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Shards of Faith
A Wind Rider Chronicles Companion Book (Best read after Visions of Light and Shadow)
Before Morganne and Elowyn were born, Broguean took on the greatest quest of his life...
Broguean the Bard takes a seat at Westfalle tavern, with his lute and a mug of his favorite ale. But when one of his songs starts a tavern brawl, his fortunes take an unexpected turn. He's forced out into the night, and into the waiting arms of a most unexpected foe—someone who knows his true name and the secret past he's been running from. Taken under guard to a nearby monastery, he spends a long, painful night wondering if he's a guest or a prisoner. But the prior who runs the monastery has a job for him. A job that could either help him redeem his tragic past…or get him killed. Is this the message from Aviad he's been waiting for, or is the prior only sending him on a dangerous fool's errand?
Before Morganne and Elowyn were born, Broguean took on the greatest quest of his life...
Broguean the Bard takes a seat at Westfalle tavern, with his lute and a mug of his favorite ale. But when one of his songs starts a tavern brawl, his fortunes take an unexpected turn. He's forced out into the night, and into the waiting arms of a most unexpected foe—someone who knows his true name and the secret past he's been running from. Taken under guard to a nearby monastery, he spends a long, painful night wondering if he's a guest or a prisoner. But the prior who runs the monastery has a job for him. A job that could either help him redeem his tragic past…or get him killed. Is this the message from Aviad he's been waiting for, or is the prior only sending him on a dangerous fool's errand?
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2019
7 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Allison D. Reid
13 books44 followersAllison D. Reid was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her love for medieval fantasy was sparked by the Narnia Chronicles by C.S. Lewis, which fed both her imagination and her spiritual development. When at the age of thirteen her family moved to Germany, her passion for medieval history and legend only increased, and she found herself captivated by the ancient towns and castles of Europe.
Allison returned to the United States to study art and writing at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. She earned her B.A. under the tutelage of the well-renowned and prolific writer Andrew Salkey, a student of her other great inspiration, and the father of fantasy, J. R. R. Tolkien. After graduating from Hampshire College, Allison moved to Connecticut. There she got the opportunity to attend seminary and further explore her faith before returning to her home state of Ohio.
Allison now lives in the Miami Valley area with her husband and children. She continues to work on her first published series while taking care of her family, editing for other independent writers, and managing a home business.
Allison returned to the United States to study art and writing at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. She earned her B.A. under the tutelage of the well-renowned and prolific writer Andrew Salkey, a student of her other great inspiration, and the father of fantasy, J. R. R. Tolkien. After graduating from Hampshire College, Allison moved to Connecticut. There she got the opportunity to attend seminary and further explore her faith before returning to her home state of Ohio.
Allison now lives in the Miami Valley area with her husband and children. She continues to work on her first published series while taking care of her family, editing for other independent writers, and managing a home business.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 21, 2019
I just love love this whole series - and the next book just can't come out fast enough.
September 6, 2020
Review for “Shards of Faith” by Allison D. Reid:
It’s the second novella in the “Wind Rider Chronicles” series written by fantasy Christian author, Allison D. Reid. The story focuses on Broguean the Bard’s adventures before Morganne and Elowyn were born.
The author attracts her readers through her simple writing style that can be easily understood. The world she created is a mixture of scenes from the holy Christian books and fantasy, reviving old medieval stories and legends. This novella focuses on Broguean’s life.
Readers will discover bits of the main character’s past. Like the Bard, their faith will be put to the test thus learning to make a difference between true and false faith. Fear, despair, doubt are three of the Shadow’s weapons against the light.
The book makes references to the corrupted side of the monarchy and the church and it also gives us examples of real men of God or Aviad in this case like the Guardians and the monks at the monastery of Solis. There are brief descriptions of the monastic life.
During our journey in life, we encounter obstacles like temptations and illusions that can either make us take the wrong path or stop us from getting to the destination. Similar to the devil, the Shadow can twist people’s mind into making them do its bidding. However, there are times when we feel lost and have to choose which way to go like in the scenes when the main character has to decide which way to go on the crossroads.
Weighting a responsibility, struggling to accept a task or deny it due to the high risks and responsibilities that go with it, trying to relieve inner pain, survival, earning a living, the harsh life, thanking God or Aviad in this case for being alive, light versus darkness, truth versus lie, accepting our past and spiritual treasures versus worldly treasures are some of the themes discussed in the book.
Like in many literary works, there are certain things that have a symbolic meaning namely, mountains – obstacles; climbing mountains – marching on; forests – dangers, mystery, evil, but also shelter and nature’s temple; dreams – ways for Aviad, the dead or even the forces of evil to communicate with humans; serpent – the personification of evil; storm – difficulties, problems, dangers, argument, battle, loneliness; sun – life, strength, energy, self, clarity, force; water – motion, transformation, purification, intuition, blessing, renewal; wall – negative emotions that stop us from moving on.
Friendship, the seven virtues, loyalty, bravery, knowing our self-worth, sacrifice, hope, self-control, curiosity, the voice of reason, adventure are some of the words to describe this exciting novella.
Together with J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, J. K. Rowling, Sophie-Audouin-Mamikonian, Richard H. Stephens, Emily Martha Sorensen, Laura Știrbu, Miruna Ursache, Georgia Lohan, Elena Kedros, Moony Witcher, Paula Harrison, Matt Haig, Chris Riddell, S. A. Patrick, K. M. Jenkins and B. K. Boes, Allsion D. Reid revolutionized the fantasy genre through her unique world and brought the holy books back to life.
I recommend this story to readers 12+ since there are some scenes that are scary for younger readers.
It’s the second novella in the “Wind Rider Chronicles” series written by fantasy Christian author, Allison D. Reid. The story focuses on Broguean the Bard’s adventures before Morganne and Elowyn were born.
The author attracts her readers through her simple writing style that can be easily understood. The world she created is a mixture of scenes from the holy Christian books and fantasy, reviving old medieval stories and legends. This novella focuses on Broguean’s life.
Readers will discover bits of the main character’s past. Like the Bard, their faith will be put to the test thus learning to make a difference between true and false faith. Fear, despair, doubt are three of the Shadow’s weapons against the light.
The book makes references to the corrupted side of the monarchy and the church and it also gives us examples of real men of God or Aviad in this case like the Guardians and the monks at the monastery of Solis. There are brief descriptions of the monastic life.
During our journey in life, we encounter obstacles like temptations and illusions that can either make us take the wrong path or stop us from getting to the destination. Similar to the devil, the Shadow can twist people’s mind into making them do its bidding. However, there are times when we feel lost and have to choose which way to go like in the scenes when the main character has to decide which way to go on the crossroads.
Weighting a responsibility, struggling to accept a task or deny it due to the high risks and responsibilities that go with it, trying to relieve inner pain, survival, earning a living, the harsh life, thanking God or Aviad in this case for being alive, light versus darkness, truth versus lie, accepting our past and spiritual treasures versus worldly treasures are some of the themes discussed in the book.
Like in many literary works, there are certain things that have a symbolic meaning namely, mountains – obstacles; climbing mountains – marching on; forests – dangers, mystery, evil, but also shelter and nature’s temple; dreams – ways for Aviad, the dead or even the forces of evil to communicate with humans; serpent – the personification of evil; storm – difficulties, problems, dangers, argument, battle, loneliness; sun – life, strength, energy, self, clarity, force; water – motion, transformation, purification, intuition, blessing, renewal; wall – negative emotions that stop us from moving on.
Friendship, the seven virtues, loyalty, bravery, knowing our self-worth, sacrifice, hope, self-control, curiosity, the voice of reason, adventure are some of the words to describe this exciting novella.
Together with J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, J. K. Rowling, Sophie-Audouin-Mamikonian, Richard H. Stephens, Emily Martha Sorensen, Laura Știrbu, Miruna Ursache, Georgia Lohan, Elena Kedros, Moony Witcher, Paula Harrison, Matt Haig, Chris Riddell, S. A. Patrick, K. M. Jenkins and B. K. Boes, Allsion D. Reid revolutionized the fantasy genre through her unique world and brought the holy books back to life.
I recommend this story to readers 12+ since there are some scenes that are scary for younger readers.
