What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fourth Age: Shadow Wars #1
Assassins
What happens when you cross Lord of the Rings with Dune? You get a rich, complex fantasy world full of political intrigue and magic, where realistic characters confront dangers and adversity, love and betrayal. The first novel in the Shadow Wars series, Assassins will not disappoint! Get Assassins and begin your epic journey today!
From the ashes of the Great War, Men, Elves and Dwarves struggle to rebuild their societies in the land of Nostraterra. Secret factions amongst all the races risk plunging Nostraterra into open warfare by threatening the life of Alfrahil crown prince of Men. As fire arrows plunge down, a desperate Alfrahil rides for his life to try and escape this deadly assassination. Who tries to kill the prince and why?
Assassins, is the first episode in the Shadow Wars series; a tale of present-day politics set within a fantasy world. The story continues in Conspiracy, when Elven and Dwarven connections to the plot to kill prince Alfrahil must be investigated. The series concludes with the third volume, Myths, where ancient legends come to life, impacting the lives of all who dwell in Nostraterra.
From the ashes of the Great War, Men, Elves and Dwarves struggle to rebuild their societies in the land of Nostraterra. Secret factions amongst all the races risk plunging Nostraterra into open warfare by threatening the life of Alfrahil crown prince of Men. As fire arrows plunge down, a desperate Alfrahil rides for his life to try and escape this deadly assassination. Who tries to kill the prince and why?
Assassins, is the first episode in the Shadow Wars series; a tale of present-day politics set within a fantasy world. The story continues in Conspiracy, when Elven and Dwarven connections to the plot to kill prince Alfrahil must be investigated. The series concludes with the third volume, Myths, where ancient legends come to life, impacting the lives of all who dwell in Nostraterra.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2016
124 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
David N. Pauly
25 books10 followersDavid Pauly grew up in Winnetka, IL, attending the University of Wisconsin—Madison, majoring in History. Working for a year as a Domino’s Pizza manager convinced him of the need for higher education, so he attended Washington and Lee University School of Law.
Moving to New Mexico David opened his own law practice in 1992 and remains a solo practitioner.
During a sabbatical in Paris, David attended Le Cordon Bleu, earning certificates in pastry and cuisine. Recently married, he and his wife Anne have several furry children, but no human children as of yet.
Interests include cooking, weather forecasting, martial arts, writing obviously and Japanese swords.
Moving to New Mexico David opened his own law practice in 1992 and remains a solo practitioner.
During a sabbatical in Paris, David attended Le Cordon Bleu, earning certificates in pastry and cuisine. Recently married, he and his wife Anne have several furry children, but no human children as of yet.
Interests include cooking, weather forecasting, martial arts, writing obviously and Japanese swords.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Want to read
December 15, 2017FREE - 12/15/2017:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01M3UKRS...
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01M3UKRS...
April 27, 2019
Spellbinding
This story had me hooked from early on, and once hooked I had to keep going back to it, reading a page or two whenever I could. Basically it relates the tale of two brothers Princes of the realm, and their father, the King who is heavily manipulated by the shadowy Mergin. Elves, Dwarves, and other strange beings, all feature as a plot to assassinate one, (or both) princes and perhaps the king himself, appears to implicate one of the brothers. Nothing is as it seems in this magical tale and the ending leaves the reader eager for book two as you join the princes in seeking the truth behind a terrible conspiracy.
This story had me hooked from early on, and once hooked I had to keep going back to it, reading a page or two whenever I could. Basically it relates the tale of two brothers Princes of the realm, and their father, the King who is heavily manipulated by the shadowy Mergin. Elves, Dwarves, and other strange beings, all feature as a plot to assassinate one, (or both) princes and perhaps the king himself, appears to implicate one of the brothers. Nothing is as it seems in this magical tale and the ending leaves the reader eager for book two as you join the princes in seeking the truth behind a terrible conspiracy.
April 4, 2018
Men, Elves, and Dwarves are struggling to rebuild their land of Nostraterra after the Great Wars. Currently, the Elven and Dwarven connections to a plot to murder the prince Alfrahil. His brother Daerahil has also been blamed, but he denies a connection. Mergin, the First Minister, ignores clues that the attacks may have been related to Elves or Dwarves. Now, Alfrahil must fight to avoid being murdered and to find out who wants him dead.
I have to admit, I have recently discovered that high fantasy novels are really difficult for me to read. I usually end up forgetting characters and backtracking just to figure out what is going on, which takes me out of the reading experience. Nevertheless, I am happy to say that this didn't occur very often with this novel. I was always able to keep up with the gist of what was going on and allow myself to become lost in the worldbuilding of this novel.
I have to admit, the first couple of chapters with the backstory were a bit difficult to get through. I found myself wondering how this would connect to the main plot. However, after this, the main plot does begin, and the plot pace picks right up into the meat of the novel.
My favorite part of this novel was definitely seeing the mystery piece itself together. Rather than everything being known and simply watching the characters be confused, I was trying to solve it with them. I hope that the other novels in this series have the same upbeat and interactive writing style and the same sort of fast-paced plot.
I recommend this books to fans of high fantasy novels with in-depth backstories, 3-dimensional characters, and an exciting plot.
I received this book for free and this is my voluntary review.
I have to admit, I have recently discovered that high fantasy novels are really difficult for me to read. I usually end up forgetting characters and backtracking just to figure out what is going on, which takes me out of the reading experience. Nevertheless, I am happy to say that this didn't occur very often with this novel. I was always able to keep up with the gist of what was going on and allow myself to become lost in the worldbuilding of this novel.
I have to admit, the first couple of chapters with the backstory were a bit difficult to get through. I found myself wondering how this would connect to the main plot. However, after this, the main plot does begin, and the plot pace picks right up into the meat of the novel.
My favorite part of this novel was definitely seeing the mystery piece itself together. Rather than everything being known and simply watching the characters be confused, I was trying to solve it with them. I hope that the other novels in this series have the same upbeat and interactive writing style and the same sort of fast-paced plot.
I recommend this books to fans of high fantasy novels with in-depth backstories, 3-dimensional characters, and an exciting plot.
I received this book for free and this is my voluntary review.
March 20, 2018
Different cover
I seem to remember reading the author started writing LotR fan-fiction and this is an attempt to clean that up for publication. I think it shows - sometimes too clearly: there is a Dwarf city named Nerea (I think) that was abandoned after too deep delving released a Fire-Demon... As well as the standard Men, Dwarves and Elves (the latter often forest-dwelling and with a homeland far over the seas) there is an Ent analogue in the Magi. However, these elements are essentially set-dressing. The story concerns twin Princes, sons of Creon the High King of Nostraterra (or at least the Men of Nostraterra). Following a chance discovery the Crown Prince is attacked in a series of well-planned assassination attempts. While all fail suspicion, fueled by the King's chief Minister, falls on the younger brother - even if any evidence is essentially circumstantial.
This may sound dismissive - it's not meant to be. However I think that this long volume is really scene-setting - and ends rather abruptly, with no resolution to the problems facing either Prince or indeed the rumoured growing threat of a new evil rising in the east...
I am unsure just now whether to continue with books two and three...
.
I seem to remember reading the author started writing LotR fan-fiction and this is an attempt to clean that up for publication. I think it shows - sometimes too clearly: there is a Dwarf city named Nerea (I think) that was abandoned after too deep delving released a Fire-Demon... As well as the standard Men, Dwarves and Elves (the latter often forest-dwelling and with a homeland far over the seas) there is an Ent analogue in the Magi. However, these elements are essentially set-dressing. The story concerns twin Princes, sons of Creon the High King of Nostraterra (or at least the Men of Nostraterra). Following a chance discovery the Crown Prince is attacked in a series of well-planned assassination attempts. While all fail suspicion, fueled by the King's chief Minister, falls on the younger brother - even if any evidence is essentially circumstantial.
This may sound dismissive - it's not meant to be. However I think that this long volume is really scene-setting - and ends rather abruptly, with no resolution to the problems facing either Prince or indeed the rumoured growing threat of a new evil rising in the east...
I am unsure just now whether to continue with books two and three...
.
May 19, 2022
Assassins is book one of the Fourth Age- Shadow Wars series. The story is set in the land of Nostraterra and is a young adult teen story written about elves, dwarves, and their conflicts of race.
What is vital in telling stories such as this one, is its world-building. Filled with fantasy and adventure the author truly takes you on an adventure and designs a beautifully described book for his audience.
Since this is book one, there are enough structure and sideline stories to enable certain expansion. Also, the ending provides enough closure yet leaves enough wanting more.
I recommend this book to young adult readers and those who like to read epic fantasies.
What is vital in telling stories such as this one, is its world-building. Filled with fantasy and adventure the author truly takes you on an adventure and designs a beautifully described book for his audience.
Since this is book one, there are enough structure and sideline stories to enable certain expansion. Also, the ending provides enough closure yet leaves enough wanting more.
I recommend this book to young adult readers and those who like to read epic fantasies.
June 27, 2017
Trying to create a new world of fantasy and adventure is no easy task; but The Fourth Age Shadow Wars pulls it off nicely. In the vein of The Lord of the Rings, author David Pauly, designs a detailed world of Nostretera that includes many familiar races but all new characters. The plot turns are many; the deceptions great; the humor both subtle and obvious; the writing intelligent and the feel of the book makes you want to continue to read and get to the next book. Highly recommended and worth your time.
May 28, 2019
Enjoyable
There were a few typos which made me stumble during reading to re-read that sentence. I would read the entire Series. Recommended to readers looking for excellent world building and magic.
There were a few typos which made me stumble during reading to re-read that sentence. I would read the entire Series. Recommended to readers looking for excellent world building and magic.
July 22, 2017
Love the diversity
This book has something for everyone who enjoys fantasy! Elves,air spirits ,dwarves,immense evil! It will take you on a roller coaster ride
This book has something for everyone who enjoys fantasy! Elves,air spirits ,dwarves,immense evil! It will take you on a roller coaster ride
March 16, 2017
I love epic fantasy!
Awesome read! Full of empirical intrigue, drama, suspense and spookiness! Really enjoyed this long and entertaining read! Two thumbs up!
Awesome read! Full of empirical intrigue, drama, suspense and spookiness! Really enjoyed this long and entertaining read! Two thumbs up!
May 31, 2022
Assassins: A Nostraterra Fantasy Novel (The Fourth Age- Shadow Wars Book 1) by David Pauly, is an intricate land of fantasy, action, adventure, intrigue - thick with traitorous plots and danger lurking in the shadows - in fact, Shadow hunters do lurk in the shadows, and when they strike, they are lethal. This book has it all; men, elves and dwarves, magic and poison all in one. To attempt to describe the plot would require paragraphs, so, for fantasy lovers, you will simply have to dive in and lose yourself in another world and let your imagination take over in this colorfully detailed narrative, the first book in the series.
December 21, 2016
This is a wonderful beginning of a new epic fantasy series. Remind me of Lord of the Rings with the modern twists. Lots of actions and intrigues
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews