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Deepwoods Saga #3
Fallen Ward
“Siobhian-jia. Something is amiss?”
“I don’t know. That’s the problem. Ryu Jin Ho-zhi. I need you to think like a strategist for a moment. If someone were to tell you about the situation in Fallen Ward, all the facts that we heard yesterday, what would you do?”
Ryu Jin Ho’s dark eyes focused on her face in a penetrating way. “Is this question purely academic?”
“No. Rune is missing and we don’t know where he went. I suspect it has something to do with what he learned this morning, which was all about the condition of Fallen Ward.”
“So what you are truly asking me is, if I were Rune, and I learned all of that, what would I do?”
“Yes. You’re both students of Hyun Woo. Knowing strategy as you do, knowing Rune’s skills, what do you predict he will do?”
Ryu Jin Ho didn’t even think about it for a full second before he answered her. “Assassinate the Guildmaster of Fallen Ward.”
“I don’t know. That’s the problem. Ryu Jin Ho-zhi. I need you to think like a strategist for a moment. If someone were to tell you about the situation in Fallen Ward, all the facts that we heard yesterday, what would you do?”
Ryu Jin Ho’s dark eyes focused on her face in a penetrating way. “Is this question purely academic?”
“No. Rune is missing and we don’t know where he went. I suspect it has something to do with what he learned this morning, which was all about the condition of Fallen Ward.”
“So what you are truly asking me is, if I were Rune, and I learned all of that, what would I do?”
“Yes. You’re both students of Hyun Woo. Knowing strategy as you do, knowing Rune’s skills, what do you predict he will do?”
Ryu Jin Ho didn’t even think about it for a full second before he answered her. “Assassinate the Guildmaster of Fallen Ward.”
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2015
49 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
63 books840 followersEver since I was a toddler, I have been making up stories. I’d entertain anyone willing to listen to my wild fantasies about unicorns and gargoyles and amazing people. At 13, I started writing the stories down. At 23, I finished the first book that was, in my opinion, good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 14, 2020
This serie was pretty great!
But I still liked the Artifactor better :)
But I still liked the Artifactor better :)
September 28, 2025
Content:
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. Fights, mostly hitting and punching, but only peripherally told. Not graphic.
Sexual: Mild. Some kissing and cuddling.
CW: Some child endangerment, but very mild.
I totally called that twist. Just saying.
Rune's whole assassin mission in this one was more amusing than intense. And when he gets to the Fallen Ward compound and decides differently? Well I was even more amused.
The majority of this one is a sort of clean up from the mob ransacking of the Robargian cities that Coravine raided. It was a nice wrap up to the prior two books and a good culmination. It actually took me by surprise at the end with how it turned out, which I appreciated.
Rune giving out noogies made me snicker.
Knowing that he was just doing what Wolf and Tran had done to him made me grin.
Also, loved the romance between was adorable to watch. Her being all awkward and embarrassed, him being confused. Then her deciding finally that she did indeed love him romantically not just as a guildmate made me chuckle. And the way tells Fei by pointing to her and saying "mine." cracked me up. Althought I was a bit miffed that But I am an emotional connection romantic, not a physical one.
The entire story feels very episodic, and I could happily read more of their adventures. It feels much more slice of life than most fantasy out there, with a dash of LitRPG in there.
Fun series. I look forward to reading the short stories.
Update: After having Alexa read these books to me a few times now, I like them less than initially. There are tons of issues with editing and plot. Things like someone saying early on that the guildmaster position of Fallen Ward is hereditary, then later eveyone being super shocked to find out...it's hereditary. Oops. There are a few big ones like that, which made me sigh heavily. I noted them the first read, but they get more annoying on re-reads.
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. Fights, mostly hitting and punching, but only peripherally told. Not graphic.
Sexual: Mild. Some kissing and cuddling.
CW: Some child endangerment, but very mild.
I totally called that twist. Just saying.
Rune's whole assassin mission in this one was more amusing than intense. And when he gets to the Fallen Ward compound and decides differently? Well I was even more amused.
The majority of this one is a sort of clean up from the mob ransacking of the Robargian cities that Coravine raided. It was a nice wrap up to the prior two books and a good culmination. It actually took me by surprise at the end with how it turned out, which I appreciated.
Rune giving out noogies made me snicker.
Knowing that he was just doing what Wolf and Tran had done to him made me grin.
Also, loved the romance between was adorable to watch. Her being all awkward and embarrassed, him being confused. Then her deciding finally that she did indeed love him romantically not just as a guildmate made me chuckle. And the way tells Fei by pointing to her and saying "mine." cracked me up. Althought I was a bit miffed that But I am an emotional connection romantic, not a physical one.
The entire story feels very episodic, and I could happily read more of their adventures. It feels much more slice of life than most fantasy out there, with a dash of LitRPG in there.
Fun series. I look forward to reading the short stories.
Update: After having Alexa read these books to me a few times now, I like them less than initially. There are tons of issues with editing and plot. Things like someone saying early on that the guildmaster position of Fallen Ward is hereditary, then later eveyone being super shocked to find out...it's hereditary. Oops. There are a few big ones like that, which made me sigh heavily. I noted them the first read, but they get more annoying on re-reads.
August 3, 2020
The final installment of this series was good, but there were some beats that left me wanting. There was a big shift away for Siobhan as the POV, which is okay for some of the book, but I really liked her POV, and missed it.
Also
Although for me, this series ended with a series of bad notes, I still feel the core story is with me. The characters and interactions charmed me and I will be trying more of this author's writing.
Also
Although for me, this series ended with a series of bad notes, I still feel the core story is with me. The characters and interactions charmed me and I will be trying more of this author's writing.
February 12, 2022
One question
Where are the dogs? They disappeared.
Once again, another really good series with very well written female leads. No wishy washy whining women.
Where are the dogs? They disappeared.
Once again, another really good series with very well written female leads. No wishy washy whining women.
September 25, 2021
Enjoyed The 3rd The Best
Throughout the first 2 of the series, I felt there was a lot of dialogue that really did not lend itself toward any excitement. It was more about everyone’s personalities, upbringings, and interactions within the group.
And although there doesn’t seem to be a lot of magic and/or fantasy, it does finally reach the culmination within the main story.
It’s all wrapped up, but of course a story like this could easily go on forever. Between the character’s life’s, growing up and reaching maturity, as well as just the guilds and their future dealings. I’m glad it doesn’t-and ends with book 3. I did notice there’s a crossover between two different books that shave been totally unrelated. Since I’ve already read the other series, I do intend to read it.
I appreciate the author not stuffing the book full of page fillers, which is nothing more than word count fluff. As I point out frequently in my other reviews, must people don’t pick upa series in the 2nd or 3rd nook, and so adding in repetitive sections from previous books, are totally wasteful of everyone’s time. Besides, if you need to remind your reader of every detail from the first two, they must not of been all that memorable and stellar to begin with.
I have noticed everyone of her books could use the guidance of an editor or app program, when it comes to grammar, incorrect word usage, over use if “catch” words and phrases b
But alas, this seems to be a common central theme in self-published Ebooks.
Throughout the first 2 of the series, I felt there was a lot of dialogue that really did not lend itself toward any excitement. It was more about everyone’s personalities, upbringings, and interactions within the group.
And although there doesn’t seem to be a lot of magic and/or fantasy, it does finally reach the culmination within the main story.
It’s all wrapped up, but of course a story like this could easily go on forever. Between the character’s life’s, growing up and reaching maturity, as well as just the guilds and their future dealings. I’m glad it doesn’t-and ends with book 3. I did notice there’s a crossover between two different books that shave been totally unrelated. Since I’ve already read the other series, I do intend to read it.
I appreciate the author not stuffing the book full of page fillers, which is nothing more than word count fluff. As I point out frequently in my other reviews, must people don’t pick upa series in the 2nd or 3rd nook, and so adding in repetitive sections from previous books, are totally wasteful of everyone’s time. Besides, if you need to remind your reader of every detail from the first two, they must not of been all that memorable and stellar to begin with.
I have noticed everyone of her books could use the guidance of an editor or app program, when it comes to grammar, incorrect word usage, over use if “catch” words and phrases b
But alas, this seems to be a common central theme in self-published Ebooks.
June 21, 2020
The Deepwoods trilogy (am reviewing all 3.5 books here as they all fit into one story) was a wonderful book of friendship, camaraderie, the sense of family and belonging and being human. Set in a world that is still a little barbaric (probably the most so of Honour Raconteur's worlds that I have read so far), often sexist, and very judgemental, where slavery exists, good people still win out, the good wins the battle and learning, dignity and honour always come through.
The world is thrown into turmoil by a few actions where all is not always as it seems and we steadily find out more as they books progress. In the meantime Deepwoods grows as a guild and play an ever more important part in the worlds politics and the well being of the population as a whole.
It took me a while to wrap my head around the people in the first book but eventually they became as family to me too. I loved the addition of the sketch drawings throughout the books, especially in Deepwoods, of the characters themselves.
A wonderful read!
The world is thrown into turmoil by a few actions where all is not always as it seems and we steadily find out more as they books progress. In the meantime Deepwoods grows as a guild and play an ever more important part in the worlds politics and the well being of the population as a whole.
It took me a while to wrap my head around the people in the first book but eventually they became as family to me too. I loved the addition of the sketch drawings throughout the books, especially in Deepwoods, of the characters themselves.
A wonderful read!
February 26, 2021
I loved this series. It took until almost the third book to realize that, while it has the feel of a fantasy, there is no magic. No elves, no pixies, no flying, no shifters, nada. The basis of the characters' relationships is respect and friendship, and there are no sudden (or subtle) scenes of naked people. The world is beautifully fleshed out and the politics of the cities involved are convincing without bogging the story down with complicated details. The main characters have a family friendly dynamic that would be too cutesy if they were not written so well.
I was shocked and appalled when I got to the end of this and went to check out the next one, only to find that this was the last (currently available?) book in the series. I had just spent the time describing the world to my husband because I figured this would be my series that I read and talk about when I'm not reading for a while. Commencing book hangover.
Similar feel to series by Justin Fike and KM Shea, but without the magic.
I was shocked and appalled when I got to the end of this and went to check out the next one, only to find that this was the last (currently available?) book in the series. I had just spent the time describing the world to my husband because I figured this would be my series that I read and talk about when I'm not reading for a while. Commencing book hangover.
Similar feel to series by Justin Fike and KM Shea, but without the magic.
January 10, 2025
I Know Something About Love…
Deepwoods3
Such an ensemble!
The series rotates throughout the cast of main characters, adding cameos along the way. It slows the pacing down, which lets the insights linger for the reader.
They are still recovering from the aftermath of war, when the continent of Orin started attacking the cities of Robarge. Rebuilding always takes longer than pillaging; but the lessons in strategy and tactics turned the tide for our team.
But, there is a need to do something preemptively, or else there would always be the possibility of attack. When information comes about the Fallen Ward guild in Coravine, mainly that there leadership was hereditary, things finally started to make sense.
But, the solution will surprise you.
Deepwoods3
Such an ensemble!
The series rotates throughout the cast of main characters, adding cameos along the way. It slows the pacing down, which lets the insights linger for the reader.
They are still recovering from the aftermath of war, when the continent of Orin started attacking the cities of Robarge. Rebuilding always takes longer than pillaging; but the lessons in strategy and tactics turned the tide for our team.
But, there is a need to do something preemptively, or else there would always be the possibility of attack. When information comes about the Fallen Ward guild in Coravine, mainly that there leadership was hereditary, things finally started to make sense.
But, the solution will surprise you.
December 26, 2023
Honor Raconteur truly lives up to her name. She is an amazing storyteller. She creates here several characters, each of who is relatable and memorable in each one's individual strengths, flaws and insecurities, and gives to them as a team a world-changing quest (which none of them wanted or sought) and lets them go forth and deal. And deal they do. I resented every moment I had to put this series down to do other things (like eat, sleep, work...). This is an eminently readable series that I recommend to any young adult who enjoys reading Erin Hunter or JK Rowling.
July 15, 2021
Good (spoilers)
This book was good. I liked the chapters from Rune’s perspective, and it was fun seeing him kidnap Fallen Ward’s guildmaster. I wish there had been more of a conflict with the characters and the corrupt advisors. There still was no explanation for pathmaking, which was a little disappointing. It was cool watching the characters admit their feelings for each other in the wrong ways and then have to make up. I wish I got more of Rune’s story though.
This book was good. I liked the chapters from Rune’s perspective, and it was fun seeing him kidnap Fallen Ward’s guildmaster. I wish there had been more of a conflict with the characters and the corrupt advisors. There still was no explanation for pathmaking, which was a little disappointing. It was cool watching the characters admit their feelings for each other in the wrong ways and then have to make up. I wish I got more of Rune’s story though.
May 31, 2024
Excellent
What can I say? The story had me in tears at times and busting out in laughter at other times. Truly wonderful story telling to evoke emotion from the reader at key moments. I know this is it for Deepwoods but I can only hope there will be more adventures with this crew in the future. Seems bittersweet to just stop here after getting to know them. Great telling, and I thank the author for it.
What can I say? The story had me in tears at times and busting out in laughter at other times. Truly wonderful story telling to evoke emotion from the reader at key moments. I know this is it for Deepwoods but I can only hope there will be more adventures with this crew in the future. Seems bittersweet to just stop here after getting to know them. Great telling, and I thank the author for it.
September 21, 2023
Good Series
I really enjoyed these books. They have interesting characters and good plots. I like the strong heroine, and the way that the protagonists learn from each other. One small complaint: I think the author needs a better editor. There are a number unfortunate issues with word usage and grammar.
I really enjoyed these books. They have interesting characters and good plots. I like the strong heroine, and the way that the protagonists learn from each other. One small complaint: I think the author needs a better editor. There are a number unfortunate issues with word usage and grammar.
February 19, 2021
Deepwoods: Great series
The author does a great job of creating characters with enough depth to cause readers to care about them. I reread books when the world that has been developed feels safe ...or safer than a world fighting a pandemic, an election and climate vagaries. I placed this series in the rotation to be reread as needed. I only wish that the series was longer.
The author does a great job of creating characters with enough depth to cause readers to care about them. I reread books when the world that has been developed feels safe ...or safer than a world fighting a pandemic, an election and climate vagaries. I placed this series in the rotation to be reread as needed. I only wish that the series was longer.
August 12, 2023
A great series
Honor springs forth with yet another " I can't out this down " series. I look forward to her work as it comes to us. One day she's going to give us a GOT or realm of the elderlings.
Honor springs forth with yet another " I can't out this down " series. I look forward to her work as it comes to us. One day she's going to give us a GOT or realm of the elderlings.
January 18, 2024
A wonderful addition to the series.
The characters are wonderful, quirky, and evolving. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is superb. I hope there will be some more stories from the author in this series.
The characters are wonderful, quirky, and evolving. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is superb. I hope there will be some more stories from the author in this series.
April 5, 2019
Awesome
Awesome read with more twists and unexpected as as one assassin has to pickup his old occupation to save the guild, his home.
Awesome read with more twists and unexpected as as one assassin has to pickup his old occupation to save the guild, his home.
April 16, 2020
Love!
Read
August 16, 2020Better than the first two in the series. I'm astonished that the Deepwoods Guild can do so much without getting severely injured, wounded or killed.
January 14, 2022
Reread this trilogy, even better the third time. :)
February 3, 2022
4.5
I really enjoyed this series. The way it is written, it is like being invited into a large, warm family and getting to enjoy their ups and downs.
I really enjoyed this series. The way it is written, it is like being invited into a large, warm family and getting to enjoy their ups and downs.
May 16, 2022
4,5 stars
I really enjoyed the series
I really enjoyed the series
May 30, 2022
I wonder what happened to the dogs! they would have been ideal to watch over Alexander.
December 24, 2022
This was a really fantastic read, loved how things went down, and a great full length story end to the series!
January 16, 2023
A fun read.
December 30, 2023
Fallen Ward: book 3
This book had been as good as the first two. The action and character development is first rate. I like this author .
This book had been as good as the first two. The action and character development is first rate. I like this author .
August 3, 2024
Going strong.
This series really keeps going strong. The storyline rolls forward beautifully, with the characters getting embedded in your heart. Definitely keep reading.
This series really keeps going strong. The storyline rolls forward beautifully, with the characters getting embedded in your heart. Definitely keep reading.
January 11, 2025
Enjoyable series
November 15, 2025
Enjoyable series with a great cast of characters.
February 28, 2016
This book is the end of a story ark which works well over the three volumes but not on its own, so don't start here! But the Deepwoods Saga as a whole is quite enjoyable. The world is novel, the magic is too, and the characters are engaging. I do wish the author had a more careful copy editor, as the book is riddled with annoying errors (especially words that are not quite the one that would make sense of the sentence.). It is also a curious fact that, along of all the books I have read by Ms. Raconteur, most of the female characters need someone stronger to protect them. Still, if another book comes out in this series I would definitely read it.
February 14, 2024
The final book in the series, and I found it very satisfying, with all the loose ends tied up wonderfully, and the addition of a new guild member. I loved seeing each of the characters grow without changing their core personality, and I loved watching the relationships develop between the main characters. Not necessarily the romantic relationships, either. The camaraderie and loyalty, too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews