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Sorcery Ascendant Sequence #0.5
At the Sign of the Crow and Moon
Ten years before A Crucible of Souls…
In the bustling capital city of the Mahruse Empire, Felicienne Shyrise spends her days as a talented investigator, taking on stolen goods and missing person cases, and the occasional murder the city guard are too incompetent, or too lazy, to resolve.
During nights, she hones her skills playing Dominion, a board game almost as complicated as life itself. She dreams of making a name for herself, and becoming the richest woman in the Empire.
But when she’s roped into a murky investigation by a First Adjudicator to the immortal Emperor himself, her life is thrown into disarray. Will this be the perfect opportunity to showcase her skills and make valuable connections, or will her future now be in the hands of political powers that can never be denied.
Working against her will, and afraid of the consequences of refusing the commission, she uncovers evidence that points to an attempt on the Emperor’s life. Felicienne rapidly finds herself a target, and must use her considerable wits to uncover the plot of an unseen enemy who always seems to be one step ahead of the game.
This is a standalone novella of 20,000 words. No prior knowledge of the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence is required to enjoy it, which means it's a perfect introduction for new readers or a chance for Sorcery Ascendant veterans to spend a little more time with Felicienne Shyrise.
In the bustling capital city of the Mahruse Empire, Felicienne Shyrise spends her days as a talented investigator, taking on stolen goods and missing person cases, and the occasional murder the city guard are too incompetent, or too lazy, to resolve.
During nights, she hones her skills playing Dominion, a board game almost as complicated as life itself. She dreams of making a name for herself, and becoming the richest woman in the Empire.
But when she’s roped into a murky investigation by a First Adjudicator to the immortal Emperor himself, her life is thrown into disarray. Will this be the perfect opportunity to showcase her skills and make valuable connections, or will her future now be in the hands of political powers that can never be denied.
Working against her will, and afraid of the consequences of refusing the commission, she uncovers evidence that points to an attempt on the Emperor’s life. Felicienne rapidly finds herself a target, and must use her considerable wits to uncover the plot of an unseen enemy who always seems to be one step ahead of the game.
This is a standalone novella of 20,000 words. No prior knowledge of the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence is required to enjoy it, which means it's a perfect introduction for new readers or a chance for Sorcery Ascendant veterans to spend a little more time with Felicienne Shyrise.
80 pages, ebook
First published July 4, 2016
29 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Mitchell Hogan
38 books941 followers
*** Signup to Mitchell's New Release mailing list to be the first to hear about new releases, and for bonus chapters of A Crucible of Souls! ***
When he was eleven, Mitchell Hogan was given the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to read, and a love of fantasy novels was born. He spent the next ten years reading, rolling dice, and playing computer games, with some school and university thrown in. Along the way he accumulated numerous bookcases' worth of fantasy and sci-fi novels and doesn’t look to stop anytime soon.
His first attempt at writing fantasy was an abysmal failure and abandoned after only one page. But ideas for characters and scenes continued to come to him and he kept detailed notes of his thoughts, on the off chance that one day he might have time to write a novel. For a decade he put off his dream of writing until he couldn’t stand it anymore. He knew he would regret not having tried to write the novel percolating inside his head for the rest of his life. Mitchell quit his job and lived off dwindling savings, and the support of his fiancé, until he finished the first draft of A Crucible of Souls.
He now writes full time and is eternally grateful to the readers who took a chance on an unknown author.
A Crucible of Souls won the 2013 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
Mitchell lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife, Angela, and daughters, Isabelle and Charlotte.
When he was eleven, Mitchell Hogan was given the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to read, and a love of fantasy novels was born. He spent the next ten years reading, rolling dice, and playing computer games, with some school and university thrown in. Along the way he accumulated numerous bookcases' worth of fantasy and sci-fi novels and doesn’t look to stop anytime soon.
His first attempt at writing fantasy was an abysmal failure and abandoned after only one page. But ideas for characters and scenes continued to come to him and he kept detailed notes of his thoughts, on the off chance that one day he might have time to write a novel. For a decade he put off his dream of writing until he couldn’t stand it anymore. He knew he would regret not having tried to write the novel percolating inside his head for the rest of his life. Mitchell quit his job and lived off dwindling savings, and the support of his fiancé, until he finished the first draft of A Crucible of Souls.
He now writes full time and is eternally grateful to the readers who took a chance on an unknown author.
A Crucible of Souls won the 2013 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
Mitchell lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife, Angela, and daughters, Isabelle and Charlotte.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 28, 2017
This was a free audiobook. I really liked book one in the series so doing the prequel was a no-brainer. I didn't love the book but I think part of that was the narrator. I actually think he would be great for a different genre but I didn't love him for fantasy. I could definitely listen to him doing a historical fiction piece from the south.
March 10, 2017
I've very much enjoyed this entertaining novella. It throws you in the heart of the action from the start and it doesn't let you go. It's fast paced, intriguing, mysterious and sometimes reminded me of James Bond movies. I loved Felicienne, she's cool, smart and a badass, and she deserved a place among my favourite female fantasy characters.
If you're a fan of thrilling fantasy adventures or a fan of Sorcery Ascendant Sequence, I highly recommend this little gem.
If you're a fan of thrilling fantasy adventures or a fan of Sorcery Ascendant Sequence, I highly recommend this little gem.
Read
June 14, 2016No rating from me as usual (as this is my book), but I thought I'd use this space to say a little more about it.
This is a standalone prequel to my Sorcery Ascendant Sequence series, which starts with the novel A Crucible of Souls. No previous knowledge of the Sorcery Ascendant series is necessary. It is a novella -- just over 20,000 words -- so it's a quick introduction for new readers or a chance for Sorcery Ascendant veterans to spend a little more time with a younger Felicienne Shyrise.
This is a standalone prequel to my Sorcery Ascendant Sequence series, which starts with the novel A Crucible of Souls. No previous knowledge of the Sorcery Ascendant series is necessary. It is a novella -- just over 20,000 words -- so it's a quick introduction for new readers or a chance for Sorcery Ascendant veterans to spend a little more time with a younger Felicienne Shyrise.
September 27, 2020
Lady's got class.
Now this character I like. She has spunk a mind of her own an dose things her way. Would like to read more about her adventures. Well done
Now this character I like. She has spunk a mind of her own an dose things her way. Would like to read more about her adventures. Well done
December 28, 2016
This was a free audio. I haven't read anything else by the author.
The story itself was alright although as I listened to it over four months it wasn't as easy to follow as it could've been! My problem was the narrator; he drawled, he used a rising inflection constantly which made me think everything was a question. So I put it off every time I had a new audio.
The story itself was alright although as I listened to it over four months it wasn't as easy to follow as it could've been! My problem was the narrator; he drawled, he used a rising inflection constantly which made me think everything was a question. So I put it off every time I had a new audio.
September 9, 2016
This story is set years before Hogan's trilogy. It was a quick and enjoyable story with the same settings and new characters., but not a necessary read for the main story.
I have enjoyed the first two books in the trilogy and look forward to the last book coming out soon.
I have enjoyed the first two books in the trilogy and look forward to the last book coming out soon.
June 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this novella, that tells us more about Feliciennes past, before we meet her in the main trilogy. It shows how she manages to become an important woman, when she started out as lowly private detective. I liked the story, and loved spending time with her, and her assistent again!
Some parts weren't 100% logical to me, especially in the big finale, but I did enjoy the story all the easy through, so I'll give it 4 stars!
Some parts weren't 100% logical to me, especially in the big finale, but I did enjoy the story all the easy through, so I'll give it 4 stars!
September 15, 2016
Money-hungry protag who forgets to eat and exclaims “Bloody ancestors!” too often.
April 10, 2020
Considering this is a prequel to a series, it genuinely can be read as a standalone (I've never read the Sorcery Ascendant series, though I plan to soon). The cast of characters were fantastic, and I'm looking forward to possibly revisiting them in the rest of the series. The world was well developed considering the length of the story, and makes me curious to see how it's built upon in the rest of the series.
The narration let me down a little as with most of the characters being female, and the narrator being male, they all seemed to wind up sounding the same which made some conversations difficult to follow.
Listened to on Audible
The narration let me down a little as with most of the characters being female, and the narrator being male, they all seemed to wind up sounding the same which made some conversations difficult to follow.
Listened to on Audible
March 20, 2017
3GR* - My actual rating is 7 out of 10.
August 31, 2022
A pretty decent story for a prequel novella.
June 20, 2017
This was a prequel to the Sorcery Ascendant series and I wonder if I would have enjoyed it more reading it at the end of the series rather than the beginning. At least then, I would have had the benefit of the world building.
May 17, 2022
4.5. Surprisingly entertaining read.
November 23, 2016
An enjoyable fantasy, with a well realized world and imaginative magical concepts.
The main character is likable, and feels like a whole person. There is clearly history there, but the author doesn't waste a lot of space taking us through every part. A word here, a hint there, and we're left knowing there's more to her than immediately meets the eye.
The game which plays a large role in the plot, dominion, is fascinating as well. It seems a lot like 3D chess, with a complicated ruleset and wider variety of pieces.
It does suffer from the same fate as many shorter works by novelists - it feels more like the first act of a book than a complete story. Though the major goal of the story is accomplished, a lot of page time is dedicated to questions and characters that are not.
I hope that Mr. Hogan writes more novellas (or even a novel) about Felician. In the meantime, I've already started A Crucible of Souls, the first novel in the series.
The main character is likable, and feels like a whole person. There is clearly history there, but the author doesn't waste a lot of space taking us through every part. A word here, a hint there, and we're left knowing there's more to her than immediately meets the eye.
The game which plays a large role in the plot, dominion, is fascinating as well. It seems a lot like 3D chess, with a complicated ruleset and wider variety of pieces.
It does suffer from the same fate as many shorter works by novelists - it feels more like the first act of a book than a complete story. Though the major goal of the story is accomplished, a lot of page time is dedicated to questions and characters that are not.
I hope that Mr. Hogan writes more novellas (or even a novel) about Felician. In the meantime, I've already started A Crucible of Souls, the first novel in the series.
September 14, 2016
it was a good introduction to the series, I liked that it was entertaining and deep in some manners, it was pretty cool actually.
the story was pretty well done, a little politic warfare here, death, intrigue and interesting heroes and heroines all well packed in a fantasy action based world.
the story was pretty well done, a little politic warfare here, death, intrigue and interesting heroes and heroines all well packed in a fantasy action based world.
August 26, 2021
A cracking fast paced fantasy adventure in the world of the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence series, set ten years before the first book, we follow Felicienne Shyrise, a young talented investigator, trying to build a lucrative business for her self, when an investigation uncovers the gang behind the canal murders and are apprehended, But when she’s roped into a murky investigation by a First Adjudicator to the immortal Emperor himself, her life is thrown into disarray, will this be the perfect opportunity to showcase her skills and make valuable connections, or will her future now be in the hands of political powers that can never be denied, a pro at the game Dominion (fantasy chess) a tournament she must enter and win to stop an assassination attempt of the Emperor, a fantastic read of loyalty, guilt and remorse, lots of action, great characters and the plot is intensely good, highly recommend....😁
December 29, 2021
I have not read the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence series that this serves as a prequel for, so this was my first experience with these characters. I enjoyed it, though. The political intrigue in this novella was well done. And the description of the game tournament, during which the investigation was occurring, was also fun. It made me want to learn how to play Dominion, or wonder if rules for the game are written down somewhere for creating the game in real life.
In addition, the introduction to Felicienne was enough to have me putting the main series on my TBR list. I look forward to reading it in the future.
In addition, the introduction to Felicienne was enough to have me putting the main series on my TBR list. I look forward to reading it in the future.
January 4, 2025
A Well-Paced Introduction
I merely listened/read this to have something to read while traveling, and it turned out quite well. Feels like a D&D/Sherlock Holmes Mystery with a game similar to Gwent and Chess in the background. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. A great find for a new year.
I merely listened/read this to have something to read while traveling, and it turned out quite well. Feels like a D&D/Sherlock Holmes Mystery with a game similar to Gwent and Chess in the background. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. A great find for a new year.
November 11, 2022
9 I really enjoyed this taster and was sad that it was so short. I have already put a couple of the full length books into my wish list but just hoping that they are not as YA as the synopsis suggests. Recommended to the normal crew.
January 23, 2018
3.5 stars
Colour me intrigued! World building is interesting without being boring, the characters are great, and pacing was spot on - didn't feel rushed.
Colour me intrigued! World building is interesting without being boring, the characters are great, and pacing was spot on - didn't feel rushed.
November 8, 2022
It was good but could be better.
June 25, 2023
Backstory of the spy mistress that eventually befriends the young, naive protagonist in the series
January 9, 2017
Very enjoyable.
October 7, 2016
Much better book than the rest of the series as Caladan is absent and the universe has no contradictions (although I noted that this book mentioned the Emperor's immortality - why was it not mentioned in books 1 and 2?!?!?).
Good enough to make me read the next thing Mitchell Hogan writes. Good save.
Good enough to make me read the next thing Mitchell Hogan writes. Good save.
September 12, 2016
The story didn't really grab my attention until nearly the end. I partially think it's because of the slow narration, but I can't really put my finger on it.
July 6, 2016
At the Sign of the Crow and Moon is a charming novella which is bound to enchant fans of the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence. With every book Mitchell makes the world seem even more real than our own, and this novella is no exception.
This is a tale that dabbles in crime fiction whilst being firmly grounded in fantasy, and much to my delight gives a better idea of what Dominion actually involves. It is dotted with humour and small details that really bring the characters to life. It is a delight to be able to follow Felice through what proves to be an outstanding few days. Felice was never one of my favourite characters but in this novella I changedmy me towards her within an instant.
A perfect fit with the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence. To me it somewhat felt like an extra move in a game of Dominion. Which of course means I am cheekily awaiting two more.
This is a tale that dabbles in crime fiction whilst being firmly grounded in fantasy, and much to my delight gives a better idea of what Dominion actually involves. It is dotted with humour and small details that really bring the characters to life. It is a delight to be able to follow Felice through what proves to be an outstanding few days. Felice was never one of my favourite characters but in this novella I changedmy me towards her within an instant.
A perfect fit with the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence. To me it somewhat felt like an extra move in a game of Dominion. Which of course means I am cheekily awaiting two more.
July 19, 2016
This is a really great novella from the world of the sorcerers ascendance series. If you have read the first two in the series then you will definitely enjoy this back story to one of the characters in the books, Lady Felice. She was not, in my mind, the obvious character choice for a standalone novella but it worked really well and has endeared me to her much more now and I will be looking forward to reading more about her in the 3rd book (shattered empire)
It's fast paced, enjoyable and a must read for all who are enjoying the ascendance series. As a stand alone, I'm not sure if it would be as enjoyable without previous knowledge of the fantasy works it's based in.
Is it worth reading if you haven't read Mitchell hogans other books in this fantasy world? I'd say yes, and if you enjoy the writing then there is plenty more from this author for you to enjoy.
Cheers.
It's fast paced, enjoyable and a must read for all who are enjoying the ascendance series. As a stand alone, I'm not sure if it would be as enjoyable without previous knowledge of the fantasy works it's based in.
Is it worth reading if you haven't read Mitchell hogans other books in this fantasy world? I'd say yes, and if you enjoy the writing then there is plenty more from this author for you to enjoy.
Cheers.
September 1, 2016
Free audiobook? I think I will! Mitchell Hogan sent out the word last week that this novella was coming out in audio form and the preorder would be Gratis, so I snapped it up. I had a bad experience with my first audiobook way back in '99, and didn't give them another chance until last fall when another author sent me a code so I could review his latest, and I realized I liked it. The format, that is, although his book was good too lol.
Anyhow on to THIS story! I dig Hogan's books and this character in particular, so it was nice to get some back story on her as well as slipping back into this world. Fun, full of action, and even a little bit of heart, I definitely want more!
Anyhow on to THIS story! I dig Hogan's books and this character in particular, so it was nice to get some back story on her as well as slipping back into this world. Fun, full of action, and even a little bit of heart, I definitely want more!
October 17, 2016
Good read
The book is well written. However, in my opinion the process of solving the riddle could use more attention to detail to create a tension what is gripping you. The heroine is an unusual type what makes it a fresh story in the genre.
The book is well written. However, in my opinion the process of solving the riddle could use more attention to detail to create a tension what is gripping you. The heroine is an unusual type what makes it a fresh story in the genre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews