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Graynelore
Rogrig Wishard is a killer, a liar and a thief. Rogrig is the last person the fey would turn to for help. But they know something he doesn’t. In a world without government or law, where a man’s loyalty is to his family and faerie tales are strictly for children, Rogrig is not happy to discover that he’s carrying faerie blood. Especially when he starts to see them wherever he goes. To get his life back, he’s going to have to journey further from home than he’s ever been before and find out what the fey could possibly want from him. But that’s easier said than done when the punishment for abandoning your family is death.
292 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2015
57 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Moore
8 books36 followersI'm a British author who's written several successful fantasy novels for older children, young-adults and adult readers. The very first book I wrote, a fantasy adventure called SPILLING THE MAGIC, was published in 1996 by Hodder Children’s Books. Its sequel, FIDDLESTICKS AND FIRESTONES, quickly followed. My most notable success came in 1998 with the publication of the highly acclaimed TOOTH AND CLAW and its sequel SKIN AND BONE, both gritty, 'talking animal' fantasies. THE BRUGAN followed in 1999. DEAD EDWARD, a fantasy ghost story, in 2001, and FAY, an urban fairy tale, in 2006. Finally, 2015 saw the appearance of my first fantasy novel for adults when Harper Voyager published GRAYNELORE, my ‘grown-up fairy tale’. Along the way I’ve had books translated into Hebrew, Italian and Russian. I live in the North of England, a landscape which has been a strong influence on many of my fictional worlds. However, I have no plans to write more. That said, I'm definitely not dead; life's big adventure goes on…
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 16, 2017
I don't like abandoning books, especially books I've accepted from Netgalley (because this was received free from the publisher through Netgalley for review, thank you to them). But after fighting the prose to about 15%, I decided to cut my losses and move on to one of the others.
I did not enjoy Graynelore. But I have to give it credit for helping me pin down exactly why I don't like it and similar books.
See, there are rules of writing and spelling and syntax. The rules exist for a reason. They have evolved in order to make it more certain that what one person says or writes will be understood by someone hearing or reading it. Disregarding the rules increase the chances that that pretty shiny thought gleaming in your brain will not transfer as you want it to be into someone else's brain.
That being said, good writers disregard rules all the time, all over the place. It's fun, and can be fun to read… so … what's the difference between those books that break the rules in a good way and these books that break the rules in such a way that I want to hire a skywriter to blazon "Strunk & White" from here to the horizon? (In other words, why do I complain about some and not others?) It was while reading another of this book's pages filled with sentence fragments and missing commas and misplaced modifiers that the answer came up, looked over my shoulder at the Kindle, and shook its head in despair: I have to be able to see the point to breaking the rules. Whether or not the author had a point is irrelevant if I can't perceive it. Using sentence fragments and eccentric punctuation can be a stylistic choice (though I doubt that misplaced modifiers ever are, are they?), but it needs to be clear that that's the case, and that it's all not … well, bad writing.
I think part of the object of the tone and choices in vocabulary were to make it sound … antique. Tales of old. Unfortunately, a good many words made me picture Inigo Montoya looking down at the author with his brow furrowed in puzzlement. "You keep using such words…"
Once someone asked me what I thought of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, and what I came up with was "dense and chewy". I don't know if I can define that without throwing an encyclopedia's worth of words at it, but for me it's the perfect description. And the adjectives that came to mind almost immediately reading this were "thick and soupy". It has a beautiful cover and an intriguing synopsis, but by 15% I should have had a clear idea of what the story was shaping up to be. I have no idea. And I just couldn't settle into the writing in order to find out.
Two stars for what I read because I have actually, sadly, read worse, but … I use the highlight feature on my Kindle to mark text and make notes, either as criticism or out of appreciation. If I highlight a lot of a book it's a sign that either I loved it or it was driving me crazy. I highlighted a large percentage of the small percentage I read of Graynelore.
