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Annals of the Nameless Dwarf #1
Ravine of Blood and Shadow
From internationally bestselling author D.P. Prior...
"A beautifully written and engrossing masterwork!" -- Mitchell Hogan
Fantasy Faction semifinalist for the SPFBO 2018
A babe is born in the shadows of the ravine city, a child who will end the self-imposed exile of the dwarves and usher in a new age of glory.
Years later, Ravine Guard Carnac Thayn discovers a break-in at the Scriptorium. A dwarf has been murdered and a book stolen, but the ruling council do nothing.
Then, when Carn is called to investigate thuds and crashes from the mines, old horror rises from the deep, and the city is threatened with slaughter.
Rumors begin to circulate about a mythical axe said to be lost below the earth, an axe wielded by the dwarf lords of old that might just be the last hope of a race marked to die.
But deception is rife, and unseen forces manipulate all paths to the future.It is a pivotal moment for the dwarves, and Carn must make a choice that will either save or damn his people.
Blood will flow in rivers through the ravine.
Friends will become foes.
A name will be forgotten.
And a hero will rise.
"A beautifully written and engrossing masterwork!" -- Mitchell Hogan
Fantasy Faction semifinalist for the SPFBO 2018
A babe is born in the shadows of the ravine city, a child who will end the self-imposed exile of the dwarves and usher in a new age of glory.
Years later, Ravine Guard Carnac Thayn discovers a break-in at the Scriptorium. A dwarf has been murdered and a book stolen, but the ruling council do nothing.
Then, when Carn is called to investigate thuds and crashes from the mines, old horror rises from the deep, and the city is threatened with slaughter.
Rumors begin to circulate about a mythical axe said to be lost below the earth, an axe wielded by the dwarf lords of old that might just be the last hope of a race marked to die.
But deception is rife, and unseen forces manipulate all paths to the future.It is a pivotal moment for the dwarves, and Carn must make a choice that will either save or damn his people.
Blood will flow in rivers through the ravine.
Friends will become foes.
A name will be forgotten.
And a hero will rise.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2019
556 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Derek Prior
79 books211 followersInternationally bestselling and award winning author Derek Prior excels in fast-paced, high stakes epic fantasy adventure stories in which good ultimately triumphs, but always at a cost.
Taking familiar fantasy tropes as a point of departure, Prior expands upon them to explore friendship, betrayal, loyalty and heroism in worlds where evil is an ever-present reality, magic is both a curse and a blessing, and characters are tempered in battle.
Winner of best fantasy novel 2012 (The Nameless Dwarf: The Complete Chronicles)
Fantasy Faction semifinalist for the SPFBO 2018 (Ravine of Blood and Shadow)
Website: www.derekprior.us
Twitter: @NamelessDwarf
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dpprior
Taking familiar fantasy tropes as a point of departure, Prior expands upon them to explore friendship, betrayal, loyalty and heroism in worlds where evil is an ever-present reality, magic is both a curse and a blessing, and characters are tempered in battle.
Winner of best fantasy novel 2012 (The Nameless Dwarf: The Complete Chronicles)
Fantasy Faction semifinalist for the SPFBO 2018 (Ravine of Blood and Shadow)
Website: www.derekprior.us
Twitter: @NamelessDwarf
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dpprior
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 17, 2016
The nameless dwarf
This was an exceptionally well written book. It told a marvelous the story that I really liked. I felt it had a very good indeed. I highly recommend this book.
This was an exceptionally well written book. It told a marvelous the story that I really liked. I felt it had a very good indeed. I highly recommend this book.
June 14, 2016
Excellent hard core fantasy
A fair bit of combat, quite a few main characters get killed off. It isn't a happy book, but not a thoroughly depressing one either. There's no over arcing quest our anything like that although the world is consistent. I enjoyed the story of a dwarf who's done bad things and tries to make amends.
A fair bit of combat, quite a few main characters get killed off. It isn't a happy book, but not a thoroughly depressing one either. There's no over arcing quest our anything like that although the world is consistent. I enjoyed the story of a dwarf who's done bad things and tries to make amends.
July 27, 2016
Completely gripping
Great. Every character is believable, with their own quirks and oddities yet they all fit together extremely well creating a story that leads the reader through all the ups and downs that these books hold. Well worth the read.
Great. Every character is believable, with their own quirks and oddities yet they all fit together extremely well creating a story that leads the reader through all the ups and downs that these books hold. Well worth the read.
August 7, 2024
Not a disappointing read
Don't expect all fantastical happiness. This story is well written at a good pace that allows the reader to enjoy what is happening. A dwarf who has done bad things tries to redeem himself, amongst other things. Recommended read for everyone
Don't expect all fantastical happiness. This story is well written at a good pace that allows the reader to enjoy what is happening. A dwarf who has done bad things tries to redeem himself, amongst other things. Recommended read for everyone
July 23, 2016
Could not put it down
Very enthralling, great plot, memorable characters. I like the concept that dwarves speak in a semi-scottish accent. Could have a little more humor, but I really enjoyed the series.
Very enthralling, great plot, memorable characters. I like the concept that dwarves speak in a semi-scottish accent. Could have a little more humor, but I really enjoyed the series.
July 23, 2016
A Saga worth reading
I like the style of writing, the twists and turns of the plot and the character building that made me feel that I knew them. The story kept me going from book 1 through book 4. The ending makes me hope for another volume!
I like the style of writing, the twists and turns of the plot and the character building that made me feel that I knew them. The story kept me going from book 1 through book 4. The ending makes me hope for another volume!
August 3, 2016
Great story, great characters, well written - what more could you ask?
See above - but for some reason I'm forced to continue writing Let me know when I can stop. Now?
See above - but for some reason I'm forced to continue writing Let me know when I can stop. Now?
June 13, 2019
A council that does nothing and it takes the protagonist to shake things up? Check. "The whole society is not what it seems"? Check. Prophecy made at birth about main character and it comes true? Check. The protagonist is always right in his instincts, no matter what? Check. Evil wears Black and is petty and So You Shall Identify It? Check. "I start to explain something but someone interrupts in the most convenient moment so that it can be a dramatic reveal later on"? Check. All myths are true? Check. Main character is sulking, because Love Interest chose his best friend and now they are evil because they have betrayed him and their whole friendship was a lie? Check. (Betrayed, I tell you! Their friendship means nothing! They did not tell me so they clearly did not trust me and everything was a LIE!) Everything was a lie? Check. EVIL WEARS BLACK AND IS DISFIGURED? CHECK!
There are some things that I really liked in this book, it is only disappointing to see the possible potential... not happening in the story. On the other hand, this is only the first volume. Could be that those that follow are better.
There are some things that I really liked in this book, it is only disappointing to see the possible potential... not happening in the story. On the other hand, this is only the first volume. Could be that those that follow are better.
October 26, 2017
Four books in one. Four chapters in the the story of Nameless, the Dwarf. What's good about this book? Nameless's character. It was enough to keep me reading to find out his fate. Just. And to get a two-star rating rather than one. Only just.
What's not so good? Initially, there are so many characters in this story, it's hard to keep tabs on who's who. The violence is horrendous. When all is covered that possibly can be in one world, Nameless ends up with another bunch of characters in his story and sinks to further depths of brutal cruelty, depravity and horror in another world.
What's not so good? Initially, there are so many characters in this story, it's hard to keep tabs on who's who. The violence is horrendous. When all is covered that possibly can be in one world, Nameless ends up with another bunch of characters in his story and sinks to further depths of brutal cruelty, depravity and horror in another world.
January 24, 2018
Worth the read
The series is a very long read. It's worth the time and effort if you get all four books together. The ending of the second book was strange to me and I would not have continued the series if I were purchasing the books separately. Overall this is a good series and I enjoyed them. The story line tends to be a bit dark but it's still a decent story. Give them a try.
The series is a very long read. It's worth the time and effort if you get all four books together. The ending of the second book was strange to me and I would not have continued the series if I were purchasing the books separately. Overall this is a good series and I enjoyed them. The story line tends to be a bit dark but it's still a decent story. Give them a try.
September 11, 2017
Nameless no more. Bring on act II.
Good God Almighty. The sheer unmitigated gall of this man. To finally with that one single stroke of the pin bring to a close the final act of the play. There are few indeed that can spin a tale such as this. Raw, rough, crude & to the oh so SHAGGING point. Bring it on. MORE MORE MORE. Pure genius at it's fucking best
Good God Almighty. The sheer unmitigated gall of this man. To finally with that one single stroke of the pin bring to a close the final act of the play. There are few indeed that can spin a tale such as this. Raw, rough, crude & to the oh so SHAGGING point. Bring it on. MORE MORE MORE. Pure genius at it's fucking best
January 5, 2018
I quite enjoyed the first book in the tetralogy but then I just lost interest and quit reading after getting half-way through the series because the action seemed to slow down to a crawl. I am subject to whims at times in my reading, and loss of interest in the plot may be the best explanation of why I didn't finish.
January 1, 2018
I LOVE Nameless!! What a kick-butt character. I would have happily read several more volumes of his adventures, but (despite the teaser at the end of the last book -- said problem well within Nameless' capabilities to handle) I guess this is it. Thanks Nameless (and all your friends and relations), it was a great ride.
January 15, 2018
Pretty good Sword and Sorcery
Very much like Dragonlance. The first two books are great, the third good, but the fourth... I find the end far fetched, and a major POV character and love interest just disapears without a trace. The triolgy stands well alone, the fourth is a ok follow up a bit after the trilogy, so you can skip it if you like. Solid 3 stars.
Very much like Dragonlance. The first two books are great, the third good, but the fourth... I find the end far fetched, and a major POV character and love interest just disapears without a trace. The triolgy stands well alone, the fourth is a ok follow up a bit after the trilogy, so you can skip it if you like. Solid 3 stars.
March 17, 2017
This series was even better the second time around. Lots of Gore. Lots of action. Plenty of tragedy. Humour, both black and smutty. Very clever plots. Intense intrigue.
Legends of the Nameless Dwarf is in short (pun intended) a shogging great story.
Legends of the Nameless Dwarf is in short (pun intended) a shogging great story.
July 11, 2016
Greatbooks
Keeps you interested at all turns. The plot and story line is outstanding. Could not put it down. Kept reading well into the night
Keeps you interested at all turns. The plot and story line is outstanding. Could not put it down. Kept reading well into the night
September 12, 2017
I loved the series!
October 15, 2017
Good read
Very well written interesting plot would recommend this to anyone.will be on the look out for more books by this author
Very well written interesting plot would recommend this to anyone.will be on the look out for more books by this author
November 25, 2017
This series starts out strong but by rhe middle has befun to drag out and become predictable and formulaic. Your mileage may vary.
February 27, 2018
Amazing Series!
I loved the characters and the storyline. Dwarves, other worlds, and the resounding message this series gave: Be good to one another, and remember that forgiveness is an enlightening ending to chase away the dark.
I loved the characters and the storyline. Dwarves, other worlds, and the resounding message this series gave: Be good to one another, and remember that forgiveness is an enlightening ending to chase away the dark.
November 24, 2019
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, and found it very entertaining. If you like Dwarves this is a good book for you to listen too, the hero is very likeable dwarf whose life starts to spin out his control. Carn and his brother have always been haunted by a prophecy of their birth and role in the Dwarf society. Carn finds himself all alone, and has a choice to make, but he can't tell what is real or deception. A suspenseful tale, that leaves you guessing until the end. Well written characters in combination with a fast paced plot that made my commute seem much shorter. Looking forward to the next book.
November 25, 2019
The dest Dwarf book other than the GW Gotrek series.
January 26, 2018
A Masterpiece
Truly a work of art; a tantalizing story of bravery, redemption, heroism, and the will stand up for righteousness. I was mesmerized from the beginning until the very end, learning of this mystic world and its people, and saddened that it had to come to a close.
The books do have some typos and perhaps a few loose ends that weren't addressed, but the overall story nullifies any and all of that. I truly hope to see more of this tale, especially considering the dark twist at the end.
Truly a work of art; a tantalizing story of bravery, redemption, heroism, and the will stand up for righteousness. I was mesmerized from the beginning until the very end, learning of this mystic world and its people, and saddened that it had to come to a close.
The books do have some typos and perhaps a few loose ends that weren't addressed, but the overall story nullifies any and all of that. I truly hope to see more of this tale, especially considering the dark twist at the end.
July 15, 2018
Excellent read
I enjoy reading these types of books and when picking a certain book I do like a long read.
This is the first book I've read by Dr. P. Prior and I will definitely be looking out for more titles.
I read all four books straight through and it kept me glued to it. The story kept changing as you read through it which was great and flowed smoothly.
I look forward to seeing if there might be a follow on as the ending does leave a possibility.
Again a great read.
I enjoy reading these types of books and when picking a certain book I do like a long read.
This is the first book I've read by Dr. P. Prior and I will definitely be looking out for more titles.
I read all four books straight through and it kept me glued to it. The story kept changing as you read through it which was great and flowed smoothly.
I look forward to seeing if there might be a follow on as the ending does leave a possibility.
Again a great read.
November 9, 2018
Wow, an enthralling Adventure. The good, The bad and the Short!
This was a great story full of everything you need for a wonderful tale. The dwarves are made real with the writing. The worlds are fleshed out and filled with flora and fauna that you can almost hear walking around.
I would suggest these books for anyone who wants to take a fully immersive vacation in their favorite chair.
This was a great story full of everything you need for a wonderful tale. The dwarves are made real with the writing. The worlds are fleshed out and filled with flora and fauna that you can almost hear walking around.
I would suggest these books for anyone who wants to take a fully immersive vacation in their favorite chair.
July 19, 2016
Can I give it more stars? This is an incredible read. What an epic journey. From the beginning of book 1 til the end of book 4, it was filled with action. I really enjoyed reading this fantasy series. It rates up there, by me, with The Black Company series by Glen Cook & The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. I truly do recommend this fantasy series.
July 11, 2016
Parsons egg, good in parts
I enjoyed this read but there were episodes of thinking "I will finish this book " but it was hard work. There were too many instances of absolute evil and long paragraphs of nasty, but not a lot to hold the interest unless you are some kind of Chuck.
I enjoyed this read but there were episodes of thinking "I will finish this book " but it was hard work. There were too many instances of absolute evil and long paragraphs of nasty, but not a lot to hold the interest unless you are some kind of Chuck.
December 11, 2016
Made it through this great adventure!
Excellent story, about a very special person who doesn't quit when things are impossible. Full of action and adventure without sacrificing character development. I'm looking forward to the next story!
Excellent story, about a very special person who doesn't quit when things are impossible. Full of action and adventure without sacrificing character development. I'm looking forward to the next story!
December 13, 2017
Overall, a very god story.
I really liked the story, and would recommend it to any tabletop fantasy gamer, since it has the feel of a book written about a party, or the back story of a player. The reason I gave it only 4 stars is that there seemed to be some lose ends.
I really liked the story, and would recommend it to any tabletop fantasy gamer, since it has the feel of a book written about a party, or the back story of a player. The reason I gave it only 4 stars is that there seemed to be some lose ends.
May 5, 2017
An Epic, in league of Tolkien and Brooks
A great read, I enjoyed this saga. This story will become a must read for all those who enjoy epic fantasy.
A great read, I enjoyed this saga. This story will become a must read for all those who enjoy epic fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews