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War for the Quarterstar Shards #1
The Warrior's Bane
Alaezdar thought he had found a perfect home in a small farming community of Valewood. Here he hoped he could bury his past and hide from his mercenary guild that has a death price on his head. His hopes are shattered when an evil sorceress, a wizard, and his goblin-like bloodthirsty followers raid the village and kidnap a teenage girl and take her deep into the goblin tribes forest for a sacrifice. During the raid, the villagers see Alaezdar’s skills with his magic sword, Bloodseeker.
In desperation to save the girl, the villagers convince Alaezdar to attempt a rescue so dangerous that they will all most likely die. Before the ordeal is over, he will also learn much more about his role in an ancient elven prophecy where he is the catalyst to the realm’s destruction, and where his death is imminent if he is to turn the prophecy around.
In desperation to save the girl, the villagers convince Alaezdar to attempt a rescue so dangerous that they will all most likely die. Before the ordeal is over, he will also learn much more about his role in an ancient elven prophecy where he is the catalyst to the realm’s destruction, and where his death is imminent if he is to turn the prophecy around.
- GenresFantasy
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2018
148 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 7, 2019
The Warrior's Bane is a fantasy novel that immediately gave me a sense of nostalgia. David McDaniel's writing reminded me so much of Tolkien. His descriptions are direct and precise. One of my favorite passages is at the beginning of Chapter 17..."Two towering, rocky cliffs faced each other like brothers facing each other in combat, and the pass between them divided the two cliffs with a narrow path that invited a simple entrance to the wickedly thick forest that so many dangerous creatures called their home." <3
The world building and rich history surrounding Wrae-Kronn is truly remarkable. McDaniel has seamlessly created a new world, one that is filled with different races. Some are familiar, elves, goblins etc. Others are new, crafted from his imagination. And all of them leap off the page. The main character is compelling, a seasoned warrior that you immediately are rooting for. But my favorite is the villain of the story, Fyaa. I really love a well written big bad and Fyaa delivers.
I greatly appreciate is the time McDaniel took to paint the scene for the reader, introducing the world and the characters. Its incredibly effective, especially when the stakes are raised and the action starts. The book is full of awesome battle sequences, magic, a little bit of love, and an epic quest. What more can you want? It's truly a great story and I think the literary community can expect great things from McDaniel.
The world building and rich history surrounding Wrae-Kronn is truly remarkable. McDaniel has seamlessly created a new world, one that is filled with different races. Some are familiar, elves, goblins etc. Others are new, crafted from his imagination. And all of them leap off the page. The main character is compelling, a seasoned warrior that you immediately are rooting for. But my favorite is the villain of the story, Fyaa. I really love a well written big bad and Fyaa delivers.
I greatly appreciate is the time McDaniel took to paint the scene for the reader, introducing the world and the characters. Its incredibly effective, especially when the stakes are raised and the action starts. The book is full of awesome battle sequences, magic, a little bit of love, and an epic quest. What more can you want? It's truly a great story and I think the literary community can expect great things from McDaniel.
March 6, 2019
This was an epic, high fantastical story with immense character creation holding a new worlds vision. The overall concept was original and becoming. I felt, at times the magic of Tolkien, perhaps inspire the author in this story line as it developed and took shape. The story itself was colossal with battle scenes second to none. There were moments in this story where I even tasted hints of a western setting especially with the town descriptions and feel. The story line was original and told by an old man to a group of children which added a nice touch. McDaniel has an immense mind for fantasy and did a bang up job in The Warriors Bane. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an epic high fantasy adventure that will keep you eagerly flipping pages to find out what will happen next. This is a story of great proportions and raw creation taking you off in several directions, leaving no chance to lose interest. I hope there will be another installment!
January 12, 2019
Very interesting story as told by a "weathered old man" to a group of children. The story primarily follows Alaezdar a warrior who left Ragers house of Renegades (a group of sell swords) under bad circumstances. Alaexdar is hiding out in a farming village as a farmer. He is working for Tharn the village leader and owner of the largest local ranch. The local politics with the area lord come to bear as does Fyaa a powerful witch as well as many other interactions with wizards, watchers, goblins, etc, that make for a very good story. Many side stories also included for a well rounded environment and cast of characters.
October 7, 2018
3.5 Stars Book 1 in the War for the Quarterstar Shards, The Warrior’s Bane is also my first read by this author. A little slow in some places but don’t let that deter you. This story is a promising start to the mythical adventure, with great characters and solid world building. I will be looking to read more
September 2, 2020
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This story really dragged on.
The story appeared to jump from one character to another.
It could have been a really good story if it had been less complex with fewer characters.
2 stars for being able to finish it.
This story really dragged on.
The story appeared to jump from one character to another.
It could have been a really good story if it had been less complex with fewer characters.
2 stars for being able to finish it.
March 20, 2021
Voila, la review! https://www.alwroteabook.com/2018/10/...
February 15, 2020
I usually do not read fantasy but this held my attention. The characters are well developed and it was fast paced. It played out as a movie in my view. I received this ARC in exchange for my review.
October 4, 2018
This is the first book in the War for the Quarterstar Shards. It is a fantasy book with magic, elves, goblins and more. The hero is escaping and finds a home in a small farming village. The characters are extremely well developed, I felt the pace of the story was slow, otherwise a great story.
November 24, 2018
I reading this book. I like this book alot. Tham came to the table. Sat with his young friend. Sorry I was dissappointment. sa Alezadar. I know Valvektor sor. But it was many years ago. My dad was not so good. And my father was a big mag. He was with his cousin when they grow up.
December 26, 2018
Something different to read.
March 15, 2024
This review was first published on Kurt's Frontier.
Synopsis:
The former mercenary just wanted to leave his past behind. Alaezdar had become a man with a price on his head and wanted nothing more than a place to call home. He thought he’d found it when he stumbled into the farming community of Valewood. As a festival starts, an evil sorceress, a wizard, and goblin-like gronts attack Valewood, shattering his hopes for peace. The point of the attack is to kidnap a teenage girl and draw Alaezdar into the open. Forced to assist his newfound home, he takes up his magic sword, Bloodseeker, and wades into the battle.
The enemy kidnaps the girl, and the desperate villagers turn to Alaezdar for help. While he is sure this quest is a suicide mission, Alaezdar sets off with a small band to save the girl. Before they reach the journey’s end, Alaezdar will learn more than he cares to of an ancient Elven prophecy, setting him up as the catalyst to the realm’s destruction or salvation.
Review:
Warrior’s Bane is the first book of the War for the Quarterstar Shards series. It follows the story of Alaezdar as he starts out to save a young friend from being sacrificed to a goblin god, only to find himself part of a larger plan. His old mercenary company hunts him. The book had several twists and turns and, mostly, kept control of the various threads.
The author does show a weakness for long exposition that he might have dealt with as dialog. However, David L. McDaniel tells an interesting story. The battle scenes were good, and the intrigue was gripping.
I’m looking forward to the second book in the series.
Synopsis:
The former mercenary just wanted to leave his past behind. Alaezdar had become a man with a price on his head and wanted nothing more than a place to call home. He thought he’d found it when he stumbled into the farming community of Valewood. As a festival starts, an evil sorceress, a wizard, and goblin-like gronts attack Valewood, shattering his hopes for peace. The point of the attack is to kidnap a teenage girl and draw Alaezdar into the open. Forced to assist his newfound home, he takes up his magic sword, Bloodseeker, and wades into the battle.
The enemy kidnaps the girl, and the desperate villagers turn to Alaezdar for help. While he is sure this quest is a suicide mission, Alaezdar sets off with a small band to save the girl. Before they reach the journey’s end, Alaezdar will learn more than he cares to of an ancient Elven prophecy, setting him up as the catalyst to the realm’s destruction or salvation.
Review:
Warrior’s Bane is the first book of the War for the Quarterstar Shards series. It follows the story of Alaezdar as he starts out to save a young friend from being sacrificed to a goblin god, only to find himself part of a larger plan. His old mercenary company hunts him. The book had several twists and turns and, mostly, kept control of the various threads.
The author does show a weakness for long exposition that he might have dealt with as dialog. However, David L. McDaniel tells an interesting story. The battle scenes were good, and the intrigue was gripping.
I’m looking forward to the second book in the series.
November 16, 2018
I thought this story had a lot of potential and great characters. Unfortunately for me, I needed a bit more action and activity to draw me in. I found it a bit plodding at many times. I may still check out the second book in the series because I thought the characters had a lot of great potential.
April 14, 2020
The Warrior’s Bane kept me looking forward to picking it up each day. The story that the author created peaked my imagination and held onto it, with multiple new creatures. I look forward to more writings from this author.
April 26, 2020
A great book, which in a lot of ways reminded me of some fantastic older fantasy novels such as The Belgariad, with its interesting world and characters. I haven’t finished, but I’m excited to continue. I can’t wait to see where Alaezdar’s journey continues to next.
July 30, 2019
It's a fantasy story that just didn't draw me in. A good idea, but I didn't really connect to the characters. I won't be continuing with this series.
November 21, 2019
Not so good
The plot is very predictable and boring. The story drags and drags with nothing advancing the plot. Done with this series.
The plot is very predictable and boring. The story drags and drags with nothing advancing the plot. Done with this series.
September 8, 2021
Finally got round to reading this one,received from Black Rose Writing and Netgalley for honest read and review.
This had a good premise and I enjoyed it , but seemed to drag on a little bit for me.
This had a good premise and I enjoyed it , but seemed to drag on a little bit for me.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews