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Soul Stones #0.2
Kingsbane
Some things aren't meant to be found.
Ocken's life has been a constant battle for survival, from the harsh desert lands of his youth to his service as one of Sunbury's royal guard, sworn to protect the king.
Khate is a woman shrouded in mystery. Rumors abound that she's the king's personal assassin and she's all too happy to spread them. The only companions she desires are her blades.
When pregnancy complications threaten to take the life of Sunbury's queen, the king embarks on a impossible quest to obtain a legendary stone rumored to have the power to heal any malady. As loyal servants to the crown, Ocken and Khate find themselves on a harrowing adventure fraught with pain and destruction.
Each day that passes is one less for the queen's survival. Time is running out. Will they find the stone before it's too late and at what cost?
Ocken's life has been a constant battle for survival, from the harsh desert lands of his youth to his service as one of Sunbury's royal guard, sworn to protect the king.
Khate is a woman shrouded in mystery. Rumors abound that she's the king's personal assassin and she's all too happy to spread them. The only companions she desires are her blades.
When pregnancy complications threaten to take the life of Sunbury's queen, the king embarks on a impossible quest to obtain a legendary stone rumored to have the power to heal any malady. As loyal servants to the crown, Ocken and Khate find themselves on a harrowing adventure fraught with pain and destruction.
Each day that passes is one less for the queen's survival. Time is running out. Will they find the stone before it's too late and at what cost?
- GenresFantasy
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2018
48 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Branson
18 books304 followersT.L. Branson is the author of the Soul Stones series. Branson started writing when he was eighteen and has contributed articles to several blogs and websites over the years. Soul Render is his debut novel in a planned trilogy. He finds his inspiration from the kings (and queen) of story, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, George Lucas, and J.K. Rowling. Born in Pennsylvania, he currently lives in California with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 8, 2018
Each of these stories just gets better and better. Though I must say I kinda hate what happens to the King in this one. I really liked him, Callum and the others. This story tells of an epic quest with an unexpected ending. The story for this novella is particularly engaging and it sucked me in immediately and I could not put it down. I have to say that two novellas in and I am extremely impressed by the world-building skills of this author. I am also finding the creatures and magic in these stories to be fascinating. The story for this novella is particularly engaging and it sucked me in immediately and I could not put it down. Well I am on to the next novella Ash & Steel!
April 11, 2018
This story skips few years ahead and starts when everyone is a bit older, more serious, and adjusted to their new roles in life. Callum and Drygo take a back seat in this story, as it focuses on Ocken, one of Drygo's royal guards, and Khate, sister of Evelyn who we met in the previous book.
Four of them, accompanied by several other guards, embark on a dangerous journey to find a legendary stone, one of the stones belonging to forgotten Gods, which is said to heal all maladies. This journey is not only dangerous, but is said to be impossible to survive, however, desperate times call for desperate measures, and since all else failed they decide to try one last hope.
It is nice that the author is introducing characters in this manner and focusing most of his attention on only two of the characters, but without neglecting the development of the other characters. The author's writing is fantastic, and it has a very nice flow to it. Vivid descriptions bring the landscapes closer and battles more brutal.
Maybe it is the maturity of the characters, or the seriousness of their roles, but this story, unlike the previous one, has a very serious and ominous vibe, which is strange, because Callum is much safer than before when he was constantly on the verge of being killed. But this story has a more of a life and death feel to it. Maybe it is because we finally get introduced to mythical creatures and ancient magic. Or maybe it is because things do not always go according to a plan. The abrupt ending emphasises the loss, sadness and a sort of helplessness.
This story carries certain sadness and painful realism of loss not usually present in fantasy, which is further emphasised by an abrupt ending. It adds to the originality of the story and plausibility of the plot. It should be noted that this story reads as one with the Ash and Steele and the two need to be read in order in order to get the best out of the reading experience.
So far it does not seem important to read the stories in order, but I recommend it for the better understanding of the characters: Midnight Blade, Kingsbane, Ash and Steel, or Soul Siphon set, which apart from the first three, includes Sentinels of the Stone, the fourth prequel novella. The first two books of the series have been announced Soul Render (Soul Stones, #1) and Soul Shade (Soul Stones, #2).
Four of them, accompanied by several other guards, embark on a dangerous journey to find a legendary stone, one of the stones belonging to forgotten Gods, which is said to heal all maladies. This journey is not only dangerous, but is said to be impossible to survive, however, desperate times call for desperate measures, and since all else failed they decide to try one last hope.
It is nice that the author is introducing characters in this manner and focusing most of his attention on only two of the characters, but without neglecting the development of the other characters. The author's writing is fantastic, and it has a very nice flow to it. Vivid descriptions bring the landscapes closer and battles more brutal.
Maybe it is the maturity of the characters, or the seriousness of their roles, but this story, unlike the previous one, has a very serious and ominous vibe, which is strange, because Callum is much safer than before when he was constantly on the verge of being killed. But this story has a more of a life and death feel to it. Maybe it is because we finally get introduced to mythical creatures and ancient magic. Or maybe it is because things do not always go according to a plan. The abrupt ending emphasises the loss, sadness and a sort of helplessness.
This story carries certain sadness and painful realism of loss not usually present in fantasy, which is further emphasised by an abrupt ending. It adds to the originality of the story and plausibility of the plot. It should be noted that this story reads as one with the Ash and Steele and the two need to be read in order in order to get the best out of the reading experience.
So far it does not seem important to read the stories in order, but I recommend it for the better understanding of the characters: Midnight Blade, Kingsbane, Ash and Steel, or Soul Siphon set, which apart from the first three, includes Sentinels of the Stone, the fourth prequel novella. The first two books of the series have been announced Soul Render (Soul Stones, #1) and Soul Shade (Soul Stones, #2).
April 12, 2022
Kingsbane is a fantastic short novella that's set in Branson's Soul Stones world. I'm new to Branson's writing so this was a great introduction to the world.
I love quest stories, and I liked that this one was a little different, focusing on an attempt to retrieve a magical stone that could save the queen's life, as she's deathly ill from a difficult pregnancy. I also really enjoyed the characters, especially the female warrior Khate (I need more of her story!). I liked the growing friendship between Khate and Ocken.
What made me really love this novella, though, was the suspense -- there are a number of creepy scenes where the characters slowly figure out that something is wrong, and the reader is just barely one step ahead. The eeriness of the Wandering Wood is wonderful. I was completely hooked and read the novella in one sitting.
I love quest stories, and I liked that this one was a little different, focusing on an attempt to retrieve a magical stone that could save the queen's life, as she's deathly ill from a difficult pregnancy. I also really enjoyed the characters, especially the female warrior Khate (I need more of her story!). I liked the growing friendship between Khate and Ocken.
What made me really love this novella, though, was the suspense -- there are a number of creepy scenes where the characters slowly figure out that something is wrong, and the reader is just barely one step ahead. The eeriness of the Wandering Wood is wonderful. I was completely hooked and read the novella in one sitting.
February 1, 2018
Excellent Novella!
The story revolves around the king of Sunbury, Ocken of the kings royal guard and Khate, a female warrior. The queen is dying and she is also pregnant. Ocken tells the king of a legend which tells of a "Healing Stone" that is supposed to cure any ills no matter how serious. So the king, Ocken , Khate and their comrades set out on a quest to find the fabled stone. During the quest they come up against bandits, monsters and magic users. They all deal with loyalty, intrigue, betrayal, secrets, pain and hope. The story is fast paced with wonderful characters. And a surprise twist. I love this story and want more! I highly recommend this book!
The story revolves around the king of Sunbury, Ocken of the kings royal guard and Khate, a female warrior. The queen is dying and she is also pregnant. Ocken tells the king of a legend which tells of a "Healing Stone" that is supposed to cure any ills no matter how serious. So the king, Ocken , Khate and their comrades set out on a quest to find the fabled stone. During the quest they come up against bandits, monsters and magic users. They all deal with loyalty, intrigue, betrayal, secrets, pain and hope. The story is fast paced with wonderful characters. And a surprise twist. I love this story and want more! I highly recommend this book!
January 27, 2018
Exciting action and magic keeps you captivated
As usual, T. L. Brandon weaves an exciting tale filled with sword and sorcery. This third novella takes place as the queen is giving birth to Maya. King Drygoe leads a quest to find the stone that has the power to heal the queen and keep her alive before she succumbs to her death. In their quest, the group encounters many setbacks and loss of lives. This story is full of exciting surprises that keeps the reader totally emersed until the end.
As usual, T. L. Brandon weaves an exciting tale filled with sword and sorcery. This third novella takes place as the queen is giving birth to Maya. King Drygoe leads a quest to find the stone that has the power to heal the queen and keep her alive before she succumbs to her death. In their quest, the group encounters many setbacks and loss of lives. This story is full of exciting surprises that keeps the reader totally emersed until the end.
December 28, 2017
This was a fantastic read filled with magic and adventure, love and loss. There is mystery and intrigue, and an engaging arc of adventures to come! My favorite character was Drygo. I am really enjoying seeing his progression during these last two short stories and I am eager to see where T.L. Branson takes him!
September 26, 2018
Wow
The characters are great, the tension in the story palpable, its downright totally enthralling. A dying Queen, a King vowed to find anything to cure her, a band of battle brothers bound to help the King in this quest. Read the book to find out if they succeed. Highly recommend.
The characters are great, the tension in the story palpable, its downright totally enthralling. A dying Queen, a King vowed to find anything to cure her, a band of battle brothers bound to help the King in this quest. Read the book to find out if they succeed. Highly recommend.
August 1, 2019
Oh my word I loved this book so much! It was intense and the last part I was shaking my head saying No NO NO NO!! I just finished it and thank God I have the next one on my kindle because I need more! I have fallen in love with these characters and the writing of T.L. Branson. Super excited I found this author and well you just need to read these books.
February 1, 2018
Magic gone bad?
Trek to save the queen and unborn child is filed with treachery, robbers, undead? and elves. Will the realm still belong to king upon his return?
Trek to save the queen and unborn child is filed with treachery, robbers, undead? and elves. Will the realm still belong to king upon his return?
March 14, 2018
Full review posted at:
http://www.momkatreads.com/2018/03/ki...
http://www.momkatreads.com/2018/03/ki...
March 27, 2019
Kingsbane, my second read from author T.L. Branson. Entertaining read, well-written with captivating, well-developed main characters. On to Ash & Steel!
January 23, 2018
Kingsbane by T.L. Branson is another amazing short story that is inspired by the world and characters of the upcoming release of the first book in the Soul Stones series, Soul Render.
I had previously read Ash and Steel and Midnight Blade, two other short stories in this world, and I absolutely loved them. When I saw a roll call for Beta Readers for Kingsbane, I immediately wanted to jump in!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Yet again, I have to start with the cover... How neat is this one?! I couldn't wait to learn who this character was. I'm also totally in love with the updated cover as well!
Per usual, I adored the writing. The story started with an intense situation and then continues at a fast pace. This one was longer than the other two, and I still wanted more! These stories totally suck you in and don't let you go until the last sentence.
I was happy to see a few familiar characters, but really loved meeting a few new ones this time. I really hope to see Ocken and Khate again.
Favorite passages:
Ocken stared out into the darkness. As if facing the thing he hated most made it less frightening to him.
It was pointless to dwell on the darkness of yesterday, no matter how painful it may be, but instead, strive to make a brighter tomorrow.
My final thoughts:
If you haven't checked this series out yet, I highly recommend doing so! They are so much fun and they really help create anticipation for the first book in the Soul Stones series.
I had previously read Ash and Steel and Midnight Blade, two other short stories in this world, and I absolutely loved them. When I saw a roll call for Beta Readers for Kingsbane, I immediately wanted to jump in!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Yet again, I have to start with the cover... How neat is this one?! I couldn't wait to learn who this character was. I'm also totally in love with the updated cover as well!
Per usual, I adored the writing. The story started with an intense situation and then continues at a fast pace. This one was longer than the other two, and I still wanted more! These stories totally suck you in and don't let you go until the last sentence.
I was happy to see a few familiar characters, but really loved meeting a few new ones this time. I really hope to see Ocken and Khate again.
Favorite passages:
Ocken stared out into the darkness. As if facing the thing he hated most made it less frightening to him.
It was pointless to dwell on the darkness of yesterday, no matter how painful it may be, but instead, strive to make a brighter tomorrow.
My final thoughts:
If you haven't checked this series out yet, I highly recommend doing so! They are so much fun and they really help create anticipation for the first book in the Soul Stones series.
January 23, 2018
Wow am once again impressed by the great storytelling way of TL Branson, this is the third short novel in the Soul Stones series and i cannot wait to get my hands on his first full length novel. If he manages to pack so much action, magic and strong characters in a short novel what will he do in a full length tale? This is my favourite story so far even though the first two short stories were also excellent but this one surpassed all my expectations and i read it in one sitting. I loved Ocken, and Kathe and of course the King Drygo even though he was a bit of an ass at times in this read but as he was out on a quest to save his pregnant wife's life i guess he was under pressure and to be forgiven! The wandering wood with all it's weird magic is a wonder to read about. Kranack - the soulfiend is a real monster to be feared and enough to give one nightmares so this book of the epic fantasy genre has a bit of everything any reader can love to read about. So go out and buy this book now that it has finally hit the shelves!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews