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The Riven Wyrde Saga
Reaver
The Reavers of the Barren Isles, the wolves of the sea. Raiders that course out from their island home to plunder merchantmen and villages both. The oarsmen of these reaving crews are feted as heroes among men. Destined for a life of blood and glory.
For Klöss the choice between the life of an oarsman, or the safe, mundane existence of his father's shop was an easy one. With help from his uncle he has his dream within reach. Now his training is complete he is able to seek work with any of the reaving crews of the Barren Isles. But there are those that will always look to his uncle as the root of his success.
In a bid to stave off whispers of family and favour, Klöss finds himself seeking work from the Low Docks, a place ruled by the underbelly of Hesk rather than by the sealord. A place where names and birth are ignored as easily as laws. But there are worse things than whispers and rumour, and on the decks of the reaver Klöss finds that cruelty and greed are easily eclipsed by madness.
For Klöss the choice between the life of an oarsman, or the safe, mundane existence of his father's shop was an easy one. With help from his uncle he has his dream within reach. Now his training is complete he is able to seek work with any of the reaving crews of the Barren Isles. But there are those that will always look to his uncle as the root of his success.
In a bid to stave off whispers of family and favour, Klöss finds himself seeking work from the Low Docks, a place ruled by the underbelly of Hesk rather than by the sealord. A place where names and birth are ignored as easily as laws. But there are worse things than whispers and rumour, and on the decks of the reaver Klöss finds that cruelty and greed are easily eclipsed by madness.
- GenresFantasy
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2017
8 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Graham Austin-King
15 books353 followersGraham Austin-King was born in the south of England and weaned on broken swords and half-forgotten spells. A shortage of these forced him to consume fantasy novels at an ever-increasing rate, turning to computers and tabletop gaming between meals.
He experimented with writing at the beginning of an education that meandered through journalism, international relations, and law. To this day he is committed to never allowing those first efforts to reach public eyes.
After spending a decade in Canada, learning what 'cold' really means, and being horrified by poutine, he settled once again in the UK with a seemingly endless horde of children.
To date he is the author of five novels, drawing on a foundation of literary influences ranging from David Eddings to Clive Barker.
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Find Graham on facebook at http://on.fb.me/1pMyWmK He loves to chat with readers.
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What others are saying about Graham's books:
"Austin-King's writing is descriptive and layered, full of mystery and tension..." - Sarah Chorn, Bookworm Blues
"The action is great, the suspense is well done and the Fae are truly scary." - Leanne Ellis, Bloody Cake News
"...If you like fantasy books which you can really get stuck into then this one is for you!" - Bodicia, A Woman's Wisdom Blog
"...This is a fantastic fantasy! I loved it!" - Lynn Worton, Book Reviews by Lynn.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 15, 2017
I was a proof-reader for this. It was pretty awesome and I'll review it properly when I've read the finished version. Until then, it was an enticing tale about 2 young-ish lads who end up as (sort of) pirates in an action-packed, enthralling seabound novella.
December 22, 2020
This novella takes place in the Ryven Wyrde world, but it can be read on it's own, without spoiling the series.
It is about Klöss, one of the main characters of the Fae series, and about his first time out on see after finishing his training. I really enjoyed getting a deeper view into his character, and the plot was interesting enough to keep me glued to the pages. The prose is as always exactly my style - one of the reasons I enjoy Austin-Kings books so very much!
I think you get the most out of this one if you already read the main series, but it can also be used as a "sampler" of the series, and a reread is always a good idea anyway...
It is about Klöss, one of the main characters of the Fae series, and about his first time out on see after finishing his training. I really enjoyed getting a deeper view into his character, and the plot was interesting enough to keep me glued to the pages. The prose is as always exactly my style - one of the reasons I enjoy Austin-Kings books so very much!
I think you get the most out of this one if you already read the main series, but it can also be used as a "sampler" of the series, and a reread is always a good idea anyway...
November 17, 2017
For honesty sake, more like 4.5. Great novella in the similar voice to Faithless. This time it is not a tale of priests and miners but viking-esque nautical story. Same strong prose and character building, all set in a low-magic late medieval setting.
My only slight gripes with this story are (and this is me being picky):
1. Why would there be schools for Norsemen on how to become a viking/pirate? It just strikes me as odd...
2. I find that Graham Austin-King has a bias for 'good people'. Somehow there are just too many 'good guys' in his books. I think by making the story a bit grittier - it would improve the realism of the events. Otherwise, the story edges too closely to 'PG-rating' for my liking. More shadows of grey should add zest to the narrative
Otherwise - it is all good stuff!
My only slight gripes with this story are (and this is me being picky):
1. Why would there be schools for Norsemen on how to become a viking/pirate? It just strikes me as odd...
2. I find that Graham Austin-King has a bias for 'good people'. Somehow there are just too many 'good guys' in his books. I think by making the story a bit grittier - it would improve the realism of the events. Otherwise, the story edges too closely to 'PG-rating' for my liking. More shadows of grey should add zest to the narrative
Otherwise - it is all good stuff!
January 11, 2018
I've read the Ryven Wyrde series and truly enjoyed them so I was very pleased to pick up this novella set in the same world. (It can be read seperately though!)
Fantastic to get to know one of my favorite characters from the series better in this Viking-like setting where almost all of the story takes place on a ship (a reaver).
I loved the writing and storytelling and would certainly recommend this to anyone.
If you've read the series this is a wonderful bonus. If you haven't you'll want to after finishing this!
Fantastic to get to know one of my favorite characters from the series better in this Viking-like setting where almost all of the story takes place on a ship (a reaver).
I loved the writing and storytelling and would certainly recommend this to anyone.
If you've read the series this is a wonderful bonus. If you haven't you'll want to after finishing this!
November 16, 2017
Really liked this short piece... it was extremely well done. Loved the MCs and found the world to be quite interesting. I definitely plan to read more of the author's books in this series.
December 24, 2017
I loved Graham Austin-King Faithless. I was curious about his other books. This novella takes place in the Ryven Wyrde world. It is said it can be read on its own. Good as I haven’t read Fae series yet.
The main Hero - Klöss has just completed his training. Because he’s a noble and has influential family he can have almost any work he wants. And yet he finds himself seeking work from the Low Docks, a place ruled by the underbelly of Hesk rather than by the sealord. A place where names and birth are ignored as easily as laws. But there are worse things than whispers and rumour, and on the decks of the reaver Klöss finds that cruelty and greed are easily eclipsed by madness.
I loved the writing. It’s not surprising. The author is a skilled wordsmith. On the other hand, novella format doesn’t allow for a lot of world-building and character development. I believe that readers who know Kloss from other books will appreciate this story much more than I. For me, though, it felt a bit too linear.
It was on ok story that didn’t manage to move me in any significant way.
The main Hero - Klöss has just completed his training. Because he’s a noble and has influential family he can have almost any work he wants. And yet he finds himself seeking work from the Low Docks, a place ruled by the underbelly of Hesk rather than by the sealord. A place where names and birth are ignored as easily as laws. But there are worse things than whispers and rumour, and on the decks of the reaver Klöss finds that cruelty and greed are easily eclipsed by madness.
I loved the writing. It’s not surprising. The author is a skilled wordsmith. On the other hand, novella format doesn’t allow for a lot of world-building and character development. I believe that readers who know Kloss from other books will appreciate this story much more than I. For me, though, it felt a bit too linear.
It was on ok story that didn’t manage to move me in any significant way.
December 14, 2017
A great novella featuring Kloss and the Bjornmen from the Riven-Wyrde Saga. Evocative, this story really gives you a feel of what it must feel like to be at sea in the longship, low on supplies, injured and pursuing a quarry you will never catch.
An engrossing read.
An engrossing read.
June 6, 2018
A good short story that works well as a companion to The Riven Wyrde saga The Wild Hunt.
This is just over 70 pages about two of the male characters from the aforementioned book. Kloss and Tristan are young and Kloss doesn't wish to live off the reputation of his famous uncle, so he and Tristan 'embark' (pun intended) on an initiation adventure aboard a Reaver (rowing ship) to prove themselves.
It is not easy on board a reaver. The shipmaster is as rough as the sea itself and the oar-master is just as abrasive and confrontational. I could almost feel the blisters forming on my hands as I read of Kloss straining against an oar.
It gives a lot of nice background on Kloss as a character, so when you return to the main trilogy you will understand more about him as an individual. And his friend Tristan too.
The author manages to fit a lot into these 70+pages. Pursuit, combat, violence, dialogue and the underlying sense of honour towards others that Kloss exudes. If you like the idea of adventure and piracy on the high-seas you should give this short story a try.
This is just over 70 pages about two of the male characters from the aforementioned book. Kloss and Tristan are young and Kloss doesn't wish to live off the reputation of his famous uncle, so he and Tristan 'embark' (pun intended) on an initiation adventure aboard a Reaver (rowing ship) to prove themselves.
It is not easy on board a reaver. The shipmaster is as rough as the sea itself and the oar-master is just as abrasive and confrontational. I could almost feel the blisters forming on my hands as I read of Kloss straining against an oar.
It gives a lot of nice background on Kloss as a character, so when you return to the main trilogy you will understand more about him as an individual. And his friend Tristan too.
The author manages to fit a lot into these 70+pages. Pursuit, combat, violence, dialogue and the underlying sense of honour towards others that Kloss exudes. If you like the idea of adventure and piracy on the high-seas you should give this short story a try.
November 16, 2017
Highly enjoyable short story that does a great job of introducing you to parts of this world. I want more. Definitely recommended.
November 19, 2017
A wonderful wee novella based in the Riven Wyrde world. Here we get to follow Klöss on his first adventure after his training is complete. Very enjoyable!
December 13, 2020
A good short story that takes place during the first book of the Riven Wyrde trilogy
This book focuses on Kloss, with Tristan by his side, of course. It's basically his coming-of-age story. He wants to prove he's more than his famed uncle's nephew and does so spectacularly
I want very much to read more books set in this universe. I want to know more about the magics and peoples who live there. The girl on the other ship would have an amazing story, I'm sure.
This was a comfortable trip to take with a character I've been reading about previously. A journey to explain more about him and how he came to be where he was between the first and second books. That's not to say it wasn't a solid story. There was still a lot going on. There wasn't as much time to develop the other characters as deeply as in the trilogy, but this is a novella and he did a great job fleshing out characters in the space he had.
Definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the Riven Wyrde series, especially Kloss.
This book focuses on Kloss, with Tristan by his side, of course. It's basically his coming-of-age story. He wants to prove he's more than his famed uncle's nephew and does so spectacularly
I want very much to read more books set in this universe. I want to know more about the magics and peoples who live there. The girl on the other ship would have an amazing story, I'm sure.
This was a comfortable trip to take with a character I've been reading about previously. A journey to explain more about him and how he came to be where he was between the first and second books. That's not to say it wasn't a solid story. There was still a lot going on. There wasn't as much time to develop the other characters as deeply as in the trilogy, but this is a novella and he did a great job fleshing out characters in the space he had.
Definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the Riven Wyrde series, especially Kloss.
February 6, 2022
What a great story! Easy to read, immersive and great action scenes! Often readers (and writers) overlook the daily logistics of what it would have been like at sea (fatigue, water supply, food supply, crew morale, repairs etc.). Austin-King nails this on the head so perfectly without making it boring. Quite the opposite. The little girl on the scow brings in an element of inhuman power, which was a nice touch to the story. It was an excellent tale and certainly well worth the read. I just wish there were more stories from this world.
November 28, 2025
It was nice to delve into the series again with this novella, that I somehow missed.
August 8, 2021
A little Reaving goes along way.
One of my favourite series of this year, absolutley beautifully told, by a master story teller, In this little cracking short story in the Fae Series, we follow one of the main protagonist, set after Klöss first Reaving to the Farmlands, Klöss needs to break out on his own to prove himself and not have everyone think he is just the Sealords nephew with a free pass, looking to make a name and become his own man, we get to see a side of Klöss before he becomes a major player in the main series, fantastic read, beware of the blood red sails, highly recommend....😁💙
One of my favourite series of this year, absolutley beautifully told, by a master story teller, In this little cracking short story in the Fae Series, we follow one of the main protagonist, set after Klöss first Reaving to the Farmlands, Klöss needs to break out on his own to prove himself and not have everyone think he is just the Sealords nephew with a free pass, looking to make a name and become his own man, we get to see a side of Klöss before he becomes a major player in the main series, fantastic read, beware of the blood red sails, highly recommend....😁💙
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews