A vast barbarian horde is on the march. One hardened captain and his elite commandos are the only hope of salvation…
The lone survivor of a brutal massacre, Captain Aravon fights to honor and avenge those who died under his command. Burning for vengeance, he leaps at the chance to spearhead a specially-trained company and pay back his tragic defeat with blood.
But enemy forces lurk in every shadow, outnumbering his soldiers thousands-to-one and threatening to turn Aravon’s mission into his final downfall.
One soldier must stand against impossible odds and turn the tide of battles doomed to defeat. If he fails or falters, the barbarous invaders will drown his realm in fire, ashes, and death.
I am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
This is a well-planned and well executed series. I think Andy is best known for dark fantasy, but I wouldn’t categorise this series like that at all, or certainly not grimdark anyway. It reads like a tribute to warriors and soldiers from all eras and places. This one happens to be a Romans v Barbarians setting, but Andy explains he researched modern army roles for this series. So there are heroes here. And there is a found family and bonds between people from different backgrounds and this is at the heart of the series. And there is even a cute, flying, scene stealing, furry mammal of some kind. So, no, not grimdark.
The worldbuilding is top notch – I’m pretty sure the setting links to Andy’s other series and it just feels like a real world because there is a complexity to the people and places, in this case the ‘barbarian’ continent of Fehl, fought over by the ‘civilised’ armies of the Princelanders and the scary, giant Eirdkillers. There is little magic in this series which will not to be to everyone’s tastes. Even the ‘magic user’ character is actually a sort of scientist/botanist who manages to find exploding plants on his travels. But I really liked this. No one is super powered; magic isn’t available for plot armour. The military angle is really allowed to shine because of this.
Overall, I highly recommend to those looking to immerse themselves in an action heavy epic fantasy series that is high on grunting shield walls and axes removing heads from bodies while low on magic and kissing.
Wonderful series with amazing characters and even better story! Excellent! Wonderful series with amazing characters and even better story!
Shields in Shadow - Love it! Hard hitting action from the start and a fabulous array of interesting characters. The creation of a ‘Special’ unit to prevent the destruction of the Legion at the hands of the Eirdkilrs. It takes place in the same world as the Hero of Darkness & Heirs of Destiny series. This one is hard to put down! Can’t wait to continue the series.
Battle for Peace - Absolutely Fabulous! This one kept me up way to late! Non-stop action, mystery, politics, and genuine characters that you really care about. Somehow, no matter how impossible the task, Aravon’s squad finds a way to accomplish their mission. I can’t wait to see the Grim Reavers continue to pursue the Duke’s dream. Bring on book 3!
Ragged Heroes - Wonderful! The story of how Endyn, Duvain, Captain Lingram, and the rest of the Deadheads, who became so important in the later Silent Champions books, ended up on the road pursued by thousands of Eirdkilrs. A well told story that really shows the authors understanding of why soldiers fight.
This was my first foray into Andy Peloquin’s writing and I was throughly entertained. This was a very fun read, moved quickly and had a lot of action but also some good character development. This is not on the level of a Jordan or a Martin but I don’t think it tries to be. It puts itself out there as a read to engross you in the world of Icespire and Felhan and take you away from your present day into a world of fantasy. I enjoyed the development you get to see of Avaron and his Grim Reapers. Each one brings a unique story and history to the group and in this first installment you get a taste of each one. It definitely sets up the next books to lead you deeper into the story that the author writes and to the characters that you get to know. It is a solid 4 star for me. It doesn’t have enough to reach the fifth star but I don’t think that it distracts from your enjoyment as a result. I would definitely recommend this for fantasy readers. It’s a quick read and moves though the 2.5 books rather well. I will definitely be looking out for the next 2.5 books and see how this adventure ends.
To be honest, at first I was kind of disappointed with the lack of Fantasy. The only Fantasy was was a flying fox, and glowing blue healing stones, and it seem to be just like the Pics and Romans fighting in history. But that being said he is a great story teller, and it is an exciting read, and in fact what prompted me to make it 5 Stars instead of 4, was the last book 2.5... So yes I will recommend this for anyone looking for an exciting story to read, and in I am going to the rest of the books.
This is the story of the beginnings of the Grim Reapers and the Deadhead platoon. Not for the faint hearted. Mr. Peloquin discibes in great, gory detail how very horrible big sword battles can be. This book series ties up some details that were lacking, obviously, in latter books. It was my pleasure to catch up on the details.
Overall, good writing, interesting characters, good story
Looking forward to seeing the rest of the story. I like the unlikely heroes of the story, and look forward to hearing more about them. Some of the battles are becoming repetitious, but there are only so many ways to kill someone on a shield wall, with sword, spear, or arrow.
This book was different from my normal kind of reads but after the first chapter I couldn't put it down. Peloquin's ability to introduce readers to the personage of the story is captivating. I was completely taken into the drama and adventure, like I was right there beside them. Just when I thought I had the story figured out he would add a twist!
Very interesting story. Much action and energy, as well as emotion. The book moves along nicely with no open items to distract the reader. Looking forward to consuming the rest of the story
All the guts glory and gore you could hope for with good characters who are more than just sword wielding charicatures. Full of improbable scenarios and escapes and victory in the face of hopless odds. Great rousing read.
It was pretty good to explain what happened behind the lines of book one and to bring one of the bad guys and a very important player into the next series of books plenty of very likable characters for everyone to enjoy
I got this box set free. There's a lot of great reading that didn't cost a penny. Plenty of action. I liked it so much I didn't hesitate in buying the next box set. I usually don't buy ebooks for more than a fiver but this author's work is well worth it.
I noticed I was remiss at giving this boxed set some attention, so I spent the last couple of days re reading this collection of brilliance! Reading these the first time, I immediately made the decision to obtain the paperbacks for my grandson, who also found these tales right up his alley. I’ve attached my original reviews just to give you an idea of what to expect! A must read for all military fantasy lovers in one convenient boxed set of gold! All my reviews are always voluntarily written. Shields in Shadow- Abiarazi....what a great tie in! Made me so happy that I knew that! I know, it’s an odd way to start a review, but it’s just one small thing of many that add up to the greatness of this read. First, these battle scenes, I felt right there watching the sheer determination of these characters. I also cheered when the commander got punched! Not a fan of battle books? Read this one and it should change your mind! I plot out my books on a calendar to ensure I finish any that have time deadlines and this book jumped out of line. Yes folks, this is truly a “ stay up to finish” tome. Battle For Peace- Book two of this epic series left me weak and exhausted! The emotions that dripped from these pages were relentless with extreme highs and the lowest of lows. The brilliant attention to detail this author takes during heavy battles immerses you completely. The camaraderie exhibited by these characters depict the spirit of true warriors. The blood queen is the epitome of evil. Battle books have never been my go to read...until this author opened my eyes. Ragged Heroes- Reaper of the flame Vivid imagery captivated me in spite of the macabre picture that it represented. A cold and brutal scene, delivered to keep me wondering what would be the fate of the child. 4.7 2)Blood and Stone A tale of shattered purpose, this author managed to give life to unmoving stone. Is there more? 4.5 3) another chosen one I just gotta say, the princess’s boyfriend....sure didn’t see that coming ! The dark side of magic is illustrated in this short, and it is quite a sobering tale! 4.8 4) The Skincutters Daughter The secrets of the past always manage to catch up. 4.5 5) The Thorn Witch A tale of dark, blood magic and things not always as they seem. Being a hero doesn’t always mean being good. 4 6) A Tale of Two Thieves Another darker tale that read well. 4 7)whips, toothpicks, and doorstoppers Ah, some humor and more mature reading that refreshed my interest. 4.5 8) heart of a shadow child This author is a genius! The ability for me as the reader to feel this child and it’s innocence in spite of the harshness and darkness. Wow! 5 9) broken honor A quick look at who to trust among wolves. 4 10) the wolfs law Strange title for the characters that are in this but not really the star of this collection. 3.5 11)falling ashes This tale had me constantly wondering if these characters could get any thicker in the head. 3.5 12) curse the dead This one moved really great with a MC that felt complete. 4 13) warmarked A journey right into battle, the action is definitely there for these characters. A slice from fatemarked. 4 14) death bane Gruesome and dark, the dead and necromancy takes the spotlight here, but a bit of something I can’t put my finger on is missing. 3.7 15) redemption day This tale grabbed me thoroughly giving me that great feeling that redemption should give you. 4.5 16) ragged heroes This author truly has a way of expressing comraderie among the harshest of trials and places the reader right beside these characters. They just feel so alive and real. 5 17) the wizard of bastion A young disabled wizard being neglected by the council, djinns, and dragons, so many elements in a quick short. 3.7 18) the last ashosi A strong female having to fight monsters. Action made this read quick. 4
SHIELDS IN SHADOW: Fans of the Darkblade series won't be disappointed with this prequel series. Peloquin is the absolute king of fight scenes, and as nearly the whole book takes place either on the battlefield or on the way to a battlefield, there's enough gripping action to satisfy the most bloodthirsty.
One of the things I appreciate about this author is that even while writing the most thrilling battle scenes, he never descends into mere splattergore. There is a fine line here, and Peloquin treads it with the grace of a master, detailing the most horrendous scenes of carnage without ever wallowing in the gruesome for its own sake.
Those who appreciate Peloquin's work more for the characters than for the fighting won't be sorry to pick up this book either. An engaging protagonist, a good cast of supporting characters and above all the adorable Enfield give the story plenty of human interest.
BATTLE FOR PEACE: I'm not a great reader of military fantasy, so can't really comment on the authenticity of the battle scenes and tactical matters, but to this unschooled reader it all had the ring of truth. Certainly one could hear the screams, taste the blood, feel the dragging mud... as well as some truly awesome battles, we see the further development of the little band of brothers and get a little subtle schooling about parenting. The best fiction always has some normative or moral aspect, and Peloquin gets this right every time, one never feels one is being preached at in the slightest, but the work has one foot firmly in the moral domain. A thundering good read, the interplay between Noll and Skathi and Belthar, and the touchingly close relationship between Aravon and his Enfield softening the edge of all the fighting enough to humanise it.
RAGGED HEROES: Another gut-churningly exciting episode in the lives of the quiet achievers, here we see the beginnings of brothers Duvain and Endyn. It's a lovely story, with the trademark Peloquin sureness of touch with the characters. The dialogue could have come from any military barracks.
There's plenty of action, too - although the book starts quietly and is chiefly about the integration of Duvain and Endyn into their new company, the finale more than makes up for any slowness in the early chapters. Peloquin excels at getting his characters into an impossible situation, and then getting them out without straining credulity. I enjoyed this book more than I can say.
This breath taking first book in the series The Silent Champions is what I envisage becoming a fantasy epic saga full of great battle scenes enacted between the Eirdkilrs and our masked, hence faceless and voiceless, champions of Icespire. The select group consisting of Aravon, previously a commander in the legionnaires whose guilty conscience gives him hell all the time, Colborn a half Falhan lieutenant, Belthar a giant warrior, Skathi the only female previously of the Agrotorae and a real menace with her bow and arrow, Noll the scout, also a legionnaire, Draian a healer, Zaharis a priest known as a secret keeper from the temple of whispers and of course Snarl the little enfield who was to serve as messenger. This team answered only to Prince Toran and Duke Dryund and were to be the protectors of their lands which were being overrun by the Eirdklrs and now also by the Blodhundr whose Chieftain Hrolf Hrungnir was fearsome and had no qualms about killing all half-men including their women and children in the most brutal of ways. Our cast of heroes are courageous to a fault and watch each other's backs looking out for their people against all odds. A violent book but a very heroic one, gripping from start to finish and with an ending which leaves us yearning for book 2 and now you are lucky that you can read the whole series through at one go.
Received as an arc. An Epic military fantasy. From the moment you start to read the first book its's all-out action. Nail-biting tense. Throughout these books the stakes get higher, the missions more dangerous, the small group of Silent champions need to rely on one another to and their own skills to keep them alive. So much goes on in these books. It shows tactical planning has been researched by the author as there are many times our character needs to use this planning. A strong group of characters that respect each other and their captain. They know what needs to be done and they get on with it no matter how dangerous it is. So gripping, so much action, blood aplenty, weapons blurring, secrets held, lives lost, kept me awake just to finish it. One of my new favorite series. .
I have read **every ** series this author has written and have yet to be disappointed with anything he offered. This series is an outstanding example of his skill in world - building, characterization, and story - telling. He is indeed a master of story - telling and I look forward to many more of his stories. I hope you enjoy his stories as much as I did and do as I read and re - read them. They're well worth it !!
This is the first boxset, full of swashbuckling adventures and it does not disappoint. Starts of with battles and finishes with one. I have to say I was engrossed all the way through. This author certainly knows how to write a good storyline. Highly recommended.