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The Farshore Chronicles #1
Blood On The Sand: Farshore Chronicles - Book 1
Charity is a thief from the old world. She scraped out a living on Byzantia's streets by thinking fast and running faster, until a magister with a stick up his ass sentences her to hard labor in the fields of Farshore colony across the great sea.
Slavery is bad enough, but everyone in Byzantia has heard the stories. Farshore is a land of monsters and madness. Mythic creatures and strange magics haunt its hills and forests, and few who make the journey have ever returned.
When her mouth lands her in a steaming pile of trouble before she's taken two steps off the boat, Charity will need to learn fast if she hopes to survive the dangers of her new home. Can she make new friends and survive new enemies as she struggles to make a life for herself in a strange land? Or will it be her blood on the sand when the sun sets over Farshore?
Slavery is bad enough, but everyone in Byzantia has heard the stories. Farshore is a land of monsters and madness. Mythic creatures and strange magics haunt its hills and forests, and few who make the journey have ever returned.
When her mouth lands her in a steaming pile of trouble before she's taken two steps off the boat, Charity will need to learn fast if she hopes to survive the dangers of her new home. Can she make new friends and survive new enemies as she struggles to make a life for herself in a strange land? Or will it be her blood on the sand when the sun sets over Farshore?
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2018
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234 people want to read
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August 21, 2024
"Grass rise up to meet you. Sky reach down to hold you. Stand tall, fight well, die with honor."
"Take this demon to the arena pits!"
Now how do you think a little common thief, also known as a drunk, rabble-rouser, harlot, and blasphemer, would react to this verdict!?
Apart from the initial - 'Double shit! I didn't think of that.' - reaction, that is!?
She'll probably do the only thing a street rat like her has going when life backs her in a corner. Hit first as hard as you can and hope it buys you enough time to run.
Charity has just been sentenced to ten years of forced labor in Farshore, the emperor's new colony across the great sea. Practically, the ass-end of the world, this strange new place is full of horrible monsters, wild magic, mythic creatures and all sorts of other nasties that no one in their right mind would believe in. Not until they faced them head on that is, as in Charity's case.
In less then a day after setting foot on Farshore, she somehow manages to offend the Gods who, as far as Charity's concerned, had never lifted a finger in her aid but were quick to condemn her for speaking her mind.
Cause "that seemed exactly the sort of petty horse shit they would find entertaining."
And then she she ends up literally kicking the Governor in the balls, which gets her sentenced to fight in the bloody games of the arena before sundown.
After years of doing a reasonably good job of keeping her head down, Charity seems to have suddenly developed a stunning capacity for pissing off exactly the wrong person at exactly the wrong time. And that includes the most feared fighter in the arena. Who obviously knows how to hold a grudge and goes for her throat. The where and the how I will not tell you here. You're gonna have to read this to find out. Suffice it to say, it will be something so stupid that he would never expect it. After all, 'reckless and stupid is a Charity specialty.'
Told in first person from Charity's POV, this tale is one that will appear to all fans of AD&D who want something new and engaging. Despite using the old tropes, the author somehow manages to bring originality to the table.
The female lead is not quite the badass you expect. She's snarky, sassy and charming, foolish and brave; a little too headstrong for her own good in her devil may care attitude and perhaps even a bit dumbass at times! A lethal combination that will leave you rooting for her from the very first page.
Her trials as a gladiator in the arena, as well as the glimpses backstage, into the gladiators' lives are bound to hook any reader into the fray, especially since the fighters are not your usual kind.
The author gives us here an elf, a dwarf, an orc and a halfling, to join Charity's team. And if you think they are the kind you've heard so many times about in so many other fantasy books, think again mate! I wouldn't bank on it if I were you!
A fast-paced, charming and fun filled adventure with memorable characters, A Thief in Farshore is an engaging and addictive tale that will make you smile, chortle and laugh out loud, but also keep you at the edge of the seat and wanting more. I read it in one sitting and cannot wait to get my hands on the next in series because yes! This was so good!! And I want more!
If you love D&D and a good fantasy adventure, this one is a must! Besides, it's free on Kindle. So what have you got to loose?!
Go ahead! be reckless and take a chance! Who knows, you may end up enjoying it just as much as I did! :)
Happy reading Bookdragons!
Check out this review and more over at The Magic Book Corner
"Take this demon to the arena pits!"
Now how do you think a little common thief, also known as a drunk, rabble-rouser, harlot, and blasphemer, would react to this verdict!?
Apart from the initial - 'Double shit! I didn't think of that.' - reaction, that is!?
She'll probably do the only thing a street rat like her has going when life backs her in a corner. Hit first as hard as you can and hope it buys you enough time to run.
Charity has just been sentenced to ten years of forced labor in Farshore, the emperor's new colony across the great sea. Practically, the ass-end of the world, this strange new place is full of horrible monsters, wild magic, mythic creatures and all sorts of other nasties that no one in their right mind would believe in. Not until they faced them head on that is, as in Charity's case.
In less then a day after setting foot on Farshore, she somehow manages to offend the Gods who, as far as Charity's concerned, had never lifted a finger in her aid but were quick to condemn her for speaking her mind.
Cause "that seemed exactly the sort of petty horse shit they would find entertaining."
And then she she ends up literally kicking the Governor in the balls, which gets her sentenced to fight in the bloody games of the arena before sundown.
After years of doing a reasonably good job of keeping her head down, Charity seems to have suddenly developed a stunning capacity for pissing off exactly the wrong person at exactly the wrong time. And that includes the most feared fighter in the arena. Who obviously knows how to hold a grudge and goes for her throat. The where and the how I will not tell you here. You're gonna have to read this to find out. Suffice it to say, it will be something so stupid that he would never expect it. After all, 'reckless and stupid is a Charity specialty.'
Told in first person from Charity's POV, this tale is one that will appear to all fans of AD&D who want something new and engaging. Despite using the old tropes, the author somehow manages to bring originality to the table.
The female lead is not quite the badass you expect. She's snarky, sassy and charming, foolish and brave; a little too headstrong for her own good in her devil may care attitude and perhaps even a bit dumbass at times! A lethal combination that will leave you rooting for her from the very first page.
Her trials as a gladiator in the arena, as well as the glimpses backstage, into the gladiators' lives are bound to hook any reader into the fray, especially since the fighters are not your usual kind.
The author gives us here an elf, a dwarf, an orc and a halfling, to join Charity's team. And if you think they are the kind you've heard so many times about in so many other fantasy books, think again mate! I wouldn't bank on it if I were you!
A fast-paced, charming and fun filled adventure with memorable characters, A Thief in Farshore is an engaging and addictive tale that will make you smile, chortle and laugh out loud, but also keep you at the edge of the seat and wanting more. I read it in one sitting and cannot wait to get my hands on the next in series because yes! This was so good!! And I want more!
If you love D&D and a good fantasy adventure, this one is a must! Besides, it's free on Kindle. So what have you got to loose?!
Go ahead! be reckless and take a chance! Who knows, you may end up enjoying it just as much as I did! :)
Happy reading Bookdragons!
Check out this review and more over at The Magic Book Corner
August 29, 2020
I felt this story did enough to rise above the fantasy tropes and score a 5 ***** from me.
I loved the concept behind the setting. The Byzantine Empire discovers the New World and finds...that it's inhabited by fantasy creatures. I guess I'm a sucker for alternative history ideas - the early discovery of the New World one has been done before, but still, I liked it.
Charity is the main character and is also our first person narrator. I don't always get on with first person but this was a really well written book, kudos to the author. There are some genuinely funny moments, too, and the book just read really smoothly. Also, it is not littered with errors that you sometimes get with indie publishing. Charity is a very likeable character - she is full of attitude and carries the story really well.
Plot wise, Charity, a thief, is sent to Farshore in the New World. She ends up in an arena where she fights for her life and, eventually, befriends a group of characters who (we presume) will be her adventuring pals in this world. It's a simple story with a YA feel that some might feel offers nothing really knew, but it's done well. The characters she befriends are generally Tolkien/ D&D races - I know some people love stories with elves & dwarves etc, whereas others have had enough. For me, the author does enough with these characters to make them rise beyond the generic race 'types'.
I only had a few issues with the book as a whole. Considering Charity is described as a thief, we don't particularly see these skills. Rather, she turns out to be a fearsome fighter - it's never clear how/why she is, so this is one of those issues that made me feel it was a little YA in nature. I'm not sure what I think about the length. I have nothing whatsoever against series that develop a story from book to book (some might call this a cliffhanger, but I wouldn't). But this one isn't long in terms of words, nor does it get very far with the story. For this reason, I think some readers may prefer to go straight for the boxset of books 1-3 that is now available.
I know that many fans of the genre will enjoy this. It is not a complex doorstop type read. It is fun, quick and engaging - and a good example of how indie publishers are meeting a demand for something that the trad publishers aren't.
I loved the concept behind the setting. The Byzantine Empire discovers the New World and finds...that it's inhabited by fantasy creatures. I guess I'm a sucker for alternative history ideas - the early discovery of the New World one has been done before, but still, I liked it.
Charity is the main character and is also our first person narrator. I don't always get on with first person but this was a really well written book, kudos to the author. There are some genuinely funny moments, too, and the book just read really smoothly. Also, it is not littered with errors that you sometimes get with indie publishing. Charity is a very likeable character - she is full of attitude and carries the story really well.
Plot wise, Charity, a thief, is sent to Farshore in the New World. She ends up in an arena where she fights for her life and, eventually, befriends a group of characters who (we presume) will be her adventuring pals in this world. It's a simple story with a YA feel that some might feel offers nothing really knew, but it's done well. The characters she befriends are generally Tolkien/ D&D races - I know some people love stories with elves & dwarves etc, whereas others have had enough. For me, the author does enough with these characters to make them rise beyond the generic race 'types'.
I only had a few issues with the book as a whole. Considering Charity is described as a thief, we don't particularly see these skills. Rather, she turns out to be a fearsome fighter - it's never clear how/why she is, so this is one of those issues that made me feel it was a little YA in nature. I'm not sure what I think about the length. I have nothing whatsoever against series that develop a story from book to book (some might call this a cliffhanger, but I wouldn't). But this one isn't long in terms of words, nor does it get very far with the story. For this reason, I think some readers may prefer to go straight for the boxset of books 1-3 that is now available.
I know that many fans of the genre will enjoy this. It is not a complex doorstop type read. It is fun, quick and engaging - and a good example of how indie publishers are meeting a demand for something that the trad publishers aren't.
May 3, 2021
This novella series by Justin Fike sounded vaguely familiar to me and so I picked it up and started reading. It presented as a traditionally published novel and I was almost done with the first novella when I realized that he is a self-published author. An incredible job by a very talented writer and gifted storyteller. While the characters themselves are interesting and draw you into the story, if it were not for the exceptional writing, this story would have read like a gaming adventure. As the author is a self-described gamer, it is not surprising that it has drawn parallels to authors like R.A. Salvatore. Nevertheless, it was a fun read and I intend to continue the series. I wish that the author would have written connecting chapters and submitted the series for traditional publishing as a trilogy of novels rather than as a series of six self-published novellas. This would have made an interesting tv-series with the right financial backing.
March 11, 2020
A fun adventure
A thrilling fantasy adventure with all the classic elements including elves, dwarves, orcs and other magical beings. After being sent to a distant land as a punishment, the female lead has a steep learning curve in her new environment. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
A thrilling fantasy adventure with all the classic elements including elves, dwarves, orcs and other magical beings. After being sent to a distant land as a punishment, the female lead has a steep learning curve in her new environment. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
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November 8, 2019I was intrigued to read this story because of the unique setting, which imagines a fantasy analogue of the late Roman empire colonising a New World inhabited by magic-wielding orcs, elves, dwarves, and halflings. Charity of Byzantia is transported to the settlement of Farshore after being caught stealing, and is forced to compete in the colony's bloody gladiatorial games. But she's determined to escape, and her various "mythic" fellow gladiators might be the key to helping her.
By the end of the book, with Charity teamed up with one (1) each of an elf, orc, dwarf, psychotic halfling, and attractive love interest to set out on a dangerous quest to a long-destroyed city, the story felt as if it was shaping up to repeat some rather traditional, well-worn tropes. It's not a kind of story I've ever felt particularly drawn to, but I enjoyed this instalment. Fike's writing is smooth, the book is short, the plot is pacy, and the whole thing whips you along fairly quickly.
Content warning purely for language.
By the end of the book, with Charity teamed up with one (1) each of an elf, orc, dwarf, psychotic halfling, and attractive love interest to set out on a dangerous quest to a long-destroyed city, the story felt as if it was shaping up to repeat some rather traditional, well-worn tropes. It's not a kind of story I've ever felt particularly drawn to, but I enjoyed this instalment. Fike's writing is smooth, the book is short, the plot is pacy, and the whole thing whips you along fairly quickly.
Content warning purely for language.
June 29, 2019
Just get it
I honestly thought this book was too good to be true to be offered on KU. Now don’t misunderstand me, there are a lot of good reads however finding a really really good one in the kindle unlimited selection is like finding a diamond in the rough for me personally. So imagine my inner child Christmas Day excitement when I came across Justin Fike’s A Thief in Farshore on my KU selection 🥳
I loved the main character Charity, who is witty, strong willed and just a bada** across the board. She is snarky and keeps her cards close and enemies within spitting distance (literally and figuratively of course). I loved the story as well as the other characters who make their debut in this drop kick adventure. I cannot wait to read the second book to see where the band of misfits end up and encounter next.
Kudos to Justin Fike for sucking my soul into the magic world of Farshore until the very end. I finished this book in half a day. Yes it was that good.
I honestly thought this book was too good to be true to be offered on KU. Now don’t misunderstand me, there are a lot of good reads however finding a really really good one in the kindle unlimited selection is like finding a diamond in the rough for me personally. So imagine my inner child Christmas Day excitement when I came across Justin Fike’s A Thief in Farshore on my KU selection 🥳
I loved the main character Charity, who is witty, strong willed and just a bada** across the board. She is snarky and keeps her cards close and enemies within spitting distance (literally and figuratively of course). I loved the story as well as the other characters who make their debut in this drop kick adventure. I cannot wait to read the second book to see where the band of misfits end up and encounter next.
Kudos to Justin Fike for sucking my soul into the magic world of Farshore until the very end. I finished this book in half a day. Yes it was that good.
August 25, 2020
Some of the fun with the different stories I read comes in the form of the narration style. You can do so much with the different perspectives, tenses, prose style and sometimes the way the story is told strikes me more than what the story is about. Such was the case with Justin Fike’s first three books in his Farshore Chronicles series. (Though, the what was just as fun, I will admit.)
1. Thoughts on the plot
The first three books in the omnibus edition of the Farshore Chronicles follow Charity, a thief sentenced to transportation from Byzantia. She travels to the Farshore colony, a place on the opposite end of the world from her home, where she is set to work out her prison sentence in the arena. There, she meets magical creatures the likes of which she thought were legends: an elf, a dwarf, a feral halfling, an orc, more. But Charity quickly becomes more than just a fighter in the arena and that leads her on a magical adventure that may or may not hold the fate of the world in her hands.
I really like the way that the stories in each book are woven together with the next. Each book has its own adventures, its own complete plot, but the overarching story creates something larger, more significant, than the individual plots on their own. However, it is also nice to have each story because of all the little pieces that make up the larger plot. They give you an inisght into the caracters, the world, and they are just entertaining in their own right.
2. Thoughts on the characters
Charity is a fantastic narrator. The story is told in first person perspective, so we get to see all the inner workings of her head and we get to figure out the reliability of her thoughts. Her personality shines through spectacularly well in the form of snark, precise action and a fair bit of causing trouble. As a main character, she shines through very well.
She is also a great vessel through which to explore the world, as she is learning about this forgotten land for the first time, just as the readers are. We learn about the magical creatures, the beings that live in this land, and the way in which it is revealed works very well for the story.
Of the characters, I think Charity is probably my favourite, but Sheska, the angry halfling (a species completely unlike what you would expect, but perfect for the story) is definitely a close second.
3. Favourite part
I think the growing connection between each of the characters as they create this band or found family is probably one of the best elements of the story. It allows for the character development to shine through very well, and by the end of book three, you feel poignantly for all the characters’ actions and reactions. And, of course, they get to defy expectations in creating such a band, which I always enjoy.
4. Critique
If I have a critique, it’s mostly to do with the endings of the books. If you are reading these first three books not in omnibus form—individually, possibly with gaps between books—then the endings of books one and two are desperately dramatic. The cliffhanger leads right into the plot of the next book and you really want to know more. The end of book three ties things up nicely, so there’s not a huge cliffhanger before book four (sort of like television series), but one and two do have the cliffhanger.
However, if you’re reading these books as the omnibus, all you have to do is turn the page and your questions will be answered so…the point may be moot.
Overall, these three books were a pleasure to read. They were entertaining, fast-moving fantasy adventure books with a snarky narrator, a world that was both familiar and different, and characters that really tugged at the heart strings. I definitely enjoyed these and would say that they were very good.
1. Thoughts on the plot
The first three books in the omnibus edition of the Farshore Chronicles follow Charity, a thief sentenced to transportation from Byzantia. She travels to the Farshore colony, a place on the opposite end of the world from her home, where she is set to work out her prison sentence in the arena. There, she meets magical creatures the likes of which she thought were legends: an elf, a dwarf, a feral halfling, an orc, more. But Charity quickly becomes more than just a fighter in the arena and that leads her on a magical adventure that may or may not hold the fate of the world in her hands.
I really like the way that the stories in each book are woven together with the next. Each book has its own adventures, its own complete plot, but the overarching story creates something larger, more significant, than the individual plots on their own. However, it is also nice to have each story because of all the little pieces that make up the larger plot. They give you an inisght into the caracters, the world, and they are just entertaining in their own right.
2. Thoughts on the characters
Charity is a fantastic narrator. The story is told in first person perspective, so we get to see all the inner workings of her head and we get to figure out the reliability of her thoughts. Her personality shines through spectacularly well in the form of snark, precise action and a fair bit of causing trouble. As a main character, she shines through very well.
She is also a great vessel through which to explore the world, as she is learning about this forgotten land for the first time, just as the readers are. We learn about the magical creatures, the beings that live in this land, and the way in which it is revealed works very well for the story.
Of the characters, I think Charity is probably my favourite, but Sheska, the angry halfling (a species completely unlike what you would expect, but perfect for the story) is definitely a close second.
3. Favourite part
I think the growing connection between each of the characters as they create this band or found family is probably one of the best elements of the story. It allows for the character development to shine through very well, and by the end of book three, you feel poignantly for all the characters’ actions and reactions. And, of course, they get to defy expectations in creating such a band, which I always enjoy.
4. Critique
If I have a critique, it’s mostly to do with the endings of the books. If you are reading these first three books not in omnibus form—individually, possibly with gaps between books—then the endings of books one and two are desperately dramatic. The cliffhanger leads right into the plot of the next book and you really want to know more. The end of book three ties things up nicely, so there’s not a huge cliffhanger before book four (sort of like television series), but one and two do have the cliffhanger.
However, if you’re reading these books as the omnibus, all you have to do is turn the page and your questions will be answered so…the point may be moot.
Overall, these three books were a pleasure to read. They were entertaining, fast-moving fantasy adventure books with a snarky narrator, a world that was both familiar and different, and characters that really tugged at the heart strings. I definitely enjoyed these and would say that they were very good.
October 20, 2020
A really fun, quick n dirty D&AD-lite novella. I wasn't expecting it to be as entertaining as it was considering the heroine was looking all set to be your average snarky kick-butt rogue. Technically she may be, but she's not your Too Stupid To Live leading lady, and thank goodness.
Charity's trouble. Always has been, always will be, regardless of where she is. But now she's been shipped halfway across the world to new lands filled with magical creatures (and, y'know, actual magic) that she thought were just scare stories and she's been landed a job as a penal colony pit fighter. That's just swell. Now if she could just avoid being killed by their champion and bust out of this joint without catching the attention of the calculating boss-man, the muscle-bound guard, the feral halfling, the know-it-all elf, the surprisingly civilised orc, and the much less civilised dwarf...
So, it's very much your "female character written by male author" thing. Oh, she's fun, but to be honest, she could be a willow guy and it wouldn't make much difference to Charity's story. It's also very light on side character development and does that thing of recapping previous chapters despite that information being literally imparted a page ago (like Charity's "I got to get out of this arena!" realisations) and the character knowing things early on and then forgetting them seconds later (Seska's name for instance). It's also not exactly the most original thing - big Forgotten Realms vibes from your jungle halflings and elven wizard scroll-studiers.
BUT. Hot dang it's a fun ride for what feels like the start of a good episodic series. Charity isn't TSTL despite my early misgivings. The side characters do have their own personalities (which would be made even better by having more conversational time and less reporting of events between them, but hey, it's a short novella format). The action is simple to follow, non-gratuitous and comes with real consequences . The writing style is a great draw, being easy to read without being dumbed down.
If you like Forgotten Realms books (yes, hello Drizz't fans I'm looking at you) and need a quick fix, this series looks like one to watch. The hook at the end promises more adventure and team bonding time, so buckle up for a snarky ride.
Charity's trouble. Always has been, always will be, regardless of where she is. But now she's been shipped halfway across the world to new lands filled with magical creatures (and, y'know, actual magic) that she thought were just scare stories and she's been landed a job as a penal colony pit fighter. That's just swell. Now if she could just avoid being killed by their champion and bust out of this joint without catching the attention of the calculating boss-man, the muscle-bound guard, the feral halfling, the know-it-all elf, the surprisingly civilised orc, and the much less civilised dwarf...
So, it's very much your "female character written by male author" thing. Oh, she's fun, but to be honest, she could be a willow guy and it wouldn't make much difference to Charity's story. It's also very light on side character development and does that thing of recapping previous chapters despite that information being literally imparted a page ago (like Charity's "I got to get out of this arena!" realisations) and the character knowing things early on and then forgetting them seconds later (Seska's name for instance). It's also not exactly the most original thing - big Forgotten Realms vibes from your jungle halflings and elven wizard scroll-studiers.
BUT. Hot dang it's a fun ride for what feels like the start of a good episodic series. Charity isn't TSTL despite my early misgivings. The side characters do have their own personalities (which would be made even better by having more conversational time and less reporting of events between them, but hey, it's a short novella format). The action is simple to follow, non-gratuitous and comes with real consequences . The writing style is a great draw, being easy to read without being dumbed down.
If you like Forgotten Realms books (yes, hello Drizz't fans I'm looking at you) and need a quick fix, this series looks like one to watch. The hook at the end promises more adventure and team bonding time, so buckle up for a snarky ride.
September 11, 2022
Plenty of excitement!
Charity, a thief, troublemaker and loves to drink! She has always managed to get by until she tried to rob the wrong person! Sentence to ten years hard labor she is sent to a land with a penal colony. But life is full of tricks and instead of being sent to the mines she is sent to fight in the arena! There she is in constant danger since she is no fighter. But she had better learn quickly if she plans on staying alive, and wants to escape. I love how her brain works. She has a knack for fast thinking and it usually serves her well. She is quite the character! This book is well written and moves at a fast pace. Plenty of dangerous situations. I love the other characters too, Cael, an arena guard, Alleron an Elf, Nataka, an Orc, Sheska, a Halfling and Magnus, a grumpy Dwarf, all arena fighters except for the guard. Oh and monsters too! This is a very entertaining and exciting book!
Charity, a thief, troublemaker and loves to drink! She has always managed to get by until she tried to rob the wrong person! Sentence to ten years hard labor she is sent to a land with a penal colony. But life is full of tricks and instead of being sent to the mines she is sent to fight in the arena! There she is in constant danger since she is no fighter. But she had better learn quickly if she plans on staying alive, and wants to escape. I love how her brain works. She has a knack for fast thinking and it usually serves her well. She is quite the character! This book is well written and moves at a fast pace. Plenty of dangerous situations. I love the other characters too, Cael, an arena guard, Alleron an Elf, Nataka, an Orc, Sheska, a Halfling and Magnus, a grumpy Dwarf, all arena fighters except for the guard. Oh and monsters too! This is a very entertaining and exciting book!
November 28, 2020
Absolutely Incredible!
Meet Charity, a street thief finally captured and sentenced to ten years in Farshore the new colony across the sea. Upon arrival she immediately runs afoul of the governor and is sent to the fighting arena to fight to the death, sounds about the same as many other stories right? Wrong this is where it all kicks off big time, arena battles unlikely friends and allies bring unending action to every page the characters are so well written you feel you know them, storylines that drag you in and keep you engrossed from start to finish I couldn't put it down. Meet monsters from legend, elves dwarfs and orks there's even a few I can't begin to explain and did I mention the magic? Lots of magic. I love this book can't wait for the next in series. Highly recommended a must read, Baz
Meet Charity, a street thief finally captured and sentenced to ten years in Farshore the new colony across the sea. Upon arrival she immediately runs afoul of the governor and is sent to the fighting arena to fight to the death, sounds about the same as many other stories right? Wrong this is where it all kicks off big time, arena battles unlikely friends and allies bring unending action to every page the characters are so well written you feel you know them, storylines that drag you in and keep you engrossed from start to finish I couldn't put it down. Meet monsters from legend, elves dwarfs and orks there's even a few I can't begin to explain and did I mention the magic? Lots of magic. I love this book can't wait for the next in series. Highly recommended a must read, Baz
February 12, 2022
OK, Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, but what if he came up with something different? What if he came up with all the magic the old world only talked about? All the people? All the animals? That's what Charity finds when she is sentenced to deportation for bring a thief in the old world. Poor Charity. The first person she tics off is the governor and the second person is the current champion in the arena. Does anybody think this young girl from the old world will suddenly learn how to fight (and win) in the arena? Especially when all she thinks about is freedom and running away? Sound intriguing? It did to me.
October 5, 2023
This book was originally published as Blood on the Sands, which is the version I read.
This was a really odd read. Though it's book 1 of a series, it felt like a prequel put out after the series was finished -- it felt like it was missing a ton of worldbuilding and background.
All in all, the story wasn't bad. A homeless girl/thief gets caught and is sentenced to forced labor in a foreign, magical land. She pissed off a powerful man and ends up fighting for her life in an arena.
Oddly the last chapter of my version of the book was full of typos and editing issues, though the rest of it was fine. I'd assume the A Thief In Farshore version of the book addressed those problems.
This was a really odd read. Though it's book 1 of a series, it felt like a prequel put out after the series was finished -- it felt like it was missing a ton of worldbuilding and background.
All in all, the story wasn't bad. A homeless girl/thief gets caught and is sentenced to forced labor in a foreign, magical land. She pissed off a powerful man and ends up fighting for her life in an arena.
Oddly the last chapter of my version of the book was full of typos and editing issues, though the rest of it was fine. I'd assume the A Thief In Farshore version of the book addressed those problems.
April 9, 2020
Good ol' action-adventure
This is full on, fast paced, light-hearted fantasy action, with a focus on fun and adventure, rather than on the gritty details.
There's all the stuff you'd expect from a fantasy story: elves and dwarves and magic and orcs. Exciting battles, budding friendships, and perhaps, maybe, a tiny hint of romance.
To top it all of, a kick-ass heroine to tie everything together.
Also, the book is short and to the point, and it doesn't faff around with irrelevant details you don't need to know. Definitely going for the next one.
This is full on, fast paced, light-hearted fantasy action, with a focus on fun and adventure, rather than on the gritty details.
There's all the stuff you'd expect from a fantasy story: elves and dwarves and magic and orcs. Exciting battles, budding friendships, and perhaps, maybe, a tiny hint of romance.
To top it all of, a kick-ass heroine to tie everything together.
Also, the book is short and to the point, and it doesn't faff around with irrelevant details you don't need to know. Definitely going for the next one.
September 3, 2021
I've had this book sitting on my kindle for a while, so was glad to finally get stuck in! I was not disappointed. Many reviews focus on the main character, Charity, a wise-cracking, confident and competent girl, convicted and condemned to exile and… worse. But for me the setting took centre stage. I loved the exotic feel, the interesting twist on a precolonial continent, where the newcomers are living side by side with strange monsters and magic. It was a short read with plenty of action and humour. Will be carrying on!
March 13, 2020
Pulls you in and doesn't let go
I admit that I binge read this book because I simply could not put it down. It was worth the sacrificed sleep. The action keeps you turning the pages and the victories and downfalls endear you to the characters. Deftly written and easy to connect emotionally with this story, you will not be disappointed. Who doesn't love a strong, intelligent female lead?
I admit that I binge read this book because I simply could not put it down. It was worth the sacrificed sleep. The action keeps you turning the pages and the victories and downfalls endear you to the characters. Deftly written and easy to connect emotionally with this story, you will not be disappointed. Who doesn't love a strong, intelligent female lead?
January 22, 2021
Lots of action, well fleshed out story universe, characters reminiscent of the Fellowship of the Ring (but not a cheap knock off), and none of the cringey creepy kinky elf-fantasy stuff that plagues fantasy novels. The Gladiator vibe in the first book is not overdone, and these books do not seem to take themselves so seriously that they can't be fun. I'm multiple books in at this point and am enjoying the series immensely.
August 21, 2020
This is the first book in the series. Being labeled a thief. The girl is imprisoned and shipped off to Farshore as her punishment. There she has to fight the other inmates to survive. There is, so far, a little magic in the new world in which she doesn't have. I like the story line and the characters. Quick read. Fun book. Will read the series. Worth reading.
February 11, 2020
Sword & sorcery at its finest
Fans of fantasy enjoy! A wonderfully comfortable reading experience. Solid characters weave a masterful tale you have to devour. Next book please, I need more!
Fans of fantasy enjoy! A wonderfully comfortable reading experience. Solid characters weave a masterful tale you have to devour. Next book please, I need more!
July 14, 2020
Amazing
I picked this book up at around 1AM and here I am at 11:30AM. Having just finished the book. This one has checked all of my boxes. I liked it so much that I was reading it while I was charging my tablet! So, grab some popcorn and get ready to read.
I picked this book up at around 1AM and here I am at 11:30AM. Having just finished the book. This one has checked all of my boxes. I liked it so much that I was reading it while I was charging my tablet! So, grab some popcorn and get ready to read.
October 19, 2020
A fascinating tale of a young Charity who was sent off to an island called Farshore. Fast paced, action packed and interesting.
It was like gladiators meet The Hunger Games with the twist of supernatural beings(elves, sorcerers, dwarfs, etc).
I look forward to continuing this series.
It was like gladiators meet The Hunger Games with the twist of supernatural beings(elves, sorcerers, dwarfs, etc).
I look forward to continuing this series.
March 1, 2021
I picked this book up a few months ago (I think) when it was free, figuring I'd give it a try. For some idiotic reason, I didn't start reading it until today, and now I'm kicking myself.
This book is fantastic!
I devoured it in less than a day, and I've already downloaded book two.
This book is fantastic!
I devoured it in less than a day, and I've already downloaded book two.
July 14, 2023
How will Charity survive in Farshore?
Charity is fast, bright and sassy, which unfortunately is enough to get her sentenced to the arena. Are those traits enough to help her survive? Indeed they are and the telling of the story is very enjoyable.
Charity is fast, bright and sassy, which unfortunately is enough to get her sentenced to the arena. Are those traits enough to help her survive? Indeed they are and the telling of the story is very enjoyable.
May 29, 2020
Life flipped and myths becoming reality. This book was fantastic!! Book two here I come! 😊
June 1, 2020
This was a great surprise to me. A very unique story with well described characters. Made for a great reading experience. The page flew by as if turning on their own. Great Reading Everyone!
December 11, 2020
An interesting story with a unique, likeable main character. Will I continue with this series, yeah probably.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2021
A little bit predictable but I liked the main character and liked that the characterization was distinct.
May 2, 2021
As the use to read: Here there be monsters.
The is the start of an adventure that should prove to be a very good one based on its start.
The is the start of an adventure that should prove to be a very good one based on its start.
July 24, 2021
Charity is a convict sent to the New World, where long extinct magic still exists. Her smart mouth soon gets her sent to Farshores equivalent of the gladiatorial arenas to fight for her life
July 26, 2021
3.5 stars. Not bad.
May 1, 2024
I read this to get out of my huge reading slump and oh boy did it work! Fast-paced beginning to a story I’m excited to continue, with an excellent female lead, interesting side characters, magic and fighting? What more can a girl want?
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