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The Dark Assassin #1
The Four Territories
In a world divided into four territories, each with their own unique sun, color, race, and culture, Esh is born and abandoned in the cruelest of all. The red territory of Reah. A land in which every day is an absolute struggle for survival.
One day, an elderly man discovers the boy mortally wounded on the side of the ash-filled streets and takes pity on him, a kindness unknown in the land of Reah. Then, using unorthodox training, he beats the skills necessary for the boy to endure the harshness of the territory. Skills of a master assassin. Combat. Sorcery. Alchemy.
All is going well until a dark and forgotten energy finds its way into young Esh's body. Wreaking havoc on his mind, it threatens to drag his spirit into darkness.
If Esh doesn't use all his mental and physical strength to combat the ancient evil energy then he will surely be defeated.
One day, an elderly man discovers the boy mortally wounded on the side of the ash-filled streets and takes pity on him, a kindness unknown in the land of Reah. Then, using unorthodox training, he beats the skills necessary for the boy to endure the harshness of the territory. Skills of a master assassin. Combat. Sorcery. Alchemy.
All is going well until a dark and forgotten energy finds its way into young Esh's body. Wreaking havoc on his mind, it threatens to drag his spirit into darkness.
If Esh doesn't use all his mental and physical strength to combat the ancient evil energy then he will surely be defeated.
- GenresFantasy
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2017
355 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Stevie Collier
25 books145 followersStevie Collier is an International Bestselling Author who writes highly unique... and sometimes strange Fantasy Novels! You won't find a similar style like his anywhere else!
When he isn't writing dark and high fantasy, you can find Stevie at the gym pumping iron or running with his spoiled white Siberian Husk named Spartacus.
He also loves watching movies (Horror, Action, and Comedy) along with a few anime series. Not to mention that he is also an avid gamer! (Currently dying millions of times playing Sekiro... he's a glutton for punishment lol)
He grew up with way too many creative ideas in his head. In his opinion, they were meant to be drawn but... Stevie doesn't know how to draw. That is why he writes! Let him draw a picture for you in your mind.
When he isn't writing dark and high fantasy, you can find Stevie at the gym pumping iron or running with his spoiled white Siberian Husk named Spartacus.
He also loves watching movies (Horror, Action, and Comedy) along with a few anime series. Not to mention that he is also an avid gamer! (Currently dying millions of times playing Sekiro... he's a glutton for punishment lol)
He grew up with way too many creative ideas in his head. In his opinion, they were meant to be drawn but... Stevie doesn't know how to draw. That is why he writes! Let him draw a picture for you in your mind.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 5, 2017
Unable to finish this story
What seemed to have potential for an interesting and unique story, just did not come fruition. Could not bring myself to finish this book. The writing style just seemed childish and combined with bad story telling, the book didn’t hold my attention. It seemed like the writer had too many things he wanted the protagonist and this world he created to be that nothing made sense and it was just unenjoyable. The writer seemed to think it created mystery by having a character half explain something and then deciding it wasn’t the right time or they had something else to do and stop. It just pushed me away from reading further.
What seemed to have potential for an interesting and unique story, just did not come fruition. Could not bring myself to finish this book. The writing style just seemed childish and combined with bad story telling, the book didn’t hold my attention. It seemed like the writer had too many things he wanted the protagonist and this world he created to be that nothing made sense and it was just unenjoyable. The writer seemed to think it created mystery by having a character half explain something and then deciding it wasn’t the right time or they had something else to do and stop. It just pushed me away from reading further.
September 25, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book very much. There's plenty of action and it's easy to become involved with Esh and his responses to the good and bad situations in his life. He has a roller-coaster ride of emotional trials and takes you on the ride. A great blend of Ninja type action, fantasy and supernatural. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. Read it and you won't be able to put it down either.
September 25, 2017
A good foray into fantasy,with no hand-holding,or apologies allowed! Just finished,and I can't get more story till next book! READ IT,and you'll see...
October 11, 2017
I absolutely loved this book it wad extremely well written. I love the mesh up of genres from dark urban fantasy to epic and swords and sorcery. The characters have depth and the plot has adventure and pot twists to delight anyone. I highly recommend it since I couldn't put it down!
October 5, 2017
This book was awesome! It was hard to put down. It keeps you on the edge of your seat! Please write more. I love your style.
January 23, 2018
Here's my audible review (hence the Q&A):
What did you like best about The Four Territories? What did you like least?
I liked the world it was set in, it's an interesting concept of dividing it into four distinct territories, completely separate from the others. The characters were okay, Ash in particular behaved as a teenager should for the most part.There was a vein of humour throughout.
What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
It was basically as expected, with a view to future books.
What about Doug Tisdale Jr.’s performance did you like?
He was clear, but his accents were inconsistent, particularly regional dialects. He was clear and concise though.
Was The Four Territories worth the listening time?
Sure. It won't blow you away, but it's a lighthearted story.
Any additional comments?
I'm a bit confused about the target audience. Is it Adult? YA? Teen. It definitely felt like a YA or Teen novel in pacing and language.
Maybe 3.5/5 stars.
What did you like best about The Four Territories? What did you like least?
I liked the world it was set in, it's an interesting concept of dividing it into four distinct territories, completely separate from the others. The characters were okay, Ash in particular behaved as a teenager should for the most part.There was a vein of humour throughout.
What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
It was basically as expected, with a view to future books.
What about Doug Tisdale Jr.’s performance did you like?
He was clear, but his accents were inconsistent, particularly regional dialects. He was clear and concise though.
Was The Four Territories worth the listening time?
Sure. It won't blow you away, but it's a lighthearted story.
Any additional comments?
I'm a bit confused about the target audience. Is it Adult? YA? Teen. It definitely felt like a YA or Teen novel in pacing and language.
Maybe 3.5/5 stars.
January 30, 2018
Wasted 5 hours listening then tried skipping still I couldn't finish it. Couldn't empathize or respect the lead protagonist. Kept makeing stupid mistake to someone who's been trained by masters.
May 10, 2018
I received a free copy of The Four Territories for review.
Mr. Collier has a vivid imagination and uses it to create a imagined world of wierd.
The hero, an orphan named Esh, is born into a territory whose ecology is ruled by an intense, glaring almost constant sun. The ground is covered in ash of things killed in lava-like rain. Like most orphans or foundlings in fantasy novels, Esh has a secret heritage . It is that he is the son of powerful socercer/alchemist. Eventually, he leaves the horrid orphanage and learns to live outside the walls, where he is apprenticed to a trash gatherer. Who is no ordinary garbage man , of course, but a secret assassin, Mage, alchemist, etc. The book is about how Esh is taught to grow into and use his many secret powers, mentored by the Trash Man and an alchemist/ healer who seems immortal.
I could not connect or sympathize with Esh as a character, nor, In my opinion did the author really develop any sense that there was bonding between Esh and his mentors. I looked for a growing depth of emotional connection and there was not much at all. There was a graphic novel shallowness to the book. Action was all.
I think that the book should be catalogued in the fantasy-magic-horror genre. Mr Collier has employed his imagination to create heroic and heroically terrifying characters, fearsome beasts, and ghastly demons . Combat scenes are full of blood ( of various colors and consistencies) , chunks of gore and stomach- churning atrocity. There are numerous adventures as Esh grows from boy to a killing machine of a man: gladiator-like fights in the arena; impridonment by a tyrant; escapes; exploring ; love ; revenge.
The book was more than a bit outside my usual choice of heroic military fantasy Sci- fi reading I wanted to like it because truly the author has great imaginative thinking and it had some promising moments. But it simply just was not easy for me to enjoy. I labored through it, which is why it took me so long to finish the book. I will not read the sequel.
Remember that this is one reader's opinion, shaped by his own tastes. Give it a try, you may enjoy it.
Mr. Collier has a vivid imagination and uses it to create a imagined world of wierd.
The hero, an orphan named Esh, is born into a territory whose ecology is ruled by an intense, glaring almost constant sun. The ground is covered in ash of things killed in lava-like rain. Like most orphans or foundlings in fantasy novels, Esh has a secret heritage . It is that he is the son of powerful socercer/alchemist. Eventually, he leaves the horrid orphanage and learns to live outside the walls, where he is apprenticed to a trash gatherer. Who is no ordinary garbage man , of course, but a secret assassin, Mage, alchemist, etc. The book is about how Esh is taught to grow into and use his many secret powers, mentored by the Trash Man and an alchemist/ healer who seems immortal.
I could not connect or sympathize with Esh as a character, nor, In my opinion did the author really develop any sense that there was bonding between Esh and his mentors. I looked for a growing depth of emotional connection and there was not much at all. There was a graphic novel shallowness to the book. Action was all.
I think that the book should be catalogued in the fantasy-magic-horror genre. Mr Collier has employed his imagination to create heroic and heroically terrifying characters, fearsome beasts, and ghastly demons . Combat scenes are full of blood ( of various colors and consistencies) , chunks of gore and stomach- churning atrocity. There are numerous adventures as Esh grows from boy to a killing machine of a man: gladiator-like fights in the arena; impridonment by a tyrant; escapes; exploring ; love ; revenge.
The book was more than a bit outside my usual choice of heroic military fantasy Sci- fi reading I wanted to like it because truly the author has great imaginative thinking and it had some promising moments. But it simply just was not easy for me to enjoy. I labored through it, which is why it took me so long to finish the book. I will not read the sequel.
Remember that this is one reader's opinion, shaped by his own tastes. Give it a try, you may enjoy it.
July 18, 2020
This is a rare book in that I really couldn't bring myself to finish it. The story telling is poor. The characters just not very realistic, the set up and concept seems forced.
The orphan esh's life seems too terrible, if its that bad a society why would they even bother to raise him in an orphanage and not simply allow him to die? And a world with 4 different suns over different lands, er general physics totally ignored. His mentor a trash man and assassin? An official who walks the streets randomly stabbing homeless people because he likes the feel of his sword entering flesh and no one minds?
And the insert of the back story of his parents to tell the tale of the order felt like it was inserted with the finesse of a crowbar. And the secret orders premise is strained. Why kill your own countries forces to stop them raiding other lands? And never bother to contact the other lands or find out about them until the other lands attack them for stopping a raiding party that was attacking that other land..... Er what why huh? Beyong logical reasoning at this point and was the last straw for me. I could find no redeeming qualities in this book to make me want to invest the time it would take to finish it.
The orphan esh's life seems too terrible, if its that bad a society why would they even bother to raise him in an orphanage and not simply allow him to die? And a world with 4 different suns over different lands, er general physics totally ignored. His mentor a trash man and assassin? An official who walks the streets randomly stabbing homeless people because he likes the feel of his sword entering flesh and no one minds?
And the insert of the back story of his parents to tell the tale of the order felt like it was inserted with the finesse of a crowbar. And the secret orders premise is strained. Why kill your own countries forces to stop them raiding other lands? And never bother to contact the other lands or find out about them until the other lands attack them for stopping a raiding party that was attacking that other land..... Er what why huh? Beyong logical reasoning at this point and was the last straw for me. I could find no redeeming qualities in this book to make me want to invest the time it would take to finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2018
Perhaps my favorite things about the book were the metal animals and insects that inhabit the Red Territory. I would love to see more of those and learn a little about how they work in future books. I also like what I have seen of the world building so far and would like to see more of the other territories.
This book boasts several good plot twists and some very disturbing characters. It is very violent and gory, so if you like that in a book, you will find that here. Also the main character, Esh, goes through a lot of difficult things and increases in confidence and education as the book goes on.
Some things I struggled with a bit in this book were some inconsistencies in the writing style. Characters spoke in a mostly old-fashioned vocabulary, as you'd expect to find in a fantasy novel, but they would sometimes break from that and use a more modern term from time to time. There were also some confusing parts to the relationship between Esh and the love interest that did not feel quite realistic to me. But I look forward to finding out how things work out between them in future books.
This book boasts several good plot twists and some very disturbing characters. It is very violent and gory, so if you like that in a book, you will find that here. Also the main character, Esh, goes through a lot of difficult things and increases in confidence and education as the book goes on.
Some things I struggled with a bit in this book were some inconsistencies in the writing style. Characters spoke in a mostly old-fashioned vocabulary, as you'd expect to find in a fantasy novel, but they would sometimes break from that and use a more modern term from time to time. There were also some confusing parts to the relationship between Esh and the love interest that did not feel quite realistic to me. But I look forward to finding out how things work out between them in future books.
March 26, 2018
Great book from start to finish and will leave you wanting more. This book starts fast and keeps its steam trough out great character development, where as you do not wait and wait for them to come into there own they have to by circumstance. The Esh grabs his life by the horns and betters him self and does what is needed.Fast paced you are not brought into to a book where you will read 10 chapters of description to get into part of the story. The flow keeps you going as a constant page turner. Wondering what is behind each page. You will read about new character races i am not sure have ever been used as part of a main cast, Its a refreshing twist when all other books lately in this genera have been the same story just with a different twist of characters. I would call Esh a hero but the way the author writes he could be the villain by the time this is over. I know its used over and over but i do not see a lot of the stuff coming that written
February 22, 2018
This is a very interesting book. Its a bit hard to understand the world it inhabits. But let me help, but just a little. A world divided in four territories or better put lands. The inhabitants depending on what territory they are born to acquire the traits of the territory. Esh the main characters and who's story we are following was born in the Red Territory. Even though he was born there he can't stop the suffering from the heat. He thinks its due to his dual ancestry. But its not until he graduates out of the Orphanage that he begins to truly live.
Esh joins a group of men and becomes an assassin. Along the way learning about the world and about himself. His story is quite captivating. His power due to his parents is also quite interesting.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Esh joins a group of men and becomes an assassin. Along the way learning about the world and about himself. His story is quite captivating. His power due to his parents is also quite interesting.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 10, 2017
Overall, a good read. One can definitely tell this is the Stevie Collier's first novel due to writing style (over-explaining) and some minor grammar issues.
The world building was incredibly creative. I really liked the differences in the Territories; there were different creatures, human types, and atmospheres. I would like to see more descriptions though of everything to give a better picture.
The character building could use a little work. There's a good base line for each character and sticking to their characteristics, but I feel like there could have been more depth and time spent on building each one.
I would love to see more from Stevie and his imagination though!
The world building was incredibly creative. I really liked the differences in the Territories; there were different creatures, human types, and atmospheres. I would like to see more descriptions though of everything to give a better picture.
The character building could use a little work. There's a good base line for each character and sticking to their characteristics, but I feel like there could have been more depth and time spent on building each one.
I would love to see more from Stevie and his imagination though!
October 10, 2017
This is a great coming of age story, with a wonderful plot with developed and believable characters.
I loved reading this, and didnt want to put it down till I finished it. The characters could have been a bit better developed, but then you also increase the reading and how many exposition pages does one want anyway? I recieved this book from the author, and am reviewing it because its so freaking good.
I loved reading this, and didnt want to put it down till I finished it. The characters could have been a bit better developed, but then you also increase the reading and how many exposition pages does one want anyway? I recieved this book from the author, and am reviewing it because its so freaking good.
November 12, 2017
The Four Territories will not disappoint! The author successfully layered an action-packed story with likable characters while also creating a unique fantasy world without ever losing your interest. He weaves it all together without sacrificing the pacing of the plot or overloading you with unnecessary details, and still he manages to wonderfully flesh out this new world along with including some most welcomed interest-piquing backstory. Needless to say, I will be looking forward to the sequel!
April 19, 2018
Greatly balanced book!
This book is good enough to pull you in and make you want to stay, but still let you look away and live your own life. It uses a tried and true plot type, but also has plenty if nuances in it such as a very large assassin. Never dull, but a good balance of action and slower moments.
This book is good enough to pull you in and make you want to stay, but still let you look away and live your own life. It uses a tried and true plot type, but also has plenty if nuances in it such as a very large assassin. Never dull, but a good balance of action and slower moments.
January 3, 2018
Gets better as you read
Seemed like the author was split between character development and weaving a complex story line. At first neither is done well but about half way thru the author hits their stride and balances the two well.
Seemed like the author was split between character development and weaving a complex story line. At first neither is done well but about half way thru the author hits their stride and balances the two well.
February 13, 2018
Growing up I was never much of a reader. Books just were eh to me but for some reason I downloaded kindle and was looking around I saw this book and I thought well why not. And well it was everything I liked and I just want more and so now I’m stuck waiting. But it will be well worth it.
August 19, 2018
Below average
Some incorrect use of words ultimately broke the suspension of disbelief for me. One minor character who should know better uses the word 'civilization' as a synonym for 'village' or perhaps 'town'. Couldn't take it seriously after that.
Some incorrect use of words ultimately broke the suspension of disbelief for me. One minor character who should know better uses the word 'civilization' as a synonym for 'village' or perhaps 'town'. Couldn't take it seriously after that.
October 10, 2017
a wonderful read which i couldnt put down
April 9, 2018
Awesome read!
Full of action and adventure, this one made me stay up later than I wanted to to see the ending! Can’t wait to read the next!
Full of action and adventure, this one made me stay up later than I wanted to to see the ending! Can’t wait to read the next!
May 17, 2018
It's a good start to the series with room for a lot of developments and exploration. However I did feel that many of the situations in the book was pale and could have been more interesting.
July 20, 2019
I enjoyed the concept of this book. The characters are relatable to a world that is strange. It’s a gripping, somewhat humorous, dark fantasy. Brought my imagination to life.
October 31, 2020
Dark
Good story and some interesting characters. A little juvenile in spots but I am getting the second book, so we shall see where it goes from here.
Good story and some interesting characters. A little juvenile in spots but I am getting the second book, so we shall see where it goes from here.
Read
August 9, 2018DNF
This was a tough one. Similar to many fantasy titles but with just enough differences to keep the reader marveling at the settings.
I gave myself until the halfway point to determine whether to continue. Well when Part One ended, I found I didn't really care about any of it. Sure, like I said the settings were interesting, but it just wasn't enough to go on.
Not recommended.
This was a tough one. Similar to many fantasy titles but with just enough differences to keep the reader marveling at the settings.
I gave myself until the halfway point to determine whether to continue. Well when Part One ended, I found I didn't really care about any of it. Sure, like I said the settings were interesting, but it just wasn't enough to go on.
Not recommended.
Read
September 6, 2018Can,t wait for the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews