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Devil of the 22nd
Kurt 'the Devil' Val Clause makes war on the edge of empire. And the only thing that might stop him, is something even worse...
Veteran sergeant, and the only man left alive from 1st Division, Kurt has served the empire of Keevland since he was twelve. Twenty years of war, most of it at the front, and he's still alive, still healthy.
But now a republic has formed. East Army has been all but abandoned in the scramble for power, the 'noble' officers dead, or gone, fled back to their lands and castles.
In their absence, chaos reigns. But Kurt has always been a creature of chaos. In the fallout he schemes for power, plunder and glory.
But in the midst of his own crusade, deep in barbarian territory, he discovers something dark, something unworldly, something he never expected. It changes everything, especially him...
The second novella in the God-King Chronicles universe - a world of muskets and cannon, knights and demons. This is the story of a dangerous, broken man, on the edge of empire...
The Devil of the 22nd.
Veteran sergeant, and the only man left alive from 1st Division, Kurt has served the empire of Keevland since he was twelve. Twenty years of war, most of it at the front, and he's still alive, still healthy.
But now a republic has formed. East Army has been all but abandoned in the scramble for power, the 'noble' officers dead, or gone, fled back to their lands and castles.
In their absence, chaos reigns. But Kurt has always been a creature of chaos. In the fallout he schemes for power, plunder and glory.
But in the midst of his own crusade, deep in barbarian territory, he discovers something dark, something unworldly, something he never expected. It changes everything, especially him...
The second novella in the God-King Chronicles universe - a world of muskets and cannon, knights and demons. This is the story of a dangerous, broken man, on the edge of empire...
The Devil of the 22nd.
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About the author
Richard Nell
8 books768 followersRichard Nell concerned family and friends by quitting his real job in 2014 to 'write full-time'. He is a Canadian author of fantasy, living in one of the flattest, coldest places on earth with his begrudging wife, who makes sure he eats.
His debut novel, Kings of Paradise, is the first of an epic, coming-of-age, low fantasy trilogy, and a Canadian Amazon best-seller in dark fantasy. It's available now.
He also writes flintlock fantasy! Join his mailing list for news on finished work, freebies, and the occasional philosophical rant.
His debut novel, Kings of Paradise, is the first of an epic, coming-of-age, low fantasy trilogy, and a Canadian Amazon best-seller in dark fantasy. It's available now.
He also writes flintlock fantasy! Join his mailing list for news on finished work, freebies, and the occasional philosophical rant.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 27, 2018
I love novellas. I think it is one of the best formats for creative expression in prose. But surprisingly, good novellas are not easy to come by. Particularly in modern fantasy and sci-fi. Instead, you often get three-volume doorstoppers 600+ page each...
Richard's story here is a marvellous example how to write a great novella! It has everything: edge-of-a-seat pacing, amazing characters, great setting and dark humour. I would compare it with a cup of artisan coffee - you get all the flavour, texture and experience in just a few mouthfuls. Not a quarter gallon canister of burned and then drowned caffeine.
This is a very inspired release that I recommend very strongly despite its indie origins. It is up there with the short fiction you would expect from my personal favourites K.J. Parker and Brandon Sanderson (when they write short form fiction).
Devil of 22nd will immediately appeal to those who enjoyed Abercrombie's The First Law Trilogy. It has the same spark of grit and humour but written in a fresh voice. In one word? Delightful!
Richard Nell deserves lots of kudos for the quality of this story and I can't wait to read more about Kurt. And if you haven't read his earlier novella -Rebellion of the Black Militia - just grab it asap. This is some seriously great writing all around.
For the purpose of full disclosure, the author kindly shared a beta version of the story with me free of charge. He was reckless to do so as he now acquired himself a half-rabid fanboy who pesters him ‘for more’ daily. So... if you send me something - be warned.
Richard's story here is a marvellous example how to write a great novella! It has everything: edge-of-a-seat pacing, amazing characters, great setting and dark humour. I would compare it with a cup of artisan coffee - you get all the flavour, texture and experience in just a few mouthfuls. Not a quarter gallon canister of burned and then drowned caffeine.
This is a very inspired release that I recommend very strongly despite its indie origins. It is up there with the short fiction you would expect from my personal favourites K.J. Parker and Brandon Sanderson (when they write short form fiction).
Devil of 22nd will immediately appeal to those who enjoyed Abercrombie's The First Law Trilogy. It has the same spark of grit and humour but written in a fresh voice. In one word? Delightful!
Richard Nell deserves lots of kudos for the quality of this story and I can't wait to read more about Kurt. And if you haven't read his earlier novella -Rebellion of the Black Militia - just grab it asap. This is some seriously great writing all around.
For the purpose of full disclosure, the author kindly shared a beta version of the story with me free of charge. He was reckless to do so as he now acquired himself a half-rabid fanboy who pesters him ‘for more’ daily. So... if you send me something - be warned.
February 28, 2018
Awesome book. Yeah, I know it's a novella, but it's well worth it. Plenty of interesting and engaging characters, a well done plot that is detailed and moves along at a perfect pace. You are dropped into a gritty environment that's very believable and highly interesting. What tops all this is most likely one of the vilest and despicable people you will ever read. Take a few days and read this short story,you'll really enjoy it.
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June 12, 2019Update: This novella is no longer available on its own, and is now part of a two-story book published separately called 'The God King's Legacy.' You can check that out here: The God King's Legacy
March 7, 2018
The second of Richard Nell’s prequel trilogy of novellas, “Devil of the 22nd” is much darker than its predecessor, “Rebellion of the Black Militia.” There’s a quiet sense of dread that grew larger and larger as we discover just how truly monstrous these characters are. And yet the disturbing behavior of the protagonists is offset by an understanding of how these men got to where they are, and the ideals that they’re fighting for. There’s no easy solutions here, and this was a reoccurring theme throughout the story that made it a compelling, if uncomfortable read.
The story centers on Kurt, a twenty-year veteran of the Eastern army, who is all but forgotten by their commanding emperor. Kurt’s men are stationed at the edge of the empire, close to the borderlands that are ruled by dangerous ‘savages.’ The surrounding land is barren, they haven’t been paid in over a year, and the soldiers and their families are starving. Kurt has assumed the identity of a dead colonel just to find something for his men to do. Some orders finally come, but it’s not the kind Kurt was expecting, so he decides to lead his men into the land of the savages to find their own fortune. What starts as a straightforward mission quickly evolves into a high-stakes threat, and ends with a thrilling quest that resolves in a surprising fashion.
These men are not heroes. Even though they’re soldiers, they’re referred to as “killers” even more so. They have been involved in capturing and selling slaves, killing unarmed families, and even worse things are inferenced. They’re tough to root for. But we spend almost the entire book inside Kurt’s head, discovering his unpredictable tendencies, his series of “masks” that he wears in different situations, his abilities to prepare and lead in battle, and his cleverness. The man is a sociopath, but is he a victim of circumstance? After twenty years of serving an Empire who cannot afford to pay him or his men, and would likely rather forget they exist? Nell has shown a talent for allowing the reader to sympathize with morally questionable or outright abhorrent characters, as often times they have no other options in order to survive. How would I feel or react if dealt the same cards in life? Would I be so different? I would certainly hope so, but there’s no way to know for sure.
There are several unpredictable turns that kept the story from stagnating in any one area, and the ending was truly surprising – an unforeseen shift in tone and subject matter and it was a welcome change of atmosphere. The battle scenes are all described in vivid detail, and the settings painted clear pictures in my head. Like Nell’s previous novella, this story felt much larger than its 160 pages. I enjoyed this one quite a bit – not as much as “Rebellion,” even though this was just as competently written; I felt a bit more detached from these characters and wasn’t sure if I wanted any of them to survive. But by the end of the story, I was ready to explore this twisted yet interesting world even further, and I’m very much looking forward to the release of the full series in the years ahead.
4/5 stars
The story centers on Kurt, a twenty-year veteran of the Eastern army, who is all but forgotten by their commanding emperor. Kurt’s men are stationed at the edge of the empire, close to the borderlands that are ruled by dangerous ‘savages.’ The surrounding land is barren, they haven’t been paid in over a year, and the soldiers and their families are starving. Kurt has assumed the identity of a dead colonel just to find something for his men to do. Some orders finally come, but it’s not the kind Kurt was expecting, so he decides to lead his men into the land of the savages to find their own fortune. What starts as a straightforward mission quickly evolves into a high-stakes threat, and ends with a thrilling quest that resolves in a surprising fashion.
These men are not heroes. Even though they’re soldiers, they’re referred to as “killers” even more so. They have been involved in capturing and selling slaves, killing unarmed families, and even worse things are inferenced. They’re tough to root for. But we spend almost the entire book inside Kurt’s head, discovering his unpredictable tendencies, his series of “masks” that he wears in different situations, his abilities to prepare and lead in battle, and his cleverness. The man is a sociopath, but is he a victim of circumstance? After twenty years of serving an Empire who cannot afford to pay him or his men, and would likely rather forget they exist? Nell has shown a talent for allowing the reader to sympathize with morally questionable or outright abhorrent characters, as often times they have no other options in order to survive. How would I feel or react if dealt the same cards in life? Would I be so different? I would certainly hope so, but there’s no way to know for sure.
There are several unpredictable turns that kept the story from stagnating in any one area, and the ending was truly surprising – an unforeseen shift in tone and subject matter and it was a welcome change of atmosphere. The battle scenes are all described in vivid detail, and the settings painted clear pictures in my head. Like Nell’s previous novella, this story felt much larger than its 160 pages. I enjoyed this one quite a bit – not as much as “Rebellion,” even though this was just as competently written; I felt a bit more detached from these characters and wasn’t sure if I wanted any of them to survive. But by the end of the story, I was ready to explore this twisted yet interesting world even further, and I’m very much looking forward to the release of the full series in the years ahead.
4/5 stars
April 2, 2018
Really great novella. The plot went in unexpected directions and the ending blew me away. It is darker than the previous novella, and seems completely independent from the previous one.
I loved the main character, who is a world-weary grizzled veteran. His perspective really sets the tone of the book, and I agree with some reviewers comparisons of this book with Joe Abercrombie's work.
I loved the main character, who is a world-weary grizzled veteran. His perspective really sets the tone of the book, and I agree with some reviewers comparisons of this book with Joe Abercrombie's work.
February 26, 2018
This is the second novella set in Mr. Nell's God-King Chronicles universe. Flintlock fantasy with demons; I dig it.
The world-building and character development are top notch and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this book connects to the upcoming tales.
But, if you're looking for "good" characters, you'll have to look elsewhere. I'm not even sure if "shades of grey" pertain to the majority of characters here.
Very entertaining, quick read.
I was given an ARC of this, but I'll be purchasing it when it is officially released next month.
The world-building and character development are top notch and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this book connects to the upcoming tales.
But, if you're looking for "good" characters, you'll have to look elsewhere. I'm not even sure if "shades of grey" pertain to the majority of characters here.
Very entertaining, quick read.
I was given an ARC of this, but I'll be purchasing it when it is officially released next month.
March 26, 2019
I’ve officially read everything Richard Nell had published. Now I need to hack his computer and read things he hasn’t published yet.
Kurt ‘the Devil’ Val Clause has served the empire of Keevland since he was twelve. Somehow he survived twenty years of war, most of it at the front, and now he schemes for power, plunder and glory. He’s cruel, cynical and rotten to the core. But in Nell’s world fouler things than he exist, and Kurt will have to face a challenge unlike any other.
As a huge fan of a novella format, I think Rich Nell does things right. His pacing, characters, plotting and twists are top-notch. Devil of the 22nd presents a cruel world in which power-hungry sociopaths shape reality. Don’t expect to find any redeeming qualities in Kurt and his people. They‘re murderers and scums.
Most of them would happily continue a pointless life of abuse, but Kurt has a vision, and he wants to secure a place for them to live and prosper. I didn‘t like Kurt. But I liked his story and an excellent twist near the end of the novella. He craved power, and he got it, just not the one he expected or desired :)
Once Nell wraps up Ash and Sand series, I would love him to revisit God-King chronicles universe. I need more demons in my life.
Kurt ‘the Devil’ Val Clause has served the empire of Keevland since he was twelve. Somehow he survived twenty years of war, most of it at the front, and now he schemes for power, plunder and glory. He’s cruel, cynical and rotten to the core. But in Nell’s world fouler things than he exist, and Kurt will have to face a challenge unlike any other.
As a huge fan of a novella format, I think Rich Nell does things right. His pacing, characters, plotting and twists are top-notch. Devil of the 22nd presents a cruel world in which power-hungry sociopaths shape reality. Don’t expect to find any redeeming qualities in Kurt and his people. They‘re murderers and scums.
Most of them would happily continue a pointless life of abuse, but Kurt has a vision, and he wants to secure a place for them to live and prosper. I didn‘t like Kurt. But I liked his story and an excellent twist near the end of the novella. He craved power, and he got it, just not the one he expected or desired :)
Once Nell wraps up Ash and Sand series, I would love him to revisit God-King chronicles universe. I need more demons in my life.
March 20, 2018
This is the Third Book of Richard Nell's I've read. I thoroughly enjoy his writing style, that I can only describe as smooth. Kurt, the main character is one of the more interesting people I'v come across in any book and the world he is set in is so gritty and intriguing I wish I could explore it. The unique supernatural elements of this story and Rebellion of the Black Militia Nell's other Novel make me want more progression in this world.
November 20, 2018
Great lead
I think the book is too short. Ends at sort of midway point. I love the voice of the main character he is super competent and thoroughly evil
I think the book is too short. Ends at sort of midway point. I love the voice of the main character he is super competent and thoroughly evil
January 5, 2019
4.5 stars.
Very fun read with a ruthless protagonist and lots of dark humour throughout. Looking forward to the main series debuting in the next couple of years.
Very fun read with a ruthless protagonist and lots of dark humour throughout. Looking forward to the main series debuting in the next couple of years.
April 13, 2018
I'm not an avid fan of Flintlock Fantasy, but I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. I thought the protagonist was interesting and believable, a hard feat when he appears to be teetering on insanity, and the side-characters fairly fleshed out for the short duration of the story. I finished it wanting more.
May 28, 2018
It's good
I liked it. You might also like it. Try reading it to find out if you will like it, maybe.
I liked it. You might also like it. Try reading it to find out if you will like it, maybe.
August 25, 2018
Dark
I love dark villainous characters that you have to root for, Kurt is just that. I hope this character is revisited on the future.
I love dark villainous characters that you have to root for, Kurt is just that. I hope this character is revisited on the future.
August 4, 2019
Keep them coming Richard.
March 15, 2018
A novella set in the same universe as his previous, Mr. Nell has written something special here. The book is entertaining on it's own, but introduces a universe with far more potential than it's length would otherwise show.
November 23, 2020
Wow! TO build such a complex character in just 130 pages is an exceptional thing. I have enjoyed "Rebellion of the Black Militia" but this one was the next level. I can't wait for the novels in this universe.
January 24, 2020
Superbly paced, fantastic main character, believable world, and overall a fun and quick read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews