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Lost Tales of the Realms #1
Ranger's Folly
He is a Ranger of the North. His fellow Rangers, those he would call friends, are dead. Now, he has been branded a deserter and a thief. He only wishes to get back to his family alive.
It is said that Fadis the Ranger stole something from the king. Now a massive bounty is on his head. But in particular, it isn't the sell-swords and bounty hunters that he should worry about. There is a powerful mage on his trail and this man cares little of a reward of gold.
Only a few hours from his wife's embrace and his son's smile, will he, at last, be free from his past? Nothing ever remains the same and this Ranger is about to learn that. The hard way.
It is said that Fadis the Ranger stole something from the king. Now a massive bounty is on his head. But in particular, it isn't the sell-swords and bounty hunters that he should worry about. There is a powerful mage on his trail and this man cares little of a reward of gold.
Only a few hours from his wife's embrace and his son's smile, will he, at last, be free from his past? Nothing ever remains the same and this Ranger is about to learn that. The hard way.
29 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2017
276 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Williams
93 books392 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author J.T. Williams writes fast-paced sword and sorcery along with dark epic fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 3, 2018
The Northern Ranger Fadis is heading home from war. The war has ended, but the King's men haunt his steps insisting he is a deserter and a thief. Fadis just wants to live in peace, see his wife, and meet his son. Unfortunately the King will not allow any of it.
Ranger's Folly is aptly named. Fadis was sent to war before his wife gave birth and he hasn't met his son. She stopped writing while he was away and now he fears the worst. He was one of the few rangers to survive the war and he only has an elven bow to show for his trouble and years away. It wasn't explicitly stated, but it appears that the King is unnecessarily cruel as he has sent ravens placing a bounty on Fadis's head. It seems for the exception of being alive everything has gone wrong for Fadis.
Ranger's Folly was a good short story. While most people have never gone away for war many can relate to being treating unfairly for no particularly good reason and that's what has happened to Fadis. I'm interested in seeing what's next for Fadis.
Ranger's Folly is aptly named. Fadis was sent to war before his wife gave birth and he hasn't met his son. She stopped writing while he was away and now he fears the worst. He was one of the few rangers to survive the war and he only has an elven bow to show for his trouble and years away. It wasn't explicitly stated, but it appears that the King is unnecessarily cruel as he has sent ravens placing a bounty on Fadis's head. It seems for the exception of being alive everything has gone wrong for Fadis.
Ranger's Folly was a good short story. While most people have never gone away for war many can relate to being treating unfairly for no particularly good reason and that's what has happened to Fadis. I'm interested in seeing what's next for Fadis.
May 21, 2017
Ranger's Folly (Lost Tales of the Realms) by J.T. Williams is a short story and seems to be a prequel to Stormborm. The story is short but I loved it. Full of emotion, action, and made me want to know more. I of course had to get Stormborn!
July 24, 2019
Loved the concept of this story: war weary Ranger deserts to return home to the wife and child he hasn’t seen in several years. Naturally, unexpected situations arise which complicate his homecoming.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this story, but after the initial setup, the tale didn’t really develop very well or progress very logically. It wasn’t bad by any means; it just did not live up to its potential.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this story, but after the initial setup, the tale didn’t really develop very well or progress very logically. It wasn’t bad by any means; it just did not live up to its potential.
September 23, 2020
Wasn't fond of how it started, but warmed up to it by the end.
Not sure if I'll continue to other stories in the same world.
Not sure if I'll continue to other stories in the same world.
June 22, 2021
Well now I need to go and start this series from the very start because I am so invested in Fadis and need to know more about his tale.
This was a very small bite-size story, I'm talking 23 pages and then a preview of another book in the series, so yes this was small. Now initially it was a bit slow to grab me but it was holding my attention, but that immediately changed when Fadis had finally returned home, I was not expecting the story to go in that direction with his wife and I was shocked, I was hooked and needed more. I am always down for a story that has a male character who loves his wife and child and wants to do nothing more then protect them and is faithful to them at all costs, so I was 100% on Fadis's side and was loving him, sorry Lesa I did not like you.
Now if you are like me and this is your first foray into this series, I feel the mystery around what Fadis did and why he is being hunted was portrayed with just enough detail but still no answers that it gets into the back of your mind and just makes you go "well now I need to know more" We get mentions that there is a war, elves, magic, apparently a stupid king who started said war over something trivial and I need to know what that is (So I really hope that is explained in the series or I will be a sad panda.) There is just enough information that gets the wheels in your head turning and sparking some interest.
The fight scenes were quick and honestly I won't judge them to much because length really does play into the ability to really go all out, but what we got I feel was a solid preview of what can be expected from later books in the series.
Ranger's Folly was short, quick and for me a solid introduction to a larger series that just has me itching for more.
This was a very small bite-size story, I'm talking 23 pages and then a preview of another book in the series, so yes this was small. Now initially it was a bit slow to grab me but it was holding my attention, but that immediately changed when Fadis had finally returned home, I was not expecting the story to go in that direction with his wife and I was shocked, I was hooked and needed more. I am always down for a story that has a male character who loves his wife and child and wants to do nothing more then protect them and is faithful to them at all costs, so I was 100% on Fadis's side and was loving him, sorry Lesa I did not like you.
Now if you are like me and this is your first foray into this series, I feel the mystery around what Fadis did and why he is being hunted was portrayed with just enough detail but still no answers that it gets into the back of your mind and just makes you go "well now I need to know more" We get mentions that there is a war, elves, magic, apparently a stupid king who started said war over something trivial and I need to know what that is (So I really hope that is explained in the series or I will be a sad panda.) There is just enough information that gets the wheels in your head turning and sparking some interest.
The fight scenes were quick and honestly I won't judge them to much because length really does play into the ability to really go all out, but what we got I feel was a solid preview of what can be expected from later books in the series.
Ranger's Folly was short, quick and for me a solid introduction to a larger series that just has me itching for more.
June 23, 2019
An emotional teaser I wasn't prepared for. Can't wait to catch up with Fadis and see how his story progresses in the Stormborn Saga.
February 24, 2017
Great Bite Sized Story
J.T. does is again! In such a short story he made the Ranger a strong character that I can't wait to read more about. I want to say more but I need to finish this review and go read Stormborn!!!
J.T. does is again! In such a short story he made the Ranger a strong character that I can't wait to read more about. I want to say more but I need to finish this review and go read Stormborn!!!
June 28, 2019
Ranger’s Folly
Adventurous! An action packed thriller that kept me entertained the whole way through. I enjoyed this introduction and can’t wait to dive into this new series.
Adventurous! An action packed thriller that kept me entertained the whole way through. I enjoyed this introduction and can’t wait to dive into this new series.
June 21, 2019
The Ranger of the North just wants to come home after the war. Things are rarely so easy....
April 22, 2022
3.5 stars.
Can't remember what the story is about, just elves and archers and a love story. Hmm...
Can't remember what the story is about, just elves and archers and a love story. Hmm...
March 23, 2017
Fadis, a Ranger, had taken his leave from service to the king in the elven war so that he could go home and see his family. The war had ended, and he had not heard from his wife in 4 years now. But he was being pursued and a reward was placed on his head based on lies.
After defeating the men who had come to claim the reward on him, he continued on his way home. But his wife was not happy to see him. She had remarried and didn’t even acknowledge him anymore, wishing he were dead. So he went to the tavern. An old friend, Carluk, invited him to join him on his ship. Before they left, he returned to his home to watch his son from the forest. He saw 3 elves approaching! They were looking for Fadis to retrieve the elven bow he had acquired. Then another man came with fire and lightning elemental magic and grabbed Lesa and her son. The elves tried to help them and he attacked them. Others joined him. His son was tied up and taken to a hiding spot in the caves. How would Fadis deal with the others? Could he rescue his son? And what was the fate awaiting him if he was captured and returned to the king?
The book cover alone drew me in! What a great beginning! Quite rapidly, the action picks up and continues on. The suspense keeps the reader moving forward to see what is going to happen next. We are well prepared for the next book that will continue this saga. It’s a very exciting lead into an adventure you won’t want to miss!
After defeating the men who had come to claim the reward on him, he continued on his way home. But his wife was not happy to see him. She had remarried and didn’t even acknowledge him anymore, wishing he were dead. So he went to the tavern. An old friend, Carluk, invited him to join him on his ship. Before they left, he returned to his home to watch his son from the forest. He saw 3 elves approaching! They were looking for Fadis to retrieve the elven bow he had acquired. Then another man came with fire and lightning elemental magic and grabbed Lesa and her son. The elves tried to help them and he attacked them. Others joined him. His son was tied up and taken to a hiding spot in the caves. How would Fadis deal with the others? Could he rescue his son? And what was the fate awaiting him if he was captured and returned to the king?
The book cover alone drew me in! What a great beginning! Quite rapidly, the action picks up and continues on. The suspense keeps the reader moving forward to see what is going to happen next. We are well prepared for the next book that will continue this saga. It’s a very exciting lead into an adventure you won’t want to miss!
November 28, 2019
The heart of a ranger
Ranger's Folly by J. T. Williams is a short prequel story to books 4,5 and 6 of his Stormborn saga where he introduces the ranger, Fadis.
Fadis is one of the few rangers to survive the war with Elves. He is war weary and determined to return home to be with his wife and son. Unfortunately it doesn't appear that he was officially discharged from the King's service. To make matters worse, he also took with him a bow of elven make that the king wants back. From the beginning Fadis' situation goes from bad to worse.
I enjoyed this short story featuring Fadis and felt his frustration and despair over the way events were playing out. J. T. Williams, I feel, is a talented wordsmith. I liked the more personal aspect of Fadis' quest instead of the more prevalent epic, world shaping quests that are
typical of fantasy. I will definitely continue forward with Fadis to see where his story takes him.
Ranger's Folly by J. T. Williams is a short prequel story to books 4,5 and 6 of his Stormborn saga where he introduces the ranger, Fadis.
Fadis is one of the few rangers to survive the war with Elves. He is war weary and determined to return home to be with his wife and son. Unfortunately it doesn't appear that he was officially discharged from the King's service. To make matters worse, he also took with him a bow of elven make that the king wants back. From the beginning Fadis' situation goes from bad to worse.
I enjoyed this short story featuring Fadis and felt his frustration and despair over the way events were playing out. J. T. Williams, I feel, is a talented wordsmith. I liked the more personal aspect of Fadis' quest instead of the more prevalent epic, world shaping quests that are
typical of fantasy. I will definitely continue forward with Fadis to see where his story takes him.
October 15, 2019
A short story almost like a prequel to the series about Fadis the ranger who returns home after the war he fought for the king against the elves, a futile war which killed many and resolved nothing, eager to see his wife and child but his wife had in the 5 years he was away, moved on with her life. He is being hunted down as a deserter even though the war had ended and he decided to escape on a boat to the South and return when he had made something of himself which his son could look up to! A sad story about a man who wanted to better himself, knowing he needed to be a better man but he loved truly and the hunt for him was on, he had a bounty on his head so the thrill of the chase is one to. I would love to go on reading the adventures which I am sure Fadis would go on in the ranger's series as I love the writing of JT Williams.
August 31, 2021
Go Go Power Ranger
A fantastic short story from the Stormborn Saga, When a Ranger Fadis returns from the war between men and elves, looking forward to seeing his wife and son, a son he has not met yet, but Fadis carries a bow that seems to be attracting attention from both sides, when approached by King's men in a tavern, looking for a deserter and a stolen bow, he has to fight his way out, but things just seem to get worse for Fadis, his wife is remarried, but the hunt is not over and when his wife and son and kidnapped to lure him into a trap, he gets help from a source that he thought was his enemy, I can't wait to read Fadis next adventure in the series, very entertaining, lots of action, highly recommend....😁
A fantastic short story from the Stormborn Saga, When a Ranger Fadis returns from the war between men and elves, looking forward to seeing his wife and son, a son he has not met yet, but Fadis carries a bow that seems to be attracting attention from both sides, when approached by King's men in a tavern, looking for a deserter and a stolen bow, he has to fight his way out, but things just seem to get worse for Fadis, his wife is remarried, but the hunt is not over and when his wife and son and kidnapped to lure him into a trap, he gets help from a source that he thought was his enemy, I can't wait to read Fadis next adventure in the series, very entertaining, lots of action, highly recommend....😁
July 24, 2017
Ranger's Folly is a short story which reads like a prequel to something larger. Make no doubt Williams is using good bait to hook readers into coming back.
This is a high fantasy piece in which a ranger returns home from war to find his family in the care of another. His troubles spiral out of control from there. Accused of stealing something from the King, he finds himself not only homeless, but hunted as well.
I will state as a personal preference I am not a fan of swearing in epic fantasy books. It isn't major in this tale, but once in particular pulled me out of the story.
Fans of High Fantasy are going to gobble this up like candy!
This is a high fantasy piece in which a ranger returns home from war to find his family in the care of another. His troubles spiral out of control from there. Accused of stealing something from the King, he finds himself not only homeless, but hunted as well.
I will state as a personal preference I am not a fan of swearing in epic fantasy books. It isn't major in this tale, but once in particular pulled me out of the story.
Fans of High Fantasy are going to gobble this up like candy!
April 21, 2018
Short story - short review
Fadis was one of the few Rangers lucky to return home from a five-year long war with the Elves. Eager to see his wife and then unborn-son, his future does not take the happy turn he anticipates.
I liked this story, but there was so much simmering under the surface that I feel a little short-changed. The premise is good, and I'd have liked this (I assume) if it was a full, fleshed-out novel. But it's not, and I'd like more. Is it a prequel? Is it the pitch on the back of the book, except ridiculously long? Dunno. More please.
This is the book version of eating one salted peanut.
Fadis was one of the few Rangers lucky to return home from a five-year long war with the Elves. Eager to see his wife and then unborn-son, his future does not take the happy turn he anticipates.
I liked this story, but there was so much simmering under the surface that I feel a little short-changed. The premise is good, and I'd have liked this (I assume) if it was a full, fleshed-out novel. But it's not, and I'd like more. Is it a prequel? Is it the pitch on the back of the book, except ridiculously long? Dunno. More please.
This is the book version of eating one salted peanut.
June 9, 2020
I hadn't expected it to be so short, and I found myself having more questions than answers. The writing, while not terrible, felt too stiff to me. It was hard to feel any emotions the characters had, and seemed more like a case of telling, rather than showing.
Too many info-dumps. I supposes that goes hand in hand with the constant telling, but there was too much history that never got a full explanation, and the reader is expected to automatically sympathize with the main character.
It's an interesting premise. I like the idea behind it, but if the other books are as poorly written as this one, I don't think I'll have an interest in continuing.
Too many info-dumps. I supposes that goes hand in hand with the constant telling, but there was too much history that never got a full explanation, and the reader is expected to automatically sympathize with the main character.
It's an interesting premise. I like the idea behind it, but if the other books are as poorly written as this one, I don't think I'll have an interest in continuing.
May 31, 2021
An okay story that isn’t well fleshed out. The story should have been twice as long so more world building and character development could occur. It felt like the author had certain points that he had to hit to make the plot work, but didn’t want to put the time into it so he did it in as little time as possible.
I also really hated the wife, I felt she was portrayed as spiteful unnecessarily. She was portrayed as selfish and unsympathetic became she didn’t wait for her drunk husband to come back after five years. He wasn’t a good husband to be with so why should she wait?
I don’t plan to continue the series.
I also really hated the wife, I felt she was portrayed as spiteful unnecessarily. She was portrayed as selfish and unsympathetic became she didn’t wait for her drunk husband to come back after five years. He wasn’t a good husband to be with so why should she wait?
I don’t plan to continue the series.
August 29, 2021
This story starts out with Fadis in a tavern. He has been a Ranger for the king for the last five years. His leaving the king's service was a bit murky. He is looking forward to going home to see his wife and child. Fadis carries with him a Yela wood bow that he found when he was fighting the elves. He is being pursued by people who think he's a deserter. They caught up to him while he's leaving the tavern. He quickly kills them and heads home. Unfortuantely for Fadis it isn't what he had imagined.
I like the character of Fadis, I definitely do not like the Rusis. An exciting read into a small part of Fadis's life, albeit sad.
I like the character of Fadis, I definitely do not like the Rusis. An exciting read into a small part of Fadis's life, albeit sad.
January 1, 2024
Ranger's Folly: A Tale of the Dwemhar (Lost Tales of the Realms Book 1), my eighth read from author J.T. Williams. A 40 minute/29-page fantasy read, well-written, entertaining & enjoyable fantasy read. I'll read more from this author. I own 49 other books by this author & after reading this one they've just moved higher on my TBR list. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading Elf Bane: A Tale of the Dwemhar (Stormborn Saga Book 3). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
December 17, 2025
Exactly why are the king’s men after Fadis?
All Fadis can think of now that the war is over, is getting back home to his wife and son. Even though he’s a bit worried because he hasn’t heard from his wife in over four years, he can’t wait to see them both. Even though this is a very short story, it really does give a lot of information on Fadis. I started reading the Realm of Dwemhar series somewhere in the middle so I didn’t get a lot of background information on most of the characters and short stories like this really help me understand them a lot more.
I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
All Fadis can think of now that the war is over, is getting back home to his wife and son. Even though he’s a bit worried because he hasn’t heard from his wife in over four years, he can’t wait to see them both. Even though this is a very short story, it really does give a lot of information on Fadis. I started reading the Realm of Dwemhar series somewhere in the middle so I didn’t get a lot of background information on most of the characters and short stories like this really help me understand them a lot more.
