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Holtgart: Book One of the Harkentale Saga
Angus Redbeard was nobody until a fateful mistake made him one of the most famous dwarves in history. Now he has a year to prove himself worthy of his new title - and become a hero. Like ripples from a skipping stone on a still lake, Angus’ exploits reverberate, triggering dormant entities. Before long, fights become battles and battles become wars, and Angus finds himself defending people he never expected to know from long-latent threats roused by his own escapades. Follow Angus on his quest to find elves, outwit politicians, survive goblins, orcs, and trolls, and discover what he’s really made of. Holtgart begins the epic fantasy series The Harkentale Saga, a comedic romp forged from equal parts action and adventure, with a dash of world-saving, and a hearty side of diverse new friends.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 25, 2020
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Holtgart
It wasn’t Angus’ time to be a hero. When an accident kills a great foe and Angus is found responsible, the King declares that Angus must prove himself. He begins his journey, traveling the world to fulfill old treaties that have been left alone for years. He will encounter a range of people and attitudes in his quest to prove to himself and the world that he is a hero.
Angus is one of those characters that quickly wins the reader over. His antics are comical and heartwarming. He is willing to defend those around him regardless of who they are. And he never gives up, even when all hope seems lost. His humbleness does make him end up being in some precarious situations, but each one proves to further entertain the reader.
The world-building of Holtgart is phenomenal. Despite Angus meeting so many different races and cultures on his journey, never once did I feel like there was too much information, or that the story was bogged down. Instead, each new experience was brought to life by the way Angus interacted with everyone.
I also loved the small details that made Angus stand out as a dwarven character. Wherever Angus traveled, he made a point to look at the buildings and stone structures. Using his dwarven intuition he judged them by dwarven standards. But not in a condescending. His observations were more out of curiosity than anything else. He also never failed to take a swig of that good old dwarven brandy to start his day and make jokes about dwarves and their drinking habits.
Have you ever read a book that has you so entranced, when it ends you blink and stare at the last page stunned? That was me when I finished Holtgart. I couldn’t believe I had reached the end of the book because I wanted more!
It wasn’t Angus’ time to be a hero. When an accident kills a great foe and Angus is found responsible, the King declares that Angus must prove himself. He begins his journey, traveling the world to fulfill old treaties that have been left alone for years. He will encounter a range of people and attitudes in his quest to prove to himself and the world that he is a hero.
Angus is one of those characters that quickly wins the reader over. His antics are comical and heartwarming. He is willing to defend those around him regardless of who they are. And he never gives up, even when all hope seems lost. His humbleness does make him end up being in some precarious situations, but each one proves to further entertain the reader.
The world-building of Holtgart is phenomenal. Despite Angus meeting so many different races and cultures on his journey, never once did I feel like there was too much information, or that the story was bogged down. Instead, each new experience was brought to life by the way Angus interacted with everyone.
I also loved the small details that made Angus stand out as a dwarven character. Wherever Angus traveled, he made a point to look at the buildings and stone structures. Using his dwarven intuition he judged them by dwarven standards. But not in a condescending. His observations were more out of curiosity than anything else. He also never failed to take a swig of that good old dwarven brandy to start his day and make jokes about dwarves and their drinking habits.
Have you ever read a book that has you so entranced, when it ends you blink and stare at the last page stunned? That was me when I finished Holtgart. I couldn’t believe I had reached the end of the book because I wanted more!
February 9, 2020
Amazing!!!!
Read this digitally, now have to order a hard copy for my library! Can't wait for more tales of Angus.
Read this digitally, now have to order a hard copy for my library! Can't wait for more tales of Angus.
June 17, 2024
Jeremy James Smith writes a fantastical tale with Holtgart
In Holtgart, the reader is introduced to Angus, a virtual invisible nobody in his community of dwarves, whose fate takes a turn for the better, and gives him fame. Eventually, he keeps having to always prove his worth. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. Angus has to go through a lot of things, battles, wars, and defending people. What an incredible world built by Jeremy James Smith. Jeremy James Smith has a great imagination. Angus is a dwarf, but he is something special, even when he thought he was a nobody. Angus is determined and tenacious. This story is a timeless tale, fantasy. I hope to read more books by Jeremy James Smith. This is an epic story, and I hope there are more to come, as the volume says it's one of the Harkentale Saga. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. he reader just embarks on a fantastical journey. I like that there is serious parts of the story, such as war and survival, but it is also balanced with comedic actions and dialogue. What a great story to read! Who could ask for more when it's filled with magical/fantastical creatures and other interesting beings? Holtgart is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
In Holtgart, the reader is introduced to Angus, a virtual invisible nobody in his community of dwarves, whose fate takes a turn for the better, and gives him fame. Eventually, he keeps having to always prove his worth. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. Angus has to go through a lot of things, battles, wars, and defending people. What an incredible world built by Jeremy James Smith. Jeremy James Smith has a great imagination. Angus is a dwarf, but he is something special, even when he thought he was a nobody. Angus is determined and tenacious. This story is a timeless tale, fantasy. I hope to read more books by Jeremy James Smith. This is an epic story, and I hope there are more to come, as the volume says it's one of the Harkentale Saga. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. he reader just embarks on a fantastical journey. I like that there is serious parts of the story, such as war and survival, but it is also balanced with comedic actions and dialogue. What a great story to read! Who could ask for more when it's filled with magical/fantastical creatures and other interesting beings? Holtgart is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
July 27, 2024
Jeremy James Smith crafts an enchanting fantasy masterpiece that draws readers into the extraordinary journey of a unique dwarf, Angus. Angus, a humble yet endearing dwarven character, quickly wins over the reader's heart with his youthful eagerness and continuous struggle to prove his worth. His endearing qualities make him a character to root for as he faces the challenges of battle, wars, and defending others, which only strengthens his determination. The banter between characters adds a delightful touch to the narrative.
Holtgart presents an expertly woven world of a diverse tapestry of cultures and races, seamlessly intertwining them into the narrative without overwhelming the listener. The seamless integration of weighty themes such as war and survival with lighthearted moments creates an engaging listening experience that leaves the audience craving more of this story while eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Harkentale Saga.
The fabulous voice-acting rendition by Dustin Sipes vividly paints pictures in listeners' minds, while the narrator's perfect tone and pauses balance the characters’ accented dialogue. Each character's distinctive voice is perfectly executed, creating a flawless fantasy story experience that immerses the listener in Angus' journey as he meets every challenge. Holtgart is an epic journey no fan of fantasy should miss.
Holtgart presents an expertly woven world of a diverse tapestry of cultures and races, seamlessly intertwining them into the narrative without overwhelming the listener. The seamless integration of weighty themes such as war and survival with lighthearted moments creates an engaging listening experience that leaves the audience craving more of this story while eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Harkentale Saga.
The fabulous voice-acting rendition by Dustin Sipes vividly paints pictures in listeners' minds, while the narrator's perfect tone and pauses balance the characters’ accented dialogue. Each character's distinctive voice is perfectly executed, creating a flawless fantasy story experience that immerses the listener in Angus' journey as he meets every challenge. Holtgart is an epic journey no fan of fantasy should miss.
August 23, 2025
What am I to do? I just bought this from Mr. Smith at the Washington Renaissance Fair this past Saturday (Aug 16 2025). And I've finished already. I need my next fix already. Life isn't fair, get it, like the fair I bought this book from. Anywho, thank you sir for an enjoyably bit of a different take on a well saturated genre of literary fiction. I look forward to meeting you at the next fair and procuring the next book(s) as I can. If you read this review, is there a way to find out where you'll be in the future? I don't have a Facebook account as I don't currently have the ability to reasonably use said platform. Thank you again.
Danny
Danny
August 21, 2024
Interesting and relatable characters with a very strong beginning that keeps the pace through the book
August 21, 2025
GREAT! Enjoyed learning so much about this both the cultures & the characters, so creative & hooked to read what's coming next.
October 9, 2024
I bought Holtgart as my first paperback in a while on a friend's suggestion. I'm so glad I did. This up and coming author had me chuckling from page one. Angus Redbeard is an enduring character with a big heart, so rooting him on through his often accidental, self-imposed circumstances is easy to do. Subtle themes about leadership, social issues, and more peep out here and there among well-written sentences and unique characters. All in all, I love this book and I hope the series continues to impress like Holtgart did! Bravo Mr. Smith!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews