What do you think?
Rate this book
Tales of the Neverwar #0.5
Origins of the Never
A prequel to The Tales of the Neverwar series, with dragons, elves and faeries.
Set thousands of years before the Tales of the Neverwar, an epic fantasy through space, time, and reality.
Teralia. A world of light and beauty, holding the core of magic that infuses the universe. A land of Faerie magic and Ancient Dragons.
Here, two friends, closer than brothers, are destined to become the mightiest among the immortal Elven race.
One will fall, ensnared by an ancient evil thought destroyed eons ago.
The other will face a desperate choice to save a doomed world.
Ultimately, only one can prevail.
Free Science Fiction and Fantasy, Origins of the Never is perfect for dragon lovers everywhere.YA series about an awakening evil and the battle to save all reality.
Set thousands of years before the Tales of the Neverwar, an epic fantasy through space, time, and reality.
Teralia. A world of light and beauty, holding the core of magic that infuses the universe. A land of Faerie magic and Ancient Dragons.
Here, two friends, closer than brothers, are destined to become the mightiest among the immortal Elven race.
One will fall, ensnared by an ancient evil thought destroyed eons ago.
The other will face a desperate choice to save a doomed world.
Ultimately, only one can prevail.
Free Science Fiction and Fantasy, Origins of the Never is perfect for dragon lovers everywhere.YA series about an awakening evil and the battle to save all reality.
61 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2014
147 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Rutherford
12 books80 followersScience fiction, fantasy, and apocalyptic author. Kisser of the Blarney Stone...oh and proud host to my very own imaginary dragon, Claude, who lives in my head. Check out the blog for a brief introduction to our scaly friend.
Cj's first series, Tales of the Neverwar, combines magic with science in an ancient battle between good and evil. There's a kick-ass Irish heroine, a band of dimension skipping elite warriors, and dragons. Oh, they are there, even if they don't know it yet. Need to know more? Book TWO ;)
In a departure from his SFF roots, CJ has just released Treaters, a post-apocalyptic/dark fantasy in the realms of Stranger Things and The Walking Dead(but with no zombies). It's available now on Amazon and is free on Kindle Unlimited.
CJ has been pretty busy, and has just finished the first draft of his latest high fantasy epic, Companion of Darkness. This novel is book one in a new series set in the Neverwar universe, but goes way back in time to tell how the Darkness originally came to power.
Feel free to pop over and visit his website here: https://coljr3.wixsite.com/cj-rutherford
Or follow him on Twitter at @writerutherford
And, if you'd like to drop Claude a line just to tell him how magnificent he is, feel free to email him here: Claude@Talesoftheneverwar.com'
Just don't overdo the compliments. You know how dragons can be ;)
Cj's first series, Tales of the Neverwar, combines magic with science in an ancient battle between good and evil. There's a kick-ass Irish heroine, a band of dimension skipping elite warriors, and dragons. Oh, they are there, even if they don't know it yet. Need to know more? Book TWO ;)
In a departure from his SFF roots, CJ has just released Treaters, a post-apocalyptic/dark fantasy in the realms of Stranger Things and The Walking Dead(but with no zombies). It's available now on Amazon and is free on Kindle Unlimited.
CJ has been pretty busy, and has just finished the first draft of his latest high fantasy epic, Companion of Darkness. This novel is book one in a new series set in the Neverwar universe, but goes way back in time to tell how the Darkness originally came to power.
Feel free to pop over and visit his website here: https://coljr3.wixsite.com/cj-rutherford
Or follow him on Twitter at @writerutherford
And, if you'd like to drop Claude a line just to tell him how magnificent he is, feel free to email him here: Claude@Talesoftheneverwar.com'
Just don't overdo the compliments. You know how dragons can be ;)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 15, 2017
This short fantasy introduces an elven-like people with long lives and few births. A woman is loved by two men but when she agrees to marry one, the other becomes envious and sad, leading to a blackening of his soul. The outcome seems extreme, but it's an epic fantasy on the lines of the Ring Cycle. With zombies and dragons.
I had not read the series this is attached to and if I had, I expect some of the concepts would have been better introduced at length, like a planet being the hub of alternate dimensions and having a screen preventing ill deeds. I found a lot to get to grips with in one short story, but those who have read one of the other books may be fine with it. I'd probably read a book from the series as some of the descriptions are very nice.
The author does not understand the distinction between envy and jealousy. Jealousy is when you have something and do not want to lose it, like a dog jealously guarding a bone or a husband his wife. Envy is when you wish you had something that someone else has, like a neighbour's better car or your friend's wife. We are told that jealousy has blackened the heart of the antagonist, when it is envy.
This is an unbiased review. The author made the book available as a free download.
I had not read the series this is attached to and if I had, I expect some of the concepts would have been better introduced at length, like a planet being the hub of alternate dimensions and having a screen preventing ill deeds. I found a lot to get to grips with in one short story, but those who have read one of the other books may be fine with it. I'd probably read a book from the series as some of the descriptions are very nice.
The author does not understand the distinction between envy and jealousy. Jealousy is when you have something and do not want to lose it, like a dog jealously guarding a bone or a husband his wife. Envy is when you wish you had something that someone else has, like a neighbour's better car or your friend's wife. We are told that jealousy has blackened the heart of the antagonist, when it is envy.
This is an unbiased review. The author made the book available as a free download.
November 18, 2017
I had such high hopes for this after seeing the reviews it received on Amazon. Wow, was I disappointed.
The story has no character development and very little to no world development. Throughout most of it I was trying to grasp what motives were and why, as in the feelings behind them not just the acts themselves. Instead of allowing us to really get to know a character, and therefore the reasons and emotions we can relate to, the only things the author gives you are clichéd and forced story fillers. Most of it seems as if Rutherford was simply dropping things in out of thin air just to move the plot along.
You jump so quickly in the story's timeline that it's dizzying. Half the time I didn't know how much time had past, or assumed no time had past when we were actually decades further along. There were also moments (several of them) while reading when I simply thought "WTF just happened" or "That makes no sense to what was said before" or "Does the author not realize that would be illogical or downright implausible".
The style of writing is aggravating and is incredibly choppy with no smooth transitions or flow. Everything seems incredibly rush and you jump from one character to another within two paragraphs, or one paragraph, and you're lucky if you even realize it.
The characters are flat with no individual personalities or distinctions. If you simply saw the dialogue without the "So 'n' so said" bit, you would have no idea who was speaking, nor would you care. I had no attachments to any of them and nothing to make me relate what-so-ever.
The relationship between the two main character (at least I think they are both suppose to be main) is summed up in a page or two. That's all the context you have to go on before everything falls apart. The "love triangle" (if you can even call it that) didn't even get a full paragraph. You are not given a chance to know who these characters are, despite being, apparently, so pivotal. They simply breeze in and blow out again leaving no impressions.
I realize that the author says this is a prequel to a series, but I get the feeling Rutherford simply assumes you've read the other books. Therefore, you already know all about the characters and the world?? If that is the case, it is a grievous error. Although, if the sneak peak of "Souls of the Never" at the end of this book is any indication, there is no improvement in the series itself.
The author does have some good starting ideas and premises that could be very interesting. It's just this whole thing needs far more effort to flush out, develop, detail and attract in order to keep me interested.
The story has no character development and very little to no world development. Throughout most of it I was trying to grasp what motives were and why, as in the feelings behind them not just the acts themselves. Instead of allowing us to really get to know a character, and therefore the reasons and emotions we can relate to, the only things the author gives you are clichéd and forced story fillers. Most of it seems as if Rutherford was simply dropping things in out of thin air just to move the plot along.
You jump so quickly in the story's timeline that it's dizzying. Half the time I didn't know how much time had past, or assumed no time had past when we were actually decades further along. There were also moments (several of them) while reading when I simply thought "WTF just happened" or "That makes no sense to what was said before" or "Does the author not realize that would be illogical or downright implausible".
The style of writing is aggravating and is incredibly choppy with no smooth transitions or flow. Everything seems incredibly rush and you jump from one character to another within two paragraphs, or one paragraph, and you're lucky if you even realize it.
The characters are flat with no individual personalities or distinctions. If you simply saw the dialogue without the "So 'n' so said" bit, you would have no idea who was speaking, nor would you care. I had no attachments to any of them and nothing to make me relate what-so-ever.
The relationship between the two main character (at least I think they are both suppose to be main) is summed up in a page or two. That's all the context you have to go on before everything falls apart. The "love triangle" (if you can even call it that) didn't even get a full paragraph. You are not given a chance to know who these characters are, despite being, apparently, so pivotal. They simply breeze in and blow out again leaving no impressions.
I realize that the author says this is a prequel to a series, but I get the feeling Rutherford simply assumes you've read the other books. Therefore, you already know all about the characters and the world?? If that is the case, it is a grievous error. Although, if the sneak peak of "Souls of the Never" at the end of this book is any indication, there is no improvement in the series itself.
The author does have some good starting ideas and premises that could be very interesting. It's just this whole thing needs far more effort to flush out, develop, detail and attract in order to keep me interested.
June 10, 2015
What happens when your prologue is just too awesome to leave as a prologue, you write a prequel novella that leaves a reader wondering what the hell is going to happen.
Origins of the Never is a quick read that shows that evil need only the barest of cracks to snuff out righteousness.
Two friends had life happen, one was satisfied and generous the other one rotted to the core and made a world bow to his will. Magic and dragons span through the centuries in these 51 pages that truly rattle the Never. Can't wait to see where this will go.
Origins of the Never is a quick read that shows that evil need only the barest of cracks to snuff out righteousness.
Two friends had life happen, one was satisfied and generous the other one rotted to the core and made a world bow to his will. Magic and dragons span through the centuries in these 51 pages that truly rattle the Never. Can't wait to see where this will go.
August 14, 2019
Thousands of years before
Teralia, a world of light, peace, happiness and plenty sustained by the magic of the land itself. This is a story of life, love and goodness. How jealousy, greed and lust can bring darkness and can destroy the light. I found the writing clever , insightful and definitely well done. A must read that leads into the Neverwar series.
Teralia, a world of light, peace, happiness and plenty sustained by the magic of the land itself. This is a story of life, love and goodness. How jealousy, greed and lust can bring darkness and can destroy the light. I found the writing clever , insightful and definitely well done. A must read that leads into the Neverwar series.
December 27, 2017
An interesting fantasy
Though this has all of the typical overdone high fantasy elements like elves, magic, and good versus evil, it held my interest. The story was well-written and drew me in, making me care about the characters in a short time.
A good intro to a series.
Though this has all of the typical overdone high fantasy elements like elves, magic, and good versus evil, it held my interest. The story was well-written and drew me in, making me care about the characters in a short time.
A good intro to a series.
December 12, 2017
Rating: 3.5
This is my last review for 2017, but it's a good one, friends.
I could have sworn I read once that authors should never combine sci-fi and high fantasy in one book. Something about asking your readers to believe in too much at once? Well, friends, Origins of the Never has magic and fairies and alternate realities and dragons and distant planets and let me tell ya, it works! Whoever said they can't co-exist peacefully (or not so peacefully--this is about a war) didn't read this novella.
The Glade held the magic. In the mountains to the north of the Citadel lay the source, the spring of magical energy that infused this world; and through the Never, the void which linked all reality, it passed into the universe.
(Personal note: YAAASSS!)
If we strip it right down, this novella is a love story turned dark. One man loves his best friend's girl, and seeing them together slowly drives him mad until he raises a zombie army and enslaves all dragons. There were some parts I would have liked Rutherford to expand a little more, but this is only a novella, and it sets up one epic battle of light against dark! I'm hoping to learn more about those parts in Book 1, Souls of the Never.
There was a tiny amount of POV switching and as I already pointed out, I'd have loved more info a few times, but other than that? Yeah, this was good.
Honestly, friends, I usually cut indie books some slack. I'm not a monster. It's hard publishing your first book yourself without the expertise of an agent and big publishing house behind you telling you what to do and making some decisions for you. I don't think this needs any slack-cutting, though. I'm expecting big things from the rest of this series. Don't disappoint me, Rutherford! Fan in the making here!
Gawd, I need more books like this. I can see, maybe, why having both genres in one book might be too much for some readers, but I loved it and have already added the first book in this series to my reading list. If you can think of any others, recommend away. This girl's ready for more epic sci-fi! <3
This is my last review for 2017, but it's a good one, friends.
I could have sworn I read once that authors should never combine sci-fi and high fantasy in one book. Something about asking your readers to believe in too much at once? Well, friends, Origins of the Never has magic and fairies and alternate realities and dragons and distant planets and let me tell ya, it works! Whoever said they can't co-exist peacefully (or not so peacefully--this is about a war) didn't read this novella.
The Glade held the magic. In the mountains to the north of the Citadel lay the source, the spring of magical energy that infused this world; and through the Never, the void which linked all reality, it passed into the universe.
(Personal note: YAAASSS!)
If we strip it right down, this novella is a love story turned dark. One man loves his best friend's girl, and seeing them together slowly drives him mad until he raises a zombie army and enslaves all dragons. There were some parts I would have liked Rutherford to expand a little more, but this is only a novella, and it sets up one epic battle of light against dark! I'm hoping to learn more about those parts in Book 1, Souls of the Never.
There was a tiny amount of POV switching and as I already pointed out, I'd have loved more info a few times, but other than that? Yeah, this was good.
Honestly, friends, I usually cut indie books some slack. I'm not a monster. It's hard publishing your first book yourself without the expertise of an agent and big publishing house behind you telling you what to do and making some decisions for you. I don't think this needs any slack-cutting, though. I'm expecting big things from the rest of this series. Don't disappoint me, Rutherford! Fan in the making here!
Gawd, I need more books like this. I can see, maybe, why having both genres in one book might be too much for some readers, but I loved it and have already added the first book in this series to my reading list. If you can think of any others, recommend away. This girl's ready for more epic sci-fi! <3
May 4, 2015
Is it possible to have a slightly different twist on the eternal battle of good versus evil? C.J. Rutherford proves there is in his prequel novella, Origins of the Never. They were best friends, each capable of utilizing magic, each destined to follow diverse paths as they grew out of the innocence of childhood. Olume and Tenybris would change, one falling into the depths of darkness, leaving the other with desperate choices to make.
As a prequel with background to a series, C.J. Rutherford has done a great job introducing characters to those who have not read his series! The fantasy of elven people, dragons and the emotional turmoil is well-written and completely engaging as we are drawn into a world where magic and dragons exist. Geared toward young adults and teens, from 12 on up, what better way to allow a young mind to escape reality and enter a world where anything can happen.
I received a request for my honest review from C. J. Rutherford. This prequel is Free on Amazon.
Series - The Tales of the Neverwar - Prequel
Publication Date: October 26, 2014
Publisher: C.J. Rutherford
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: 12 - 18 | Grade Level: 9 - 12
Print Length: 48 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
As a prequel with background to a series, C.J. Rutherford has done a great job introducing characters to those who have not read his series! The fantasy of elven people, dragons and the emotional turmoil is well-written and completely engaging as we are drawn into a world where magic and dragons exist. Geared toward young adults and teens, from 12 on up, what better way to allow a young mind to escape reality and enter a world where anything can happen.
I received a request for my honest review from C. J. Rutherford. This prequel is Free on Amazon.
Series - The Tales of the Neverwar - Prequel
Publication Date: October 26, 2014
Publisher: C.J. Rutherford
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: 12 - 18 | Grade Level: 9 - 12
Print Length: 48 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 19, 2021
Very good, but short, prequel to the Neverwar series. A land that provides everything one could ever need. Poeple who never experience want or greed. A land of peace between all the races. A veritable paradise. Two men raised together as brothers from boyhood. One grew to become king while the other was his best friend. All was well until Lynnaria entered the picture. Both men fell in love with her instantly but she loved the one who became king. An ancient evil long thought extinguished sat waiting for this perfect moment to insinuate itself into the other brother's heart. There it took root and grew until Tynaris' connection to the land was severed and he became the great evil that would destroy worlds.
May 3, 2015
I read Souls of the Never by Colin J Rutherford last year and gave it 4.5 stars. When Colin Rutherford decided to pen the prequel to the book, I had to read it. This one is good!
Synopsis (from the author): Teralia, a world of light and beauty; it holds the core of magic that infuses the universe.
Here, two friends, closer than brothers are destined to become the mightiest among the immortal Elven race.
One will fall, ensnared by an ancient evil, thought destroyed eons ago.
The other will face a desperate choice to save a doomed world.
Ultimately, only one can prevail.
What I liked: Colin Rutherford did a great job of filling in the background for his story. He reveals the story behind the story in just the right way. The interplay between the two friends, the reason for the descent into evil and madness was handled just right, and the sacrifices made set the stage perfectly for Souls of the Never.
What I didn’t like: About the only criticism I have is that some of the characters didn’t flesh out as much as I would have liked (Or’n, for instance), and that the dragons gave in a bit too easily.
Overall impression: Well written, great background on the Souls of the Never series, and an overall excellent read. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a primer on the series, or who wants a short but entertaining story!
My rating: 5 Stars!
Synopsis (from the author): Teralia, a world of light and beauty; it holds the core of magic that infuses the universe.
Here, two friends, closer than brothers are destined to become the mightiest among the immortal Elven race.
One will fall, ensnared by an ancient evil, thought destroyed eons ago.
The other will face a desperate choice to save a doomed world.
Ultimately, only one can prevail.
What I liked: Colin Rutherford did a great job of filling in the background for his story. He reveals the story behind the story in just the right way. The interplay between the two friends, the reason for the descent into evil and madness was handled just right, and the sacrifices made set the stage perfectly for Souls of the Never.
What I didn’t like: About the only criticism I have is that some of the characters didn’t flesh out as much as I would have liked (Or’n, for instance), and that the dragons gave in a bit too easily.
Overall impression: Well written, great background on the Souls of the Never series, and an overall excellent read. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a primer on the series, or who wants a short but entertaining story!
My rating: 5 Stars!
May 3, 2015
This story clicks off all the fantasy musts--dragons, elves, magic spells--and manages to blend in a bit of SciFi with portals and inter-planetary worlds. For my preference as a reader, at times the story felt too heavy on narrative, too monotonous in its sentence structure, and too wooden in its dialog. As a whole, it feels too much (though not entirely) like an author's background notes turned into a story.
To balance these demerits, the story does a credible job at developing its characters and the world they inhabit. The descent of one of its characters into unrestrained evil proved interesting enough to pull me along. For this, I give it a marginal recommendation at 3 stars and look forward to reading the full novel it sets up.
To balance these demerits, the story does a credible job at developing its characters and the world they inhabit. The descent of one of its characters into unrestrained evil proved interesting enough to pull me along. For this, I give it a marginal recommendation at 3 stars and look forward to reading the full novel it sets up.
February 11, 2018
This was such a magical world. Three friends grow up very close. Two guys and a girl. Both love the girl very much but only one wins her heart. Neither are aware of their friend’s love. They believe it’s just as a friend. He becomes so jealous, especially when the two get married. He takes dragon eggs away from a dragon so the dragon will perform fireworks at the wedding, hoping to impress her with this special, unique gift. All along he becomes more bitter day by day. In this world, there is no hatred or ill will. It is filtered out as one passes through to the world. But the friend has visited another place and has a seed of hatred inside him speaking bad things. There is sorrow and heartbreak along with great battles. If you love stories with dragons and elves, you will like this.
August 13, 2016
4 stars +
This had me hooked from the start. I enjoyed the vast variety of creatures, the flow of the story and the way the tension increased all the way to the climax.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This had me hooked from the start. I enjoyed the vast variety of creatures, the flow of the story and the way the tension increased all the way to the climax.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
June 15, 2016
It's short, as prequels may go, but it sets the scene for the ensuing books nicely. I felt that I really wanted to know how the story goes on, so I started the sequel, and that's great, too.
August 19, 2018
I enjoyed this prequel to the Never. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. I read this again and liked it just as much as I did the first time.
Read
January 29, 2018Lives journey brings change to each of us.
We can't truly understand why each individual follow their path. Yet we may witness many external results of those changes.
We can't truly understand why each individual follow their path. Yet we may witness many external results of those changes.
July 1, 2018
Awesome
The plight of elvinkind's struggle for survival against the darkness and evil while the demise of dragons as their souls are tainted.
The plight of elvinkind's struggle for survival against the darkness and evil while the demise of dragons as their souls are tainted.
November 8, 2017
“Origins of the Never” is the first audiobook I’ve heard; the story and narrator are well paired. Welburn’s voice is crisp, clear, and distinguishes between each character. Rutherford’s story does a fabulous job showing the innate differences between two immortal elves raised as brothers, and how one falls prey to the dark side. Olumey’s magic relies on willing cooperation, while Tenybris’ magic relies on bending life to his will. Tenybris’ need to control is more easily influenced by evil. The story develops believably, with an original take on magic and nice plot twists. Well done!
November 10, 2016
This is definitely a prequel to C. J. Rutherford's intriguing series, a ingenious blend of high fantasy and S/F. It's an engaging and involving first look at the author's unique fantasy vision, with higher questions of 'right' and 'wrong' being played out between two friends who become the deadliest of enemies. Well-written, it will keep you reading far too late at night.
And there are Dragons! What else do you really need to know?
And there are Dragons! What else do you really need to know?
March 7, 2022
As I have not read any part of this series aside from this, my review is based on that lack of knowledge.
It's a fairly standard plot in terms of characters, with some really interesting world-building at play that makes me curious enough to continue the series. I enjoyed the writing style well enough, and the audio version has a good narrator. I just think the downfall is how short this is and how it doesn't give a ton of time to truly get to know the characters involved.
It's a fairly standard plot in terms of characters, with some really interesting world-building at play that makes me curious enough to continue the series. I enjoyed the writing style well enough, and the audio version has a good narrator. I just think the downfall is how short this is and how it doesn't give a ton of time to truly get to know the characters involved.
August 6, 2017
Good, then bad, then what?
I'll let the rating speak for itself. I truly hate to say anything bad about any one brave enough to put their stories out there, takes a lot of courage.. I admire all of them, but not all stories are winners. This book is a solid two for me.
I'll let the rating speak for itself. I truly hate to say anything bad about any one brave enough to put their stories out there, takes a lot of courage.. I admire all of them, but not all stories are winners. This book is a solid two for me.
May 5, 2018
Introduction
A lovely introduction to a fascinating series
Whose understanding will be that
Much better of the books history
Very well written and enjoyed
A lovely introduction to a fascinating series
Whose understanding will be that
Much better of the books history
Very well written and enjoyed
June 24, 2022
This short story or whatever it is tries to condense a lot of history and, for me, felt more like the author's backstory outline than a story in itself.
Read
October 21, 2022I couldn’t get into this. Possibly because it was so short I couldn’t be bothered…
March 22, 2017
Longest short story ever! I only say its long because the timeline is long. The story itself was great. This usually isn't my type of book but I enjoyed it. Looking forward to starting the next book!
April 6, 2015
I have a soft spot for epic fantasy that involves elves and dragons. Yes it's a well worn area, but I still love it. So I went in to this novella predisposed to enjoy it even though I didn't know much about it.
It's important to know going in that this isn't a stand alone story. It's a prequel and while it does tell a story it also leaves a lot of things to be resolved in the main book sequence. I wouldn't let that put you off too much. You'll know by the time you get to the end of the story whether you want to continue or not.
What's It All About?
Origins of the Never is the prequel to Souls of the Never and as such it sets the stage, giving us an introduction to the universe of the Never, the nature of magic in this world and also the source of evil.
The story is framed around the childhood friendship of two elves Olumé and Tenybris. But it seems that Tenybris is perpetually in Olumé's shadow and over hundreds of years jealousy and bitterness grows.
This sets up a chain of events that threaten the peaceful world of Teralia and the rest of the Never, not to mention setting in motion a story that will play out many many years later.
Short but Sweet
At an estimated 42 pages for the Kindle version this story doesn't take long to read and it's told with an economical style. In fact my single biggest criticism might be the brevity.
There are a couple of points where the change in Tenybris seem a little too abrupt and some additional time spent smoothing out the transitions might help to make the transformation more convincing.
It would have been nice to get a bit more description of the world of Teralia. It is presented as this almost paradise but I don't really have a picture of it in my head which is unfortunate because I think my reaction to the damage caused to the world would have been much stronger if I had a stronger image to go with it.
The same is true of our brief glimpse of the Never. We do get a sense of this huge universe of worlds, but no clear notion of what the different worlds might be like
Fairytale or Legend
The way the story is told is slightly unusual too and it does remind me rather of the way Tolkien wrote parts of The Silmarillion. Big things are happening, but we are kept at a distance from most of them and the story is paced in such a way that we cover hundreds of years sometimes in only a couple of sentences.
We do get a glimpse at the larger universe of the Never though and the story achieves its primary function which is to set up the antagonist for the Neverwar series and sow the seeds for the story that is coming. It also achieves a secondary goal, at least for me, which is to make me curious about how things are going to play out.
Most of the tale is told through the point of view of Tenybris (though we get brief looks from other characters too) but I didn't come away feeling that I knew him particularly well. In part this is because of how radically he changes over the course of the story. Both Tenybris and Olumé are effectively avatars for the Light and the Dark. People who prefer all shades of grey may not appreciate the more absolute nature of the evil on display here, but I had no problem with it.
Did You Like It?
Yes, I love this sort of fantasy. It seems to have gone a little bit out of fashion but it's the sort of stuff I grew up on and it's nice submerge myself in it again. Plus there are dragons and who doesn't like dragons?
I already have the next book loaded on my Kindle and will be reading it as soon as I can find a gap in my To Read list.
Buy, Borrow or Skip
Assuming you like epic fantasy (with dragons and elves) I think this is at least worth borrowing. If your taste runs more towards grimdark this may not be your thing. The series itself is billed as Young Adult so it's not aiming to be too dark.
It's important to know going in that this isn't a stand alone story. It's a prequel and while it does tell a story it also leaves a lot of things to be resolved in the main book sequence. I wouldn't let that put you off too much. You'll know by the time you get to the end of the story whether you want to continue or not.
What's It All About?
Origins of the Never is the prequel to Souls of the Never and as such it sets the stage, giving us an introduction to the universe of the Never, the nature of magic in this world and also the source of evil.
The story is framed around the childhood friendship of two elves Olumé and Tenybris. But it seems that Tenybris is perpetually in Olumé's shadow and over hundreds of years jealousy and bitterness grows.
This sets up a chain of events that threaten the peaceful world of Teralia and the rest of the Never, not to mention setting in motion a story that will play out many many years later.
Short but Sweet
At an estimated 42 pages for the Kindle version this story doesn't take long to read and it's told with an economical style. In fact my single biggest criticism might be the brevity.
There are a couple of points where the change in Tenybris seem a little too abrupt and some additional time spent smoothing out the transitions might help to make the transformation more convincing.
It would have been nice to get a bit more description of the world of Teralia. It is presented as this almost paradise but I don't really have a picture of it in my head which is unfortunate because I think my reaction to the damage caused to the world would have been much stronger if I had a stronger image to go with it.
The same is true of our brief glimpse of the Never. We do get a sense of this huge universe of worlds, but no clear notion of what the different worlds might be like
Fairytale or Legend
The way the story is told is slightly unusual too and it does remind me rather of the way Tolkien wrote parts of The Silmarillion. Big things are happening, but we are kept at a distance from most of them and the story is paced in such a way that we cover hundreds of years sometimes in only a couple of sentences.
We do get a glimpse at the larger universe of the Never though and the story achieves its primary function which is to set up the antagonist for the Neverwar series and sow the seeds for the story that is coming. It also achieves a secondary goal, at least for me, which is to make me curious about how things are going to play out.
Most of the tale is told through the point of view of Tenybris (though we get brief looks from other characters too) but I didn't come away feeling that I knew him particularly well. In part this is because of how radically he changes over the course of the story. Both Tenybris and Olumé are effectively avatars for the Light and the Dark. People who prefer all shades of grey may not appreciate the more absolute nature of the evil on display here, but I had no problem with it.
Did You Like It?
Yes, I love this sort of fantasy. It seems to have gone a little bit out of fashion but it's the sort of stuff I grew up on and it's nice submerge myself in it again. Plus there are dragons and who doesn't like dragons?
I already have the next book loaded on my Kindle and will be reading it as soon as I can find a gap in my To Read list.
Buy, Borrow or Skip
Assuming you like epic fantasy (with dragons and elves) I think this is at least worth borrowing. If your taste runs more towards grimdark this may not be your thing. The series itself is billed as Young Adult so it's not aiming to be too dark.
June 28, 2016
Origins of the Never by CJ Rutherford In the land of Teralia, there is no greed or avarice. Life is good. That is until jealousy sneaks in between best friends Tenebris and Olimay. Both elves love Linaria, but one will go to questionable lengths to show that love.
This short tale definitely reads like a prologue to something bigger. I think it’s a good place to start the series. Early on, we can see that there’s going to be trouble between Tenebris and Olimay. Tenebris has a bit of a darker nature where Olimay comes off as a bit naive.
The dragons, especially Gleerin, play an important role in this story. Tenebris attempts to use them as game pieces. However, Linaria has the friendship of Gleerin. I suspect the dragons have their own society and such, though that is only hinted at in this story.
Magic plays a big part in the tale. The land of Teralia itself is enchanted, preventing feelings of greed and avarice while also providing all the basics needed by every living soul. However, other negative feelings do occur. At first, this came off as a little too happy-happy silly for me. But as the story progressed, I saw that this particular magic (preventing greed and avarice) was a more complicated magic and had complex ripples throughout the culture. Perhaps if Tenebris had been able to channel his lust for Linaria into merchant greed, the fall out would have been less. Anyway, it was an interesting point to ponder as the story unfolded.
Throughout the entire story, there is only 1 female character (Linaria) and she doesn’t really get a personality but is rather solely a love interest for both main male characters. Sigh…. A little cliched. OK, a lot cliched. But I expect this is set up for Book 1 of the series so I hope this doesn’t turn out to be the norm for the series in regards to female characters.
All in all, this is a great set up to a bigger story and I look forward to the rest of the series.
I received a review copy at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Narration: Katie Welburn did a good job with the characters’s emotions and all the fantastical names. However, her male voices often blended into the same voice and sometimes lacked masculinity.
This short tale definitely reads like a prologue to something bigger. I think it’s a good place to start the series. Early on, we can see that there’s going to be trouble between Tenebris and Olimay. Tenebris has a bit of a darker nature where Olimay comes off as a bit naive.
The dragons, especially Gleerin, play an important role in this story. Tenebris attempts to use them as game pieces. However, Linaria has the friendship of Gleerin. I suspect the dragons have their own society and such, though that is only hinted at in this story.
Magic plays a big part in the tale. The land of Teralia itself is enchanted, preventing feelings of greed and avarice while also providing all the basics needed by every living soul. However, other negative feelings do occur. At first, this came off as a little too happy-happy silly for me. But as the story progressed, I saw that this particular magic (preventing greed and avarice) was a more complicated magic and had complex ripples throughout the culture. Perhaps if Tenebris had been able to channel his lust for Linaria into merchant greed, the fall out would have been less. Anyway, it was an interesting point to ponder as the story unfolded.
Throughout the entire story, there is only 1 female character (Linaria) and she doesn’t really get a personality but is rather solely a love interest for both main male characters. Sigh…. A little cliched. OK, a lot cliched. But I expect this is set up for Book 1 of the series so I hope this doesn’t turn out to be the norm for the series in regards to female characters.
All in all, this is a great set up to a bigger story and I look forward to the rest of the series.
I received a review copy at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Narration: Katie Welburn did a good job with the characters’s emotions and all the fantastical names. However, her male voices often blended into the same voice and sometimes lacked masculinity.
June 28, 2016
In the land of Teralia, there is no greed or avarice. Life is good. That is until jealousy sneaks in between best friends Tenebris and Olimay. Both elves love Linaria, but one will go to questionable lengths to show that love.
This short tale definitely reads like a prologue to something bigger. I think it’s a good place to start the series. Early on, we can see that there’s going to be trouble between Tenebris and Olimay. Tenebris has a bit of a darker nature where Olimay comes off as a bit naive.
The dragons, especially Gleerin, play an important role in this story. Tenebris attempts to use them as game pieces. However, Linaria has the friendship of Gleerin. I suspect the dragons have their own society and such, though that is only hinted at in this story.
Magic plays a big part in the tale. The land of Teralia itself is enchanted, preventing feelings of greed and avarice while also providing all the basics needed by every living soul. However, other negative feelings do occur. At first, this came off as a little too happy-happy silly for me. But as the story progressed, I saw that this particular magic (preventing greed and avarice) was a more complicated magic and had complex ripples throughout the culture. Perhaps if Tenebris had been able to channel his lust for Linaria into merchant greed, the fall out would have been less. Anyway, it was an interesting point to ponder as the story unfolded.
Throughout the entire story, there is only 1 female character (Linaria) and she doesn’t really get a personality but is rather solely a love interest for both main male characters. Sigh…. A little cliched. OK, a lot cliched. But I expect this is set up for Book 1 of the series so I hope this doesn’t turn out to be the norm for the series in regards to female characters.
All in all, this is a great set up to a bigger story and I look forward to the rest of the series.
I received a review copy at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Narration: Katie Welburn did a good job with the characters’s emotions and all the fantastical names. However, her male voices often blended into the same voice and sometimes lacked masculinity.
This short tale definitely reads like a prologue to something bigger. I think it’s a good place to start the series. Early on, we can see that there’s going to be trouble between Tenebris and Olimay. Tenebris has a bit of a darker nature where Olimay comes off as a bit naive.
The dragons, especially Gleerin, play an important role in this story. Tenebris attempts to use them as game pieces. However, Linaria has the friendship of Gleerin. I suspect the dragons have their own society and such, though that is only hinted at in this story.
Magic plays a big part in the tale. The land of Teralia itself is enchanted, preventing feelings of greed and avarice while also providing all the basics needed by every living soul. However, other negative feelings do occur. At first, this came off as a little too happy-happy silly for me. But as the story progressed, I saw that this particular magic (preventing greed and avarice) was a more complicated magic and had complex ripples throughout the culture. Perhaps if Tenebris had been able to channel his lust for Linaria into merchant greed, the fall out would have been less. Anyway, it was an interesting point to ponder as the story unfolded.
Throughout the entire story, there is only 1 female character (Linaria) and she doesn’t really get a personality but is rather solely a love interest for both main male characters. Sigh…. A little cliched. OK, a lot cliched. But I expect this is set up for Book 1 of the series so I hope this doesn’t turn out to be the norm for the series in regards to female characters.
All in all, this is a great set up to a bigger story and I look forward to the rest of the series.
I received a review copy at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Narration: Katie Welburn did a good job with the characters’s emotions and all the fantastical names. However, her male voices often blended into the same voice and sometimes lacked masculinity.
February 19, 2017
Fantastic read
Loved this book, it gave you just the right amount of details to let your imagination take flight. Roll on the next book
Loved this book, it gave you just the right amount of details to let your imagination take flight. Roll on the next book
May 8, 2015
The swamp of cliché Tolkien rip offs often ruins this wide and diverse genre and it is rare when something comes along that doesn’t bore with worn out formula borrowing just too much from Lord Of The Rings. You must then rely on the honesty of reviews like this then when they say too often that there is a new bloke, in a new world that you must read. On looking at this page you might be mistaken that we are going down the same old route. So I hope you do believe my judgement because here is something really rather special; in order to express just how sucked into the fantasy universe of the Never I became when I read this prequel, which only asks for your time and not your money, you should note that I have quickly downloaded the full book and broken the back off the first five chapters. So, my eagerness to continue into this amazing world should indicate more than the standard blag that this is the new fantasy epic in which to read that this is the new fantasy epic to read.
I am not going to say any more than this and save a more critical and developed approach to reviewing the first full book of the series, as I feel if you do take the time to pick up on this one you will not be disappointed, it is rich in imaginary realms, it flows well with enchanting and magical prose and, what is more, it sucks you into the dream like putting on a new pair of comfy slippers. With that said I’m off to return to the world of the Never, see you on the Light side!
I am not going to say any more than this and save a more critical and developed approach to reviewing the first full book of the series, as I feel if you do take the time to pick up on this one you will not be disappointed, it is rich in imaginary realms, it flows well with enchanting and magical prose and, what is more, it sucks you into the dream like putting on a new pair of comfy slippers. With that said I’m off to return to the world of the Never, see you on the Light side!
January 3, 2016
I originally got this book back in June 2015 but being on the kindle it got buried beneath other books and I simply forgot all about it. Then after seeing it on Facebook I decided to dig it out and read it.
I am so glad I did, it is only a short story but I really liked it the Prequel to 'The Neverwar Series' this introduces the land of Teralia a world with magic at it's very core. It features a wonderful fantastical selection of creatures elves, faeries & dragons.
The story is of two close friends who are bonded together as brothers Olume is the son of the King and Tenybris is an orphan, his father dying in the Dragon Wars centuries earlier. These boys are special, practically immortal, they are elven folk with special powers. As the boys grow up together they seem to cause mischief and mayhem wherever they go.
The problems start between the young men when Olume falls in love at 'first glimpse' (as is states in the book) with Lynnaria. Tenybris too falls for her charms although she shows nothing but friendship towards him. The three are all friends together until the wedding of Lynnaria to Olume and then things start to change for everyone. It could all lead to the destruction of the world as they know it. As I mentioned this is just a mere introduction to the 'Neverwar Series' but worth reading this little short as a basic introduction. I've got the 1st full length novel on my TBR list.
I am so glad I did, it is only a short story but I really liked it the Prequel to 'The Neverwar Series' this introduces the land of Teralia a world with magic at it's very core. It features a wonderful fantastical selection of creatures elves, faeries & dragons.
The story is of two close friends who are bonded together as brothers Olume is the son of the King and Tenybris is an orphan, his father dying in the Dragon Wars centuries earlier. These boys are special, practically immortal, they are elven folk with special powers. As the boys grow up together they seem to cause mischief and mayhem wherever they go.
The problems start between the young men when Olume falls in love at 'first glimpse' (as is states in the book) with Lynnaria. Tenybris too falls for her charms although she shows nothing but friendship towards him. The three are all friends together until the wedding of Lynnaria to Olume and then things start to change for everyone. It could all lead to the destruction of the world as they know it. As I mentioned this is just a mere introduction to the 'Neverwar Series' but worth reading this little short as a basic introduction. I've got the 1st full length novel on my TBR list.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews