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Broken Prophecy
BROKEN PROPHECY - the only novel in which a major plot point was decided upon by the author flipping a coin. A fun adventure that satirises fantasy tropes in the style of Terry Pratchett. Ambit Afterman is the Chosen One. Born with the mark of the silver bellflower on his palm and given a magical spear, he is the one whose coming the prophecy foretold. Unfortunately, he would much rather drink beer and get laid - destiny can go fuck itself. Together with his demon friend Snarl, Ambit sets out on a mighty quest - to make sure the prophecy doesn't come true, and avoid doing anything heroic under any circumstances. Along the way he will make polite conversation with demons, not deliver any great speeches, not train with the wise monks, and weasel his way out of adventure and into the nearest pub. But there may just be time to have cheap sex with the beautiful princess along the way.
100 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Taylor
27 books91 followersK.J.Taylor was born in Australia in 1986 and plans to stay alive for as long as possible. She went to Radford College and achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications at the University of Canberra, where she is currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Information Studies.
She published her first work, The Land of Bad Fantasy through Scholastic when she was just 18, and went on to publish The Dark Griffin in Australia and New Zealand five years later. The Griffin’s Flight and The Griffin’s War followed in the same year, and were released in America and Canada in 2011. At the moment, she is working on the third set of books in the series, while publishing the second.
K.J.Taylor’s real first name is Katie, but not many people know what the J stands for. She collects movie soundtracks and keeps pet rats, and isn’t quite as angst-ridden as her books might suggest.
Find her on Facebook
She published her first work, The Land of Bad Fantasy through Scholastic when she was just 18, and went on to publish The Dark Griffin in Australia and New Zealand five years later. The Griffin’s Flight and The Griffin’s War followed in the same year, and were released in America and Canada in 2011. At the moment, she is working on the third set of books in the series, while publishing the second.
K.J.Taylor’s real first name is Katie, but not many people know what the J stands for. She collects movie soundtracks and keeps pet rats, and isn’t quite as angst-ridden as her books might suggest.
Find her on Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 15, 2015
I'd give it 3.75 stars. It was... interesting, but I quite enjoyed it anyway.
*Review to come!*
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Broken Prophecy is a novel that satirises fantasy plots. It is a fun adventure.
Here's the plot.
Ambit Afterman is the Chosen One. Born with the mark of the silver bellflower on his palm and given a magical spear, he is the one whose coming the prophecy foretold.
Unfortunately, he would much rather drink beer and get laid - destiny can go fuck itself.
Together with his demon friend Snarl, Ambit sets out on a mighty quest - to make sure the prophecy doesn't come true, and avoid doing anything heroic under any circumstances. Along the way he will make polite conversation with demons, not deliver any great speeches, not train with the wise monks, and weasel his way out of adventure and into the nearest pub. But there may just be time to have cheap sex with the beautiful princess along the way.
The story is set in a fantastical world where demons and human beings exist together. The human king and the whole race are waiting for the Chosen One to show up and save the world. They are, in fact, terrified that the demons will take over the kingdom. But everything isn't as it seems.
Demons aren't actually planning to invade the human territory, they aren't dangerous as it may look like.
I personally liked this approach because it is common in the fantasy genre to take enemies for granted when they might not be threatening at all. Sometimes it is only the characters' beliefs and the narrator's fault. We are prompted to believe what they are telling us, without actually stopping and thinking about it. I have to say that yes, most enemies turn out to be, in fact, enemies, but in this novel we learn it is not always that case. I liked demons, maybe not every single one, but the most part? Of course I do. They were friendly and didn't hurt anyone if not under attack. They were actually more human than the humans themselves.
I really enjoyed the sarcasm used by the author. It made me laugh and reflect at the same time. It was a great narrative technique. This book was refreshing.
‘Don’t you at least want revenge?’ the Oracle said at last.
‘What’s the point?’ said Ambit. ‘It won’t bring anyone back. The way I see it is that if people want to get rid of your sort, they can damn well do it themselves. I’m not the Chosen One; I’m Ambit, and Ambit does what Ambit wants.’
My thoughts about Ambit and The Chosen One syndrome. At first I wasn't sure what to think of it. For all my life, I used to believe the hero wanted to save the world and he was glad to be born with that kind of destiny.
The protagonist reacts to this belief. He just wants to live his life the way he wants to. Preferably with both alcohol and women. He was different and, as I said, refreshing. Of course, I wouldn't want to read this same plot and approach for the rest of my life. But. I particularly enjoyed this one. It was fun, fresh and intriguing too.
It is a book you read quickly, in two or three sittings. You must be prepared to laugh and you won't believe your eyes. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun read in the fantasy genre. This book revolves around a great adventure of which you are going to want more and you are going to have fun too! Also, be aware there is strong language used in the book.
Fun Fact. The author decided the plot by flipping a coin. I think that's awesome.
*NOTE. I was given this book by NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.*
*Review to come!*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Broken Prophecy is a novel that satirises fantasy plots. It is a fun adventure.
Here's the plot.
Ambit Afterman is the Chosen One. Born with the mark of the silver bellflower on his palm and given a magical spear, he is the one whose coming the prophecy foretold.
Unfortunately, he would much rather drink beer and get laid - destiny can go fuck itself.
Together with his demon friend Snarl, Ambit sets out on a mighty quest - to make sure the prophecy doesn't come true, and avoid doing anything heroic under any circumstances. Along the way he will make polite conversation with demons, not deliver any great speeches, not train with the wise monks, and weasel his way out of adventure and into the nearest pub. But there may just be time to have cheap sex with the beautiful princess along the way.
The story is set in a fantastical world where demons and human beings exist together. The human king and the whole race are waiting for the Chosen One to show up and save the world. They are, in fact, terrified that the demons will take over the kingdom. But everything isn't as it seems.
Demons aren't actually planning to invade the human territory, they aren't dangerous as it may look like.
I personally liked this approach because it is common in the fantasy genre to take enemies for granted when they might not be threatening at all. Sometimes it is only the characters' beliefs and the narrator's fault. We are prompted to believe what they are telling us, without actually stopping and thinking about it. I have to say that yes, most enemies turn out to be, in fact, enemies, but in this novel we learn it is not always that case. I liked demons, maybe not every single one, but the most part? Of course I do. They were friendly and didn't hurt anyone if not under attack. They were actually more human than the humans themselves.
I really enjoyed the sarcasm used by the author. It made me laugh and reflect at the same time. It was a great narrative technique. This book was refreshing.
‘Don’t you at least want revenge?’ the Oracle said at last.
‘What’s the point?’ said Ambit. ‘It won’t bring anyone back. The way I see it is that if people want to get rid of your sort, they can damn well do it themselves. I’m not the Chosen One; I’m Ambit, and Ambit does what Ambit wants.’
My thoughts about Ambit and The Chosen One syndrome. At first I wasn't sure what to think of it. For all my life, I used to believe the hero wanted to save the world and he was glad to be born with that kind of destiny.
The protagonist reacts to this belief. He just wants to live his life the way he wants to. Preferably with both alcohol and women. He was different and, as I said, refreshing. Of course, I wouldn't want to read this same plot and approach for the rest of my life. But. I particularly enjoyed this one. It was fun, fresh and intriguing too.
It is a book you read quickly, in two or three sittings. You must be prepared to laugh and you won't believe your eyes. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun read in the fantasy genre. This book revolves around a great adventure of which you are going to want more and you are going to have fun too! Also, be aware there is strong language used in the book.
Fun Fact. The author decided the plot by flipping a coin. I think that's awesome.
*NOTE. I was given this book by NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.*
May 20, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Ambit Afterman is the Chosen One. Born with the mark of the silver bellflower on his palm and given a magical spear, he is the one whose coming the prophecy foretold. Unfortunately, he would much rather drink beer and get laid - destiny can go fuck itself. Together with his demon friend Snarl, Ambit sets out on a mighty quest - to make sure the prophecy doesn't come true, and avoid doing anything heroic under any circumstances. Along the way he will make polite conversation with demons, not deliver any great speeches, not train with the wise monks, and weasel his way out of adventure and into the nearest pub. But there may just be time to have cheap sex with the beautiful princess along the way.
Let's just start by saying there is only one Terry Pratchett. Nobody satirises fantasy tropes better than he. There are a few decent others out there and I do think that Australian writer K.J. Taylor deserves to be there in that list...
...and the anti-hero character of Ambit ticks off a number of those clichés/tropes. There are definitely some funny moments along the way on this adventure to make sure the prophecy doesn't come to be. Some of the action sequences are very good and the plot points are okay too.
What didn't work for me, though, was what happened between action sequences. Pretty much nothing is what happened. It felt, at times, like the author needed filler to keep the story moving - and the book is only 240 pages or so. Shouldn't need that...
I think there is a very good story in here somewhere - but I think it got lost trying to be something more than it was...
Paul
ARH
Ambit Afterman is the Chosen One. Born with the mark of the silver bellflower on his palm and given a magical spear, he is the one whose coming the prophecy foretold. Unfortunately, he would much rather drink beer and get laid - destiny can go fuck itself. Together with his demon friend Snarl, Ambit sets out on a mighty quest - to make sure the prophecy doesn't come true, and avoid doing anything heroic under any circumstances. Along the way he will make polite conversation with demons, not deliver any great speeches, not train with the wise monks, and weasel his way out of adventure and into the nearest pub. But there may just be time to have cheap sex with the beautiful princess along the way.
Let's just start by saying there is only one Terry Pratchett. Nobody satirises fantasy tropes better than he. There are a few decent others out there and I do think that Australian writer K.J. Taylor deserves to be there in that list...
...and the anti-hero character of Ambit ticks off a number of those clichés/tropes. There are definitely some funny moments along the way on this adventure to make sure the prophecy doesn't come to be. Some of the action sequences are very good and the plot points are okay too.
What didn't work for me, though, was what happened between action sequences. Pretty much nothing is what happened. It felt, at times, like the author needed filler to keep the story moving - and the book is only 240 pages or so. Shouldn't need that...
I think there is a very good story in here somewhere - but I think it got lost trying to be something more than it was...
Paul
ARH
June 19, 2018
Loved it. Quite funny!
March 21, 2020
Where you feel sympathy for all the characters.
Plus I love the idea that trolls eat minerals, so the reason they eat humans is because our bones are very generalised.
Plus I love the idea that trolls eat minerals, so the reason they eat humans is because our bones are very generalised.
December 22, 2015
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Despite appearances to the contrary, Ambit is determined not to be the Chosen One. Things quickly go pear-shaped however as Ambit is burdened with annoying companions and bizarre coincidences that push him toward greatness against his wishes.
If you enjoy a bit of fantasy and don’t take yourself (or your fantasy tropes) too seriously, then you should find lots to enjoy in Ambit’s adventure. Ambit is the quintessential anti-hero who, against his will, appears to be the Chosen One who will fulfil the prophecy and save humanity from the demon menace. As Ambit’s best friend happens to be a demon, it is unlikely that motivation to act as the Chosen One is going to arise in him anytime soon. Ambit is irreverent, dismissive of authority and generally perfectly happy to do his own thing and let destiny take care of itself. Unfortunately, in his quest to not be the Chosen One, he becomes burdened with a bunch of companions with a diverse range of irritating characteristics and for a while there it looks like destiny will have her way with Ambit regardless. The only problem I had with the book was that in between the main action sequences, it felt like the author got a bit bored with the story and just wanted to hurry things along with some bland padding. At one point, Ambit begins to remark on how, despite what he does, his goals start to be met and the right people pop up out of the woodwork, and although this is part of the spoof factor of the story, it doesn’t really make for interesting reading. Overall, however, I found this story to be fun, full of comic situations and generally a solid choice for those who enjoy a bit of spoof of the fantasy genre.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Despite appearances to the contrary, Ambit is determined not to be the Chosen One. Things quickly go pear-shaped however as Ambit is burdened with annoying companions and bizarre coincidences that push him toward greatness against his wishes.
If you enjoy a bit of fantasy and don’t take yourself (or your fantasy tropes) too seriously, then you should find lots to enjoy in Ambit’s adventure. Ambit is the quintessential anti-hero who, against his will, appears to be the Chosen One who will fulfil the prophecy and save humanity from the demon menace. As Ambit’s best friend happens to be a demon, it is unlikely that motivation to act as the Chosen One is going to arise in him anytime soon. Ambit is irreverent, dismissive of authority and generally perfectly happy to do his own thing and let destiny take care of itself. Unfortunately, in his quest to not be the Chosen One, he becomes burdened with a bunch of companions with a diverse range of irritating characteristics and for a while there it looks like destiny will have her way with Ambit regardless. The only problem I had with the book was that in between the main action sequences, it felt like the author got a bit bored with the story and just wanted to hurry things along with some bland padding. At one point, Ambit begins to remark on how, despite what he does, his goals start to be met and the right people pop up out of the woodwork, and although this is part of the spoof factor of the story, it doesn’t really make for interesting reading. Overall, however, I found this story to be fun, full of comic situations and generally a solid choice for those who enjoy a bit of spoof of the fantasy genre.
November 13, 2015
A refreshing satire- I don't think I've ever read about someone who tried that hard to avoid fulfilling a prophecy before.
One of my favourite things about K.J. Taylor's books is how she re-interprets classical themes in fantasy. For example, in her griffin books, the partnership between humans and griffins is based more on practicality and mutual benefit instead of some rose-tinted magical bond. Her interpretation of the interactions between humans and demons in Broken Prophecy is not dissimilar. For once, I thought the demons had a pretty logical reason for wanting to eat people!
Despite being satirical, however, there are some serious moments too. Definitely recommended if you're looking for something different to read.
One of my favourite things about K.J. Taylor's books is how she re-interprets classical themes in fantasy. For example, in her griffin books, the partnership between humans and griffins is based more on practicality and mutual benefit instead of some rose-tinted magical bond. Her interpretation of the interactions between humans and demons in Broken Prophecy is not dissimilar. For once, I thought the demons had a pretty logical reason for wanting to eat people!
Despite being satirical, however, there are some serious moments too. Definitely recommended if you're looking for something different to read.
November 2, 2015
Review to come!
December 11, 2015
I like off beat stories. This one was a good one. Quests with an abnormal hero, full of F-bombs and anarchy. I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews