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The Bow of Hart Saga #0.6
What Is Needed
Hastra begins having visions of the destruction the mystic Withling order of which she is a member. Without any guidance, she investigates who the source of the danger may be. But how much time does she have and who should she trust with her visions? This is the second prequel short story to the forthcoming novel, The Bow of Destiny by P. H. Solomon which releases on 9/28/2015.
- GenresFantasyShort Stories
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2015
13 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
P.H. Solomon
13 books703 followersJoin Archer's Aim Guild for exclusive content or my social media circle, find my merchandise store, my book series links, and much more via my Linktree or my newsletter, or view my merchandise store:
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I'm P. H. Solomon and I write fantasy where the elements may sound familiar, but the story doesn't follow the same old script. My debut book, The Bow of Destiny, was recently named 2016 Book of the Year by Fantasia Reviews. I released my second book, An Arrow Against the Wind in April 2017 (also nominated as Fantasia Reviews 2017 Book of the Year). My third book, The White Arrow, was released October 3, 2017. I'm also a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). Join me on Facebook and my website, Archer's Aim, where I'm most active! For a FREE book from P. H. Solomon, follow this link: SolomonFREE. You can also join my fan group here on Goodreads. But first read on about my latest release...
Bound to prophecy, his destiny balanced on an arrow’s tip. The White Arrow concludes Athson's quest for The Bow of Hart.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 16, 2015
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews.
This second prequel to The Bow of Hart Saga focuses on Hastra, a young mystic of the Withling Order. She is only now returning from a cold, uneventful journey, and as she reaches the gates to her home at Withling Watch, all she desires is warmth and food. What unsuspecting Hastra receives, however, is a vision of death and destruction that stuns her!
From this beginning, the story focuses on Hastra’s life among the Withling, her attempts to uncover the meaning of her vision, and the fickle nature of prophecy as it all becomes clear far too late. There is even an appearance by some old friends!
All in all, “What Is Needed” was a good introduction to the Withlings and continued unveiling the major players in the land of The Bow of Hart Saga. While I can’t say that I enjoyed it as much as I did the first prequel that might be because the Withlings and their home have a very mystic school quality (not Hogwarts, but in that vein) that I personally am not a fan of. Definitely, another great teaser for the ongoing series though, and worth a try if you are interested in seeing if Mr. Solomon’s classic fantasy series is something you might enjoy.
This second prequel to The Bow of Hart Saga focuses on Hastra, a young mystic of the Withling Order. She is only now returning from a cold, uneventful journey, and as she reaches the gates to her home at Withling Watch, all she desires is warmth and food. What unsuspecting Hastra receives, however, is a vision of death and destruction that stuns her!
From this beginning, the story focuses on Hastra’s life among the Withling, her attempts to uncover the meaning of her vision, and the fickle nature of prophecy as it all becomes clear far too late. There is even an appearance by some old friends!
All in all, “What Is Needed” was a good introduction to the Withlings and continued unveiling the major players in the land of The Bow of Hart Saga. While I can’t say that I enjoyed it as much as I did the first prequel that might be because the Withlings and their home have a very mystic school quality (not Hogwarts, but in that vein) that I personally am not a fan of. Definitely, another great teaser for the ongoing series though, and worth a try if you are interested in seeing if Mr. Solomon’s classic fantasy series is something you might enjoy.
October 2, 2015
As is the case with other short stories I’ve reviewed, I won’t go too much into the story as I don’t want to give away spoilers.
First off, I have to say I was happy to see Corgen back in this story. Having he and his brother involved ties the two prequels together in setting up the forthcoming novel. While he didn’t have a big role per se, he did play an important part in the story.
The rest of the characters were interesting, but I wasn’t a fan of Hastra. Granted, she did what she felt was right, but I just didn’t like her attitude toward her visions. That could just be my expectation as I’m used to seeing characters look for help when they need it, so take this critique with a grain of salt.
The story itself was engaging except for Hastra being the main character. I just didn’t like her enough to root for her. At times she and the story felt rushed as it covered several months in a couple of paragraphs, I can see why the author did that. There is only so much story for a short like this that you want to give away. I did like the underlying theme of the Withlings and thought it was done in a way that didn’t slow the story at all.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us in his novel.
First off, I have to say I was happy to see Corgen back in this story. Having he and his brother involved ties the two prequels together in setting up the forthcoming novel. While he didn’t have a big role per se, he did play an important part in the story.
The rest of the characters were interesting, but I wasn’t a fan of Hastra. Granted, she did what she felt was right, but I just didn’t like her attitude toward her visions. That could just be my expectation as I’m used to seeing characters look for help when they need it, so take this critique with a grain of salt.
The story itself was engaging except for Hastra being the main character. I just didn’t like her enough to root for her. At times she and the story felt rushed as it covered several months in a couple of paragraphs, I can see why the author did that. There is only so much story for a short like this that you want to give away. I did like the underlying theme of the Withlings and thought it was done in a way that didn’t slow the story at all.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us in his novel.
December 18, 2016
What is Needed by P.H. Solomon is a Bow of Hart Saga 0.2 short story. This story happens about 30 years after Trading Knives so the evil in the characters in that book is well established. Now they have advanced to holy-type buildings and taken residence as one of the regular people, others do not know of their evil plans. Good fantasy story.
September 9, 2015
Very interesting. Can't wait to read Bow of Destiny so it will all come together for me.
February 19, 2019
The author wrote another origin story for his Bow of Hart Saga, this time telling of Hastra, whose visions tell of violence and destruction. When they come true, Hastra's own life is under threat. But who is the strange man who comes to their aid? And can they escape the invaders?
Well-written, pretty action packed and a good teaser for the series.
Well-written, pretty action packed and a good teaser for the series.
April 4, 2020
A further prequel to the series and a little more light shed on the fantasy world on the novels, though still a bit confusing about what's going on. Hopefully the main books will reveal all.
February 10, 2017
A interesting 2nd pre qual set about 30 years after the first one, a few new characters are introduced with just enough to whet your appetite.
May 29, 2016
I found What is Needed to be a well-written and quite interesting short story. Although there are a few typos, they do not distract too much from the flow of the plot. I was especially fascinated by the Withlings and I look forward to reading more about their Order in The Bow of Destiny. I felt connected to the three main characters - hopefully they will make an appearance in future books of the Bow of Hart Saga. Although I did not find this story quite as intriguing as Trading Knives, it was quite interesting, and I look forward to continuing with this series.
January 28, 2017
I found this a bit underwelming for a short story. But it does clear a for thing up in the series. Up to you if you read this or not.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews