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The Wings of War #1-4

The Wings of War Boxset: Books 1-4

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The Amazon Top 10 Dark Fantasy and Sword & Sorcery Series!
Includes the books 1, 2, 3, and 4 of The Wings of War Series!

Among the scattered fringe cities bordering the Cienbal desert, the true name of the Monster of Karth is spoken only in whispers...

Raz i'Syul Arro.

A sellsword of the utmost caliber, Raz is a killer of paramount skill and highest regard. Towering tall even amongst the atherian, he is the only of his kind to live free in the "civilized" confines of mankind's varied cultures. He has no need of loyalties, his sole affections pledged to the gold crowns that buy his time and skills. Wed to his blades, Raz's only friends are the Moon and Her Stars and the shadows they bring with the night.

But Raz was not born to the mercenary's way, to the butchery and battle of day-by-day survival. Raz, like a sword, was hammered from steel and fire and ashy smoke, forged on the ruins of an old life. And Raz knows who he owes this new path to, this carved way of blood and iron. The Monster of Karth, after all, would never forget who gave him that name.

And some debts can't be paid in gold...

1619 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 27, 2018

2459 people are currently reading
547 people want to read

About the author

Bryce O'Connor

18 books2,001 followers
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Bryce writes high fantasy stories with special twists on character and plot. Child of the Daystar, the first installment in his series, The Wings of War, released in December, 2015.


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5 stars
986 (62%)
4 stars
425 (26%)
3 stars
127 (8%)
2 stars
20 (1%)
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22 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
Profile Image for allan lowden.
20 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2019
Raz

Excellent series of books. Given a well based start and continuation of story. Shows much thought into the lead characters and where they are going. Just a shame to be able to read them faster than can be written
4 reviews
February 16, 2019
A really good read I could not but it down and look forward to finishing reading the next instalment of this book when it,s available, very soon I hope, K
24 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2019
Awesome job and we'll worth a read

This book has some truly horrific events that are like the old Conan novels. But the main character Raz is indomitable. Like many of us who sink into ourselves after truly traumatic events he overcomes them and at times they overwhelm him. I thought about these books quite a bit even after reading them. This is how you know it was a good series. Especially when it sticks to you how some characters live and others die. This book covers many hot button topics that go back as far as the caveman days. Be wary this book does leave a mark after reading.
Profile Image for Steve Thomas.
18 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2019
An Entertaining Read

The Wings of War series is an entertaining read that always left me wanting to come back and read more and get reinvested into the world that O'Connor has lovingly crafted into words.

Raz i'Syul Arro is a very likeable protagonist and always leaves you asking questions about what his next move is as he learns about the world that he had to very quickly learn in order to survive.

It's definitely worth a read. It is a very slow burner initially but once it gets going, it rarely slows down. It is paced brialliantly and you can always find a place to carry on from where you leave off when you need to put the book down.

I recommend the series. I look forward to seeing how the ark finishes. As long as you can get past the starting few chapters, you will find a story that always leaves you wanting more.
102 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2019
Incredible!

This is, without a doubt, one of the best series i have ever read. Bryce is an amazing writer, with a unique voice, and there aren't words to explain how much I enjoyed this story. J.R.R. Tolkien, Terry Brooks and J. K. Rowling have NOTHING over Bryce O'Connor!
53 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2019
Great read

Enjoyed this well written series of books with a fairly standard (anti) hero saga where the MC fights against several "evil" cabals and his personal demons to win the day. Characters and relationships are well developed adding to the depth of the story which is often harrowing and not for those who like a light hearted romp. Occasionally I did find the detailed explanation of the scenery or the battle to be excessive and found myself flipping forward a few pages but this did not spoil my enjoyment of the overall book. There is an interesting overarching story arc that pulls the various struggles together ( which is not complete at the end of Book 4) so I look forward to the next books in the series.
Profile Image for Connie Fogg-Bouchard.
510 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2019
rise up

taken in by people who are not even his own race and raised as one of them, Raz Arro finds that he has the ability to fight. and the ability to suffer. losing his family in a vicious attack. thereafter, he is filled with rage and the consequences of how he deals with it follows him through the arena, siege and battle. along the way, he finds that love and friendship can govern your choices.

love it all. encompassing smattering of different beliefs, dealing with the ugliness of slavery, a protagonist who is not a human; it's fantastic!!!
12 reviews1 follower
Read
February 18, 2019
Yeah, this is a great series

The book is well written, the characters believable and flawed, the story telling beautifully paced, in my eyes thats a 5 star rating. If you love fantasy, magic, swordplay and revenge look no further than this collection, it has all and more. My only negative is that book five is not ready for me to read, although there are a few chapters available in the back of the final part of books 1-4, so in a way the author even has that gripe covered
9 reviews
January 22, 2019
What a great read

Got this box set as it was only 99p i wasn't holding out much hope for it,the cover didn't draw me in,the description was yeah it might be ok,but was i surprised this book drew me in the characters were so real i got to know them i felt as if I lived with them the sights ,the hardships sorrow and pain ,a new take on your typical Dragon story as he's not a shifter he not a flying fighting war mage ridden Dragon into battle no he's written as a species sharing the world with some of humans most cruel evil people you can imagine,the battles the friendships he makes takes you on a journey that is simply amazing a hero is born and he will help you release your shackles loved it can't wait for more
Profile Image for Anita.
6 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2019
A masterpiece of literature

An absolute masterwork by Bryce O'Connor who so succinctly highlights the innate cruelty of human(and other)kind and the necessity of hope in a world where atrocities are common. An epic adventure from start to finish, I found myself wondering what turn the books would take as I progressed, and more than once had to put the series down for the visceral feelings the books incited in me. An immersive work in the truest sense despite many instances of a typical fantasy genre. An absolutely satisfying read, if not always pleasurable at times.
12 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2019
Great book!

It took me a bit to really get into this group of 4 books, but by book 2 I was hooked. Be warned, this is not a happy sappy story. Some really horrible things happen that the main characters must deal with. I feel the author is handling this well, and am anxiously waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Shelly Frederick.
29 reviews
February 8, 2019
Absolutely Loved!!!

I Absolutely Loved this set. At times I laughed, cried, got angry throughout the Whole Series. The characters come to life, you feel their emotions, decisions and pain. I cannot wait for the next installment to be published! Amazing job Mr. O'Conner, your writing talent is simply Amazing.
Profile Image for Chad Dennis.
71 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2019
GREAT series!

The first book started a little stilted but soon flowed into a strong voice. There are typos here and there, but rarely any that draw you out of the immersion. Those are the only bad things I can say about this series. If you enjoy good world building, interesting characters, and a plot that races along like a juggernaut, this is for you!
1 review1 follower
February 4, 2019
A great read that kept me hooked throughout

As the title says, I had difficulty putting the book down and always wanted more when I peeled myself away from it for longer than a few mins.

Well written with a thrill of intrigue as well as a complete lack of plot points that were not addressed at the end.
1 review
February 7, 2019
Loved it! Can't wait for last book

A different take from most the fantasy books out there. Brings the protagonist to life. Is a gripping story that is not too dark while still making you cringe. I recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different.
14 reviews
February 6, 2019
Addictive!!!

I read the box set (4 books) one right after the other. Can't wait to get the fifth. Before I go on Amazon to find it it seemed prudent to let others know what a great awaits in these pages!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1 review1 follower
March 24, 2019
Awesome books ! Engaging characters set in a brilliant world

Thoroughly enjoyed these books and i think any fan of heroic fantasy would do well to give them a go !
Profile Image for Kara-lee Wilkinson.
11 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2019
Enthralling!

Absolutely love this it's amazing all the way through lots of feeling and emotions the hero and heroine are perfect!
28 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2019
Brilliant new series gripping all the way through with action & heartache

The unlikely pairing of the White Witch & the 'humane' dragon/lizard kind that is Rax i'Syul Arro really works!!! Cant wait to read more of the story
Profile Image for Jacob DiDio.
34 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2021
Honestly one of the best series I have read. I recommend everyone to give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed
111 reviews
January 20, 2019
Well this box set is of the first order. Absolutely brilliant. I hope some can tell me what book five is called and when I can get it.
11 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2019
Wonderful story

I just finished Wings of War Boxset. I Itruly loved this epic adventure. I hated to finish it, it was one of those stories you have all the emotions through out the story. I would highly recommend this book. I'm waiting for the next book to come out.
Profile Image for Deborah Tindall.
26 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2020
The best series I have read in a long time

My husband and I are both prolific readers. He read this series first and when I finished the book I was on, urged me to start Wings of War and let him know what I thought about it. I was immediately caught up in the story and characters. I am looking forward eagerly to the next book!
Profile Image for Karenda.
23 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2019
Very engaging story full of characters wonderfully brought to life

I'm rather a voracious reader (a great annoyance to my husband) and am constantly searching for new authors, genres and styles. Came across this box set as a recommendation from Kindle and found I really, really enjoyed it and very much look forward to the final book.

Unfortunately there are a number of typos (especially in book 4) which are a bugbear of mine. It doesn't detract from the wonderful storytelling, but I'd have enjoyed it that much more if there had been much fewer mistakes. Credit to the author who's gifted a few rough chapters from the yet to be published book, but they had so many typos and mistakes it did make it a bit difficult, for me anyway, to read/follow. I persevered however and am diarising the expected publish date so I can download it the morning it's live on Amazon!

Now that that is out of the way, I do recommend this series to followers of the genre as well as readers who appreciate a well crafted story (ultimately it's a "good vs evil" fight for life and redemption tale that challenges one's own ideas of right and wrong). Bryce weaves descriptive scenes and builds engaging characters that grow and evolve.

On my Kindle/Audible libraries at the moment I have some classics, long loved established authors and several new surprises turned favourites...this series being one of them. Give Raz (and Bryce, of course!) a go with an open mind and let him take you on his journey, embrace the people he encounters, the good, the bad and the ugly and I don't think you'll be disappointed!
3 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2021
This series is everything all in one- 10/10 recommend!
When I first read the description I was a little skeptical thinking it sounded odd and I’d never read something with a different species for a main character. Let me just say that the differing species does not make the character any less relatable or hinder the story in any way, In fact it sets him apart from everyone and is a great aspect for character growth. I love how you get to see Raz change over time, hone his skills, change his view points, and grow into the epic character that he becomes. The same can definitely be said for Syrah as you watch her youthful innocence fade and be replaced by real world experience while fighting to stay true to her ideologies.
The action in this series is described perfectly- not too draw out but not too short either. This series leaves nothing left to be desired. The scenes are visual and absolutely epic, and the scenery described is stunning. I can’t count how many times this series had me binge reading until 5 am while moved to tears or bursting with adrenaline. I read books 1-5 probably within afew weeks and am dying for book 6. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves adventure with twists and turns, raz encounters so many complex situations where he is truly challenged and in turn grows from them to become stronger, smarter, more compassionate, and a true hero. There are afew dark points in the story which can be heart wrenching but truly helps build character and is well balanced with the lighthearted and triumphant moments as well. I challenge other readers to step outside of the norm and fall Inlove with how epically written this series is.
Profile Image for Drake.
Author 3 books5 followers
June 3, 2019
Gripping, Thoughtful, High-Action Dark Fantasy

*The Wings of War* series is a story about Raz i'Syul Arro, a large lizard-man raised by humans, who suffers a tragic fate at an young age. Struggling against his own primal nature and living as a mercenary in a world that values little the life of others, Raz fights his own crusade against evil and wickedness. As the series progresses, things become even darker and bloodier, with Raz facing many torturous ordeals in his quest for revenge and justice, yet there are signs that not all is lost in this grim and uncaring world.

Part coming-of-age, part Punisher-style merciless crime-fighting, part "journeying swordsman" story, with an oppressive atmosphere yet beautifully described locales, the series has an unusual premise that is excellently written. The narrative flows great, with gritty, brutal actions scenes, and a surprising amount of introspective moments, that dwell on the nature of right and wrong, kinship, and facing one's own inner demons. Characters are also very believable and multidimensional, enriching an already compelling and superbly-told story.

I recommend the series wholeheartedly to people who want something fresh and different in their genre-fiction catalog. *The Wings of War* offers an incredible main character, a gripping story, and many thought-provoking occasions when the story raises one of its central issues for examination. If you like dark fantasy, or any fantasy, or even just good books in general, then you won't be disappointed with these page-turners!
Profile Image for Matt Lord.
92 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2019
Pretty good, especially for getting all 4 books for 99 cents.

Some random thoughts:
- I liked the intro paragraphs at the start of most of the chapters. Hmm, how to describe... they were like a bit of history written about current events happening in the book, but written hundreds of years from now. Helped create a sense of importance for events. I suppose it did reduce some of the suspense, but this is a hero story where he is kinda infallible, so you kinda know he is ultimately gonna succeed.
- Story pacing seemed a bit uneven. Perhaps some of the slower sections could have been trimmed down.
- Spelling errors here and there
- Story reminded me of a comic book story, in the sense of a super-powered good guy prevailing over bad guys. Similar style, and even some of the similar cheesy mid-combat dialogue said to the bad guys at points. This would probably make a good graphic novel.
- I lost count of how many times I read: "he moved faster than anything ever seen before" or something like that
- Story got surprisingly dark in places. Bad things happen to good people. This is usually to set up our hero's vengeance story in each book.

I'm interested enough to read the Book 5 conclusion when it comes out.
Profile Image for Lana.
2,780 reviews59 followers
July 27, 2019
I have reviewed each book individually as I read them however, this Series has been haunting my dreams as well as my waking moments, it has left such an indelible effect on me as it is such a riveting series. One of the best dark epic fantasy, sword and sorcery series which I have ever read, with great world building of the arid desert, the icy northern mountains in all their desolation and the awesome sea in all its glory, down to the least of details bringing these places alive for us the readers. The charismatic characters of Raz i'Syul Arro, the monster, and Syrah the Priestess of Laor intrigue us with their story, the most magnificent fact of which is that the heroes are those who are different and usually despised, Raz the Atherian, also known as the Drahun and Syrah the one-eyed albino both of whom had hearts of gold and fought to save the lives of many and for freedom. I cannot recommend this series strongly enough to all those who love dark epic fantasy, this is a series which just begs to be read!
17 reviews
September 5, 2019
An epic in the making.

It was a slow start but after a while i realised the character building phase was essential to the understanding and feeling Raz's thoughts, anguish and his belief in his cause.

Tragic and heart wrenching deaths of Raz's loved ones and those he came across during his journey can be felt through. Bryce managed to engage and enthralled me through the end and making me anticipate; not what will happen in the end but how will Raz's an Syrah's fate eventually end up at? Will Raz bring the Atherians aboveground and build a harmonious society with the former slaves or will they both build a sanctuary that will be fighting for free will for all oppressed, or maybe something else.. The endings of each of the 1st 3 books were unexpected. The true purpose for Raz began in the fourth book. So, yes.. I do want this epic to go on another volume.

Take the time you need to write the next volume, Bryce. Thus far, this volume has been very detailed and thought through carefully. Im keen to know of a fulfilling ending, unlike GOT's. HaH!
Profile Image for Margaret Gracie.
68 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2019
Fantastic

This is the best i have read for a while the characters are portrayed excellently. I put it down because for only the fifth time that I can remember in over fifty years i did not want it to end. If you like a story with people your mind can actually imagine this is an adventure that you won't want to miss. I had never heard of this writer before but trust me the fights are in gory detail their lives are harsh often starved by those who think nothing of other people's lives, it's a refreshing change when you can sympathise with characters in a book as if words you read actually happened. Now I'm off to see what other book this writer's has taken the time to write and look forward to seeing what is next with Raz. Any other books if they are even a quarter of this it will be worth the time reading please don't stop writing it would be cruel to not hear anything more from you Mr O'Connor thank you it's been a blast. magdg
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews

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