February 25, 2022
This is the story of Broguean who we had met previously and known as the drunken bard, the same one who Elowyn did not like or trust, but whose story really needed to be told. In this book we find out who he really is, his past history and all that he had gone through to follow his faith and trust in Aviad. He was previously a monk who had suffered a lot at the evil hands of the Abbot of Yewslea and Prior Braeden who he had realised were translating the tomes of the ancients but changing the meaning whilst doing so. He was forced to rescind his vows but never once did he falter in his belief in Aviad. So when asked for his help to safeguard the shards of the staff of Varol and to serve as one of the guardians, though he hesitated, considering himself unworthy, he finally gave himself up to the demands of the job even when his life was at risk. I really enjoyed reading this story as the character of Broguean is interesting and I love that though very conflicted he makes the right choices and rises to the occasion. I hope to read more about this character in future books where maybe Elowyn gets to appreciate who he really is, changing her opinion which she had made at face value not knowing the real man behind the drunkard.
June 7, 2024
Sad, but compelling
This is the second novella in the Wind Rider series that contains a different point of view character than the three longer novels. It provides some interesting background about the main antagonist in the series and a mysterious fellow who appeared in earlier parts of the series.
The main character in this book is the bard, who actually used to be a monk who loved the ancient texts of the prophets. That’s why he recognized one that Morganne was reading at the tavern one night. Tragedy struck his family and alienated him from his religious activities.
This book introduces how he will apparently play an important role in saving the people from dark forces trying to take over their world. Although this book seems to be much more sad than the others, there is also an element of hope and redemption woven through it.
As with the other books in the story, Allison Reid has fabricated a compelling story and three-dimensional characters that draw the reader into her tale so intimately, you won’t want to come back to reality!
This is the second novella in the Wind Rider series that contains a different point of view character than the three longer novels. It provides some interesting background about the main antagonist in the series and a mysterious fellow who appeared in earlier parts of the series.
The main character in this book is the bard, who actually used to be a monk who loved the ancient texts of the prophets. That’s why he recognized one that Morganne was reading at the tavern one night. Tragedy struck his family and alienated him from his religious activities.
This book introduces how he will apparently play an important role in saving the people from dark forces trying to take over their world. Although this book seems to be much more sad than the others, there is also an element of hope and redemption woven through it.
As with the other books in the story, Allison Reid has fabricated a compelling story and three-dimensional characters that draw the reader into her tale so intimately, you won’t want to come back to reality!
March 14, 2019
Gathering loose ends
Having gathered the characters of the Wind Rider Chronicles into the warmth and mellow atmosphere of the library to hear the tale of their adventure, it's interesting to learn the story of one of those who helped make the adventure possible.
Allison's gift of weaving the tale makes this book one I will purchase as a hard copy to go along with the Chronicles in my library.
Having gathered the characters of the Wind Rider Chronicles into the warmth and mellow atmosphere of the library to hear the tale of their adventure, it's interesting to learn the story of one of those who helped make the adventure possible.
Allison's gift of weaving the tale makes this book one I will purchase as a hard copy to go along with the Chronicles in my library.
September 15, 2019
A wonderful book
This is a great addition to the other books in this series and does a great job of filling in some of the gaps, though not all of them. I am anxious to see what comes next!
This is a great addition to the other books in this series and does a great job of filling in some of the gaps, though not all of them. I am anxious to see what comes next!
March 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this part of the story. It is like a side-step. A time to see things from a different perspective. Like how he finds a new and meaningful path that supports and grows his faith.
March 18, 2021
This series by Allison is brilliant. I enjoyed every page. well worth the read.
May 23, 2019
I felt such a deep bond with Broguean the Bard. His youthful and innocent intentions, seeing the darkness invading his "sanctuary" and having his life torn out from under him. The fall into darkness over feeling that life, itself, had failed him, only to be lifted up in a way that only Aviad (God for myself) could do...in such a way that there is no denying the path set before him. Every one of us faces trials that can break us. It's how we handle them in the end that matters. Knowing we are not perfect at all, but Aviad will love us, trust us and pick us up when we fall.
Another brilliant book by Allison D. Reid. I look forward to the next release!
Another brilliant book by Allison D. Reid. I look forward to the next release!
June 28, 2019
While not as overtly allegorical as other books within the series, Shards of Faith does enrich the overall tale. The struggles of good and evil are mirrored by the central character's one issues of duty, fear, belonging, and faith. There are some suspenseful moments, and yet the general flow continues to meet Reid's high standards. It is a great read, especially in bringing the overall tale into focus.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews