The Shadowed Path: A Jonmarc Vahanian Collection

Chronicles of the Necromancer

by Gail Z. Martin

Nothing ahead but Vengeance – Nothing behind but Blood

Soldier. Fight slave. Smuggler. Warrior. Brigand Lord. You may have encountered Jonmarc Vahanian in the Chronicles of the Necromancer but you don’t really know him until you walk in his footsteps. This is the start of his epic journey.

A blacksmith’s son in a small fishing village before raiders killed his amily, Jonmarc was wounded and left for dead in the attack. He tried to rebuild his life, but when a dangerous bargain with a shadowy stranger went wrong, he found himself on the run.

Gail Z. Martin returns to the world of her internationally best-selling books with these thrilling ales of adventure and high fantasy, collected together here for the very first time.

Over half a million Chronicles of the Necromancer books sold

Genres: Fantasy

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2016

About the author

Gail Z. Martin discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The first story she wroteat age fivewas about a vampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. At age 14, she decided to become a writer.

She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites. She is married and has three children, a Maltese and a golden retriever.

Gail Z. Martin is also Morgan Brice, which is her pen name for urban fantasy MM paranormal romance.

In addition to the online sites listed below, you can find me on
Facebook.com/Groups/MartinShadowAlliance
Facebook.com/Groups/WorldsOfMorganBrice
Twitter: @GailZMartin and @MorganBriceAuthor
YouTube: YouTube.com/c/GailZMartinAuthor
IG: @MorganBriceAuthorGail & Larry newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dd5XLj
Morgan Brice newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dy_8oL
BookBub for Morgan: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/morga...
Bookbub for Gail: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gail-...
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Brice/e...?
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Gail-Z-Martin/...
Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) www.Pinterest.com/Gzmartin

Reviews

[Bookwraiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.

Never having read Gail Z. Martin’s Chronicles of the Necromancer, I went into this short story collection with a completely open mind, determined not to let the author get my stamp of approval just because I’m a fan of her other works. Obviously, I was hoping and expecting to like The Shadowed Path, because I generally do like whatever Martin releases, but even I was surprised how much I enjoyed my introduction to Jonmarc Vanhanian.

It all begins with Jonmarc as a teenager living a fairly peaceful and idyllic life in a small, fishing village. His father is the local blacksmith; his mother is the master of the household; and young Jonmarc’s path in life seems set to follow in their footsteps. That is until a brutal attack by raiders destroys everything, sending the lone survivor down a far different path.

At first, things appear to normalize for our young man. He is taken in by a family in a neighboring village, joins in their way of life, and even settles down as a married man with a baby on the way. All this new responsibility driving Jonmarc to scrounge around for every silver coin he can make, which causes him to make a decision which destroys everything yet again. This final, horrifying event sending our bereaved youth running across the kingdom as part of a traveling troupe. Among these other refugees from society, our young hero hopes to escape his past, see the world outside his tiny corner of the realm, and find the place he is meant to be. But little does he know everything he is soon to experience!

Written as a series of stand alone chapters in Jonmarc’s early adult years, these stories are like snapshots of his life pinned into a scrapbook, bulging with adventure after adventure as he encounters bitter lose, deep emotional attachment, caring friends, wise mentors, and constant life lessons. Time and again our young hero is forced to accept the harsh realities of life, learn from his and others mistakes, rise above his limitations, and continue to fight to discover contentment and purpose in a life he never wanted. All of it slowly shaping him into the man he will eventually become.

Besides the wonderful character study of Jonmarc, what I thoroughly enjoyed here was the subtle worldbuilding by Gail Z. Martin. Constrained by length limitations (Hey, I was not making any sort of joke there, so don’t take it that way.), she still managed to create real atmosphere, believable tension, and litter the pages with different flavors of this fantasy society including magical and mythical beings from werewolves and vampires to necromancers and ghosts; all them seamlessly integrated into society in a way which made them seem as real and normal as blacksmiths, tanners, or potters.

Even better for all those prospective readers out there, no prior knowledge of Martin’s Chronicles of the Necromancer is required to enjoy this collection. Each of the stories are self-contained episodes, which easily stand on their own. Definitely, certain themes run through all the tales, but those are more matters of continuity and connection rather than an endless lure to force readers to pick up Chronicles to get all the”real” answers. So don’t let your lack of experience with this series hold you back at all from trying this one out.

Action. Adventure. Tragedy. Humor. Camaraderie. Magical creatures. Coming-of-age themes. Ghostly mayhem. The Shadowed Path has all these things and more; Gail Z. Martin using each to fully entertainment her readers, even as she slowly persuades them that this Jonmarc Vanhanian is someone they really need to read more about.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read any books by Gail Z. Martin before, and this seemed like a good place to start. As soon as I finished this, I bought the first book in Chronicles of the Necromancer, so obviously, I want to read more.
This book is a series of short stories that cover the early life of Jonmarc. From the introduction, it sounds as if some of the stories are alluded to in Chronicles, so I'd guess for those who read that series first, this would also be a satisfying book. I thought the stories were well done, and flowed together nicely, following the character from the time he was a young boy. It has an epic fantasy feel.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Purpose Of A Man🐺🔪💀💔

Wow! What an amazing saga into the early life of Jonmarc Vahanian. The book is set in medieval times in what I assume is a fictional country. There are also paranormal creatures and people with special powers.
I haven't read any of the other books by this author because of cost, but this one is wonderfully written and I was instantly completely immersed in the mostly primitive and savage 🌎world the author has created!

Jonmarc is the son of a soldier turned blacksmith and a weaver mother. His father had just forged two swords, when the village is attacked by raiders. The raiders kill, burn, and ravage most of the villagers, including all of Jonmarc's family. He is left for dead, but manages to get to the next village to warn them the raiders are coming.

He successfully helps defend the next village with his father's sword, and decides he wants to learn to be a real swordsman, a real fighter.....

His long, twisted, and broken path to becoming a mercenary begins when his adopted village is attacked by inhuman creatures. His wife and unborn child are killed, as well as all the villagers, yet he is spared, again! He must have a purpose on 🌎Earth yet to be defined.......

ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
This book was $3.46 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions Expressed here are my own.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting back story Set of short stories following the life and adventures of Jonmarc Vahanian and how his life was complicated and messy and how he gained skills that he had to bring him to where he became a hero.  Followed by a curse he tries always to do the right thing, sometimes not succeeding too well but it's interesting to read these glimpses into his life.

[M. C. (MagsTheBookWorm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadowed Path is an action-packed fantasy/adventure chronicling the early years of a young blacksmith in training by the name of Jonmarc Vahanian. We get to see him lose everything time and again, seemingly to a curse. Fed up, the young man joins a traveling carnival of sorts and learns to properly wield a blade along the way. In the end, his dream is to make it across the continent to the bustling city of Principality to become a mercenary. The problem is, danger lurks around every corner along the way threatening to destroy both him and those he has come to respect. Can he make it there in one piece before the curse rears its ugly head yet again?

I would first like to state that I received this free through NetGalley for an honest review. This book has it all - action, magic, shapeshifters, undead, demons, and more! The plot was rife with ambushes, strange happenings, and crazy twists and turns that keep the reader at the edge of their seat wondering what was going to happen next. Fans of Tolkien, David Eddings, and Dungeons & Dragons should definitely check out this superbly written sword & sorcery tale. This is definitely going on my list of favorites!

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the tale of the beginning of the path followed by the main character, Jonmarc Vahanian. From his early childhood and the events that change his life’s direction in his mid-teens, to just past his eighteenth birthday and his decisions for his own future. This book brings together ten or more short stories about this character and was the first I had read. I have read another series by this author but hadn’t yet started on the Chronicles of the Necromancer, in which this character stars.

Jonmarc is a blacksmith’s son and lives with his parents and three younger brothers. He has worked as his father’s assistant in the forge and has grown into a large and strong young man at about age fifteen. Their small fishing village is attacked by raiders from the sea one night and his father goes off to defend their village. Jonmarc tells his younger brothers to safeguard their mother and youngest brother and he takes the second sword his father had just finished making, and went to join the fight. He ends up wounded and also loses the rest of his family.

Having overheard the raider’s plans for their next attack, he struggles to make his way to the next village to warn them. He is taken in by a family and then given a job as another blacksmiths apprentice. He ends up married with a child on the way and as the village is struggling for business and funds, makes a dangerous bargain with a man he meets on the road. He is to get a relic out of a cave, which is warded against beings such as this man, and somewhere similar to places he has explored for valuables from the ancient dead. He doesn’t realise quite what his agreement with this stranger will bring and comes to regret it. Death follows and he has to go on the run, having lost his second family.

He then joins a caravan that travels all around the kingdom, holding carnival type shows, with exotic animals and lots of different performers, as well as selling trinkets and food, to make their living. Jonmarc ends up working for the caravans blacksmiths doing odd bits and pieces of blacksmithing and improving his skills. He also ends up in a few dangerous situations along with others from the caravan and has to fight his way out, improving his fighting skills as he goes. One of the latter people to join the caravan starts to train Jonmarc with his father’s swords and his wish to either join the army or more likely join a mercenary group.

He feels his very existence is cursed and that anyone who gets close to him, or becomes family, will die. He wants to leave the caravan before he puts anymore of his friends in danger. The stories end with the beginnings of him finding a place within a merc group and his selection and acceptance to it. The stories all follow along from the previous one and only have a slight re-introduction of characters, without too much repetition. This was an enjoyable introduction to Jonmarc’s beginnings and what he went through to form the person he became. I look forward to reading some more books in the series. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a decade since Gail Z. Martin debuted on the fantasy scene with The Summoner, the first book of her Chronicles of the Necromancer. I can still remember spotting that brilliantly designed cover on the shelf, and being completely sucked in by the promise of dark magic and sweeping epic fantasy.

If you've read the series, then you are already well acquainted with Jonmarc Vanhanian. You know the man, and you know much of his story, but The Shadowed Path still has some surprises to go along with the 'ah-ha' moments we expect. If you are new to the world of the Chronicles, however, this collection of short stories stands alone just fine, and should serve as a perfect introduction.

The way the stories are structured here reminds me of those classic collections of Conan, Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser, and Elric. Each story stands on its own, but they are loosely linked together, working to tell a larger life story. Yes, there are gaps between then, and sometimes you're all too aware that the developments you'd expect in the next chapter of a novel are missing from the next story in the collection, but there's a definite charm to flow of narratives.

If there's a common theme to these stories, it's one of loss . . . of heartbreak . . . and of suffering. Cursed from the moment he first picked up a sword, Jonmarc watches as friends, families, lovers, and comrades are stolen from this life. Time and time again he moves on, rises above the tragedy, and reestablishes himself in a new life . . . only to lose it all again. Even if we already knew the facts of his life, watching him suffer through each challenge adds a whole new facet of sympathy and understanding to an already well-developed character.

As for the stories, they are all fantastic, full of action, adventure, and some real tension. Even though we know Jonmarc must survive them all, it's clear early on that nobody else is safe, and that sense of legitimate peril is something that sets these aside from most prequel tales. Caves of the Dead, Blood’s Cost, Bad Places, and Dark Passage were my favorites in the collection, and if those titles suggest a little something about my dark tastes in fantasy . . . well, it's not entirely wrong. All in all, whether you're a fan or a new reader, The Shadowed Path is well work kicking back with for some summer reading.


Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Trouble follows Jonmarc wherever he goes, from his childhood village to the caravan that gives him a home. These stories flow nicely from one to the next, telling the story of how Jonmarc goes from the son of a blacksmith to eventual mercenary and the tragedies that lead him on that path. I liked the flow, the individual stories were short enough for a lunchtime read, but still with a good depth to the main character and nice set of supporting characters.

I haven't read any of the Chronicles of the Necromancer books, so I didn't have an knowledge of the world-building or characters from that series, but I thought these stories held enough to give a decent understanding of what the reader needs to know for these books.

[Adena Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Gail Martin has created a character that really speaks to me. Jonmarc may had grabbed the imaginations of readers of the Necromancer series (like Bobba Fett in Star Wars), but not having read the Necromancer series yet, this is my first introduction to this side character and I really feel for the young man who becomes the mercenary you readers already know. People say that we should be grateful for the way our lives go as someone else has it worse. Boy, did Jonmarc have it worse. I empathize with the way life has kicked Jonmarc in the teeth; that is not going to stop me from impatiently and nosily reading what happens to him next!

I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I am reviewing it voluntarily.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonmarc Vahanian is a teenager when his village is attacked by raiders. He fights to his best ability, but he is badly wounded, and left for dead. His entire family, as well as the rest of the village residents are murdered. Jonmarc does his best to make it to the closest village, and warn them about the raiders plans to attack their village.

Wow, an epic fantasy adventures with magic, paranormal creatures, lots of bloody violence, and enough twists to keep me turning the pages. Fascinating, well written, and unique cast of characters that move in and out of Jonmarc's life. Fantastic book.

I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.

[Steven Wendell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of short stories on Jonmarc's origins.

A good look into the development of Jonmarc Vahanian, a much loved character first introduced in Martin's Chronicles of the Necromancer series. Also introduces some other characters and locals you will recognise from the series. Overall I thought it was very well written and I enjoyed it quite a bit. You could read this before or after the series but I liked already knowing the characters and getting a glimpse of them years before the series takes place.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the "Chronicles of the Necromancer" series, so it's no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of stories. It was a real pleasure to delve into the past of Jonmarc Vahanian and begin to see how he got to be the man we meet in "The Summoner".
You definitely need to read the "Chronicles of the Necromancer" series - not necessarily before this collection, but you'll be sure to want to after!

I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as part of an ARC review. I agreed to read this book as I have enjoyed the other books of Gail Z. Martin that I have read. The writing in this book is as good as ever. The writing is realistic and appropriate to the time period. Unfortunately I personally could not get into Jonmarc's character and it is sad how much hardship he endures. However I would not hold my personal opinion of Jonmarc against the book which is still good.

[irv Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was well worth getting.

You are kept on the edge and wondering we is going to happen next, but that makes the book good. You want it to keep you on your toes while you read.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories about Jonmarc Vanhanian early years. Very quick read, but very enjoyable. Lots of action, with some violence, some characters that reappear in the Chronicles of the Necromancer and the Fallen Kings Cycle. Fun reading

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars Review to follow

[Allan Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!
All the short stories in this novel were great. I am pretty bias as this series is one of my favourites, but I enjoyed every moment of this book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Great to be back in this world.

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

***This book was reviewed for San Francisco Book Review***

The Shadowed Path by Gail Z Martin is collection of short stories giving insight into the murky past of Jonmarc Vahanian, telling the story of how this young man got started down the path that would eventually cross with Prince Tris. I was so tickled to read this collection. I read the Chronicles of the Necromancer many moons ago and loved it. I even had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Martin and having two of her books signed. She took the time to speak with me, then a baby author, and give me encouragement in my endeavours with Evalyce, and for that I will always be grateful.

I quite enjoyed this tour through Jonmarc’s past. One thing to keep in mind though is that this is a collection of short stories. Each one was once published separately, and each gives a brief introduction to Jonmarc, and his life thus far. Each story falls almost right on the heels of the other, with the entire collection following a little over a year of his life.

These stories lead us through the loss of Jonmarc's birth family, when raiders devastated his village. He’s taken in by people in the next village over, and things go well enough there, at least at first. Then comes the night, months later, when an attack on this village by unknown creatures results in the loss of his young wife and unborn child. Alone and adrift, Jonmarc joins up with Maynard Linton’s traveling caravan and entertaining show, working as an apprentice blacksmith. His da was a blacksmith, and Jonmarc has been working the forge since he was a lad.

Travelling with Linton’s caravan, Jonmarc learns of the greater world, and learns that sometimes the worst monsters are humans themselves, and what they can do to each other. He meets vyrkin, who take the form of wolves. He meets, and faces in combat, vayash moru, the long-lived undead, who usually keep to themselves. There's Chessis, and Vakkis, a pair of bounty hunters who first come seeking one of the caravan members, and later come after Linton himself. Travels take the caravan to Principality. The last story tells of Jonmarc's meeting with one of the mercenary groups for which Principality is famed. His assistance with a guild rivalry nets him a place with the War Dogs, the top mercenary group in the city.

I'm not normally a vampire and werewolf fan. They've become such commonplace tropes in fantasy writing these days. Martin puts a new spin on both, giving them a unique place in this world. There were a few grammar/spelling mistakes, but they do not detract from the stories at all. Only, the really big one is the mis-spelling on the cover since it is Jonmarc's last name...

[M Beal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this collection! I read the Chronicles of the Necromancer a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Getting more of a background of one of my favorite characters is wonderful. I know there are more short stories out there not included in this collection. Looking forward to reading all of them.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gail Z. Martin amazes me. The intricate nature of her story telling, the solid skill of her writing...The Shadowed Path is a series of stories she's written separately over a span of years, and yet each one remains consistent, the thread unbroken. This is characteristic of all of Martin's writing. She is a powerhouse.

Of course, one of the drawbacks of pulling together a collection of individual but related stories is that each was written with the expectation that some readers will be coming into the universe cold and uninformed. That leads to a lot of repetition from story to story. In fact, when I initially started reading I missed the fact that this was a collection and not a novel because the continuity was that solid, the story line unbroken. However, after the third segment or so of encountering a recap of who people were and what the caravan was like had me going back to the description and discovering the error in my perception. That helped a lot as I just let the repetition slide past me and focused on the story. I would have liked to have seen these stories novelized rather than collected, with the repetition culled out, but even so this was a solid, enjoyable collection rich with detail and frenetic with action.

Fans of Jonmarc or those meeting him for the first time will grow strong in their loyalty to this steadfast, if ill-fated young man. A great gateway to the Winter Kingdom novels, for any not already familiar with them.

[Ralph Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

It has been several years since reading the Chronicles of the Necromancer, but remember Jonmarc. As I recall it, he attracted my attention more, because Martin never really got into his backstory. This collection of short stories are events in Jonmarc's history to explain some of his skills he has later in the Chronicles. For me it was pretty quick read, though I think there are about 8 of the short stories in all.

Gail Z. Martin's books have always grabbed my attention with her ability to weave together characters with a good story line, and throw in some action as well. I look forward to her 'Ascendant Kingdoms' series to grab my attention just as well.

[Jacob Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review at Eyes and Books!
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Fun, fast-paced novel with great stories about Jonmarc's past.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

This is written in a short story format and although enjoyable it was a shame the stories did keep repeating themselves.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Goddreads win review. This is fantasy book about a blacksmiths son and he lost his family in a raid and he had to on the run.

[Michelle Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me understand the man better.

[Audrey Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much nostalgia packed in here. I read Chronicles of the Necromancer a few years ago and absolutely devoured them, so it was nice to see a lot of the old cast for a minute.