Pledge

by T.J. Muir

Spy. Thief. Killer.

No longer awkward, no longer afraid, Kirrin does his best work in the shadows and darkness of night. He is determined to make a name for himself, disreputable and bloody as it may be.

The ruthless Lord he serves believes in the ancient lore and gods and proclaims the time of prophecy has come. The rising aggression of the southern tribes may be a prophecy being fulfilled.

Kirrin is sent to find out.

Skeptical of the gods, Kirrin believes the task ahead a thrilling challenge. Capture or failure will mean his death. But if he succeeds, the secrets he uncovers may start a war that will change the world.

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2018

About the author

TJ has been a lifelong and voracious reader, right from the first grade. Fantastic worlds existed between the pages in books and that was where she lived. She read the Hobbit when she was about nine, and was on the hunt for them-- sure that, just like Tolkien said-- they were there, but good at hiding.

Penname of Teri J. Dluznieski.

Reviews

[Rosemary Standeven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella in the Chanmyr Chronicles fills in Kirrin’s life between book one (when he comes to the attention of Hak’kar) and book two (when he mentors Jedda) It explains the uprooting of his mother, Tattia, from her home in the Tatak Rhe pub with Perrin, to her exiled life as a hostage for Kirrin’s good behaviour (enlarged on in book three). The other strong women from book one – Ch’hikk and Fern – also make an appearance.
This novella is low on action, focussing rather on Kirrin’s relationships with those around him. Primarily, his relationships with the women in his life, but also with the So’har and his demands on Kirrin’s time and talents.
This book cannot be read as a standalone. It needs to be read after “On Borrowed Luck”. Although it adds to the understanding and enjoyment of the later books two and three, it is not essential reading for them.
All of the Chanmyr Chronicles – main books and associated novellas – are well worth reading. The author has created an excellent medieval-style fantasy world, populated by compelling characters, who develop and grow throughout the books. Definitely recommended.

[Carol Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows ‘On Borrowed Luck’ …. Kirrin’s mother has been moved from the inn, in order for the So’har to better keep Kirrin under his thumb. Kirrin is juggling her ire, with his job for the So’har. In this instalment, he is to be sent south, to learn more of what’s happening there. However, he suggests that he first go back to the palace and find out what the Da’har heir is planning and how he’s responding to the potential threat in the south. We get a better sense of who Kirrin is as a person, and he becomes more self-aware. At the end of the novel, Hak’kar does send him south – immediately. It seemed a little slower than the previous book, and not much seemed to happen plot-wise, but there was character development. But perhaps the scene is just being set for the next instalment!

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having absolutely adored On Borrowed Luck, I was a little gutted to realise the next book in the series had new characters. Fortunately Luck’s Pawn picks up precisely where we left Kirrin (also, Fern, I loved Fern!) and continues his story where we left off. Interesting start to Kirrin’s next chapter, with a good chuckle for cat owners, I’m certainly looking forward to the next instalment that this one was building up to.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun start to a series of novella's based on a young Kirrin. It was great to get a glimpse of Kirrin as he starts a new adventure spying for The Boss. Liked the mix of crazy and the hints of myth/mystery that are dropped in this beginning of the adventure. Cannot wait to see what happens next. An easy, interesting and entertaining read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable!

This book picks up shortly after the end of On Borrowed Luck and continues Kirrin’s story. I love seeing how the Kirin I know from later stories became the man he is.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome fantasy story from this author of many fabulous stories. Kirrin works the best in the shadows of night and the one he works for expects a lot. I couldn’t stop reading.

[Jellybean70 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked getting to know Kirren better, this book focuses on his relationships with people in his life. I did read it before “Before Luck Runs out”