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Street Rats of Aramoor #1
Banished
Beaten. Imprisoned. Banished.
At thirteen, Ayrion learns quickly the consequences of being exceptional.
Staying on top is not always a good thing, especially when the head of your clan has a son who can't stand to lose.
Trained as an assassin, competition for Ayrion is serious. The higher he rises, the deadlier it becomes.
Can he manage to keep his identity as a wielder hidden, or will he ignore his parents' advice and use his magic to win?
This is the Prequel story to the Street Rats of Aramoor series, an offshoot of the Aldoran Chronicles saga.
At thirteen, Ayrion learns quickly the consequences of being exceptional.
Staying on top is not always a good thing, especially when the head of your clan has a son who can't stand to lose.
Trained as an assassin, competition for Ayrion is serious. The higher he rises, the deadlier it becomes.
Can he manage to keep his identity as a wielder hidden, or will he ignore his parents' advice and use his magic to win?
This is the Prequel story to the Street Rats of Aramoor series, an offshoot of the Aldoran Chronicles saga.
210 pages, ebook
First published September 20, 2017
1687 people are currently reading
1178 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wisehart
22 books610 followersLATEST RELEASES:
1. The Tunnels Beneath (The Aldoran Chronicles: Book 4) Releasing December 6th, 2022 on ebook and paperback.
2. Wildfire (Street Rats of Aramoor: Book 5) on Pre-Order. It releases April 5th on ebook.
3. The Four-Part Key (The Aldoran Chronicles: Book 3) Released October 5th, 2021 on ebook.
For more information on my work, visit: https://michaelwisehart.com/
If you're interested in signed copies of my books or collecting in-world merchandise, feel free to stop by Aramoor Market: https://store.michaelwisehart.com/
I don't spend a lot of time writing blog posts, but I do spend a good deal of time keeping up with my readers on Facebook. Feel free to pop in and say hello: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWiseh...
Or if you prefer video: I've just opened a new YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsCw...
ABOUT ME:
I graduated with honors in Business Accounting, but instead of pursuing this field, I returned to school to study film. I spent the next several years honing my visual craft, which I put to good use as I took what I’d learned behind the camera and applied it to the written word.
On April 14, 2014, I opened my laptop and began typing what would become two multiple award-winning series: The Aldoran Chronicles, and Street Rats of Aramoor (both set within the same world, but twenty years apart). By the time my second book released, I had quit my day job, walking away from production altogether, to pursue my writing career.
You can get The White Tower's FREE prequel: (Shackled) by copying and pasting this link in your browser: www.michaelwisehart.com/shackled-wt
1. The Tunnels Beneath (The Aldoran Chronicles: Book 4) Releasing December 6th, 2022 on ebook and paperback.
2. Wildfire (Street Rats of Aramoor: Book 5) on Pre-Order. It releases April 5th on ebook.
3. The Four-Part Key (The Aldoran Chronicles: Book 3) Released October 5th, 2021 on ebook.
For more information on my work, visit: https://michaelwisehart.com/
If you're interested in signed copies of my books or collecting in-world merchandise, feel free to stop by Aramoor Market: https://store.michaelwisehart.com/
I don't spend a lot of time writing blog posts, but I do spend a good deal of time keeping up with my readers on Facebook. Feel free to pop in and say hello: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWiseh...
Or if you prefer video: I've just opened a new YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsCw...
ABOUT ME:
I graduated with honors in Business Accounting, but instead of pursuing this field, I returned to school to study film. I spent the next several years honing my visual craft, which I put to good use as I took what I’d learned behind the camera and applied it to the written word.
On April 14, 2014, I opened my laptop and began typing what would become two multiple award-winning series: The Aldoran Chronicles, and Street Rats of Aramoor (both set within the same world, but twenty years apart). By the time my second book released, I had quit my day job, walking away from production altogether, to pursue my writing career.
You can get The White Tower's FREE prequel: (Shackled) by copying and pasting this link in your browser: www.michaelwisehart.com/shackled-wt
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
September 27, 2017
13 year old Ayrion is so skilled at his tasks that people believe he's a cheater or a liar, at least that's what the head of his clan believes. Ayrion has a gift others in his clan don't have, he has the magical powers of a wielder. Ayrion tries to live in a world where doing his best gets him into trouble.
Banished is the prequel to the upcoming Street Rats of Aramor series. This story focuses on Ayrion's life with the Upaka. A few aspects of the Upaka's way of life surprised me. One of them being they live underground in the city once known as Rhowynn before it's destruction by the volcanic Ash Mount. The city is now known as the Lost City.
Another aspect of Upaka life I didn't realize in The White Tower is that the Upaka are more than just mercenaries or they can be. I didn't understand the reaction Ayrion received in The White Tower and when he left the Lost City in Banished, but now I realize that Upaka are generally called in when killing needs to be done. They will take any job except killing one of their own if the money is right. That's the basis for their civilization so it's not hard to see why people would react negatively to their presence.
Ayrion literally suffers for being too good. He suffers for that in The White Tower and he suffers from that in Banished. He's so good others can't stand it. It's truly a shame as he's just trying his best, his best is just so much better than others that it causes resentment. I just hope that every story about him doesn't involve people hating him because he's better than them.
Banished is a solid look at Ayrion's youth and the Upaka society.
Banished is the prequel to the upcoming Street Rats of Aramor series. This story focuses on Ayrion's life with the Upaka. A few aspects of the Upaka's way of life surprised me. One of them being they live underground in the city once known as Rhowynn before it's destruction by the volcanic Ash Mount. The city is now known as the Lost City.
Another aspect of Upaka life I didn't realize in The White Tower is that the Upaka are more than just mercenaries or they can be. I didn't understand the reaction Ayrion received in The White Tower and when he left the Lost City in Banished, but now I realize that Upaka are generally called in when killing needs to be done. They will take any job except killing one of their own if the money is right. That's the basis for their civilization so it's not hard to see why people would react negatively to their presence.
Ayrion literally suffers for being too good. He suffers for that in The White Tower and he suffers from that in Banished. He's so good others can't stand it. It's truly a shame as he's just trying his best, his best is just so much better than others that it causes resentment. I just hope that every story about him doesn't involve people hating him because he's better than them.
Banished is a solid look at Ayrion's youth and the Upaka society.
April 15, 2018
I picked up this book to scan the first few pages and couldn't drop it till I finished. Highly entertaining every step of the way.
October 9, 2017
I thought this was quite an engaging introduction the Street Rats of Aramoor series. The author writes in an intriguing world but leaving us only bits and pieces, enough to keep us interested and wanting to read the next book.
In regards to Ayrion, I thought we was thoughtfully developed. I can't say more until I actually read the rest in the series but I did like him. Sometimes I forget that he's only a thirteen year old boy who is an assassin! I think Ayrion forgets that too, and that's what makes his character interesting. He's tied between behaving like a teenager or stepping up as hard-hearted assassin.
A list of things I loved: The father and son's dark adventure. The cutesy family of assassins. Living underground (like what?). Themes of prejudice are introduced into the book, and considering what happened I want to know how Ayrion faces them.
There's so much left unanswered in this novella that I can't wait to read the next book!
Follow me on Camillea Reads for more bookish adventures
In regards to Ayrion, I thought we was thoughtfully developed. I can't say more until I actually read the rest in the series but I did like him. Sometimes I forget that he's only a thirteen year old boy who is an assassin! I think Ayrion forgets that too, and that's what makes his character interesting. He's tied between behaving like a teenager or stepping up as hard-hearted assassin.
A list of things I loved: The father and son's dark adventure. The cutesy family of assassins. Living underground (like what?). Themes of prejudice are introduced into the book, and considering what happened I want to know how Ayrion faces them.
There's so much left unanswered in this novella that I can't wait to read the next book!
Follow me on Camillea Reads for more bookish adventures
April 8, 2018
A wonderful exciting adventure!
I absolutely could not put this book down. Ayrion is banished from his home and family only to find that even with his differences from other people, if you do what is right you will be accepted. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. This book has adventure, a touch of magic, and a fantastic new hero to admire. It's a must read for anyone who liked the Arithian series.
I absolutely could not put this book down. Ayrion is banished from his home and family only to find that even with his differences from other people, if you do what is right you will be accepted. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. This book has adventure, a touch of magic, and a fantastic new hero to admire. It's a must read for anyone who liked the Arithian series.
August 14, 2020
LOVE THIS BOOK
I just stumbled on this book and I am so glad. I love the story, the characters and the action. Highly, highly recommended
I just stumbled on this book and I am so glad. I love the story, the characters and the action. Highly, highly recommended
February 18, 2021
This is a title I got hold of on Kindle Unlimited as an Amazon recommendation. Despite the Kindle Unlimited warning, this is actually a decent story, that I was happy to read through to completion. The author knows how to write, and has spent considerable care and attention on the story. I am not a huge fan of self published works, but this one is more "independently published" than self published. The author put together a team of friends that included editors, proof readers and illustrators, and teh care shows in the story.
Ayrion is born to a feared tribe of assassins, outcasts from society, they live a harsh warrior life. Ayrion is himself a prodigy, and this raises envy and injustice. But despite being a prodigy, he is also sensitive - he does not want to kill the innocent, even though that is what they do. In time he will be banished and forced to make his own way in life at the age of 13.
The author does well in creating a sense of injustice and his action sequences are very well done. His prose is good, and he has spent some effort on his characters. The whole story is a good adventure that kicks off a series.
It is not the story a professional publisher would have put out, perhaps. Also, despite the attention to detail, some dialogue came off as incongruous or flat, but none of that prevents it being a good story. My biggest problem with it was that Ayrion had a touch of "Mary Sue" about him. In a couple of important battles there was not really any sense that he could fail, and he doesn't mess up in any other big ways. Despite being 13 he is the one people are turning to for planning and advice. In many other ways he just seemed a bit too special.
Although that was a flaw and there were a number of other flaws, this is still one of the best Kindle Unlimited / self published works I have read. I think mid grade children would lap it up, even though maybe it was intended for young adults.
Ayrion is born to a feared tribe of assassins, outcasts from society, they live a harsh warrior life. Ayrion is himself a prodigy, and this raises envy and injustice. But despite being a prodigy, he is also sensitive - he does not want to kill the innocent, even though that is what they do. In time he will be banished and forced to make his own way in life at the age of 13.
The author does well in creating a sense of injustice and his action sequences are very well done. His prose is good, and he has spent some effort on his characters. The whole story is a good adventure that kicks off a series.
It is not the story a professional publisher would have put out, perhaps. Also, despite the attention to detail, some dialogue came off as incongruous or flat, but none of that prevents it being a good story. My biggest problem with it was that Ayrion had a touch of "Mary Sue" about him. In a couple of important battles there was not really any sense that he could fail, and he doesn't mess up in any other big ways. Despite being 13 he is the one people are turning to for planning and advice. In many other ways he just seemed a bit too special.
Although that was a flaw and there were a number of other flaws, this is still one of the best Kindle Unlimited / self published works I have read. I think mid grade children would lap it up, even though maybe it was intended for young adults.
May 6, 2018
Again good characters with a good story. Very enjoyable to read. Can't wait to read book 2
April 25, 2018
This book is great! I've already downloaded the second one and ready to start it. The fact I can get them for free with kindle unlimited is ridiculous considering how good it is - the world it's set in is so original and wonderfully described. Not too much detail but concisely descriptive, perfect for someone like me who just wants to get lost in a fun fantasy book. I'd love to learn more about the magic which I'm hoping for in the next book, but this is such a great tale.
A young skilled assassin, treacherous journeys, magic and pirates. What more do you need? ✨
A young skilled assassin, treacherous journeys, magic and pirates. What more do you need? ✨
April 7, 2018
Good book for young readers
Perfect book to jump into during a Saturday evening, or a lazy summer day. The pace is quick, the story engaging enough, and the protagonist a very relatable guy. Good book for its target audience. Will give as present to kids between 12 and 14 with zero regrets (excessive judgement not all kids are the same, some blood and violence are to be expected, the subject of death is touched in the book).
Perfect book to jump into during a Saturday evening, or a lazy summer day. The pace is quick, the story engaging enough, and the protagonist a very relatable guy. Good book for its target audience. Will give as present to kids between 12 and 14 with zero regrets (excessive judgement not all kids are the same, some blood and violence are to be expected, the subject of death is touched in the book).
October 10, 2017
Banished, the prequel to The Street Rats of Aramoor by Michael Wisehart is an exciting adventure that introduces Ayrion, a member of the Upakan Tribe. He is an apprentice warrior in a tribe best known, and despised, as mercenary assassins. This story follows him as a 13-year -old. He is accompanying his father to learn more about fulfilling a contract.
This book is full of exciting adventure. The dangers involved in even getting to the town where the mark lives are described in detail, and as Ayrion becomes more skilled, the reader can't help rooting for him, and also comes to respect and admire Naris, Ayrion's father. There are surprising twists to the story that will tug on the reader's heart as well.
I highly recommend this book, and it is suitable for teens, as well as adults who enjoy fantasy and reading about new worlds.
I was given the chance to read this book free of charge from the author. This honest review was in no way influenced by this circumstance.
This book is full of exciting adventure. The dangers involved in even getting to the town where the mark lives are described in detail, and as Ayrion becomes more skilled, the reader can't help rooting for him, and also comes to respect and admire Naris, Ayrion's father. There are surprising twists to the story that will tug on the reader's heart as well.
I highly recommend this book, and it is suitable for teens, as well as adults who enjoy fantasy and reading about new worlds.
I was given the chance to read this book free of charge from the author. This honest review was in no way influenced by this circumstance.
September 27, 2017
Great start to an epic fantasy series
I was invested in the characters in this story from the first few pages. At first I was surprised at the unique setting but was soon intrigued by the characters' reality. Unlike some epic fantasy books, this author does not overburden readers with an excess of detail. He has the ability to create a realistic world that you can get lost in fairly quickly...even those who are new to fantasy will like the story and will be captured by its realism. For fantasy lovers and those who simply love great storytelling, this is a MUST read!
I was invested in the characters in this story from the first few pages. At first I was surprised at the unique setting but was soon intrigued by the characters' reality. Unlike some epic fantasy books, this author does not overburden readers with an excess of detail. He has the ability to create a realistic world that you can get lost in fairly quickly...even those who are new to fantasy will like the story and will be captured by its realism. For fantasy lovers and those who simply love great storytelling, this is a MUST read!
October 12, 2017
Michael Wisehart continues his imaginative saga of Ayrion as he enters the capital city of Aramoor. Where he soon meets the street rats, who welcome him to Aramoor, not in a good way. As atypical of other fantasy writers, from the beginning Michael brings you into the story as Ayrion uses his Upakan teachings, along with his relationship of his newfound friends, to navigate the dangerous environment he is drawn into. One part I liked is where Ayrion and Reeve reach a pivotal point in their relationship. As always, there is action. Lots and lots of Action!!
October 16, 2017
Great Condensed Read
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories where the hero isnt overpowered and everything comes easy to them. The condensing of the storyline was a fresh take in a genre known for its excessive details.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories where the hero isnt overpowered and everything comes easy to them. The condensing of the storyline was a fresh take in a genre known for its excessive details.
May 20, 2018
Great, quick insight into a new world and its people.
October 6, 2017
It's my own fault, I read the first book before the prequel! This is a good book in of itself. It gives the origins of the main character. Read it First.
October 11, 2017
Great story
Shackled was great and I really enjoyed this second story in this world I am looking forward to more stories to come.
Shackled was great and I really enjoyed this second story in this world I am looking forward to more stories to come.
October 12, 2017
So much to love in this short story. I'm absolutely looking forward to Michael's next book. Perhaps what I appreciated the most was the strong family ties created.
November 9, 2017
Leaves you wanting more
I can't wait for more. Each book adds depth to the characters and world Michael has created. I am eager to see how they all got together. A great read.
I can't wait for more. Each book adds depth to the characters and world Michael has created. I am eager to see how they all got together. A great read.
January 8, 2022
Exciting book to read
I could not put the book down and cannot wait to read the next book. I like it that there is only one story line.
I could not put the book down and cannot wait to read the next book. I like it that there is only one story line.
January 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this story, fun and interesting.
May 30, 2022
Original even the common parts were uncommon
The best thing one can say about wasn't fiction is that it was enjoyable, and this was that. Done many here important of make social commentary, others the best type of escapism, many great books make took think. HOWEVER- The bit in the tagline for this review was also true as any statement ever made by man.... In the end there is nothing more fundamental to the human experience than good story telling and hearing or reading a good tale.... One that makes you feel good, be entertained, and maybe even come to care about the characters. Here from the antagonist too predictably stuck on a collision course with bullies which you just KNOW is going to be a coming of age story .... To even bit characters for added color who also act JUST as one would expect BECAUSE IT IS A GREAT story, with lovable bit characters and a likeable protagonist who doesn't cause the pain which is the genesis of the "suffer and struggle unfairly" part of the coming of age arc. He takes a beating and agrees to take a huge loss in shame and pain in public - but instead of allowing the early child part of a father/son antagonist duo to main or kill him, then rape his sister he fights .... Knowing it will mean consequences for his whole family.
The death of that same son villain earns him banishment, which for a 13 year old from a race of people reviled and despised, as well as genuinely feared (as they make livings as assasins) -.banishment is almost a death sentence in and of itself.
So having almost no plan beyond hearing to a city hoping suffering can be avoided with distance and crowds to hide in... Be stays course and begins with the journey.
The plot is not complicated and even the coincidence of running into characters from early on, late in the book, could be seen coming from miles away - AND THAT MAKES IT EVEN MORE OBVIOUS that this is a good writer and GREAT story teller, who manages to make us care about things and people we should find trite and jaded shells of others in a rehashed trope fest.
Instead I liked them and was entertained.
Good job Wisehart.
The best thing one can say about wasn't fiction is that it was enjoyable, and this was that. Done many here important of make social commentary, others the best type of escapism, many great books make took think. HOWEVER- The bit in the tagline for this review was also true as any statement ever made by man.... In the end there is nothing more fundamental to the human experience than good story telling and hearing or reading a good tale.... One that makes you feel good, be entertained, and maybe even come to care about the characters. Here from the antagonist too predictably stuck on a collision course with bullies which you just KNOW is going to be a coming of age story .... To even bit characters for added color who also act JUST as one would expect BECAUSE IT IS A GREAT story, with lovable bit characters and a likeable protagonist who doesn't cause the pain which is the genesis of the "suffer and struggle unfairly" part of the coming of age arc. He takes a beating and agrees to take a huge loss in shame and pain in public - but instead of allowing the early child part of a father/son antagonist duo to main or kill him, then rape his sister he fights .... Knowing it will mean consequences for his whole family.
The death of that same son villain earns him banishment, which for a 13 year old from a race of people reviled and despised, as well as genuinely feared (as they make livings as assasins) -.banishment is almost a death sentence in and of itself.
So having almost no plan beyond hearing to a city hoping suffering can be avoided with distance and crowds to hide in... Be stays course and begins with the journey.
The plot is not complicated and even the coincidence of running into characters from early on, late in the book, could be seen coming from miles away - AND THAT MAKES IT EVEN MORE OBVIOUS that this is a good writer and GREAT story teller, who manages to make us care about things and people we should find trite and jaded shells of others in a rehashed trope fest.
Instead I liked them and was entertained.
Good job Wisehart.
February 29, 2024
This books series wasn't really on my radar, but I did keep getting 'suggestions' from one book site or another pretty frequently. The series hasn't really been discussed by any of the Youtube reviewers that I normally follow so I didn't think too much about for quite a while. Finally I read some of the reviews on Goodreads and they were mostly all very positive, so I decided to give it a try.
I will say I am glad that I did. The book is set in a fantasy setting and there is some light magic involved, but not overdone (which I prefer) and is described as a coming of age tale. What I liked about it as a nice change from a lot of fantasy series is, one...it's a lot shorter than many large books in the genre, and the first book at least didn't seem to take itself too seriously. There wasn't a huge clash of Countries or Governments or Gods all set to collide in an epic battle for the planet at the end of the series 6,000 pages away...no, it's basically about kid that is trying to follow in his Dad's footsteps in the family 'business' and is trying hard to be like him. He obviously admires his dad greatly which also hits home for me personally.
He goes with his dad to do some on the job training and about halfway through the book his whole world gets turned on it's side and he's suddenly forced to survive on his own. He makes some great friends along the way. As a bonus I didn't expect there is also some swashbuckling and ships and pirates thrown in on his journey to Aramoor, which is never a bad thing when written well. (it is)
I thought this book had some great characters and you do get attached to some pretty quickly.
All and all I am glad I picked this book up and I will be continuing on in the series.
I will say I am glad that I did. The book is set in a fantasy setting and there is some light magic involved, but not overdone (which I prefer) and is described as a coming of age tale. What I liked about it as a nice change from a lot of fantasy series is, one...it's a lot shorter than many large books in the genre, and the first book at least didn't seem to take itself too seriously. There wasn't a huge clash of Countries or Governments or Gods all set to collide in an epic battle for the planet at the end of the series 6,000 pages away...no, it's basically about kid that is trying to follow in his Dad's footsteps in the family 'business' and is trying hard to be like him. He obviously admires his dad greatly which also hits home for me personally.
He goes with his dad to do some on the job training and about halfway through the book his whole world gets turned on it's side and he's suddenly forced to survive on his own. He makes some great friends along the way. As a bonus I didn't expect there is also some swashbuckling and ships and pirates thrown in on his journey to Aramoor, which is never a bad thing when written well. (it is)
I thought this book had some great characters and you do get attached to some pretty quickly.
All and all I am glad I picked this book up and I will be continuing on in the series.
December 9, 2022
I had already read The White Tower by Michael Wisehart and honestly wasn't super impressed. I have yet to pick up any other books in that series. I did, however, decide to give this one a go and I'm so glad I did. Were there things that could have been better? Yes. Did I thoroughly enjoy it anyway? Also, yes.
Ayrion is our MC in this story and the entire thing is written in first person from his POV. His voice is strong throughout, funny, and well-written. As one can guess from the title, he is banished from his home at the whopping age of 13. However, this is not actually where the story picks up. For the first half of the book, we get to see what life is like for him in his hometown as he trains to follow in the footsteps of his father and pretty much every one of his people. I will admit, parts of the first half dragged a bit but not so much that I was willing to put the book down.
The second half focuses on his banishment and the string of wild events that follow it. Trouble seems to find Ayrion whether he likes it or not. Along the way, he meets some colorful and interesting characters and battles prejudice against his people (who are considered pretty much outcasts).
Overall, it was a fun read. Lots of action in the last half. Can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
Ayrion is our MC in this story and the entire thing is written in first person from his POV. His voice is strong throughout, funny, and well-written. As one can guess from the title, he is banished from his home at the whopping age of 13. However, this is not actually where the story picks up. For the first half of the book, we get to see what life is like for him in his hometown as he trains to follow in the footsteps of his father and pretty much every one of his people. I will admit, parts of the first half dragged a bit but not so much that I was willing to put the book down.
The second half focuses on his banishment and the string of wild events that follow it. Trouble seems to find Ayrion whether he likes it or not. Along the way, he meets some colorful and interesting characters and battles prejudice against his people (who are considered pretty much outcasts).
Overall, it was a fun read. Lots of action in the last half. Can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
June 26, 2018
Not a bad story. It had plenty of betrayal, fighting, echoes of Mark Twain, people helping people, and of course, your typical bullies who just had to go and screw it up for everyone else, and plenty of action. It's worth reading, but it's not anything spectacular, but still, if you're looking for something to pass the time, and you're interested in a decent story to do it, this one may be what you're looking for. It's interesting enough that I'm planning on reading the next one in the series, but not interesting enough to get on yet another damned mailing list just so I can get a free copy of another book from the same author, which is the offer in the back of the book. No thanks, I get enough spam, Anytime an author tells me I have to sign up for another mailing list just to get a free copy of a book, that tells me I'm not the least bit interested in what that author has to say. If your book isn't good enough to stand on it's own without me having to inflate your subscriber numbers, then it isn't interesting enough for me to bother with it.
I get enough spam from idiots who harvest email addresses from everywhere else my email is already hanging around, and I don't need more just for a free book. Appreciate the offer, but ... no, just no.
I get enough spam from idiots who harvest email addresses from everywhere else my email is already hanging around, and I don't need more just for a free book. Appreciate the offer, but ... no, just no.
August 24, 2020
Well, this was a pleasant surprise. I enjoy Tim Gerard Reynolds - especially for books in the Fantasy genre. He narrates that genre so well in a way that is uniquely him. I alternated between reading and listening and I will admit that I was a little lost at the beginning. It has been a while since I read The White Tower and Plague of Shadows and this is book 1 in a prequel series. We get to see Aryion from childhood and these are his adventures. Anyway, the tale is interesting enough on its on to have peaked my interest and the minute I finished book 1, I was immediately ready to move on to book 2.
It was heart breaking to see what he had to deal with at such an early age with his Upakan clan. Leaving his family and saying his goodbyes had my eyes watering. But, we get to learn early, that while he seems to think he may be cursed, he REALLY does find his way out of jams quite often. Even though he seems to get INTO these jams more often than would seem normal.
If I had a comment, I would have liked all of these different adventures to occur over a longer period of time. The entire first book with ALL of his adventures all took place over the course of a couple of months. That was quite a bit in a short amount of time.
Regardless, I'm on board. Onward to book 2.
It was heart breaking to see what he had to deal with at such an early age with his Upakan clan. Leaving his family and saying his goodbyes had my eyes watering. But, we get to learn early, that while he seems to think he may be cursed, he REALLY does find his way out of jams quite often. Even though he seems to get INTO these jams more often than would seem normal.
If I had a comment, I would have liked all of these different adventures to occur over a longer period of time. The entire first book with ALL of his adventures all took place over the course of a couple of months. That was quite a bit in a short amount of time.
Regardless, I'm on board. Onward to book 2.
January 5, 2019
While I enjoyed Michael Wisehart’s first book, The White Tower, I found I enjoyed his newest series – Street Rats of Aramoor – far more. It was simply less violent and more fun.
This series, so far consisting of two books – Banished and Hurricane, takes place before Wisehart’s The White Tower. It follows a 13-year-old boy named Ayrion, a character you meet as an adult in The White Tower, and tells of his life before he ended up serving as the king’s protector. You learn where he came from and how he ended up in Aramoor.
While the series at this point stops short of telling how Ayrion first meets the king of Aaramoor, I would not be surprised if there are more books to follow, and if there aren’t, as it stands now, the ending of the second book will leave you satisfied.
This is definitely a book worth reading (or listening to if you prefer audio books), and it will be added to my “favorites” list.
To see what other books I enjoy, visit my blog: https://rpbooklist.wordpress.com/
This series, so far consisting of two books – Banished and Hurricane, takes place before Wisehart’s The White Tower. It follows a 13-year-old boy named Ayrion, a character you meet as an adult in The White Tower, and tells of his life before he ended up serving as the king’s protector. You learn where he came from and how he ended up in Aramoor.
While the series at this point stops short of telling how Ayrion first meets the king of Aaramoor, I would not be surprised if there are more books to follow, and if there aren’t, as it stands now, the ending of the second book will leave you satisfied.
This is definitely a book worth reading (or listening to if you prefer audio books), and it will be added to my “favorites” list.
To see what other books I enjoy, visit my blog: https://rpbooklist.wordpress.com/
January 18, 2023
Exciting and Well-Written!
I considered this book, reading the description many times before I finally decided to read it. I am SO glad I did!!
It had me teary eyed in several spots, but had a number a feel-good parts too.
It is very well written with good grammar, good spelling, and skillful writing. The story keeps a good pace and the characters are believable. Just a pleasure to read.
A thirteen year old boy is banished from his home and has to find a way to survive in a world where his kind, the Upakans, are considered outcasts. His Upakan skills come in very handy, but what he ends up finding on his adventures is what is surprising, especially for one from the Upakan race of assassins.
I'd rate this PG-13 mostly for the violence - there are a number of battles, sword fights, and deaths. There is references to rape.
I highly recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription.)
I considered this book, reading the description many times before I finally decided to read it. I am SO glad I did!!
It had me teary eyed in several spots, but had a number a feel-good parts too.
It is very well written with good grammar, good spelling, and skillful writing. The story keeps a good pace and the characters are believable. Just a pleasure to read.
A thirteen year old boy is banished from his home and has to find a way to survive in a world where his kind, the Upakans, are considered outcasts. His Upakan skills come in very handy, but what he ends up finding on his adventures is what is surprising, especially for one from the Upakan race of assassins.
I'd rate this PG-13 mostly for the violence - there are a number of battles, sword fights, and deaths. There is references to rape.
I highly recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription.)
March 9, 2023
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Tim Gerard Reynolds
I started reading this series after reading the first two books of the Aldoran Chronicles, and reading an interview with Wisehart who stated that the first three Street Rats books should be read before the third AC book as we get 'introduced' to a character in AC that was in SRoA.
The story is rather slow and cumbersome in places, and the writing feels/sounds more simplistic. It very much feels like the book is written for a younger audience, where the AC books don't. It was a bit hard to get through, but the other books will be afforded a chance, in the hopes the writing gets better.
As an introduction to Aryon, it was good to get his backstory, and I'm intrigued to see how the author will build upon this character to get him to where I already know him from the AC series. As well as the other characters already introduced in AC.
Narrator: Tim Gerard Reynolds
I started reading this series after reading the first two books of the Aldoran Chronicles, and reading an interview with Wisehart who stated that the first three Street Rats books should be read before the third AC book as we get 'introduced' to a character in AC that was in SRoA.
The story is rather slow and cumbersome in places, and the writing feels/sounds more simplistic. It very much feels like the book is written for a younger audience, where the AC books don't. It was a bit hard to get through, but the other books will be afforded a chance, in the hopes the writing gets better.
As an introduction to Aryon, it was good to get his backstory, and I'm intrigued to see how the author will build upon this character to get him to where I already know him from the AC series. As well as the other characters already introduced in AC.
September 30, 2025
This was the first time reading this author’s work and I am totally in love! I was hooked from page one of this series The Street Rats of Aramoor: Banished.
The characters are well developed and have a lot of depth. I just really couldn’t put it down once I started reading.
I’ve already queued up book two in this series because I can’t wait to see what adventures or should I say misadventures the main character Ayrion has on his journey to finding a place of belonging after banishment from his home.
This first book had plenty of adventures. There is a lot of hatred in the world for Ayrion’s people, who are known assassins for hire, so he already has a lot going against him to begin with, but he is resourceful and actually brilliant in some ways because he also has a couple of very handy magical abilities that help him out of some tight spots.
I can highly recommend this series and the author as well. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
The characters are well developed and have a lot of depth. I just really couldn’t put it down once I started reading.
I’ve already queued up book two in this series because I can’t wait to see what adventures or should I say misadventures the main character Ayrion has on his journey to finding a place of belonging after banishment from his home.
This first book had plenty of adventures. There is a lot of hatred in the world for Ayrion’s people, who are known assassins for hire, so he already has a lot going against him to begin with, but he is resourceful and actually brilliant in some ways because he also has a couple of very handy magical abilities that help him out of some tight spots.
I can highly recommend this series and the author as well. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
June 17, 2022
This is my first book from this author. Since book one has been out for five years, I'm not going to give a plot snippet.
Ayrion is banished from a tribe that lives underground. They're assassins (the book describes them as mercenaries, but from the work they do they're assassins) hired to do various jobs. Anyway, there's a reason I won't go into why Ayrion is banished from the tribe, which is usually a death sentence.
Ayrion does okay for himself. He meets a friend they met earlier in the book, and after that he hires onto a river crew.
This is a light coming of age fantasy story. There's plenty of action, and Ayrion's unique skill set helps the captain and crew in getting things done.
I enjoyed this. It's an easy read, the editing is sharp, and the story flows in a nice way. The fantasy world is well developed, and the story doesn't overstay its welcome.
5/5*
Ayrion is banished from a tribe that lives underground. They're assassins (the book describes them as mercenaries, but from the work they do they're assassins) hired to do various jobs. Anyway, there's a reason I won't go into why Ayrion is banished from the tribe, which is usually a death sentence.
Ayrion does okay for himself. He meets a friend they met earlier in the book, and after that he hires onto a river crew.
This is a light coming of age fantasy story. There's plenty of action, and Ayrion's unique skill set helps the captain and crew in getting things done.
I enjoyed this. It's an easy read, the editing is sharp, and the story flows in a nice way. The fantasy world is well developed, and the story doesn't overstay its welcome.
5/5*
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