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The Shattered Song #0.5
The Warden and the Priestess
The Warden and the Priestess
Months into a sacred bond, warden Kaelor and priestess Kiera break temple law to reach a forbidden ritual site — and find a village already dying, a rune animating the dead into something that hungers, still feeding while its victims watch through eyes that haven't stopped seeing.
Forced into their first real fight together, blade and Light find a rhythm neither of them knew they had, and win a victory that costs them more than either admits.
In the ruin, Kiera finds her fragment of buried truth. In the wreckage above it, Kaelor finds a second, forbidden core stirring awake inside him — one the temple swore was sealed for good.
On the road home, shaken and closer than they've ever let themselves be, they vow to never part, whatever the temple asks.
Readers of The Tethered God already know how that vow ends. This is the story of everything it cost to make.
Months into a sacred bond, warden Kaelor and priestess Kiera break temple law to reach a forbidden ritual site — and find a village already dying, a rune animating the dead into something that hungers, still feeding while its victims watch through eyes that haven't stopped seeing.
Forced into their first real fight together, blade and Light find a rhythm neither of them knew they had, and win a victory that costs them more than either admits.
In the ruin, Kiera finds her fragment of buried truth. In the wreckage above it, Kaelor finds a second, forbidden core stirring awake inside him — one the temple swore was sealed for good.
On the road home, shaken and closer than they've ever let themselves be, they vow to never part, whatever the temple asks.
Readers of The Tethered God already know how that vow ends. This is the story of everything it cost to make.
- GenresFantasy
ebook
Published October 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 6, 2026
i’m a sucker for flashback novellas, so it’s no surprise that i’m absolutely obsessed with this. my favorite thing about this prequel is how intimate it felt. kaelor and kiera’s relationship was something i wanted more from after the tethered god, and the warden and the priestess delivered on that so well. between all of the chaos and fighting and terrifying eldritch horrors brisk has created, their connection kept the story extremely grounded and emotional.
i loved how every scene and exchange furthered the relationship in some way. the combat scenes were especially interesting because of how we got to see them adapt to each other’s combat styles and learn to work together, which i found really interesting. and then the quieter, softer moments were so beautiful and emotional. it’s obvious how much trust has been built up between the pair, so the emotional climaxes never feel unearned. (also, there is YEARNING. kaelor is a yearner and i will forever be obsessed with him. the way he talks about kiera had me giggling and kicking my feet. at least until the dead started reanimating…)
kiera’s character was so well developed, and it’s very obvious that she is seren’s mother. the similarities between how they engage with the church, and with kaelor, were really fun to read.
the overall atmosphere was also incredible. i loved how eerie the village scenes felt, and how visceral the descriptions of decay were. it really drove home the point that nothing was untouched. the rot/corruption also progressed really well with some genuinely terrifying descriptions. i was so tense the entire time, in the best way. i really enjoyed how the info we got about the gods and the magic system tied back into the tethered god, and seeing clues that the characters wouldn’t pick up on until years later.
this novella can be read before or after the tethered god (i personally preferred reading it second), and provides so much context for kaelor’s character. it’s insane how different he is in this vs the start of TTG, without it being inconceivable that he is in fact a younger version of brann. somehow, i finished it wanting more (more kaelor. more kiera. more eldric because he appeared once and never again. more (super secret side character i would die for).
if you’ve read the tethered god (or even if you haven’t yet), this novella is a must read, not just a side story. it really adds so much emotional weight to kaelor and kiera’s story in a way that is essential. apparently, it was possible for me to love them even more.
i loved how every scene and exchange furthered the relationship in some way. the combat scenes were especially interesting because of how we got to see them adapt to each other’s combat styles and learn to work together, which i found really interesting. and then the quieter, softer moments were so beautiful and emotional. it’s obvious how much trust has been built up between the pair, so the emotional climaxes never feel unearned. (also, there is YEARNING. kaelor is a yearner and i will forever be obsessed with him. the way he talks about kiera had me giggling and kicking my feet. at least until the dead started reanimating…)
kiera’s character was so well developed, and it’s very obvious that she is seren’s mother. the similarities between how they engage with the church, and with kaelor, were really fun to read.
the overall atmosphere was also incredible. i loved how eerie the village scenes felt, and how visceral the descriptions of decay were. it really drove home the point that nothing was untouched. the rot/corruption also progressed really well with some genuinely terrifying descriptions. i was so tense the entire time, in the best way. i really enjoyed how the info we got about the gods and the magic system tied back into the tethered god, and seeing clues that the characters wouldn’t pick up on until years later.
this novella can be read before or after the tethered god (i personally preferred reading it second), and provides so much context for kaelor’s character. it’s insane how different he is in this vs the start of TTG, without it being inconceivable that he is in fact a younger version of brann. somehow, i finished it wanting more (more kaelor. more kiera. more eldric because he appeared once and never again. more (super secret side character i would die for).
if you’ve read the tethered god (or even if you haven’t yet), this novella is a must read, not just a side story. it really adds so much emotional weight to kaelor and kiera’s story in a way that is essential. apparently, it was possible for me to love them even more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it give me 20 more.
I absolutely loved this! A great novella on its own but an even better addition to the Shattered Song Series.
This can be read before or after The Tethered God, but I think reading this before ( first ) gives some great insight into the world & premise of the series, helping you better understand where things are going in book 1. If you prefer things remain more of a mystery then I'd read it after book 1 ( thats what I did ).
I loved the romance which was perfectly integrated while still serving the plot. Most of all I just really enjoyed getting more backstory on Kaelor & Kiera. It was prety neat seeing how things connect & progressed leading up to the main plot in book 1. Their budding relationship & the yearning was well done - with no lack of motes, blood, magic & brutal fight scenes. The audio was spectacular of course, narrated by Adriel Brandt. Can be read before or after The Tethered God.
I absolutely loved this! A great novella on its own but an even better addition to the Shattered Song Series.
This can be read before or after The Tethered God, but I think reading this before ( first ) gives some great insight into the world & premise of the series, helping you better understand where things are going in book 1. If you prefer things remain more of a mystery then I'd read it after book 1 ( thats what I did ).
I loved the romance which was perfectly integrated while still serving the plot. Most of all I just really enjoyed getting more backstory on Kaelor & Kiera. It was prety neat seeing how things connect & progressed leading up to the main plot in book 1. Their budding relationship & the yearning was well done - with no lack of motes, blood, magic & brutal fight scenes. The audio was spectacular of course, narrated by Adriel Brandt. Can be read before or after The Tethered God.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this book before reading The Tethered God (the first full length novel by this author). If you are looking for a quick read where you can get the feel for whether or not this series is going to be for you- this novella is perfect.
Brisk introduces the main characters and despite being a novella, they come alive off the page. Kaelor is crotchety. Kiera is a ray of light. We get breadcrumbs for what is the start of the end. And I found myself wanting to immediately dive into The Tethered God just to see what happens to them.
Noah’s evils are truly that from a horror movie, he spares no details due to the vivid imagery. The fight scenes are clear and easy to follow (even though there’s a lil too much “getting the snot pounded out of me” for my taste but I am a Squeamish Wimp so that’s a me problem).
This novella proves that the author can tell a compelling story without a huge word count. I can’t wait to see what he does with the full length novel.
Brisk introduces the main characters and despite being a novella, they come alive off the page. Kaelor is crotchety. Kiera is a ray of light. We get breadcrumbs for what is the start of the end. And I found myself wanting to immediately dive into The Tethered God just to see what happens to them.
Noah’s evils are truly that from a horror movie, he spares no details due to the vivid imagery. The fight scenes are clear and easy to follow (even though there’s a lil too much “getting the snot pounded out of me” for my taste but I am a Squeamish Wimp so that’s a me problem).
This novella proves that the author can tell a compelling story without a huge word count. I can’t wait to see what he does with the full length novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the best romantasy I've ever read. A warrior, the mage he's sworn to protect, and a faceless construct made of putrid flesh. A classic tale we've all read time and time again!
In all seriousness, this serves as a great introduction to a few of the key characters in Brisk's The Tethered God (also a 5 star read). I enjoyed learning some background tidbits and the history behind the relationships of said characters. I love it when a novella enriches the overall story and world of a series, and this does that and more.
Also, get ready for some colorful descriptions of smells. A Brisk specialty!
In all seriousness, this serves as a great introduction to a few of the key characters in Brisk's The Tethered God (also a 5 star read). I enjoyed learning some background tidbits and the history behind the relationships of said characters. I love it when a novella enriches the overall story and world of a series, and this does that and more.
Also, get ready for some colorful descriptions of smells. A Brisk specialty!
October 31, 2026
It’s pretty sick. Read it.
September 19, 2026
There are many prequel novellas that try to do too many things and ruin the experience of reading a novella. THIS BOOK ISN'T ONE OF THEM.
I appreciate the straightforward plot and a clear tension revolving a relationship between the two main characters which kept me hooked from start to finish. It makes the entire reading experience easy and enjoyable and most importantly it succeed in making me want to dig into the main series.
An easy recommend.
I appreciate the straightforward plot and a clear tension revolving a relationship between the two main characters which kept me hooked from start to finish. It makes the entire reading experience easy and enjoyable and most importantly it succeed in making me want to dig into the main series.
An easy recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel like Noah could do both TTG stories and a series from this time period and I would read the hell outta both!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to Noah Brisk for the ARC of this novella. All thoughts are my own.
The Warden and the Priestess: A Shattered Song Story is a prequel novella of Brisk's fantastic debut novel, The Tethered God. In it, we see more of Kaelor's and Kiera's relationship as Warden and Priestess, prior to events that lead into TTG.
What I Loved
We again get to see just how capable of a fighter Kaelor is. His brutality in battle is a feature, not a bug, and I'm here for it. We also get to see more of those blossoming feelings between him and Kiera, which further pushes the stakes laid out in TTG.
Overall
I'm stoked that Brisk is giving us more lore for his world so soon. Having finished The Tethered God not long ago, I was hungry for more. Now I have to check my place for listening devices. Thanks, Noah.
The Warden and the Priestess: A Shattered Song Story is a prequel novella of Brisk's fantastic debut novel, The Tethered God. In it, we see more of Kaelor's and Kiera's relationship as Warden and Priestess, prior to events that lead into TTG.
What I Loved
We again get to see just how capable of a fighter Kaelor is. His brutality in battle is a feature, not a bug, and I'm here for it. We also get to see more of those blossoming feelings between him and Kiera, which further pushes the stakes laid out in TTG.
Overall
I'm stoked that Brisk is giving us more lore for his world so soon. Having finished The Tethered God not long ago, I was hungry for more. Now I have to check my place for listening devices. Thanks, Noah.
November 1, 2026
I have "The Tethered God" waiting for me to clear out some of my current reads and immediate TBR first, but I did decide to take a Sunday to read the prequel novella as I've been curious to learn more about the world of the Shattered Song.
I liked it a lot! I loved the two main characters, Kaelor and Kiera, and learning a little bit about the lore of the world through them as well as their relationship, which was so beautifully depicted: slow, familiar, caring, warm are some of the words that come to mind.
The descriptions of both the village, what's happened to it, and the fight scenes were also beautifully done: gory, gruesome and popped off the pages like something out of a video game. And the monstrosity in this story was absolutely, viscerally horrible (in the best way).
All in all, a great introduction to the "The Tethered God" that left me even more curious and I can't wait to dive into the novel itself soon-ish!
I liked it a lot! I loved the two main characters, Kaelor and Kiera, and learning a little bit about the lore of the world through them as well as their relationship, which was so beautifully depicted: slow, familiar, caring, warm are some of the words that come to mind.
The descriptions of both the village, what's happened to it, and the fight scenes were also beautifully done: gory, gruesome and popped off the pages like something out of a video game. And the monstrosity in this story was absolutely, viscerally horrible (in the best way).
All in all, a great introduction to the "The Tethered God" that left me even more curious and I can't wait to dive into the novel itself soon-ish!
September 29, 2026
A great introduction to the story of Brann. Read before or after the tethered god, and you’re bound to get something out of this novella.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Really enjoyed this one, though it was less intense than tethered God I actually think I liked it more, it was cool to see the characters from the original novel when they were younger and less jaded.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Solid quick read. Good characterization and some beefy action helped me fly through this one.
Not sure if this may end up hitting harder if it's read after The Tethered God but it's a good intro to the series world regardless
Not sure if this may end up hitting harder if it's read after The Tethered God but it's a good intro to the series world regardless
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Every ruin keeps two of silence: the silence of what was never said, and the silent of what was said and then buried."
Once again, the epitaphs at the start of each chapter are so freaking good. The whole novella is amazing. It may be short, but it packs an emotional punch. An epic fight, a rescue, confessions of love, and getting a peak at how the events of The Tethered God started - The Warden and the Priestess had it all.
The character work was fantastic. Knowing what will eventually become of Kaelor, Kiera, and Eldric as their lives progress toward the events of The Tethered God made each of them super compelling as individuals and as a group. With Kaelor especially, it was fascinating to see what he was like in The Warden and the Priestess and see the ways that he changes and remains the same by the time we get to The Tethered God.
Would absolutely recommend this novella to everyone. I definitely think it packs more of a punch if you've read The Tethered God first, but you definitely don't need to have read it first to be able to enjoy and understand The Warden and The Priestess. Just know if you start with the novella you'll have a hard time resisting the urge to continue on with the rest of the series, so make sure you have the book close at hand when you finish.
Once again, the epitaphs at the start of each chapter are so freaking good. The whole novella is amazing. It may be short, but it packs an emotional punch. An epic fight, a rescue, confessions of love, and getting a peak at how the events of The Tethered God started - The Warden and the Priestess had it all.
The character work was fantastic. Knowing what will eventually become of Kaelor, Kiera, and Eldric as their lives progress toward the events of The Tethered God made each of them super compelling as individuals and as a group. With Kaelor especially, it was fascinating to see what he was like in The Warden and the Priestess and see the ways that he changes and remains the same by the time we get to The Tethered God.
Would absolutely recommend this novella to everyone. I definitely think it packs more of a punch if you've read The Tethered God first, but you definitely don't need to have read it first to be able to enjoy and understand The Warden and The Priestess. Just know if you start with the novella you'll have a hard time resisting the urge to continue on with the rest of the series, so make sure you have the book close at hand when you finish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Warden and the Priestess – Noah Brisk
The Shattered Song #0.5 (?)
**Obtuve este libro como una copia de lectura anticipada (ARC) de parte de Noah Brisk. El libro sale al mundo el 30 de octubre de este año.**
Segunda obra del autor @noahsbriskreviews, mucho más acotado que el anterior y es que se trata de una historia corta precuela, situada 25 años (si no me equivoco) antes de los eventos de The Tethered God. Su objetivo es claro, contarnos parte del inicio de la relación entre el guardián y su sacerdotisa.
Es una historia que tiene un poco de todo, aventuras, acción, romance, misterios. Pero muy centrada en su destino, narrada de forma atractiva que no te permite soltarlo hasta acabarlo.
Si bien se puede leer antes o después de la primera novela, recomiendo leerlo posteriormente. Creo que es mejor dejar ciertos misterios ocultos antes de sumergirse en este leve esclarecimiento, y digo leve, pues son demasiados los misterios, símbolos y hechos por relevar.
¡Extraordinaria!
4,5/5 estrellas
#NoahBrisk #TheWardenAndThePriestess #TheShatteredSong #Fantasy #DarkFantasy #books #indie #libros
The Shattered Song #0.5 (?)
**Obtuve este libro como una copia de lectura anticipada (ARC) de parte de Noah Brisk. El libro sale al mundo el 30 de octubre de este año.**
Segunda obra del autor @noahsbriskreviews, mucho más acotado que el anterior y es que se trata de una historia corta precuela, situada 25 años (si no me equivoco) antes de los eventos de The Tethered God. Su objetivo es claro, contarnos parte del inicio de la relación entre el guardián y su sacerdotisa.
Es una historia que tiene un poco de todo, aventuras, acción, romance, misterios. Pero muy centrada en su destino, narrada de forma atractiva que no te permite soltarlo hasta acabarlo.
Si bien se puede leer antes o después de la primera novela, recomiendo leerlo posteriormente. Creo que es mejor dejar ciertos misterios ocultos antes de sumergirse en este leve esclarecimiento, y digo leve, pues son demasiados los misterios, símbolos y hechos por relevar.
¡Extraordinaria!
4,5/5 estrellas
#NoahBrisk #TheWardenAndThePriestess #TheShatteredSong #Fantasy #DarkFantasy #books #indie #libros
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you @noahsbriskreviews for this ARC edition of The Warden and the Priestess.
This is a 90 page novella set 25 years before the events of The Tethered God. We get much more insight into Kiera and Kaelor's relationship. The banter, the yearning, the badass fighting. It was perfection.
Kiera and Kaelor head out on a mission that takes an unexpected turn when they wander upon a ruined village and some truly grotesque imagery. Part 3 and Part 4 of this novella had some gruesome descriptions that I will think about for quite some time. Noah's imagination is off the charts!
The battle they engage in with this being powered by Blood Magic showed how connected Kiera and Kaelor are. They work seamlessly as a team to fight this creature and anticipate each other's actions. You can feel the unspoken love they have for one another without a lot of lustful glances or heaving bosoms. Just two people sharing quiet moments together around a fire or the briefest of touches that mean everything.
I don't think this needs to be read prior to The Tethered God. I preferred reading it second as I already had a sense of their love story and this just gave it more depth.
This is a 90 page novella set 25 years before the events of The Tethered God. We get much more insight into Kiera and Kaelor's relationship. The banter, the yearning, the badass fighting. It was perfection.
Kiera and Kaelor head out on a mission that takes an unexpected turn when they wander upon a ruined village and some truly grotesque imagery. Part 3 and Part 4 of this novella had some gruesome descriptions that I will think about for quite some time. Noah's imagination is off the charts!
The battle they engage in with this being powered by Blood Magic showed how connected Kiera and Kaelor are. They work seamlessly as a team to fight this creature and anticipate each other's actions. You can feel the unspoken love they have for one another without a lot of lustful glances or heaving bosoms. Just two people sharing quiet moments together around a fire or the briefest of touches that mean everything.
I don't think this needs to be read prior to The Tethered God. I preferred reading it second as I already had a sense of their love story and this just gave it more depth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced listening copy of this from the author. Thank you Noah!
I thought this was an excellent quick hit installment into the Shattered Song world. Having read the Tethered God first it made this story both beautiful and bittersweet to see a happier Kaelor, a optimistic Kiera, and a world not on the brink of complete corruption. But then in seeing those it retroactively gives the world Brann fights for in the Tethered God that much more heart.
This is an excellent sampler if you want to see if Brisk’s world and writing style work for you. He gets in and out quick with a story while showcasing both his nuanced character work and gritty, blood between your knuckles combat writing. I think it could be read either before or after the Tethered God as each colors the other in a new light. I’d liken it to the Fall by Ryan Cahill in that it gives prequel context to the broader world while displaying the author’s prose at the peak of their abilities.
I believe the ebook is free as a reader magnet but I’d highly recommend splurging on the audio as Adriel Bradnt does a masterful job!
I thought this was an excellent quick hit installment into the Shattered Song world. Having read the Tethered God first it made this story both beautiful and bittersweet to see a happier Kaelor, a optimistic Kiera, and a world not on the brink of complete corruption. But then in seeing those it retroactively gives the world Brann fights for in the Tethered God that much more heart.
This is an excellent sampler if you want to see if Brisk’s world and writing style work for you. He gets in and out quick with a story while showcasing both his nuanced character work and gritty, blood between your knuckles combat writing. I think it could be read either before or after the Tethered God as each colors the other in a new light. I’d liken it to the Fall by Ryan Cahill in that it gives prequel context to the broader world while displaying the author’s prose at the peak of their abilities.
I believe the ebook is free as a reader magnet but I’d highly recommend splurging on the audio as Adriel Bradnt does a masterful job!
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚 ARC Review | The Warden and the Priestess by Noah Brisk
Thank you to Noah Brisk for providing me with an advance copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
I love when a prequel feels like more than just a little extra story tucked between books, and The Warden and the Priestess absolutely delivers.
This novella gave me exactly what I wanted as a primer to The Tethered God:Kaelor and Kiera, learning about their relationship, and pieces of the world and its mythology that make the larger world feel even richer. Their connection is easily my favorite part. There’s so much trust, tension, and yearning between them, and the quieter moments ended up hitting me just as hard as the action.
Of course, this is still Noah Brisk, so there are also eldritch horrors, brutal fights, and some wonderfully unsettling imagery. 😂
If you haven’t read The Tethered God, it works as a quick introduction to the world and makes a pretty compelling case for picking up the full novel.
5 Stars ⭐️
Thank you to Noah Brisk for providing me with an advance copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
I love when a prequel feels like more than just a little extra story tucked between books, and The Warden and the Priestess absolutely delivers.
This novella gave me exactly what I wanted as a primer to The Tethered God:Kaelor and Kiera, learning about their relationship, and pieces of the world and its mythology that make the larger world feel even richer. Their connection is easily my favorite part. There’s so much trust, tension, and yearning between them, and the quieter moments ended up hitting me just as hard as the action.
Of course, this is still Noah Brisk, so there are also eldritch horrors, brutal fights, and some wonderfully unsettling imagery. 😂
If you haven’t read The Tethered God, it works as a quick introduction to the world and makes a pretty compelling case for picking up the full novel.
5 Stars ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ALC REVIEW
Another fantastic read by Noah, shorter, sweeter, mighty and even better. I really loved to see another side of Kaelor, than we do in The Tethered God set 25 years later than this one.
A slow-burn, soulbound fantasy romance with brutal monster-hunting action, a found-family gut-punch, and a couple who'd burn the temple down before they'd lose each other.
Everything mention over has been crafted so amazingly, and I could never get enough. Basically staring in the wall when I should have been working, while listening to this. With amazing flow and being pulled into the story so easily, and a amazing boss battle. It's hard not to love this one.
The novella and the novell has 2 different narrator on each one. Thisone is narrated by Adriel Brandt. Which also did a incredible job, and I think I loved the narrator here even more.
You can enjoy this one either before or after The Tethered God. I personally think after is better, to get a even more personal connection with the characters. And going into book 1 totally blind is just more fun in my experience.
Another fantastic read by Noah, shorter, sweeter, mighty and even better. I really loved to see another side of Kaelor, than we do in The Tethered God set 25 years later than this one.
A slow-burn, soulbound fantasy romance with brutal monster-hunting action, a found-family gut-punch, and a couple who'd burn the temple down before they'd lose each other.
Everything mention over has been crafted so amazingly, and I could never get enough. Basically staring in the wall when I should have been working, while listening to this. With amazing flow and being pulled into the story so easily, and a amazing boss battle. It's hard not to love this one.
The novella and the novell has 2 different narrator on each one. Thisone is narrated by Adriel Brandt. Which also did a incredible job, and I think I loved the narrator here even more.
You can enjoy this one either before or after The Tethered God. I personally think after is better, to get a even more personal connection with the characters. And going into book 1 totally blind is just more fun in my experience.
November 2, 2026
I did not read The Tethered God. However, Noah Brisk had assured me that I should still be fine. While that was true at times, there were other times that I felt like a kid that didn't do his homework.
Brisk shows strength in the detail of his fight scenes. The descriptions were pretty gross in a good way. He also wrote tender scenes between the two main characters.
I really began enjoying the story around page 60. And I was a little disappointed when I realized I only had 30ish pages left. I felt like I had a trial version of something really cool. Maybe, that's The Tethered God? I will say that I enjoyed the read, but I will most likely end up reading The Tethered God and coming back for a reread.
Brisk shows strength in the detail of his fight scenes. The descriptions were pretty gross in a good way. He also wrote tender scenes between the two main characters.
I really began enjoying the story around page 60. And I was a little disappointed when I realized I only had 30ish pages left. I felt like I had a trial version of something really cool. Maybe, that's The Tethered God? I will say that I enjoyed the read, but I will most likely end up reading The Tethered God and coming back for a reread.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A dark but intimate introduction to Noah’s world of The Tethered God! I was instantly swept up into this close character study of a warden & priestess on a journey for the truth. But the truth, comes at a price. Noah balances the heart of his characters and the darkness of the surrounding world on a knife’s edge and succeeds in making this reader yearn for more. I instantly picked up The Tethered God and I already know that this story is something special. Do yourself a favor and pick up Noah’s books. He knows a thing or two about fantasy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⚔️The Warden and the Priestess⚔️
The Warden and the Priestess is Noah Brisk’s prequel novel in his Shattered Song series. I absolutely loved his debut, The Tethered God, so I was eager to hop back into that world!
I love a flashback novella and this definitely answered some questions that arose whilst reading The Tethered God. In only 90 pages Brisk manages to pack in emotion, action and an overall richness to the story. Once again Noah’s writing is one of the standouts of the experience. I mentioned this in my last review but he writes like the veteran epic fantasy reader that he is and I feel right at home reading his work.
The Warden and the Priestess can be read before or after The Tethered God but I would definitely recommend reading it second. If you love the series this prequel novella should be essential, it isn’t just a side quest, it is giving the reader a deeper understanding of the characters we are along this journey with.
Thank you so much to @noahsbriskreviews for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Warden and the Priestess is out on October 30th!
⭐5/5 stars⭐
The Warden and the Priestess is Noah Brisk’s prequel novel in his Shattered Song series. I absolutely loved his debut, The Tethered God, so I was eager to hop back into that world!
I love a flashback novella and this definitely answered some questions that arose whilst reading The Tethered God. In only 90 pages Brisk manages to pack in emotion, action and an overall richness to the story. Once again Noah’s writing is one of the standouts of the experience. I mentioned this in my last review but he writes like the veteran epic fantasy reader that he is and I feel right at home reading his work.
The Warden and the Priestess can be read before or after The Tethered God but I would definitely recommend reading it second. If you love the series this prequel novella should be essential, it isn’t just a side quest, it is giving the reader a deeper understanding of the characters we are along this journey with.
Thank you so much to @noahsbriskreviews for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Warden and the Priestess is out on October 30th!
⭐5/5 stars⭐
November 3, 2026
This was a fun tale about Kiera and Kaelor, from the Tethered God’s beginning and how they began their life as Warden and Priestess. Although it’s said it’s a romantasy I didn’t see it, but maybe I don’t really know what a romantasy is. This had a great battle and a grotesque monster that Noah Brisk is and will be known for. This was such a fun quick read it took it down in a day. Now I am ready for the Shattered Song book 2!
October 30, 2026
Another banger by Brisk that dives even deeper into Kaelor & Kiera backstory and characters that lets me see the events of TTG in a new light. Full of insane action, monsters, gore and a bit of yearning to the point that I’d classify this as a romantasy to some degree. The audio was spectacular too.
November 2, 2026
Thanks Noah for providing an audio copy of this book and for being an awesome dude!
I really enjoyed this story! I felt like it was a nice breather from the heavier tones of the other books and gave great insight and background on Kaelor and Kiera.
Can't wait to get more story and see where this all goes!
I really enjoyed this story! I felt like it was a nice breather from the heavier tones of the other books and gave great insight and background on Kaelor and Kiera.
Can't wait to get more story and see where this all goes!
November 3, 2026
I have not read the Tethered God yet so there is some context I don’t have. I found it didn’t matter. I did not have to have the context of all the ends and outs of the magic system or the world. The characters were great and it gave me enough mystery that I am itching to jump into the Tethered God.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Noah for the chance to listen to the audio ARC of your new book! I love a good prequel and this book was done right! It helps me understand SO much about the beginning of the Tethered God and "Bran's" motivations! I can't wait for more stories set in this series!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2026
A banger of a prequel. I really enjoyed this glimpse into the past of the characters of The Tethered God. I thought the writing was vividly descriptive, while still keeping a brisk (lol) pace
Review of advance copy received from Author
Make the emotional impact of The Tethered God heavier. Great novella.
October 30, 2026
Had a great time with this one! This felt like a great little intro to the Shattered Song series! Thanks again to Noah for the ARC!
September 30, 2026
4.5 stars
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