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Empire of the Wolf
The Anguished Earth
Not yet published
Expected 19 Oct 26It is winter in the Empire of the Wolf, and the town of Eisbrück burns with plague.
Whilst physicians struggle to contain the pox, the atmosphere thickens with recrimination and talk of inauspicious constellations, and a demonic witch filling the streets with bodies and black magick. Amongst the chaos, Sir Konrad Vonvalt must recover a dangerous fugitive-a child murderer who has escaped from Blackmarsh Insane Asylum.
But with winter's bite closing and plague spreading like wildfire, finding the killer may be the least of his problems...
Whilst physicians struggle to contain the pox, the atmosphere thickens with recrimination and talk of inauspicious constellations, and a demonic witch filling the streets with bodies and black magick. Amongst the chaos, Sir Konrad Vonvalt must recover a dangerous fugitive-a child murderer who has escaped from Blackmarsh Insane Asylum.
But with winter's bite closing and plague spreading like wildfire, finding the killer may be the least of his problems...
154 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 19, 2026
About the author
Richard Swan
25 books2,223 followersRichard Swan is a critically acclaimed British genre writer. He is the author of the Sunday Times bestselling Empire of the Wolf, Great Silence, and Decurion series, and fiction for Black Library and Grimdark Magazine. His work has been translated into ten languages.
Richard is a qualified lawyer, and before writing full time spent ten years litigating multimillion pound commercial disputes in London. He currently lives in Sydney with his wife and three young sons.
For updates follow him at stonetemplelibrary.com.
Richard is a qualified lawyer, and before writing full time spent ten years litigating multimillion pound commercial disputes in London. He currently lives in Sydney with his wife and three young sons.
For updates follow him at stonetemplelibrary.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
My favourite novella of the year.
Sir Konrad Vonvalt must apprehend a dangerous fugitive - a child murderer who has escaped from an Insane Asylum.
Winter's bite, accusations of witchcraft, and a plague spreading and killing like wildfire makes finding the killer more deadly than anticipated.
This had the gritty atmosphere of The Justice of Kings trilogy, a prequel that gives you a glimpse into Konrad’s calculating mind. The mystery and arcane hints will satisfy fans of The Tainted Cup.
The dialogue is sharp. The dynamics packed with history that we are privy to through interactions and what goes unsaid. Being able to portray characters’ personalities and relationships in such a short page count is talented indeed.
The mystery is well executed and layers intrigue with physical horrors, the spiritual, and accusations of witchcraft.
"Witnessing death bestirs the desire to create new life. Either that or the body cannot tell the difference between bloodlust and regular lust."
The world building is lacking. It definitely throws you in the deep end and relies heavily on readers having knowledge of the trilogy, despite this being a prequel.
Ultimately, I would not recommend starting with this as your introduction to the Empire of the Wolf world. Unless you are aware you will be missing key information, but want a taste of the dark atmosphere, the complicated characters, and harsh Empire.
Physical arc gifted by The Broken Binding Publishing and Grimdark Magazine.
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Sir Konrad Vonvalt must apprehend a dangerous fugitive - a child murderer who has escaped from an Insane Asylum.
Winter's bite, accusations of witchcraft, and a plague spreading and killing like wildfire makes finding the killer more deadly than anticipated.
This had the gritty atmosphere of The Justice of Kings trilogy, a prequel that gives you a glimpse into Konrad’s calculating mind. The mystery and arcane hints will satisfy fans of The Tainted Cup.
The dialogue is sharp. The dynamics packed with history that we are privy to through interactions and what goes unsaid. Being able to portray characters’ personalities and relationships in such a short page count is talented indeed.
The mystery is well executed and layers intrigue with physical horrors, the spiritual, and accusations of witchcraft.
"Witnessing death bestirs the desire to create new life. Either that or the body cannot tell the difference between bloodlust and regular lust."
The world building is lacking. It definitely throws you in the deep end and relies heavily on readers having knowledge of the trilogy, despite this being a prequel.
Ultimately, I would not recommend starting with this as your introduction to the Empire of the Wolf world. Unless you are aware you will be missing key information, but want a taste of the dark atmosphere, the complicated characters, and harsh Empire.
Physical arc gifted by The Broken Binding Publishing and Grimdark Magazine.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
Okay so I have been dying for more short adventures with Sir Konrad Vonvalt ever since I read The Scour, and Richard Swan has once again delivered exactly what I wanted with The Anguished Earth. This standalone novella is such a dreadfully good blend of horror, grimdark fantasy, and mystery, and I honestly could not stop myself from devouring it in one sitting.
Now, I once again have to admit that Vonvalt was never my favourite character in The Justice of Kings, but following his younger self in these prequel novellas has somehow completely changed the game for me. I absolutely love seeing the slightly less jaded man he was before everything that came later, especially because I find it morbidly compelling to watch him navigate situations where the clash between the law, morality, desire, and sheer survival instinct are all tearing him apart from inside. This time around, he is sent after a ruthless child murderer who has escaped from an insane asylum, only to arrive in a town being ravaged by a deadly plague that the locals believe is the work of demonic witchcraft, so safe to say the stakes are high.
There is honestly quite a lot happening in The Anguished Earth, but Swan's atmosphere and character work kept me completely grounded. I could practically feel the bite of winter throughout the entire story, and every sharp conversation felt so vivid that I could hear it playing out in my head like a film, which is a level of immersion that I rarely get to experience as someone who’s not a very visual reader. The core mystery also kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loved the way that Swan blended body horror, spiritual horror, and psychological horror to create the most delicious sense of dread. Like, the child murders and plague itself are horrifying, but the paranoia surrounding it is almost worse, and I loved how the mystery played into that growing sense that absolutely nothing in this town was safe or sane.
I do have to admit that I wanted a little more from some of the side characters, mostly because I felt like my man Bressinger did not get much time to shine in The Anguished Earth. See, he finds himself struck down by the plague despite believing he was immune, and while I really loved seeing just how desperate Vonvalt became to save his best friend (which he would never admit out loud), I definitely missed their banter for parts of the story. That said, I was actually very delighted that my animal-shifting babe Resi made another appearance, and now I am begging Swan to write a romance next because the tension, yearning, and emotional turmoil between her and Vonvalt were honestly giving me life.
While I do think this prequel novella works brilliantly as a standalone tale, I would still recommend it more to fans of the series than to newcomers, because I think it hits way harder when you already understand the magic, these people, and what they mean to each other. In any case, The Anguished Earth satisfied my grimdark-loving heart in ways I did not know I needed, and I now swear I will be returning to the Empire of the Wolf before Swan has a chance to publish another novella and make me feel even guiltier about not having done so yet.
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Even though I am a GdM team member, this review is unbiased and all opinions are my own. The Anguished Earth is scheduled for release on October 19th, 2026.
Okay so I have been dying for more short adventures with Sir Konrad Vonvalt ever since I read The Scour, and Richard Swan has once again delivered exactly what I wanted with The Anguished Earth. This standalone novella is such a dreadfully good blend of horror, grimdark fantasy, and mystery, and I honestly could not stop myself from devouring it in one sitting.
Now, I once again have to admit that Vonvalt was never my favourite character in The Justice of Kings, but following his younger self in these prequel novellas has somehow completely changed the game for me. I absolutely love seeing the slightly less jaded man he was before everything that came later, especially because I find it morbidly compelling to watch him navigate situations where the clash between the law, morality, desire, and sheer survival instinct are all tearing him apart from inside. This time around, he is sent after a ruthless child murderer who has escaped from an insane asylum, only to arrive in a town being ravaged by a deadly plague that the locals believe is the work of demonic witchcraft, so safe to say the stakes are high.
There is honestly quite a lot happening in The Anguished Earth, but Swan's atmosphere and character work kept me completely grounded. I could practically feel the bite of winter throughout the entire story, and every sharp conversation felt so vivid that I could hear it playing out in my head like a film, which is a level of immersion that I rarely get to experience as someone who’s not a very visual reader. The core mystery also kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loved the way that Swan blended body horror, spiritual horror, and psychological horror to create the most delicious sense of dread. Like, the child murders and plague itself are horrifying, but the paranoia surrounding it is almost worse, and I loved how the mystery played into that growing sense that absolutely nothing in this town was safe or sane.
I do have to admit that I wanted a little more from some of the side characters, mostly because I felt like my man Bressinger did not get much time to shine in The Anguished Earth. See, he finds himself struck down by the plague despite believing he was immune, and while I really loved seeing just how desperate Vonvalt became to save his best friend (which he would never admit out loud), I definitely missed their banter for parts of the story. That said, I was actually very delighted that my animal-shifting babe Resi made another appearance, and now I am begging Swan to write a romance next because the tension, yearning, and emotional turmoil between her and Vonvalt were honestly giving me life.
While I do think this prequel novella works brilliantly as a standalone tale, I would still recommend it more to fans of the series than to newcomers, because I think it hits way harder when you already understand the magic, these people, and what they mean to each other. In any case, The Anguished Earth satisfied my grimdark-loving heart in ways I did not know I needed, and I now swear I will be returning to the Empire of the Wolf before Swan has a chance to publish another novella and make me feel even guiltier about not having done so yet.
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Even though I am a GdM team member, this review is unbiased and all opinions are my own. The Anguished Earth is scheduled for release on October 19th, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As always, it's a delight to be back in Vonvalt's dark, horror-tinged fantasy world!
The Anguished Earth finds Vonvalt alone, Bressinger on the verge of death, and investigating the usual impossible bloody mysteries involving dark magics and brutal murders. Except this one is set in the middle of a plague town, so we've really ratcheted up the stakes.
The story is eminently addictive, with Vonvalt's usual laconic nature dragging us relentlessly forward into the narrative, the investigation, and finally the dealing of the Emperor's justice in a way that feels satisfying and suitably dark. Can't wait for the next one!
The Anguished Earth finds Vonvalt alone, Bressinger on the verge of death, and investigating the usual impossible bloody mysteries involving dark magics and brutal murders. Except this one is set in the middle of a plague town, so we've really ratcheted up the stakes.
The story is eminently addictive, with Vonvalt's usual laconic nature dragging us relentlessly forward into the narrative, the investigation, and finally the dealing of the Emperor's justice in a way that feels satisfying and suitably dark. Can't wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Yesterday, two really cool things happened. Richard Swan announced a new series taking place in the Sovan Empire World, and I finished The Scour, a prequel novella to The Empire of the Wolf series. Immediately, I ran to start The Anguished Earth and today before lunch I finished it.
The TLDR for all of this is going to be: If you liked Empire of the Wolf at all, read these you will love them. In fact just read them anyway.
The Anguished Earth follows Vonvalt and Bressinger as they are sent to a town experiencing a medical epidemic in search for an escaped convict. Swan does this incredible job evoking our experiences with COVID and does so in a short space, covering things like immunity, government response, overwhelmed medical and religious officials, the fear and rumors surrounding the start and the spread. This was really impressive to me- especially to do it in the space he was working with in conjunction with telling a different story.
Additionally, due to my own profession and legal training I really love the epigraphs, Vonvalts sense of justice and the general respect for the legal process that they employ in Sova. Thats not to say its perfect, after all Sir Konrad is detective, prosecutor, judge and executioner- but the underpinnings are clearly written by someone who also has extensive legal training and it shows and adds a depth of reality to these investigations, and crimes. It is also exceptionally interesting - not just here but across the whole universe- thinking about the Emperor's Voice as a power to compel self incrimination or worse. And there appear to be physical and mental limitations to that power but if you could forcibly compel someone to honestly tell you what they have done, or what they have seen, would you?
Ultimately my ask is this: more of these Vonvalt novellas please. Thank you
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine, Richard Swan, The Broken Binding and Pete for the opportunity to read this early and review it for you.
The TLDR for all of this is going to be: If you liked Empire of the Wolf at all, read these you will love them. In fact just read them anyway.
The Anguished Earth follows Vonvalt and Bressinger as they are sent to a town experiencing a medical epidemic in search for an escaped convict. Swan does this incredible job evoking our experiences with COVID and does so in a short space, covering things like immunity, government response, overwhelmed medical and religious officials, the fear and rumors surrounding the start and the spread. This was really impressive to me- especially to do it in the space he was working with in conjunction with telling a different story.
Additionally, due to my own profession and legal training I really love the epigraphs, Vonvalts sense of justice and the general respect for the legal process that they employ in Sova. Thats not to say its perfect, after all Sir Konrad is detective, prosecutor, judge and executioner- but the underpinnings are clearly written by someone who also has extensive legal training and it shows and adds a depth of reality to these investigations, and crimes. It is also exceptionally interesting - not just here but across the whole universe- thinking about the Emperor's Voice as a power to compel self incrimination or worse. And there appear to be physical and mental limitations to that power but if you could forcibly compel someone to honestly tell you what they have done, or what they have seen, would you?
Ultimately my ask is this: more of these Vonvalt novellas please. Thank you
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine, Richard Swan, The Broken Binding and Pete for the opportunity to read this early and review it for you.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As a GdM team member, I'm going to be unbiased.
I loved this novella. I was actually a bit surprised how much I did; I didn't love The Justice of Kings (although I enjoyed it), and I felt the same about Grave Empire. However, I think I'll need to go back and give it and the sequels another try, because this blew me away.
The strongest aspect of it for me was the character work and dialogue. It was so much fun to get caught up in a story so full of twists, turns and betrayals I didn't know what to expect next. Interactions between characters were also so enjoyable to read, I was able to see why so many people I know and trust have Swan as one of their newer favorite authors.
This is is 2nd novella in the world, and I'm looking forwards to going back and diving into what I'd previously put on the backburner at the time; Swan's talent is clear as day here, and knowing what I know now has me ready to experience the series proper as soon as I can!
I loved this novella. I was actually a bit surprised how much I did; I didn't love The Justice of Kings (although I enjoyed it), and I felt the same about Grave Empire. However, I think I'll need to go back and give it and the sequels another try, because this blew me away.
The strongest aspect of it for me was the character work and dialogue. It was so much fun to get caught up in a story so full of twists, turns and betrayals I didn't know what to expect next. Interactions between characters were also so enjoyable to read, I was able to see why so many people I know and trust have Swan as one of their newer favorite authors.
This is is 2nd novella in the world, and I'm looking forwards to going back and diving into what I'd previously put on the backburner at the time; Swan's talent is clear as day here, and knowing what I know now has me ready to experience the series proper as soon as I can!
Review of advance copy
The second standalone prequel novella in the Empire of the Wolf series, The Anguished Earth will face our heroes against a vicious plague, an unforgiving winter, and forces from beyond this world!
This ARC review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
Score: 3.75/5
Read this review and more on my Medium page: Distorted Visions
Following hot on the heels of The Scour, author Richard Swan revisits the kingdom of Sova and his Empire of the Wolf series. Another entry in the early days of Emperor’s Justice Sir Konrad Vonvalt, The Anguished Earth sends Vonvalt and his trusty taskman Dubine Bressinger to the village of Eisbruk, on the hunt of an escaped murderer. On arriving at Eisbruck, Vonvalt, Bressinger and company find themselves in the midst of an outbreak of smallpox, with possible origins in witchcraft and dark magics.
Author Swan has become a dependable voice in the modern dark fantasy space, and his mainline Empire of the Wolf trilogy found mainstream success. The sequel series, The Great Silence, of which I eagerly await the final entry, also proved to be quite the dark flintlock fantasy extravaganza. However, audiences were clamoring for more adventures of Vonvalt in his early days of dispensing his Emperor’s Justice.
The Anguished Earth is special insofar that it gives us a glimpse into a younger, rawer, and more… unrefined version of the stoic and mysterious Vonvalt that we see in the mainline trilogy. Following his budding partnership with Bressinger, as they are pitted against nefarious forces is always a joy to read, and frankly we are never short of buddy-cop dark fantasy mysteries!
While the plot of The Anguished Earth is fairly predictable, with the stereotypical twists and turns, the journey was still enjoyable through Swan’s efficient prose, good character work, and brisk action. While I wish these stories had more room to breathe with more elaborate plots, the novella format allows for short, action-packed tastemakers, while he continues with his mainline entries.
For those looking for a quick fix of dark, horror-adjacent fantasy, or just want more Vonvalt goodness, The Anguished Earth is an easy sell!
Advanced Review Copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to GrimDark Magazine.
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Threads
This ARC review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
Score: 3.75/5
Read this review and more on my Medium page: Distorted Visions
Following hot on the heels of The Scour, author Richard Swan revisits the kingdom of Sova and his Empire of the Wolf series. Another entry in the early days of Emperor’s Justice Sir Konrad Vonvalt, The Anguished Earth sends Vonvalt and his trusty taskman Dubine Bressinger to the village of Eisbruk, on the hunt of an escaped murderer. On arriving at Eisbruck, Vonvalt, Bressinger and company find themselves in the midst of an outbreak of smallpox, with possible origins in witchcraft and dark magics.
Author Swan has become a dependable voice in the modern dark fantasy space, and his mainline Empire of the Wolf trilogy found mainstream success. The sequel series, The Great Silence, of which I eagerly await the final entry, also proved to be quite the dark flintlock fantasy extravaganza. However, audiences were clamoring for more adventures of Vonvalt in his early days of dispensing his Emperor’s Justice.
The Anguished Earth is special insofar that it gives us a glimpse into a younger, rawer, and more… unrefined version of the stoic and mysterious Vonvalt that we see in the mainline trilogy. Following his budding partnership with Bressinger, as they are pitted against nefarious forces is always a joy to read, and frankly we are never short of buddy-cop dark fantasy mysteries!
While the plot of The Anguished Earth is fairly predictable, with the stereotypical twists and turns, the journey was still enjoyable through Swan’s efficient prose, good character work, and brisk action. While I wish these stories had more room to breathe with more elaborate plots, the novella format allows for short, action-packed tastemakers, while he continues with his mainline entries.
For those looking for a quick fix of dark, horror-adjacent fantasy, or just want more Vonvalt goodness, The Anguished Earth is an easy sell!
Advanced Review Copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to GrimDark Magazine.
Threads
September 21, 2026
If I never leave Sova, that's fine. I'm right where I want to be.
We rejoin Vonvalt and Bressinger after The Scour, and still before The Justice of Kings. There is also a short story on the GdM blog that I would strongly recommend as it's referenced before Vonvalt is sent on this story's task. It's not crucial, but you'll be scrambling through The Scour and JoK to see if you missed something without that short story.
Anyway, an escaped murderer, a plague, an accused witch behind at least one of those things. Standard Vonvalt work, you know. As usual, Bressinger cannot catch a break. And as usual, he brings a laugh while he doesn't catch it.
Because Bressinger cannot catch a break, most of the story follows Vonvalt and a priest they picked up on the way into the plague town, and the most recent witness of the escaped murderer. This was a little bit where things fell off for me. I still loved the story and Richard's writing is always a masterclass in language, but at the end I sort of found myself questioning why I was made to have any emotions to Vonvalt's party characters. Granted they certainly add to Vonvalt's weighted shoulders.
I'm loving these smaller escapes into Sova that bring us to the main storyline in Empire of the Wolf. It's especially fun because the series is done, we get the nods to what is coming. And I am fiend for those, as I am for the first trilogy.
Overall, it's another great story bringing us back to Vonvalt's Sova and heading up to the first trilogy's story. I hope we get more, whether it's short stories or novellas. But I understand Richard has entered his sci-fi era, and I don't think Bressinger needs to add space travel to his list of experiences.
Thanks so much, GdM! You made a great choice with this novella and were I wearing a hat, I would tip it to your whole team.
We rejoin Vonvalt and Bressinger after The Scour, and still before The Justice of Kings. There is also a short story on the GdM blog that I would strongly recommend as it's referenced before Vonvalt is sent on this story's task. It's not crucial, but you'll be scrambling through The Scour and JoK to see if you missed something without that short story.
Anyway, an escaped murderer, a plague, an accused witch behind at least one of those things. Standard Vonvalt work, you know. As usual, Bressinger cannot catch a break. And as usual, he brings a laugh while he doesn't catch it.
Because Bressinger cannot catch a break, most of the story follows Vonvalt and a priest they picked up on the way into the plague town, and the most recent witness of the escaped murderer. This was a little bit where things fell off for me. I still loved the story and Richard's writing is always a masterclass in language, but at the end I sort of found myself questioning why I was made to have any emotions to Vonvalt's party characters. Granted they certainly add to Vonvalt's weighted shoulders.
I'm loving these smaller escapes into Sova that bring us to the main storyline in Empire of the Wolf. It's especially fun because the series is done, we get the nods to what is coming. And I am fiend for those, as I am for the first trilogy.
Overall, it's another great story bringing us back to Vonvalt's Sova and heading up to the first trilogy's story. I hope we get more, whether it's short stories or novellas. But I understand Richard has entered his sci-fi era, and I don't think Bressinger needs to add space travel to his list of experiences.
Thanks so much, GdM! You made a great choice with this novella and were I wearing a hat, I would tip it to your whole team.
Want to Read
August 6, 2026This sounds amazing, I want this right now!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I could seriously read 20+ of mystery stories with Vonvalt and Bressinger. Author Richard Swan and Grimdark Magazine are right on the money, with the second short story in this universe here.
Vonvalt and Bressinger are at a relatively isolated mountain town, with a spreading plague and also containing a murderer of two young children. The two tracked the murderer to the town, and now have suspicions about a supposed witch causing illness throughout the town (and having spread outside through the region as well). There's some other travelers from Sova accompanying the two men, so there is added responsibility in making sure that nothing bad comes to all of them. And let's not forget the one and only Resi August having an impact in the story too...
This was an exciting novella- I read it all in one day!
Thanks to Grimdark Magazine for the eARC.
Vonvalt and Bressinger are at a relatively isolated mountain town, with a spreading plague and also containing a murderer of two young children. The two tracked the murderer to the town, and now have suspicions about a supposed witch causing illness throughout the town (and having spread outside through the region as well). There's some other travelers from Sova accompanying the two men, so there is added responsibility in making sure that nothing bad comes to all of them. And let's not forget the one and only Resi August having an impact in the story too...
This was an exciting novella- I read it all in one day!
Thanks to Grimdark Magazine for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Richard, oh Richard. Please keep giving us these Vonvalt novellas forever, especially when some of my favorite characters from Empire of the Wolf decide to pop up unexpectedly.
I am exactly as obsessed with Sir Konrad Vonvalt as I have always been, and The Anguished Earth reminded me how much I love being in this world. Give me Vonvalt investigating something deeply unsettling and possibly supernatural and I am THERE.
I especially loved the creepiness of this story. The bleak winter setting, the isolation, the mysterious witchcraft lurking around the edges, it was basically engineered specifically for me. And Vonvalt is somehow even grumpier than usual, which, naturally, I found delightful.
What really impressed me, though, was how much tension Swan managed to create. Having read the entire Empire of the Wolf trilogy, there are obviously certain things I know about where these characters ultimately end up. It should be difficult to make me genuinely nervous about what is happening in a prequel novella when I already know so much about the larger story.
AND YET I WAS STRESSED.
I cared about these characters and what was happening to them. I wanted answers. I was worried about the outcome. And getting these glimpses into Vonvalt before the events of the trilogy continues to add so much depth to a character I already love.
Also, who says Richard Swan can’t write a love story....
Richard, if you’re listening: I would read it. 👀
Five stars. More Vonvalt forever, please.
Thank you so much to Grimdark Magazine for the advanced copy!
I am exactly as obsessed with Sir Konrad Vonvalt as I have always been, and The Anguished Earth reminded me how much I love being in this world. Give me Vonvalt investigating something deeply unsettling and possibly supernatural and I am THERE.
I especially loved the creepiness of this story. The bleak winter setting, the isolation, the mysterious witchcraft lurking around the edges, it was basically engineered specifically for me. And Vonvalt is somehow even grumpier than usual, which, naturally, I found delightful.
What really impressed me, though, was how much tension Swan managed to create. Having read the entire Empire of the Wolf trilogy, there are obviously certain things I know about where these characters ultimately end up. It should be difficult to make me genuinely nervous about what is happening in a prequel novella when I already know so much about the larger story.
AND YET I WAS STRESSED.
I cared about these characters and what was happening to them. I wanted answers. I was worried about the outcome. And getting these glimpses into Vonvalt before the events of the trilogy continues to add so much depth to a character I already love.
Also, who says Richard Swan can’t write a love story....
Richard, if you’re listening: I would read it. 👀
Five stars. More Vonvalt forever, please.
Thank you so much to Grimdark Magazine for the advanced copy!
September 28, 2026
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine and Richard Swan for allowing me to read and review this book in advance of publication.
For me this was another triumph of a novella - the second one following the adventures of Sir Konrad Vonvalt and his ever loyal taskman Dubine Bressinger prior to the events of The Empire of the Wolf trilogy. Whilst I really enjoyed ‘The Scour’, I think this novella is even better. Without delving into spoilers, the story does a great job of balancing the plot development during Vonvalt’s investigation with some great moments of introspection and character development.
I am thrilled that this seems to be becoming an ongoing series of novellas (with at least one more planned to be published in 2027). The only complaint I’ve had with the two novellas so far is that, in my opinion, the books each could have benefited from a larger page count, allowing Swan to add a bit more complexity to the conspiracies and how they end up being untangled.
For me this was another triumph of a novella - the second one following the adventures of Sir Konrad Vonvalt and his ever loyal taskman Dubine Bressinger prior to the events of The Empire of the Wolf trilogy. Whilst I really enjoyed ‘The Scour’, I think this novella is even better. Without delving into spoilers, the story does a great job of balancing the plot development during Vonvalt’s investigation with some great moments of introspection and character development.
I am thrilled that this seems to be becoming an ongoing series of novellas (with at least one more planned to be published in 2027). The only complaint I’ve had with the two novellas so far is that, in my opinion, the books each could have benefited from a larger page count, allowing Swan to add a bit more complexity to the conspiracies and how they end up being untangled.
Want to Read
August 15, 2026Thank you GdM and Richard, more novellas about Konrad's judge work across the country makes me really happy.
(Although, weird constellations, demonic witch, dark magic and a child killer is just a regular afternoon in Lamprecht's life.)
October 10, 2026
AHEM !! HEAR YE HEAR YE !! Sir Richard Swan has done it again!! Richard, if you’re listening, know how much I appreciate and love the work you do. Tremendous.
I absolutely loved this novella, what a treat to enjoy this early. Anyone who knows me understands that I will personally put Richard’s work into a stranger’s hands. This Sovan novella is no different, I simply ate this up.
Being back with Vonvalt and Bressinger is pure entertainment, they are comfort characters to me at this point and I was so happy to be back. Given that these novellas are prequels to the Empire of The Wolf series, there’s the knowledge that our characters will come out (relatively) unscathed. But I’ll be damned if Richard doesn’t create tension and suspense for the reader anyhow. Plague is a vicious lover, and few survive its clutches.
Witchcraft, snowfall, deceit and chicanery. There’s humor here, but between the levity is the horrible, unsettling undertones of something eldritch simmering beneath. It’s a feeling that Richard has mastered in his writing, this ability to sharply write terror into such efficient moments you’re swept up in the miasma of it all. One moment you’re kicking your feet at Vonvalt’s premature old man grumpiness, and the next you feel goosebumps on the back of your neck because of otherworldly fear. It’s one of my favorite things about Swan’s writing and I loved to see it here again.
And another thing, I love Resi August. She’s magnetic and mysterious and compelling… I’d take a novella written just for her please and thank you.
Thank you, Richard for another BANGER installment to the Sova story. An absolute pleasure to read and I will be waiting patiently (sort of) for the next work. ✨
(ARC gifted by a friend who received from Grimdark magazine! I’m just lucky and happy to be here lol)
I absolutely loved this novella, what a treat to enjoy this early. Anyone who knows me understands that I will personally put Richard’s work into a stranger’s hands. This Sovan novella is no different, I simply ate this up.
Being back with Vonvalt and Bressinger is pure entertainment, they are comfort characters to me at this point and I was so happy to be back. Given that these novellas are prequels to the Empire of The Wolf series, there’s the knowledge that our characters will come out (relatively) unscathed. But I’ll be damned if Richard doesn’t create tension and suspense for the reader anyhow. Plague is a vicious lover, and few survive its clutches.
Witchcraft, snowfall, deceit and chicanery. There’s humor here, but between the levity is the horrible, unsettling undertones of something eldritch simmering beneath. It’s a feeling that Richard has mastered in his writing, this ability to sharply write terror into such efficient moments you’re swept up in the miasma of it all. One moment you’re kicking your feet at Vonvalt’s premature old man grumpiness, and the next you feel goosebumps on the back of your neck because of otherworldly fear. It’s one of my favorite things about Swan’s writing and I loved to see it here again.
And another thing, I love Resi August. She’s magnetic and mysterious and compelling… I’d take a novella written just for her please and thank you.
Thank you, Richard for another BANGER installment to the Sova story. An absolute pleasure to read and I will be waiting patiently (sort of) for the next work. ✨
(ARC gifted by a friend who received from Grimdark magazine! I’m just lucky and happy to be here lol)
September 22, 2026
Another juicy, creepy little triumph from Swan, who brings winter early in this intensely evocative novella. The indefatigable Bressinger and our beloved grouch Vonvalt must trek through the winter to a plague-ridden village to recover an escaped child-murderer, but the town itself is riddled not only with smallpox but accusations of witchcraft. Vonvalt will find that sword and Voice alone may not be enough to cut through the dark tangles to reach the truth.
A short but perfectly formed story. Swan draws his familiar characters with expert ease and the landscape and atmosphere are both literally and figuratively chilling as the mystery coalesces. With plenty of new characters to both enjoy and suspect, you can become as paranoid as Vonvalt even as you appreciate Bressinger’s humour. This kind of case by case problem solve suits the novella format perfectly and is incredibly moreish. Keep em coming Swan.
A short but perfectly formed story. Swan draws his familiar characters with expert ease and the landscape and atmosphere are both literally and figuratively chilling as the mystery coalesces. With plenty of new characters to both enjoy and suspect, you can become as paranoid as Vonvalt even as you appreciate Bressinger’s humour. This kind of case by case problem solve suits the novella format perfectly and is incredibly moreish. Keep em coming Swan.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I like my dark fantasy crimes and the folks at grimdark magazine are getting me my fix with a Sir Konrad Vonvalt novella from Richard Swan. "The Anguished Earth" will be available on 19 October.
The cover design was done by Shawn T. King and the artist René Ainger. Not pictured is ALL the dead folks folks because we got plenty in this one. (Plagues are rather nasty, even when folks take it seriously)
The weather is entirely too sunny in (REDACTED) for this story. But as I close this chapter and imagine dark skies of winter in The Empire of the Wolf holy crap am I glad to not live there. A plague has fallen on a town in the sticks, normally not a job for a Justice. But there IS a convicted child murderer who escaped from an insane asylum who was spotted there. And wouldn't you know it, Konrad and Bressinger have (somewhat) immunity due to having contracted cow's pox before. Once again, let us be about it.
The cover design was done by Shawn T. King and the artist René Ainger. Not pictured is ALL the dead folks folks because we got plenty in this one. (Plagues are rather nasty, even when folks take it seriously)
The weather is entirely too sunny in (REDACTED) for this story. But as I close this chapter and imagine dark skies of winter in The Empire of the Wolf holy crap am I glad to not live there. A plague has fallen on a town in the sticks, normally not a job for a Justice. But there IS a convicted child murderer who escaped from an insane asylum who was spotted there. And wouldn't you know it, Konrad and Bressinger have (somewhat) immunity due to having contracted cow's pox before. Once again, let us be about it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another great Novella following Sir Konrad Vonvalt before the events of the Empire of The Wolf trilogy. In this story, the characters search for a murderer in a town afflicted by a plague, which folk believe has been caused by mysterious witchcraft. Vonvalt's surly disposition and intereaction with the other characters was the highlight of the story for me. I also really liked the cold winter atmosphere. Although I thought The Scour had a stronger mystery, I still really enjoyed this one and I'm always happy to be able to read more stories in this world.
Thank you very much to Grimdark magazine for the eArc.
Thank you very much to Grimdark magazine for the eArc.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As much as I have loved everything written by Richard Swan, Vonvalt is the GOAT.
Starts off strong with Bressinger asking Vonvalt annoying questions and I knew I was in for a good time. They have become one of my favourite fictional friendships. The story balances mystery with character development perfectly, and the short length kept the plot moving quickly.
Hard to say too much since this is deep into the series but this was another great installment, and I hope the novellas will keep coming.
Thanks to Grimdark Magazine for providing me with an advanced copy.
Starts off strong with Bressinger asking Vonvalt annoying questions and I knew I was in for a good time. They have become one of my favourite fictional friendships. The story balances mystery with character development perfectly, and the short length kept the plot moving quickly.
Hard to say too much since this is deep into the series but this was another great installment, and I hope the novellas will keep coming.
Thanks to Grimdark Magazine for providing me with an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
my rating is 4.5
The Scour was one of my favourite novella's last year but here comes The Anguished Earth to give that a run for it's money. Richard Swan is one of my top authors and he brings his A game to this story.
Set in the Empire of the Wolf world, we get to be back in action with Vonvalt and Bressinger (my fav, shhh don't tell) as they brave the winter cold to travel to a town rife with the plague, all while searching for a child killer who escaped from an insane asylum.
Weaving stories within stories, the author creates a fully realized mystery but adds in dark, demonic magic and help from beyond the grave from an unlikely source. He is ruthless with his characters too, so don't get attached!
Vonvalt takes center stage for this one and must go it mostly alone, which was a bit of a let down for me but it all came together in the end.
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for the opportunity to read and review this title. My thoughts are my own.
The Scour was one of my favourite novella's last year but here comes The Anguished Earth to give that a run for it's money. Richard Swan is one of my top authors and he brings his A game to this story.
Set in the Empire of the Wolf world, we get to be back in action with Vonvalt and Bressinger (my fav, shhh don't tell) as they brave the winter cold to travel to a town rife with the plague, all while searching for a child killer who escaped from an insane asylum.
Weaving stories within stories, the author creates a fully realized mystery but adds in dark, demonic magic and help from beyond the grave from an unlikely source. He is ruthless with his characters too, so don't get attached!
Vonvalt takes center stage for this one and must go it mostly alone, which was a bit of a let down for me but it all came together in the end.
Thank you to Grimdark Magazine for the opportunity to read and review this title. My thoughts are my own.
October 6, 2026
another great novella from Richard Swan! packed in with horror elements that make your skin scrawl and this time the plague too
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'm a part of GdM, but have had nothing to do with the creation of The Anguished Earth. My rating reflects my excellent reading experience.
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