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Book of Never #0.5
Never
Adventure? Check. Magic? Check. Sarcasm? You bet.
Roguish Never is sure he has hunted down every relic and every clue possible on his quest to finally lift the curse on his blood and hopefully learn his true name. However, convincing the wealthy Lord Firmita to part with a map to the sunken city proves to be far more dangerous than he first imagined.
Prequel story to The Amber Isle - see how Never meets his old enemy Harstas!
Roguish Never is sure he has hunted down every relic and every clue possible on his quest to finally lift the curse on his blood and hopefully learn his true name. However, convincing the wealthy Lord Firmita to part with a map to the sunken city proves to be far more dangerous than he first imagined.
Prequel story to The Amber Isle - see how Never meets his old enemy Harstas!
58 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2016
341 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Capes
76 books576 followersAshley is a poet, novelist and ex-teacher living in Australia.
He taught English, Media and Music Production, played in a metal band, worked in an art gallery and slaved away at music retail. Aside from reading and writing, Ashley loves volleyball and Studio Ghibli – and Magnum PI, easily one of the greatest television shows ever made.
See poetry and fiction at http://ashleycapes.com/
He taught English, Media and Music Production, played in a metal band, worked in an art gallery and slaved away at music retail. Aside from reading and writing, Ashley loves volleyball and Studio Ghibli – and Magnum PI, easily one of the greatest television shows ever made.
See poetry and fiction at http://ashleycapes.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 20, 2017
Never: Prequel to The Amber Isle (Book of Never, #0) by Ashley Capes is a great short story that made me want to read the next book. A guy that helped a kid being picked on by bullies is throw in a dungeon but is given a way out if he helps stop a thief. He agrees. Fun story.
November 19, 2016
Capes has written a fast paced and captivating prequel to The Amber Isle which is book one in the Book of Never series. There is just enough world building and action to pull the reader into the story and be eager for more. Never may be smart mouthed but he is also smart on his feet. I’m looking forward to reading more of Never’s quest to find answers to his curse.
November 24, 2016
This short prequel to The Amber Isle (which I’ve read) is another great action adventure for the stubborn but cursed Never. His life is never easy, and visiting Lord Firmita in his castle proved to be the same. A cell, an escape and a vicious fight with the evil Harstas are only part of what Never gets up to in Aussie author Ashley Capes’ Never.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the series and discovering this short story (and the fact it was free on kindle) was a delight. I highly recommend this and each book in the series about Never and his search for answers.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the series and discovering this short story (and the fact it was free on kindle) was a delight. I highly recommend this and each book in the series about Never and his search for answers.
December 29, 2016
So glad to have this prequel to tide me over before the grand finale of this series is released. The story is short, but stock full of all the adventure and misadventures one will find in the main series.
Additionally, I need to comment on the covers of these book. Beautifully done, reminiscent of the classics I had as a child, including Treasure Island, which put me on the path to enjoying these types of adventure tales well into my adult years. This one might be my favorite, conveying Never's own adventuring spirit perfectly.
Additionally, I need to comment on the covers of these book. Beautifully done, reminiscent of the classics I had as a child, including Treasure Island, which put me on the path to enjoying these types of adventure tales well into my adult years. This one might be my favorite, conveying Never's own adventuring spirit perfectly.
August 14, 2016
Very well written and entertaining. Imaginative. Could have easily earned five stars if not for some editing issues and the main character being named Never, which I found irritating enough that it kept me from getting immersed in the story. I don't know whether the author has played Dragon Age Origins, but the curse Never has seems eerily like the abilities a rogue gains after drinking a blood magic potion. Still, there are some twists to the curse and those twists, along with the good writing, has convinced me to read the series.
November 29, 2018
“Chaos would provide good cover - it always did”.
Fast-paced and action packed, I feel like I’ve just had the first taste of something fascinating. I’m looking forward to getting to know Never better.
Fast-paced and action packed, I feel like I’ve just had the first taste of something fascinating. I’m looking forward to getting to know Never better.
June 27, 2017
I really liked how short the story was. Never was very motivated, and I understood why (his curse and his name). I liked the jester boy he met. Never had some good comebacks.
Some things just didn't seem to flow. Why did this one lady help him escape the castle? One day later, he's in prison again, but he's not recognized? I guess it's not the same as the dungeons. Wouldn't the guards be looking for him? Why does his curse sometimes not work?
Who are these foreigners, and why did they attack the whole city? It didn't feel like a city that had just been invaded. It still had people wandering around. Were there demands? Beheadings?
Some things just didn't seem to flow. Why did this one lady help him escape the castle? One day later, he's in prison again, but he's not recognized? I guess it's not the same as the dungeons. Wouldn't the guards be looking for him? Why does his curse sometimes not work?
Who are these foreigners, and why did they attack the whole city? It didn't feel like a city that had just been invaded. It still had people wandering around. Were there demands? Beheadings?
March 1, 2017
A great little prequel leading up to Never's adventures. Look forward to Never finding out the answers for his curse.
June 11, 2022
5 stars - English Ebook
review follows later
review follows later
September 21, 2016
OH MY GOD HOW BORING!!! I don't think I ever remember having so much trouble reading 55 pages. It definitely didn't make me want to give the entire series a shot. If you're looking for something new and similar to The Lies of Locke Lamora, this is not it.
September 11, 2016
A wonderful precursor to 'The Amber Isle'. After just a few pages I was reminded of now much I like Never and his insolence. It was also great to see a little more of the world fleshed out and the promise of more chaos to come with the fall of the empire. Fast-paced and a pure fantasy delight.
December 27, 2025
Never (Book of Never #0.5) by Ashley Capes is a very short prequel, and for me it did not quite work as an entry point into the series. It feels like it is trying to do too much in too little space, with stakes and events that are simply too large for the number of pages available. As a result, everything feels a bit rushed and oddly weightless.
I kept getting the sense that there is a bigger, more interesting story behind what is happening here, but this glimpse is too brief to give it the depth it needs. Some moments did not fully make sense to me, which may well be intentional or explained later, but without that context they felt more confusing than intriguing. A few elements also leaned into familiar tropes, which stood out more because there was no room to complicate or subvert them.
As a prequel, I suspect this might work better after reading the main series, as a small extra piece rather than a foundation. On its own, it is not a bad read, but it is also not one I would have felt I missed if I had skipped it.
I kept getting the sense that there is a bigger, more interesting story behind what is happening here, but this glimpse is too brief to give it the depth it needs. Some moments did not fully make sense to me, which may well be intentional or explained later, but without that context they felt more confusing than intriguing. A few elements also leaned into familiar tropes, which stood out more because there was no room to complicate or subvert them.
As a prequel, I suspect this might work better after reading the main series, as a small extra piece rather than a foundation. On its own, it is not a bad read, but it is also not one I would have felt I missed if I had skipped it.
April 22, 2024
Never by Ashley Capes is a great prequel story. It's got elements of fantasy in a well-built world, but leans a bit more towards sword and sorcery as it focuses on thieves and mercenaries. I've wanted to read something by Ashley Capes for a while and I'm glad I started with this one. It was a nice fast well-written tale that makes me want to learn more about the world and the character.
Never is not only the name of the story, it's also the name of the main character, which, along with his "curse," drives him to learn more about his past/identity. I don't want to spoil anything, but the curse subplot is intriguing, little hints of it sprinkled in expertly throughout the story, allowing us to get a feel for the character's motivation.
The story might be short, but it packs in a lot of action, world-building, and characterization. And it's not just the main character that gets fleshed out, the other characters are also developed with care.
Check it out!
Never is not only the name of the story, it's also the name of the main character, which, along with his "curse," drives him to learn more about his past/identity. I don't want to spoil anything, but the curse subplot is intriguing, little hints of it sprinkled in expertly throughout the story, allowing us to get a feel for the character's motivation.
The story might be short, but it packs in a lot of action, world-building, and characterization. And it's not just the main character that gets fleshed out, the other characters are also developed with care.
Check it out!
April 15, 2024
3.25 stars
I can't remember when I added to my TBR the first book of this series, but I know it is not really a recent thing, and it is still waiting for me, so when I saw this short story/prequel on sale for the Indie Sale this weekend I couldn't resist!
And I am pretty happy to have read it! It is a short story, and I was hoping for a tad more of sarcasm if I am being completely honest, but it was enough to make me curious and want more. Never is an interesting character and I think that following him around would be really interesting!
This story is full of action and intrigue, and we meet some interesting characters, too. Never for sure, but also the young jester (I really hope he survived!!).
Now I am even more curious to read the full-length books!
I can't remember when I added to my TBR the first book of this series, but I know it is not really a recent thing, and it is still waiting for me, so when I saw this short story/prequel on sale for the Indie Sale this weekend I couldn't resist!
And I am pretty happy to have read it! It is a short story, and I was hoping for a tad more of sarcasm if I am being completely honest, but it was enough to make me curious and want more. Never is an interesting character and I think that following him around would be really interesting!
This story is full of action and intrigue, and we meet some interesting characters, too. Never for sure, but also the young jester (I really hope he survived!!).
Now I am even more curious to read the full-length books!
July 7, 2022
Great setup to a longer story
Captivating prequel to the Amber Isle series. This give just enough insight as to who Never is and what his story is about. I'm very interested in his curse and how he came to have it. The end also introduced an antagonist that Never clearly already knows so I'm interested in learning that history. The action was well written and I need to know if Temilo is okay.
Captivating prequel to the Amber Isle series. This give just enough insight as to who Never is and what his story is about. I'm very interested in his curse and how he came to have it. The end also introduced an antagonist that Never clearly already knows so I'm interested in learning that history. The action was well written and I need to know if Temilo is okay.
April 16, 2019
Uplifting fun read.
Good fun reading this book, I am looking forward to reading the book of Never, this is a lovely uplifting story.
Good fun reading this book, I am looking forward to reading the book of Never, this is a lovely uplifting story.
February 6, 2018
Book Review – Never: Prequel to The Amber Isle by Ashley Capes
Never: Prequel to The Amber Isle by Ashley Capes is a short fantasy story about a thief with bad blood (hmmm… why does that sound familiar to me). We follow the story of Never as he steals he way towards a cure.
The Cover: Okay, I’m adding a new section for cover design in my reviews as I feel they need to be spoken about. I love the cover on this book and probably would not have bothered to pick this title up if not the beautiful artwork. It screams fantasy to me, provoking a mood of gritty action and danger. Just my kind of book.
The Bad Stuff: The name of our protagonist threw me off. Every time I read his name I was confused by the actual meaning of the word, expecting a sentence to form somewhat differently. The writing style didn’t grip me and pull me in either, I found it a bit passive.
The Good Stuff: I must say that once I got over the character’s name and the writing style, I actually enjoyed this story and the world building that was developed over this short story. It is certainly a fantasy set in a world I enjoy to read. The characters were also quite well rounded for a short story. The storyline isn’t bad at all, but as with any new author you read, it may take a few pages to get into the swing of things. I’d say give it a chance and see what you think, I found it free on amazon and if the end matter in the book is up to date, you can get the following book free if you sign up to My Capes Newsletter.
Overall the story was interesting and well-paced, I wasn’t fully invested in the characters, but feel if I were given a little more time with them, I would form a stronger bond. If you are looking for something quick to read with a fantasy setting, I’d say give it a go. I’m giving this one a shadow hugging 3 out of 5 golden bookmarks.
Never: Prequel to The Amber Isle by Ashley Capes is a short fantasy story about a thief with bad blood (hmmm… why does that sound familiar to me). We follow the story of Never as he steals he way towards a cure.
The Cover: Okay, I’m adding a new section for cover design in my reviews as I feel they need to be spoken about. I love the cover on this book and probably would not have bothered to pick this title up if not the beautiful artwork. It screams fantasy to me, provoking a mood of gritty action and danger. Just my kind of book.
The Bad Stuff: The name of our protagonist threw me off. Every time I read his name I was confused by the actual meaning of the word, expecting a sentence to form somewhat differently. The writing style didn’t grip me and pull me in either, I found it a bit passive.
The Good Stuff: I must say that once I got over the character’s name and the writing style, I actually enjoyed this story and the world building that was developed over this short story. It is certainly a fantasy set in a world I enjoy to read. The characters were also quite well rounded for a short story. The storyline isn’t bad at all, but as with any new author you read, it may take a few pages to get into the swing of things. I’d say give it a chance and see what you think, I found it free on amazon and if the end matter in the book is up to date, you can get the following book free if you sign up to My Capes Newsletter.
Overall the story was interesting and well-paced, I wasn’t fully invested in the characters, but feel if I were given a little more time with them, I would form a stronger bond. If you are looking for something quick to read with a fantasy setting, I’d say give it a go. I’m giving this one a shadow hugging 3 out of 5 golden bookmarks.
February 14, 2018
Anne Kinslow.
I have read and loved the main character in this book. It is a great read full of ups and downs for Never. Fast moving and lots of action. I'm now reading The next book in line The Amber Isle as Never is the Prequel to this one.
I have read and loved the main character in this book. It is a great read full of ups and downs for Never. Fast moving and lots of action. I'm now reading The next book in line The Amber Isle as Never is the Prequel to this one.
February 1, 2018
The prequel to Amber Isle series is a real teaser. Never has been cursed and will stop at nothing to find an ancient artifact that will lead to his salvation. Unfortunately, the artifact is securely hidden away from would-be thieves. Never attempts one ploy after another in obtaining what he believes will lead him to where his curse may be lifted. There are many twists and turns along the way and Never handles every dead-end will wit and sarcasm. Wonderfully written and Highly Recommended.
March 2, 2018
This is a pretty straightfoward adventure tale. Never is a man with a mysterious curse on his blood. Engaged in an interminable quest to discover a possible cure to his ailment and alongside his true name, he allows himself to be captured by a prominent nobleman that owns a vast collection of antiques.
His plan is disrupted when the nobleman discovers he tried to con him with a decent forgery and is locked in the cellars, his future uncertain. His luck abruptly changes when the nobleman's daughter Julesta strangely enough releases him and hires him to steal a shipment from her father... definitely a trap Never believes.
With odd mercenary allies that grudgingly agree to help him in the heist in exchange for most of the loot, he is adamant in finding a bigger treasure than fleeting riches.
The story is pretty interesting and I liked Never's character. I did feel like it dragged a bit, but it's a rather quick read (couldn't have taken me more than an hour at the most). I haven't read the full-fledged series, but the novella is more like a teaser extra for fun. It doesn't really reveal at the end any true clues to Never's past but yes lots of battles.
His plan is disrupted when the nobleman discovers he tried to con him with a decent forgery and is locked in the cellars, his future uncertain. His luck abruptly changes when the nobleman's daughter Julesta strangely enough releases him and hires him to steal a shipment from her father... definitely a trap Never believes.
With odd mercenary allies that grudgingly agree to help him in the heist in exchange for most of the loot, he is adamant in finding a bigger treasure than fleeting riches.
The story is pretty interesting and I liked Never's character. I did feel like it dragged a bit, but it's a rather quick read (couldn't have taken me more than an hour at the most). I haven't read the full-fledged series, but the novella is more like a teaser extra for fun. It doesn't really reveal at the end any true clues to Never's past but yes lots of battles.
September 7, 2017
This story takes place before "The Amber Isle", the first book of the "Book of Never" series by Ashley Capes.
The hero with the unusual name Never is looking for clues about his origin and his real name. In this prequel to the book series among other events he ends up in jail and breaks out again, he is prosecuted and fights bloody battles. He meets an unhappy princess trying to escape her fate. A special cursed feature of his blood plays an important role in the whole story. Various old weapons are used, Never himself prefers fighting with knives.
Never has a special sense of humour in sticky situations. His biting comments are often wise: "Everyone dies from something.” - He makes me laugh very often.
The 55 pages bring a nice distraction for little money, a few hours of fun and excitement.
I recommend this book, it's well worth reading even or especially for those who still don't know the series!
The hero with the unusual name Never is looking for clues about his origin and his real name. In this prequel to the book series among other events he ends up in jail and breaks out again, he is prosecuted and fights bloody battles. He meets an unhappy princess trying to escape her fate. A special cursed feature of his blood plays an important role in the whole story. Various old weapons are used, Never himself prefers fighting with knives.
Never has a special sense of humour in sticky situations. His biting comments are often wise: "Everyone dies from something.” - He makes me laugh very often.
The 55 pages bring a nice distraction for little money, a few hours of fun and excitement.
I recommend this book, it's well worth reading even or especially for those who still don't know the series!
January 9, 2017
A great introduction to an interesting fantasy landscape and fascinating character! Never is smart and cunning with an ability to analyze a situation in a split second. The story is full of action and displays Never's talent for fighting and strategy to full effect. He is a puzzle that we are given pieces of in this novella but left tantalized for the rest of the story. He is a man with a curse, a man who lacks his own real name, a man on a question for the knowledge of both. The author has a great gift for showing not telling. The writing style is very smooth and the pacing is quick with a good rhythm. While this work is a complete caper, it is also a masterful setup for the series. I am planning to read the next installment without delay and am so glad to have discovered a new writer!
May 5, 2017
The first one was free so maybe permafree, the others are NOT kindle unlimited.
The prequel/0 starts with background to the following stories {see below for list to date}
Adventures, magic, rogues and rakes and relics, blood curses, and a map to a sunken city, and sarcasm. That is just the start to the following fantasy books. Follow if you can....
Never {prequel]: The Ember Isle
The Amber Isle 1 - A Forest of Eyes 2 - River God 3
Book of Never: Volumes 1-3
The Peaks of Autumn 4 - Imperial Towers 5
Book of Never: Volumes 4-5 (Book of Never, #4-5)
The Book of Never: Volumes 1-5
Also available individually of course.
The prequel/0 starts with background to the following stories {see below for list to date}
Adventures, magic, rogues and rakes and relics, blood curses, and a map to a sunken city, and sarcasm. That is just the start to the following fantasy books. Follow if you can....
Never {prequel]: The Ember Isle
The Amber Isle 1 - A Forest of Eyes 2 - River God 3
Book of Never: Volumes 1-3
The Peaks of Autumn 4 - Imperial Towers 5
Book of Never: Volumes 4-5 (Book of Never, #4-5)
The Book of Never: Volumes 1-5
Also available individually of course.
May 10, 2017
The beginning of Never!
I just read the 5 books of "Never" and was so impressed by the care that was taken in writing the stories that I went looking for more books written by this author. I found this short prequel to the 5 books and had to read it. If I had read this first I would have immediately looked for more. I'm hoping that Mr. Capes hurries in writing another "Never" book. If you enjoy swords, quests, battles, and magic; pick this up and read the 6 books. Great read!
I just read the 5 books of "Never" and was so impressed by the care that was taken in writing the stories that I went looking for more books written by this author. I found this short prequel to the 5 books and had to read it. If I had read this first I would have immediately looked for more. I'm hoping that Mr. Capes hurries in writing another "Never" book. If you enjoy swords, quests, battles, and magic; pick this up and read the 6 books. Great read!
September 15, 2024
An engaging prequel to the series - definitely one to follow up. As a stand-alone it's a tad frustrating knowing so little about the protagonist but the glimpses of the world are intriguing.
On kobo - with a slightly different cover illustration.
Not sure where the review came from - I don't recall reading this before but the comment stands, having now read the full Book of Never (Volumes 1- 5). This prequel covers the incident that led to Never being pursued by a particular officer nad his men to th Amber Isle and beyond - outlined later but not in full.
On kobo - with a slightly different cover illustration.
Not sure where the review came from - I don't recall reading this before but the comment stands, having now read the full Book of Never (Volumes 1- 5). This prequel covers the incident that led to Never being pursued by a particular officer nad his men to th Amber Isle and beyond - outlined later but not in full.
December 15, 2017
God I love Never. He's easily one of my favorite fantasy characters of all time. I love the world that Ashley Capes creates and the adventures that Never gets into. They're always a blast to experience. This one was particularly fun as it digs into the things only hinted at and mentioned in the main series. I can't wait to re-read this series now!
December 28, 2017
A new author for me
Never having read this series I loved the cover and bought the book. The cover did not disappoint. The tale tells of a character called Never, how has the bad luck to have been cursed. He is trying to find out why he was cursed and also where he came from. Will he succeed, maybe in the next book, as this is just the beginning of his story.
Never having read this series I loved the cover and bought the book. The cover did not disappoint. The tale tells of a character called Never, how has the bad luck to have been cursed. He is trying to find out why he was cursed and also where he came from. Will he succeed, maybe in the next book, as this is just the beginning of his story.
April 16, 2017
Sword fighting, mystery, and magic
I love a good fantasy/mystery with a good character who is good and kind and protects the Innocent with sword fighting and magic. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a great action packed fantasy/mystery.
I love a good fantasy/mystery with a good character who is good and kind and protects the Innocent with sword fighting and magic. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a great action packed fantasy/mystery.
April 24, 2017
Don't trust anyone.
Never is captured then set up by the daughter of the man who captured him. The old cliche takes a thief to catch a thief. Only the town gets invaded by another country and Never gets away to continue on his quest.
Read and enjoy.
Never is captured then set up by the daughter of the man who captured him. The old cliche takes a thief to catch a thief. Only the town gets invaded by another country and Never gets away to continue on his quest.
Read and enjoy.
November 14, 2024
Great Introduction
This short story has introduced me to a new realm of interesting story, character, and adventure. I look forward to learning more about Never, his curse and his past.
This short story has introduced me to a new realm of interesting story, character, and adventure. I look forward to learning more about Never, his curse and his past.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews