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The Aldoran Chronicles #0.5
Shackled
The Aldoran Chronicles Prequel
BORN INTO A WORLD where magic is not only feared but outlawed, Ferrin’s choice to use his abilities brings the Black Watch to his doorstep. Caged alongside a helpless band of half-starved wielders, he formulates a strategy to escape. Armed with nothing more than his sarcastic wit and a determination to never give in, Ferrin attempts the impossible.
(Free Download from author's website )
BORN INTO A WORLD where magic is not only feared but outlawed, Ferrin’s choice to use his abilities brings the Black Watch to his doorstep. Caged alongside a helpless band of half-starved wielders, he formulates a strategy to escape. Armed with nothing more than his sarcastic wit and a determination to never give in, Ferrin attempts the impossible.
(Free Download from author's website )
184 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2016
13 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wisehart
22 books614 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 52 reviews
February 22, 2018
(Someone deleted the book page that had my review, so I'm reposting it now.)
Ferrin is an extraordinary blacksmith especially for his age. The reason for that is Ferrin has magical control over metal. The only problem is that he lives in a world where magic is outlawed. One night Ferrin's freedom is stolen from him when the Black Watch capture and shackle him. Ferrin bides his time waiting for the moment in which he can escape his captors.
Shackled was a strong short story. I quickly came to like Ferrin and I was enraged by the world as a whole. I tend to get easily invested in world's where people get abused in any way by something they have no control over. Ferrin and other wielders didn't ask for their magical gifts, but they are caged like animals regardless.
Shackled was also a great lead-in for the main story. It establishes the world from the wielders who hide their gifts to the White Tower where captured wielders are taken to be interrogated. The world in the story seems in many ways the typical older European setting, but the author puts his flourishes on the events taking place which make the story so intriguing.
Shackled was so good there is little chance I don't read the next book in the series.
Ferrin is an extraordinary blacksmith especially for his age. The reason for that is Ferrin has magical control over metal. The only problem is that he lives in a world where magic is outlawed. One night Ferrin's freedom is stolen from him when the Black Watch capture and shackle him. Ferrin bides his time waiting for the moment in which he can escape his captors.
Shackled was a strong short story. I quickly came to like Ferrin and I was enraged by the world as a whole. I tend to get easily invested in world's where people get abused in any way by something they have no control over. Ferrin and other wielders didn't ask for their magical gifts, but they are caged like animals regardless.
Shackled was also a great lead-in for the main story. It establishes the world from the wielders who hide their gifts to the White Tower where captured wielders are taken to be interrogated. The world in the story seems in many ways the typical older European setting, but the author puts his flourishes on the events taking place which make the story so intriguing.
Shackled was so good there is little chance I don't read the next book in the series.
November 27, 2018
Original review was deleted, so reposting. It was for an audio edition that has also been deleted.
I've been meaning to try this free eBook for some time as it looked very interesting when I first saw its blurb. But then I got an email from the author mentioning a new, free audiobook version. Cool, I went to check it out.
And saw that Tim Gerard Reynolds was narrating... 🤘😄😎
Sold! Or not, since it was free... But you get the idea.
It didn't disappoint, either. This had a great story that Tim's voice brought to life, as it usually does. This is definitely making me want to go and use an Audible credit on the full length novel that this serves as a prequel for: The White Tower.
I've been meaning to try this free eBook for some time as it looked very interesting when I first saw its blurb. But then I got an email from the author mentioning a new, free audiobook version. Cool, I went to check it out.
And saw that Tim Gerard Reynolds was narrating... 🤘😄😎
Sold! Or not, since it was free... But you get the idea.
It didn't disappoint, either. This had a great story that Tim's voice brought to life, as it usually does. This is definitely making me want to go and use an Audible credit on the full length novel that this serves as a prequel for: The White Tower.
March 23, 2022
This is a prequel to The Aldoran Chronicles, which I have not read yet. This is another one from audible that I saw under “free” and “fantasy,” which are two out of three of my favorite F words. I’ve also been intrigued with these prequels because of their length, as I’m looking for in between listens.
The author does a fantastic job in this one of just smashing your face right into the world he’s created. Similar to the last read by Terry Goodkind, these are prequels that seemingly dropped after their series already started. Therefore, you’re not getting a lore dump or continuous world building. The author gets right to the point and tells a singular story. This once again worked really well for me.
The story follows Ferrin, a talented blacksmith that uses his magical abilities to imbue his work with an additional something something (if you will). I enjoyed the way the character was built by the author in only 2.5hrs. He is brusque and brooding, quick to act yet not without thought. It’s believable that he does everything he can for his sister. Although his name is not outright in the synopsis for book one, I can only imagine he has a prominent role in the series.
Unlike reading Terry Goodkind’s Debt of Bones (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), The Aldoran Chronicles currently only has an additional 3 books out (as opposed to Goodkind’s like 11), so honestly I think I’m going to continue with it (at some point).
The author does a fantastic job in this one of just smashing your face right into the world he’s created. Similar to the last read by Terry Goodkind, these are prequels that seemingly dropped after their series already started. Therefore, you’re not getting a lore dump or continuous world building. The author gets right to the point and tells a singular story. This once again worked really well for me.
The story follows Ferrin, a talented blacksmith that uses his magical abilities to imbue his work with an additional something something (if you will). I enjoyed the way the character was built by the author in only 2.5hrs. He is brusque and brooding, quick to act yet not without thought. It’s believable that he does everything he can for his sister. Although his name is not outright in the synopsis for book one, I can only imagine he has a prominent role in the series.
Unlike reading Terry Goodkind’s Debt of Bones (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), The Aldoran Chronicles currently only has an additional 3 books out (as opposed to Goodkind’s like 11), so honestly I think I’m going to continue with it (at some point).
December 29, 2023
Audiobook (2.5 hours) Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds.
The narration and audio quality are high allowing one to easily listen to and understand from 1x to 2x speed. While not slowly narrated and as an audible only, which allows speeds up to 3.5x, I found that it could be pushed nearly to 2.5x speed. I preferred the slower tempo of 2x but the clarity and conciseness of the narration allows for a slightly faster speed, if you prefer or for your robot mind.
Shackled is a nice short story introduction into The Aldoran Chronicles. I picked it up along with The White Tower, intending to read them together, but alas it seems that Shackled is being removed from the Plus library ( I purchased the latter) so I needed to read it right away, lol.
It's very good, and if I did not have a bunch of long awaited books that recently dropped onto my borrowed library shelf in Libby, I would move onto book#1 right away! There are 5 books in the series, including book# 0.5, and it looks like this series has some decent potential.
I like the characters introduced so far, the world and character building, the pace and the story line.
Recommend.
The narration and audio quality are high allowing one to easily listen to and understand from 1x to 2x speed. While not slowly narrated and as an audible only, which allows speeds up to 3.5x, I found that it could be pushed nearly to 2.5x speed. I preferred the slower tempo of 2x but the clarity and conciseness of the narration allows for a slightly faster speed, if you prefer or for your robot mind.
Shackled is a nice short story introduction into The Aldoran Chronicles. I picked it up along with The White Tower, intending to read them together, but alas it seems that Shackled is being removed from the Plus library ( I purchased the latter) so I needed to read it right away, lol.
It's very good, and if I did not have a bunch of long awaited books that recently dropped onto my borrowed library shelf in Libby, I would move onto book#1 right away! There are 5 books in the series, including book# 0.5, and it looks like this series has some decent potential.
I like the characters introduced so far, the world and character building, the pace and the story line.
Recommend.
August 15, 2022
Read enough of this short novella to invest in the book which follows it, The White Tower. I’ll let you know what I think about that later.
The novella came as a pleasant surprise and is well worth the short read.
The novella came as a pleasant surprise and is well worth the short read.
October 6, 2019
Although I enjoyed this story, it unfortunately does lose a star for the cliffhanger ending.
Now, as he always does, Tim Gerard Reynolds gives us a fantastic performance on the audiobook (available for free from Audfans). His voices are varied and distinct, his vocal inflections are impeccable, and his control of tempo is flawless. His one weakness (which is shared by many a narrator) is that he is unable to create believable female voices.
I really enjoy Ferrin as a character. I love his sense of humor and the ways his personality comes out in the story.
We get some fun glimpses into the world's magic system and political structure, hinting at a large and thoroughly developed setting.
This is probably just me, but one thing I'm not fond of is the transferals. I've never liked the idea of a magic system wherein the vast majority are incapable of creating any magical effect without an external item (focus/wand/staff/etc).
I do like the idea that each "wielder" has a specific gift and learning magic outside that gift is both more difficult and less powerful.
The plot is reasonably well structured and well paced. It never really stalls or stagnates.
My biggest qualm, as I said above, is the cliffhanger ending. While I do realize that with this setup offering a complete story with a satisfying ending would have been extraordinarily difficult, it still negatively affects my enjoyment.
Had it not been for that, this would have been a solid 4-star read.
As it is, I still highly recommend reading this, particularly if you have any plans of reading the main book, The White Tower.
Now, as he always does, Tim Gerard Reynolds gives us a fantastic performance on the audiobook (available for free from Audfans). His voices are varied and distinct, his vocal inflections are impeccable, and his control of tempo is flawless. His one weakness (which is shared by many a narrator) is that he is unable to create believable female voices.
I really enjoy Ferrin as a character. I love his sense of humor and the ways his personality comes out in the story.
We get some fun glimpses into the world's magic system and political structure, hinting at a large and thoroughly developed setting.
This is probably just me, but one thing I'm not fond of is the transferals. I've never liked the idea of a magic system wherein the vast majority are incapable of creating any magical effect without an external item (focus/wand/staff/etc).
I do like the idea that each "wielder" has a specific gift and learning magic outside that gift is both more difficult and less powerful.
The plot is reasonably well structured and well paced. It never really stalls or stagnates.
My biggest qualm, as I said above, is the cliffhanger ending. While I do realize that with this setup offering a complete story with a satisfying ending would have been extraordinarily difficult, it still negatively affects my enjoyment.
Had it not been for that, this would have been a solid 4-star read.
As it is, I still highly recommend reading this, particularly if you have any plans of reading the main book, The White Tower.
May 29, 2023
I won this book via Goodreads giveaway.
This prequel to the Aldoran Chronicles was a really quick read, more of a very short novella.
It was okay. There are some specific details that the author included that helped to set the scene and give context (eg: smithing tools, people noticed not relevant to the story, references to in-world geography). There were also places where it read somewhat awkwardly with unclear passage of time and more tell than show.
For the length of time of this “event”, I felt the author could have done more with it, especially if these characters are relevant in the rest of the series. The premise and world building are interesting, but I don’t feel invested enough to immediately go get the next book. Not bad, not great.
This prequel to the Aldoran Chronicles was a really quick read, more of a very short novella.
It was okay. There are some specific details that the author included that helped to set the scene and give context (eg: smithing tools, people noticed not relevant to the story, references to in-world geography). There were also places where it read somewhat awkwardly with unclear passage of time and more tell than show.
For the length of time of this “event”, I felt the author could have done more with it, especially if these characters are relevant in the rest of the series. The premise and world building are interesting, but I don’t feel invested enough to immediately go get the next book. Not bad, not great.
February 3, 2024
Amazing storytelling and great buildup for the series. The bad guys are very clearly set and I look forward to reading about their downfall. I sincerely hope the good guys here will all receive happy endings. No matter the ultimate end, I have come to respect the author, and feel it will all end up being right.
May 5, 2022
This gives you the background for one of the characters in the White Tower novel. It’s excellent and moves very quickly.
June 5, 2023
A great introduction to the series. On to the series itself.
August 31, 2024
I'm so sorry, but this novella just wasn't memorable enough. It's a short prequel to the actual start of the series, exploring the background of one of the main characters, okay. Fair enough. But I was expecting it to do something... more, with its theme. Feels a bit underwhelming to me that I could find more depth related to the capture and imprisonment of mages in the "Dragon Age" video games than in an actual book that is all about that. It just fell flat.
Favorite thing: a random guy mentioned once in passing, named KOAL. 🐨
Favorite thing: a random guy mentioned once in passing, named KOAL. 🐨
May 8, 2023
Shackled a prequel by Michael Wisehart
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
I found this book because, it was strongly recommended by book3 in the blurb. Luckily it was short, free, and follows Ferrin the smithy one of my favorite characters.
But really, Shackled was totally unnecessary. As I listened I kept wondering why the book seemed so familiar, even word for word at times. Had I read some other book where the MC was collard and no longer able to use his magic? Jason Asano maybe, no that was different. Oh yeah that's right I just finished listening to the first 2 books in this series. Hahaha 😄! What was the author thinking 🤔 that we couldn't remember all the flashbacks Ferrin had every time he thought about his sister? What rubbish!
Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds
I found this book because, it was strongly recommended by book3 in the blurb. Luckily it was short, free, and follows Ferrin the smithy one of my favorite characters.
But really, Shackled was totally unnecessary. As I listened I kept wondering why the book seemed so familiar, even word for word at times. Had I read some other book where the MC was collard and no longer able to use his magic? Jason Asano maybe, no that was different. Oh yeah that's right I just finished listening to the first 2 books in this series. Hahaha 😄! What was the author thinking 🤔 that we couldn't remember all the flashbacks Ferrin had every time he thought about his sister? What rubbish!
August 10, 2021
A cracking little read from the Aldoran Chronicles, where magic is a crime, feared and outlawed across the lands, Our main protagonist Ferrin a Magic Weilder doesn't give a shit, with eyes and snitches everywhere, Ferrin has a little visit fro the Watch, with a little touch for violence, he won't go down with out a fight until they shackel him with a magic resistant collar, where he's going will be hell, you will love the main character, very dry sarcastic and witty, this little prequel is integral to the main story, so if interested, make sure you read this first, fantastic narrating from Tim Gerard Reynolds, gives it a great gravily feel to it, Welcome to White Tower, highly recommend..😁
December 30, 2023
The primary character is a bit arrogant considering the risks and dangers he taunts. When he is caught his sass and arrogance continues as he is sure he can escape the shackle. He makes friends among other prisoners and there is an existing escape attempt.
The story ends at a beginning at The White Tower which is the first full book in the series. The prequel drew me enough to think that the series will be engaging fantasy. I like the action and care about the characters. I recommend this to fans of magic fantasy.
Audio Notes: Tim Gerard Reynolds is a wonderful narrator. His voice easily, and clearly, added to my enjoyment.
Source: Audible Plus Catalog. My Rating: 4.25.
The story ends at a beginning at The White Tower which is the first full book in the series. The prequel drew me enough to think that the series will be engaging fantasy. I like the action and care about the characters. I recommend this to fans of magic fantasy.
Audio Notes: Tim Gerard Reynolds is a wonderful narrator. His voice easily, and clearly, added to my enjoyment.
Source: Audible Plus Catalog. My Rating: 4.25.
February 29, 2024
The point of a free prequel novel is to entice you to read the series. This book just didn't do it for me. The main problem is that the main character, Ferrin, wasn't likeable. He is quick to fight, quick to kill, quick to endanger innocent people, and doesn't have many redeeming features to balance out those flaws. There is also a pretty big problem of the author telling instead of showing. The emotional center of this book is the bond that the captives develop with each other, but none of this is ever shown. It all happens off-page. I was gifted the first 2 books, so I'll give the series a 2nd shot with them. However, my first impression of this author and series is not good.
January 7, 2022
Magic is outlawed but our blacksmith ferrin uses his magic and calls the blackwatch down on his door step. If he can not escape he end up at the white tower imprisonment for magic wielders who are caught. He a talented blacksmith and with the use of magic can he escape? A great intro to this series.
January 19, 2022
I’ll preface this by saying I read this before the other books. While I’m sure it has more of a significance if you had read the trilogy first, I still found the world and characters interesting enough to buy the rest of the series. So even though it feels incomplete as a stand-alone story, it did its job wonderfully, and I’m excited to read more!
January 25, 2023
This book was pretty good, up until he was captured. I enjoyed the banter between the 2 siblings more than the fights/action between the guards and prisoners. I guess I should’ve read more reviews before diving in. Now, don’t get me wrong. This IS a good book if your into the whole fantasy realm type reads. It just wasn’t for me.
October 24, 2024
This was an easy and enjoyable read. The story line kept my attention. The perseverance of the main character Ferrin was palpable. His magic is the source of his troubles. Yet I can't give away the conclusion.
The fact that this is a shorter read was a welcome diversion as well. The story serves as the introduction to the next book The White Tower. I look forward to reading that book.
The fact that this is a shorter read was a welcome diversion as well. The story serves as the introduction to the next book The White Tower. I look forward to reading that book.
January 31, 2021
This story was very SHORT but, an enjoble prequel novella to the Aldoran Chronicles! The CLIFFHANGER ending in this story begs you to start the next book in the series! Mmmm...we will see. I have other books in my queue I may get to first. But, I am intrigued!
December 22, 2021
My actual rating is 4.5 stars. I like this prequel novella a lot. The set up was good, and the pace was great. I like the idea of magic being outlaw and the friendships that will sit up here. I also like the theme of sacrifice.
January 25, 2023
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Tim Gerard Reynolds
I found this to be an enjoyable introduction to a character that I actually wanted to succeed. I am genuinely interested in how this characters arc will progress and how the story will resolve.
Narrator: Tim Gerard Reynolds
I found this to be an enjoyable introduction to a character that I actually wanted to succeed. I am genuinely interested in how this characters arc will progress and how the story will resolve.
December 17, 2023
Quick read. Good story, engaging, and just enough suspense. The main character has so much potential. What's in store for him? Will we see questions answered in the books to come? I'm looking forward to diving in!
September 24, 2024
I like this Prequel enough that I turned around and purchased the 1st book in this Series on Audible. Really liked the Metal Smith and his sister. Narrator does a nice job with this Prequel and the characters in it.
November 11, 2024
Excellent worldbuilding but the world could use a better backstory.
Engaging characters, fast moving plot.
The main character seems overpowered, but mayhaps that's just part of the setting for the main books that follow.
Engaging characters, fast moving plot.
The main character seems overpowered, but mayhaps that's just part of the setting for the main books that follow.
October 13, 2018
Good short story and prequel to The White Tower. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 19, 2019
An interesting delve into Ferrin's past, makes me want to read the White Tower all over again!
June 25, 2021
The story itself was fine, but I listened on Audible and the narrator was so boring.
October 15, 2021
This was fun.....more like a 4.5, as it really got me to look forward to reading White Tower.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews