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The war between Illymar and Dakkadia has finally ended,
though not without tragedy for both sides. The once-proud
Illymari Royal Family has been all but destroyed, leaving
the disgraced Princess Tais Illvanna to pick up the pieces
while held in captivity by King Madari Dhaerhan of
Dakkadia. Tais guards a potentially devastating secret;
her uncle, King Ascham Illvanin, the Usurper, survived the
injuries he sustained during his duel with Madari and has
reached the safety of the mainland, where he must
somehow find a way to free his country from Dakkadian
rule.
Princess Chesare has also escaped the island, after
surviving her own duel with her lover, the First Seat of
the Mage High Council, Morvandis Dhaerhan. During that
duel a new ability was revealed to her, one that brings
almost as many problems as it does possibilities. She
must find someone to teach her how to control this new
power before she can once again confront her enemy
and gain vengeance for her murdered family.
Phaedron Daane, the disgraced former hero of the
Dakkadian army, has traveled with her into exile, after
inadvertently killing her sister in a confrontation with
his half-brother, Prince Valeriad Dhaerhan. His guilt has
allowed Chesare to secure a solemn vow from him to help
her undo the wrongs she has committed, and in so doing
earn her forgiveness. His vow is complicated by his unexpected marriage to Lady Prudence Daemira,
who despite his misgivings has willingly followed him
into exile. In order to earn his redemption, he must first
acquire the means with which to challenge the seemingly
invincible Dakkadian army.
On the other side of the world the insane Queen of Havoc
is finally ready to unleash her undead army upon the
world, in a bid to awaken all of the dragons from their
eternal slumber. Standing against her is the Lord of Snows
and his army of samurai, but will they be enough?
In a desperate attempt to match his half-brother’s
martial prowess, Prince Valeriad Dhaerhan has fulfilled
prophecy by accepting the Queen of Shadows’ invitation
at long last. Traveling far from home, he will have to
overcome his own weaknesses if he is to have any hope of
facing the man the Dragon Witches have named the
Swordsman and finally avenging his wife’s murder.
TYRO is the fourth book of the “Zarryiostrom” written by
fantasy artist Nene Tina Thomas, and her husband,
Steven C. Plagman
though not without tragedy for both sides. The once-proud
Illymari Royal Family has been all but destroyed, leaving
the disgraced Princess Tais Illvanna to pick up the pieces
while held in captivity by King Madari Dhaerhan of
Dakkadia. Tais guards a potentially devastating secret;
her uncle, King Ascham Illvanin, the Usurper, survived the
injuries he sustained during his duel with Madari and has
reached the safety of the mainland, where he must
somehow find a way to free his country from Dakkadian
rule.
Princess Chesare has also escaped the island, after
surviving her own duel with her lover, the First Seat of
the Mage High Council, Morvandis Dhaerhan. During that
duel a new ability was revealed to her, one that brings
almost as many problems as it does possibilities. She
must find someone to teach her how to control this new
power before she can once again confront her enemy
and gain vengeance for her murdered family.
Phaedron Daane, the disgraced former hero of the
Dakkadian army, has traveled with her into exile, after
inadvertently killing her sister in a confrontation with
his half-brother, Prince Valeriad Dhaerhan. His guilt has
allowed Chesare to secure a solemn vow from him to help
her undo the wrongs she has committed, and in so doing
earn her forgiveness. His vow is complicated by his unexpected marriage to Lady Prudence Daemira,
who despite his misgivings has willingly followed him
into exile. In order to earn his redemption, he must first
acquire the means with which to challenge the seemingly
invincible Dakkadian army.
On the other side of the world the insane Queen of Havoc
is finally ready to unleash her undead army upon the
world, in a bid to awaken all of the dragons from their
eternal slumber. Standing against her is the Lord of Snows
and his army of samurai, but will they be enough?
In a desperate attempt to match his half-brother’s
martial prowess, Prince Valeriad Dhaerhan has fulfilled
prophecy by accepting the Queen of Shadows’ invitation
at long last. Traveling far from home, he will have to
overcome his own weaknesses if he is to have any hope of
facing the man the Dragon Witches have named the
Swordsman and finally avenging his wife’s murder.
TYRO is the fourth book of the “Zarryiostrom” written by
fantasy artist Nene Tina Thomas, and her husband,
Steven C. Plagman
- GenresFantasy
672 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2016
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Nene Thomas
15 books39 followersNene hase been drawing and painting for most of her life. She began her professional career in 1994 when she was approached by a company called Wizards of the Coast to contribute work to the popular Collectible Card Game called “Magic: the Gathering.”
She worked with WotC for a few years, as well as several other CCG companies, but eventually grew tired of working for other people and decided to try doing her own thing. In particular, she wanted to paint the characters from a story that she'd been working on since high school, and felt she needed to hone her skills to be able to truly ‘capture’ them.
It is called “The Zarryiostrom”, and will be a multi-part fantasy novel featuring many of the characters that Nene has painted over the years. Last year her husband started writing the first novel, and she started painting images to go with it. The first book, is entitled Powerborn
She worked with WotC for a few years, as well as several other CCG companies, but eventually grew tired of working for other people and decided to try doing her own thing. In particular, she wanted to paint the characters from a story that she'd been working on since high school, and felt she needed to hone her skills to be able to truly ‘capture’ them.
It is called “The Zarryiostrom”, and will be a multi-part fantasy novel featuring many of the characters that Nene has painted over the years. Last year her husband started writing the first novel, and she started painting images to go with it. The first book, is entitled Powerborn
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 1, 2016
It was great to see that this series continues to captivate! From court dealings to gladiatorial fights, and not to mention battling the TRUE enemy, the army of the undead, it was hard for me to put book four down. It was also interesting to see Valeriad's transformation unfold in a way that even I didn't quite anticipate. I look forward to adding the next novel to my collection as soon as it is out.
August 23, 2021
This series in many ways gets better with each book - we know the characters & their sufferings, the stakes are higher, & the battle scenes/world lore is fantastic.
Now he's finally away from Prudence, Phaedron is actually interesting again. In my opinion one of the worst decisions of this series was pairing him with the "I'm a pirate uwu" Mary Sue b|tch because their chemistry has been forced from the very beginning and she's simply a paper cut out of a character. At least we don't see too much of her this book.
Aside from that, everything was pretty good. Ascham is still a complete and total fool though.
Now he's finally away from Prudence, Phaedron is actually interesting again. In my opinion one of the worst decisions of this series was pairing him with the "I'm a pirate uwu" Mary Sue b|tch because their chemistry has been forced from the very beginning and she's simply a paper cut out of a character. At least we don't see too much of her this book.
Aside from that, everything was pretty good. Ascham is still a complete and total fool though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2025
Plagman has crafted an exquisite masterpiece. Thomas' artwork is STUNNING. I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. This novel is hard to put down. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Recommend to readers who enjoy epic fantasy.
I borrowed a copy from a friend. I have expressed my honest view.
Recommend to readers who enjoy epic fantasy.
I borrowed a copy from a friend. I have expressed my honest view.
April 27, 2019
Fantastic! This series continues to delight and enthrall. I anxiously await the next book.
September 11, 2016
Another amazing addition to the Zarryistrom. Where Marionette left off, Tyro picks up, continues, and takes the story to new heights. It is rare that a book filled with so much political intrigue and character development in a fantasy setting captivates and draws me in further and further, but Steven & Nene have done so yet again. Not to say this book does not have action, especially Phaedron's battles with the River of Blood and Valeried's battles in the gladiatorial arenas, but the political machinations are what makes this book great. Madari's selfish desires warring with his duty. Tais' (my favorite character in the series by far) budding affection for Madari, her manipulation of everyone around her in Illymane, and her realization of the truth of Lyrahe's words and desires are compelling and at times heart wrenching. Couple this with the machinations of Avaleid, Myrasolome, Astrainathes, Phaedron, Chesare, Valeried, Ascham, and the Corsair (who really becomes a well developed and lovable character) and the action is intense without needing swords raised. The more and more the brothers grow, the more likable Phaedron becomes, and the more unlikable Valeried becomes, which is how it should be. It is easy to the see that one inherited the best of his parents, while the other inherited the most vicious and undesirable traits of his. Although I enjoyed the combat, especially the strategy of facing a horde of nearly unkillable undead (mixed with the absolute power of Chesare), I was compelled by the struggles, mostly internal, of the main characters. I will also add, the character development of Cassirimithies (which I was so happy to see) coupled by the intensity and humor of Furionchires (my favorite of the Witches) just added a new layer I have been waiting for in the books. I clamor for more information about the Dragon Witches. I was shocked by the ending of Marionette, and was not sure how they could take the story to that next level, but they have done a masterful job. Tyro was an absolute dynamite start to the next sub-trilogy in the set and I am chomping at the bit for book 5. I can honestly say that each book in the series has been great and each has been better than its predecessor. IF you have not read this series, get it now! You will not be disappointed. As an added note, the artwork from Nene is amazing and just adds another dimension to the entire series. Perhaps that is why I own 17 pieces of artwork from this collection plus others from Nene. I know I have rambled, but I can't say enough about this book and series. Definite must read for all fantasy lovers.
September 5, 2016
Oh my goodness. I just finished the Fourth book in the Zarryiostrom series. Tyro by Nene Thomas and Stephen Plagman is an exceptional read!
Tyro picks up just after the events of the third book in the series Marionette.
We have a queen trying to protect her kingdom, a mourning husband who is determined to get his revenge, a mourning brother who is willing to pay for his crime, and a very powerful young mage who is seeking her own place in the world. Add to that a dash of Dragon Witches who seem to be manuvering the people around them more like chess pieces than people. Then top it off with a terrible enemy that overshadows all of the political and familial machinations we have seen thus far. And that is Tyro in a (non spoiler) nutshell.
Once again Stephen has excelled at bringing the world of the Zarryiostrom to life just as vivldy as Nene's enchanting and beautiful illustrations. These two have created a world filled with enthralling, adorable, terrible characters. Some that you love, and others that leave a sour taste in your mouth.
I am, as always, In love with this series. The story always flows well, the characters and descriptions are vivid and leap off the page.
I am actually torn between Valeriad and Phaedron as to which is my favorite character in this installment of the series. Each of them grow so much in this book. It is just fantastic to read.
Thank you again Stephen and Nene for allowing me to enjoy and review this outstanding series as it comes to the page.
Tyro picks up just after the events of the third book in the series Marionette.
We have a queen trying to protect her kingdom, a mourning husband who is determined to get his revenge, a mourning brother who is willing to pay for his crime, and a very powerful young mage who is seeking her own place in the world. Add to that a dash of Dragon Witches who seem to be manuvering the people around them more like chess pieces than people. Then top it off with a terrible enemy that overshadows all of the political and familial machinations we have seen thus far. And that is Tyro in a (non spoiler) nutshell.
Once again Stephen has excelled at bringing the world of the Zarryiostrom to life just as vivldy as Nene's enchanting and beautiful illustrations. These two have created a world filled with enthralling, adorable, terrible characters. Some that you love, and others that leave a sour taste in your mouth.
I am, as always, In love with this series. The story always flows well, the characters and descriptions are vivid and leap off the page.
I am actually torn between Valeriad and Phaedron as to which is my favorite character in this installment of the series. Each of them grow so much in this book. It is just fantastic to read.
Thank you again Stephen and Nene for allowing me to enjoy and review this outstanding series as it comes to the page.
December 14, 2016
I wasn't sure what direction the series would take after the first trilogy, but was very pleased with this book. I'm attached to the characters at this point and was genuinely worried for them quite a few times. I like that all the major players are now interacting and the true threat is now revealed! I look forward to the next series!
My OTP for this series is by far Chesare x Morvandis. I just really hope they work together to save mankind instead of being wasteful and killing one another in the future. Frankly, King Orem was a sleezebag that deserves his fate.
My OTP for this series is by far Chesare x Morvandis. I just really hope they work together to save mankind instead of being wasteful and killing one another in the future. Frankly, King Orem was a sleezebag that deserves his fate.
December 4, 2016
Love it all
Can't wait for the next one!! It has amazing twists all the way, and it shows more and more of each of the characters nature's as it goes.
Can't wait for the next one!! It has amazing twists all the way, and it shows more and more of each of the characters nature's as it goes.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews