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Annals of Alasia #4
The Nameless Soldier: an Annals of Alasia Novella
A deadly enemy. A surprise attack. A single survivor.
Nineteen-year-old Tarvic regains consciousness to find his fellow soldiers slaughtered and invaders from neighboring Malorn in control of the kingdom. Though he bears the name of a mighty hero from Alasia’s past, Tarvic feels anything but heroic as he hides his name and uniform to escape capture and execution.
After he encounters three war orphans in need of a protector, Tarvic finds purpose in caring for them. Alone, he can't accomplish much against the enemies overrunning his kingdom, but he can do his best to guard the young girls from brutal Malornian soldiers.
When a mysterious stranger entrusts Tarvic with a perilous task, he is forced to choose between taking on a mission that might just help free Alasia and protecting his charges from danger. As he struggles to balance his duty and dreams, Tarvic risks losing more than just his noble name in the face of an impossible foe.
If you enjoy the finely crafted cultures and world-building of Mistborn, Song of the Lioness, or Farseer, you'll love the land of Alasia!
Nineteen-year-old Tarvic regains consciousness to find his fellow soldiers slaughtered and invaders from neighboring Malorn in control of the kingdom. Though he bears the name of a mighty hero from Alasia’s past, Tarvic feels anything but heroic as he hides his name and uniform to escape capture and execution.
After he encounters three war orphans in need of a protector, Tarvic finds purpose in caring for them. Alone, he can't accomplish much against the enemies overrunning his kingdom, but he can do his best to guard the young girls from brutal Malornian soldiers.
When a mysterious stranger entrusts Tarvic with a perilous task, he is forced to choose between taking on a mission that might just help free Alasia and protecting his charges from danger. As he struggles to balance his duty and dreams, Tarvic risks losing more than just his noble name in the face of an impossible foe.
If you enjoy the finely crafted cultures and world-building of Mistborn, Song of the Lioness, or Farseer, you'll love the land of Alasia!
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2018
39 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Annie Douglass Lima
34 books174 followersAnnie Douglass Lima considers herself fortunate to have traveled in twenty different countries and lived in four of them. A fifth-grade teacher in her “other” life, she loves reading to her students and sparking their imaginations. Her books include science fiction, fantasy, YA action and adventure novels, a puppet script, poetry, a Bible verse coloring and activity book, and a cookbook. When she isn’t teaching or writing, Annie can often be found sipping spiced chai or pomegranate green tea in exotic locations, some of which exist in this world.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 17, 2019
The Nameless Soldier by Annie Douglass Lima checks all the boxes for me as being the perfect summer book for young adults ages 12 through the young at heart adults. It's clean, it's fun, and it has a great ending. Even though this book is part of a series that takes place in the same world, you can read this book all by itself and feel perfectly content. It is short, and she even calls it a novella in places. I still recommend it as a great stand-alone book (since I haven't read the rest of the series yet). Even so, I feel drawn to her other books because I loved the characters and feel curious about her world.
The Nameless Soldier follows the journey of Tarvic, a nineteen-year-old soldier, who believe that he has completely failed after his kingdom has been invaded and his monarchs killed. He happens upon three girls who he ends up befriending and protecting.
Honestly, the book is much better than my lame summary. Think The Red Badge of Courage in a fantasy setting with a hint of a future love story and a cool world to explore. From the first pages, I loved Tarvic as a convincing teenage soldier without all the whininess typical in young adult novels today. He is also well depicted as a true male (in the ideal light men and boys would like for their heroes) rather than the puppy dog (wimpy, emotionally volatile, and beaten) guys some female writers put in their books. He wrestles with shame, but still values honor and loyalty in ways that I find more common in men.
I also appreciate the plot of this book. Even though it's fantasy, there is no magic to save the day, and the hero isn't out to save the world, just to find honor. I think I was more drawn to the plot because of how driven Tarvic was to find purpose and restore his self-respect than I typically am for broader plots with more characters. A save-the-world plot couldn't have held my interest more! The scene in which Tarvic gets to shine is great and plausible. The pay off at the end is just right.
Most books I have some sort of small criticism about things I feel are inconsistent with the plot or the character, but not this book. At nineteen, Tarvic isn't the greatest swordsman that ever lived, he's just good at it. He isn't a legendary hero or commanding armies, he is just a solid soldier committed to what he does. This makes him more likable to me, and I am more emotionally drawn into his development through his adventure.
The Annals of Alasia Series that this is part of covers the same world events from multiple characters' points of view. I think that is brilliant. I have been known to read biographies of people who all lived at the same time for this very same purpose. I have four more books from this series already on my kindle ready to read and review.
The Nameless Soldier is the second book by Annie that I have reviewed (see my review for her science fiction book Heart Song), and I felt like this rewarded my trust in her writing. She has published 18 books, and it seems that she is an author to follow for multiple good books.
The Nameless Soldier follows the journey of Tarvic, a nineteen-year-old soldier, who believe that he has completely failed after his kingdom has been invaded and his monarchs killed. He happens upon three girls who he ends up befriending and protecting.
Honestly, the book is much better than my lame summary. Think The Red Badge of Courage in a fantasy setting with a hint of a future love story and a cool world to explore. From the first pages, I loved Tarvic as a convincing teenage soldier without all the whininess typical in young adult novels today. He is also well depicted as a true male (in the ideal light men and boys would like for their heroes) rather than the puppy dog (wimpy, emotionally volatile, and beaten) guys some female writers put in their books. He wrestles with shame, but still values honor and loyalty in ways that I find more common in men.
I also appreciate the plot of this book. Even though it's fantasy, there is no magic to save the day, and the hero isn't out to save the world, just to find honor. I think I was more drawn to the plot because of how driven Tarvic was to find purpose and restore his self-respect than I typically am for broader plots with more characters. A save-the-world plot couldn't have held my interest more! The scene in which Tarvic gets to shine is great and plausible. The pay off at the end is just right.
Most books I have some sort of small criticism about things I feel are inconsistent with the plot or the character, but not this book. At nineteen, Tarvic isn't the greatest swordsman that ever lived, he's just good at it. He isn't a legendary hero or commanding armies, he is just a solid soldier committed to what he does. This makes him more likable to me, and I am more emotionally drawn into his development through his adventure.
The Annals of Alasia Series that this is part of covers the same world events from multiple characters' points of view. I think that is brilliant. I have been known to read biographies of people who all lived at the same time for this very same purpose. I have four more books from this series already on my kindle ready to read and review.
The Nameless Soldier is the second book by Annie that I have reviewed (see my review for her science fiction book Heart Song), and I felt like this rewarded my trust in her writing. She has published 18 books, and it seems that she is an author to follow for multiple good books.
May 29, 2018
I was given an ARC of this book but that does not affect my honest review.
I've read previous stories connected to this one and was pleased to have the opportunity to look deeper into Alasia (a side story).
The Nameless Soldier is about a young man who finds himself adrift...I don't give spoilers, though will say that the tale is filled with meaning as well as action, suspense and mystery.
Honour, love and tragedy are some of the themes, and together with the realistic characters, make this a compelling read.
This fantasy story is extremely well written; its tone, style and storyline for all ages.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and for those who haven't read the Annals, it has hints of the trilogy (great read).
Highly recommended.
I've read previous stories connected to this one and was pleased to have the opportunity to look deeper into Alasia (a side story).
The Nameless Soldier is about a young man who finds himself adrift...I don't give spoilers, though will say that the tale is filled with meaning as well as action, suspense and mystery.
Honour, love and tragedy are some of the themes, and together with the realistic characters, make this a compelling read.
This fantasy story is extremely well written; its tone, style and storyline for all ages.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and for those who haven't read the Annals, it has hints of the trilogy (great read).
Highly recommended.
June 14, 2020
Nineteen-year old Tarvic’s army encampment is attacked in the middle of the night and, after receiving a brutal wound to his head, he is left for dead. He wakes the next morning to find nothing but carnage; his friends, his allies are all dead. Suffering from physical and emotional pain, he determines to return to the capital in the hopes that some of the other soldiers might have survived. When he gets to the capital things go downhill even further.
Believing himself to be a worthless coward and unworthy of the heroic name he bears, he wanders into the country expecting to yield to death at any time due to his injuries. But it is not death he finds, instead he stumbles upon three girls who need his help. In aiding the three sisters, he discovers purpose and meaning for his life again. And, in time, even hope.
This is a well-told tale with a sympathetic main character and interesting minor characters. It has a few twists and a gentle love interest. I enjoyed it and recommend it for anyone from about twelve and older looking for a clean, quick, fantasy read.
Believing himself to be a worthless coward and unworthy of the heroic name he bears, he wanders into the country expecting to yield to death at any time due to his injuries. But it is not death he finds, instead he stumbles upon three girls who need his help. In aiding the three sisters, he discovers purpose and meaning for his life again. And, in time, even hope.
This is a well-told tale with a sympathetic main character and interesting minor characters. It has a few twists and a gentle love interest. I enjoyed it and recommend it for anyone from about twelve and older looking for a clean, quick, fantasy read.
May 29, 2018
The Nameless Solider
By Annie Douglass Lima
This was one of the best little stories I have read this year. It was filled with danger and adventure, packed with character development and introspection, and sported a bit of humor and the sweetest romance. I was worried I would have a difficult time settling into the story world since this is technically Book Four, but the author assures her readers that each book is stand alone. And she spoke the truth. I also really appreciated a little note she added at the end of the novella, listing some of the lingering questions I had and reassuring me I could find answers in the other books.
What I liked:
1. Tarvic. He was such a likeable and subtly flawed character. Watching his internal struggle as he battled his way back from a dark, painful place trying to regain his self-respect and honor…it was truly well done. I loved him, even at his darkest moments.
2. The sisters. They were all so sweet and spunky. I would have liked to see a bit more character development for them, as they remain pretty even through the story, but they have their own struggles and fears which keeps them three dimensional and interesting. And did I mention spunky? They say some of the funniest things.
3. The romance. The relationship that blossoms in this story is so sweet and delicately handled. There is just enough tension to keep you enthralled, but not so much as to drown out the beauty in their simple, but flourishing relationship. It warmed my heart and left me wishing for more.
What I didn’t like:
The only thing I wish the author had done differently as to have made this a full length novel. I admit there is not enough story here to make a full novel, but I enjoyed the characters so much I was sad to see them go.
If you enjoy sweet, clean fantasy worlds, you will enjoy The Nameless Soldier. There is no magic, but there is adventure, intrigue, and sweet, sweet romance. I rate this novella PG for Thematic elements, a few tastefully handled battle sequences, and light romance.
I received this story as an Advanced Review Copy from the Author and chose to write a review of my own volition.
By Annie Douglass Lima
This was one of the best little stories I have read this year. It was filled with danger and adventure, packed with character development and introspection, and sported a bit of humor and the sweetest romance. I was worried I would have a difficult time settling into the story world since this is technically Book Four, but the author assures her readers that each book is stand alone. And she spoke the truth. I also really appreciated a little note she added at the end of the novella, listing some of the lingering questions I had and reassuring me I could find answers in the other books.
What I liked:
1. Tarvic. He was such a likeable and subtly flawed character. Watching his internal struggle as he battled his way back from a dark, painful place trying to regain his self-respect and honor…it was truly well done. I loved him, even at his darkest moments.
2. The sisters. They were all so sweet and spunky. I would have liked to see a bit more character development for them, as they remain pretty even through the story, but they have their own struggles and fears which keeps them three dimensional and interesting. And did I mention spunky? They say some of the funniest things.
3. The romance. The relationship that blossoms in this story is so sweet and delicately handled. There is just enough tension to keep you enthralled, but not so much as to drown out the beauty in their simple, but flourishing relationship. It warmed my heart and left me wishing for more.
What I didn’t like:
The only thing I wish the author had done differently as to have made this a full length novel. I admit there is not enough story here to make a full novel, but I enjoyed the characters so much I was sad to see them go.
If you enjoy sweet, clean fantasy worlds, you will enjoy The Nameless Soldier. There is no magic, but there is adventure, intrigue, and sweet, sweet romance. I rate this novella PG for Thematic elements, a few tastefully handled battle sequences, and light romance.
I received this story as an Advanced Review Copy from the Author and chose to write a review of my own volition.
June 21, 2018
He has a hero’s name. It’s only fitting he should be in the military. In his eight months enlistment, Tarvic has done well, but that is about to change. While bivouacked with his unit some distance from the city of Almar, Tarvic and his tentmate, Drevel, are aroused from their sleep by a shout. They suddenly find themselves in the middle of a ruthless battle brought on by the invading Malorians. Caught by surprise, Tarvic fights desperately to keep himself alive. Wounded and disoriented, he manages to get to the edge of the forest where he lapses into unconsciousness. When Tarvic awakens, it appears that everyone has fled or died. His hope seems to vanish in the silence of the dead bodies. As he tries to find out what has happened in Alasia, he is confronted by nagging voices in his head that he’s failed. He didn’t live up to his heroic name. These whispered accusations follow him as he ventures forward into a land occupied by the enemy and the possibility of being captured or killed.
This is a compelling story of a young man facing his darkest foes, himself and expectations that are trying to drive him mad. It’s not until he comes into an encounter with three young girls that he finds his destiny, all the while never allowing them to really know who he is or his name. It’s better to stay Nameless, because that way, no one will get attached.
Annie Douglass Lima has penned another page turning tale that will warm your heart and cause the reader’s heart to pound. Get this book, it will make a great addition to any reader’s library.
This is a compelling story of a young man facing his darkest foes, himself and expectations that are trying to drive him mad. It’s not until he comes into an encounter with three young girls that he finds his destiny, all the while never allowing them to really know who he is or his name. It’s better to stay Nameless, because that way, no one will get attached.
Annie Douglass Lima has penned another page turning tale that will warm your heart and cause the reader’s heart to pound. Get this book, it will make a great addition to any reader’s library.
July 26, 2022
This story was good right from the beginning - we start in the middle of a battle!
Tarvic survives a brutal surprise attack from a neighboring country - they had no idea that there would be any kind of conflict, they were just on maneuvers! Travic believes that he is the only survivor and begins to wander, believing that the head wound he received would eventually kill him. This beginning was quite emotional!
A little girl sees him wander past her house three times and goes out on the fourth round and talks to him. She asks him why he keeps passing going by. He's just wandering, he's sad, he's lonely, and he will not give her his name, so she calls him Sad, lonely, ? guy (Ugh, I hate when I can't remember something I've read a bunch of times.) He doesn't believe that he is worthy of his name anymore since he was named after a hero. The little girl invites him in to get some water and to pet her cat because that will make him feel better, and eventually he stays with them because their father, a Sgt. in the army hasn't returned home yet and their uncle ran off with their cart and money. Three girls alone in a land taken over by wicked men... He has no choice, he has to stay and help - and that gives him a reason to live.
It's poignant, funny, heartwarming and just a good read. It's clean as well!
Tarvic survives a brutal surprise attack from a neighboring country - they had no idea that there would be any kind of conflict, they were just on maneuvers! Travic believes that he is the only survivor and begins to wander, believing that the head wound he received would eventually kill him. This beginning was quite emotional!
A little girl sees him wander past her house three times and goes out on the fourth round and talks to him. She asks him why he keeps passing going by. He's just wandering, he's sad, he's lonely, and he will not give her his name, so she calls him Sad, lonely, ? guy (Ugh, I hate when I can't remember something I've read a bunch of times.) He doesn't believe that he is worthy of his name anymore since he was named after a hero. The little girl invites him in to get some water and to pet her cat because that will make him feel better, and eventually he stays with them because their father, a Sgt. in the army hasn't returned home yet and their uncle ran off with their cart and money. Three girls alone in a land taken over by wicked men... He has no choice, he has to stay and help - and that gives him a reason to live.
It's poignant, funny, heartwarming and just a good read. It's clean as well!
May 29, 2018
A Hero Does What is Right!
Tarvic is a young soldier in the Alasian army, who was named after a great hero. When a surprise attack leaves him with a bad head wound, he lies unconscious among dead comrades. Tarvic feels like a coward as he hides from the enemy. Why should he survive when all his friends lie dead? How can he live up to his heroic namesake?
It takes meeting three helpless girls to finally give him a purpose. They bring him back to life as he works to help them survive on a small farm in the country. Although he protects the girls from marauding enemy soldiers, he can't tell the girls his true name. It's a name that should belong to a hero, not a failed soldier like him. The nameless soldier slowly proves his courage and ingenuity while facing danger.
This story is a standalone tale set in the times and territory covered in other books about Alasia. I loved reading about an unlikely hero, caught up in events that he cannot control, but using his wit and courage to prevail. A true hero does what is right in the midst of great peril. I recommend the novel highly to young and old alike.
Tarvic is a young soldier in the Alasian army, who was named after a great hero. When a surprise attack leaves him with a bad head wound, he lies unconscious among dead comrades. Tarvic feels like a coward as he hides from the enemy. Why should he survive when all his friends lie dead? How can he live up to his heroic namesake?
It takes meeting three helpless girls to finally give him a purpose. They bring him back to life as he works to help them survive on a small farm in the country. Although he protects the girls from marauding enemy soldiers, he can't tell the girls his true name. It's a name that should belong to a hero, not a failed soldier like him. The nameless soldier slowly proves his courage and ingenuity while facing danger.
This story is a standalone tale set in the times and territory covered in other books about Alasia. I loved reading about an unlikely hero, caught up in events that he cannot control, but using his wit and courage to prevail. A true hero does what is right in the midst of great peril. I recommend the novel highly to young and old alike.
May 29, 2018
The Nameless Soldier is not your typical hero story. Tarvic doesn't get the ride into triumphant battle with his company, as they are all slaughtered in the first chapter. Alone and afraid, he tries to make his way home when he comes across a family of orphaned girls. Knowing the invading forces would more than take advantage of this small family, Tarvic decides to become their protecting, throwing his name aside as he believes himself to be a coward.
The plight of this war torn family is shown in such detail, without being overwhelming. You can't help but feel for the characters, especially when Tarvic is given a chance to "redeem" himself as a warrior. He will learn, however, that there are many kinds of heroes and many ways to serve a country, even if it's not in the way you thought it would be.
The plight of this war torn family is shown in such detail, without being overwhelming. You can't help but feel for the characters, especially when Tarvic is given a chance to "redeem" himself as a warrior. He will learn, however, that there are many kinds of heroes and many ways to serve a country, even if it's not in the way you thought it would be.
May 30, 2018
Having read all of Ms. Lima's other books in the Annals of Alasia, I was excited to see there was a new story set in this world. The new POV character, 19 year old Tarvic, caught my attention right away in the gripping opening scene. His anguish and despair are palpable and make him extremely sympathetic. The other characters he meets along the way are wonderfully drawn, and the plot is full of surprises with many satisfying moments. It's almost impossible to put this story down! And near the end is one of the most beautiful lines of prose I've ever read which fits the title perfectly. This story brought tears to my eyes in more than one place. I highly recommend it, and it's not necessary to have read any of the previous books to enjoy the story. Of course, once you read it, you'll HAVE to revisit Alasia with the other wonderful books!
September 17, 2018
The Nameless Soldier is a fantasy novel set in Alasia, a country created by Annie Douglas Lima. There's plenty of adventure, great characters, and a little romance. It's a survival story about one young man who barely escapes an enemy invasion by Malorians. He's a soldier who ends up joining the ranks of the civilian spectators, but he doesn't remain passive. He struggles with his inadequacies as he lives with the reality of Alasians being subjected to the enemy. How can one young man without a sword thwart the Malorian invasion?
I like this story because it's from a different perspective. It isn't about the main hero, but instead a smaller character in the bigger picture. This book is appropriate for middle grade readers and young adults.
Posted on Amanda's Books and More
I like this story because it's from a different perspective. It isn't about the main hero, but instead a smaller character in the bigger picture. This book is appropriate for middle grade readers and young adults.
Posted on Amanda's Books and More
July 4, 2020
I have enjoyed every book written by Annie Douglass-Lima and this one is no exception. The Nameless Soldier takes us on a journey into the heart of a soldier who has lost his army and maybe even a little bit of himself. Despondent and alone, he finds a new purpose in protecting three vulnerable girls whose father he fears to be dead.
This author is especially good at creating characters that you simply have to love. On every page, I felt their pain, empathized with their struggles, and rooted for their victories. This book is filled with adventure, excitement, and of course heroism.
I read it in one sitting and highly recommend it!
This author is especially good at creating characters that you simply have to love. On every page, I felt their pain, empathized with their struggles, and rooted for their victories. This book is filled with adventure, excitement, and of course heroism.
I read it in one sitting and highly recommend it!
May 30, 2018
The Nameless Soldier starts in immediately with action and kept me hooked until the very end. But it’s not all action as we also read about the hero’s conflicts about love, war, and duties to fellow soldiers versus helping a family hurt by the fighting. I’m really impressed with Annie Douglass Lima’s professional level writing. With her descriptions in just the first few pages, she creates a vivid image of the characters, the action, and the setting. This is a fairly quick read, but packed with great characterization and exciting plot.
June 3, 2019
A clean fantasy read pitched towards a younger ya audience. Tarvic feels like he’s failed to live up to the great warrior name he’s been given, so he wanders around nameless until trio of young girls welcome him in. As he’s able to help them, he recovers from the trauma of his first battle.
This is very much linked to wider series but could be read alone (although I would recommend reading the first book first as this contains spoilers). This is enjoyable and felt novella length.
This is very much linked to wider series but could be read alone (although I would recommend reading the first book first as this contains spoilers). This is enjoyable and felt novella length.
June 19, 2020
Heartwarming story of finding purpose in a time of war
Tarvic is a soldier set adrift, without a purpose, because of the war in Alasia. I very much enjoyed his interactions with Sennie, what an adorable little girl!, Rania and Crielle and watching him struggle to re-establish his purpose. It was also interesting to see yet another perspective on the Alasian Invasian.
Sex - none
Language - none
Violence - non-graphic battle scene
Religion - none
Tarvic is a soldier set adrift, without a purpose, because of the war in Alasia. I very much enjoyed his interactions with Sennie, what an adorable little girl!, Rania and Crielle and watching him struggle to re-establish his purpose. It was also interesting to see yet another perspective on the Alasian Invasian.
Sex - none
Language - none
Violence - non-graphic battle scene
Religion - none
Read
February 11, 2022I read this story in one sitting. It is tightly paced, beautifully written, and full of wisdom. I love that the story isn't about grand scale adventures, but rather the daily choices that one hero makes that impact one family. This close-knit setting made it all the more powerful. I look forward to reading other books in this series.
January 2, 2021
An excellent book to start the year with. I've been hyping it up for myself since I first read a book in the series and it lived up to the hype.
It is the perfect novella.
YES!! YES!! YES!!!
To the characters, to the plot, to the setting, to everything.
It is the perfect novella.
YES!! YES!! YES!!!
To the characters, to the plot, to the setting, to everything.
January 19, 2022
No name, hero
Will I'm sorry to say, the beginning was boring 3 stares. Then it gets down to the meat of the story. It held you on till the end. Recommend it. 4 1/2 stars
Will I'm sorry to say, the beginning was boring 3 stares. Then it gets down to the meat of the story. It held you on till the end. Recommend it. 4 1/2 stars
February 26, 2022
A exciting read.
May 19, 2024
Short, warm, slow, and a bit weird story.
February 10, 2022
Very well written. Enjoyed every moment. Went on to buy the 1st book now.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews