Kings of Fate

Furyck Saga #0.5

by A.E. Rayne

‘Wow, more twists and turns than a roller coaster.... I love this series!!!’

Lothar the Usurper has stolen his brother’s throne. And now he squats upon it, thinking of how to get rid of his troublesome niece, Jael Furyck. Brekka’s most famous warrior. The one they thought would be queen after her father’s death.

Her presence hangs over him like an axe. A constant threat to his ambitions which stretch far beyond his already generous borders.

But when an unexpected visitor arrives in Andala, Lothar discovers a way to hurt Jael without ever getting his greedy hands dirty...

Across the Nebbar Straights, Eirik Skalleson must find his son a wife to secure the future of his kingdom, but Eadmund has ruined everything he has tried so far.

And now there is a woman, the daughter of an Alekkan lord.

A flame-haired, freckle-nosed, smiling woman. Perfect in every way. And yet Eirik’s dreamer daughter is worried.

Trouble, she says.

The woman is going to cause trouble...

Kings of Fate is a prequel to The Furyck Saga: a gripping epic fantasy series that takes you into a richly-woven world of warring kingdoms, mysterious dreamers, dark magic, and an ancient prophecy that emerges from the darkness to weave a dangerous web around them all.

Come and start the journey today...

Read the
Winter’s Fury
The Burning Sea
Night of the Shadow Moon
Hallow Wood
The Raven’s Warning
Vale of the Gods

The Furyck Saga Books 1-3

What readers are saying about The Furyck

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ What a great series! I was really looking for something to satisfy my Game of Thrones and Sarah J Maas love when I stumbled on these books. All of them are great!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘If you only read one new series this year, I recommend this one. Strongly.’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘Amazing series!!!... a must read for all fantasy lovers!’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘Wow! This series is spectacular! [It] knocked me off my feet, twisted me all around, and flung me back to the ground! What a ride!’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘It was so real I could almost see the bitter cold wind and harsh winter snows blowing across the island. What a great gift of expression this author has. I can’t wait to buy the next in the series.’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘...My favorite genre is epic fantasy and this was superb. I got the same feeling as when I started watching Game of Thrones... Frankly, it’s interfering with my sleep!’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘I can’t find anything that I didn’t love about this series! It has everything action humor love loss heart and soul went into every word.’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘I absolutely love these stories. The characters are so well written and her writing draws you right in.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Ebooks, Fiction

182 pages, ebook

Published January 27, 2020

About the author

Introducing myself

Hello, I’m Amy!

I live in Auckland, New Zealand, and have done for three-quarters of my life. The other quarter was spent in England, where my kids were born. I have three of those, and they’re very cool. I’m a bit demented and thought it would be a good idea to have them a year or so apart. I’m still recovering from that misguided notion, but am convinced that a month in Bora Bora would set me right!

Speaking of travelling, as much as I crave a tropical island escape, you’re far more inclined to find me hankering after snow. We don’t have any of that in Auckland – not a drop! And, although it did snow occasionally in dear old England, I’m still looking for the up-to-your-window sort of snow experience. I come from Viking stock (my grandmother was Swedish), so maybe that’s why I have always craved the cold, white stuff. In fact, my husband and I bonded over our love of scarves.

'Twas love at first discussion about the pleasure of a good scarf!


My reading journey
I was drawn to historical romance as a young reader. I loved anything by the Brontë sisters, but I think Jane Austen was my favourite author at that time. It was a toss-up between Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre for my favourite book as a tween. As I got older and developed a real love of history, I became obsessed with anything do with Vikings. I fell in love with Bernard Cornwell and Robert Lowe, Giles Kristian, too. But there’s always been time to fit in the next Diana Gabaldon. Her Outlander series is probably my favourite series ever (great tv too!). History is my one true love, so some of my favourites lately have been C.J. Sansom’s thrilling Tudor series and Patrick O’Brien 19th century naval adventures.

I always thought I would write the Furyck Saga as a historical fiction series, but I never found a period or place where it felt possible. Ultimately, I realised that actual history was far too limiting, so I stepped away from reality and entered the wonderful world of fantasy, and that’s when the fun started…


It took me a long time to become a writer.

I have ring binders and ring binders of stories, screenplays, tv show concepts, and book ideas that I’ve been creating since I was 10-years-old.
I was always very fast with ideas but seeing them all the way through was a lot harder, and eventually, as I grew up, life and work got in the way.
I would try writing Winter’s Fury off and on, but I never got very far, and dissatisfied, I always gave up, telling myself there simply wasn’t enough
time to fit writing in around three children, two dogs, a graphic design business, etc. etc. But what I quickly discovered is that time is what you make of it.

Inspired by an article I read about James Patterson, who got up early to write his first book and fit it in around his job, I started making writing a
daily discipline; the idea being that, bit by bit, I would eventually create an actual book. At first, it was tough. It felt like I was training for a marathon
and I didn’t even know how to run. But every day it got a little easier and eventually, I started to write more freely, and one day I had enough of a
book to show my husband. At this point it was either, forget it again, or keep going.

He read it and said… keep going. So, I did.

And I haven’t stopped!

Reviews

[Dovahqueen Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I should have read this after reading the main series. 😅

[Raina Guffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Prequel - A Little Taste of The Incredible Series, "The Furyck Saga"

I read this after I had already finished reading the entire series for two reasons: 1) After I read the sample of the first book in the series, "Winter's Fury", I couldn't put it or any of the other six books in this series (including this novella) down until I finished the entire series, and 2) After I finished the six books, I found myself wanting to go back to Andala and Oss, and spend more time with Jael, Aleksander, Edmund, Thorgils, Eirik, Eydis and the entire cast of characters so I decided to read the prequel even though I already knew the ultimate outcome of the story. However, I became immediately immersed in the shorter story it told and was very happy to find myself reunited with many characters who feel like old friends after having read the entire series. I greatly enjoyed this novella and the entire" Furyck Saga "but for maximum enjoyment, I would suggest that you read this prequel novella before you read the first word of " Winter's Fury" (the first book in the series), it provides some context for the first chapter as well as later on in the series. Also, if you enjoy reading this novella, you will most likely enjoy reading the series. The author has a unique writing style, which I love, that can best be described as multiple POVs, something akin to watching a movie. She doesn't tell the story from anyone's POV, but shifts around the room effortlessly from character to character so the reader never "overhears" a conversation or watches from a distance. It's really quite an enjoyable reading experience and I felt like it allowed me the ability to really connect with each character. She also does a great job of developing her characters, her main characters are quite complex and possess intricate backstories along with significant depth, but even her secondary characters are well fleshed out and can be equally intriguing. She successfully creates a world that is familiar enough to easily identify with, yet different in not insignificant ways so that the introduction of certain elements and characters is easily accepted and sets the stage for the underlying theme of life vs. death. Although this novella and the series are listed as fantasy, and they are, I believe this book specifically could be appreciated by readers of other genres as well. This particular prequel doesn't have any fantasy elements to speak of, but there is a bit of intrigue, gamesmanship, revenge, romance, loyalty, adventure, and other components that blend well to create a great tale. A.E. Rayne has become one of my favorite authors and I have already begun reading her other series set in this same world, "The Lords of Alekka". I highly recommend this novella to everyone who enjoys an exciting story with a strong female protagonist and equally strong male supporting characters that is not filled with gratuitous or graphic sex, violence or profanity, although all three are present in the book. Also, there are no sexual assaults in the book, but there is a brief moment during a fight where a character alludes to that being his intention. If you're interested in the series, but not sure it's for you, read this prequel. If you like it, you'll most likely love the series. Also, if this review has been helpful and you like it, please let me know by clicking the " Helpful "button. I try to write informative and honest reviews, but I never discuss the plot or share any information that I believe will spoil the reading experience for others. I want you to read the book to discover what happens, not already know because I gave away the story in a review and subtracted the joy from your reading experience. Thanks for reading this review, I hope it was " Helpful". "Kings of Fate: A Furyck Saga Prequel Novella" - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Lisa Maughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness, so much going on in this book. Once I figured out the characters, as the author likes the "E" names. I was enthralled. Some real nail-biting moments. The characters are great, the good and the bad.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confession- this wasn’t the story I actually planned to read by AE Rayne initially but picked it up due to time constraints and the fact it started with the letter K. I’m so glad I did.
The story is a prequel but if you’re considering reading this, don’t let that point put you off. A lot of action happens in this prequel and even though there are many characters introduced across roughly three plot lines, the story flows effortlessly and it is easy to follow and pick your favourites (Team Jael and Team Tig right here). The characters are well developed and it has left me wanting more of this Norse/Viking fantasy. The other book I own is from a different series, but I’ll now definitely be adding this series to my want to read pile.
Five very well deserved stars!

[Jessica Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who knows absolutely nothing about this series, here are my initial thoughts:
A lot of names and story plotting in the first chapter without any context of what's happening other than that there was some sort of rebellion after the king died and the rightful heir was usurped by his uncle and his sister seems to be some sort of warrior out for revenge.
She seems to be the main character based on a quick read of the book description.

Thoughts upon finishing:
I couldn’t grasp that there were two different storylines happening at the same time until about 100 pages in.
Maybe that’s on me, but it just wasn’t clear.
Not to mention that there are SO many characters introduced, in such quick succession, that keeping track of who was who was a feat in and of itself.
I’m going to read the series simply because I was gifted the lot of them and I’m the kind of reader who has to finish a series once they start.
It may also be on me that I chose to read the prequel first, opting for a chronological read, versus reading the series in publication order.
It probably would’ve been easier to track all the characters that way, but I’m nothing if not a purist and chronological reads simply make the most sense to me.

My most critical thoughts:
Better clarification on POV switching and indicators for location/context would’ve made this better.
However, the series appears to be self-published, so I have some difficulty being too critical about things that would’ve been fleshed out in a formal publishing house.

[Jsalt80 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one definitely should have been read first. Well, maybe. Reading it after having already been drawn to certain characters and having much knowledge of others does make it a better read.

Knowing who Lothar and Osbert really are as people makes it easier to sympathize with the situation, although there is still a pretty good depiction in this short book.

This one is set, like all the rest it seems, after Ranuf Furyck’s death, (I would really like to know how he died. Details), but before going to Oss, Slaver’s Island and the marriage proposal even happens. I started reading this one after book 5 in the Alekka Saga because I wanted to know the history with Gudrum Killi since it was never mentioned in the Furyck Saga, only Ronal Killi.

The drama between them is really ridiculous, TBH. I mean, his son did something grimey, on multiple occasions and her paid the price. The girl was a princess. The king’s only daughter, and the things he chose to do say a lot about his upbringing and the respect his own father had for Ranuf. Period. My question is, if he had succeeded in his attempt in the forest, with all his friends standing by to witness or participate, what would have happened to them afterwards when the king found out?

Anyway, I’m glad to finally know the beef that Gudrum had been carrying all these years and his drive to make him end up like he did in Alekka… a true idiot.

See my notes, highlights and commentary on Goodreads. Happy reading!

[Amzon_Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aye, no bad, onto Book One…

Prequels.. ahh, some are instant winners, and some are slow burners. This is in the middle, not to be sniffed at, no ma’am, it’s certainly got lot’s of action and anticipation to keep you on edge. I’d say the second half is more of what you fantasy fiction fanatics are looking for. By necessity, the first half is ‘buildy-uppy‘ & laying some ground work. I did feel a bit disconnected for a while, however this is because I’m new to the series/author, if you’ve already read some of the books, I imagine you’ll feel right at home. My appetite to read the rest of the series is satisfied with this opening course of fare. I’m already a fan of ‘Jael’, she’s got the makings of a great character.

The ships sailed, the knights were mailed,
The horse had to flail, the men caught whale,
A tale about a lady… called ‘Jael’

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel to the Furyck Saga is set a year or so prior to those events, and includes all the main characters from the first book.

It relates events happening to both Jael and Eadmund. Jael's story revolves around the visit of the father of the boy she killed in her teens who killed her dog, and Eadmund's story is regarding the visit of the King of Alekka, one of his Lords, wife and his daughter.

If you have read the saga then it's worth reading this as it is interesting and engaging, but it does not fill in any gaps or answer any questions that might have arisen in the saga, it's just a couple of enjoyable adventures that took place prior to the start of the saga.

[Jaybour · Rating 4 out of 5]

COMMA-ITIS

It is really unfortunate how poor editing can get in the way of a rippingly good read. Seldom have I read a book so plagued with comma abuse. They're thrown in indiscriminately, willy-nilly, with no regard to any rule. And the editor might profit from a crash course in the proper usage of "though" and "although." I've used one comma in this short critique. Had editing been left to this author's editor, it would be riddled with commas!

[Gay Rushforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sword and sorcery at its very best!

I've read all Ms Rayne's books, the Furyck saga and Lords of Alekka, this one didn't disappoint. I had thought it might be unwise to read it after the others, knowing how things turn out, but it actually helped piece everything together. If you've not already read anything by this author, you don't know what you're missing, I honestly have no complaints about any of her books, I just wish there were more of them.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent novella. The words just flow and you find yourself in the story with characters that are so clear you can see them. In a kingdom where a greedy uncle has usurped the rightful heir Jael must find a way to keep her family safe while dreaming of the day she can take back the throne. This series is an absolute must read!

[H. T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good prequel novella that gives more insight into the story before Winters Fury. It also shows the relationship between Ake Bluefinn and Alekka with Oss. Ake plays an important role in the Lords of Alekka series. It’s a worthwhile quick read for fans of the Furyck Saga but not necessary to read to understand the series.

[Nigel P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tasty Taster

I read the Furyck Saga some time ago and have just finished book#3 of the Lords of Alekka so although I know most of the back story, I didn’t know all of this and it is quite a useful pre-cursor to the Lords of Alekka (or the Furyck Saga). So, we’ll worth a read wherever you are in the Alekkan tales.

[Jennifer Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I am hooked

I had this author on my list to check out, not sure how. When this came up as a freebie I was excited. There are many characters, which confused me at first, but I am hanging in there. Well written, with compelling characters and an epic story shaping up, I am happy to plunk down money to continue the tale. I'd you like fantasy and adventure, this is for you.

[Shannon Heck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jael and Eadmund are worlds apart, but both of their stories are told in alternating POVs. Jael is still dealing with the aftermath of her father's death and her uncle usurping the throne. Eadmund is under pressure to marry, but he can't seem to get his life together or show enthusiasm for the woman his father chose. Eventually, their paths will cross as the series continues.

Kings of Fate is a prequel to the Furyck Saga. The writing style is different. It's not often that a book has a truly omniscient third-person narrator. The jumps between characters' thoughts can be hard to follow at times. I hope the strange POV shifts don't last for the entire series, or I may not be able to continue reading these books. However, I'm going to give the next book a chance. I did not follow the author's recommended reading order. You're not supposed to read the prequel first, so I'm hoping there's a reason for that. I thought the storyline was fast-paced and interesting, so I'm giving book 1 a chance. 3 stars due to the confusing POV shifts.

[Vikki Macleod · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you’ve read the Furyck Saga, give this prequel a miss

They missed the opportunity to fill in some colour and detail on other characters and things that happened before the main furyck saga instead opting for storylines that you already know the ending to

[Hildegard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disjointed viewpoints

The story isn't bad, but it switches viewpoints at the drop of a hat, making it hard to keep up at times.
It doesn't help that we are told two stories in parallel, taking place in two different countries.

[Linda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this prequell. I had already read the first 3 books if the Furyck Saga before I read this book. It's a really good read and gave more info about things that happened prior to the Saga books. As someone said in a previous review, I suggest that you read this before the Saga because it gives more insight into understanding the characters better.

[Elena Estrada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

The beginning took me time to get through since there were so many characters to learn. It was a bit confusing at first, but a few chapters in, the story took off and I was all in!

[Amanda Setasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, but I can't round up unfortunately.

The last 20% of this was actually fantastic. However the first 80% was fairly boring and felt like it was all about a horse.

Definitely looking into the rest of the series based on how this one ended though.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Simple story, nice to see a little bit of the life before the series. Reading this after I've already finished the series was good to have some more from the characters that we lost along the series.

[Mrs Josephine Reeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous saga would definitely recommend you are unable to put down

[Lindy Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Furyck Saga a prequel novella couldn’t resist it, I absolutely loved the series, hope they can continue.

[Doris Holbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/23/2020)! 🎁

[Stacy Apostol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I work the graveyard shift in a hospital and the Furyck Saga has kept me company in the quite hours of my shifts. Great read, hard to put down.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good story! I had actually read 'Winter's Fury' first. I fell in love with the story and characters. When I found out about this story, I had to stop and read it first. It really helped introduce the characters and set up the 'Furyck Saga' stories perfectly. Can't wait to read more. Highly recommend.

[Billie Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great promise

I like the set up for the saga. It was a bit difficult to follow at first, but then the story really picks up. I'm looking forward to reading the rest.

[Bill7nurse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read the Saga!

So glad I have found A. E. Rayne. Thoroughly enjoyed this prequel and will start reading the rest of this Furyck Saga immediately.

[Gandalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brill start to series

Good start will now read next book in series to carry on with stories. Hope it be as good as the Kings of fate.