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The Blood of Dragons #1
Anaerfell
Drast and Tyran might be considered a bit black-hearted, or even immoral. Drast is cunning but reckless, hunting for admiration. Tyran is calculating but tactless, searching for affection. When the two brothers set aside their ambitions to fulfill their father's desire for immortality, they readily discover many opportunities for redemption. Now, while wielding a powerful magic that drains their life, Drast and Tyran will embark on a maddening quest, facing skin-switchers, dragons, and the God of the Dead.
312 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
115 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Robertson
44 books215 followersYou may recognize him as the dude whose dragons were said to destroy George R.R. Martin's and Christopher Paolini's dragons in a very biased Twitter poll. His first novel, Melkorka, was released in 2015, and he has been writing fantasy fiction like clockwork ever since. Known most for his Thrice Nine Legends Saga, Robertson enjoys an ever-expanding and extremely loyal following of readers.
Joshua Robertson is the CEO of Crimson Edge Press, the Goblin King from the Goblin Horde on YouTube, and a bestselling author in dark fantasy. Robertson is a Licensed Master Social Worker, who received his degree from Wichita State University. He has worked with children and families for the past fifteen years in a variety of unique venues: a residential behavior school, a psychiatric treatment facility, and the child welfare system. He has functioned as a supervisor, an educator, a behavior specialist, and a therapist during his career. Mr. Robertson has presented trainings for hundreds of professionals and military personnel on topics that include child abuse and neglect, human trafficking, strengthening the parent and child relationships, and the neurobiological impact of trauma.
He currently lives in North Carolina with his better half and his horde of goblins.
Joshua Robertson is the CEO of Crimson Edge Press, the Goblin King from the Goblin Horde on YouTube, and a bestselling author in dark fantasy. Robertson is a Licensed Master Social Worker, who received his degree from Wichita State University. He has worked with children and families for the past fifteen years in a variety of unique venues: a residential behavior school, a psychiatric treatment facility, and the child welfare system. He has functioned as a supervisor, an educator, a behavior specialist, and a therapist during his career. Mr. Robertson has presented trainings for hundreds of professionals and military personnel on topics that include child abuse and neglect, human trafficking, strengthening the parent and child relationships, and the neurobiological impact of trauma.
He currently lives in North Carolina with his better half and his horde of goblins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 2, 2019
Anaerfell by Joshua Robertson and J.C. Boyd and narrated by Todd Menesses is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary. I enjoy a good epic sword and sorcery type adventure occasionally and this book for the bill. It had plenty of action, fantasy, good characters to live and hate, and a great plot. It slowed a bit in the early med area but picked back up with a vengeance. I enjoyed the Highborn Longwalker better but this was still good.
Good narration!
Good narration!
November 8, 2016
Let's start off with the good:
When I read this, I kept thinking back to the Drizzt Do'Urden stories set in the Underdark. It had that same tones of political intrigue, backstabbing, and darkness that I enjoyed about the tales of Menzoberranzan. I half-expected to hear someone cursing "Lolth!"
The magic system of the world was well-developed, and the characters were pretty well-written. They were perhaps a bit "grimmer" than I was expecting, and sometimes it felt like they went dark just to see how far the author could push it. But all in all, it sold the tone of the darkness very well.
I had to dock a star for two reasons:
1. The story didn't hook me. It's the way things are with stories—they can be hit or miss. I found myself sort of "slogging" through the book. It had plenty of action scenes, but it didn't really draw me in or make me care for the characters.
2. There were a number of grammatical and punctuation errors, and A LOT of misused words.
All in all, a solid effort, one that I'd recommend for anyone who enjoys very dark fantasy.
When I read this, I kept thinking back to the Drizzt Do'Urden stories set in the Underdark. It had that same tones of political intrigue, backstabbing, and darkness that I enjoyed about the tales of Menzoberranzan. I half-expected to hear someone cursing "Lolth!"
The magic system of the world was well-developed, and the characters were pretty well-written. They were perhaps a bit "grimmer" than I was expecting, and sometimes it felt like they went dark just to see how far the author could push it. But all in all, it sold the tone of the darkness very well.
I had to dock a star for two reasons:
1. The story didn't hook me. It's the way things are with stories—they can be hit or miss. I found myself sort of "slogging" through the book. It had plenty of action scenes, but it didn't really draw me in or make me care for the characters.
2. There were a number of grammatical and punctuation errors, and A LOT of misused words.
All in all, a solid effort, one that I'd recommend for anyone who enjoys very dark fantasy.
November 7, 2015
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've been trying to put together a review for this book for a couple of days now. It was such a departure from what I normally read that I've been have difficulties finding the appropriate way to describe my thoughts about it.
The plot centers around two brothers who managed to stay loyal to one another despite the circumstances they find themselves in. They are not really admirable characters - each doing what they need to do to protect their family and themselves above what they may feel is right. In fact, more often than not, I found myself absolutely disagreeing with their actions, but that never once stopped me from growing attached to them or for wishing them success.
The plot is excellent, although I had more questions at the end than I felt I had answers. Robertson and Boyd seemed to have no trouble with writing smooth, believable, and easy to read dialogue that still fit their setting and furthered the depth of their characters.
I look forward to reading more by both of these authors.
I've been trying to put together a review for this book for a couple of days now. It was such a departure from what I normally read that I've been have difficulties finding the appropriate way to describe my thoughts about it.
The plot centers around two brothers who managed to stay loyal to one another despite the circumstances they find themselves in. They are not really admirable characters - each doing what they need to do to protect their family and themselves above what they may feel is right. In fact, more often than not, I found myself absolutely disagreeing with their actions, but that never once stopped me from growing attached to them or for wishing them success.
The plot is excellent, although I had more questions at the end than I felt I had answers. Robertson and Boyd seemed to have no trouble with writing smooth, believable, and easy to read dialogue that still fit their setting and furthered the depth of their characters.
I look forward to reading more by both of these authors.
June 29, 2019
If you like dark fantasy, with anti-heroes and twisted characters—this one is for you.
I honestly struggled with this one, because it is darker than what I typically go for. The main characters are tragically twisted and in often are their own worst enemies. They often left me frustrated or even angry. I think that means that the author did a fantastic job, because even though they were despicable, I was still emotionally invested. Kudos.
There were parts of the story that I found to be a bit of a stretch—even for a fantasy world full of magic, but it had enough suspense to keep me going. The world building was very neat and I liked the whole interaction with the mythos and the magic and the origins of both.
I honestly struggled with this one, because it is darker than what I typically go for. The main characters are tragically twisted and in often are their own worst enemies. They often left me frustrated or even angry. I think that means that the author did a fantastic job, because even though they were despicable, I was still emotionally invested. Kudos.
There were parts of the story that I found to be a bit of a stretch—even for a fantasy world full of magic, but it had enough suspense to keep me going. The world building was very neat and I liked the whole interaction with the mythos and the magic and the origins of both.
August 9, 2018
Anaerfell by Joshua Robertson is the first installment in the Thrice Nine Legends series. Drast and Tyran are brothers living under the cruelty of their father who desires immortality.
***WARNING***: People who are sensitive to sexual abuse may not want to read this book.
Plot 4/5: The plot is familiar within the genre.
Characters 3/5: The characters feel real, but I would have liked to see more character development. I believe this will happen in the next book, at least I hope.
World building 4/5: The world building is good, giving me a sense of the world I was in.
Pacing 5/5: The pacing was steady with spurts of action along the way.
Writing 5/5: The writing is fantastic, and the descriptions vivid.
Overall 4.2
Purchased on Amazon.
***WARNING***: People who are sensitive to sexual abuse may not want to read this book.
Plot 4/5: The plot is familiar within the genre.
Characters 3/5: The characters feel real, but I would have liked to see more character development. I believe this will happen in the next book, at least I hope.
World building 4/5: The world building is good, giving me a sense of the world I was in.
Pacing 5/5: The pacing was steady with spurts of action along the way.
Writing 5/5: The writing is fantastic, and the descriptions vivid.
Overall 4.2
Purchased on Amazon.
June 8, 2017
There are books that make me strongly root for antiheroes despite all their vices. You know, characters like Jorg Ancrath, Drake Morrass or Inquisitor Glokta. I love them.
Anaerfell is all about antiheroes – reckless, devoid of goodness or any redeeming qualities. As dark as dark can be. It could have been interesting. But wasn't. The thing is I don’t care about them. At all. I’ve read this book as part of my r/fantasy Bingo Challenge and getting through the book to the end was a real challenge, an excellent training of strong will and perseverance.
Frankly, I fail to see why it received mainly four and five star ratings on goodreads so far. But hey, it's just me. If you liked the book, that's great:)
The story follows two brothers Kaligula – cunning and restless Drast and calculating but tactless Tyran. They were turned monsters by their father Serder Dagmar Kaligula. In order to make him immortal they’re supposed to kill a God. Before they do so they kill a lot of other people though, mostly innocent ones and have some fun doing it.
The description sounds promising but the story, world-building and characters are strongly lacking. There are more things that I disliked about the book, then the things I liked. All in all I think it was an average book I won’t remember reading in two months.
The things I liked:
- Fights are very visual and well described (especially the fight between Arkhon Kluk and Dagmar Kaligula – it was very imaginative and well paced).
- The premise is interesting.
- I think that magic system – koldovstvo- is done well as magic comes with a price. The more you use it, the more life energy you spent. Threats like walking on water or flying are possible but at the cost of ageing decades and turning into a husk of a man in an instant.
And that's all. Things I disliked:
While magic system is quite interesting, it’s introduced and explained in clumsy way, for example through unnatural dialogue (imagine you meet with a friend and see a falling leaves. How natural would it sound to start conversation in a way like – Ah, in our world the leaves fall because of gravity. – Yes, you’re right and gravity works this way because blah, blah, blah. - Yes, yes, you're right but there are exceptions. Have in mind that blah, blah, blah).
Generally there’s a problem with dialogues, especially between Tyran and Isolde – they sound like pasted from venezulean telenovela. Unimaginative, cheesy and cheap.
Then we have characters – they’re bad guys. They lack redeeming qualities. That would be ok if only they would be complex. Sadly they aren’t. Sure, the authors try to add some complexity, especially to Tyran character, but it doesn’t work for me. Their father is described as bad, terrifying person who turned brothers into what they are. The things is when he appears he doesn’t give this vibe. He feels flat, where bad papas like Tywin Lannister or Olidan Ancrath were complex or terrifying, Dagmar feels like a caricature.
The writing wasn’t bad, some editing would help with lacking words and some typos, but it was consistent and quite precise. On the other hand my feeling is it didn’t manage to build tension and drama that would further the plot. The pacing was fast but, truth be told, I didn’t care. The story didn’t manage to grab my attention. There were few passages that I found interesting, last 5 % of the book are well written but 5% isn’t enough to make up for 95 % of mostly boring tale.
I think that what put me off was mostly flatness of characters, their lack of palpable complexity and lack of humor. Also a lot of cruelty. Abercrombie, Lawrence, Rob J Hayes write antiheroes well, making them complex and adding some layers of humor to the world that allows me to enjoy their books a lot. Here however the things were dark just for the sake of it. Dark, dreary and deadly serious. Making it deadly boring wasn't, probably, an intention of the authors but for me getting through the book was a chore. Not because I loathed charatcers or had physical reaction to the graphic scenes of violence. It was because I didn't care.
Anaerfell is all about antiheroes – reckless, devoid of goodness or any redeeming qualities. As dark as dark can be. It could have been interesting. But wasn't. The thing is I don’t care about them. At all. I’ve read this book as part of my r/fantasy Bingo Challenge and getting through the book to the end was a real challenge, an excellent training of strong will and perseverance.
Frankly, I fail to see why it received mainly four and five star ratings on goodreads so far. But hey, it's just me. If you liked the book, that's great:)
The story follows two brothers Kaligula – cunning and restless Drast and calculating but tactless Tyran. They were turned monsters by their father Serder Dagmar Kaligula. In order to make him immortal they’re supposed to kill a God. Before they do so they kill a lot of other people though, mostly innocent ones and have some fun doing it.
The description sounds promising but the story, world-building and characters are strongly lacking. There are more things that I disliked about the book, then the things I liked. All in all I think it was an average book I won’t remember reading in two months.
The things I liked:
- Fights are very visual and well described (especially the fight between Arkhon Kluk and Dagmar Kaligula – it was very imaginative and well paced).
- The premise is interesting.
- I think that magic system – koldovstvo- is done well as magic comes with a price. The more you use it, the more life energy you spent. Threats like walking on water or flying are possible but at the cost of ageing decades and turning into a husk of a man in an instant.
And that's all. Things I disliked:
While magic system is quite interesting, it’s introduced and explained in clumsy way, for example through unnatural dialogue (imagine you meet with a friend and see a falling leaves. How natural would it sound to start conversation in a way like – Ah, in our world the leaves fall because of gravity. – Yes, you’re right and gravity works this way because blah, blah, blah. - Yes, yes, you're right but there are exceptions. Have in mind that blah, blah, blah).
Generally there’s a problem with dialogues, especially between Tyran and Isolde – they sound like pasted from venezulean telenovela. Unimaginative, cheesy and cheap.
Then we have characters – they’re bad guys. They lack redeeming qualities. That would be ok if only they would be complex. Sadly they aren’t. Sure, the authors try to add some complexity, especially to Tyran character, but it doesn’t work for me. Their father is described as bad, terrifying person who turned brothers into what they are. The things is when he appears he doesn’t give this vibe. He feels flat, where bad papas like Tywin Lannister or Olidan Ancrath were complex or terrifying, Dagmar feels like a caricature.
The writing wasn’t bad, some editing would help with lacking words and some typos, but it was consistent and quite precise. On the other hand my feeling is it didn’t manage to build tension and drama that would further the plot. The pacing was fast but, truth be told, I didn’t care. The story didn’t manage to grab my attention. There were few passages that I found interesting, last 5 % of the book are well written but 5% isn’t enough to make up for 95 % of mostly boring tale.
I think that what put me off was mostly flatness of characters, their lack of palpable complexity and lack of humor. Also a lot of cruelty. Abercrombie, Lawrence, Rob J Hayes write antiheroes well, making them complex and adding some layers of humor to the world that allows me to enjoy their books a lot. Here however the things were dark just for the sake of it. Dark, dreary and deadly serious. Making it deadly boring wasn't, probably, an intention of the authors but for me getting through the book was a chore. Not because I loathed charatcers or had physical reaction to the graphic scenes of violence. It was because I didn't care.
May 8, 2017
I started reading this book and just fell into it.
Let's put this out there right off the bat.
The two main characters are brothers, and they are villains. They are corrupted, because they have been corrupted slowly and without mercy over the course of their entire lives. They don't want to do evil and try to find different ways to not do what they are ordered to do. Even when it puts their own lives at risk. But the one thing they will not risk is each other. In trying to save each other over and over again they do worse and worse things, things they never thought they would do. They start out trying to help their father become stronger to protect the family, and in the end chase down the god that their society worships.
This felt very much like a Forgotten Realms book, so if you like that you will love this.
Let's put this out there right off the bat.
The two main characters are brothers, and they are villains. They are corrupted, because they have been corrupted slowly and without mercy over the course of their entire lives. They don't want to do evil and try to find different ways to not do what they are ordered to do. Even when it puts their own lives at risk. But the one thing they will not risk is each other. In trying to save each other over and over again they do worse and worse things, things they never thought they would do. They start out trying to help their father become stronger to protect the family, and in the end chase down the god that their society worships.
This felt very much like a Forgotten Realms book, so if you like that you will love this.
July 17, 2018
Love fantasy? This book is for you. Dragons, Skin-shifters. Intrigue. Battles. The world is inventive and the magic system is unique. The characters have depth and are clearly defined. There are no real slow spots in this tale, it keeps you turning page after page. A little on the dark side, it gets gruesome from time to time. And a TW, there is a rape scene but it is very brief and thankfully not graphic. All in all an enjoyable read, I am looking forward to picking up the next one.
But....it did not get 5 stars. For one thing, I don't hand out a whole lot of 5 star reviews. Also, this is a good book, a good, entertaining story. But I think this team has the potential to go even farther and produce something unforgettable.The execution is good, but it could be great. I hope to one day read one I can whole-heartedly grant 5 stars.
But....it did not get 5 stars. For one thing, I don't hand out a whole lot of 5 star reviews. Also, this is a good book, a good, entertaining story. But I think this team has the potential to go even farther and produce something unforgettable.The execution is good, but it could be great. I hope to one day read one I can whole-heartedly grant 5 stars.
November 24, 2017
I read this a while ago i and it's something that is different from what I usually read but it was a great experience. Thanks to this, I might start reading more types of genres like this.
Overall, 4 stars!
Overall, 4 stars!
October 13, 2017
An original pair of main characters. A great magic system concequence. Fast-paced reading about two people you want so badly to become who they CAN be. Full review to post on my blog in time.
July 7, 2019
When their father commands them on a seemingly impossible mission, brothers Drast and Tyran have to set aside their own desires in the name of family.
Drast and Tyran share the spotlight, each taking alternating chapters. In this way, we come to understand each of them, if not completely empathise with them. The two are opposites in several ways; Drast the outgoing and frequently reckless older brother to Tyran’s younger but quieter and more introspective sibling. But they also have much in common. Both are very competent warriors (perhaps Tyran more so), proficient in the magical arts of Koldovstvo, and desperate to gain their father’s approval. It’s this last one that forms the crux of the story.
In the cause of their father’s ambition, the brothers take many despicable actions. They may be the protagonists of the novel but they are by no means heroes. In the opening of the novel, Drast considers killing a member of his war party, partly because they are of a rival family but mostly because Drast finds him annoying. Later Drast seemingly befriends another member of the same family only to kill him in a particularly cold-blooded manner. Tyran often laments not having the freedom to make his own decisions but submits to his father’s will more often than not. However, revelations about their past make it easy to see why.
As bad as Drast and Tyran become, Dagmar Kaligula is even worse. He has systematically used his sons' affection for each other as a means to break and control them and sees them as little more than tools to be used to further his own ends. He makes limited appearances in the book but when he does, it’s clear he is the true villain of the piece.
Outside of the primary relationships, there is a good deal of impressive world-building. The magical system of Koldovstvo, while not the first to employ the notion of magic requiring life force and ageing its user, is given a history unique to the series. Both brothers use magic in various methods, specific to their skills. There are a number of good fight scenes, ranging from individual duels to full-on battles, the majority of which have them using a combination of magic and traditional arms. The mythology behind this magic and many other aspects of the world are briefly touched on, and perhaps some could have done with a little more exploration. It may have just been me but towards the end, I felt like I was losing track of some of those details.
Anaerfell is both the first book in the Blood of Dragons duology and part of the greater Thrice Nine Legends series, so there is more to Drast & Tyran’s story as well as more of this world still to come.
4.5 out of 5 dragon blood rituals.
Drast and Tyran share the spotlight, each taking alternating chapters. In this way, we come to understand each of them, if not completely empathise with them. The two are opposites in several ways; Drast the outgoing and frequently reckless older brother to Tyran’s younger but quieter and more introspective sibling. But they also have much in common. Both are very competent warriors (perhaps Tyran more so), proficient in the magical arts of Koldovstvo, and desperate to gain their father’s approval. It’s this last one that forms the crux of the story.
In the cause of their father’s ambition, the brothers take many despicable actions. They may be the protagonists of the novel but they are by no means heroes. In the opening of the novel, Drast considers killing a member of his war party, partly because they are of a rival family but mostly because Drast finds him annoying. Later Drast seemingly befriends another member of the same family only to kill him in a particularly cold-blooded manner. Tyran often laments not having the freedom to make his own decisions but submits to his father’s will more often than not. However, revelations about their past make it easy to see why.
As bad as Drast and Tyran become, Dagmar Kaligula is even worse. He has systematically used his sons' affection for each other as a means to break and control them and sees them as little more than tools to be used to further his own ends. He makes limited appearances in the book but when he does, it’s clear he is the true villain of the piece.
Outside of the primary relationships, there is a good deal of impressive world-building. The magical system of Koldovstvo, while not the first to employ the notion of magic requiring life force and ageing its user, is given a history unique to the series. Both brothers use magic in various methods, specific to their skills. There are a number of good fight scenes, ranging from individual duels to full-on battles, the majority of which have them using a combination of magic and traditional arms. The mythology behind this magic and many other aspects of the world are briefly touched on, and perhaps some could have done with a little more exploration. It may have just been me but towards the end, I felt like I was losing track of some of those details.
Anaerfell is both the first book in the Blood of Dragons duology and part of the greater Thrice Nine Legends series, so there is more to Drast & Tyran’s story as well as more of this world still to come.
4.5 out of 5 dragon blood rituals.
December 2, 2018
A dark tale where brotherly love gets tested and pushed to the limit. Whereas some books follow the typical heroes tail, Anaerfell talks of Drast and Tyran, two men with the capacity for great things and they do great things, it's just that they're terrible. That's what happens when your father is tyrannical, power hungry, and relentless.
The actions of both Tyran and Drast are beyond terrible and I think it shows the depths to which some people will reach to for freedom and or approval. The Khaligula brothers search for freedom by pleasing their father and are eventually tasked with not only eliminating the competition, but also taking on the god of death at whatever the cost.
A lot of people mention the Koldovsto magic system which lets you do amazing things but drains your life energy. In short, if you don't use it, you might very well live forever... but every time you do use it, days, weeks, months, or years are shaved from your life. What I do think is interesting is the mythology behind Koldovstvo and what its implications are for people who abuse the magic.
In regards to character development, I think there's a very strong emphasis on the brothers although a lot of other characters don't receive the same treatment. The Kluk family at one time are interesting and then hover between sacrificial lambs and plot devises. Also, although the plot was engaging, I wasn't desperate to read through in one sitting and actually took a sweet time to read the book. The book is good and a solid high fantasy, just not a barn burner and that's how some people love their books.
All in all, a great story showing you the flip side of a heroes story if only to show that people who do villainous things are always evil and that with the exception of Dagmar Kaligula (Father to Drast and Tyran), everyone has at least one redeemable feature.
The actions of both Tyran and Drast are beyond terrible and I think it shows the depths to which some people will reach to for freedom and or approval. The Khaligula brothers search for freedom by pleasing their father and are eventually tasked with not only eliminating the competition, but also taking on the god of death at whatever the cost.
A lot of people mention the Koldovsto magic system which lets you do amazing things but drains your life energy. In short, if you don't use it, you might very well live forever... but every time you do use it, days, weeks, months, or years are shaved from your life. What I do think is interesting is the mythology behind Koldovstvo and what its implications are for people who abuse the magic.
In regards to character development, I think there's a very strong emphasis on the brothers although a lot of other characters don't receive the same treatment. The Kluk family at one time are interesting and then hover between sacrificial lambs and plot devises. Also, although the plot was engaging, I wasn't desperate to read through in one sitting and actually took a sweet time to read the book. The book is good and a solid high fantasy, just not a barn burner and that's how some people love their books.
All in all, a great story showing you the flip side of a heroes story if only to show that people who do villainous things are always evil and that with the exception of Dagmar Kaligula (Father to Drast and Tyran), everyone has at least one redeemable feature.
May 13, 2018
Must admit I was not very impressed with the characters in this book, in fact I really hated the tyrannical father who was so abusive of both the people under his care and his own sons! He was very demanding but brutal and extremely rude, however, I also did not like the two spineless sons of his. Drast and Tyran both men and soldiers but who had not a brain between them, and they just followed blindly their father's whims. I found I had no sympathy for either of them but even more no respect. Tyran was always muttering to himself and had no ability to converse with anyone and lived in his head most of the time whilst Drast was reckless and desperate for his father's consideration so would do anything asked of him including hurting his own brother. It is quite an adventure story with lots of mindless killing, not my kind of book at all.
March 1, 2023
This was terrible and an absolute slog to get through. The writing feels so murky—it’s repetitive, uninteresting, and a challenge to get through. The main characters are drab and terrible vessels to tell the story through. They’re both almost identical, with Tyran having a slight edge due to the minimal depth he is given. They’re both dense, unlikable, bad people that seem to grasp the concept of change but ultimately keep making stupid decisions. There is no character arc. The action is decently written. The magic system is pretty unique and could almost be cool, but the book is way too loose with bending the rules of it to make it interesting. A terribly generic and boring read that should easily be skipped.
July 1, 2019
I think this is the first story I have read where the hero is also the bad guy. I felt some of the scenes were drawn out beyond what was needed for the storyline, but it was for the most part a good story. I enjoyed the character progression, though I would have liked to see more of certain characters as the story progressed. I plan to read Melkorka’s series at some point, though I’m not sure if it’s in the same world or just the same mythos
December 20, 2019
Anaerfell (The Blood of Dragons #1), my second read/listen from author Joshua Robertson. Well-written & enjoyable fantasy. Todd Menesses’s narration made the 11-hour 2-minute tale pass quickly, although the book seemed longer due to the detail written into it. I look forward to Heshayol (The Blood of Dragons Book 2). I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 21, 2019
Anaerfall is about two very dark antiheroes. The two brothers, Drast and Tyran are trained and molded by their father to do all evil for his glory. They will do anything for their father. This is the first book to begin the world's wars between the Vucari and the Stuhia people. This author is going places and I want to be along for the ride.
February 1, 2019
Highly recommended...
If you're looking for an epic fantasy jam-packed with treachery, conspiracies, battles, magic, and more; then this should be your next read!!!!! And it's all from the perspective of two brothers sworn to do the bidding of their villainous father in order to further his own agenda... Riveting!!!!!
Loved it!!!
If you're looking for an epic fantasy jam-packed with treachery, conspiracies, battles, magic, and more; then this should be your next read!!!!! And it's all from the perspective of two brothers sworn to do the bidding of their villainous father in order to further his own agenda... Riveting!!!!!
Loved it!!!
July 26, 2017
Could have been better edited and needed a different hook from the beginning. It was a bit slow for an action/fantasy story. I did like it overall and found the characters to be really interesting. Same with the plot, but I found myself a little bored at first so it's not quite five stars.
February 19, 2018
Dark tale well told
Forced to make horrible choices and do terrible deeds this is a story of two brothers trying to gain approval from an evil, selfish father. The story is dark but it is told very well. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Forced to make horrible choices and do terrible deeds this is a story of two brothers trying to gain approval from an evil, selfish father. The story is dark but it is told very well. Looking forward to reading the next book.
November 24, 2018
i would read it more then two times
January 28, 2019
Amazing first book in this series. I couldn’t get enough of the story. Anxiously awaiting the next.
August 1, 2019
I have mixed feelings about the book. The idea is not bad but somehow the way the plot is revealed and the characters are not to my liking.
February 13, 2020
Anaerfell is a delightful introduction to the Thrice nine Legends world. The same world where Kaelandur series takes place and man, Robertson once again grabs you by the guts, twists, and rips them out. The characters you want to love and care for, you end up hating and the ones you love end up being not the characters you should. (Except Erzebeth. SQUEE!!!) This is not a story for people who want heroes and clear cut good and evil. This is not a story for those who want a happy ending or who want a satisfying wrap up to a story. But I really understand even more why Robertson lists George R.R. Martin as one of his inspirations. Anaerfell has beautiful world-building that is not so daunting as Martin’s work, and action scenes that play just like a movie in your head as you read. For those who are lamenting the end of GoT, this is definitely a very satisfying replacement to that series with characters that I think are just as fun to love and hate and long for their deaths.
March 13, 2017
Good book full of adventure and action.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
April 17, 2016
This was an interesting foray into a gritty Dark Fantasy novel, and this was a book that was deserving of placement into that subgenre. The actions of the characters throughout the book, while psychologically understandable at times, make it a struggle to cheer them on, much less care whether they succeed at their task to defeat Wolos, the God of the Dead. There is a lot of evidence throughout that Drast and Tyran have been molded into who they are by their father, who is abusive and power-hungry, which leaves the reader questioning whether the actions of the two brothers are their own fault or if the blame should fall squarely on the shoulders of their father. This is a question that really forms the core of this novel, particularly being explored in the second half of the book.
There was a point, about halfway through, that I had considered setting this book aside and not finishing it. The brothers had both crossed a line that I felt put them into nonredeemable territory. It was tough to pick it back up, but the second half of the book redeemed the rough middle. While neither brother really ever got back to the point where I could cheer for them as protagonists in the tale, it really explored what drove these two brothers to the point they had reached. There were times when I was mad at them for not taking the way out when it presented itself. They could have redeemed themselves completely by taking those choices. But their choices at that point are understandable enough.
The writing by Joshua Robertson and J.C. Boyd is quite masterful. It carried me through some of the rougher patches in the book, allowing me to press on even when I found myself loathing the characters and their choices. The magic system is inventive and has a good balance to it, forcing the user to lose years of their lives through its use. This is not quite as unique like Allomancy in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series, but it provides a very real consequence for using, or overusing, the magic in their possession. It is a system that certainly fits the story and the world that they crafted.
As a whole, I am excited to read more stories that take place in the Thrice Nine Legends setting. J.C. Boyd’s Strong Armed was a great entry point, having been short though dark in itself and the questions it forces the reader to grapple with. Ultimately, if you like a fantasy tale that forces you to reflect on some tough questions about human nature, this book will certainly fill that niche for you. If you like grand worlds and interesting settings, or unique magic systems, this book will not disappoint. If you love to read good, quality prose this book will be a nice fit. There are many positives to be seen. When it comes to the violence and actions it can best be compared to Game of Thrones so if you have been able to handle reading, or watching, that you should be just fine getting through the darkest parts of this book. And you will agree, at the end, that it was worth reading.
There was a point, about halfway through, that I had considered setting this book aside and not finishing it. The brothers had both crossed a line that I felt put them into nonredeemable territory. It was tough to pick it back up, but the second half of the book redeemed the rough middle. While neither brother really ever got back to the point where I could cheer for them as protagonists in the tale, it really explored what drove these two brothers to the point they had reached. There were times when I was mad at them for not taking the way out when it presented itself. They could have redeemed themselves completely by taking those choices. But their choices at that point are understandable enough.
The writing by Joshua Robertson and J.C. Boyd is quite masterful. It carried me through some of the rougher patches in the book, allowing me to press on even when I found myself loathing the characters and their choices. The magic system is inventive and has a good balance to it, forcing the user to lose years of their lives through its use. This is not quite as unique like Allomancy in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series, but it provides a very real consequence for using, or overusing, the magic in their possession. It is a system that certainly fits the story and the world that they crafted.
As a whole, I am excited to read more stories that take place in the Thrice Nine Legends setting. J.C. Boyd’s Strong Armed was a great entry point, having been short though dark in itself and the questions it forces the reader to grapple with. Ultimately, if you like a fantasy tale that forces you to reflect on some tough questions about human nature, this book will certainly fill that niche for you. If you like grand worlds and interesting settings, or unique magic systems, this book will not disappoint. If you love to read good, quality prose this book will be a nice fit. There are many positives to be seen. When it comes to the violence and actions it can best be compared to Game of Thrones so if you have been able to handle reading, or watching, that you should be just fine getting through the darkest parts of this book. And you will agree, at the end, that it was worth reading.
February 17, 2017
Anaerfell by Joshua Robertson and JC Boyd is an excellent addition to the Dark Fantasy Genre. The story is part of Robertson’s Thrice Nine Legends dark fantasy saga. The story follows Tyr and Drast Kaligula, who have found themselves embroiled in their father’s insane plot to destroy Wolos, the God of the Dead and gain immortality for their bloodline. Along their quest, they’ll face skin-changers and dragons on their way to a final confrontation with Wolos.
Drast and Tyr aren’t exactly sympathetic characters. They’re not your traditional “heroes” they’re much more in line with Prince Jorge Ancrath in Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire series, though I found myself feeling a lot more sympathy towards Tyr and Drast than I ever did towards Jorge. Both of the brothers Kaligula are basically forced to give up their entire lives and all their goals to help their father achieve his goals.
Like most works of fantasy, Anaerfell has a magical system in place, but the one that Robertson and Boyd use is quite a bit different than most I’ve read. They call their flavor of magic Koldostvo. I’ve always been one that thought that magic should have a price, and man does Koldostvo have a price. The more someone uses it, the older they get. They give up their life force to power their magic, though there are ways to cheat this in the story. Still, it’s a very interesting magical system that can be found throughout The Thrice Nine Legends.
The story is fast-past, brutal and engrossing. Fans of dark fantasy should absolutely not miss Anaerfell.
Drast and Tyr aren’t exactly sympathetic characters. They’re not your traditional “heroes” they’re much more in line with Prince Jorge Ancrath in Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire series, though I found myself feeling a lot more sympathy towards Tyr and Drast than I ever did towards Jorge. Both of the brothers Kaligula are basically forced to give up their entire lives and all their goals to help their father achieve his goals.
Like most works of fantasy, Anaerfell has a magical system in place, but the one that Robertson and Boyd use is quite a bit different than most I’ve read. They call their flavor of magic Koldostvo. I’ve always been one that thought that magic should have a price, and man does Koldostvo have a price. The more someone uses it, the older they get. They give up their life force to power their magic, though there are ways to cheat this in the story. Still, it’s a very interesting magical system that can be found throughout The Thrice Nine Legends.
The story is fast-past, brutal and engrossing. Fans of dark fantasy should absolutely not miss Anaerfell.
May 28, 2016
I received a copy of Anaerfell in exchange for my honest review.
Anaerfell begins quickly, jumping right into the action and never stops. Between battles and fathers with sinister intentions, the story unfolds carefully, deliberately, and simply. There are no overly descriptive scenery, yet you are transported to this world, very much experiencing it from the first page to the last. The writing is seamless; the authors write so well together you simply can't tell who wrote which part. I love the creative freedom both authors took with the story to make it unique.
Having never read anything like this before, I struggled a bit through the beginning of Anaerfell, mostly because the names were foreign to me, and until I grasped the Game of Thrones mentality behind it, it was a little difficult for me to understand. I would have liked a small dictionary to explain what some of the titles and names are. This would have enhanced my reading earlier on. I'm glad I followed through with it as it was definitely a good read. I felt for Tyran and Drast—wanted to smack them, then kiss them, then hold them tight and fix all their troubles. In the end...
*Spoiler alert*
I wasn't thrilled with the ending. I wasn't expecting the traditional happy ending, but I found myself a bit disappointed that both brothers die, and Dagmar is still refusing to offer Tyran the solace he sought or recognize the damage he caused his sons in his wrongness and quest for immortality.
I look forward to reading Melkorka and Dyndaer, two other books in the series to see how it all turns out and hope that perhaps Dagmar can be redeemed of his vile, evil ways in the end. I expect much more of the incredibly detailed action and certainly expect to be taken away to another world, much to my delight.
If you like the darkness of George RR Martin and the Game of Thrones series, you will especially like this.
Anaerfell begins quickly, jumping right into the action and never stops. Between battles and fathers with sinister intentions, the story unfolds carefully, deliberately, and simply. There are no overly descriptive scenery, yet you are transported to this world, very much experiencing it from the first page to the last. The writing is seamless; the authors write so well together you simply can't tell who wrote which part. I love the creative freedom both authors took with the story to make it unique.
Having never read anything like this before, I struggled a bit through the beginning of Anaerfell, mostly because the names were foreign to me, and until I grasped the Game of Thrones mentality behind it, it was a little difficult for me to understand. I would have liked a small dictionary to explain what some of the titles and names are. This would have enhanced my reading earlier on. I'm glad I followed through with it as it was definitely a good read. I felt for Tyran and Drast—wanted to smack them, then kiss them, then hold them tight and fix all their troubles. In the end...
*Spoiler alert*
I wasn't thrilled with the ending. I wasn't expecting the traditional happy ending, but I found myself a bit disappointed that both brothers die, and Dagmar is still refusing to offer Tyran the solace he sought or recognize the damage he caused his sons in his wrongness and quest for immortality.
I look forward to reading Melkorka and Dyndaer, two other books in the series to see how it all turns out and hope that perhaps Dagmar can be redeemed of his vile, evil ways in the end. I expect much more of the incredibly detailed action and certainly expect to be taken away to another world, much to my delight.
If you like the darkness of George RR Martin and the Game of Thrones series, you will especially like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2016
This novel is a bit of a different approach to fantasy. Instead of following the hero, we follow two villains. They are brothers, and one is more corrupt than the other. One only wants a chance to embrace love and be with a woman, however he neglects bonding with his warriors or making friends in the process. However, between his brother and father, he is forced to continue pursuing life as a villain. He isn't strong enough to detach himself and live his own life.
We have a dragon, magic (though it's called something else, and per Brandon Sanderson's magic is okay as long as it costs something, this magic costs a lot, it costs your life, and I found that very intriguing.) The more magic you use, the more aged you become, a very fascinating concept.
Not your typical fantasy, no hero wins it all, but shows how failures are possible, and follows from the villain instead. I would say a mix of George R R Martin and R A Salvatore. Death & Fighting.
There were a minor grammatical errors throughout. Mostly tense problems, words that should have had an -ed, but were in present tense, a mix between toward & towards, a few areas where quotes were misaligned, and a spot where the chapter didn't begin the next page (Chapter XXX), but for the most part very clean writing.
A good read for those wanting to read a bit of darker fantasy. 4.5/5 Stars.
We have a dragon, magic (though it's called something else, and per Brandon Sanderson's magic is okay as long as it costs something, this magic costs a lot, it costs your life, and I found that very intriguing.) The more magic you use, the more aged you become, a very fascinating concept.
Not your typical fantasy, no hero wins it all, but shows how failures are possible, and follows from the villain instead. I would say a mix of George R R Martin and R A Salvatore. Death & Fighting.
There were a minor grammatical errors throughout. Mostly tense problems, words that should have had an -ed, but were in present tense, a mix between toward & towards, a few areas where quotes were misaligned, and a spot where the chapter didn't begin the next page (Chapter XXX), but for the most part very clean writing.
A good read for those wanting to read a bit of darker fantasy. 4.5/5 Stars.
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