ETA: I don't know what just made me check, but ... there are two five-star reviews of this book. One is by someone with 8 ratings and one review; all eight five-star ratings are for books by Stephen Moore, author of Graynelore. The other is by someone with 16 ratings and four reviews; all of this person's five-star ratings are for books by Stephen Moore. Neither of these Goodreads users has a profile photo, despite having both joined in April & May 2014. One has no friends; the other has one. I could be wrong, but I don't think I am: I smell sockpuppets. And I call bullshit. And there is no reason on earth to cut this book any slack at all.
I did not enjoy Graynelore. But I have to give it credit for helping me pin down exactly why I don't like it and similar books.
See, there are rules of writing and spelling and syntax. The rules exist for a reason. They have evolved in order to make it more certain that what one person says or writes will be understood by someone hearing or reading it. Disregarding the rules increase the chances that that pretty shiny thought gleaming in your brain will not transfer as you want it to be into someone else's brain.
That being said, good writers disregard rules all the time, all over the place. It's fun, and can be fun to read… so … what's the difference between those books that break the rules in a good way and these books that break the rules in such a way that I want to hire a skywriter to blazon "Strunk & White" from here to the horizon? (In other words, why do I complain about some and not others?) It was while reading another of this book's pages filled with sentence fragments and missing commas and misplaced modifiers that the answer came up, looked over my shoulder at the Kindle, and shook its head in despair: I have to be able to see the point to breaking the rules. Whether or not the author had a point is irrelevant if I can't perceive it. Using sentence fragments and eccentric punctuation can be a stylistic choice (though I doubt that misplaced modifiers ever are, are they?), but it needs to be clear that that's the case, and that it's all not … well, bad writing.
I think part of the object of the tone and choices in vocabulary were to make it sound … antique. Tales of old. Unfortunately, a good many words made me picture Inigo Montoya looking down at the author with his brow furrowed in puzzlement. "You keep using such words…"
Once someone asked me what I thought of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, and what I came up with was "dense and chewy". I don't know if I can define that without throwing an encyclopedia's worth of words at it, but for me it's the perfect description. And the adjectives that came to mind almost immediately reading this were "thick and soupy". It has a beautiful cover and an intriguing synopsis, but by 15% I should have had a clear idea of what the story was shaping up to be. I have no idea. And I just couldn't settle into the writing in order to find out.
Two stars for what I read because I have actually, sadly, read worse, but … I use the highlight feature on my Kindle to mark text and make notes, either as criticism or out of appreciation. If I highlight a lot of a book it's a sign that either I loved it or it was driving me crazy. I highlighted a large percentage of the small percentage I read of Graynelore.
ETA: I don't know what just made me check, but ... there are two five-star reviews of this book. One is by someone with 8 ratings and one review; all eight five-star ratings are for books by Stephen Moore, author of Graynelore. The other is by someone with 16 ratings and four reviews; all of this person's five-star ratings are for books by Stephen Moore. Neither of these Goodreads users has a profile photo, despite having both joined in April & May 2014. One has no friends; the other has one. I could be wrong, but I don't think I am: I smell sockpuppets. And I call bullshit. And there is no reason on earth to cut this book any slack at all.
December 16, 2015
This book came about because the author, Stephen Moore, discovered that some of his ancestors had been among the notorious Border Reivers, violent and bloodthirsty inhabitants of the disputed area of border between Northumberland and Scotland for centuries past. Not wanting to write a historical novel, he has used the character and appearance of the Border country, mixed with the atmosphere of suspicion and violence which was rife there, to create a haunting and gripping adult fantasy novel.
Previously having written fantasies for children, Moore has transitioned with apparent ease to writing for an adult audience. The overall structure is one of a journey, very popular in fantasy fiction, which sees his central character, Rogrig Wishard, embark on a quest with unusual companions. It is a journey which will reveal so much to him and to us - the unsuspected richness of his heritage and abilities, the stark beauty of the landscape, and a whole new band of companions.
It's very difficult to review this book without spoilers, but it has to be done - some sections of the book are so breathtaking in their unexpectedness that it would be very unfair to discuss them. All I can assure you is that the characters are richly and complexly drawn, the landscape is vivid and described with love and understanding, the story is deeply satisfying, and the actual language and rhythm of the writing are skilfully done, underlining the otherworldliness of the story and characters.
I would recommend this book unreservedly to fans of traditional tales, and of classic fantasy.
Previously having written fantasies for children, Moore has transitioned with apparent ease to writing for an adult audience. The overall structure is one of a journey, very popular in fantasy fiction, which sees his central character, Rogrig Wishard, embark on a quest with unusual companions. It is a journey which will reveal so much to him and to us - the unsuspected richness of his heritage and abilities, the stark beauty of the landscape, and a whole new band of companions.
It's very difficult to review this book without spoilers, but it has to be done - some sections of the book are so breathtaking in their unexpectedness that it would be very unfair to discuss them. All I can assure you is that the characters are richly and complexly drawn, the landscape is vivid and described with love and understanding, the story is deeply satisfying, and the actual language and rhythm of the writing are skilfully done, underlining the otherworldliness of the story and characters.
I would recommend this book unreservedly to fans of traditional tales, and of classic fantasy.
October 30, 2015
Steve certainly has stepped outside of the realm of children's fiction with the introduction of his adult book Graynelore. It is reminiscent of the Icelandic sagas in the gritty descriptions of battles waged and the cold manner in which reivers approach their life and calling to war with their neighbors at the behest of their lord. There is a dreamlike quality to the telling of the tale and I was reminded in parts of the ancient ballads of England. The ballad of Tristan and Isolde in fact came to mind in one part as I read. Ill-fated lovers who were never meant to be because of the wish and whim of a lusty lord. This book is not for the weak minded because it makes you think. It keeps you on your toes to follow what is happening in the thoughts and remembrances of Rodrig. It is very much like a dream. Wistful and drifting. This is his memoir of sorts so the organization fits what one might expect from a man looking back over his life. This book is not for the weak stomached for there are parts that drip with gory detail of a warrior that might sour a lunch or two. The kicking around of a severed head at one point was one of the more unsettling parts. The language is at times riddled with colorful metaphors but given the atmosphere of the story, it seems to fit the prose. Over all, this book left me speechless.
May 7, 2016
Exceptional cover art draws the reader into the world of Rogrig Wishard, a hardened Reiver and a crude and ruthless warrior. He owes his loyalty to his clan, who are the only family he knows. He lies for them, steals for them, kills for them. He has no sensibilities, nothing to appeal to for mercy until one day on the battlefield, he faces something greater than himself, something so unexplainable and unexpected that he is left reeling, never to be the same again. This novel deftly juxtapositions brutality against tenderness through Rogrig’s unique and compelling “voice.” His story stands out as both exceptional and memorable! Moore’s unique style presents something unusual and outstanding in fantasy literature!
January 8, 2016
I was first draw by the intriguing cover and name of this book and I wasn't disappointed. I was quickly hooked on the main character's story and world he lives in. Every chapter left me wanting to read the next and if time allowed I could have quite happily read this book in one sitting.
It's fantasy with self -discovery, it is extremely descriptive with some sadness along with excellent humour.
I loved "Graynelore" and would recommend it to anyone. I will be purchasing the book to go in my book case.
It's fantasy with self -discovery, it is extremely descriptive with some sadness along with excellent humour.
I loved "Graynelore" and would recommend it to anyone. I will be purchasing the book to go in my book case.
February 15, 2018
Did Not Finish.
I was looking forward to this book. It sounds interesting and I absolutely love the cover.
Unfortunately the writing style, the storytelling and the characters did nothing for me. In fact the writingstyle bothered me from page one, and it did not get better.
I do however think that I would have liked it if I had read it when I was younger - around twelve or so.
Not because it is a kiddie friendly book (blood, murder, rape and more), but I wouldn't have noticed the flaws back then, and therefore been more able to look passed these things (and the minor contradictions) and enjoy the story.
I was looking forward to this book. It sounds interesting and I absolutely love the cover.
Unfortunately the writing style, the storytelling and the characters did nothing for me. In fact the writingstyle bothered me from page one, and it did not get better.
I do however think that I would have liked it if I had read it when I was younger - around twelve or so.
Not because it is a kiddie friendly book (blood, murder, rape and more), but I wouldn't have noticed the flaws back then, and therefore been more able to look passed these things (and the minor contradictions) and enjoy the story.
June 8, 2019
Good book
This was a good book, I enjoyed the story a great deal. The characters were all interesting and magnetic. He only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of five was because I didn't like the ending. To me, it left too much unanswered without the benefit of a coming sequel. If a sequel should show up, I will change my rating to 5 stars 🌟. But after all is said and done, this book is well worth reading.
This was a good book, I enjoyed the story a great deal. The characters were all interesting and magnetic. He only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of five was because I didn't like the ending. To me, it left too much unanswered without the benefit of a coming sequel. If a sequel should show up, I will change my rating to 5 stars 🌟. But after all is said and done, this book is well worth reading.
December 29, 2019
Awesome Story about fairies.
I really enjoyed this book about the fairies. It was a very enlightening story of a man who didn't know he was a fairies until he was a adult. He finds his way to a very special place for all the fairies.
I really enjoyed this book about the fairies. It was a very enlightening story of a man who didn't know he was a fairies until he was a adult. He finds his way to a very special place for all the fairies.
December 30, 2019
This was a great read, lovely and ephemeral in parts and full of the ever changing nature of people. Somewhere in the misty parts of this story, there is hope that our true nature can be found.
November 20, 2015
Exquisite authorship, deeply rich storytelling, perfect editing
The editing of this book is clean, tight, consistent. The many descriptive or colloquial (for this universe) turns of phrase are always consistently used. Completely professional.
Bards play an important role in the story and Mr. Moore created a bardic tale. The writing has an almost lyrical aura, appropriate for a tale including the fey. Mr. Moore's writing in this tale reminds me in its feel of Mr. Rothfuss' style in The Kingkiller Chronicles.
The protagonist in Graynelore is a low level, clan swordsman tightly bound in the bloody and immoral (from our modern point if view) allegiance to the clan Headman. I would have liked the story to delve deeply into Rogrig's story on the Isle. Maybe in a sequel.
I enjoyed the riever borderlands setting in P.F. Chisholm's Sir Robert Carey historical fiction series. Sir Carey is a noble, however, while Rogrig's is in the blood lust trenches.
I highly recommend. Really ... Give it a try. It's well worth the modest price.
The editing of this book is clean, tight, consistent. The many descriptive or colloquial (for this universe) turns of phrase are always consistently used. Completely professional.
Bards play an important role in the story and Mr. Moore created a bardic tale. The writing has an almost lyrical aura, appropriate for a tale including the fey. Mr. Moore's writing in this tale reminds me in its feel of Mr. Rothfuss' style in The Kingkiller Chronicles.
The protagonist in Graynelore is a low level, clan swordsman tightly bound in the bloody and immoral (from our modern point if view) allegiance to the clan Headman. I would have liked the story to delve deeply into Rogrig's story on the Isle. Maybe in a sequel.
I enjoyed the riever borderlands setting in P.F. Chisholm's Sir Robert Carey historical fiction series. Sir Carey is a noble, however, while Rogrig's is in the blood lust trenches.
I highly recommend. Really ... Give it a try. It's well worth the modest price.
November 22, 2015
In a word, bland.
There is nothing new or interesting here and what there is isn't very good.
It uses the poor style of having almost the entire story narrated by the main character talking about himself in the third person, this means the words are dead on the page, no emotion or empathy just raw facts, it feels like a writing exercise from a course rather than a real book.
The author also show a staggering lack of understanding of the use of the comma, he uses them everywhere, there have to be at least three times as many commas as there should be, this is easy to ignore but why did it get past editing and proof-reading!
The main character is essentially unlikeable, the side characters are two-dimensional.
The plot is slow and uninteresting with a few twists but no surprises.
You can kill some time with this book but nothing more.
There is nothing new or interesting here and what there is isn't very good.
It uses the poor style of having almost the entire story narrated by the main character talking about himself in the third person, this means the words are dead on the page, no emotion or empathy just raw facts, it feels like a writing exercise from a course rather than a real book.
The author also show a staggering lack of understanding of the use of the comma, he uses them everywhere, there have to be at least three times as many commas as there should be, this is easy to ignore but why did it get past editing and proof-reading!
The main character is essentially unlikeable, the side characters are two-dimensional.
The plot is slow and uninteresting with a few twists but no surprises.
You can kill some time with this book but nothing more.
September 8, 2015
Rogrig is a reiver, caring only about stealing and killing and following his graynelord, but when something strange happens on the battlefield, he wanders off on a world-changing adventure.
In the end, I gave it three stars. You might be asking why. The book and story are presented well—meaning it shows the ticks of someone having scoured over it to bring it to perfection. This is no hack-job. And in fact, others may rather enjoy the long-winded sentences that sometimes lead right back to where they started. For me, it’s not particularly my taste. It feels illusionary and untruthful. Nonetheless, it shows hard work and I hope the author the best, despite it not being my cup of tea.
In the end, I gave it three stars. You might be asking why. The book and story are presented well—meaning it shows the ticks of someone having scoured over it to bring it to perfection. This is no hack-job. And in fact, others may rather enjoy the long-winded sentences that sometimes lead right back to where they started. For me, it’s not particularly my taste. It feels illusionary and untruthful. Nonetheless, it shows hard work and I hope the author the best, despite it not being my cup of tea.
January 9, 2016
Refreshingly original
Go on. Just buy it.
It's really unusual to find a fantasy story which is just one book long, but that's what this is. Surprisingly it is all told from a single point of view as well.
The story is beautifully crafted and written with a very unusual style, it reminds me of many of the best fantasy books from the 70s. There is even a beginning a middle and an end, which leaves with all the loose ends tied up.
I've really enjoyed this story, I recommend it.
Go on. Just buy it.
It's really unusual to find a fantasy story which is just one book long, but that's what this is. Surprisingly it is all told from a single point of view as well.
The story is beautifully crafted and written with a very unusual style, it reminds me of many of the best fantasy books from the 70s. There is even a beginning a middle and an end, which leaves with all the loose ends tied up.
I've really enjoyed this story, I recommend it.
August 26, 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect, but Moore delivers an engaging tale in a fresh fantasy world inspired by the Borders region between England and Scotland. A dark adult fairy tale with great details drawing on Reiver culture, something I've always found fascinating. Looking forward to what's next from this emerging talent.
October 20, 2017
I found the writing style difficult to read and found myself re-reading large passages as the text seemed to veer away from the situation.
As i have been unable to finish the book i am unable to award more than one star
As i have been unable to finish the book i am unable to award more than one star
May 23, 2016
Man discovers that he has faerie heritage and that he must work with different people in his lands to try to fix what has been done to faerie.
It was very readable, quite like a fairy tale but fairly unforgettable too.
It was very readable, quite like a fairy tale but fairly unforgettable too.
August 17, 2015
I've never before travelled on such a journey. Thank you Stephen Moore. Brilliant and best!
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November 4, 2015couldn't even finish the sample: just not for me, too much fantasy, ...
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews