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Raven Son #4
The Forge of the Covenant
What if a covenant between your people and their creator depended on the sacrifice of a single innocent child?
In book 4 of the Raven Son series, Mirnian and Lebia travel back in time to witness the forging of the covenant between Adonais and Cassian the Great. But the legends they read as children cannot prepare them for the reality of a broken kingdom and a false covenant. Can they stop the Dar of Vasyllia from making a harrowing sacrifice, or will the future of Vasyllia be built on a foundation of blood and treachery?
This novella-length book sets the stage for the final novel of the series, coming later in 2018.
In book 4 of the Raven Son series, Mirnian and Lebia travel back in time to witness the forging of the covenant between Adonais and Cassian the Great. But the legends they read as children cannot prepare them for the reality of a broken kingdom and a false covenant. Can they stop the Dar of Vasyllia from making a harrowing sacrifice, or will the future of Vasyllia be built on a foundation of blood and treachery?
This novella-length book sets the stage for the final novel of the series, coming later in 2018.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
First published March 19, 2019
9 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Kotar
39 books367 followersNicholas Kotar is a writer of epic fantasy inspired by Russian fairy tales, a freelance translator from Russian to English, the resident conductor of the men's choir at a Russian monastery in the middle of nowhere, and a semi-professional vocalist. His one great regret in life is that he was not born in the nineteenth century in St. Petersburg, but he is doing everything he can to remedy that error.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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July 8, 2024Russian sleeping beauty by way of Atlantis. Or something like that.
October 7, 2024
This shorter novel, like Curse of the Raven, acts both as its own tale and also important background to the larger story of Vasyllia while also advancing that larger story. This is done well here. Looking forward to the last novel in the series.
August 7, 2023
My rating and this review is for the Raven son series as a whole. There are no spoilers.
There’s a principle in authentic Thai cooking. In order for a dish to be what it should be, the five tastes (salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and creamy) must be in balance. It’s that principle that surfaced in my mind when I finished reading the Raven Son series, to which this book belongs.
We’ve likely all read books that were poor mashups of epic fantasy, folk lore, and fairy tales. It’s a kitchen sink, easter eggs galore approach that rewards readers with little dopamine hits every time they find themselves saying ‘Ah! I recognize!’, or ‘Oh! I remember!’, or ‘Hah! Clever me! I caught the subtle allusion!’ and sells books – eminently forgettable books, because they’re not conscientiously crafted balanced dishes, but it does sell them.
This is where Nicholas Kotar’s Raven Son series earned its five stars from me. He incorporated Russian folk lore, fairy tales, and epic fantasy in an intentional and balanced way, and it worked. Further, he incorporated themes worth thinking about, the kinds of themes from the best old fairy tales that can help form the moral imagination. He did that without becoming overbearingly preachy, keeping the story the sort of story that a reader could enjoy sitting in a chair by the stove on a cold Russian night (even if that particular reader was reading in the triple digit temperatures of a central California summer).
Five flavors: folk lore, fairy tales, epic fantasy, fuel for the moral imagination, and genuine good story – Kotar hit his balance, and it’s that balance that earned these five stars. I don’t know if anyone will be reading the Raven Son series in 200 years, but I know that I will read it more than once.
Notes on series structure: Five books, the second and fourth of which are novella length works that serve as passageways of a sort from one part of the series to the next. Passageways are, after all, important in fairy tales. Don’t think of them as skippable, though, the second book was my personal favorite of the series and introduced the character I liked (or maybe just understood) best.
Notes on the audiobooks: I went back and forth between print and audio throughout the series depending on my reading circumstances. At first it was a little jarring to me that the text was so deeply Russian and the narrator was so obviously … not. If I had not been on a long car trip when I was starting the first book, I probably would not have continued with the audio, but the narrator gradually won me over with good characterization and excellent consistency and I ended up going back and forth between the print and audio versions through all five books.
There’s a principle in authentic Thai cooking. In order for a dish to be what it should be, the five tastes (salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and creamy) must be in balance. It’s that principle that surfaced in my mind when I finished reading the Raven Son series, to which this book belongs.
We’ve likely all read books that were poor mashups of epic fantasy, folk lore, and fairy tales. It’s a kitchen sink, easter eggs galore approach that rewards readers with little dopamine hits every time they find themselves saying ‘Ah! I recognize!’, or ‘Oh! I remember!’, or ‘Hah! Clever me! I caught the subtle allusion!’ and sells books – eminently forgettable books, because they’re not conscientiously crafted balanced dishes, but it does sell them.
This is where Nicholas Kotar’s Raven Son series earned its five stars from me. He incorporated Russian folk lore, fairy tales, and epic fantasy in an intentional and balanced way, and it worked. Further, he incorporated themes worth thinking about, the kinds of themes from the best old fairy tales that can help form the moral imagination. He did that without becoming overbearingly preachy, keeping the story the sort of story that a reader could enjoy sitting in a chair by the stove on a cold Russian night (even if that particular reader was reading in the triple digit temperatures of a central California summer).
Five flavors: folk lore, fairy tales, epic fantasy, fuel for the moral imagination, and genuine good story – Kotar hit his balance, and it’s that balance that earned these five stars. I don’t know if anyone will be reading the Raven Son series in 200 years, but I know that I will read it more than once.
Notes on series structure: Five books, the second and fourth of which are novella length works that serve as passageways of a sort from one part of the series to the next. Passageways are, after all, important in fairy tales. Don’t think of them as skippable, though, the second book was my personal favorite of the series and introduced the character I liked (or maybe just understood) best.
Notes on the audiobooks: I went back and forth between print and audio throughout the series depending on my reading circumstances. At first it was a little jarring to me that the text was so deeply Russian and the narrator was so obviously … not. If I had not been on a long car trip when I was starting the first book, I probably would not have continued with the audio, but the narrator gradually won me over with good characterization and excellent consistency and I ended up going back and forth between the print and audio versions through all five books.
March 20, 2019
The previous three books in this series surprised me in that each one had a different theme, yet were unified. This book is no different!
As usual with the author's works, the writing is very smooth and the imagery is beautiful and captivating. Fr. Nicholas Kotar has a way of writing about complex or difficult subjects and presenting them with ease and grace. A theme that stood out to me in this novel is the importance of family and the affect they have on us. It has made me reflect on family dynamics and the Biblical principles within.
Additionally, I must mention the characters. Only characters from Tolkien's works had influenced me and made me want to better myself until I read this series. Some have vitality and beauty that contrasts with others who are truly evil. They have inspired me, practically reduced me to tears, and I do admit, I have yelled at some of them.
I cannot wait for the next book!
As usual with the author's works, the writing is very smooth and the imagery is beautiful and captivating. Fr. Nicholas Kotar has a way of writing about complex or difficult subjects and presenting them with ease and grace. A theme that stood out to me in this novel is the importance of family and the affect they have on us. It has made me reflect on family dynamics and the Biblical principles within.
Additionally, I must mention the characters. Only characters from Tolkien's works had influenced me and made me want to better myself until I read this series. Some have vitality and beauty that contrasts with others who are truly evil. They have inspired me, practically reduced me to tears, and I do admit, I have yelled at some of them.
I cannot wait for the next book!
April 21, 2019
_The Forge of the Covenant_ adds new layers to this magnificent series. In typical Kotar style, the language and metaphors are a delight to the senses and imagination. The characters are four dimensional (this is not hyperbole--those who have read through chapter three will begin understand this reference), introspective and compelling. Considering all the plot twists and turns in the previous installments, this reader did not think it possible to weave a more complex web that had already been knitted. Clearly he was wrong. Despite the complexity and delightful moments when the reader experiences the confusion of the characters, by the end, just enough makes sense to leave the reader satisfied yet still hanging on the precipice of anticipation. This reader is eagerly anticipates the next installment, and will look forward to re-reading the entire series in order upon its completion, being certain that much has been missed the first time around not only due to the complexity, but the seeming interminable wait between books--not a criticism, but a testament to the authors artistry--highly recommended.
June 3, 2019
As I finished my second reading of this a month ago, I'll stick with general impressions rather than specifics, but the fact that I can write any kind of review a month later speaks well for this book.
As other reviewers have mentioned, the book is short but action-packed. I've been reading this series on my Kindle and so I'm finding I need to pay attention to the length in the description to avoid frustration. Kotar's writing consistently holds my attention, which is noteworthy since I tend to be impatient with fantasy worlds. It's unpredictable -which is good- but with the varying length of the series installments, I'm left feeling uncertain of where I'm at in the larger story. That said, uncertainty is a critical piece of The Forge of the Covenant, and Kotar is masterful at communicating Lebia's shifting realities. I really enjoyed this one...even if I'm totally confused.
As other reviewers have mentioned, the book is short but action-packed. I've been reading this series on my Kindle and so I'm finding I need to pay attention to the length in the description to avoid frustration. Kotar's writing consistently holds my attention, which is noteworthy since I tend to be impatient with fantasy worlds. It's unpredictable -which is good- but with the varying length of the series installments, I'm left feeling uncertain of where I'm at in the larger story. That said, uncertainty is a critical piece of The Forge of the Covenant, and Kotar is masterful at communicating Lebia's shifting realities. I really enjoyed this one...even if I'm totally confused.
March 20, 2019
The only complaint I have, is that it is far too short for my liking. 'The Forge of the Covenant' is the fourth book in the Raven Son series, and just like those that have come before it, it is a Remarkable fascinating story set in an equally remarkable world...albeit, one filled with nightmares and danger at every corner.
Like those that have come before, our heroine, Lebía must make a choice; one that will have dire consequence no matter which way the pendulum swings. A great retelling of an old fairy tale (the Russian version) with added new elements and harsher choices.
The Forge of the Covenant is a page turner, written beautifully. Fast paced, but not too much so, were you feel as if things have been rushed.
I read within one sitting. Recommended.
Like those that have come before, our heroine, Lebía must make a choice; one that will have dire consequence no matter which way the pendulum swings. A great retelling of an old fairy tale (the Russian version) with added new elements and harsher choices.
The Forge of the Covenant is a page turner, written beautifully. Fast paced, but not too much so, were you feel as if things have been rushed.
I read within one sitting. Recommended.
January 12, 2020
Delightful blending of myth, fantasy, and heroic epic
I really enjoyed The Forge of the Covenant. The novella format is perfect for Nicholas Kotar I think. The beginning pulled me in and the pacing remained strong throughout, mirroring the settings and situations in a wonderful retelling of slavic folklore. While the slavic influence is notable in all his novels, Kotar weaves the fairy tale, time travel, and his own fantasy world seamlessly. It also illuminates some pressing questions left over from The Heart of the World. This makes me really look forward to book 5 coming out this year!
I really enjoyed The Forge of the Covenant. The novella format is perfect for Nicholas Kotar I think. The beginning pulled me in and the pacing remained strong throughout, mirroring the settings and situations in a wonderful retelling of slavic folklore. While the slavic influence is notable in all his novels, Kotar weaves the fairy tale, time travel, and his own fantasy world seamlessly. It also illuminates some pressing questions left over from The Heart of the World. This makes me really look forward to book 5 coming out this year!
March 28, 2019
The Forge of the Covenant is book four in the Raven Son series. This book is a phenomenal addition to this saga. It takes very real themes that are faced in everyday life. Nicholas Kotar has taken these complex subjects and with grace and beauty has created a masterpiece which shows us the importance of family and makes us want to be better. This is a short story but very powerful. I finish this enjoyable read in one sitting and it is one that I highly recommend as well as the three that came before. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 10, 2020
First, don't skip Books 1-3 of this series. I read them some time ago and now I want to re-read them to better understand 'The Forge of the Covenant.' Kotar has created an original story of unworthy gods, a worthy God, and redemption. My only difficulty was Kotar's significant effort to describe the dimension of time. Some of the realms are not affected by time and other are; some realms are not affected by time and then they are; sometimes only certain people (the children) are affected by time. Maybe Kotar got it right, but it was work for me to wrap my brain around it.
March 25, 2019
This short, powerful novella takes up some of the major themes introduced in the previous books. It shows the inner struggle of a psyche placed in a shifting reality, sometimes idyllically beautiful, sometimes macabre and horrible. The tension between duty and happiness, disability and power, is displayed against a backdrop of warm domestic scenes and vivid landscapes. I can’t think of any other book quite like it!
April 9, 2020
A brilliant story that continually unfolds thru the book, The Forge of the Covenant is an astounding entry in the series. This novella sets up everything for the final book in the series. I very much enjoyed this it. At times mysterious and confusing, but all is cleared up in an end that excites me for the fifth and final book: The Throne of the Gods coming this summer. It is the shortest book in the series, but it is a must read. If you have not read the first three, do not read this.
March 2, 2019
I received this book as an ARC.
This last book in the series is excellent.
Lebia, while out mushroom picking with her children, starts to experience strange enlightenment. This continues to the next day until a strange event happens to her and the story becomes quite involved. The end of the book is very different from what you would expect.
This series is an excellent work.
This last book in the series is excellent.
Lebia, while out mushroom picking with her children, starts to experience strange enlightenment. This continues to the next day until a strange event happens to her and the story becomes quite involved. The end of the book is very different from what you would expect.
This series is an excellent work.
April 25, 2019
In book 4 of the Raven Son Series we're brought into the viewpoint of Ghavan Isle, in particular Lebia. We see what her life has been like and we even get a glimpse at where the end of this series may take us (although with Kotar, it will probably not be what we expect). Lebia has a sort of awakening, a vision into what has really happened to her and her family. We're taken on a journey beauty and struggle and confusion. Once again, Kotar's vivid imagery is a thing of beauty and he does a masterful job of sweeping you off your feet and taking you to a land of beauty. The message in this story is profoundly important and this is one story you do not want to miss. Anxiously anticipating book 5!
March 8, 2019
This was an advanced readers copy.
Forge of the Covenant expertly sets the stage for the final novel in the series and doesn't sacrifice any integrity for the series. An interesting story that introduces several interesting ideas. Can't wait for the final book!
Forge of the Covenant expertly sets the stage for the final novel in the series and doesn't sacrifice any integrity for the series. An interesting story that introduces several interesting ideas. Can't wait for the final book!
June 12, 2019
Wow😍
Best one of the series so far! Lots of twists and turns throughout. Cannot wait for the next book!
Best one of the series so far! Lots of twists and turns throughout. Cannot wait for the next book!
February 29, 2020
Beautifully written, surprising and keeps you wanting more. Can't wait for the next book.
August 11, 2020
Again, this is a novella and not much in the way of a sequel. It advanced the plot more than book 2 did, though. I can definitely see some strong Narnia influence in this one.
March 9, 2022
An amazing read withe the right mix of fantasy and mythology.
March 12, 2019
This is a great book. It occurrs in parallel with the events of the previous volume in the series and sets things up for the final book.
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March 21, 2019Book 4 of the Raven Son series is a critical turning point - the start of the ascent and the first light of dawn. In it Nicholas Kotar risks an extremely complex structure and makes it look easy. The result is a layered exploration of a world that continues to grow and deepen in the telling. The best epic fantasy always seems to rest on fully developed histories. That’s true here as well. But what makes this book so unique is that we get to encounter that history directly. In it the seeds of redemption have taken root and begin to emerge through heroic self-sacrifice. The end of Book 3, The Heart of the World, was so destabilizing (in a good way) that I wasn’t sure where Kotar would take us next in a world where we didnt know which way was up anymore. That the answer would be, “further in” is exactly what I should have expected from a budding master storyteller. I can’t recommend this book and the Raven Son series highly enough. Please check it out and tell your friends.
- Dn. Andrew
- Dn. Andrew
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews