps (!!!!) that helped in keeping track of the characters and a diagram that helped keep track of the seasons they were in as well. I was introduced to new and difficult words but I loved every second of it!
The characters were incredibly well through out. It's told in the third person so we get a couple of POV's throughout it all and it was amazing how well Holmes kept track of them.
"The truth makes monsters out of our heroes."
There is Alea, our main character, who is a survivor in every definition of the word. Her character development was magnificent and the best part is that it isn't over yet! She has definitely stepped up to the plate for me and I can't wait to see how else she grows into her new life. Her powers are also incredibly BADASS. I was speechless when I first read about her using it. It made me sort of (by sort of I mean definitely) jealous to know I will never have them as my own.
There is Arman, (my favorite!!) the 23 year old weapon designer who is also incredibly badass. His character development was spectacular. His world is also turned upside down and his struggle to keep a hold of his old life was palpable. My heart went out to him and I wanted him happy more than anything. I loved his POV's so freaking much, it was borderline stalking for me. I love that man so much!! I need another fix of Arman sooner than soon! I didn't know I was so attached to him until he suffered... then, I was a complete sobbing mess. Whenever he spoke... I was putty in his hands and I wanted to fling myself at the pages in the slight chance that he would catch me... Yeah, it was a heart-breaking moment when I had to remind myself he was fictional.
(It is safe to say that I wanted him to end up with Alea from the very start!!)
Then there is Bren. A soldier that is double-guessing his actions and who he should be following. Let's just say that his actions definitely made me proud and I can't wait to see more from him.
And then, there is An'thor. A badass warrior sworn to protect the Laen. His loyalty is never in question but he can definitely lie his way out of everything. I was bummed not to see more of him but something tells me that I will on the next book. Maybe. I can only hope!
"Often we learn the most when we're uncomfortable."
This book started slow for me and it took me quite a bit to get into. But after 100 pages, or so, everything started to pick up pace and I was hooked from then on. I couldn't put it down to save my life and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The plot line was incredibly unique and I found myself crying a lot. I loved how romance wasn't such a huge part of the plot line but it still managed to keep me captivated. Holmes gave me a lot of the things I look for in a wonderful story and so much more. I saw some of the twists coming but there were also a few that I didn't see coming at all.
The ending is still breaking my heart!! UGH! That sneak peek of the second book made it even worse; it tripled my sorrow. I seriously need more of this world as soon as possible because I am going insane!!
(I also found one of my last names in this so that made me freak out a little bit.)
"You're worth all the pain of the fire you start, Alea."
This was the first book I read by V.S. and let me tell you... I have found a favorite world to obsess over!!
There are maps (!!!!) that helped in keeping track of the characters and a diagram that helped keep track of the seasons they were in as well. I was introduced to new and difficult words but I loved every second of it!
The characters were incredibly well through out. It's told in the third person so we get a couple of POV's throughout it all and it was amazing how well Holmes kept track of them.
"The truth makes monsters out of our heroes."
There is Alea, our main character, who is a survivor in every definition of the word. Her character development was magnificent and the best part is that it isn't over yet! She has definitely stepped up to the plate for me and I can't wait to see how else she grows into her new life. Her powers are also incredibly BADASS. I was speechless when I first read about her using it. It made me sort of (by sort of I mean definitely) jealous to know I will never have them as my own.
There is Arman, (my favorite!!) the 23 year old weapon designer who is also incredibly badass. His character development was spectacular. His world is also turned upside down and his struggle to keep a hold of his old life was palpable. My heart went out to him and I wanted him happy more than anything. I loved his POV's so freaking much, it was borderline stalking for me. I love that man so much!! I need another fix of Arman sooner than soon! I didn't know I was so attached to him until he suffered... then, I was a complete sobbing mess. Whenever he spoke... I was putty in his hands and I wanted to fling myself at the pages in the slight chance that he would catch me... Yeah, it was a heart-breaking moment when I had to remind myself he was fictional.
(It is safe to say that I wanted him to end up with Alea from the very start!!)
Then there is Bren. A soldier that is double-guessing his actions and who he should be following. Let's just say that his actions definitely made me proud and I can't wait to see more from him.
And then, there is An'thor. A badass warrior sworn to protect the Laen. His loyalty is never in question but he can definitely lie his way out of everything. I was bummed not to see more of him but something tells me that I will on the next book. Maybe. I can only hope!
"Often we learn the most when we're uncomfortable."
This book started slow for me and it took me quite a bit to get into. But after 100 pages, or so, everything started to pick up pace and I was hooked from then on. I couldn't put it down to save my life and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The plot line was incredibly unique and I found myself crying a lot. I loved how romance wasn't such a huge part of the plot line but it still managed to keep me captivated. Holmes gave me a lot of the things I look for in a wonderful story and so much more. I saw some of the twists coming but there were also a few that I didn't see coming at all.
The ending is still breaking my heart!! UGH! That sneak peek of the second book made it even worse; it tripled my sorrow. I seriously need more of this world as soon as possible because I am going insane!!
(I also found one of my last names in this so that made me freak out a little bit.)
September 17, 2015
I relish a work that makes the reader work for things such as imagining the setting, what will come next or plotting the possibilities the characters will have available to them. Ms. Holmes cascaded a plethora of possible directions from beginning to end in Smoke and Rain. As I started to read I have to admit I was a bit dismayed in the start of the book. I found some of the scenes somewhat disjointed but slowly realized what Ms. Holmes was accomplishing with her wordsmithing. The consciousness of the characters was enveloped in her writing. Alea was stepping out of a nightmare trying to find her soul and flounder an existence again. Arman had ever so small hints that his life was about to be upturned but ploughed through his day to day with it eating and nagging at him. The writing was conveying this personal maelstrom that each character was going through albeit to differing degrees but nonetheless present. Once this realization was made I had a new respect for Ms. Holmes writing and caused me to become more involved in the small nuances she was presenting for each character and the flow of the plot. It made me a stakeholder in the emotional bank that each page rendered a small deposit into wanting more and more to see how the bank roll would eventually be parlayed in each character’s life.
In the depth of the story the information given was not a huge info dump thankfully. I would describe it as a small trickle from a sieve one wasn't sure if it was still flowing. This led to the aforementioned emotional and physical trials the characters were experiencing. Which I love in all stories, a chance for the reader to think ahead and wonder where, why and how the next plot line would fall into place. There are spots which Ms. Holmes gives wonderful descriptions of the surroundings and imagery that fulfills the scene spectacularly whether it is a small description of a simple meal or the opulence of the grand hall just before…. Well spoilers right?
Smoke and Rain is a wonderful journey that takes a well know path to discovery and evolvement of the characters but it fresh in its love for the characters and their path that Ms. Holmes lovingly takes. Definitely put Smoke and Rain on your TBR, you won’t be disappointed.
In the depth of the story the information given was not a huge info dump thankfully. I would describe it as a small trickle from a sieve one wasn't sure if it was still flowing. This led to the aforementioned emotional and physical trials the characters were experiencing. Which I love in all stories, a chance for the reader to think ahead and wonder where, why and how the next plot line would fall into place. There are spots which Ms. Holmes gives wonderful descriptions of the surroundings and imagery that fulfills the scene spectacularly whether it is a small description of a simple meal or the opulence of the grand hall just before…. Well spoilers right?
Smoke and Rain is a wonderful journey that takes a well know path to discovery and evolvement of the characters but it fresh in its love for the characters and their path that Ms. Holmes lovingly takes. Definitely put Smoke and Rain on your TBR, you won’t be disappointed.
January 31, 2016
“The power rolling from the fort was not obvious at first. It crept across the ground like rising floodwater. Cold soaked into hands and boots, halting adrenaline and rage. Despite the rain, thirst crept up the throats of the soldiers, faint but persistent. Those closer to the blast watched droplets of water burst from their skin to skitter across the ground. Water trickled, moving even faster between the stones…. The deaths were gradual, like falling to sleep. But even in sleep there is pain and horror.”
The beauty with which, V. S. Holmes weaves this epic tale is nothing short of remarkable. The words spring from the page painting a detailed picture in your mind.
“It was not time for declarations. It was not time for honesty… Last words were not for the dying, but for those left behind.”
The characters, through much of the book are Alea and her guard Arman, are interesting and completely lovable. Though, you do want to reach in the text and slap some sense into them at times. Luckily, that’s where Bren comes in handy. When he shows up you question his loyalty and though I still wonder if his heart will lead him astray from their cause he has proven himself invaluable to Alea and Arman.
Arman has entire story that it would seem is yet to come. I hope to learn more about him in the sequel.
“The trees were leafed in brilliant green and blossoms began to peeked from vines. She did not see them. Instead, she saw shadow creeping into her thoughts. It hovered on the edge but she felt it grow.”
Alea starts out as an intelligent girl who was displaced by a terrible tragedy. Watching her grow and change through out this story has been amazing and only adds the depth of the character and how much you care about what happens to her.
I hope to see more character building in the second book though we now get to learn more about Le’yan, I hope the author is able to focus more on characters. The world is beautifully written and necessary but I long for the relationship bits to be more in depth and take up more of the page.
Five stars seems too few for the journey I was just able to be part of. A lass that is all they give me. Looking forward the next in this epic series and cannot wait to see what other masterpieces flow from the fingertips of this new author. Well done, V.S. Holmes, well done.
March 13, 2016
I hate reading, but......this book is amazing! It came highly recommended by a dear friend, so I gave it a shot. The first time I read it, I got to the last two chapters and couldn't bring myself to finish it, so I started over and read it again. It has been a long, long time since I have enjoyed reading, and this book brought it all back. I absolutely cannot wait for May when Lightning and Flames comes out! I may even read Travelers just because I enjoy her writing so much. I really loved the character development in this book, not only for the main characters, but the peripheral characters as well. I was impressed with how well the pain and joy of the characters was not only written, but built up to. The depth of the characters was intense, and they didn't feel like just words on a page - I could picture them and feel for them. The struggles of the characters felt real to me, and I loved that the author conveyed this on both subtle (Wait, what? Ohhhh!) and obvious levels. The story was beautiful - nerve-wracking and scary, fun and light-hearted, dark, romantic - with a few great twists that really kept me guessing and propelled the story. I'm recommending this book to everyone I know.
August 17, 2019
A quote from the Author's Acknowledgements: "Thank you to my first critique partner, Rissa for reminding me that my characters need to be people, no matter how unflagging the descriptions of their cities may be." The author did pay attention to that advice, however, she has also added enough descriptions of places and things to help you picture everything very easily. The characters are believable and very lifelike. She blurs the definition of what is 'Human' nicely. The story is well written and engaging, the pace of the story is excellent fast enough to keep you reading, yet slow enough to let absorb everything that is going on. This book kept me up to the wee hours of two mornings, as I couldn't put it down. This is an excellent beginning to what I sure will be a Classic of Fantasy Epics. If you like Raymond Feist, Mercedes Lackey, and the works of S. G. Prince, you will love the works of V. S. Holmes.
I did receive this book for free from the author, with no strings attached. I have written this review of my volition.
I did receive this book for free from the author, with no strings attached. I have written this review of my volition.
December 17, 2019
V.S.Holes is a fantastic writer who lives in a "Little House" way up east. Her style is way bigger than her little house though. She gets you there and keeps you reading, her books are unputdownable!
December 8, 2019
Honestly this will give you that Magic,Swords and Sorcery type fix that demands filling, the story starts with the inn and moves quickly to the angry peasants,onto the action that doesn't stop. read into the wee hours ,didn't want to put it down finished it it record time, now can't wait for the next 1.
Read
March 3, 2019Are you looking for an epic dark fantasy novel to blow your mind? Well, you just found it! And the best part is that this is the first book of a series (Reforged), so there’s more to come!
Smoke and Rain was the first book I read by V.S. Holmes, and I must say that at first, I had a love-hate relationship with the beginning of this book. I’ll start with the bad so that I can get it out of the way. I don’t have a lot of time to read, so when I read, I want to get immersed in the story asap. I’m not a patient person, sue me! So, soon after I picked up this book (about 60 or 70 pages in) I put it down and looked up reviews about it. It’s not one of those kinds of books that start with a hook. This one starts slow, explaining things, introducing characters, and so on. You also have to learn some hard to remember names. Have I mentioned that I’m not a patient person? Upon reading several fabulous reviews, I discovered that despite being a bit slow in the beginning, it more than makes up for it afterward. I can now confirm this! So I picked it up again. It may not hook you right from the beginning, but when it does, it won’t let go!
The book starts with a calendar and maps to help you visualize this world and keep track of what’s going on. The story is written in the third person POV, so we get acquainted with each characters inner struggles and growth, which is nice. I think it’s impressive how the author managed to flesh out each character and give them appropriate page time. By the way, this is not a quick read, but quite a thick book and I love how unpredictable and unique this story turned out.
The main character is Alea, dealing with survivor’s guilt in the aftermath of a tragedy and eqqually important is Aman, a weapon designer that becomes her guard. Both are troubled characters, easy to sympathize with, yet frustrating at times. There is no instant romance threatening the plot, which is awesome because it makes their relationship believable. It’s all based on friendship and loyalty.
The world building in this novel was exquisite and immersive. The descriptive passages, which I sometimes find boring in other books, were epic in “Smoke and Rain”! You don’t have to take my word for it, here a random description:
“The trees were leafed in brilliant green and blossoms began to peek from vines. She did not see them. Instead, she saw shadow creeping into her thoughts. It hovered on the edge but she felt it grow.”
V.S. Holmes is more than a writer; a wordsmith would be a more suitable synonym. The way she describes things makes reading a very vivid and visual experience. Here’s another phrase (unimportant in the grand scheme of things) that caught my eye:
“Venom and fear soured his glare at Alea as he obeyed. She hoped he could not see her skin crawl”
“War brought legends and monsters scuttling out like wood roaches after a storm.”
I’m trying not to give away spoilers, so I’ll say this: this is an epic dark fantasy novel, so expect badass superpowers! Sweet Alea is not the damsel in distress you’d expect; she has some kick-ass magic going on:
“Swelling power broke from her body. Black fog exploded from her open mouth and filled the room with churning darkness.
The power rolling from the fort was not obvious at first. It crept across the ground like rising floodwater. Cold soaked into hands and boots, halting adrenaline and rage. Despite the rain, thirst crept up the throats of the soldiers, faint but persistent. Those closer to the blast watched droplets of water burst from their skin to skitter across the ground. Soon it was not just water ripped from their bodies, but lymph and bile and blood. Water trickled, moving even faster between the stones and swirled up Alea’s legs. And each death burned through Alea’s mind”
Do you have goosebumps yet? Buy the book, read it and feed the fantasy monster nesting inside you!
Smoke and Rain was the first book I read by V.S. Holmes, and I must say that at first, I had a love-hate relationship with the beginning of this book. I’ll start with the bad so that I can get it out of the way. I don’t have a lot of time to read, so when I read, I want to get immersed in the story asap. I’m not a patient person, sue me! So, soon after I picked up this book (about 60 or 70 pages in) I put it down and looked up reviews about it. It’s not one of those kinds of books that start with a hook. This one starts slow, explaining things, introducing characters, and so on. You also have to learn some hard to remember names. Have I mentioned that I’m not a patient person? Upon reading several fabulous reviews, I discovered that despite being a bit slow in the beginning, it more than makes up for it afterward. I can now confirm this! So I picked it up again. It may not hook you right from the beginning, but when it does, it won’t let go!
The book starts with a calendar and maps to help you visualize this world and keep track of what’s going on. The story is written in the third person POV, so we get acquainted with each characters inner struggles and growth, which is nice. I think it’s impressive how the author managed to flesh out each character and give them appropriate page time. By the way, this is not a quick read, but quite a thick book and I love how unpredictable and unique this story turned out.
The main character is Alea, dealing with survivor’s guilt in the aftermath of a tragedy and eqqually important is Aman, a weapon designer that becomes her guard. Both are troubled characters, easy to sympathize with, yet frustrating at times. There is no instant romance threatening the plot, which is awesome because it makes their relationship believable. It’s all based on friendship and loyalty.
The world building in this novel was exquisite and immersive. The descriptive passages, which I sometimes find boring in other books, were epic in “Smoke and Rain”! You don’t have to take my word for it, here a random description:
“The trees were leafed in brilliant green and blossoms began to peek from vines. She did not see them. Instead, she saw shadow creeping into her thoughts. It hovered on the edge but she felt it grow.”
V.S. Holmes is more than a writer; a wordsmith would be a more suitable synonym. The way she describes things makes reading a very vivid and visual experience. Here’s another phrase (unimportant in the grand scheme of things) that caught my eye:
“Venom and fear soured his glare at Alea as he obeyed. She hoped he could not see her skin crawl”
“War brought legends and monsters scuttling out like wood roaches after a storm.”
I’m trying not to give away spoilers, so I’ll say this: this is an epic dark fantasy novel, so expect badass superpowers! Sweet Alea is not the damsel in distress you’d expect; she has some kick-ass magic going on:
“Swelling power broke from her body. Black fog exploded from her open mouth and filled the room with churning darkness.
The power rolling from the fort was not obvious at first. It crept across the ground like rising floodwater. Cold soaked into hands and boots, halting adrenaline and rage. Despite the rain, thirst crept up the throats of the soldiers, faint but persistent. Those closer to the blast watched droplets of water burst from their skin to skitter across the ground. Soon it was not just water ripped from their bodies, but lymph and bile and blood. Water trickled, moving even faster between the stones and swirled up Alea’s legs. And each death burned through Alea’s mind”
Do you have goosebumps yet? Buy the book, read it and feed the fantasy monster nesting inside you!
November 27, 2019
For the record, I received an Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of this book with the request that I leave a voluntary honest review for other potential readers. That having been said, here is my honest opinion and review of this book. What an interesting plot line. The intricacies of the story mixing so many different subplots with twists, turns and surprises is wonderful. Creators, Gods and Mortals battling amongst themselves for the survival of the world. With incredible world building and character development, this story comes to life as you read it. Arman, Alea, Bren and the other characters (both good and bad) just jump off of the pages into your minds eye as you read about them. This is what an epic fantasy is supposed to look like. I loved it. The book is absolutely worth the time it takes to read it. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
November 14, 2019
Smoke and Rain (Reforged #1), my first read from author V.S. Holmes. Extremely well written, the characters are well-developed with an attention-grabbing storyline. If you quickly judge a book by its cover, this cover does not do the book justice! It needs a new cover; if I were to select my read based on the cover this book wouldn’t make the cut. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make the reader get invested into the characters and thereby the story. I’ll be reading more from this author! Better yet this is the first book in a multi-book series that I look forward to reading. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 8, 2019
This book has been on my TBR list forever! So glad I finally was able to read it. It was amazing! This is the first of four books, and is what looks to be a well laid out series. So don't expect any resolution in this first installment.
The character development in this book is on point, we get to know the main players and really get drawn into who they are as individuals before we get to why they will be important to the story, which I LOVE. No one is an insta-hero, or whatever, and there isn't any insta-love or insta-solutions.
The plot is dark yet the characters are very real about dealing with the parts they play, so very much engulfing. I about throw my phone when I go about 80% in, so serious worth reading! I can't wait to read book 2!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The character development in this book is on point, we get to know the main players and really get drawn into who they are as individuals before we get to why they will be important to the story, which I LOVE. No one is an insta-hero, or whatever, and there isn't any insta-love or insta-solutions.
The plot is dark yet the characters are very real about dealing with the parts they play, so very much engulfing. I about throw my phone when I go about 80% in, so serious worth reading! I can't wait to read book 2!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. It started a bit slow but after the first 70 pages or so, everything picks up. I found some of the initial scenes somewhat disjointed but slowly realized what Ms. Holmes was accomplishing. The development of her characters was refreshing, definitely playing on the emotions of the reader.
Alea, the main female protagonist, awakens in a new city, harboring images of watching her family and loved ones slaughtered…wondering why she is still alive. I thought Holmes did a wonderful job fleshing her out, as Alea struggles with her mental machinations of how her future will unfold.
Arman, the leading male protagonist is a weapons designer/all around good guy/and main helper at his mother’s inn, where Alea was brought to recover. Through persistence and a caring attitude, Arman begins to help Alea come out of her shell. It’s not long before they each discover who they are and their ultimate purpose. That’s when the real adventure begins.
The story was entertaining and the editing pretty clean. The world building and imaging was done quite well, drawing the reader into their world effortlessly. The story line was fascinating and the sub-plots enough to keep you guessing as to which way the story was going. I also appreciate Holmes for not leaving the reader with a cliff hanger but enough intrigue to make one want to follow up the series with the next book.
All in all, this was a great read for fantasy lovers. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading the next. I procured this book from Amazon and the review is my own opinion.
Alea, the main female protagonist, awakens in a new city, harboring images of watching her family and loved ones slaughtered…wondering why she is still alive. I thought Holmes did a wonderful job fleshing her out, as Alea struggles with her mental machinations of how her future will unfold.
Arman, the leading male protagonist is a weapons designer/all around good guy/and main helper at his mother’s inn, where Alea was brought to recover. Through persistence and a caring attitude, Arman begins to help Alea come out of her shell. It’s not long before they each discover who they are and their ultimate purpose. That’s when the real adventure begins.
The story was entertaining and the editing pretty clean. The world building and imaging was done quite well, drawing the reader into their world effortlessly. The story line was fascinating and the sub-plots enough to keep you guessing as to which way the story was going. I also appreciate Holmes for not leaving the reader with a cliff hanger but enough intrigue to make one want to follow up the series with the next book.
All in all, this was a great read for fantasy lovers. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading the next. I procured this book from Amazon and the review is my own opinion.
March 7, 2016
It's been a while since I forayed into dark fantasy, and I was a little nervous as the genre reminds me of when I was at my most annoying. Still, the cover and excerpts that I had come across intrigued me and I was excited to give it a try.
I immediately found the character of Alea compelling and sympathetic. While she goes through great tragedy, it isn't the only focus of herself or the book, though you do see her believably dealing with the aftermath. The relationships in the book are sweet and light-handed although the feelings themselves are very strong. You see Alea's strength and fortitude throughout the books, as well as believable and honest weakness, and want to see where the story will take her.
The few times that I found myself thinking, "Oh, I see where this is going" the book ended up going in a different direction, which I very much appreciated as adventure books can tend toward being formulaic. I'm excited, but also a little scared, to read the next ones. Would definitely recommend to readers of all genres!
I immediately found the character of Alea compelling and sympathetic. While she goes through great tragedy, it isn't the only focus of herself or the book, though you do see her believably dealing with the aftermath. The relationships in the book are sweet and light-handed although the feelings themselves are very strong. You see Alea's strength and fortitude throughout the books, as well as believable and honest weakness, and want to see where the story will take her.
The few times that I found myself thinking, "Oh, I see where this is going" the book ended up going in a different direction, which I very much appreciated as adventure books can tend toward being formulaic. I'm excited, but also a little scared, to read the next ones. Would definitely recommend to readers of all genres!
February 8, 2016
Epic fantasy fans will absolutely love this first book in V.S. Holmes’s Reforged Quartet. Every time I sat down to read, I was drawn right back into the world Holmes has created—one that will thankfully carry on for three more installments. Alea and Arman were characters I cared about right from the start, and being able to see the story from both of their points of view, as well as a handful of other important characters, strengthened the book’s epic world building. The plot is multilayered and complex, and I especially liked how the romance, while an element, is not the story’s focus. It’s a slow burn between Alea and Arman — their characters develop individually while their loyalty to one another builds naturally and believably. Holmes’s writing style is somehow both lyrical and direct, and I was impressed with her patient attention to detail. If you’re looking for a fantasy series to invest yourself in, this is it!
December 6, 2015
It's been a while since I've read a fantasy book that really engaged me. You know that gaping hole you're left with after you finish something like Harry Potter? Well, this came remarkably close to filling it - surpassing my expectations, even. I really enjoyed the development of Holmes' characters, and love how she gradually lead up to the painstaking climax. I found myself wanting to flip through the pages to find out what was going to happen, because she's constantly leaving the reader Easter eggs that you KNOW are going to come back to haunt you. And they do, in the best way possible. They may seem a little disorganized at first, but trust me - just keep reading. I'm definitely looking forward to the future installments. Keep 'em coming, Holmes!
May 29, 2018
This is an incredible tale from 1251. there are many battles, journeys and adventure, as well as some events that are more personal in nature. A wonderful book of fantasy. I loved it. While the page count was a bit more than posted on goodreads as 470 I enjoyed all 711 pages I read of it. V. S. Holmes talent for both story telling and writing. If you enjoy Epic adventures this is a book for you.
September 27, 2018
An epic adventure fantasy! It was an intriguing story that caught my interest. In the beginning it took me a little bit to get into with all the different names and places but once it picked up it was fast paced and exciting. I’m still not sure how I feel about the characters to be honest there were parts of the story that were kind of confusing and I don’t know if it was just the way it was worded or if I missed something.
Overall a great magical adventure!
Overall a great magical adventure!
March 31, 2016
Great for a first/early novel by a young author! I'll definitely read the next one.
March 13, 2020
A wondrous fantasy epic begins
Massachusetts author V.S. Holmes earned her degree Biology for Keene State College and works as a contract archaeologist doing Cultural Resource Management, supplementing her interest in prehistoric people and stone tools. As a disabled and queer human, Holmes is an advocate and sponsor for those writing with disabilities, and is a significant advocate for the LGBTQ community. Her writing is in the SFF genre (Science Fiction Fantasy) and to date she has contributed short stories to four anthologies, as well as her own books – the STARSEDGE: NEL BENTLEY series, and her acclaimed REFORGED series, of which SMOKE AND RAIN is the initial volume, having won the 2015 New Apple Literary Excellence in Independent Publishing Award. Holmes hosts the Amphibian Press Podcast.
The atmosphere surrounding this epic tale is intoxicatingly real, despite the knowledge that this is a fantasy fiction. And that quality – related in eloquent and imaginative prose – suffuses every aspect of this fine novel. Holmes has created a strikingly impressive central character in Alea, surrounds her with a cast of characters who become credible even in their fantasy-imposed origins, and introduces a memorably significant Elle, whose addition by the end of the story grows in importance. For an introductory volume of a series yet to be completed, Holmes has captured the imagination and commitment of her readers.
Opening with a calendar image from this ‘other place and time’ and maps of the fantasy world and of Vielrona and Ceir Athrolan, Holmes weaves a tapestry of the forthcoming events with the skill of a thaumaturge. ’Arman gathered bloody rags from the cots and tried to ignore the five figures by the door. Despite his mother’s care, half the refugees who arrived four days before had already passed. He dumped the rages in a basket in the corner, glancing back. Fire chased ice up his spine. It was unpleasant, but alluring, like the burn of alcohol down his throat. He forced himself to approach the women. Laen are never simply “women.” In his twenty-three years, he had never seen of the gods’ creators. Now half a dozen of them stood in his mother’s inn. Arman hastily patted a blood-stained hand over his curls and bowed. “Lady Liane?”
In that seductive opening few lines so much of the nidus of this fantasy tale is hinted. The quite condensed synopsis suggests the adventure ahead: ‘A mad king's genocide destroyed Alea's home and left her sanity in tatters. Caught in the crossfire between the gods and their creators, Alea realizes the darkness inside her is the only thing that can end the bloodshed. Across enemy lines, bastard lieutenant Brentemir Barrackborn is horrified by the blood on his hands. He must choose between the gods he worships and newfound family if he has any hope of redemption—or surviving the war.'
Wade deeply into these waters for a fine curtain raiser for REFORGED. V.S. Holmes quite simply demonstrates that she is an artist of significance. Very highly recommended.
Massachusetts author V.S. Holmes earned her degree Biology for Keene State College and works as a contract archaeologist doing Cultural Resource Management, supplementing her interest in prehistoric people and stone tools. As a disabled and queer human, Holmes is an advocate and sponsor for those writing with disabilities, and is a significant advocate for the LGBTQ community. Her writing is in the SFF genre (Science Fiction Fantasy) and to date she has contributed short stories to four anthologies, as well as her own books – the STARSEDGE: NEL BENTLEY series, and her acclaimed REFORGED series, of which SMOKE AND RAIN is the initial volume, having won the 2015 New Apple Literary Excellence in Independent Publishing Award. Holmes hosts the Amphibian Press Podcast.
The atmosphere surrounding this epic tale is intoxicatingly real, despite the knowledge that this is a fantasy fiction. And that quality – related in eloquent and imaginative prose – suffuses every aspect of this fine novel. Holmes has created a strikingly impressive central character in Alea, surrounds her with a cast of characters who become credible even in their fantasy-imposed origins, and introduces a memorably significant Elle, whose addition by the end of the story grows in importance. For an introductory volume of a series yet to be completed, Holmes has captured the imagination and commitment of her readers.
Opening with a calendar image from this ‘other place and time’ and maps of the fantasy world and of Vielrona and Ceir Athrolan, Holmes weaves a tapestry of the forthcoming events with the skill of a thaumaturge. ’Arman gathered bloody rags from the cots and tried to ignore the five figures by the door. Despite his mother’s care, half the refugees who arrived four days before had already passed. He dumped the rages in a basket in the corner, glancing back. Fire chased ice up his spine. It was unpleasant, but alluring, like the burn of alcohol down his throat. He forced himself to approach the women. Laen are never simply “women.” In his twenty-three years, he had never seen of the gods’ creators. Now half a dozen of them stood in his mother’s inn. Arman hastily patted a blood-stained hand over his curls and bowed. “Lady Liane?”
In that seductive opening few lines so much of the nidus of this fantasy tale is hinted. The quite condensed synopsis suggests the adventure ahead: ‘A mad king's genocide destroyed Alea's home and left her sanity in tatters. Caught in the crossfire between the gods and their creators, Alea realizes the darkness inside her is the only thing that can end the bloodshed. Across enemy lines, bastard lieutenant Brentemir Barrackborn is horrified by the blood on his hands. He must choose between the gods he worships and newfound family if he has any hope of redemption—or surviving the war.'
Wade deeply into these waters for a fine curtain raiser for REFORGED. V.S. Holmes quite simply demonstrates that she is an artist of significance. Very highly recommended.
October 14, 2016
The writing style, characterization, and world-building of this first installment of the Reforged Series was a surprisingly refreshing change from the humdrum attempts at Epic Fantasy we see a lot of out there. The very first page hooked me with the simple yet elegant narrative, which I haven't seen from a new author in quite some time. The characters' dilemmas were revealed in perfect timing yet kept me wanting more, and Holmes didn't disappoint with dropping tidbits of emotion, character growth, and internal struggle among all the the action and war-time maneuvers. I can't wait to start reading the second book in the series, and I'm particularly looking forward to seeing what Holmes does with the characters' further discovery of their powers...and their abilities to either wreak incredible havoc or save worlds.
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