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The Dragon Keep Chronicles #1
Oath of the Outcast
A lost brother.
An unwilling outlaw.
A rising enemy.
An unusual alliance.
Years ago, Rhys MacDuffy was brutally cut off from his clan, stripped of his name and inheritance, and banished to the remote Dragon Keep. Perched high above the Shang Pass in the land of Alsaya, he assumed the mantle of the Mountain Baron, serving out his sentence as the overseer of the worst outlaws and outcasts.
But one day he receives a desperate message from the clan who disowned him: MacDuffy’s Seer—his beloved brother—has been taken by their enemies.
With his band of Mountain Brigands and an unwelcome sidekick, Rhys leaves his mountain stronghold to find and rescue his brother. The tide of war is rising amongst the Clans of Alsaya, fueled by the magic-wielding sect of Druids who seek to unleash a dark force the world has long forgotten.
Can the bond of blood run deeper than banishment?
An unwilling outlaw.
A rising enemy.
An unusual alliance.
Years ago, Rhys MacDuffy was brutally cut off from his clan, stripped of his name and inheritance, and banished to the remote Dragon Keep. Perched high above the Shang Pass in the land of Alsaya, he assumed the mantle of the Mountain Baron, serving out his sentence as the overseer of the worst outlaws and outcasts.
But one day he receives a desperate message from the clan who disowned him: MacDuffy’s Seer—his beloved brother—has been taken by their enemies.
With his band of Mountain Brigands and an unwelcome sidekick, Rhys leaves his mountain stronghold to find and rescue his brother. The tide of war is rising amongst the Clans of Alsaya, fueled by the magic-wielding sect of Druids who seek to unleash a dark force the world has long forgotten.
Can the bond of blood run deeper than banishment?
ebook
Published July 23, 2019
6 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Banschbach
15 books122 followersC.M. Banschbach is a native Texan and would make an excellent Hobbit if she weren’t so tall. She’s a pizza addict, a multi-faceted fangirl, and a firm believer in being authentic—even if it means acting like a dork sometimes! When not writing fantasy stories packed full of adventure and snark, she works as a pediatric physical therapist where she happily embraces the fact that she never actually has to grow up.
She also writesYA/MG fantasy-adventure as Claire M. Banschbach.
She also writesYA/MG fantasy-adventure as Claire M. Banschbach.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 23, 2019
I've loved every book I've read from C.M. Banschbach...which means that when I tell you this is my favorite of her works so far, I'm saying this book is something very special indeed. Up until now, her stories have ranged from more magic-heavy fantasy to stories which emphasize medieval action/adventure over supernatural elements. This book lies squarely in the middle of that spectrum. Supernatural overtones combine with swordplay to form a story that features the best of both subgenres. The world-building here is superb...which should be no surprise to those familiar with Ms. Banschbach's work.
The best thing about this book, however, is the characters. Characterization is another of the author's strong points, but she surpasses herself here. Speaking as a male reader, I must say that it's very refreshing to read a story which revolves around strong, admirable male heroes who are challenged but not completely torn down or deconstructed. The guys in this book have scars, faults, fears, and failures, but these serve to make them relatable rather than unlikable. Plus, the banter between the leads is terrific--stellar dialogue throughout the whole story.
The ending is perfect for a first-in-series book, in that provides a reasonable degree of closure but simultaneously leaves you really, really wanting the sequel as quickly as possible. I don't tend to call an ending a "cliffhanger" so long as the main conflict of the book is resolved, so I won't use that word here, but...MAN, I need book two. Because this series is already awesome.
The best thing about this book, however, is the characters. Characterization is another of the author's strong points, but she surpasses herself here. Speaking as a male reader, I must say that it's very refreshing to read a story which revolves around strong, admirable male heroes who are challenged but not completely torn down or deconstructed. The guys in this book have scars, faults, fears, and failures, but these serve to make them relatable rather than unlikable. Plus, the banter between the leads is terrific--stellar dialogue throughout the whole story.
The ending is perfect for a first-in-series book, in that provides a reasonable degree of closure but simultaneously leaves you really, really wanting the sequel as quickly as possible. I don't tend to call an ending a "cliffhanger" so long as the main conflict of the book is resolved, so I won't use that word here, but...MAN, I need book two. Because this series is already awesome.
August 14, 2019
Mangst.
It's my new favorite word, made known to me by the author when she was describing this book.
Give me a book full of awesome guys over kickbutt girls ANY DAY. That's just how I like it. And aside from one character, this book basically is ALL men, with fabulous brotherhood both literal and otherwise.
The only content concern I'd mention is violence, there is a lot of emphasis on torture (like our hero spends half the book getting tortured, poor dude) buuuuut the scenes are well-balanced with moments of humor, heroics, and hope. Plus, the hero is just that perfect balance of strength, sass, and general studliness. Torture is pretty straight-forward, mainly done through druid witchcraft of needles and dolls, and some heavy bleeding for their rituals. Overall, while this book is labeled New Adult, I didn't feel it was more violent than stuff I read growing up in YA books by Bryan Davis or Jaye L. Knight.
Ready for the next book! That cliff-hanger was too mean!
It's my new favorite word, made known to me by the author when she was describing this book.
Give me a book full of awesome guys over kickbutt girls ANY DAY. That's just how I like it. And aside from one character, this book basically is ALL men, with fabulous brotherhood both literal and otherwise.
The only content concern I'd mention is violence, there is a lot of emphasis on torture (like our hero spends half the book getting tortured, poor dude) buuuuut the scenes are well-balanced with moments of humor, heroics, and hope. Plus, the hero is just that perfect balance of strength, sass, and general studliness. Torture is pretty straight-forward, mainly done through druid witchcraft of needles and dolls, and some heavy bleeding for their rituals. Overall, while this book is labeled New Adult, I didn't feel it was more violent than stuff I read growing up in YA books by Bryan Davis or Jaye L. Knight.
Ready for the next book! That cliff-hanger was too mean!
March 23, 2020
Good old swordplay, a Celtic-inspired setting, and gruff clansmen make this a great story for fantasy adventure fans!
Rhys was a lovable protagonist with a tortured past, relatable fears, and a fiercely loyal streak that never gave up on the people who mattered most to him. I love that instead of becoming a total lone wolf in exile, he built up a brotherhood of other outcasts who would never leave each other behind. (Seriously, I love brother stories.)
And speaking of brothers—Sean! As a captured Seer and catalyst for a coming war, it was so heartening to see the bond between him and Rhys.
I’d have to say Jes was my other favorite character, with his dry wit and ninja-like warrior prowess. There needs to be a whole book about Jes.
But on to the story itself. This is a tale of swordplay, capture, Druid-enforced torture, rescue, redemption, and the stirrings of war. At times some of the action felt a bit repetitive, but it remained cinematic and... swashbuckly. Can I call it that even if we’re talking clansmen and not pirates??
And a certain spoilery something turned out to have a good twist on the old trope, so yay for that!
Looking forward to the sequel, especially with how this one ended. I smell the beginnings of a redemption arc for one of the antagonists, which is one of my favorite things!
Rhys was a lovable protagonist with a tortured past, relatable fears, and a fiercely loyal streak that never gave up on the people who mattered most to him. I love that instead of becoming a total lone wolf in exile, he built up a brotherhood of other outcasts who would never leave each other behind. (Seriously, I love brother stories.)
And speaking of brothers—Sean! As a captured Seer and catalyst for a coming war, it was so heartening to see the bond between him and Rhys.
I’d have to say Jes was my other favorite character, with his dry wit and ninja-like warrior prowess. There needs to be a whole book about Jes.
But on to the story itself. This is a tale of swordplay, capture, Druid-enforced torture, rescue, redemption, and the stirrings of war. At times some of the action felt a bit repetitive, but it remained cinematic and... swashbuckly. Can I call it that even if we’re talking clansmen and not pirates??
And a certain spoilery something turned out to have a good twist on the old trope, so yay for that!
Looking forward to the sequel, especially with how this one ended. I smell the beginnings of a redemption arc for one of the antagonists, which is one of my favorite things!
Read
June 7, 2019Author's note - I give this book a PG-13 rating for intense situations, creepy bad guys, lots of man drama... There's also a fair amount of fake cursing, so...
August 25, 2021
4.5 stars but rounding up
*flops over* What even to say about this book? It was everything I'd expect from a book by this author: brotherhood, angst, stellar character dynamics, warm fuzzies, a little bit of cackling
I'm not a fan of books with dreams, they always make me feel a little trippy, but that's a personal thing and didn't detract from the book too much.
I absolutely adored the characters (do I have a definitive ranking of how likely I'd be to accept a proposal of marriage from each? Yes. Obviously xD). I loved Rhys for all his angsty dramaticness. I loved his men and their relationship. I loved his family (*whacks Rhys* shush it, they're your family).
There is some torture, blood magic, and voo-doo-esque creepiness, which didn't bother me too much, but was definitely PG-13, fyi.
All in all, I adored this book. I've got so many feels about it and am going to try to process through the massive book handover Claire's writing has left me with ❤️
*flops over* What even to say about this book? It was everything I'd expect from a book by this author: brotherhood, angst, stellar character dynamics, warm fuzzies, a little bit of cackling
I'm not a fan of books with dreams, they always make me feel a little trippy, but that's a personal thing and didn't detract from the book too much.
I absolutely adored the characters (do I have a definitive ranking of how likely I'd be to accept a proposal of marriage from each? Yes. Obviously xD). I loved Rhys for all his angsty dramaticness. I loved his men and their relationship. I loved his family (*whacks Rhys* shush it, they're your family).
There is some torture, blood magic, and voo-doo-esque creepiness, which didn't bother me too much, but was definitely PG-13, fyi.
All in all, I adored this book. I've got so many feels about it and am going to try to process through the massive book handover Claire's writing has left me with ❤️
December 29, 2021
This is one of the best books I've read all year and you need it in your life--and now I need book 2 already! My love for this epic book runs so deep I don't know quite how to express it. *all the heart eyes*
ACTUAL REVIEW:
I’m sitting here not sure how to form words to adequately express how much I love this absolutely awesome book. I just love it so, so much! OATH OF THE OUTCAST is, hands-down, one of the best books I’ve read all year. I have an addiction to this author’s books, and this the most absolutely brilliant one yet!
I was utterly drawn in from page one, pulled into this delightfully-Celtic-esque world (can I just go live there?) full of so many awesome things. This is a story of clans and brothers, snark and stabbing, pines and mist and mountains and rugged hills and a castle by the booming sea. It’s a story of the bonds of brothers—both by blood and by friendship deeper than blood (so it’s basically my favorite thing: a buddy story, of epic proportions)—and of an outcast banished from his clan, haunted by his past and so totally done with everyone. XD
The characters and their banter and snark and stabbiness are my absolute favorite! Particularly Rhys MacDuffy/the Baron, a.k.a. my smol floof of anger management issues. I just love him so much! He says that Rhys is dead, that he has no family, that he’s just the Mountain Baron now (and has built up something of a reputation where the very name makes people turn pale), but somewhere deep inside he’s still got a little of that old Rhys buried away behind the icy exterior of the Baron. Rhys/the Baron is a deeply scarred man, too betrayed to trust again, who has given up on redemption (but I’m holding out for it!), and yet somewhere he’s got a little bit of a heart of gold left—he just won’t admit it. And he will stab you as soon as snark at you, but if you’re one of his men or his brother (who he says he doesn’t have) he’ll do anything for you. Rhys/the Baron is just one of my favorite characters of all time and so well written and just gaaah. He gives me all the feels! I kind of relate to him and love this gruff epic character so much! HE’S THE BEST. He totally makes this book!
The rest of the characters are so fabulous as well, and I found myself deeply invested in all of these totally-real people—including one of the villains who totally surprised me by making me start to get invested in him. (Not the other villains. They are still the creepiest of ever! O_O You’ll know what I mean when you finish the book. XD) They’re just all so real and enigmatic and just can I please grow up to write like this someday?
The Baron’s band of outlaws are the Cairns and they are so scary but I also love them to death. I love their loyalty to the Baron and also how they freak everyone out. XD None of Robin Hood’s “merry” men here; they’re deadly but also have hidden slivers of gold in their hearts (totally stealing that from an interview about the book because it’s SO TRUE). Bryn and Rorie and Jes and Fulke are so amazing! They’ll do anything for their Baron and it’s the absolute best.
And then we have Alan, who used to be best friends with Rhys and is trying to get that back a little and the Baron is so done with him (but also secretly not) and just I CAN’T. THEY’RE THE BEST. I love how Alan is so fun and full of energy and then you’ll almost forget he can totally be as deadly as the other characters. And Sean, Rhys’s younger brother, who is a cinnamon roll and a Seer and Rhys will literally do anything for him, and Sean will too but Rhys won’t let him. XD And there’s a huge-spoiler character but his name starts with a D and he’s involved with one of my most-favorite tropes and alksdjflksjd I LOVE HIM. I need more with this character and I can’t wait for the next book!
It’s a spectacular story and so epic! I love it so much. It feels like a movie. A really epic, sweeping, thrilling, AMAZING movie. With just a bit of an almost-cliffhanger. XD I need the second book to be out NOW! *flails around*
This is one of only a handful of books I’ve been anxiously awaiting this year, and I’m SO thrilled it’s finally out! I was an early reader and was blown away when I read the original version, so when I say that it has only gotten better, I want you to realize how much I mean that. And I also can’t decide if this means I need the second book more because I actually know what happens . . . XD
I also keep staring at it because I love the cover and I’m so happy to be holding this gorgeous book in my hands, so there’s that. *hugs it forever* (It’s so prettyyyyy. My preciousssss.)
It’s a bit dark and raw and real, so if, in the immortal words of The Princess Bride, you’re bothered by “fighting, torture, revenge” (but no true love—like, there’s no romance in this and it’s basically an awesome buddy story x10000. XD), and creepy druids with evil magic, and invented-swearing, etc., just be aware that it’s a darker story. But it’s so, so good!
I honestly have a bit of a book-hangover after reading this and I don’t know how anything I read is going to feel this awesome (until the sequel comes out next year). Ack!
I simply can’t do this book justice in a review. I could talk about it all day long! You just need to go read it, right now.
OATH OF THE OUTCAST is truly fantastic and you need it and Rhys/the Baron/smol floof of anger management issues in your life! YOU JUST DO.
(Also. Y’all. From what I know of the second book, Blood of the Seer, it’s going to be EVEN MORE amazing than this one, if that’s even possible. So. Yeah. I can’t wait for the conclusion!!)
I received an e-ARC from the author, and also bought a paperback at Realm Makers 2019. All opinions are my own.
Review originally posted here, complete with pictures: https://thepagedreamer.wordpress.com/...
ACTUAL REVIEW:
I’m sitting here not sure how to form words to adequately express how much I love this absolutely awesome book. I just love it so, so much! OATH OF THE OUTCAST is, hands-down, one of the best books I’ve read all year. I have an addiction to this author’s books, and this the most absolutely brilliant one yet!
I was utterly drawn in from page one, pulled into this delightfully-Celtic-esque world (can I just go live there?) full of so many awesome things. This is a story of clans and brothers, snark and stabbing, pines and mist and mountains and rugged hills and a castle by the booming sea. It’s a story of the bonds of brothers—both by blood and by friendship deeper than blood (so it’s basically my favorite thing: a buddy story, of epic proportions)—and of an outcast banished from his clan, haunted by his past and so totally done with everyone. XD
The characters and their banter and snark and stabbiness are my absolute favorite! Particularly Rhys MacDuffy/the Baron, a.k.a. my smol floof of anger management issues. I just love him so much! He says that Rhys is dead, that he has no family, that he’s just the Mountain Baron now (and has built up something of a reputation where the very name makes people turn pale), but somewhere deep inside he’s still got a little of that old Rhys buried away behind the icy exterior of the Baron. Rhys/the Baron is a deeply scarred man, too betrayed to trust again, who has given up on redemption (but I’m holding out for it!), and yet somewhere he’s got a little bit of a heart of gold left—he just won’t admit it. And he will stab you as soon as snark at you, but if you’re one of his men or his brother (who he says he doesn’t have) he’ll do anything for you. Rhys/the Baron is just one of my favorite characters of all time and so well written and just gaaah. He gives me all the feels! I kind of relate to him and love this gruff epic character so much! HE’S THE BEST. He totally makes this book!
The rest of the characters are so fabulous as well, and I found myself deeply invested in all of these totally-real people—including one of the villains who totally surprised me by making me start to get invested in him. (Not the other villains. They are still the creepiest of ever! O_O You’ll know what I mean when you finish the book. XD) They’re just all so real and enigmatic and just can I please grow up to write like this someday?
The Baron’s band of outlaws are the Cairns and they are so scary but I also love them to death. I love their loyalty to the Baron and also how they freak everyone out. XD None of Robin Hood’s “merry” men here; they’re deadly but also have hidden slivers of gold in their hearts (totally stealing that from an interview about the book because it’s SO TRUE). Bryn and Rorie and Jes and Fulke are so amazing! They’ll do anything for their Baron and it’s the absolute best.
And then we have Alan, who used to be best friends with Rhys and is trying to get that back a little and the Baron is so done with him (but also secretly not) and just I CAN’T. THEY’RE THE BEST. I love how Alan is so fun and full of energy and then you’ll almost forget he can totally be as deadly as the other characters. And Sean, Rhys’s younger brother, who is a cinnamon roll and a Seer and Rhys will literally do anything for him, and Sean will too but Rhys won’t let him. XD And there’s a huge-spoiler character but his name starts with a D and he’s involved with one of my most-favorite tropes and alksdjflksjd I LOVE HIM. I need more with this character and I can’t wait for the next book!
It’s a spectacular story and so epic! I love it so much. It feels like a movie. A really epic, sweeping, thrilling, AMAZING movie. With just a bit of an almost-cliffhanger. XD I need the second book to be out NOW! *flails around*
This is one of only a handful of books I’ve been anxiously awaiting this year, and I’m SO thrilled it’s finally out! I was an early reader and was blown away when I read the original version, so when I say that it has only gotten better, I want you to realize how much I mean that. And I also can’t decide if this means I need the second book more because I actually know what happens . . . XD
I also keep staring at it because I love the cover and I’m so happy to be holding this gorgeous book in my hands, so there’s that. *hugs it forever* (It’s so prettyyyyy. My preciousssss.)
It’s a bit dark and raw and real, so if, in the immortal words of The Princess Bride, you’re bothered by “fighting, torture, revenge” (but no true love—like, there’s no romance in this and it’s basically an awesome buddy story x10000. XD), and creepy druids with evil magic, and invented-swearing, etc., just be aware that it’s a darker story. But it’s so, so good!
I honestly have a bit of a book-hangover after reading this and I don’t know how anything I read is going to feel this awesome (until the sequel comes out next year). Ack!
I simply can’t do this book justice in a review. I could talk about it all day long! You just need to go read it, right now.
OATH OF THE OUTCAST is truly fantastic and you need it and Rhys/the Baron/smol floof of anger management issues in your life! YOU JUST DO.
(Also. Y’all. From what I know of the second book, Blood of the Seer, it’s going to be EVEN MORE amazing than this one, if that’s even possible. So. Yeah. I can’t wait for the conclusion!!)
I received an e-ARC from the author, and also bought a paperback at Realm Makers 2019. All opinions are my own.
Review originally posted here, complete with pictures: https://thepagedreamer.wordpress.com/...
August 7, 2021
I have this special goodreadsshelf that I love, but don’t get to put books on very often. It’s called “truly epic”. I knew pretty early on that Oath of the Outcast was going on there, and it did.
What I loved:
Worldbuilding. Celtic-inspired, castles, pine trees, mild fantasy, clans, and chiefs, and kings and warriors.
The themes. Brothers. Don’t give up. Brothers. God cares. Brothers. Redemption. Brothers. Facing your past. And last but not least: Brothers!
The writing is basically flawless. Fabulously written. Take notes.
What I EXTRA loved.
The characters.
Rhys. The long hyped hero of this story was everything I expected/wanted. . . plus more. He surprised me a bit too. Totally love this guy. And like, nobody fights like this dude. Seriously. O.o
[butalso,whycan'tRhysandtheRhysesoftheworldjustrealizepeopleLOVEthem???Like seriously.You'reloved<3.]
Bryn. Heart of gold outlaw. Nuff said.
Sean. Basically a fluffy duckling that must be protected. <3 Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Sean, but I confess I didn’t love him as much as I expected to because I totally sympathized with him and basically saw myself in him. Which was neat, but hard to go nuts in full fangirl-mode. But I do love Sean and he’s a great guy. <3
Jes. Jes is probably my personal favorite (after Rhys). So elegant and sharp, but also smart and perceptive. Basically I have a tendency to love side characters who are mysterious, elegant, nice, and a little foreign. (See all of my childhood hero obsessions.)
Alan. YES. Love this guy! So nice.
Spoiler person. LOVE. Also nice and super cool and epic.
Um. . . I just realized I called all these rough, rugged, manly, outlaw-ish guys nice. . ? They’re scary too, honest. I’m just remembering their best qualities. ^_^
What I EXTRA EXTRA loved.
The experience. Just sitting down to a really fun, quality, immersing, well-written, great-cast, epic Christian fantasy, is one of my favorite things to do, and this one was f a b u l o u s.
End notes.
Buy both books and read back to back. Otherwise you may have smol regrets. XD Because cliffs, and hangers.
Beware violence, blood, blood, and more blood. Some scary evil magic peeps who do scary evil magic things, and some grown-up-ish dark mental themes, but honestly, young teens need to know they’re loved as much as Rhys needs to know he's loved and I know fourteen-year-olds who’ve enjoyed this. But it’s marketed for 17 or 18+ I think. But it’s technically “clean”. Fake cussing, no romance, etc.. You should be able to figure out if you’d like it from reading several reviews.
Highly recommended.
What I loved:
Worldbuilding. Celtic-inspired, castles, pine trees, mild fantasy, clans, and chiefs, and kings and warriors.
The themes. Brothers. Don’t give up. Brothers. God cares. Brothers. Redemption. Brothers. Facing your past. And last but not least: Brothers!
The writing is basically flawless. Fabulously written. Take notes.
What I EXTRA loved.
The characters.
Rhys. The long hyped hero of this story was everything I expected/wanted. . . plus more. He surprised me a bit too. Totally love this guy. And like, nobody fights like this dude. Seriously. O.o
[butalso,whycan'tRhysandtheRhysesoftheworldjustrealizepeopleLOVEthem???Like seriously.You'reloved<3.]
Bryn. Heart of gold outlaw. Nuff said.
Sean. Basically a fluffy duckling that must be protected. <3 Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Sean, but I confess I didn’t love him as much as I expected to because I totally sympathized with him and basically saw myself in him. Which was neat, but hard to go nuts in full fangirl-mode. But I do love Sean and he’s a great guy. <3
Jes. Jes is probably my personal favorite (after Rhys). So elegant and sharp, but also smart and perceptive. Basically I have a tendency to love side characters who are mysterious, elegant, nice, and a little foreign. (See all of my childhood hero obsessions.)
Alan. YES. Love this guy! So nice.
Spoiler person. LOVE. Also nice and super cool and epic.
Um. . . I just realized I called all these rough, rugged, manly, outlaw-ish guys nice. . ? They’re scary too, honest. I’m just remembering their best qualities. ^_^
What I EXTRA EXTRA loved.
The experience. Just sitting down to a really fun, quality, immersing, well-written, great-cast, epic Christian fantasy, is one of my favorite things to do, and this one was f a b u l o u s.
End notes.
Buy both books and read back to back. Otherwise you may have smol regrets. XD Because cliffs, and hangers.
Beware violence, blood, blood, and more blood. Some scary evil magic peeps who do scary evil magic things, and some grown-up-ish dark mental themes, but honestly, young teens need to know they’re loved as much as Rhys needs to know he's loved and I know fourteen-year-olds who’ve enjoyed this. But it’s marketed for 17 or 18+ I think. But it’s technically “clean”. Fake cussing, no romance, etc.. You should be able to figure out if you’d like it from reading several reviews.
Highly recommended.
September 26, 2023
2nd reread
I did not mark when I started this re-read because I knew it was gonna go slow and I don't wanna talk about the atrocity that has been my reading focus and motivation for the last few months. 😅🙈 Anyway. I think this book grows on me a little each time I read it and develop more appreciation for the characters and story! This read in particular, Rhys's struggles with his faith after everything he's witnessed and suffered stood out to me more and were more resonant, and I really like how Claire handles Rhys's journey of not only emotional and human relational healing but also spiritual/divine relational healing. And extra love for Alan and Bryn and Sean this read.
--
Reread: Enjoyed even more the second time!
---
Original review:
A solid story with promising characters and lots of potential for the rest of the sequel.
As expected, Rhys was the kind of wounded, tragic, gruff exterior with a heart of gold character I like. Although, for all the to-do about how changed he was by the war, there was a time or two I was confused by how his seeming preference to incapacitate over kill. ("He's the hero, Selina you absolute walnut." What can I say, I'm a pragmatist and maybe slightly heartless. If I were a villain, I'd skip the monologuing and extractions of pain and just kill everybody. XD) I did love how he struggles with the image he has of himself, the image people of the notorious Mountain Baron, and the image people have of the ostracized Rhys MacDuffy
Several of the other characters are interesting, especially as they were developed more and with some twists at the end. I'm curious to see what happens with them. A couple in particular are set-up to be have to make some difficult choices, and there's a a concept introduced in the last...mmm, 1/3-ish of the book that I'm excited to see how it will work. The druids are super creepy, making them great villains.
The worldbuilding is done pretty well, with lots of complex politics and governmental systems and vying religions. There's a ton of political maneuvering, which wasn't really what I had expected.
Overall, I found it slightly slow. However, I was having trouble concentrating in general, so that might have just been my mood. Much of what happened did need time to happen, so it did make logical plot-sense. This book did set up the main conflict and position the characters in interesting ways for the rest of the series. It's a relatively common complaint I've found I have with first books--they can feel like they primarily exist to lay the groundwork for the rest of the books, which sometimes makes the first book feel slightly lacking to me. But, the developments at the end of the book and the stakes it set up for future conflicts are fascinating, and most of what pushed me from 3.5 stars to 4.
I did want more of the Cairns, Rhys/the Baron's men. They were a fairly small part of this book--and were an interesting part of it, so I hope there's more of them in the future.
Also, this is doubtless an exaggeration, but it felt like close to 1/3 of the book was someone being tortured (or thinking about being tortured or remembering being tortured...). It wasn't graphic, it made plot sense, and the torture itself didn't bother me, I think it just was part of what made it feel kinda slow and like not much was happening. There was more waiting and talking and waiting and riding and waiting and torturing than anticipated and less daring adventure than I'd hoped for. That's probably completely on me and my expectations. But, there is still some daring adventure, and those scenes were great.
Overall, it wasn't quite was I was expecting and didn't become an instant favorite, but I liked it and am interested enough in where it's going that I am looking forward to the next book.
I did not mark when I started this re-read because I knew it was gonna go slow and I don't wanna talk about the atrocity that has been my reading focus and motivation for the last few months. 😅🙈 Anyway. I think this book grows on me a little each time I read it and develop more appreciation for the characters and story! This read in particular, Rhys's struggles with his faith after everything he's witnessed and suffered stood out to me more and were more resonant, and I really like how Claire handles Rhys's journey of not only emotional and human relational healing but also spiritual/divine relational healing. And extra love for Alan and Bryn and Sean this read.
--
Reread: Enjoyed even more the second time!
---
Original review:
A solid story with promising characters and lots of potential for the rest of the sequel.
As expected, Rhys was the kind of wounded, tragic, gruff exterior with a heart of gold character I like. Although, for all the to-do about how changed he was by the war, there was a time or two I was confused by how his seeming preference to incapacitate over kill. ("He's the hero, Selina you absolute walnut." What can I say, I'm a pragmatist and maybe slightly heartless. If I were a villain, I'd skip the monologuing and extractions of pain and just kill everybody. XD) I did love how he struggles with the image he has of himself, the image people of the notorious Mountain Baron, and the image people have of the ostracized Rhys MacDuffy
Several of the other characters are interesting, especially as they were developed more and with some twists at the end. I'm curious to see what happens with them. A couple in particular are set-up to be have to make some difficult choices, and there's a a concept introduced in the last...mmm, 1/3-ish of the book that I'm excited to see how it will work. The druids are super creepy, making them great villains.
The worldbuilding is done pretty well, with lots of complex politics and governmental systems and vying religions. There's a ton of political maneuvering, which wasn't really what I had expected.
Overall, I found it slightly slow. However, I was having trouble concentrating in general, so that might have just been my mood. Much of what happened did need time to happen, so it did make logical plot-sense. This book did set up the main conflict and position the characters in interesting ways for the rest of the series. It's a relatively common complaint I've found I have with first books--they can feel like they primarily exist to lay the groundwork for the rest of the books, which sometimes makes the first book feel slightly lacking to me. But, the developments at the end of the book and the stakes it set up for future conflicts are fascinating, and most of what pushed me from 3.5 stars to 4.
I did want more of the Cairns, Rhys/the Baron's men. They were a fairly small part of this book--and were an interesting part of it, so I hope there's more of them in the future.
Also, this is doubtless an exaggeration, but it felt like close to 1/3 of the book was someone being tortured (or thinking about being tortured or remembering being tortured...). It wasn't graphic, it made plot sense, and the torture itself didn't bother me, I think it just was part of what made it feel kinda slow and like not much was happening. There was more waiting and talking and waiting and riding and waiting and torturing than anticipated and less daring adventure than I'd hoped for. That's probably completely on me and my expectations. But, there is still some daring adventure, and those scenes were great.
Overall, it wasn't quite was I was expecting and didn't become an instant favorite, but I liked it and am interested enough in where it's going that I am looking forward to the next book.
November 4, 2024
For every author there is a book they wish they'd been the one to write. For the most part, Oath of the Outcast is that book for me.
Characters
Hookay. Rhys "The Baron", a.k.a. Sir Grumpypants Who Needs a Hug (my nickname for him) MacDuffy really is the best part. He's a wounded soul with trust issues who only wants to be left alone after enduring staggering betrayal and loss. He's also a stubborn rascal who will to anything to rescue the ones he loves. Rhys is the perfect male character and is so well-written. He needs hot chocolate and cookies, because I don't know how he can possibly be functioning after everything he endures. Really. People say I'm tough on my characters. Rhys goes through far worse. Like I said, he needs hot chocolate, cookies, and a hug (which he likely wouldn't accept).
Sean and Alan are exceptional as well. They really add depth to the plot. Alan's wry humor kept me laughing.
Bryn, Fulke, Roarie, and the other Cairns are the perfect might-be-morally-gray-might-not-be characters. The different stories of how they came to be in the group added depth to their individual characters and the group as a whole. I wouldn't want to mess with these guys.
Alisher and Lord Nasty--I mean, Lord Barkley are chillingly evil. They deserve what's coming to them in Book Two.
Setting
The worldbuilding is incredible. There is a lot packed in this book and Banschbach really weaved the world and settings in a way that made me feel I lived there my entire life. The history, the tales, the warring factions...really well done.
The Plot
Phenomenal. What more can I say?
The Faith Element
It's more subtle than other fantasy books I've read, but definitely there. It's heartbreaking how Rhys fights against it.
What I Disliked
As I said above, I really liked ninety-five percent of this book. What I wasn't quite fond of is the inclusions of hell. This is a minor expletive and though it is accepted by many, it should never be used. This is the reason I docked a star; it's not something I can brush off like the exclamations marks. We're told to let, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of [our] mouth[s]". Hell is unwholesome.
Content Warning
The author pegged this as a PG-13 story, and I'm inclined to agree. A lot of blood is spilled, characters are beaten and bruised and tortured, evil does its foul work, and it's just brutal to the poor characters. Nothing is indecently or gratuitously described. For those who dislike magic, there are druids who do some magical-like things; they are evil folk who serve an atrocious "god". Never once is this painted positively. Also, there is a Seer, one who receives visions. This may bother some readers. There is also some made-up profanity and the usage of hell on more than one occasion.
Conclusion
I really, really like Oath of the Outcast. I adore the characters and plot and my copy of this book is a little worn from how many times I've read it. Banschbach is a good writer. I just had to knock it down a star due to the profanity. That's something I won't bend on. Other than that, it's a captivating story that will keep you reading until the final page.
Characters
Hookay. Rhys "The Baron", a.k.a. Sir Grumpypants Who Needs a Hug (my nickname for him) MacDuffy really is the best part. He's a wounded soul with trust issues who only wants to be left alone after enduring staggering betrayal and loss. He's also a stubborn rascal who will to anything to rescue the ones he loves. Rhys is the perfect male character and is so well-written. He needs hot chocolate and cookies, because I don't know how he can possibly be functioning after everything he endures. Really. People say I'm tough on my characters. Rhys goes through far worse. Like I said, he needs hot chocolate, cookies, and a hug (which he likely wouldn't accept).
Sean and Alan are exceptional as well. They really add depth to the plot. Alan's wry humor kept me laughing.
Bryn, Fulke, Roarie, and the other Cairns are the perfect might-be-morally-gray-might-not-be characters. The different stories of how they came to be in the group added depth to their individual characters and the group as a whole. I wouldn't want to mess with these guys.
Alisher and Lord Nasty--I mean, Lord Barkley are chillingly evil. They deserve what's coming to them in Book Two.
Setting
The worldbuilding is incredible. There is a lot packed in this book and Banschbach really weaved the world and settings in a way that made me feel I lived there my entire life. The history, the tales, the warring factions...really well done.
The Plot
Phenomenal. What more can I say?
The Faith Element
It's more subtle than other fantasy books I've read, but definitely there. It's heartbreaking how Rhys fights against it.
What I Disliked
As I said above, I really liked ninety-five percent of this book. What I wasn't quite fond of is the inclusions of hell. This is a minor expletive and though it is accepted by many, it should never be used. This is the reason I docked a star; it's not something I can brush off like the exclamations marks. We're told to let, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of [our] mouth[s]". Hell is unwholesome.
Content Warning
The author pegged this as a PG-13 story, and I'm inclined to agree. A lot of blood is spilled, characters are beaten and bruised and tortured, evil does its foul work, and it's just brutal to the poor characters. Nothing is indecently or gratuitously described. For those who dislike magic, there are druids who do some magical-like things; they are evil folk who serve an atrocious "god". Never once is this painted positively. Also, there is a Seer, one who receives visions. This may bother some readers. There is also some made-up profanity and the usage of hell on more than one occasion.
Conclusion
I really, really like Oath of the Outcast. I adore the characters and plot and my copy of this book is a little worn from how many times I've read it. Banschbach is a good writer. I just had to knock it down a star due to the profanity. That's something I won't bend on. Other than that, it's a captivating story that will keep you reading until the final page.
July 29, 2019
I don't know if it's that I never realized how rejected I've felt before or if Rhys "The Mountain Baron" MacDuffy is just a character I can empathize with on a deep level, but I loved this book. I certainly have felt like an outsider, if not a straight up outcast, so maybe there's a little truth to both statements.
Rhys MacDuffy is no longer. His name, family, home, and past life were all stripped from him the day he was accused of murder. Through deep pain, both physical and emotional, and all the scars it brought, a new man has been born in his place: The Baron.
Oath of the Outcast is not a romantic story, but it has a colorful cast of characters who immediately by turns make you laugh, beg to be hugged, deserve a good thwop on the noggin, and give you the creeps. From old friends who screwed up big time, to new friends whose loyalty astonishes you, to a villain with a conscience, and a group of worshipers whose hunger for power has a deeper meaning yet to be revealed in the second book. A book of which I am even more excited about.
I wrote a longer review on my blog if you want to go read that one, but suffice it to say, this is totally a book worth picking up. Oath of the Outcast is NA (new adult fiction) that I would recommend to older teens and up. It's a story of brotherhood both by family and by bond of friendship. More than that, it's a story of redemption and honor.
I did receive an ARC copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own! I learned about this book a year ago, and I wasn't disappointed when I finally got to read it.
Rhys MacDuffy is no longer. His name, family, home, and past life were all stripped from him the day he was accused of murder. Through deep pain, both physical and emotional, and all the scars it brought, a new man has been born in his place: The Baron.
Oath of the Outcast is not a romantic story, but it has a colorful cast of characters who immediately by turns make you laugh, beg to be hugged, deserve a good thwop on the noggin, and give you the creeps. From old friends who screwed up big time, to new friends whose loyalty astonishes you, to a villain with a conscience, and a group of worshipers whose hunger for power has a deeper meaning yet to be revealed in the second book. A book of which I am even more excited about.
I wrote a longer review on my blog if you want to go read that one, but suffice it to say, this is totally a book worth picking up. Oath of the Outcast is NA (new adult fiction) that I would recommend to older teens and up. It's a story of brotherhood both by family and by bond of friendship. More than that, it's a story of redemption and honor.
I did receive an ARC copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own! I learned about this book a year ago, and I wasn't disappointed when I finally got to read it.
Read
October 20, 2022Update 10/20/22 - the ebook versions of the series are on sale for only $0.99 on Amazon! It also looks like the hardbacks and paperbacks are discounted a little as well! If you've been waiting to snag a copy you have through 10/21! "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJB4PQ9P
July 29, 2019
Oath of the Outcast was one of my most anticipated reads for this month and I swallowed it down in two days flat.
Men. Oh yes, give me stories about the rugged, the brave and brooding. Banschbach did a superb job creating a varied, well-crafted cast of some of the most enjoyable gents this "gritty-guy stuff" lover has ever read. I would call this a story of contrasts and balances. The light in the darkness, the past with the present, hope against despair and all tied together with the bond of brothers, whether brothers of blood or ones of the heart.
I did have one issue with this book ... and I am the only person on the planet who had this issue so don't worry ... it won't bother you that the best character's name was Bryn. A man. My precious name of Welsh origins that swings to guys and girls but gah, it was hard after 30odd years of being called Mister and squealing every time a fantasy book chose Bryn for a female name to read it with a guy. #weirdissue #hewasagreatcharactereitherway
But anyway, someone give me book 2 now. I have cookies, puppies ... no patience.
Men. Oh yes, give me stories about the rugged, the brave and brooding. Banschbach did a superb job creating a varied, well-crafted cast of some of the most enjoyable gents this "gritty-guy stuff" lover has ever read. I would call this a story of contrasts and balances. The light in the darkness, the past with the present, hope against despair and all tied together with the bond of brothers, whether brothers of blood or ones of the heart.
I did have one issue with this book ... and I am the only person on the planet who had this issue so don't worry ... it won't bother you that the best character's name was Bryn. A man. My precious name of Welsh origins that swings to guys and girls but gah, it was hard after 30odd years of being called Mister and squealing every time a fantasy book chose Bryn for a female name to read it with a guy. #weirdissue #hewasagreatcharactereitherway
But anyway, someone give me book 2 now. I have cookies, puppies ... no patience.
actual-tbr-list
November 12, 2021Sale alert! The hardcover of this one is on sale on Amazon right now for $14.57 :)
https://www.amazon.com/Oath-Outcast-C...
https://www.amazon.com/Oath-Outcast-C...
December 17, 2021
A million stars! C.M. Banschbach has officially become one of my favorite authors. Her writing style is epic and she told this story so well! I was on the edge of my seat so much (especially towards the end😱) and the characters have gained my undying fangirl love. Highly recommend Oath of the Outcast!
Content: lots of violence and past trauma, as well as a lot of spiritual warfare from the evil god in the world. Otherwise it’s clean book and I don’t have really any content warnings. Still recommend for older teens (maybe 16 or 17+) because of the violence though.
Content: lots of violence and past trauma, as well as a lot of spiritual warfare from the evil god in the world. Otherwise it’s clean book and I don’t have really any content warnings. Still recommend for older teens (maybe 16 or 17+) because of the violence though.
October 21, 2021
Certainly not a happy story, and somewhat dark in its subject matter, but Oath of the Outcast kept me interested from the first page to the last! The highlight, for me, was the characters—especially Rhys, aka “The Baron”. I have a little weakness for the characters who persevere no matter how much hardship comes their way. And he’s had more than his fair share, poor guy! His bond with his brother was heartwarming...and heartbreaking.
Speaking of his brother, the Seer's abilities fascinated me. I'll be eager to learn more about them in the next book.
The politics of the world were also interesting. Frustrating, too, but isn’t that always the case with politics? I did wish certain characters would spend a little less time regretting their past choices and try to fix the present instead. (Of course, the aforementioned politics kept getting in the way of that. *groan*)
If you hate cliffhangers, be warned: The ending doesn't resolve much of the story. Sometimes that bothers me, but in this case, I didn't mind. I guess I'll just have to get my hands on the sequel...
Speaking of his brother, the Seer's abilities fascinated me. I'll be eager to learn more about them in the next book.
The politics of the world were also interesting. Frustrating, too, but isn’t that always the case with politics? I did wish certain characters would spend a little less time regretting their past choices and try to fix the present instead. (Of course, the aforementioned politics kept getting in the way of that. *groan*)
If you hate cliffhangers, be warned: The ending doesn't resolve much of the story. Sometimes that bothers me, but in this case, I didn't mind. I guess I'll just have to get my hands on the sequel...
February 21, 2021
“Lord Adam better beware. Alister and his druids too. The past was coming with a face that promised vengeance.” 🏔Oath of the Outcast by CM Banschbach 🏔
•
Oh this book.
•
Where do I even start? From the first page, I was captivated by what drove the Baron (aka Rhys) from his mountain home down into the highlands and clans of what used to be his people. His gruff manner hides a heart that was greatly wounded. His sass and glare are hilarious.
•
I love the brother aspect of this story too. Normally, books without romance tend to bore me, and I have a hard time finishing. That is not the case with Oath! Sean and Rhys, along with Alan and the others, have form a brotherhood of blood and bond and it makes me wish for a band of outlaws to bond with 😂
•
Claire writes the best witty banter ever! The sass from Rhys, Alan, Sean, the Cairns, Adam, and the rest had me laughing out loud more and more!
•
That ending though! 😳 I’m so glad I don’t have to wait a year for Blood of the Seer like some people who recommend this book to me!
•
Five stars!
Ages 16 & up!
•
Oh this book.
•
Where do I even start? From the first page, I was captivated by what drove the Baron (aka Rhys) from his mountain home down into the highlands and clans of what used to be his people. His gruff manner hides a heart that was greatly wounded. His sass and glare are hilarious.
•
I love the brother aspect of this story too. Normally, books without romance tend to bore me, and I have a hard time finishing. That is not the case with Oath! Sean and Rhys, along with Alan and the others, have form a brotherhood of blood and bond and it makes me wish for a band of outlaws to bond with 😂
•
Claire writes the best witty banter ever! The sass from Rhys, Alan, Sean, the Cairns, Adam, and the rest had me laughing out loud more and more!
•
That ending though! 😳 I’m so glad I don’t have to wait a year for Blood of the Seer like some people who recommend this book to me!
•
Five stars!
Ages 16 & up!
September 27, 2020
Really enjoyed the adventure, intrigue, broodiness, and camaraderie. It felt like Robin Hood meets Merlin ... (with a dash of Outlander). It's got some great characters, and I'm looking forward to seeing them again in the sequel!
August 27, 2019
I don't know how to describe what this book did to me.
My feelings are divided into two odd camps, and I'll attempt to express them both with due care.
To begin with, this book felt like an indulgence read, in the best and oddest imaginable way. For the past nine years, my closest sister and I have squandered our free time by telling collaborative, entirely impromptu stories (I'm going somewhere with this, I promise). These stories, told aloud, on the fly, incorporated a fairly standard cast of characters, mostly male, who altered and developed little by little until they were so real that I had to WRITE stories about them. There was lots of hilarious banter, brotherly love, loyalty, captures, rescues, variegated antagonists, and generally a bit of torture.
And that's what reading this felt like. Not like reading my own writing, which is entirely different from our talk sessions, but like the talk sessions themselves that gave rise to the stories I wrote. The storyline, the themes, and even the character banter/exchanges mirrored it so strongly that I kept reading lines aloud just to hear them spoken. And I don't mean it felt like plagiarism, because you can't plagiarize this stuff. It was weird. It was amazing. It gave me a guilty pleasure, because, "hey, I'm reading this book and it feels like eating cotton candy, this type of enjoyment can't be legit."
I debated bringing any of this up, but the psychological impact on my view of the book was too strong to justifiably bypass it. Now watch me attempt to give an actual coherent analysis.
You should read this book if:
> You are tired of romance.
> You are tired of books that feel like they "have" to focus on at least one female character.
> You like adventure stories of the old school that have a focus on the bonds of friendship and blood and a satisfying level of injury and death without the accompanying gratuitous descriptions that seem so common nowadays. (I don't mean to make light of violence, and that's in fact what I believe gratuitous description does, by deadening the reader to more and more horrendous visuals, if they don't come away traumatized first)
I'll be honest, it took me a little bit to warm up to Rhys' threesome followers -- Bryn, Jes, and Rorie. It was hard to get to know them, and I daresay that was partially due to the outsider's POV we met them in and the fact that they don't get POV till later. I felt that "the author wants me to like these people and I don't have reason to like them yet so it ain't happening till you let me in their heads". Ironically, half the book is about trust vs. distrust...
While I'm on the things I didn't enjoy, I did notice several typographical errors, and the interior formatting felt a little... off. As a rule, the writing itself was excellent and thoroughly readable, and though I struggled to get through the first few pages, I'd chalk that up to a lack of focus on my part.
I felt that, on occasion, the banter between characters got a little trite. It's something I'm hypersensitive to in my own writing, so it probably bothered me more than it would many people. On the other hand, I highly enjoyed the political talk scenes, all the allusions and double meanings and covert glances. I could've done with more of those. What can I say? Saruman from LOTR is my favorite villain.
My favorite scene in the entire book: WHERE BRYN TALKS TO SARAH. Gah. That gave me all the feels. It also sold me on Bryn forever and ever, no disclaimers, warranties or conditions.
Oh, another thing? I did not anticipate the plot twist. I feel like maybe a smarter reader would've caught it coming, but I was blissfully clueless and I only wish I could've caught my reactions on video to send to the author.
Perhaps, by this point, my analysis of Oath of the Outcast has left you feeling that it is a basic book. Entertaining, but basic. It is not. It is complex, and as usual, only after finishing the book and letting it simmer for a while in my brain do I begin to grasp its complexity. You will read it for the story. I think you will reread it for the stories within the story. Even on the first read, however, it is not just a story of blood and death and clans and adventure. It is a story of brothers and pain and love and sacrifice. Deeper still, it is a story of loyalties and injustice and faith and perseverance. And it is so much more.
I cannot do this story justice in a single review. Maybe I will never be able to do it justice. I think that is a hallmark of the best stories: that we can never fully interpret or explain them, because there will always be more beneath the surface. Despite its minor surface faults, this book deserves, and gets from me, an unreserved five stars.
And NO! CLIFFHANGER! WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME? *cries and waits desperately for word of the sequel*
My feelings are divided into two odd camps, and I'll attempt to express them both with due care.
To begin with, this book felt like an indulgence read, in the best and oddest imaginable way. For the past nine years, my closest sister and I have squandered our free time by telling collaborative, entirely impromptu stories (I'm going somewhere with this, I promise). These stories, told aloud, on the fly, incorporated a fairly standard cast of characters, mostly male, who altered and developed little by little until they were so real that I had to WRITE stories about them. There was lots of hilarious banter, brotherly love, loyalty, captures, rescues, variegated antagonists, and generally a bit of torture.
And that's what reading this felt like. Not like reading my own writing, which is entirely different from our talk sessions, but like the talk sessions themselves that gave rise to the stories I wrote. The storyline, the themes, and even the character banter/exchanges mirrored it so strongly that I kept reading lines aloud just to hear them spoken. And I don't mean it felt like plagiarism, because you can't plagiarize this stuff. It was weird. It was amazing. It gave me a guilty pleasure, because, "hey, I'm reading this book and it feels like eating cotton candy, this type of enjoyment can't be legit."
I debated bringing any of this up, but the psychological impact on my view of the book was too strong to justifiably bypass it. Now watch me attempt to give an actual coherent analysis.
You should read this book if:
> You are tired of romance.
> You are tired of books that feel like they "have" to focus on at least one female character.
> You like adventure stories of the old school that have a focus on the bonds of friendship and blood and a satisfying level of injury and death without the accompanying gratuitous descriptions that seem so common nowadays. (I don't mean to make light of violence, and that's in fact what I believe gratuitous description does, by deadening the reader to more and more horrendous visuals, if they don't come away traumatized first)
I'll be honest, it took me a little bit to warm up to Rhys' threesome followers -- Bryn, Jes, and Rorie. It was hard to get to know them, and I daresay that was partially due to the outsider's POV we met them in and the fact that they don't get POV till later. I felt that "the author wants me to like these people and I don't have reason to like them yet so it ain't happening till you let me in their heads". Ironically, half the book is about trust vs. distrust...
While I'm on the things I didn't enjoy, I did notice several typographical errors, and the interior formatting felt a little... off. As a rule, the writing itself was excellent and thoroughly readable, and though I struggled to get through the first few pages, I'd chalk that up to a lack of focus on my part.
I felt that, on occasion, the banter between characters got a little trite. It's something I'm hypersensitive to in my own writing, so it probably bothered me more than it would many people. On the other hand, I highly enjoyed the political talk scenes, all the allusions and double meanings and covert glances. I could've done with more of those. What can I say? Saruman from LOTR is my favorite villain.
My favorite scene in the entire book: WHERE BRYN TALKS TO SARAH. Gah. That gave me all the feels. It also sold me on Bryn forever and ever, no disclaimers, warranties or conditions.
Oh, another thing? I did not anticipate the plot twist. I feel like maybe a smarter reader would've caught it coming, but I was blissfully clueless and I only wish I could've caught my reactions on video to send to the author.
Perhaps, by this point, my analysis of Oath of the Outcast has left you feeling that it is a basic book. Entertaining, but basic. It is not. It is complex, and as usual, only after finishing the book and letting it simmer for a while in my brain do I begin to grasp its complexity. You will read it for the story. I think you will reread it for the stories within the story. Even on the first read, however, it is not just a story of blood and death and clans and adventure. It is a story of brothers and pain and love and sacrifice. Deeper still, it is a story of loyalties and injustice and faith and perseverance. And it is so much more.
I cannot do this story justice in a single review. Maybe I will never be able to do it justice. I think that is a hallmark of the best stories: that we can never fully interpret or explain them, because there will always be more beneath the surface. Despite its minor surface faults, this book deserves, and gets from me, an unreserved five stars.
And NO! CLIFFHANGER! WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME? *cries and waits desperately for word of the sequel*
January 13, 2020
I really don't know what to say.
This book made me isolate myself from my family for about two days. It was difficult, since I'm on vacation at the moment, but I did it. It was worth it.
I can't remember the last time a book had me hooked within the first few chapters. Also this book has Scottish ties and as someone who's fascinated by that culture, it was fun to read.
(Although, apparently in real life, Scots never had a specific plaid associated with each clan. I learned that while in Scotland. Who knew?)
But anyway, what about the story? As said before, I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the characters of Rhys and Sean and I genuinely felt for them when...well that would be spoilers. Sorry about that.
The supporting characters are great too. All of them felt fleshed out and realistic. And I'd like to think I'm someone who can really appreciate that...
Anyway, I highly recommend this book. Buy it, put it on your shelf. The only complaint I have is that it ended on a cliffhanger. Why on Earth must you authors do that?
This book made me isolate myself from my family for about two days. It was difficult, since I'm on vacation at the moment, but I did it. It was worth it.
I can't remember the last time a book had me hooked within the first few chapters. Also this book has Scottish ties and as someone who's fascinated by that culture, it was fun to read.
(Although, apparently in real life, Scots never had a specific plaid associated with each clan. I learned that while in Scotland. Who knew?)
But anyway, what about the story? As said before, I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the characters of Rhys and Sean and I genuinely felt for them when...well that would be spoilers. Sorry about that.
The supporting characters are great too. All of them felt fleshed out and realistic. And I'd like to think I'm someone who can really appreciate that...
Anyway, I highly recommend this book. Buy it, put it on your shelf. The only complaint I have is that it ended on a cliffhanger. Why on Earth must you authors do that?
April 27, 2021
FTC Disclosure: I won this book in a giveaway from the author about 2 years ago. I was not asked or required to give a review, positive or negative.
I'll be honest, my entry into said giveaway a little impulsive. The book's description sounded interesting, but I hadn't read this author before to know if I would like her work or not. I was also a little nervous when I finally opened the book and saw that it's labeled new adult, because I rated the last new adult book that I read with two stars due to rampant content problems of the sexual and constant, strong profanity variety. I did finally get in the mood to read Oath of the Outcast, though, and am happy to report that my concerns were unfounded.
The world in which this book is set has an ancient Scotland feel, and I and my Scottish ancestry am 100% here for that. The author did a great job setting the scene quickly and keeping that feel throughout the book. What really hooked me, though, is the characters and their dynamics with each other. I fell in love with these manly men almost instantly. I say the men specifically because, really, there are only like, two or three women in this. They're present now and then, but don't have a lot of reason to be involved in the main storyline, and I honestly didn't mind because it felt natural given the setting and culture. I still thought that you can still feel their grounding influence when they weren't present, though, because they're honored and cherished by their men.
I signed up for a good adventure with strong characters, and that was what I got. I love how much history the main characters have with each other and the way the author wove that history throughout the story. Especially Rhys's history with Sean and Alan, who were brother and childhood friend to him respectively. For reasons that you'll learn when you read the book, they've been forcably separated for years and now are forced by circumstances to come back together. While it was difficult to learn of all the pain Rhys has been through, it was beautiful to see the beginning of healing in his relationships as he learns that familial love may be stronger than he thought, and maybe not everyone has rejected him as thoroughly as he was led to believe. The relationships between him and his band of outlaws was also great to see as they've become something of a found family who would do anything to help and protect each other.
Believe it or not, there was even one villain that, though I didn't "like" him, I didn't completely hate him because it turned out he does have *some* standards way, way, way, (way) deep down inside him. I liked that author allowed him that nuance instead of every single villainous person (there are several) being all-out evil. He's still not a nice person, mind you, but I have a little hope that maybe, just maybe, he might see some positive change in a future story.
Truly, the only thing I really didn't like was the druids, but y'all... NOBODY liked them. Even the guy who's voluntarily working with them basically just puts up with them. If he didn't think they could help him be more powerful, he wouldn't even do that. And there's the guy who interrogates/tortures people for a living, and even he's giving them the side-eye , so you know it's bad. 😛 Even in the real life history of the British Isles, the druids did some pretty nasty stuff, including but not limited to human sacrifice. Banschbach is basically just acknowledging that what they were worshiping and doing was nothing short of demonic. I felt that she handled this well, though. I can get creeped out by that kind of thing but she kept a good balance of informing the reader of what the druids were doing, but not delving too deep into detail. Like, you know that they chant and stuff, but the words to their chants aren't given, you don't know the details of the majority of what they do, and there are never any blurred lines as to whether or not what they're doing is evil and wrong. So, that is a heads up to anyone who can be sensitive to darker spiritual content in books. This one probably won't be for you. I briefly wasn't sure it would be for me, but ultimately, the author kept that balance that kept it from being too much for me personally. And even though the evil is dark, it's already apparent that the good is so much stronger because the name of Ilan alone is enough to cause the evil pain.
Long story short, any author who can take me from "Will I like this?" to "I kind of like this" to "Okay, I really love these guys" to "I MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT" is a talented one in my book. Banschbach has a skill with character and smooth, easy-to-read writing that I believe will have me coming back for more again, and again. I do suspect that the next book may be a little darker as the characters will have to fight the evil head on, but I'm at least aware of that and am prepared to make it a daytime-only read if I need to, because I really do need to know what happens. I'm also able to handle more when I trust that the author is one that will be faithful about letting the light shine through, which Banschbach already is showing that she is, so I'm hopeful that I'll be happy with the outcome when I am able to get the second book.
In the meantime, though, this first book is getting a solid 4 stars. I'm tempted to go 5 stars because I did enjoy it a lot (if Goodreads would give us half stars, I'd go 4.5), but when it comes to series, I tend to wait until I know how things ultimately work out before giving that rating. So, I'll leave it at 4 stars for now, with the hopes that I'll be happy enough to come back and change it to 5 later.
Content Advisory:
No sexual content.
Violence:
There is frequent action violence in this story as these characters live in a dangerous world where hand-to-hand combat with swords, knives, spears, etc, is the norm. The majority of the time, the author limits the descriptions to fast-paced blow-by-blows that don't go beyond "He stabbed here, slashed there," etc. Less frequently, blood does get mentioned, but even that is usually brief.
On a few occasions, though, things get more descriptive and emotionally intense, like in a long flashback to an incident in a character's past when he was falsely accused of wrongdoing and physically punished for it. It's implied that he was "interrogated" by a torturer (completely off the page) and is already in pain from that when he is then taken outside and flogged, then branded with a hot iron. This is described from his perspective as he feels the pain, humiliation, and bleeding. This same character has a couple of violent memories in which he remembers bloody battle fields from his time fighting in a war, and also remembers one person in particular with a knife in his chest.
In the first few chapters, it's implied that a character who is in captivity is being treated badly, but the worst of this treatment is off the page. There is one scene, though, where the druids inflict pain on him by stabbing a doll with pins. The results of this poor treatment is also shown as the man is very weak and painful when taken back to his jail cell.
In chapter 21, it's made clear that a character is in a torture room and has been being tortured/interrogated for a long time and has bruises, burns, and cuts. The druids then inflict intense pain with their dolls and force dreams on him that make it seem like his allies are turning on him and hurting him. (They're hoping he'll cry out in the dream and tell them where someone important is.) I reached this particular chapter while reading before bedtime and must admit that it started to bother me, so I skipped the rest of the chapter and am unable to give further details on the intensity of this chapter.
On a separate occasion, the druids decide to bleed this same character to collect his blood. The cut is described, but the character fights back, killing several druids and injuring others. The fight is overall not graphic, but the character does pass out from blood loss as he is bleeding the whole time from the cut. Like the other person who was given similar treatment earlier in the book, we see his health decline the longer he's held captive.
Sean has a vision of warning in which he sees another character murdered by the druids. It's brief, but there is mention of bleeding and splatters of blood.
Rhys's men tell some tales about "The Baron" that involve some violence. Some of these are a little fantastical, like how he supposedly fought a wild animal and won. Some are more serious, like how one man saved his life after the Baron was almost murdered by someone trying to slit his throat. None feature graphic or bloody description.
Spiritual:
There are two spiritual forces in this world. One is Ilan, which the reader gets the impression is equivalent to the Christian God. The other is demonic forces, including the "god" the druids refer to as Deronis. It's very clear that Ilan and his followers are good, while Deronis and his followers are evil. Saying the name of Ilan to the followers of Deronis or to someone in a vision that the druids induce seems to cause them great pain.
When the druids use their methods to try to forcefully gain information from Sean and/or Rhys using visions, both men feel like there is a dark force lingering in the room. Sean specifically has a vision where he sees dark, shadowy figures near the druids.
On the flip side of things, there's mention of people having faith in and praying to Ilan and it's apparent that Ilan answers prayers. Sean and Rhys especially have a deep spiritual connection and Rhys has often been able to feel a sensation like being nudged on the shoulder when Sean is praying for him. Sean states that he has often been able to sense Rhys's physical location. Sean is also a "Seer", which means that he is someone gifted with visions. It is made clear that he is not in control of this gift. Ilan allows him to see what Ilan wills for him to see. Sean cannot do anything to induce a vision on his own or control what he sees when he has one (which is something the druids don't understand.) Sean's visions can show him past, present, or future. Something he can seem to control, however, is attempts to connect to Rhys through visions (if Rhys doesn't resist him.)
The druid's think there's something related to Sean's gift in his blood. The same goes for Rhys's connection to Sean As stated in the violence section, they think that if they collect enough of either man's blood, they can use it to track down and control Sean and use his gift of visions for themselves.
Language:
The British term "sod" (in the context of flippant name-calling) is used twice. A lot of Americans don't know the meaning and are just used to hearing it in some British media, but it originates from the word "sodomy". According to the internet and some Brits I've encountered online, British people tend to see it as either a milder euphemism for, or sometimes equivalent to the F word depending on context and tone of voice. But again, many Americans don't realize this and I can't say whether this author did or not.
Other than that, there were no written swears.
I'll be honest, my entry into said giveaway a little impulsive. The book's description sounded interesting, but I hadn't read this author before to know if I would like her work or not. I was also a little nervous when I finally opened the book and saw that it's labeled new adult, because I rated the last new adult book that I read with two stars due to rampant content problems of the sexual and constant, strong profanity variety. I did finally get in the mood to read Oath of the Outcast, though, and am happy to report that my concerns were unfounded.
The world in which this book is set has an ancient Scotland feel, and I and my Scottish ancestry am 100% here for that. The author did a great job setting the scene quickly and keeping that feel throughout the book. What really hooked me, though, is the characters and their dynamics with each other. I fell in love with these manly men almost instantly. I say the men specifically because, really, there are only like, two or three women in this. They're present now and then, but don't have a lot of reason to be involved in the main storyline, and I honestly didn't mind because it felt natural given the setting and culture. I still thought that you can still feel their grounding influence when they weren't present, though, because they're honored and cherished by their men.
I signed up for a good adventure with strong characters, and that was what I got. I love how much history the main characters have with each other and the way the author wove that history throughout the story. Especially Rhys's history with Sean and Alan, who were brother and childhood friend to him respectively. For reasons that you'll learn when you read the book, they've been forcably separated for years and now are forced by circumstances to come back together. While it was difficult to learn of all the pain Rhys has been through, it was beautiful to see the beginning of healing in his relationships as he learns that familial love may be stronger than he thought, and maybe not everyone has rejected him as thoroughly as he was led to believe. The relationships between him and his band of outlaws was also great to see as they've become something of a found family who would do anything to help and protect each other.
Believe it or not, there was even one villain that, though I didn't "like" him, I didn't completely hate him because it turned out he does have *some* standards way, way, way, (way) deep down inside him. I liked that author allowed him that nuance instead of every single villainous person (there are several) being all-out evil. He's still not a nice person, mind you, but I have a little hope that maybe, just maybe, he might see some positive change in a future story.
Truly, the only thing I really didn't like was the druids, but y'all... NOBODY liked them. Even the guy who's voluntarily working with them basically just puts up with them. If he didn't think they could help him be more powerful, he wouldn't even do that. And there's the guy who interrogates/tortures people for a living, and even he's giving them the side-eye , so you know it's bad. 😛 Even in the real life history of the British Isles, the druids did some pretty nasty stuff, including but not limited to human sacrifice. Banschbach is basically just acknowledging that what they were worshiping and doing was nothing short of demonic. I felt that she handled this well, though. I can get creeped out by that kind of thing but she kept a good balance of informing the reader of what the druids were doing, but not delving too deep into detail. Like, you know that they chant and stuff, but the words to their chants aren't given, you don't know the details of the majority of what they do, and there are never any blurred lines as to whether or not what they're doing is evil and wrong. So, that is a heads up to anyone who can be sensitive to darker spiritual content in books. This one probably won't be for you. I briefly wasn't sure it would be for me, but ultimately, the author kept that balance that kept it from being too much for me personally. And even though the evil is dark, it's already apparent that the good is so much stronger because the name of Ilan alone is enough to cause the evil pain.
Long story short, any author who can take me from "Will I like this?" to "I kind of like this" to "Okay, I really love these guys" to "I MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT" is a talented one in my book. Banschbach has a skill with character and smooth, easy-to-read writing that I believe will have me coming back for more again, and again. I do suspect that the next book may be a little darker as the characters will have to fight the evil head on, but I'm at least aware of that and am prepared to make it a daytime-only read if I need to, because I really do need to know what happens. I'm also able to handle more when I trust that the author is one that will be faithful about letting the light shine through, which Banschbach already is showing that she is, so I'm hopeful that I'll be happy with the outcome when I am able to get the second book.
In the meantime, though, this first book is getting a solid 4 stars. I'm tempted to go 5 stars because I did enjoy it a lot (if Goodreads would give us half stars, I'd go 4.5), but when it comes to series, I tend to wait until I know how things ultimately work out before giving that rating. So, I'll leave it at 4 stars for now, with the hopes that I'll be happy enough to come back and change it to 5 later.
Content Advisory:
No sexual content.
Violence:
There is frequent action violence in this story as these characters live in a dangerous world where hand-to-hand combat with swords, knives, spears, etc, is the norm. The majority of the time, the author limits the descriptions to fast-paced blow-by-blows that don't go beyond "He stabbed here, slashed there," etc. Less frequently, blood does get mentioned, but even that is usually brief.
On a few occasions, though, things get more descriptive and emotionally intense, like in a long flashback to an incident in a character's past when he was falsely accused of wrongdoing and physically punished for it. It's implied that he was "interrogated" by a torturer (completely off the page) and is already in pain from that when he is then taken outside and flogged, then branded with a hot iron. This is described from his perspective as he feels the pain, humiliation, and bleeding. This same character has a couple of violent memories in which he remembers bloody battle fields from his time fighting in a war, and also remembers one person in particular with a knife in his chest.
In the first few chapters, it's implied that a character who is in captivity is being treated badly, but the worst of this treatment is off the page. There is one scene, though, where the druids inflict pain on him by stabbing a doll with pins. The results of this poor treatment is also shown as the man is very weak and painful when taken back to his jail cell.
In chapter 21, it's made clear that a character is in a torture room and has been being tortured/interrogated for a long time and has bruises, burns, and cuts. The druids then inflict intense pain with their dolls and force dreams on him that make it seem like his allies are turning on him and hurting him. (They're hoping he'll cry out in the dream and tell them where someone important is.) I reached this particular chapter while reading before bedtime and must admit that it started to bother me, so I skipped the rest of the chapter and am unable to give further details on the intensity of this chapter.
On a separate occasion, the druids decide to bleed this same character to collect his blood. The cut is described, but the character fights back, killing several druids and injuring others. The fight is overall not graphic, but the character does pass out from blood loss as he is bleeding the whole time from the cut. Like the other person who was given similar treatment earlier in the book, we see his health decline the longer he's held captive.
Sean has a vision of warning in which he sees another character murdered by the druids. It's brief, but there is mention of bleeding and splatters of blood.
Rhys's men tell some tales about "The Baron" that involve some violence. Some of these are a little fantastical, like how he supposedly fought a wild animal and won. Some are more serious, like how one man saved his life after the Baron was almost murdered by someone trying to slit his throat. None feature graphic or bloody description.
Spiritual:
There are two spiritual forces in this world. One is Ilan, which the reader gets the impression is equivalent to the Christian God. The other is demonic forces, including the "god" the druids refer to as Deronis. It's very clear that Ilan and his followers are good, while Deronis and his followers are evil. Saying the name of Ilan to the followers of Deronis or to someone in a vision that the druids induce seems to cause them great pain.
When the druids use their methods to try to forcefully gain information from Sean and/or Rhys using visions, both men feel like there is a dark force lingering in the room. Sean specifically has a vision where he sees dark, shadowy figures near the druids.
On the flip side of things, there's mention of people having faith in and praying to Ilan and it's apparent that Ilan answers prayers. Sean and Rhys especially have a deep spiritual connection and Rhys has often been able to feel a sensation like being nudged on the shoulder when Sean is praying for him. Sean states that he has often been able to sense Rhys's physical location. Sean is also a "Seer", which means that he is someone gifted with visions. It is made clear that he is not in control of this gift. Ilan allows him to see what Ilan wills for him to see. Sean cannot do anything to induce a vision on his own or control what he sees when he has one (which is something the druids don't understand.) Sean's visions can show him past, present, or future. Something he can seem to control, however, is attempts to connect to Rhys through visions (if Rhys doesn't resist him.)
The druid's think there's something related to Sean's gift in his blood. The same goes for Rhys's connection to Sean As stated in the violence section, they think that if they collect enough of either man's blood, they can use it to track down and control Sean and use his gift of visions for themselves.
Language:
The British term "sod" (in the context of flippant name-calling) is used twice. A lot of Americans don't know the meaning and are just used to hearing it in some British media, but it originates from the word "sodomy". According to the internet and some Brits I've encountered online, British people tend to see it as either a milder euphemism for, or sometimes equivalent to the F word depending on context and tone of voice. But again, many Americans don't realize this and I can't say whether this author did or not.
Other than that, there were no written swears.
September 30, 2019
This book is amazing. I will give this book a full review later, but for now...it's awesome!
April 9, 2021
Inspired by Scottish and Welsh legend and folklore, Claire has succeeded in weaving a riveting fantasy filled with magic, betrayal, promises, brotherhood, and adventures beyond imagination. Characters with hidden pasts come to life, bringing with them their hurt and pain, wanting healing. Witty phrases lighten the mood, but who knows what Lord Adam Berkley has next up his sleeve for Rhys MacDuffy--or his brother and Seer, Sean.
I personally loved Sean and Alan the moment they appeared on the scene, and I grew to love Rhys in his own broken way as well. I loved this story so much and I can't wait for the sequel! Legend-inspired stories are always up my alley, but especially this one--I need more space on my top shelf. ;) Keep it up!
I personally loved Sean and Alan the moment they appeared on the scene, and I grew to love Rhys in his own broken way as well. I loved this story so much and I can't wait for the sequel! Legend-inspired stories are always up my alley, but especially this one--I need more space on my top shelf. ;) Keep it up!
December 2, 2024
I loved this book from the Scottish-inspired world-building, to the multi-layered characters, to the very real dangers said characters faced! I loved Sean's combination of strength and a soft heart, Alan's snark and divided loyalties, Jes' cool-headedness in the midst of the more hot-headed members of the Dragon Keep, and, of course, The Baron/Rhys himself with all his strength, determination, and badassery. And his well-deserved angst that made me want to give him a hug (I refrained, though—I'd rather not be stabbed).
August 16, 2019
RTC, hopefully. Here's a summary review as a placeholder:
Read this thing. It's pretty fabulous.
Read this thing. It's pretty fabulous.
February 12, 2021
Brother or not, outcast or not, the only way left was forward.
Hi, I'm on an emotional roller coaster from this book. I really didn't know what I was walking into, other than that several of my friends really, really liked it. I can see why.
I love a good old fashioned adventure story, one that takes me back to my childhood and lets me escape into someone else's problems for a bit. Especially one with an interesting world to wander around in. This was exactly that - and I knew it from the first page. Any time a book starts with the concept, "this bad thing happened a long time ago and we're still dealing with the consequences", I am THERE for it.
Rhys (*ahem* the Mountain Baron), Sean, Alan, Bryn, I fell in love with their story and with the characters themselves. Apparently I'm a sucker for a big, angry man with a secret soft spot. This probably isn't a good thing, but here we are, lol.
There's adventure, there's brotherhood, there's a mysterious prisoner with a secret past, a creepy-as-heck cult of evil dudes, outlaws who are loyal to one another and no one else (which I also love), it just hit so many things that I've always loved, and I'm SO ready to jump into book 2.
My only complaint is the lack of dragons. There's only one and it's metaphorical. But when my only complaint is "I want dragons", I feel like the book is pretty great. xD
Anyway, yes, I loved it and it gets five stars from me.
((There is quite a bit of violence, but nothing else content-wise. Just so you know *thumbs up*))
Hi, I'm on an emotional roller coaster from this book. I really didn't know what I was walking into, other than that several of my friends really, really liked it. I can see why.
I love a good old fashioned adventure story, one that takes me back to my childhood and lets me escape into someone else's problems for a bit. Especially one with an interesting world to wander around in. This was exactly that - and I knew it from the first page. Any time a book starts with the concept, "this bad thing happened a long time ago and we're still dealing with the consequences", I am THERE for it.
Rhys (*ahem* the Mountain Baron), Sean, Alan, Bryn, I fell in love with their story and with the characters themselves. Apparently I'm a sucker for a big, angry man with a secret soft spot. This probably isn't a good thing, but here we are, lol.
There's adventure, there's brotherhood, there's a mysterious prisoner with a secret past, a creepy-as-heck cult of evil dudes, outlaws who are loyal to one another and no one else (which I also love), it just hit so many things that I've always loved, and I'm SO ready to jump into book 2.
My only complaint is the lack of dragons. There's only one and it's metaphorical. But when my only complaint is "I want dragons", I feel like the book is pretty great. xD
Anyway, yes, I loved it and it gets five stars from me.
((There is quite a bit of violence, but nothing else content-wise. Just so you know *thumbs up*))
January 17, 2021
Rhys has been made an outcast by the people he once loved and trusted. Yet when he hears his brother has been captured, he finds himself going to the rescue, with an unwelcome former friend beside him. I liked this and I'm looking forward to the next book.
August 30, 2019
Excellent story and characters. I'm not head-over-heels for it, but I would definitely reread it and will be looking forward to the next book. For some reason, I got a low-key sort of grown-up Ranger's Apprentice vibe from . . . something? Maybe the character dynamics? Maybe it's just that one of the characters uses a recurve bow and all of the characters are sarcastic and there's a predominance of male characters? IDK. I enjoyed it, though.
December 30, 2019
Brothers who love each other no matter what is my new favorite book relationship. I've been looking forward to reading Oath of the Outcast since before it came out, and it was wonderful. I am eager to read Blood of the Seer when it comes out!
Want to read
April 20, 2021A review I was reading said this was similar to Tricia Mingerink's Blades of Acktar series...
*slams the Want to Read button*
*slams the Want to Read button*
April 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I really like the "band of brothers" idea. The setting details and character development is very good. Some of the violence is a little descriptive, so I had to skim over it. Otherwise, the history and storyline are awesome.
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