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The Wolf of Corwick Castle #1
The Nine
"Readers will have a hard time putting the book down even when life commitments demands they must. This is a gratifying story of trauma and vengeance, brilliantly told." - BookLife.com
Nine men ride into the tiny farming village of Corwick one morning in early March. When they ride back out again, no one is left alive except for Hadrack, a helpless eight-year-old boy. The crimes committed by those nine men will ultimately bring two conflicting religions and two nations to the brink of war. But for Hadrack, caught in the middle and unsure of his allegiances, all that matters is the vow that he made to his murdered family. Hadrack won’t be a helpless boy forever and, when he is ready, the nine will pay for what they did, regardless of the cost. This is his story.
Nine men ride into the tiny farming village of Corwick one morning in early March. When they ride back out again, no one is left alive except for Hadrack, a helpless eight-year-old boy. The crimes committed by those nine men will ultimately bring two conflicting religions and two nations to the brink of war. But for Hadrack, caught in the middle and unsure of his allegiances, all that matters is the vow that he made to his murdered family. Hadrack won’t be a helpless boy forever and, when he is ready, the nine will pay for what they did, regardless of the cost. This is his story.
214 pages, ebook
First published July 29, 2019
1077 people are currently reading
1034 people want to read
About the author
Terry Cloutier
25 books98 followersTerry Cloutier, the bestselling author of the Wolf of Corwick Castle series, The First Emperor series, and The Past Lives Chronicles, is currently writing a stand-alone time travel novel called A Picture in Time, scheduled for release in fall 2025. Following that, he plans to begin work on the tenth book in the Wolf of Corwick series, titled The Wolf at Bay. Terry resides in Canada with his wife and their two dogs. You can contact Terry through Facebook or Goodreads; he'd love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
April 29, 2022
DNF at 67%. Supremely offensive content.
From the first page of the prologue I had a hopeful feeling that I would like this book. Hadrack's tone reminded me of that of one of my favorite historical fictional characters: Uhtred of Bebbanburg. And like that Bernard Cornwell series, this fantasy book opens with the elderly MC reminiscing about events throughout his life. While no one writes like Bernard Cornwell, I was looking forward to the rest of the book.
When chapter one begins he is an eight year old boy with a tendency towards fighting. He lives with his father and older sister. And then abruptly the crap hits the fan. Holy moly, does it hit the fan. The trope about trauma causing character growth? It's here in spades, courtesy of a group of brutal cutthroats hereafter referred to as "the nine". I'm certain that you are able to figure out why on your own.
From that moment on for, well, years really, Hadrack's life goes down the tubes with a few exceptions. For too many reasons to explain, he hooks up with a loathsome force from a neighboring kingdom. They take great delight in viciousness, cruelty and bloodshed. I mean the men and women both enjoy wanton cruelty. And this is where I really started to dislike the book in earnest.
Let's start with the female warriors. Maybe the author thinks it's progressive rather than regressive to have the women presented as nymphomaniacs, I don't know. But they were indeed. And they would go from warrior to warrior, umm, sharing their friendliness. Okaaay.
As if that isn't delightful enough, a spectacularly disturbing scene occurs wherein a female prisoner must perform a certain act on many male warriors, while the other warriors, including the females, place bets on the number of warriors she'll be able to service before she can't continue. And THEN! (Are you ready?) It turns out that this captive ENJOYED this degradation. Wait, what?! I shit you not. The author presented her as "happier and healthier".
OK, I have spent way too much time on a review for a book that no longer has the right to my time. There's so much more that I didn't even bother to bring up here. It's just not worth it.
Bernard Cornwell he ain't.
From the first page of the prologue I had a hopeful feeling that I would like this book. Hadrack's tone reminded me of that of one of my favorite historical fictional characters: Uhtred of Bebbanburg. And like that Bernard Cornwell series, this fantasy book opens with the elderly MC reminiscing about events throughout his life. While no one writes like Bernard Cornwell, I was looking forward to the rest of the book.
When chapter one begins he is an eight year old boy with a tendency towards fighting. He lives with his father and older sister. And then abruptly the crap hits the fan. Holy moly, does it hit the fan. The trope about trauma causing character growth? It's here in spades, courtesy of a group of brutal cutthroats hereafter referred to as "the nine". I'm certain that you are able to figure out why on your own.
From that moment on for, well, years really, Hadrack's life goes down the tubes with a few exceptions. For too many reasons to explain, he hooks up with a loathsome force from a neighboring kingdom. They take great delight in viciousness, cruelty and bloodshed. I mean the men and women both enjoy wanton cruelty. And this is where I really started to dislike the book in earnest.
Let's start with the female warriors. Maybe the author thinks it's progressive rather than regressive to have the women presented as nymphomaniacs, I don't know. But they were indeed. And they would go from warrior to warrior, umm, sharing their friendliness. Okaaay.
As if that isn't delightful enough, a spectacularly disturbing scene occurs wherein a female prisoner must perform a certain act on many male warriors, while the other warriors, including the females, place bets on the number of warriors she'll be able to service before she can't continue. And THEN! (Are you ready?) It turns out that this captive ENJOYED this degradation. Wait, what?! I shit you not. The author presented her as "happier and healthier".
OK, I have spent way too much time on a review for a book that no longer has the right to my time. There's so much more that I didn't even bother to bring up here. It's just not worth it.
Bernard Cornwell he ain't.
June 5, 2022
Good Read
Wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this read. As it turns out it was alot of to fun read. It has everything you want . The story draws you in to watch a young boy fight to stay alive an keep a promise to himself, that he will kill the nine men who wiped out his village. His life is not a easy one. At seventeen he has killed two of the nine. Nicely written.
Wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this read. As it turns out it was alot of to fun read. It has everything you want . The story draws you in to watch a young boy fight to stay alive an keep a promise to himself, that he will kill the nine men who wiped out his village. His life is not a easy one. At seventeen he has killed two of the nine. Nicely written.
October 6, 2019
The authors writing style was definitely ideal when picking up this action packed, historical fantasy novel. The pages kept turning on their own and before I knew it, I have reached the end of our epic hero's journey. The high rise emotions that drove Hadrack to seek revenge, the phenomenal fighting scenes and everything that happened in between was an overall enjoyable reading experience. I will most definitely be keeping tabs on what this author releases next.
September 23, 2019
Cloutier’s writing turns the pages quickly. The chase and Hadrack’s eventual training are neatly described, each plot point steps up the tension towards the his play at the satisfaction of vengeance. He meets enemies and allies along the way. Kidnapped into slavery, he meets two friends in the midst of the chaos of the mine he is made to work in for years and years. These glimmers of hope keep his spark alive…
My criticism of the novella lies in the gratuitous sexual violence. I am in no way a prude and have read my fair share in the grimdark genre, but some of this went a little too far for my tastes. I was also a little let down by the quick and fruitless ending.
Good descriptive writing and a tight plot could not take away from the scenes that I thought could have been left out.
2.5-3- out of 5 stars
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/09/22/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
My criticism of the novella lies in the gratuitous sexual violence. I am in no way a prude and have read my fair share in the grimdark genre, but some of this went a little too far for my tastes. I was also a little let down by the quick and fruitless ending.
Good descriptive writing and a tight plot could not take away from the scenes that I thought could have been left out.
2.5-3- out of 5 stars
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/09/22/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
October 26, 2019
Clever plot. Amazing writing style. An absolute page-turner about revenge in a cruel world. Hadrack has a long road to fulfilling his promise to his dead family that he will avenge them by killing the nine men who did this. I enjoyed reading about the tribe that Hadrack joins. The world is built with attention to details. Politics, religion, relationships are all valued and analyzed in the world constructed by the author. The main character could have been more developed in my opinion, but that didn't take away too much of my enjoyment. Trigger warning for violonce, erotic scenes, and obscene language.
did-not-finish
February 23, 2021I received my copy of this book as a Goodreads giveaway, which has no effect on my opinion.
This wins the honor of my first DNF of 2021.
10% in and there have been multiple errors. In addition to the naming error which I highlighted, there were multiple punctuation errors, awkward phrases, plurals that were written as possessive and vice versa. Literally, too many errors to enjoy the story.
I won't be picking up anything else from the author.
This wins the honor of my first DNF of 2021.
10% in and there have been multiple errors. In addition to the naming error which I highlighted, there were multiple punctuation errors, awkward phrases, plurals that were written as possessive and vice versa. Literally, too many errors to enjoy the story.
I won't be picking up anything else from the author.
April 26, 2025
I’ve had this book for a very long time and finally got around to reading it. I do like good grimdark where the viciousness isn’t gratuitous. Cloutier does a very good job in my opinion of creating a very bleak and dreary Dark Ages historical fantasy period.
Hadrack is our MC and he is orphaned at the tender age of eight but he is writing his memoirs now in his twilight years. Even though we are looking g back and know he has survived many obstacles, it’s the journey of how he gets there, that keeps you reading.
If you are used to dark and brutal events by experiencing other grimdark books, then I think you should be fine here. But there is physical and sexual violence if you need to be aware ahead of time.
The story moves along swiftly and although there is much darkness, there is also the light when Hadrack finally has two good friends, Jebido and Blaine. I imagine they will be together in future books, I hope.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to continuing the series.
Hadrack is our MC and he is orphaned at the tender age of eight but he is writing his memoirs now in his twilight years. Even though we are looking g back and know he has survived many obstacles, it’s the journey of how he gets there, that keeps you reading.
If you are used to dark and brutal events by experiencing other grimdark books, then I think you should be fine here. But there is physical and sexual violence if you need to be aware ahead of time.
The story moves along swiftly and although there is much darkness, there is also the light when Hadrack finally has two good friends, Jebido and Blaine. I imagine they will be together in future books, I hope.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to continuing the series.
April 21, 2022
Adult Only Violent Action Read- Trigger Warnings DNF
Parents- X rated -** Trigger Warnings **
Language- PG13 pretty heavy in bad language
Violence- X- detailed in gore of fighting and murders (one example: face split with an ax and unable to pull it out, with lots of detail)
Sexual Content- X rated detail given of a rape and other sexual content
DNF- Could Not Finish this one. Holy cow this is a VERY gruesome and graphic book. I was expecting violence based on the summary and I did make it through the first 2 hours but I should have stopped much earlier. The plot could be a good avenging angel story but the detail in the gore, the horrors of the treatment of the MC's family and then village were simply too much, and then the graphic detailed rape and murder of his sister, rapes of the village women and girls.... I simply couldn't continue. This is absolutely for ADULTS ONLY but not one I would ever recommend.
Narrator- 3.5🌟 Did a great job with the voices and acting, I listened at 1.2x speed.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents- X rated -** Trigger Warnings **
Language- PG13 pretty heavy in bad language
Violence- X- detailed in gore of fighting and murders (one example: face split with an ax and unable to pull it out, with lots of detail)
Sexual Content- X rated detail given of a rape and other sexual content
DNF- Could Not Finish this one. Holy cow this is a VERY gruesome and graphic book. I was expecting violence based on the summary and I did make it through the first 2 hours but I should have stopped much earlier. The plot could be a good avenging angel story but the detail in the gore, the horrors of the treatment of the MC's family and then village were simply too much, and then the graphic detailed rape and murder of his sister, rapes of the village women and girls.... I simply couldn't continue. This is absolutely for ADULTS ONLY but not one I would ever recommend.
Narrator- 3.5🌟 Did a great job with the voices and acting, I listened at 1.2x speed.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 11, 2020
This review originally appeared in Grimdark Magazine https://www.grimdarkmagazine.com/review-the-nine-by-terry-cloutier/ on 11 May 2020
They say that you should never judge a book by its cover. Yet that’s the precise reason why I picked up The Nine by indie Canadian novelist Terry Cloutier. The title is also reminiscent of Joe Abercrombie’s Bloody-Nine and after reading the many favourable Goodreads reviews I thought I’d give it a shot.
49813389. sx318 sy475 The Nine is a revenge romp, narrated by a dirt-poor peasant boy named Hadrack. As if being named Hadrack isn’t bad enough, the boy grows up in the school of hard knocks, losing his mother and two brothers at an early age. Hadrack also proceeds to lose his remaining family when nine henchmen of the local Lord Corwick put the inhabitants of his tiny village to the sword.
The poor little wretch is the sole survivor of this massacre and barely escapes it with his life before swearing vengeance upon the nine men who razed his village. However he soon finds himself eating roots and bugs in the wild instead. This miserable plight cannot last forever, so that our Hadrack soon finds himself drugged by a wandering pair of nasty slavers who sell him off to the unscrupulous master of a deep quarry which bears the inviting nickname of ‘Father’s Arse’. Hadrack spends years toiling deep in the earth, where he befriends a veteran soldier named Jebido and a runt named Baine. Jebido has all the smarts which Hadrack lacks and also spends years teaching the boy swordsmanship. His martial ability soon rubs off on the growing lad, who blossoms into a cold-hearted killer just to survive his hostile surrounds.
This should all prove satisfyingly bleak and grim fare for Grimdark fans, until the narrative unexpectedly pivots when the quarry is raided by the dreaded Piths. Previously referred to in passing as a bunch of savage Southrons, Cloutier’s evil and delightfully amoral Piths spark the novel back into life, mainly through the introduction of their salacious womenfolk. We’re also introduced to their twinkly eyed and rascally leader named Einhard, whose appearance introduces some desperately needed charisma and personality to the narrative.
The Piths are everything that the stoic, principled and monogamous Gandermen are not, with each one of them in non-monogamous relationships and shunning honest, miserable toil for the swift benefits of good old plunder. After assisting them to vanquish his Gander captors, Hadrack and friends join Einhard’s band, so that suddenly the whole scene is set for a fightback against the Gandermen and the naughty nine who wiped out Hadrack’s village.
However this is not before the Piths set about punishing their Gander prisoners from the quarry, which include the evil quarrymaster. The latter’s wife is subjected to a wicked punishment that will linger long in the memory. No pain is inflicted upon the poor woman, yet suffice to say that she is soon left feeling utterly winded from her exertions that leave a bunch of Pith warriors feeling very satisfied. In the days that follow, Hadrack proceeds to kill as many Gandermen as he can, when he’s not bedding Pith women who like him as much as he likes them. Einhard’s reasons for signing up Hadrack and his friends to his cause soon become apparent, when he eventually orders them to pose as Gander soldiers and help him take two enemy gatehouses.
Revenge romps are ten a penny and I think that it’s hard to keep them fresh and interesting if they don’t include some vivid new setting and engaging character development. Cloutier tries his best by entwining Hadrack’s desire for vengeance with what is essentially a carefully crafted Bildungsroman. The author can also evoke the odd poignant scene, like the one in which Hadrack’s father is killed. He also patiently describes his protagonist’s development down in the quarry, so that Hadrack’s evolution into a dangerous killer is plausible.
Especially since Cloutier spins his yarn using the first person past, a tense possessed of the usual advantages and disadvantages. For although we can see and smell Hadrack’s journey through his own eyes and ears, we are unable to enter the craniums of other characters. This perhaps makes the first half of the novel a bit drier than it should have been. That said, Cloutier’s name choices are solid enough, allowing him to present a credible world without many frills, which is inhabited by two cultures that are all too reminiscent of the medieval God-fearing feudal Europeans and the pagan raiding Viking parties. However this can often feel restrictive and the book could have used a third culture.
This is particularly so, since there is no magic or sorcery to add spice to what is a dirt-bound, grim fantasy world with bushwhacking and sword-swinging outbreaks of murderous violence thrown in for good measure. Cliffhangers and deus ex machina moments abound, which is to be expected in this kind of action adventure. The dialogue throughout is not overcooked, which is a common failing amongst even the most popular fantasy authors out there.
So all in all The Nine is a solid 3/5. Mainly due to the love and effort that Terry Cloutier put into this book, as well as his delightfully filthy Pith women who might yet tempt me to pick up its sequel The Wolf At Large.
They say that you should never judge a book by its cover. Yet that’s the precise reason why I picked up The Nine by indie Canadian novelist Terry Cloutier. The title is also reminiscent of Joe Abercrombie’s Bloody-Nine and after reading the many favourable Goodreads reviews I thought I’d give it a shot.
49813389. sx318 sy475 The Nine is a revenge romp, narrated by a dirt-poor peasant boy named Hadrack. As if being named Hadrack isn’t bad enough, the boy grows up in the school of hard knocks, losing his mother and two brothers at an early age. Hadrack also proceeds to lose his remaining family when nine henchmen of the local Lord Corwick put the inhabitants of his tiny village to the sword.
The poor little wretch is the sole survivor of this massacre and barely escapes it with his life before swearing vengeance upon the nine men who razed his village. However he soon finds himself eating roots and bugs in the wild instead. This miserable plight cannot last forever, so that our Hadrack soon finds himself drugged by a wandering pair of nasty slavers who sell him off to the unscrupulous master of a deep quarry which bears the inviting nickname of ‘Father’s Arse’. Hadrack spends years toiling deep in the earth, where he befriends a veteran soldier named Jebido and a runt named Baine. Jebido has all the smarts which Hadrack lacks and also spends years teaching the boy swordsmanship. His martial ability soon rubs off on the growing lad, who blossoms into a cold-hearted killer just to survive his hostile surrounds.
This should all prove satisfyingly bleak and grim fare for Grimdark fans, until the narrative unexpectedly pivots when the quarry is raided by the dreaded Piths. Previously referred to in passing as a bunch of savage Southrons, Cloutier’s evil and delightfully amoral Piths spark the novel back into life, mainly through the introduction of their salacious womenfolk. We’re also introduced to their twinkly eyed and rascally leader named Einhard, whose appearance introduces some desperately needed charisma and personality to the narrative.
The Piths are everything that the stoic, principled and monogamous Gandermen are not, with each one of them in non-monogamous relationships and shunning honest, miserable toil for the swift benefits of good old plunder. After assisting them to vanquish his Gander captors, Hadrack and friends join Einhard’s band, so that suddenly the whole scene is set for a fightback against the Gandermen and the naughty nine who wiped out Hadrack’s village.
However this is not before the Piths set about punishing their Gander prisoners from the quarry, which include the evil quarrymaster. The latter’s wife is subjected to a wicked punishment that will linger long in the memory. No pain is inflicted upon the poor woman, yet suffice to say that she is soon left feeling utterly winded from her exertions that leave a bunch of Pith warriors feeling very satisfied. In the days that follow, Hadrack proceeds to kill as many Gandermen as he can, when he’s not bedding Pith women who like him as much as he likes them. Einhard’s reasons for signing up Hadrack and his friends to his cause soon become apparent, when he eventually orders them to pose as Gander soldiers and help him take two enemy gatehouses.
Revenge romps are ten a penny and I think that it’s hard to keep them fresh and interesting if they don’t include some vivid new setting and engaging character development. Cloutier tries his best by entwining Hadrack’s desire for vengeance with what is essentially a carefully crafted Bildungsroman. The author can also evoke the odd poignant scene, like the one in which Hadrack’s father is killed. He also patiently describes his protagonist’s development down in the quarry, so that Hadrack’s evolution into a dangerous killer is plausible.
Especially since Cloutier spins his yarn using the first person past, a tense possessed of the usual advantages and disadvantages. For although we can see and smell Hadrack’s journey through his own eyes and ears, we are unable to enter the craniums of other characters. This perhaps makes the first half of the novel a bit drier than it should have been. That said, Cloutier’s name choices are solid enough, allowing him to present a credible world without many frills, which is inhabited by two cultures that are all too reminiscent of the medieval God-fearing feudal Europeans and the pagan raiding Viking parties. However this can often feel restrictive and the book could have used a third culture.
This is particularly so, since there is no magic or sorcery to add spice to what is a dirt-bound, grim fantasy world with bushwhacking and sword-swinging outbreaks of murderous violence thrown in for good measure. Cliffhangers and deus ex machina moments abound, which is to be expected in this kind of action adventure. The dialogue throughout is not overcooked, which is a common failing amongst even the most popular fantasy authors out there.
So all in all The Nine is a solid 3/5. Mainly due to the love and effort that Terry Cloutier put into this book, as well as his delightfully filthy Pith women who might yet tempt me to pick up its sequel The Wolf At Large.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2020
Fine story
This book is a memoir,which takes the suspense out of the story. Knowing he lives through it all. But what a story it is! Great characterization,plenty of action and a solid storyline. If your into a very gritty story, this book has it all. Highly recommended.
This book is a memoir,which takes the suspense out of the story. Knowing he lives through it all. But what a story it is! Great characterization,plenty of action and a solid storyline. If your into a very gritty story, this book has it all. Highly recommended.
December 9, 2025
I liked the characters and the action of this story. I also like how the " civilized upper class" Treat their people compared to the so called pagans treat their people or others they respect. Narration was well done and I look forward to book 2.
December 9, 2025
Good book. Reminded me a lot of The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell.
The rape and sex portions were a bit much/far-fetched IMO… But overall, a good start to a promising series.
The rape and sex portions were a bit much/far-fetched IMO… But overall, a good start to a promising series.
November 4, 2020
“ The Nine- The Wolf of Corwick Castle” is the first of a three -part ( So far as I can tell) series set in a fictional medieval landscape. The first book was entertaining , absorbing and fun, and I intend to read the sequels as soon as I can get them.
The book is a straight sharp steel and bloody battle story in which you will not find elves, dwarves, mages, etc. You can expect good characterizations, a believable scenario and a straightforward plot.
“ The Nine” is a revenge story.Eight year old Hadrack sees his father killed by nine soldiers of their liege Lord of Corwick, his mother and sister raped and murdered, along as everyone else in their miserable little village. Although it is not known to Hadrack at that time, it was all plot to arouse hatred against the Picts, a Viking -like warrior nation across the border, so that the King and his nobles could raid and pillage that nation.
Hadrack vows revenge, and the rest of this short , but compelling novel, is how he begins to achieve his blood oath.
“ The Nine”is totally worth the attention of all hard edged military “ historical” novel fans.
Trigger ( or bladed weapon) warning: bloody combat scenes, Anglo-Saxon type insults and language and some rowdy consensual sex. Time line note: it did not take be eight days to read the book as it might seem from the date stated and finished; once I got time to actually sit down and read, I never stopped reading.
The book is a straight sharp steel and bloody battle story in which you will not find elves, dwarves, mages, etc. You can expect good characterizations, a believable scenario and a straightforward plot.
“ The Nine” is a revenge story.Eight year old Hadrack sees his father killed by nine soldiers of their liege Lord of Corwick, his mother and sister raped and murdered, along as everyone else in their miserable little village. Although it is not known to Hadrack at that time, it was all plot to arouse hatred against the Picts, a Viking -like warrior nation across the border, so that the King and his nobles could raid and pillage that nation.
Hadrack vows revenge, and the rest of this short , but compelling novel, is how he begins to achieve his blood oath.
“ The Nine”is totally worth the attention of all hard edged military “ historical” novel fans.
Trigger ( or bladed weapon) warning: bloody combat scenes, Anglo-Saxon type insults and language and some rowdy consensual sex. Time line note: it did not take be eight days to read the book as it might seem from the date stated and finished; once I got time to actually sit down and read, I never stopped reading.
August 9, 2020
Sucess without any effort?
We have a fictional world that is not used, nothing new just medival chatacters in fictional countries. How anyone who has read Cornwell can give this book 5 stars I cannot comprehend. Having said that I did enjoy reading the first book, the second is more shaky as the outline plot becomes weak and the detail becomes full of plot holes。Finally the suposedly caring and couragous hero leaves one of his gang, a woman, to bleed to death in a caven below the castle tower his men have captured whilst he was off playing superheroes. And yes, he is making love to the bad guys wife whilst everyone picks up his mess.
We have a fictional world that is not used, nothing new just medival chatacters in fictional countries. How anyone who has read Cornwell can give this book 5 stars I cannot comprehend. Having said that I did enjoy reading the first book, the second is more shaky as the outline plot becomes weak and the detail becomes full of plot holes。Finally the suposedly caring and couragous hero leaves one of his gang, a woman, to bleed to death in a caven below the castle tower his men have captured whilst he was off playing superheroes. And yes, he is making love to the bad guys wife whilst everyone picks up his mess.
February 12, 2020
Fantasy ?
A good well paced book by a author of great promise. The central character is well rounded and likable, the supporting characters are interesting and well written. The story is a Fantasy novel but there is no Fantasy elements ( magic, dragons, elves or wizards ) but these may appear on future books and there omission is no big deal. I look forward to the next book and further adventures with the central characters.
A good well paced book by a author of great promise. The central character is well rounded and likable, the supporting characters are interesting and well written. The story is a Fantasy novel but there is no Fantasy elements ( magic, dragons, elves or wizards ) but these may appear on future books and there omission is no big deal. I look forward to the next book and further adventures with the central characters.
February 24, 2020
Hugely Enjoyable!
This was a real "blood and guts" story of despair turning into murderous revenge as one young boy becomes a warrior. He has seen the horrors of his father's murder, the brutal rape and killing of his sister and the slaughter of his entire village. He has survived nine years of brutal slavery before joining his country's enemies in a quest for bloody revenge against the king who, so callously, betrayed him and his family. Highly recommended!
This was a real "blood and guts" story of despair turning into murderous revenge as one young boy becomes a warrior. He has seen the horrors of his father's murder, the brutal rape and killing of his sister and the slaughter of his entire village. He has survived nine years of brutal slavery before joining his country's enemies in a quest for bloody revenge against the king who, so callously, betrayed him and his family. Highly recommended!
April 3, 2022
I am not sure why I finished this book but, because I did, I have to give it a 2 based on my rating system. And some of you will undoubtedly love it. If you like gratuitous violence, gratuitous sex, gratuitous anything nasty, this book is for you. As for me, I will definitely not be reading the rest of the series or anything else by this author. Yuck!
March 1, 2020
Get past the beginning
Didn't think I was going to finish once I started reading cause it was so wordy and boring. Then after a couple of chapters it picked up and was better than I expected.
Didn't think I was going to finish once I started reading cause it was so wordy and boring. Then after a couple of chapters it picked up and was better than I expected.
April 7, 2020
Great and entertaining read. Loved the characters
Great character development, easy to read and action packed. Not too complex of a storyline allows for an enjoyable and laid back read
Great character development, easy to read and action packed. Not too complex of a storyline allows for an enjoyable and laid back read
September 23, 2019
Excellent!
I cannot wait for the next book! Great story, great word play, great fight scenes! I cannot praise this book enough!
I cannot wait for the next book! Great story, great word play, great fight scenes! I cannot praise this book enough!
June 14, 2024
I thought this novel was okay. I feel as though I was pulled from the story too many times. Also the storytelling style didn’t always flow. It’s written in the first person point of view and I think that view is the trickiest to write. With a bit more practice I’m sure the author will master it. I’m excited to check out the next book in the series. Haven’t fully committed to reading them all as of right now.
The novel was very graphic and gritty. Nothing was censored and I really loved that. I want as realistic as you can get. I enjoyed the Pith’s and their way of life. In fact that’s what really helped bring me into the story. There does need to be significantly more world building and detail. Everything in that regard felt very surface level. Needs to be fleshed out more. I’m indifferent to the main character as of right now, I don’t like or dislike him. I really can’t say that I “liked” any of the characters. It was more the plot that kept me turning the pages. I would say more emphasis on the characters are needed to get the reader emotionally attached. Anyone at this point could die and I don’t think it would really be detrimental to the progression of the story. That says a lot seeing as the main character is needed to take his revenge, but with the ways it’s written, anyone can take the revenge for him. He doesn’t seem like a necessary character at this point. I am noticing a bit of plot armor, hopefully it’ll be less front and center in the next book. Also the author needs to dial it way back with the foreshadowing. It’s killing the suspense and mood.
Dialogue was corny and cliche at times. I wasn’t a fan of that and that was another thing that brought me out the story. I’m also hoping the revenge scenes are better in the coming books. I need more than white hot rage and constant screaming. The fight scenes also weren’t all that great and the battle scenes need more precision and clarity. But like I said, I feel as though it’ll get better with the next couple of books. At least I hope so. I’m thinking right now the author is still finding his groove. Overall the plot was good, but I sense it can be so much better.
The novel was very graphic and gritty. Nothing was censored and I really loved that. I want as realistic as you can get. I enjoyed the Pith’s and their way of life. In fact that’s what really helped bring me into the story. There does need to be significantly more world building and detail. Everything in that regard felt very surface level. Needs to be fleshed out more. I’m indifferent to the main character as of right now, I don’t like or dislike him. I really can’t say that I “liked” any of the characters. It was more the plot that kept me turning the pages. I would say more emphasis on the characters are needed to get the reader emotionally attached. Anyone at this point could die and I don’t think it would really be detrimental to the progression of the story. That says a lot seeing as the main character is needed to take his revenge, but with the ways it’s written, anyone can take the revenge for him. He doesn’t seem like a necessary character at this point. I am noticing a bit of plot armor, hopefully it’ll be less front and center in the next book. Also the author needs to dial it way back with the foreshadowing. It’s killing the suspense and mood.
Dialogue was corny and cliche at times. I wasn’t a fan of that and that was another thing that brought me out the story. I’m also hoping the revenge scenes are better in the coming books. I need more than white hot rage and constant screaming. The fight scenes also weren’t all that great and the battle scenes need more precision and clarity. But like I said, I feel as though it’ll get better with the next couple of books. At least I hope so. I’m thinking right now the author is still finding his groove. Overall the plot was good, but I sense it can be so much better.
October 11, 2022
Being from Mr Cloutier an indie writer completely unknown to me the book no matter how you look at it was a pleasant surprise, yes it lacked all the worldbuilding I would have liked and perphaps portrayed a far too simplistic Pith society in comparison to the seemingly far more sophisticated Ganderland(we didn't even get to know the name of the MC's original Kingdom before it became South Ganderland), the geography could not be referenced by a world map which is a must have for original settings and historical ones, also the religious conflict was also somewhat of a cliché but still arguably realistic.
The world also felt a little monochromatic like only three ethnic groups lived on those lands?Their languages and cultures were not really explored much leaving lots of lost potential, as a reader the world did feel soulless at times with the fast pace narrative and insufficient details.
Disliked the transition from Hadrack's escape to the Father's Arse, it was a very boring segment would have preferred our boy just to live as a mercenary on the run outside of that mine/slave prison, it had a little of dark comedy going on there with the shit and all that but honestly that was the hardest part of the book for me in terms of entertainment.
As a reader I am all for erotic scenes(we got mentions of Hadrack's time with the Pith girls but we didn't get anything specific which is disappointing,sex scenes can be an interesting narrative addition to any story) but the portrait of the Quarrymaster's wife going through that collective abuse was a little off putting and should be an obvious focus of criticism, regarding the other female characters would have liked more development,attention and conversations with Annia at the very least introducing more girls to the cast that were "foot soldiers" on a sense would greatly enrich Hadrack's story.
Overall already have the next books bought waiting on my epub library so will see how the rest of Hadrack's life shapes up!
The world also felt a little monochromatic like only three ethnic groups lived on those lands?Their languages and cultures were not really explored much leaving lots of lost potential, as a reader the world did feel soulless at times with the fast pace narrative and insufficient details.
Disliked the transition from Hadrack's escape to the Father's Arse, it was a very boring segment would have preferred our boy just to live as a mercenary on the run outside of that mine/slave prison, it had a little of dark comedy going on there with the shit and all that but honestly that was the hardest part of the book for me in terms of entertainment.
As a reader I am all for erotic scenes(we got mentions of Hadrack's time with the Pith girls but we didn't get anything specific which is disappointing,sex scenes can be an interesting narrative addition to any story) but the portrait of the Quarrymaster's wife going through that collective abuse was a little off putting and should be an obvious focus of criticism, regarding the other female characters would have liked more development,attention and conversations with Annia at the very least introducing more girls to the cast that were "foot soldiers" on a sense would greatly enrich Hadrack's story.
Overall already have the next books bought waiting on my epub library so will see how the rest of Hadrack's life shapes up!
January 20, 2021
Historical feeling novel set in imaginary Ganderland where the neighbouring Piths have always crossed the border to raid. Imagine early Normans versus Vikings and you get the idea. Haldrad is an eight year old peasant boy at the start of the novel. Ganderland has a new king and he has created a new Lord of Cowick, the ruler of the area where Haldrad lives. Soldiers from the new Lord of Cowick arrive and gather the villagers together to tell them of new taxes. Their leader, the Reeve, is missing and so is Haldrad’s teenage sister. Haldrad runs home to find his worst fears being played out before his eyes. Without thinking, he attacks the Reeve. That action triggers a series of events that sees Haldrad completely without family and on the run by nightfall. Although only a boy, Haldrad has memorised the faces of the nine soldiers he holds accountable for the deaths of everyone he knows. He swears he will have vengeance on them all. But first he’s got a lot of growing to do....
Reasonably interesting storyline. There were a few things that jarred for me. For example, the use of the word ‘ass’, which didn’t sit well in what felt like olde worlde England. Also the way Haldrad mentions as an old man that in all the years he knew Einhard, he never saw him lose hope like he did momentarily before the big battle scene at the end. Obviously, Einhard was not going to die that day. That rather took the tension out of the ending for me. I’m probably quibbling over small things but they detracted from the authenticity of the story for me.
Reasonably interesting storyline. There were a few things that jarred for me. For example, the use of the word ‘ass’, which didn’t sit well in what felt like olde worlde England. Also the way Haldrad mentions as an old man that in all the years he knew Einhard, he never saw him lose hope like he did momentarily before the big battle scene at the end. Obviously, Einhard was not going to die that day. That rather took the tension out of the ending for me. I’m probably quibbling over small things but they detracted from the authenticity of the story for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2021
A Reader's Delight
After reading the reviews by previous readers, I wanted to read the story. So glad I didn't just delete the reviews and move on to something else. Choosing to read the story of a young man who survives by his determination to seek revenge as told by an author who tells the story so well, was a good choice! Of course, I can say that now that I have read the first part of Hadrack's story.
When a reader can feel the emotions of the characters, understands the why's of the actions of them, and can "be there” in the story...to me, these are criteria I need to consider the rating of a book/story/author.
I want to see what happens to Hadrack. I have invested my time in his story. Mr. Cloutier's abilities to tell the story of Hadrack's life are those of an excellent author. Thank you, Mr. Cloutier. I look forward to the rest of Hadrack's story. I will also follow you for more stories!
After reading the reviews by previous readers, I wanted to read the story. So glad I didn't just delete the reviews and move on to something else. Choosing to read the story of a young man who survives by his determination to seek revenge as told by an author who tells the story so well, was a good choice! Of course, I can say that now that I have read the first part of Hadrack's story.
When a reader can feel the emotions of the characters, understands the why's of the actions of them, and can "be there” in the story...to me, these are criteria I need to consider the rating of a book/story/author.
I want to see what happens to Hadrack. I have invested my time in his story. Mr. Cloutier's abilities to tell the story of Hadrack's life are those of an excellent author. Thank you, Mr. Cloutier. I look forward to the rest of Hadrack's story. I will also follow you for more stories!
August 4, 2020
I started this book yesterday morning and finished it about 1 am today. It's a very easy read and I was happily reading along when I was surprised to discover that suddenly it was back to the old version of the MC doing the narration. Oh drat, I'd finished it. It's a good thing the sequel is downloaded and ready to go.
It's a bit boys own fantasy with gory killings, plenty of nubile women wanting to jump into bed with him. All just a bit too easy.
However, our MC and supporting characters are strong and the story line carries you along effortlessly. I do like this little wolf pup and I'm very interested in watching him grow.
It's a bit boys own fantasy with gory killings, plenty of nubile women wanting to jump into bed with him. All just a bit too easy.
However, our MC and supporting characters are strong and the story line carries you along effortlessly. I do like this little wolf pup and I'm very interested in watching him grow.
February 14, 2021
Well I certainly wouldn't want to be one of the nine! The way the hero dispenses hie enemies i doubt if the nine will last long.
I enjoyed the book much more than I thought I would. Its starts in a quiet village, that doesn't remain quiet for long. Our hero is just a young boy when he witnesses "the nine" wiping out the once tranquil place of his birth.
From that point his life changes totally, from being picked up by supposed friendly strangers to becoming proficient as a swords man thanks to a mentor he meets whilst in captivity.
I don't particularly like reviews that take you through the whole story so I'll stop there, needlessly to say though, this keeps moving at a pace and keeps the interest high.
I'd definitely recommend this, but it can be a little graphic, so beware if you don't like,the sight of blood.
I enjoyed the book much more than I thought I would. Its starts in a quiet village, that doesn't remain quiet for long. Our hero is just a young boy when he witnesses "the nine" wiping out the once tranquil place of his birth.
From that point his life changes totally, from being picked up by supposed friendly strangers to becoming proficient as a swords man thanks to a mentor he meets whilst in captivity.
I don't particularly like reviews that take you through the whole story so I'll stop there, needlessly to say though, this keeps moving at a pace and keeps the interest high.
I'd definitely recommend this, but it can be a little graphic, so beware if you don't like,the sight of blood.
October 26, 2021
.
Hits all the iron-clad requirements for this sort of “writing.”
Lots of “sips, washing down, vomit, piss, watering mouths, and popping” bits of food into the ol’ mouth, oodles of “blood spraying,” and wiping the juices off chins “with the back of a hand.”
These are all iron-clad requirements for writing this sort of bllsht crappolla.
* They also “smacked their lips loudly.” This is a little hard to imagine, but almost everybody who is anybody seems to do it a lot.
I stopped and quit reading at the sex part, around page 107, and returned the book. The author can keep that crappola and ram it 😀
.
.
Hits all the iron-clad requirements for this sort of “writing.”
Lots of “sips, washing down, vomit, piss, watering mouths, and popping” bits of food into the ol’ mouth, oodles of “blood spraying,” and wiping the juices off chins “with the back of a hand.”
These are all iron-clad requirements for writing this sort of bllsht crappolla.
* They also “smacked their lips loudly.” This is a little hard to imagine, but almost everybody who is anybody seems to do it a lot.
I stopped and quit reading at the sex part, around page 107, and returned the book. The author can keep that crappola and ram it 😀
.
.
July 29, 2020
I've had this sitting in my Kindle library for awhile, and took the plunge while away. A word of warning, I felt the first 10% felt either rushed or unedited. The writing didn't flow, conversations seemed strained and scene transitions clunky. But then something changed? Either the author got more confidence in his material, but it began to flow more. A revenge story with an intriguing world, well thought out and exploring a new culture.
Rarely will I want to read the sequel immediately with a large TBR title, but off I go!
Rarely will I want to read the sequel immediately with a large TBR title, but off I go!
February 25, 2021
Loved this story! Can’t wait to read more!
So happy to have found another author who’s work I love! My absolutely only critique is no information as to years this takes place in, and less information about the groups of people besides a bit of information on their religions. I read (and especially love) a lot of Dark Ages era, (700-900 BC) and this seemed to fit into that era. A bit more character detail might also be appreciated - but this story intrigued me right away snd certainly didn’t disappoint! Give it a try - it will hook you quickly!
So happy to have found another author who’s work I love! My absolutely only critique is no information as to years this takes place in, and less information about the groups of people besides a bit of information on their religions. I read (and especially love) a lot of Dark Ages era, (700-900 BC) and this seemed to fit into that era. A bit more character detail might also be appreciated - but this story intrigued me right away snd certainly didn’t disappoint! Give it a try - it will hook you quickly!
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