I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 15, 2017
I wonder how many other soldiers and sailors return home, to find their wives and children, gone to them. It isn't only infictional books this occurs, and Mr Williams has caught the sorrow and mixed feelings of the man who has done hisduty for King and country, only to loose his own loved ones in the process.
However, I see this short tale leading to an epic story and look forward to seeing how Fadis can redeem himself, both in his own eyes and those of his son.
However, I see this short tale leading to an epic story and look forward to seeing how Fadis can redeem himself, both in his own eyes and those of his son.
March 30, 2020
As a former soldier I could put myself into Fadis’s shoes. I’m glad my homecoming was nothing like his. It wasn’t long before Williams had me in tears. Just when they began to dry, new ones began streaming down my cheeks, bringing with them an accelerated heart rate and an inability to stop reading. I was hooked and I finished it in one sitting. This 26 page short story was free and worth every penny and then some. Ranger’s Folly is a prequel to The Stormborn Saga. So naturally after reading this I purchased the ten book bundle. I’ll be back with a review for each of those with hopes held high.
January 16, 2026
The book follows Fadis, a Ranger of the North whose world has collapsed. His fellow Rangers, his brothers-in-arms, are dead. He’s been branded a deserter and a thief, and now a massive bounty shadows his every step. All he wants is to reach home, his wife’s embrace, his son’s smile, just a few hours away. But the road is anything but forgiving. A relentless mage hunts him, driven not by gold but by motives far more dangerous. Fadis must confront the truth behind what he’s accused of stealing and survive long enough to reclaim his life.
April 30, 2019
Both the storyline and the characters seem to be lacking some unknown something. The manner in which the story is told feels like a clashing mix between a simple concise recounting of events and the beginnings of a fleshed out piece of quality fantasy fiction. Both of the preceding statements likely make little sense prior to reading the book, but read the work and you’ll agree.
Some ironing out and this author’s work will be enthralling fans.
Some ironing out and this author’s work will be enthralling fans.
January 16, 2020
Fadis , a ranger returning from war, finds his a life living with his son and another man. He is heartbroken that she wants nothing to do with him.
He has another rather large problem,. He is sought after as a deserted even though the war is over and is accused of stealing a sword that belongs to the king. Things go from bad to worse. This short story leads into the series Stormborn Saga. Excellent start to a series.
He has another rather large problem,. He is sought after as a deserted even though the war is over and is accused of stealing a sword that belongs to the king. Things go from bad to worse. This short story leads into the series Stormborn Saga. Excellent start to a series.
September 24, 2023
Reading This Is A Folly
A poorly written and generic short story. The prose is blocky and clunky with poor pacing. The plot is generic. The action is cartoonish and poorly described. The dialogue is ripped off from children’s cartoons - earnestly theatrical and melodramatic. The characters are poorly crafted tropes.
Not worth the 20 minutes it takes to read.
If this is indicative of the quality of Dwemhar Realms stories, I will be avoiding them.
A poorly written and generic short story. The prose is blocky and clunky with poor pacing. The plot is generic. The action is cartoonish and poorly described. The dialogue is ripped off from children’s cartoons - earnestly theatrical and melodramatic. The characters are poorly crafted tropes.
Not worth the 20 minutes it takes to read.
If this is indicative of the quality of Dwemhar Realms stories, I will be avoiding them.
August 2, 2017
Good story.
I liked the story.
The hero is an imperfect man who has been trying to survive in wartime. Now he has returned home only to face bitter disappointment and unexpected danger.
As a short story that gives an intro into the background of a character, this book is good and I am looking forward to the rest of the story.
I liked the story.
The hero is an imperfect man who has been trying to survive in wartime. Now he has returned home only to face bitter disappointment and unexpected danger.
As a short story that gives an intro into the background of a character, this book is good and I am looking forward to the rest of the story.
December 6, 2017
Great short story to get you interested
I found this author only a couple of weeks ago with his series The Hlaf-Elf. There are at present 5 books in the series. The only problem with this story is its too short. Seriously it is a great story which will lead to a new series by JT, so go ahead and get this to get you ready for the series.
I found this author only a couple of weeks ago with his series The Hlaf-Elf. There are at present 5 books in the series. The only problem with this story is its too short. Seriously it is a great story which will lead to a new series by JT, so go ahead and get this to get you ready for the series.
May 26, 2018
I give it 3.5 stars. A quick, easy read, with an interesting character and plot. I found some of the writing a bit abrupt, and other parts a tad more expository than needed. I imagine I'd appreciate the series the main character features in a bit more than this short story.
All in all, not a bad read.
All in all, not a bad read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews