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Live & Learn: Defense of The Land Book 1
This is Book One of the Defense of The Land series, and the fifth book in the Valdaar's Fist saga.
In the age old struggle of good v. evil, who gets to decide who—or what—is good?
Can a beautiful, goody-two-shoes paladin knowingly consort with an assassin? Depends on how desperate the assassin is...
Jaramiile throws her sword in with five others to stop the scourge of evil that has been reborn in The Land. Yet can she face her god when one of her companions admits to being hired to slay another? What if the target is her sworn enemy? To further confuse the matter, the assassin has skills their party needs—and he is very handsome...
Come along on yet another magical ride as Vance Pumphrey weaves the Valdaar's Fist tale from another perspective—those who would stop the raising of the dark god.
In the age old struggle of good v. evil, who gets to decide who—or what—is good?
Can a beautiful, goody-two-shoes paladin knowingly consort with an assassin? Depends on how desperate the assassin is...
Jaramiile throws her sword in with five others to stop the scourge of evil that has been reborn in The Land. Yet can she face her god when one of her companions admits to being hired to slay another? What if the target is her sworn enemy? To further confuse the matter, the assassin has skills their party needs—and he is very handsome...
Come along on yet another magical ride as Vance Pumphrey weaves the Valdaar's Fist tale from another perspective—those who would stop the raising of the dark god.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 20, 2022
Just when you thought the world of "Valdaar's Fist" was over, up pops another cracking book to delay dinner time, bed time, and time for everything else really... because, once you start reading these books, you are not going to want to stop. Each Vance Pumphrey book offers the complete package from excellent writing to engrossing plots to superb characters, and "Live & Learn" is no exception.
My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
February 13, 2020
When reading an epic fantasy adventure, do you ever wonder the other parties reasons behind the conflict. In this story you will experience the journey of Shaarna , Jamiile , Mesomarques , Ogmurt , Dolt , and Golfindel as they pursue Vorgath in his quest to resurrect the dead god Valdaar.
This story is kind of a mirror image of Dragma's Keep, with small details that make it different. Shaarna is the Mage , and she is a follower of the God Praxaar brother to the dead god. Both groups believe their cause the right one. Shaarna believes Valdaar to be evil, corrupted by the magic the Drow (Dark Elves) magic they place into and upon Valdaar's Fist a great sword of magic.
Sordaak however sees Praxaar as the evil God because after defeating his brother in battle he also put to death thousands of followers of his brother, no matter what age, they were hunted down and burned to death. Is there a lessor of 2 great evils? Is any God who would let such acts be committed worthy of praise? Basic point - Both parties believe their fight to be the true way, both are willing to give their lives to ensure the other fails their quest. Shaarna believes she must stop Sordaak at all cost, along the way she too gets herself a familiar, but I won't tell you what he is just that his name is Oscar.
Live and Learn vs Dragma's Keep, both stories have battles with many creatures such as Orc's , I don't know if the author went too far with his mirror image but you decide. For me it was fine, there quest are similar but the meetings of each member have their own unique story. Sordaak and Sharna both have a familiar but each is unique. Shaarna seems to be more aware of her abilities than Sordaak, but he has age and size to his advantage.Each member of both groups have their specific job they are an expert in although Savinhand seems the better trap master.
I used all this as an example, it isn't fair to review in comparison, each story has to be able to stand on its own merit. This story can do just that. If you picked this up and have never read the companion series you would still get a fine story. This group has 2 female protagonist Jaramiile being the paladin counterpart of Thrinndor , and Shaarna the mage and counterpart of Sordaak. Dolt and Ogmurt being fighters, Meso the cleric, and Golfindel is the rouge, trap finder, and he is not an expert in trap springing like Savinhand.
I don't know if I like these characters as much as the ones in Dragma's Keep but it's early in the new series. This story does do a fine job as a stand alone novel, so I have to judge it on itself as a whole. Each reader will have to decide for themselves who the heroes are and who the villains are? Myself I feel they are all on a fool's errand. There is nothing Holy about war. War is young men dying while women and children morn.
I was given this book in exchange for a fair honest review by booktasterson twitter and author Vance Pumphrey, so I give you thanks. All opinions are my own and has no ill intent toward the author, publisher, or promoters of this book. I would like to add that the author Vance Pumphrey answered any and all questions about his story and ideas behind the story. It was his intent that readers be able to view the story from both sides and make their own opinions of who is a hero and who is a villian. I have to admit it made me think. The best I could come up with is there is no right side, and they are all heroes to their own cause, and villians to the others eyes.
This story is kind of a mirror image of Dragma's Keep, with small details that make it different. Shaarna is the Mage , and she is a follower of the God Praxaar brother to the dead god. Both groups believe their cause the right one. Shaarna believes Valdaar to be evil, corrupted by the magic the Drow (Dark Elves) magic they place into and upon Valdaar's Fist a great sword of magic.
Sordaak however sees Praxaar as the evil God because after defeating his brother in battle he also put to death thousands of followers of his brother, no matter what age, they were hunted down and burned to death. Is there a lessor of 2 great evils? Is any God who would let such acts be committed worthy of praise? Basic point - Both parties believe their fight to be the true way, both are willing to give their lives to ensure the other fails their quest. Shaarna believes she must stop Sordaak at all cost, along the way she too gets herself a familiar, but I won't tell you what he is just that his name is Oscar.
Live and Learn vs Dragma's Keep, both stories have battles with many creatures such as Orc's , I don't know if the author went too far with his mirror image but you decide. For me it was fine, there quest are similar but the meetings of each member have their own unique story. Sordaak and Sharna both have a familiar but each is unique. Shaarna seems to be more aware of her abilities than Sordaak, but he has age and size to his advantage.Each member of both groups have their specific job they are an expert in although Savinhand seems the better trap master.
I used all this as an example, it isn't fair to review in comparison, each story has to be able to stand on its own merit. This story can do just that. If you picked this up and have never read the companion series you would still get a fine story. This group has 2 female protagonist Jaramiile being the paladin counterpart of Thrinndor , and Shaarna the mage and counterpart of Sordaak. Dolt and Ogmurt being fighters, Meso the cleric, and Golfindel is the rouge, trap finder, and he is not an expert in trap springing like Savinhand.
I don't know if I like these characters as much as the ones in Dragma's Keep but it's early in the new series. This story does do a fine job as a stand alone novel, so I have to judge it on itself as a whole. Each reader will have to decide for themselves who the heroes are and who the villains are? Myself I feel they are all on a fool's errand. There is nothing Holy about war. War is young men dying while women and children morn.
I was given this book in exchange for a fair honest review by booktasterson twitter and author Vance Pumphrey, so I give you thanks. All opinions are my own and has no ill intent toward the author, publisher, or promoters of this book. I would like to add that the author Vance Pumphrey answered any and all questions about his story and ideas behind the story. It was his intent that readers be able to view the story from both sides and make their own opinions of who is a hero and who is a villian. I have to admit it made me think. The best I could come up with is there is no right side, and they are all heroes to their own cause, and villians to the others eyes.
November 15, 2018
Disclaimer - I got a copy of this book for an honest review.
So, I've read them sort of out of order as this was the second book I read. The coolest thing about this and the first book in the series is they cover about the same amount of time. I don't anticipate this being true of the next two books in this portion of the series though.
Another thing to mention, gamers, be wary of reading this series if you miss gaming around a table late into the night. There are several spots where you can just hear the players bantering back and forth and you just know how much fun they're having. Okay, I think all the warnings are out of the way now.
If you've not sat around a table and played some RPG games you might find it a little rough around the edges. However, it's just perfect for a faithful copy of several nights of gaming. The story is one many gamers will be very familiar with and many stories follow the same tropes as you'll find in this book so even non-gamers will be able to dig in fairly well. The story follows a great narrative and only has a few slow points to it. The dialog brought back memories of waiting on the GM to fish out their encounter sheets and fiddle with some names on the spot so we RPed (role played) some light shenanigans to pass the time before getting down to the business of solving the dungeon/encounter/task.
The party spends much of the time in the wake of another adventure occurring just ahead of them. At one point there is a very brief moment when they actually touch the two parties together and hint at what is to come in the final conflict between these opposing forces.
If you've read the first book (and I highly recommend you do) then you will notice something about the story. Each side believes whole heartedly they are the party in the right and doing what is just and good. The bad guys are slain and the threat diminished as steps are taken to get closer to their goals. Each side has absolute faith in their cause and how things are going to need to play out to ensure the safety of all. This is where the story gets really interesting.
The story could be a story of a war as it begins with each side trying to make sure that their country is the one that comes out on top. What makes this so interesting is the question of who's in the right. Who's being true and who's being false. I have a feeling the author is going to send us on a ride where we will be left questioning just what is right and what is good. This isn't a bad thing as we should be questioning ourselves daily to help with our personal growth. There are many points where the ethical thing comes up and this group must find their way towards their own goals.
The pacing of this book is well thought out with pauses in the action just long enough to give the reader a breather and relax before the next portion of the story to build the tension back up again. The story also ends at a good point in the adventure and marks a very good point in the legs of the campaign.
I would highly recommend this book for a good dungeon romp with a few laughs along the way. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Thank you Vance for writing all this down for our enjoyment!
So, I've read them sort of out of order as this was the second book I read. The coolest thing about this and the first book in the series is they cover about the same amount of time. I don't anticipate this being true of the next two books in this portion of the series though.
Another thing to mention, gamers, be wary of reading this series if you miss gaming around a table late into the night. There are several spots where you can just hear the players bantering back and forth and you just know how much fun they're having. Okay, I think all the warnings are out of the way now.
If you've not sat around a table and played some RPG games you might find it a little rough around the edges. However, it's just perfect for a faithful copy of several nights of gaming. The story is one many gamers will be very familiar with and many stories follow the same tropes as you'll find in this book so even non-gamers will be able to dig in fairly well. The story follows a great narrative and only has a few slow points to it. The dialog brought back memories of waiting on the GM to fish out their encounter sheets and fiddle with some names on the spot so we RPed (role played) some light shenanigans to pass the time before getting down to the business of solving the dungeon/encounter/task.
The party spends much of the time in the wake of another adventure occurring just ahead of them. At one point there is a very brief moment when they actually touch the two parties together and hint at what is to come in the final conflict between these opposing forces.
If you've read the first book (and I highly recommend you do) then you will notice something about the story. Each side believes whole heartedly they are the party in the right and doing what is just and good. The bad guys are slain and the threat diminished as steps are taken to get closer to their goals. Each side has absolute faith in their cause and how things are going to need to play out to ensure the safety of all. This is where the story gets really interesting.
The story could be a story of a war as it begins with each side trying to make sure that their country is the one that comes out on top. What makes this so interesting is the question of who's in the right. Who's being true and who's being false. I have a feeling the author is going to send us on a ride where we will be left questioning just what is right and what is good. This isn't a bad thing as we should be questioning ourselves daily to help with our personal growth. There are many points where the ethical thing comes up and this group must find their way towards their own goals.
The pacing of this book is well thought out with pauses in the action just long enough to give the reader a breather and relax before the next portion of the story to build the tension back up again. The story also ends at a good point in the adventure and marks a very good point in the legs of the campaign.
I would highly recommend this book for a good dungeon romp with a few laughs along the way. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Thank you Vance for writing all this down for our enjoyment!
May 26, 2019
This is the first book I am reading in the series and the first by this author. This is the fifth book in the Valdaar’s Fist saga, the first in the second series under that story arc.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
“Live & Learn :- Defense of the Land Book One, Book Five in the Valdaar's Fist saga”
I hadn’t read any books by Vance Pumphrey prior to this one and I went in with no presumptions, just the excitement I usually have when I am presented with a new book in a genre I particularly enjoy reading due to its ability to literally transport you to a different universe created by the Author.
There will be no spoilers in this review instead I will be talking on why you should read this book.
Throughout this reading journey I never got the feeling that I was reading the fifth book in a series because of how well the Author placed this one as the beginning of a new arc in the series, so it’s safe to start reading the series from this book without feeling like you were lost. I do however after reading this book want to read the previous ones in the series because of how well this book is written a true testament to the Authors abilities.
Also, I thoroughly appreciated the fact that I wasn’t plagued by grammatical or tense errors as some books tend to not spend enough time in the editing stage this book does not suffer that fate. And where others fail in building the world the characters dwell in, this Author successfully did so and I truly felt like I walked this quest with them and even visualized the clothing, dwellings, paths and keeps due to the Authors exceptional story telling.
Furthermore, when I finished reading this book I was sad to put down as the book ended in such a way that made me wish I had the next book in the series ready for me to dive into. I had come to expect Sharna’s sarcasm, Jaramiles strength, Dolt’s endless anecdotes and moronic behavior, Ogmurth knocking him out, Meso’s quiet wisdom and Goldie’s stealth. These character made this book an amazing adventure and I had quite gotten used to them.
However, my only issue/ criticism is that there were parts of this book that dragged a little bit and I understand from other reviews that it is more appreciated by those who are familiar with RPG games but to the rest of us it comes across as endless dialogue or break from the story. There were times I wanted them to move on to the next thing but alas it wasn’t meant to be.
All in all I really enjoyed the story and recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy books.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
“Live & Learn :- Defense of the Land Book One, Book Five in the Valdaar's Fist saga”
I hadn’t read any books by Vance Pumphrey prior to this one and I went in with no presumptions, just the excitement I usually have when I am presented with a new book in a genre I particularly enjoy reading due to its ability to literally transport you to a different universe created by the Author.
There will be no spoilers in this review instead I will be talking on why you should read this book.
Throughout this reading journey I never got the feeling that I was reading the fifth book in a series because of how well the Author placed this one as the beginning of a new arc in the series, so it’s safe to start reading the series from this book without feeling like you were lost. I do however after reading this book want to read the previous ones in the series because of how well this book is written a true testament to the Authors abilities.
Also, I thoroughly appreciated the fact that I wasn’t plagued by grammatical or tense errors as some books tend to not spend enough time in the editing stage this book does not suffer that fate. And where others fail in building the world the characters dwell in, this Author successfully did so and I truly felt like I walked this quest with them and even visualized the clothing, dwellings, paths and keeps due to the Authors exceptional story telling.
Furthermore, when I finished reading this book I was sad to put down as the book ended in such a way that made me wish I had the next book in the series ready for me to dive into. I had come to expect Sharna’s sarcasm, Jaramiles strength, Dolt’s endless anecdotes and moronic behavior, Ogmurth knocking him out, Meso’s quiet wisdom and Goldie’s stealth. These character made this book an amazing adventure and I had quite gotten used to them.
However, my only issue/ criticism is that there were parts of this book that dragged a little bit and I understand from other reviews that it is more appreciated by those who are familiar with RPG games but to the rest of us it comes across as endless dialogue or break from the story. There were times I wanted them to move on to the next thing but alas it wasn’t meant to be.
All in all I really enjoyed the story and recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy books.
October 14, 2017
This is what I'd call an interesting way to look at things. This is the fifth book in the Valdaar's Fist series and I thought I'd read enough accounts of the quest in the previous four books, but nothing prepared me for this story. Well, a hint from the author could have, but still he didn't give it away.
Live & Learn is purely an account of Praxaar's followers in their attempt to stop Valdaar's followers from resurrecting the god. The team here comprises of Shaarna, Jaramiile, Mesomarques, Ogmurt, Dolt and Goldfindel. Shaarna is the sorcerer who happens to be Sordaak's sister. Jaramiile is the paladin who after much deliberation becomes the leader of the group in their quest. Meso is the healer and an awesome cook, Ogmurt and Dolt are the fighters or meat-shields like they are referred to in the story and Goldfindel is the one to watch out for.
I loved the twist to this epic saga because now we get an account from the other god's followers and you understand why they place their loyalty on Praxaar and not Valdaar.
As for the action, this troop was not as well equipped and they faced more challenges in fighting off their attackers in battle. Shaarna has also not comprehended how strong she could be as a Sorcerer and this weighs them down. The fact that she does not know as much about her past and lineage makes her an easy target if you ask me.
Now, as for the pace, it's great but I know that the sixth book, "Die & Don't" will be faster as they'll come head to head with Vorpal. I can't wait for Mesomarques to wake up! I was so frustrated with the action in this book and especially with him because he is the most intuitive and knows more about the history of the war between the two gods and I really hope he gives it his best in the coming installment.
I also loved the bickering here, Dolt's very chatty.
I'd recommend this series to readers who enjoy fantasies and love quests. There is so much to this story and the determination of the characters that would keep one glued from the very first book in the series. Did I also mention that there are dragons in the series?
Live & Learn is purely an account of Praxaar's followers in their attempt to stop Valdaar's followers from resurrecting the god. The team here comprises of Shaarna, Jaramiile, Mesomarques, Ogmurt, Dolt and Goldfindel. Shaarna is the sorcerer who happens to be Sordaak's sister. Jaramiile is the paladin who after much deliberation becomes the leader of the group in their quest. Meso is the healer and an awesome cook, Ogmurt and Dolt are the fighters or meat-shields like they are referred to in the story and Goldfindel is the one to watch out for.
I loved the twist to this epic saga because now we get an account from the other god's followers and you understand why they place their loyalty on Praxaar and not Valdaar.
As for the action, this troop was not as well equipped and they faced more challenges in fighting off their attackers in battle. Shaarna has also not comprehended how strong she could be as a Sorcerer and this weighs them down. The fact that she does not know as much about her past and lineage makes her an easy target if you ask me.
Now, as for the pace, it's great but I know that the sixth book, "Die & Don't" will be faster as they'll come head to head with Vorpal. I can't wait for Mesomarques to wake up! I was so frustrated with the action in this book and especially with him because he is the most intuitive and knows more about the history of the war between the two gods and I really hope he gives it his best in the coming installment.
I also loved the bickering here, Dolt's very chatty.
Let's rewind a bit to Goldfindel; he's the one to watch out for because he is a jack of all trades. He is a rogue, ranger, tracker, an assassin, a bard and keeps his secrets to himself and having worked on his own for a while, he's yet to fully open up to his team.
I'd recommend this series to readers who enjoy fantasies and love quests. There is so much to this story and the determination of the characters that would keep one glued from the very first book in the series. Did I also mention that there are dragons in the series?
September 14, 2017
The other side
This fifth book our the series Valdasr's Fist is the beginning of the other side of the story told in the previous tomes, and it relates the quest of Shaarna, sorceress, Meso, healer, Ogmurt, Dolt, Goldie and Jaramiile, paladin, all our them followers of Valdaar's brother and enemy Praxaar. They are in search for and trying to disrupt the trying to get Valsaar back to the earthly plane and thus follow the tracks of Sordaak's group to Dragma's Keep. It is a very entertaining and interesting story, seeing the previous stories being told from their legit of view of their enemies. This story also focuses in faith, friendship and loyalty and each and every character has a particular set of abilities in order to help the quest.
The plot is very well developed as are the characters, giving insight into their personal stories and plights. It has been a very good read.
This fifth book our the series Valdasr's Fist is the beginning of the other side of the story told in the previous tomes, and it relates the quest of Shaarna, sorceress, Meso, healer, Ogmurt, Dolt, Goldie and Jaramiile, paladin, all our them followers of Valdaar's brother and enemy Praxaar. They are in search for and trying to disrupt the trying to get Valsaar back to the earthly plane and thus follow the tracks of Sordaak's group to Dragma's Keep. It is a very entertaining and interesting story, seeing the previous stories being told from their legit of view of their enemies. This story also focuses in faith, friendship and loyalty and each and every character has a particular set of abilities in order to help the quest.
The plot is very well developed as are the characters, giving insight into their personal stories and plights. It has been a very good read.
April 26, 2018
An excellent story of magic and adventure!
If you like Tolkien, you will like this book. There are all sorts of creatures from Elves to orcs to dragons! The author gives you a look into each of the main characters thoughts as the story progresses, which allows you to understand everyone's motives. Join this ragtag crew of adventurers as they seek to prevent the rise of a terrible evil!
If you like Tolkien, you will like this book. There are all sorts of creatures from Elves to orcs to dragons! The author gives you a look into each of the main characters thoughts as the story progresses, which allows you to understand everyone's motives. Join this ragtag crew of adventurers as they seek to prevent the rise of a terrible evil!
October 12, 2020
Having read the prior four books, I loved the new angle to this saga.
Bobbie Kaald
Bobbie Kaald
September 18, 2018
This was a good, almost great, fantasy novel. It was the first book I have read by the author and it will not be the last. I won't to into too much detail as I don't want to ruin the plot for anyone but the plot was a standard good vs evil story line but even as tired as this plot can be it was still enjoyable to read, this maybe because i have read too many fantasy novels in my time. However the truly great part of this book was the characters, their development and relationships. Reading these characters reminded me of the late great Sir Terry Pratchett in that the characters felt like real people who just so happened to live in a fantasy world. It seems to me that Vance Pumphrey must have spent many 100's of hours playing DnD and this has paid off big time because it has helped him flesh out his characters to the point it seems as if he has actually discovered magic and used it to enslave real people and he is just writing about their actual exploits. I can tell that this author knows and understands his characters as well as he knows his own family from how well he wrote them. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone.
January 31, 2020
This is the first book in the companions series Valdaa'rs Fist , the opposing side of Dragma's Keep I thought I already posted a review. Characters Jaramiile if I remember right is a Paladin , Sharna is the cleric, Mesomarques is the sorcerer, Ogmurt and Dolt are fighters, and Goldfindel s a rogue , trapfinder- each character is a counterpart to the characters in Dragma's Keep, if you ever wondered what the other side was fighting for, their reasons and beliefs, this is your chance.
I have read the first 5 books, now on to number 6 Die & Don't, just released
I have read the first 5 books, now on to number 6 Die & Don't, just released
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews