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Beating Back the Darkness #.5
The Chronicles of Aurion
One powerful artifact is all that is needed to loose dragons once more...
After being corrupted during the Shattering, dragons were locked away for thousands of years. But some believe that it is time for their return.
Two drakari priests embark on a quest to recover a long lost artifact that they believe has the power to do just that.
As they hunt down the powerful Elder Stones, they must dig into its bloody past to unlock its secrets—and its power.
This novella is prequel to the Beating Back the Darkness series
Recommended Reading Order:
The Chronicles of Aurion
Dragon's Fire
The Halls of the Fallen King
Tales from Darkness
Keeper of the Flames
The Darklight's War
After being corrupted during the Shattering, dragons were locked away for thousands of years. But some believe that it is time for their return.
Two drakari priests embark on a quest to recover a long lost artifact that they believe has the power to do just that.
As they hunt down the powerful Elder Stones, they must dig into its bloody past to unlock its secrets—and its power.
This novella is prequel to the Beating Back the Darkness series
Recommended Reading Order:
The Chronicles of Aurion
Dragon's Fire
The Halls of the Fallen King
Tales from Darkness
Keeper of the Flames
The Darklight's War
116 pages, ebook
First published July 18, 2016
6 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Tiger Hebert
15 books148 followersI am a firm believer that the Light shines brightest in the darkness. That's not only WHAT I write, but also WHY I write.
It love to explore humanity through fantasy, because it allows us to take ordinary people (and orcs) through impossible situations and see what or who comes out the other side. It is often that through trials and tribulations that we get to see the most honest version of not only our charters, but ourselves. It is through this lens that we can discover truths. That is why I write dark, epic fantasy that dares to hope.
I am a Christian, husband, father of three young children, and a veteran. I have a BA in Communications. I was born and raised in Maine, and currently live in North Carolina. I love spending time in nature, and I especially enjoy hiking and swimming. When I'm not busy writing or chasing after my wife and kids, you can usually find me sneaking away for some quiet time with a good book. Some of the authors that inspire my writing are JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Brandon Sanderson, Steven Erikson, and Patrick Rothfuss.
It love to explore humanity through fantasy, because it allows us to take ordinary people (and orcs) through impossible situations and see what or who comes out the other side. It is often that through trials and tribulations that we get to see the most honest version of not only our charters, but ourselves. It is through this lens that we can discover truths. That is why I write dark, epic fantasy that dares to hope.
I am a Christian, husband, father of three young children, and a veteran. I have a BA in Communications. I was born and raised in Maine, and currently live in North Carolina. I love spending time in nature, and I especially enjoy hiking and swimming. When I'm not busy writing or chasing after my wife and kids, you can usually find me sneaking away for some quiet time with a good book. Some of the authors that inspire my writing are JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Brandon Sanderson, Steven Erikson, and Patrick Rothfuss.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 6, 2017
In this short novella Arden and Absell (Priest, Arden's mentor) are going to Antirri on a mission to "tame the dragon" with the Crew of the Red Dawn.
“Perhaps that is why it is most appropriate we start with the story of orcs and men, and the blood they spilled across the Frostlands. We must go back 262 years, to the year of 7267.”
in the trip to Antirri, Arden learns about the history and wars between Humans and Orcs. i loved this beautifully written fantasy, the world building was amazing, Each chapter leaves you wanting more! all in all, a fantastic start to what's looking to be a great epic series.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
“Perhaps that is why it is most appropriate we start with the story of orcs and men, and the blood they spilled across the Frostlands. We must go back 262 years, to the year of 7267.”
in the trip to Antirri, Arden learns about the history and wars between Humans and Orcs. i loved this beautifully written fantasy, the world building was amazing, Each chapter leaves you wanting more! all in all, a fantastic start to what's looking to be a great epic series.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2016
The story of Absell & Arden, two Drakari priests, who are looking for long lost artifact, the Elders' stone.
Not to be read as a standalone, but it is a good introduction in the world of “Dragon's Fire “
Not to be read as a standalone, but it is a good introduction in the world of “Dragon's Fire “
September 4, 2018
This is a creative, interesting, story that has left me wanting to know more. The world the author has created is easily to visualize, I felt as though I were watching the scenes unfold. This novella gives a great introduction into this series.
January 10, 2017
Overall, I thought this was an interesting introduction to the world. The writing is generally smooth and easy to read. Though it was short, I liked the characters we were introduced to. The parts entirely about the orcs weren't as interesting for me to read, but I did enjoy the later parts of the history of the war.
This reads more like an interesting history lesson than a typical novella, but I was okay with that because it held my interest. It has me interested enough that I will probably pick up the first book in the series.
Rating: 7.5/10
This reads more like an interesting history lesson than a typical novella, but I was okay with that because it held my interest. It has me interested enough that I will probably pick up the first book in the series.
Rating: 7.5/10
July 10, 2019
Leaves you wanting more! I had read the first book in the series before this prequel, really ties into the realm of Aurion even more. This short read is packed with adventure and history.
September 8, 2018
This is a prequel or introduction into the series. I normally don't like reading these because chances are I've read the series and then they come out with it. I feel its redundant sometimes. Its not the case here because I am reading the prequel before the series. If that makes sense.
This book is basically a big history lesson while on their journey to Antirri on a pirate ship no less! Who you say? Drakari Priests, Absell and Arden. Wont say more because it is a short book. Wonderful world building and I enjoyed it!
This book is basically a big history lesson while on their journey to Antirri on a pirate ship no less! Who you say? Drakari Priests, Absell and Arden. Wont say more because it is a short book. Wonderful world building and I enjoyed it!
August 26, 2018
The Chronicles of Aurion takes place 68 years prior to the events in Dragon's Fire.
Two Drakari priests are on a mission to "tame the dragon".
In this story you get more of a history between the elves, humans, and orcs and why the tensions and a truce was a bit more difficult for these races to achieve in Dragon's Fire.
A great introduction into the world of Aurion!
Two Drakari priests are on a mission to "tame the dragon".
In this story you get more of a history between the elves, humans, and orcs and why the tensions and a truce was a bit more difficult for these races to achieve in Dragon's Fire.
A great introduction into the world of Aurion!
October 9, 2018
Prequel novellas are generally best read after having read a book and seeking more background on the story, but I decided to read The Chronicles of Aurion before moving on to the rest of the series. I'm very glad I did, for several reasons, the best of which is that I am now foaming at the mouth for more from Author Tiger Hebert.
This was an awesome, though short, read. It is a tantalizing lead-in to what I now expect to be a truly enjoyable series. The method the author used to give the reader these historical details was in itself a great vehicle for doing so. His writing is top-notch, and I was engrossed in the story from page one.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and I'm now looking forward to reading the first book of the series, Dragon's Fire. I can only find even more engrossing and satisfying reading ahead if this is but a sample of the author's tale-spinning skill. I recommend this little introduction to the series and give it 5 stars.
This was an awesome, though short, read. It is a tantalizing lead-in to what I now expect to be a truly enjoyable series. The method the author used to give the reader these historical details was in itself a great vehicle for doing so. His writing is top-notch, and I was engrossed in the story from page one.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and I'm now looking forward to reading the first book of the series, Dragon's Fire. I can only find even more engrossing and satisfying reading ahead if this is but a sample of the author's tale-spinning skill. I recommend this little introduction to the series and give it 5 stars.
July 26, 2016
I had the privilege to be a beta reader for this short novel. I don’t normally read short novels but I made an exception for this one after reading the authors first book "Dragons Fire" and decided to give this one a try and I'm glad I did. It is a page turner. The author used enough well known lore from typical fantasy fiction novels to allow for a faster pace but took his time on the magic system and universe rules to give this novel depth which is a feat all on its own for only 100 pages. I am looking forward to the next novel in this series.
August 25, 2018
This is a prequel to TAMING THE DRAGON . It is Absell and Arden's story . The two Drakari priests are on a journey to find a long lose artifact . The artifact is powerfrul and dangerous it can change the history . But will they survive the ordeal and fix the moments in history . Will they survive looking for the Elder stone .
This book is a short but powerful book . The characters are very well written and complex. Absell and Arden are very well written , Absell is the mentor and Arden is his apprentice . They are out on a great adventure and while on the boat Absell tells a history which sets up the backdrop for all things to come . There are also Orcs and men that help tell the story and the history .
This story can be read as a stand alone but it really sets up for the first book . The author really tells a great story. This story is full of passion and mystery you will finish it in one sitting . The book is easy to read and you will fall in love with the characters. This is an epic way to start of a series . So if you want a great story that will set up for the rest of the series .
This book is a short but powerful book . The characters are very well written and complex. Absell and Arden are very well written , Absell is the mentor and Arden is his apprentice . They are out on a great adventure and while on the boat Absell tells a history which sets up the backdrop for all things to come . There are also Orcs and men that help tell the story and the history .
This story can be read as a stand alone but it really sets up for the first book . The author really tells a great story. This story is full of passion and mystery you will finish it in one sitting . The book is easy to read and you will fall in love with the characters. This is an epic way to start of a series . So if you want a great story that will set up for the rest of the series .
July 31, 2018
The battle of Darkness & Light is so Universal.
Regardless of heritage it so easily can overwelm even one with righteous path. Pain, suffering & discontent giving a foothold in the heart. Journeying back to salvation fraught with many stumbling blocks. Excited to follow along with this story!
Regardless of heritage it so easily can overwelm even one with righteous path. Pain, suffering & discontent giving a foothold in the heart. Journeying back to salvation fraught with many stumbling blocks. Excited to follow along with this story!
June 7, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book, though at the start I wasn't too sure. It has everything needed for a great read. Battles for good and evil, humour, sadness and magic. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. This one only took a couple of days to read as I couldn't put it down after the first chapter!
March 23, 2017
What a great way to start an epic fantasy! A very unique and intriguing way to not only tell a story but tell the history of a world in a fun interesting way! I am beyond excited to start Dragon's Fire and dive deeper into Aurion!
September 15, 2018
This book tells us what happened before the other two books to help us understand. Short but interesting.
September 8, 2018
A wonderful, engaging take that had be hooked from the beginning! Short, but with lots of depth and details, fascinating characters that draw you in! I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading the series!!
February 27, 2017
Well, I'm not sure how important it is to read this prequel before the beginning of the series, but I'm glad I did. My interest has been officially piqued! I simply cannot wait to read Dragon's Fire (the first in Beating Back the Darkness). If it's anything like this prequel, I'm in for some good reading!
Based on the prequel, the overall plot and characters are captivating and thrilling. The scene is set, and I'm excited I already have a copy of Dragon's Fire, courtesy of the author.
Based on the prequel, the overall plot and characters are captivating and thrilling. The scene is set, and I'm excited I already have a copy of Dragon's Fire, courtesy of the author.
February 9, 2017
Hidden treasure, magic, dire consequences, temptation and betrayal are just some the things that you will find in Chronicles of Aurion.
Chronicles is a short work, serving as a prequel to the author’s Beating Back the Darkness series. As such, it doesn’t do as much world building and character development as a fresh reader might like. That said, what is there is intriguing. Enough is done that the reader wants to learn more about both the human and orc worlds that are described. The hints of the magic system in this world are particularly interesting and represent a fresh approach to just what it takes for a mortal to wield mystical power.
Herbert particularly shines in those flashbacks with the development of the chief villain of the work and her primary servant. Scenery and plot are paced nicely throughout, though they suffer a bit in the present day frame.
All considered, Chronicles of Aurion was an enjoyable work from an author whose work and world I look forward to exploring more of in the future.
Chronicles is a short work, serving as a prequel to the author’s Beating Back the Darkness series. As such, it doesn’t do as much world building and character development as a fresh reader might like. That said, what is there is intriguing. Enough is done that the reader wants to learn more about both the human and orc worlds that are described. The hints of the magic system in this world are particularly interesting and represent a fresh approach to just what it takes for a mortal to wield mystical power.
Herbert particularly shines in those flashbacks with the development of the chief villain of the work and her primary servant. Scenery and plot are paced nicely throughout, though they suffer a bit in the present day frame.
All considered, Chronicles of Aurion was an enjoyable work from an author whose work and world I look forward to exploring more of in the future.
February 13, 2017
A highly entertaining glimpse into the detailed history of this series. Guaranteed to appeal to those who love to submerge themselves in the author's world building and those who always want more in fascinating series like these. Whether you read it before, during or after the series you will love the attention to detail and complex characters that make this world.
January 4, 2017
Absell, a Priests and his student Arden are headed to the Red Dawn ship to have Captain Ponterossi take them to Antirri to "slay the dragon". They are on a quest to find something special. Absell won't tell Arden where they are going, only that he has a lot to learn before they get there. So the history lesson begins. The Mage Wars was covered from the beginning to end in this lesson. Arden has a lot to absorb and think about. He has plenty of time to do it, cause it will take about 2 weeks to get there.
Traveling on a pirate ship is nerve wracking enough, but add ruff seas to it and it is down right unnerving. As they pull into a small shallow river to let the Priest and his student off, the captain ready's his men to stay on board the ship, instead of having leave. Being a pirate, they have to keep a low profile. They will wait until the Priest and his student returns, no matter how long it takes. You see he is being paid very handsomely for the trip and money talks.
They find what they are looking for and continue with the history lesson along the way. You will find that it all ties in together with the past and the book Dragon's Fire.
I found this book interesting with the history lesson and all. I am very curious to see how this fits into future books with this series.
Traveling on a pirate ship is nerve wracking enough, but add ruff seas to it and it is down right unnerving. As they pull into a small shallow river to let the Priest and his student off, the captain ready's his men to stay on board the ship, instead of having leave. Being a pirate, they have to keep a low profile. They will wait until the Priest and his student returns, no matter how long it takes. You see he is being paid very handsomely for the trip and money talks.
They find what they are looking for and continue with the history lesson along the way. You will find that it all ties in together with the past and the book Dragon's Fire.
I found this book interesting with the history lesson and all. I am very curious to see how this fits into future books with this series.
January 14, 2017
Great introduction to the world!
Being the first of the author's books that I've read, The Chronicles of Aurion left me excited to start the next book, Dragon's Fire. The world is well-crafted, with plenty of strife marking its past. The Chronicles of Aurion serve as a short but important look into the history of Aurion, where you learn of the bloody gathering of the mystical Elder Stones and the fall of some exalted heroes and terrible villains. The book is well worth reading, for either new or existing fans.
Being the first of the author's books that I've read, The Chronicles of Aurion left me excited to start the next book, Dragon's Fire. The world is well-crafted, with plenty of strife marking its past. The Chronicles of Aurion serve as a short but important look into the history of Aurion, where you learn of the bloody gathering of the mystical Elder Stones and the fall of some exalted heroes and terrible villains. The book is well worth reading, for either new or existing fans.
May 12, 2019
I won a copy of Tiger Hebert's The Chronicles of Aurion, a prequel to his Beating Back the Darkness series. A quick read it is an idea prequel length that smoothly transitions between the current quest and the historical background of their mission. The past events are related in narratives from master cleric to apprentice as they sail on a pirate ship and then hike to an ancient ruins in the jungle on their secret mission to retrieve an important artifact. I would recommend this to fans of fantasy and adventure genres.
September 19, 2016
Amazing prequel
What an amazing prequel. You get sucked into the characters, the story line, and the amazing imagination of the author. The author does such a great job of visualization and storytelling, that is captivating. This is a great prequel to the authors first book "Dragons Fire." Once you start reading this, you will not want to put it down.
What an amazing prequel. You get sucked into the characters, the story line, and the amazing imagination of the author. The author does such a great job of visualization and storytelling, that is captivating. This is a great prequel to the authors first book "Dragons Fire." Once you start reading this, you will not want to put it down.
July 20, 2020
A good little prequel to give you insight into Aurion and the magic that governs it. It also shows us some of the power of the Elder Stones and how they have helped shaped events in the past and how they will start to effect the future.
March 16, 2017
Great story. Action packed. Can't wait to read the full-length novel.
November 29, 2017
Intriguing read
The history of the wars fought for possession of powerful gems keeps the storyline moving as to where it will lead can only be told in the following years
The history of the wars fought for possession of powerful gems keeps the storyline moving as to where it will lead can only be told in the following years
September 5, 2018
Absell and Arden, two priests, are on a journey to find a missing artifact. The artifact is known as an Elder Stone. During the trip, Absell recounts the history of the Elder Stone and Aurion.
June 15, 2019
Great start, can't wait to read book one.
December 14, 2022
The Chronicles of Aurion, the first novella of a series by T. Hebert, was mostly storytelling to give the reader background on the history of the world, explaining why the magic stones might be important. It is more plot-oriented and told by an omniscient narrator.
It is a quick read, and I enjoyed the exploration of a Templar-like knight facing a crisis of faith due to his work.
I struggled a bit with characters in this novella, in that they sometimes interacted with each other in unexpected ways. I thought the commander had a lot of potential as a deeper character, and I was very interested in the orc chief. I would have enjoyed more words on what exactly happened to him and his clan, but this is a novella, not a novel. I felt the end for the present-day characters wrapped up too easily and quickly and would have enjoyed a little more duress as they pursued their mission.
I was given a copy of this book to provide an honest review.
It is a quick read, and I enjoyed the exploration of a Templar-like knight facing a crisis of faith due to his work.
I struggled a bit with characters in this novella, in that they sometimes interacted with each other in unexpected ways. I thought the commander had a lot of potential as a deeper character, and I was very interested in the orc chief. I would have enjoyed more words on what exactly happened to him and his clan, but this is a novella, not a novel. I felt the end for the present-day characters wrapped up too easily and quickly and would have enjoyed a little more duress as they pursued their mission.
I was given a copy of this book to provide an honest review.
November 24, 2024
The Chronicles of Aurion (Chronicles of Darkness #1) Edition 2 by Tiger Hebert is the start of Beating back the Darkness series. I enjoyed reading and recommend. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. In this book 2 drakari priests embark on a quest to recover an elder stone to hopefully loose dragons once more. This book includes some history of this world. I believe it is in part to build up for the rest of the series, not just for the student priest. As mentioned I am looking forward to the rest of the series
August 6, 2020
"Terrific" .
This is the prequel to Beating Back the Darkness series. This is a book within a book as the priest Absell teaches his apprentice Arden about the history of the Elder Stones. This is done during their own quest to secure a stone. I enjoyed this story, especially the war with Orcs and the war with the Elves. The relationship between the Holy Knight Vaudrin and Queen Yezreth. It was all exciting and interesting. I'm looking forward to reading more!
This is the prequel to Beating Back the Darkness series. This is a book within a book as the priest Absell teaches his apprentice Arden about the history of the Elder Stones. This is done during their own quest to secure a stone. I enjoyed this story, especially the war with Orcs and the war with the Elves. The relationship between the Holy Knight Vaudrin and Queen Yezreth. It was all exciting and interesting. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews