The Riven Wyrde Saga

The Riven Wyrde Saga #1-3

by Graham Austin-King

Every myth has its source, every fable has its root.

A boy and his mother, in the right place at just the wrong time, will set in motion events that will change two worlds forever.

The fae were banished, locked away until the tales of them passed into myth and folklore. Now the barriers are ancient, and fading in the faltering grasp of the one man who still knows the truth.

But war is coming to Anlan. Bjornmen raiders have abandoned coastal plunder for outright conquest, and their fleets surge across the icy seas. As the people of Anlan struggle to repel them, and the first battles rage, there are rumours of things in the moonlight - whispers of creatures escaped from myth and fable. An older peril has awoken and mankind must set aside their differences or perish. The fate of the world may rest in the hands of two young men, born of opposite sides of the conflict, and with no reason to trust each other.

The Riven Wyrde Saga is a dark fantasy epic, where good and evil know no boundary, and the hero you imagine may well become the villain.

Download this Special Edition Omnibus edition to experience epic battles, the politics and scheming of two worlds, and a race as alien as they are familiar.


"Graham Austin-King puts the bite back into the world of fairy tales." - S.H. Mansouri, Grimdark Magazine.

"Austin-King's writing is descriptive and layered, full of mystery and tension..." Sarah Chorn, Bookworm Blues

Includes all three novels of the Riven Wyrde Saga

Fae - The Wild Hunt
Fae - The Realm of Twilight
Fae - The Sins of the Wyrde

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Fae

1328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2015

About the author

Graham Austin-King was born in the south of England and weaned on broken swords and half-forgotten spells. A shortage of these forced him to consume fantasy novels at an ever-increasing rate, turning to computers and tabletop gaming between meals.

He experimented with writing at the beginning of an education that meandered through journalism, international relations, and law. To this day he is committed to never allowing those first efforts to reach public eyes.

After spending a decade in Canada, learning what 'cold' really means, and being horrified by poutine, he settled once again in the UK with a seemingly endless horde of children.

To date he is the author of five novels, drawing on a foundation of literary influences ranging from David Eddings to Clive Barker.

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Find Graham on facebook at http://on.fb.me/1pMyWmK He loves to chat with readers.

Follow him on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Grayaustin

What others are saying about Graham's books:

"Austin-King's writing is descriptive and layered, full of mystery and tension..." - Sarah Chorn, Bookworm Blues

"The action is great, the suspense is well done and the Fae are truly scary." - Leanne Ellis, Bloody Cake News

"...If you like fantasy books which you can really get stuck into then this one is for you!" - Bodicia, A Woman's Wisdom Blog

"...This is a fantastic fantasy! I loved it!" - Lynn Worton, Book Reviews by Lynn.

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love discovering new and exciting writing talent. It is one of the simplest pleasures I have in life as a reader and reviewer. That sweet moment when you realise you're reading something incredibly cool that shows no sign of relenting.

I got that feeling about halfway through the first book of The Riven Wyrde Saga. And from that moment on I never looked back.

The Riven Wyrde Saga tells a familiar story. Humanity has forgotten about the danger of the Fae over hundreds of generations, and their terrifying and evil nature has been diluted by stories and legends. But now, at the start of the saga, the wyrde that has kept the Fae in the outer dark has weakened. The Fae are returning, and humanity is not ready.

Sounds cliched right? You're probably thinking that you've read that story before. And you would be right. An ancient evil that returns to plague humanity is a well used trope from the fantasy playbook. So why exactly should you read this saga?

Well, you should read this saga because Austin-King does something amazing with it.

The Riven Wyrde Saga is epic in every sense of the world. Austin-King uses a well worn trope and launches it into the stratosphere, building a detailed world filled with fascinating detail and adventure. I adored pouring over all of the little tidbits that Austin-King wove into these books, from the little cultural details (Viking and Medieval influences) right through the the mythology and world of the fae. This is one of Austin-King's major strengths as a writer, and something I found utterly enthralling as I read through the books. From that original cliched trope Austin-King builds a richly layered world that is both unique and addictive to read.

The characterisation throughout the series is also amazing. Austin-King is what I would call a descriptive writer, and his ability to create interesting characters with depth and layers was a joy to behold. I adored Kloss, Devin, Ylsriss, and the Fae! Fuck me the Fae... if you want to read a book that totally nails the original evil nature of the Fae then look no further. They are cold, alien, ruthless, and utterly terrifying throughout the series. Even when some of the Fae become less hostile towards humanity they are still totally alien and uncomfortable to be around. Austin-King shifts wonderfully from character to character, so you never truly get settled or bored with point of view. Every single one of them also has agency within the story, an important quality when writing an epic fantasy that stands out from the rest. I was riveted by the trials and tribulations that every character experienced, and the growth of the main protagonists was balanced brilliantly alongside the reveal of important story details as the series progressed.

Another strength of this series was its action. For the most part it was choreographed wonderfully, and brimming with realism and bloody mayhem. Austin-King shocks at times, and his affection for horror and gore is often on full display throughout the books. There are also some truly awe-inspiring battles and killer magic for the reader to soak up, and the pace is relentless and uncompromising throughout those moments. I cannot think of any recent epic fantasy series, expect maybe Mitchell Hogan's Sorcery Ascendant Sequence, where the battles and magic were so vivid and cool. And the encounters with the Fae... damn. Just... damn.

The story itself starts slow, and that is one of a couple of the small problems I had with the saga in its entirety. I understood what Austin-King was trying to do in the first half of The Wild Hunt, but it was hard going for there for awhile. It was pleasing to note that this issue of pacing never reared its head again as the books unfolded. The other small problem (and they are small problems, and didn't really detract from my overall enjoyment of the series) I had was the imbalance between male and female characters in the first book. Again, this issue was resolved as the series progressed, and I got to fall head over heels for awesomeness of Ylsriss and others as war and chaos unfolded. It was also great to observe just how much Austin-King improved from the first book to the last. His writing gets tighter, and his ability (already good in the first book) to weave together impressive world building and intricate characterisation becomes masterful. There is a real attention to detail in The Realm of Twilight and The Sins of the Wyrde, and it makes reading those books an absolute pleasure.

All in all this saga was wonderful. Austin-King has done a stellar job in taking a well-used fantasy trope and recasting it in a powerful, terrifying and addictive way. The Riven Wyrde Saga is epic fantasy as it should be written, and I cannot recommended it enough for fans of the genre.

4 out of 5 stars.

[Princess Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really struggled with this series. I downloaded from Kindle Unlimited after seeing an ad on Facebook. I love fantasy stuff, especially Fae, Vampires, Shifters, Witches, etc. I was really excited to start this. It was nothing like what I had hoped. The entire first book hardly even addresses the Fae. There is so little mention and you begin to think why bother to continue. I struggled so much with the first book. So many times I wanted to stop, but I am one of those that has to follow through to the end, just to see what happens. The first book is mostly introducing so many characters that your head begins to spin. There is so much in this that is not even necessary for the plot of the book. I feel like the author had two stories to tell and just pushed these together. Nothing but war and politics among the humans. All we needed was a tiny little bit of backstory or reason why the main characters end up together at the end, but all this about the fight doesn't even have anything to really do with the Fae. Then the second book finally gets into the Fae realm and gives us a bit more context and I finally started to enjoy the series enough to continue, but every time the politics came up or the warring countries, I just got so bored and skimmed the majority of all of that. And guess what, none of it really made a difference and I hadn't missed out on anything important because it never mattered to the Fae plot. So many characters were just not needed in this and even in the end, most of their stories just kind of end, with no actual ending and you sit there thinking, wow why were these people and their stories put in this book. The stuff about the capital and all the politics, not a bit of difference. Why were they even in this story? Again in Book three, a lot was about the Fae, but there could have been a lot more context and development of that story and the Druids and the Glyphs instead of just shoving it all in at the very end. What a waste of time. I cannot recommend this read. Honestly if you love politics and war games, then go for it, the Fae just adds a bit of fun to that, but don't expect to find the outcome of the war and all the political fluff, because it's not there.

[☆ Kelly ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed myself with this greatly detailed and fast paced story.
I was gripped immediately, loved the characters, enjoyed the language and found it a very comfortable and entertaining read.
For a fairly complex story, filled with mystery, folk lore, myths and legends, it was a greatly detailed and easy to follow story. I was honestly, never bored or even confused, the right amount of mystery, the right amount of villainous characters and relatable relationships, a perfect blend with a steaming cup of tea, it was my perfect Autumnal Read. 😃😊

[Kepi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was simply amazing. Well written, amazing story and world building. And
complete trilogy available (no waiting for another book).

What was best (for me) about this book? I enjoyed alternating point of view and
the fact that there were two sides against each other and you simply had to take
sides with both of them.

There is no doubt you should read this, I wholeheartedly recommends it.

[PapaTrain · Rating 5 out of 5]

We reave, therefore we are

Well written stories with enough of a twist from the norm to be more than interesting. Arrogant fae, clueless anlish (European?), fierce northern berserkers (of which I descend).
Hard to put down, and leaving me wanting more.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book instead of the one I intended to buy. I am so glad I stumbled across this trillogy because its one of the best reads I have had all year.

Though the story starts a little slowly I was glad of the pace so I could get my head around all the characters and locations. The first book almost seems to be disjointed with the way it jumps from one location to another but as the tale progresses the connections are made.

I found the best thing about the book was that I couldn't decide what faction I was backing. Just as I thought I had my side picked I felt connected with the other team. I found that each character had something about them that gave the feeling I knew them and knew all about them. Quite clever the way the story was written. (The individuality awarded to each by the narrator helped too)

I devoured this saga in a few days helped along by an amazing narrator through the audio version. I think I am going to find it difficult to find a voice over that I like as much as Jonny McPherson. Job amazingly done by both author and narrator.

[Bev · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this omnibus as a free download and give my opinion accordingly.

I struggled to complete this series but I always feel that once you choose to read a book you owe the author the respect to complete it. However in this instance I was sorely tried!

These books show no character development at all and relationships between characters are merely skipped over with annoying jumps in time that leave all aspects of emotional interaction as a post note. In order to capture a reader an author needs to engage with them and this is sadly lacking here.

There is an attempt at humour that falls far short of expectation and, in fact, is so totally unrealistic that I quite often felt like throwing the book at a wall! Unfortunately for me I was deprived of this pleasure by the fact that I read on my iPad!

My apologies for such a scathing review but, as a prolific reader, I feel that the time I spent persevering with this series could have been put to far better use and much more talented story weavers.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to firstly say as a content warning for this book, it opens with a very graphic scene of domestic violence so be aware. This book was ok. It kept my attention but it wasn't on the edge of my seat great.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original and creative plot. Well-written story. Characters have been developed nicely and are believable. First of this author's works that I've read but I intend to seek out other titles.

[Michelle Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to give more stars

I read a lot of books and I rate a lot of books. I don't like to give less than 5 stars unless there's a good reason for me to deduct. If I like a book, it's probably going to get 5 stars from me (thanks, customer service background). Once in a while I want to give a higher rating. This is one of those. Its nearly up there with my 2 favorite series of all time, and mostly my own stubbornness at not wanting to have 3 favorites keeps it from being there.

The story opens with a strong main character in a position many people know too well. She gets herself and her son out but they find their way into deeper trouble. The story broadens to include more characters. Then more lands and peoples. We still get the micro stories of the individuals (who are all complex and well-written) but then we get the macro story of the worlds involved.

There really aren't many throwaway characters. Nearly everyone who shows up is there for a reason even if it doesn't seem like it at first. There's a lot of political intrigue. There are forces working together and against one another in interesting ways.

The fae are taken seriously but also aren't just monsters. They aren't a monolith. They're individuals with their own drives and wants. They have reasons for what they do. Aervern is a delight and I loved to hate Aelthern.

I liked that we got closure for almost everyone. I'd love to read more about this universe, maybe see other worlds where humans and/or fae had settled.

The only things I didn't like are pretty minor. I'd like to have seen Devin's moms get to meet. Or at least hear if his adopted mother woke up. But I know they said it would be a long time if at all for her to wake up. I just saw all the other loose ends wrapped up so neatly. The other dislike was sometimes Selena comes across as unpleasant almost just because she's a woman in power. It may be I wasn't reading it right but she makes a game out of "forgetting" servants' names and things like that. She doesn't have to be gushingly lovable but it felt off, like some of her personality was purposefully negative to balance her being in power.

I loved this series and I look forward to reading the related novella.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobooks of this series. (Audible Membership)

#1: Fae: The Wild Hunt

This is a multi scenario tale telling up to four stories at the same space in their timelines. It can be confusing, as there doesn't seem to be a defining sign for the reader (or listener) to signify the change in location and scene.
Set in the era of pre Viking invasion, it seems to run along the lines of the Viking invasion to the British Isles, although the names have been changed as has the inclusion of a Fae element.

#2: Fae: The realm of Twilight

We are given a glimpse into the world of the Fae and why they take human children into their world.
It's a hard place, and although you get glimpses of frailty, you also see unrelenting cruelty.

#3 Fae: The Sins of the Wyrde

The finale of the series, again, a tale across multiple sites, playing the simultaneous events on the same timeline.
I hate to give away a good plot, so it's best to read the tale in the author's own words rather than my poor synapses.

[Cally Seymore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I dive into the book itself, I have to praise Jonny McPherson for his outstanding performance. He didn’t just narrate—he delivered a full theatrical experience, bringing each character to life in a way that kept me engaged. Honestly, his performance is the main reason I kept listening after the third rape scene.

The Riven Wyrde Saga is a high fantasy series with excellent world-building, strong character development, and a unique magic system. The characters are well-rounded and show meaningful growth throughout the story. The good guys are compelling, and the villains are truly evil, making for a stark but effective contrast.

That said, a major content warning is necessary—there is a lot of rape in this series, and it happens frequently. If that’s a deal-breaker for you, consider yourself warned.

4 stars due to the unnecessary amount of rape and the lack of content warnings.

[n p dobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Long Read for Me

This is the first trilogy I have read by this author , this first book seemed to jump from story line o story line which confused me a bit , and towards then end of the first book I did have thoughts of not reading the rest of the trilogy, but I'm glad I carried on the series ,book two progressed slowly but got more interesting the more you read,and the final book just took off hard to put down at times. It would have been nice to find out how the relationship between the two populations got on and what happened to Selena after her Coronation or could there be another novel in the making

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. A real epic fantasy!

A little like Lord of the Rings but without the heavy misogyny and a totally different world... More in flavour than substances. I finished this trilogy in a week one after another because it kept pulling me in.

2 countries are at war and one is clearly at wrong. But there is another enemy that neither has reckoned with. How can they work to stop the real enemy when most of the authorities are more concerned with politics than the gate of the world?

I love the way it switches viewpoints. Don't get attached though - this author is not afraid to kill people off!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down.

Considering it’s very long at four books that’s saying a lot that I came close to just reading it all the way through. His take on the fae is unique and interesting. Although you recognize Viking and English references it has a few unusual ideas that sets them apart from the original groups. It’s all worth reading just for the unusual take on magic and runes. I felt the ending was a bit fast and left out a few things I’d have liked to seen finished better but I’d probably be willing to read it again.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

steadily built momentum after SLOW start

I haven’t read “epic fantasy” in a while and was looking forward to a long tale. The first of the trilogy started off slow due to needing to get the disparate storylines set up and it was tough keeping track of the scenery changes, some sort of chapter titles would’ve helped. However, by the beginning of 2nd book the place picked up and with the third book the culmination of the series came to a satisfying conclusion. As with any well written story, not everyone had their happy ending.

[Kate Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this trilogy. I enjoyed how each of the books built on the one before yet entwined throughout were the stories of the different characters and different nations. There was plenty going on to keep me hooked. The whole tale moved at a great pace without getting sidetracked by other events that were occurring, yet we were given enough knowledge to work out what had happened to support the main story. I was intrigued by the whole historical story of the relationship between the human peoples and those of the fae. Well worth the read.

[R FITZPATRICK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good well written story

I enjoyed this series. Last book felt a wee bit rushed at the end. I was getting towards 95% read and wondering how it was going to finish in the limited number of pages left. Loose ends tied up and story ark completed though, which lets face it makes a change. I’ve lost count of how many incomplete book series I am reading where I am waiting on the next book and will have forgotten all about the story line when it eventually comes out.

[mike hodgson Carole Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed immensely, had a small issue recalling characters when returning to their place in the saga but enough time was spent in their parts that it made sense. I feel there could be many more adventures looming with Iliriel and the missing humans/technology, I'll be honest I was expecting a nod to Atlantis was pleasantly surprised when that didn't happen. Will definitely recommend to anyone expressing an interest in fantasy.

[Leslie Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the fantasy!

His first book started out a little discombobulated as you jumped from numerous characters getting to know them. Once that settled down, it was a great read. I couldn't put it down. I was hoping for another book just out of my own selfishness to see how the other characters fared as their lives went on. Perhaps, he will write something up at a later date to update us on the characters progress.

[Palvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and was hooked! I did feel the end culmination was a little rushed and convenient. Thought the reason the fae hated the humans could have been more developed. I felt miriam’s story was just all so heartbreaking that I was hoping for some happiness in the end for her. Also felt Hannah was more or less discarded!

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story starts if Slowly, mainly to set up the different Races involved in this Saga. Because the story kept switching btw the 3 different stories that eventually became 1 full story it was slow going for a bit there. I had to try to remember who was who and what was happening. Narrator does a good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read! The first book spent its time setting up the world and a historical novel feel at that! Hardly any Fae, Book 2 is all Fae and their world. Book 3 is the clash of the two worlds. This story will be on my "Favorite Fae" shelf for a long time! Highly recommend.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read.

I thoroughly enjoyed these books. The story just seemed to improve with every chapter. I loved the characters and became totally absorbed with their own sagas. I would recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy or a bit of adventure in their novels.

[Walter Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tale. Would recommend it to anyone interested in tales of magical powers.

Excellent tale.recommend to anyone interested in tales of magical powers. A very well written story that moves along at a good pace.

[Gen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

Great characters, awesome story, believable situations (yes even the magic ones) I absolutely loved it. I'm just sad that it's over. I hate finishing a really good book/series because now I've got to find something else that measures up.

[Fred Chamness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riven Wyrde Saga delivers

I liked this wasn’t a simple story but rather layered in multiple lines. The characters are well developed and likable but the world has its injustice and troubles. I would recommend it

[Mona Helmgens · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read

The story flowed really well and as well the lore was believable.

I really enjoyedvthe characters and their story arcs and how everyones journey tied into the big picture.

[Arliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began my love of fantasy some 50 years ago when my excellent literature teacher introduced our class to The Hobbit and I was forever hooked. Throughout those years have enjoyed and came to love many a tale but I do believe this is one of the best!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard choice between 2 and 3 stars. Long drawn out story imo.. but I keep plugging through it. I kept thinking it would get better, didn't. If I had to do over I wouldn't have bothered to read the series.