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Opprobrium: BOOK ONE OF THE LAMENTATION'S END SERIES
On the island of Merith, the Hansweighn holiday will begin at sundown. The people will feast in honor of the Chancellor's victory over the magical races of Shallyghal. Unbeknownst to all, this Hansweighn brings a surprise: a vile peril has breached Merith's Great Barrier and will soon enjoy its own dark feast. As the sun nears the horizon, adult cadets enter a test designed to remove the less devout prior to ascension into the Chancellor's Army. Cord Sullivan worries it will reveal his curse, the magic hiding in his bones, a trait worthy of a fiery execution. Meanwhile, Rorry te Gwirion, a young noblewoman, plans to use the distractions of the holiday to escape Merith and a blackmail-enforced engagement. Only on the continent can she find her sister, whom her father sold into slavery. She and Kylan Nock, a young man interested in the wilder pursuits the seas have to offer-and perhaps a handsome dockhand or two, hope to convince their friend Scarlett Hywel to come along. Scarlett's innate magic might unlock the secrets of Shallyghal, easing their flight to the continent. As demonic invaders and their cursed wolfkin rip across the heart of Merith and through its people, the young ones will need help to survive. But, who can they trust? A band of foreign mercenaries comprised of a flirt, a half-ogre cook, two Ukrestian monks, and a peculiar sorcerer? Or their mysterious prisoner? Discovering secrets of elves, dwarves, satyrs, and piks in the shadows, they learn why it is imperative to the entire world of Cyr that they reach the continent.
- GenresFantasy
602 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2015
5 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Wade Lewellyn-Hughes
6 books29 followersI am Wade Lewellyn-Hughes, fantasy novelist and sucker for a good story, whether in print, on a game console, or on film. When done properly, the audience wants more. When done exceptionally, they demand it--info on your characters, what's next, and all of the threads yet to be tied up or revealed. That's why I focus on the characters in my work. Someone created a thoroughly scientific poll on Tumblr and asked if readers preferred a story with a great plot and mediocre characters or a bad story with great characters. The answer wasn't surprising. What's the point of a great plot if you couldn't care less about those it immediately impacts? Thus, I hope you'll find my work to be character-driven as well as enveloping.
As an LGBTQ author, I aim for a diverse array of characters because I understand how important representation is. Opprobrium shares many themes with my own history, growing up gay in the American South and seeking an escape from an oppressive society. Now that the Lamentation's End's main characters' circumstances have changed, I'm excited to open up their world for them and show them just how colorful and magical it can be.
As an LGBTQ author, I aim for a diverse array of characters because I understand how important representation is. Opprobrium shares many themes with my own history, growing up gay in the American South and seeking an escape from an oppressive society. Now that the Lamentation's End's main characters' circumstances have changed, I'm excited to open up their world for them and show them just how colorful and magical it can be.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 16, 2015
A very entertaining read! I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy. This novel kept me hooked early on so well that I found myself looking for any opportunity to read and continued late into the night. The story is unique, the characters are memorable, and the world is intriguing. Looking forward to the next installment!
July 24, 2021
This was a phenomenal book about elves in a world called Cyr. The world was incredible to read about. This fantasy books talks about magic and people who fight off evil. This was a fast paced book and I enjoyed reading it. It was interesting how the chancellor perspective towards magic and the storyline was great to see. I couldn’t put the book down. An excellent book.
March 23, 2016
I knew I would love this book as soon as I read the blurb; however, I think it may have created a slightly inflated expectation from the beginning. It took me a while to get into the story, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I love anything with magic, elves, and well, any fantasy like characters. Wade’s writing style is perfect for telling this kind of story; making this a smooth and quick read. Not too quick, it’s around 600 pages, so it will take a few days to read but it’s completely worth it!
I loved this book, the story, the imaginative world, and all the characters; but I wish it didn’t take so long to pull me in. I give Opprobrium a rating of 4 Boundless stars. I recommend it for any fantasy reader...Beth
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I loved this book, the story, the imaginative world, and all the characters; but I wish it didn’t take so long to pull me in. I give Opprobrium a rating of 4 Boundless stars. I recommend it for any fantasy reader...Beth
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
January 30, 2016
What a beautiful book and an incredible journey. This is the first book in the upcoming series, The Lamentation's End. This is a large book, 600+ pages, yet the read is easy and the characters are flushed out properly. This book is full of beautiful imagery, wit, humor, sadness, and beauty. If you are a fan of fantasy novels then I highly recommend reading Opprobrium.
December 4, 2021
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Opprobrium
Subtitle: Book One of the Lamentation's End Series
Author: Wade Lewellyn-Hughes
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4.5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book had a rather slow start, but soon became impossible to put down.
Meet a group of people who don’t fit into the society they live in. A noblewoman who wants to find her sister, a gay man, a girl who know magic, a soldier who has magic inside him and a black soldier. Soon, the world is different to what they expected and they are thrown together with a band of mercenaries. Together they explore magic and the hidden badness of the world around them.
What I liked about the book:
The book is, after a slow start, a page-turner full of suspense and twists and turns.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The slow start, I nearly gave up on it in the first few chapters but then couldn’t put it down. It was worth my persistence with the book.
My favourite bits in the book:
How all worked together and didn’t give up.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. There seem to be a few more books in this series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a fantasy novel. It is a real page-turner and action-packed after the first slow moving chapters.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like fantasy and fairy tales, this may be the book for you.
I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
The Lamentation’s End Series:
In the world of Cyr, magic is vanishing. The races of elves, dwarves, and satyrs have disappeared, and now too the dragons. Few acknowledge the change, though the decreased power of each new generation of magi is undeniable. Can the remaining races unite to determine the cause and reverse it? Or will they find it is not at all what it seems?
Opprobrium:
The Dregs, ancient wraiths jumping from host to host, have invaded the island of Merith with their werewolf servants. Fleeing the invasion and their own country’s Army, four Merithians discover many secrets in the shadows and the truth of Merith’s lies. Aided by elves, mercenaries, satyrs, and piks, these young Merithians learn why it is imperative to the entire world that they escape.
About the Author:
I am Wade Lewellyn-Hughes, fantasy novelist and sucker for a good story, whether in print, on a game console, or on film. When done properly, the audience wants more. When done exceptionally, they demand it--info on your characters, what's next, and all of the threads yet to be tied up or revealed. That's why I focus on the characters in my work. Someone created a thoroughly scientific poll on Tumblr and asked if readers preferred a story with a great plot and mediocre characters or a bad story with great characters. The answer wasn't surprising. What's the point of a great plot if you couldn't care less about those it immediately impacts? Thus, I hope you'll find my work to be character-driven as well as enveloping.
As an LGBTQ author, I aim for a diverse array of characters because I understand how important representation is. Opprobrium shares many themes with my own history, growing up gay in the American South and seeking an escape from an oppressive society. Now that the Lamentation's End's main characters' circumstances have changed, I'm excited to open up their world for them and show them just how colorful and magical it can be.
Basic Details:
Book Title: Opprobrium
Subtitle: Book One of the Lamentation's End Series
Author: Wade Lewellyn-Hughes
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4.5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book had a rather slow start, but soon became impossible to put down.
Meet a group of people who don’t fit into the society they live in. A noblewoman who wants to find her sister, a gay man, a girl who know magic, a soldier who has magic inside him and a black soldier. Soon, the world is different to what they expected and they are thrown together with a band of mercenaries. Together they explore magic and the hidden badness of the world around them.
What I liked about the book:
The book is, after a slow start, a page-turner full of suspense and twists and turns.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The slow start, I nearly gave up on it in the first few chapters but then couldn’t put it down. It was worth my persistence with the book.
My favourite bits in the book:
How all worked together and didn’t give up.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. There seem to be a few more books in this series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a fantasy novel. It is a real page-turner and action-packed after the first slow moving chapters.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like fantasy and fairy tales, this may be the book for you.
I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
The Lamentation’s End Series:
In the world of Cyr, magic is vanishing. The races of elves, dwarves, and satyrs have disappeared, and now too the dragons. Few acknowledge the change, though the decreased power of each new generation of magi is undeniable. Can the remaining races unite to determine the cause and reverse it? Or will they find it is not at all what it seems?
Opprobrium:
The Dregs, ancient wraiths jumping from host to host, have invaded the island of Merith with their werewolf servants. Fleeing the invasion and their own country’s Army, four Merithians discover many secrets in the shadows and the truth of Merith’s lies. Aided by elves, mercenaries, satyrs, and piks, these young Merithians learn why it is imperative to the entire world that they escape.
About the Author:
I am Wade Lewellyn-Hughes, fantasy novelist and sucker for a good story, whether in print, on a game console, or on film. When done properly, the audience wants more. When done exceptionally, they demand it--info on your characters, what's next, and all of the threads yet to be tied up or revealed. That's why I focus on the characters in my work. Someone created a thoroughly scientific poll on Tumblr and asked if readers preferred a story with a great plot and mediocre characters or a bad story with great characters. The answer wasn't surprising. What's the point of a great plot if you couldn't care less about those it immediately impacts? Thus, I hope you'll find my work to be character-driven as well as enveloping.
As an LGBTQ author, I aim for a diverse array of characters because I understand how important representation is. Opprobrium shares many themes with my own history, growing up gay in the American South and seeking an escape from an oppressive society. Now that the Lamentation's End's main characters' circumstances have changed, I'm excited to open up their world for them and show them just how colorful and magical it can be.
February 17, 2023
Great Fantastical Wit
In this high paced fantasy novel, Opprobrium, the author, Wade Lewellyn Hughes, uses the protagonist, Cord Sullivan, an archer in The Chancellor’s Army, who shows wittiness and comicality to thwart evil in the land of Britain with great descriptive wording and character building.
I especially love the characters – Tadd, with a love of drinking moonshine, added with a son, Ifan, who he adored and cherished. And Cord, a blood brother to Marlone, drawn to the call of the forbidden, who would never desert, with a confounding love for South Thornton, and cursed with dreams. Kylan Nock with his dress, a cotton tunic, specially trained on the Ghost Augur crossbow, and Scarlett Hywel, her missing tooth with hunting skills going after anything, no matter how far ahead the enemy lies in the dark or light, while hoping to join Kylan on an escape to the continent.
All in all, a great book for the readers that love Elves, Demons, Witches, Trolls and Sorcerers inside the realm of imaginary and illusory, within the confines of Britain and its magical history. Along with beasts and a demon named Wolfkin, who was cursed, which everyone tried to evade, but in the end may face the wrath of the evil Judges, the story leads the book lover on a superb tale.
In this high paced fantasy novel, Opprobrium, the author, Wade Lewellyn Hughes, uses the protagonist, Cord Sullivan, an archer in The Chancellor’s Army, who shows wittiness and comicality to thwart evil in the land of Britain with great descriptive wording and character building.
I especially love the characters – Tadd, with a love of drinking moonshine, added with a son, Ifan, who he adored and cherished. And Cord, a blood brother to Marlone, drawn to the call of the forbidden, who would never desert, with a confounding love for South Thornton, and cursed with dreams. Kylan Nock with his dress, a cotton tunic, specially trained on the Ghost Augur crossbow, and Scarlett Hywel, her missing tooth with hunting skills going after anything, no matter how far ahead the enemy lies in the dark or light, while hoping to join Kylan on an escape to the continent.
All in all, a great book for the readers that love Elves, Demons, Witches, Trolls and Sorcerers inside the realm of imaginary and illusory, within the confines of Britain and its magical history. Along with beasts and a demon named Wolfkin, who was cursed, which everyone tried to evade, but in the end may face the wrath of the evil Judges, the story leads the book lover on a superb tale.
April 5, 2023
Many thanks to Booktasters and the author for giving me access to this ebook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
This fantasy is the beginning of a series that involves quests, magic, ogres, elves, dwarves, werewolves, and more. Switching perspectives, the tale follows a ragtag bunch who, for their own different reasons, are fleeing their island home for the continent where magic isn’t forbidden and religion doesn’t play as stringent a role. But it will be an adventure to get there without getting caught. On their journey, they meet each other, aid each other, and form a sort of found family. Though this book was long (over 600 pages) and I think there were scenes that could have been cut out, I can’t deny the story was captivating and well written. I cared for each of the characters and looked forward to seeing how their development progressed. The worldbuilding was impressive, full of different species and prejudices from a magical world. There were also certainly lots of action scenes that made me want to join in on the fight. The novel does end in a cliffhanger, and I’m excited to see where the series goes. Highly recommend to high fantasy readers!
This fantasy is the beginning of a series that involves quests, magic, ogres, elves, dwarves, werewolves, and more. Switching perspectives, the tale follows a ragtag bunch who, for their own different reasons, are fleeing their island home for the continent where magic isn’t forbidden and religion doesn’t play as stringent a role. But it will be an adventure to get there without getting caught. On their journey, they meet each other, aid each other, and form a sort of found family. Though this book was long (over 600 pages) and I think there were scenes that could have been cut out, I can’t deny the story was captivating and well written. I cared for each of the characters and looked forward to seeing how their development progressed. The worldbuilding was impressive, full of different species and prejudices from a magical world. There were also certainly lots of action scenes that made me want to join in on the fight. The novel does end in a cliffhanger, and I’m excited to see where the series goes. Highly recommend to high fantasy readers!
January 4, 2022
I give it 3 stars because it’s not really my style. I don’t usually read fantasy and, the few times I have, the story took place in our world, so I wasn’t as lost as I was with Opprobrium.
Despite being quite a big book, the author managed to keep it fresh and interesting, not being dull or repetitive at any point. Although at times, I found it hard to keep reading and was a little bit confused, seeing as this book is quite fast paced and we’re introduced to a whole new world and characters. I had to force myself because I didn’t really know what was going on, though this might have been more my fault because the last few weeks have been quite rough for me.
I really think that fantasy lovers will truly enjoy this imaginative world and its characters, so I would probably recommend it.
PS: this is one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen!
Despite being quite a big book, the author managed to keep it fresh and interesting, not being dull or repetitive at any point. Although at times, I found it hard to keep reading and was a little bit confused, seeing as this book is quite fast paced and we’re introduced to a whole new world and characters. I had to force myself because I didn’t really know what was going on, though this might have been more my fault because the last few weeks have been quite rough for me.
I really think that fantasy lovers will truly enjoy this imaginative world and its characters, so I would probably recommend it.
PS: this is one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen!
February 15, 2023
I received a copy of this for free, to review for Booktasters.
This falls into the epic fantasy genre, and my first impression was that fans of Tolkien might like this book, although I don't know how many others would agree with that comparison.
This is not something that I would recommend if you're looking for a quick read, as it was quite long. Having said that, what I liked about it was how the author created a world for readers to escape into.
I thought the writing style was very pretty. For example, there is a character who is described as having "honeycomb-coloured curls". Imagery like this helps bring characters to life.
I did warm to the characters while I was reading, and some of them had little quirks that I found fun.
Thank you to Booktasters and the author for a free copy to review.
This falls into the epic fantasy genre, and my first impression was that fans of Tolkien might like this book, although I don't know how many others would agree with that comparison.
This is not something that I would recommend if you're looking for a quick read, as it was quite long. Having said that, what I liked about it was how the author created a world for readers to escape into.
I thought the writing style was very pretty. For example, there is a character who is described as having "honeycomb-coloured curls". Imagery like this helps bring characters to life.
I did warm to the characters while I was reading, and some of them had little quirks that I found fun.
Thank you to Booktasters and the author for a free copy to review.
May 8, 2023
A Gift for Fantasy Readers!
A big fat book for fantasy fans!
This novel, the first in the series, holds deep secrets and twists among plentiful characters. Cord, Julian and Marlone are new cadets who swear allegiance to the Chancellor of Light, ruler of Merith; to protect the nation from demons and destructive forces. Magic wielding creatures try to thwart plans; while a bunch of friends try to escape from Merith. The extensive saga is replete with surprises, adventure, diabolical turns leaving the reader in shock at times. It does urge one to carry on to see what happens next.
It's a thoroughly enjoyable saga to immerse in for a great escape from the mundane. Once gripped into the intricate story it's inevitable that readers wants to read the next in the series.
A big fat book for fantasy fans!
This novel, the first in the series, holds deep secrets and twists among plentiful characters. Cord, Julian and Marlone are new cadets who swear allegiance to the Chancellor of Light, ruler of Merith; to protect the nation from demons and destructive forces. Magic wielding creatures try to thwart plans; while a bunch of friends try to escape from Merith. The extensive saga is replete with surprises, adventure, diabolical turns leaving the reader in shock at times. It does urge one to carry on to see what happens next.
It's a thoroughly enjoyable saga to immerse in for a great escape from the mundane. Once gripped into the intricate story it's inevitable that readers wants to read the next in the series.
July 24, 2022
Group of friends fighting evil and in the way their motives are being questioned resulting in trust issues. If you like this kind of drama. This is your book. It is a plus this is a fantasy with magic everywhere.
This was a big book so I took my time with it. I could have rushed but then the experience would have been different.
The pacing of the book sometimes felt a stretch however that being said, it has an engaging story that keeps you hooked.
I received the ebook as a review copy in exchange for an honest review. The review is my own.
Final Verdict: If you enjoy fantasy, and don't mind a big book, pick this one up👍
This was a big book so I took my time with it. I could have rushed but then the experience would have been different.
The pacing of the book sometimes felt a stretch however that being said, it has an engaging story that keeps you hooked.
I received the ebook as a review copy in exchange for an honest review. The review is my own.
Final Verdict: If you enjoy fantasy, and don't mind a big book, pick this one up👍
May 27, 2021
What a colourful book and amazing layout! It's without no doubt a fantastic fantasy
story and id didn't let me down although it was a huge book.
I really wanted to know the end so it's definitily a page turner!
the story is written very well and the characters are certainly deepened out!
It's a book with lots of emotions and although it is more than 600 pages it read
fluently.
I would recommend this book to all who loves fantasy! Without no doubt I want
to give it a 5* rating
story and id didn't let me down although it was a huge book.
I really wanted to know the end so it's definitily a page turner!
the story is written very well and the characters are certainly deepened out!
It's a book with lots of emotions and although it is more than 600 pages it read
fluently.
I would recommend this book to all who loves fantasy! Without no doubt I want
to give it a 5* rating
January 11, 2022
"Opprobrium" is a hefty book in terms of page count, I can't deny it. I can't deny that I enjoy "big books" either. But it's worth every page and every word. It is beautifully crafted, beautifully written, with characters and scene setting that will whisk you away to walk in another world. I could have easily read double the pages - it's *that* good!
My thanks to the author and BookTasters. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author and BookTasters. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
March 10, 2023
Opprobrium - harsh criticism or censure. And in this book, all the wrong people attract opprobrium. The gay teen, the orphaned soldier wannabe, the magi, the fantasy creatures, the foreigners - the list goes on. The ones held up as societal ideals turn out to be the worst of the worst. In a book long enough to be a trilogy (but best left as it is), magic, adventure, rebellion, and growing up evolve naturally and compellingly.
January 9, 2022
It took me halfway through the book to get a sense of the plot and the characters. I think this book is for a different reader, I like a faster pace . The author created an interesting world but sadly not one I could grasp.
August 15, 2015
Great start to a series.
Opprobrium (The Lamentation's End Series) has quite a few characters that you get to read about. The story unfolds from one to another and it takes you on a magical, paranormal and mystical journey that you will enjoy thoroughly.
What I really liked about this book was the depth and how descriptive it was. Each character had their own story, yet it was still part of a bigger plot that was long but it kept you entertained. It was a very unique book and I haven't read a fantasy story like that in a while. It is also refreshing to see an imaginative author's writing style who doesn't hold back and it shows.
This is a 4.7 star rating!
I hope that Wade has more to come in the near future.
Opprobrium (The Lamentation's End Series) has quite a few characters that you get to read about. The story unfolds from one to another and it takes you on a magical, paranormal and mystical journey that you will enjoy thoroughly.
What I really liked about this book was the depth and how descriptive it was. Each character had their own story, yet it was still part of a bigger plot that was long but it kept you entertained. It was a very unique book and I haven't read a fantasy story like that in a while. It is also refreshing to see an imaginative author's writing style who doesn't hold back and it shows.
This is a 4.7 star rating!
I hope that Wade has more to come in the near future.
January 18, 2016
Great read! I loved getting to know the characters!
Opprobrium tells a great story with in depth characters that really draw you in! This book keeps you turning the pages from the beginning right to the very end. I had a hard time putting it down because I was so excited to see what was going to happen next! I am looking forward to continuing to follow Rorry, Cord, Scarlett and Kylan on their journey and will definitely read this one again!
Opprobrium tells a great story with in depth characters that really draw you in! This book keeps you turning the pages from the beginning right to the very end. I had a hard time putting it down because I was so excited to see what was going to happen next! I am looking forward to continuing to follow Rorry, Cord, Scarlett and Kylan on their journey and will definitely read this one again!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews