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Ward of the Philosopher: Shader Origins
Deacon Shader is a child out of time, removed as a baby from his Ancient world parents and raised on the Isle of Maranore. On his seventh birthday, the philosopher Aristodeus arrives to commence the boy’s training with sword and mind. Nothing short of excellence will suffice, if Deacon is to fulfill his destiny and avert the Unweaving of all things. But as Aristodeus pushes him to the limits, reavers are spotted approaching the coast, and a cloud of horror descends upon the village. For these are no ordinary pirates. They sail under the Impaled Man, the grisly flag of Verusia, land of the undead and realm of the Lich Lord.
- GenresFantasy
59 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2015
12 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Derek Prior
79 books209 followersInternationally bestselling and award winning author Derek Prior excels in fast-paced, high stakes epic fantasy adventure stories in which good ultimately triumphs, but always at a cost.
Taking familiar fantasy tropes as a point of departure, Prior expands upon them to explore friendship, betrayal, loyalty and heroism in worlds where evil is an ever-present reality, magic is both a curse and a blessing, and characters are tempered in battle.
Winner of best fantasy novel 2012 (The Nameless Dwarf: The Complete Chronicles)
Fantasy Faction semifinalist for the SPFBO 2018 (Ravine of Blood and Shadow)
Website: www.derekprior.us
Twitter: @NamelessDwarf
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dpprior
Taking familiar fantasy tropes as a point of departure, Prior expands upon them to explore friendship, betrayal, loyalty and heroism in worlds where evil is an ever-present reality, magic is both a curse and a blessing, and characters are tempered in battle.
Winner of best fantasy novel 2012 (The Nameless Dwarf: The Complete Chronicles)
Fantasy Faction semifinalist for the SPFBO 2018 (Ravine of Blood and Shadow)
Website: www.derekprior.us
Twitter: @NamelessDwarf
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dpprior
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 21, 2015
Ward of the Philosopher is an introduction to the Shader series by Derek Prior. I've not read any of these books yet and so I went into this with a open mind, no expectations and absolutely no idea what it was all about. Don't get me wrong, I've read Prior's Nameless series and I know that he can spin a damn good yarn, but this was a new one for me.
The story introduces us to seven year old, Deacon Shader, when his training begins for some higher purpose that is only loosely suggested at within this short piece. We learn lots about him as a child, especially his character and strong beliefs. There is even a bit of action to whet your appetite, both as part of his initial training and as a small skirmish that takes place later on. The main characters are plausible and interesting, and although there are a lot of names to get your head around, it hints at what is sure to be an epic tale.
As mentioned this is a short piece but it sits well on its own and is a beautifully crafted introduction to Deacon Shader, who I've no doubt will be an incredible character. Prior's writing style leads you leisurely along the garden path but never lets you wander away, keeping you captivated and engrossed until the end. Ward of the Philosopher works well as a setup story to the series and has certainly piqued my interest enough to delve into Sword of the Archon, book one in the Shader series.
The story introduces us to seven year old, Deacon Shader, when his training begins for some higher purpose that is only loosely suggested at within this short piece. We learn lots about him as a child, especially his character and strong beliefs. There is even a bit of action to whet your appetite, both as part of his initial training and as a small skirmish that takes place later on. The main characters are plausible and interesting, and although there are a lot of names to get your head around, it hints at what is sure to be an epic tale.
As mentioned this is a short piece but it sits well on its own and is a beautifully crafted introduction to Deacon Shader, who I've no doubt will be an incredible character. Prior's writing style leads you leisurely along the garden path but never lets you wander away, keeping you captivated and engrossed until the end. Ward of the Philosopher works well as a setup story to the series and has certainly piqued my interest enough to delve into Sword of the Archon, book one in the Shader series.
June 24, 2018
That was a fast read. A great start to the character of Shader. It was enjoyable reading about him as a young boy.
April 24, 2017
My rating is 3.5 stars. Deacon Shader is one of my favorite characters, and this tale of his early life hit the spot. Short, fast-paced, and easily accessible even if you have never read the trilogy. Good stuff!
October 17, 2015
This is an amazing read. It was given to me as an ARC, and it was outstanding. Remember those stories that you get all sucked into the tale and can't
await to finish it,but not wanting it to end because it's so well written and enjoyable? This is one of those. Deacon Shader's beginning is so worthy
of that category. This my friends is a must read, no spoilers here as you must enjoy this story without me spoiling any part of it. Grab a copy!
await to finish it,but not wanting it to end because it's so well written and enjoyable? This is one of those. Deacon Shader's beginning is so worthy
of that category. This my friends is a must read, no spoilers here as you must enjoy this story without me spoiling any part of it. Grab a copy!
November 23, 2015
Not clear
The scenario and story lines aren't clear although I like the writing style and how the writer used his words giving each of them a good taste and magical effect. I will read the other parts before judging this one, meanwhile the novel deserves these 4 stars for the way it was written.
The scenario and story lines aren't clear although I like the writing style and how the writer used his words giving each of them a good taste and magical effect. I will read the other parts before judging this one, meanwhile the novel deserves these 4 stars for the way it was written.
December 25, 2016
This is a story about a kid that would became a piece in the board of those that hope to change and mold the big scheme of things.
Telling us about Deacon Shader childhood, D.P. Prior presents us with a very good short story.
Telling us about Deacon Shader childhood, D.P. Prior presents us with a very good short story.
February 21, 2018
This short story is really well written. It forms a great introduction to the Shader series. I can't wait until I get my hands on that series, this story, short though it was, was amazing.
September 3, 2023
Ward of the Philosopher
A fast paced glance at the shader realm. A great adventure beginning. I loved it. A great book. The dream awaits you.
A fast paced glance at the shader realm. A great adventure beginning. I loved it. A great book. The dream awaits you.
April 2, 2017
Great introduction
A fine prequel. A great introduction to th world of Shader. I think I will get the next in the series.
A fine prequel. A great introduction to th world of Shader. I think I will get the next in the series.
April 30, 2017
Shader
I like popes style I always find myself rooting for the hero
He's a great storyteller I don't know who I like best nameless dwarf or shader?
I like popes style I always find myself rooting for the hero
He's a great storyteller I don't know who I like best nameless dwarf or shader?
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews