What do you think?
Rate this book
Catalyst #1
Tribute at the Gates
Cursed from birth. Forced into slavery. It's time to fight back.
The blood of the Ancients is the most coveted ingredient in all of Damaris. The fabled elixir made from it grants those who drink it life that extends far beyond natural means. There is no higher honor in the kingdom then being granted the privilege of bidding for it. And the people found with the cursed blood? By law, they are the rightful property of the kingdom. They are tributes.As a boy, Ryl was sold by his family when he was discovered to have the coveted blood flowing through his veins. Broken, scared, and confused, he’s confined to an area known as the Stocks until he is ready for harvesting. Ryl stumbles through a doomed life until the appearance of a mysterious stranger who exposes a buried version of the past that changes everything. That his blood may not be a curse, but a blessing. The fates of all the tributes hang in the balance.
Experience the start of an debut Epic Fantasy Series filled with unexpected heroes, dark magic, and non-stop adventure. Suitable for all ages, it's perfect for fans of D.K. Holmberg, Will Wight, and K.F. Breene.
The blood of the Ancients is the most coveted ingredient in all of Damaris. The fabled elixir made from it grants those who drink it life that extends far beyond natural means. There is no higher honor in the kingdom then being granted the privilege of bidding for it. And the people found with the cursed blood? By law, they are the rightful property of the kingdom. They are tributes.As a boy, Ryl was sold by his family when he was discovered to have the coveted blood flowing through his veins. Broken, scared, and confused, he’s confined to an area known as the Stocks until he is ready for harvesting. Ryl stumbles through a doomed life until the appearance of a mysterious stranger who exposes a buried version of the past that changes everything. That his blood may not be a curse, but a blessing. The fates of all the tributes hang in the balance.
Experience the start of an debut Epic Fantasy Series filled with unexpected heroes, dark magic, and non-stop adventure. Suitable for all ages, it's perfect for fans of D.K. Holmberg, Will Wight, and K.F. Breene.
492 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2018
1102 people are currently reading
1259 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Aaron
10 books37 followers** Want to be the first to know about new releases and have access to free content? Sign up for the newsletter today!
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
Now on to the Bio:
CJ Aaron is a Fantasy Author who relocated from the four seasons of the Northeast to the nearly perpetual sauna of the third coast.
Holding a Communications degree from Susquehanna University, when he isn't writing fantasy, you can find him working on the road in an outside sales position. At home he shares his time with his wife, two children, dog, cats and an ever changing menagerie of rescue animals.
Raised on a steady diet of fantasy and science fiction, he is still an avid reader, lover of video games, movies and pretending to be a musician.
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
Now on to the Bio:
CJ Aaron is a Fantasy Author who relocated from the four seasons of the Northeast to the nearly perpetual sauna of the third coast.
Holding a Communications degree from Susquehanna University, when he isn't writing fantasy, you can find him working on the road in an outside sales position. At home he shares his time with his wife, two children, dog, cats and an ever changing menagerie of rescue animals.
Raised on a steady diet of fantasy and science fiction, he is still an avid reader, lover of video games, movies and pretending to be a musician.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 5, 2021
Good story concept, poor execution. Kindle unlimited warning, although this one is published by an actual small publisher, who seem to have delivered a good cover and competent (although not perfect) proof reading. I am less sure how good their editor was though, as I think this book could benefit from some serious editing. I also think it is naff when a publisher titles a book "an Epic Fantasy". Treat that as another warning.
Plusses: the story concept is somewhat unusual and potentially allows a powerful polemic. Children who are found to possess the blood of the ancients are sold by or taken from their parents and forced to grow up in "The Stocks", apart from others, until they are fully grown and old enough to be harvested for a magical elixir coveted by the ruling class. Ryl is one such tribute, approaching his harvest.
The concept is good but sadly the execution is not. There are a few problems:
1. It is a miserable read. There are pages and pages of mistreatment in the stocks, particularly from a sadistic and nasty guard who has a personal vendetta that really makes little sense within the story concept. The author clearly wanted a powerful antagonist, but this one just came of clumsily.
2. The prose was plodding and long winded. Narrative was also overwritten. There were pages and pages of description that were entirely unnecessary. Quick and sharp dialogue was all but non existent. I found myself skim reading, and even that seemed to take too long to get past it all. Here is where a professional editor should have made drastic edits throughout.
3. Characterisation was not well considered. The Tributes are all of one mind. The guards are irredeemably bad. There is no character development and it was just unconvincing.
4. The whole story logic needed a step back and a rethink. Did this need to be book 1 of a series? Maybe the whole of this book could just have been the first act of a single complete work.
I will say again, however, that the story concept had potential, and the writer's prose, although overwritten, is not without merit. I think this writer could write a story I would love to read - but this is not it. Sorry, I can't recommend it.
Plusses: the story concept is somewhat unusual and potentially allows a powerful polemic. Children who are found to possess the blood of the ancients are sold by or taken from their parents and forced to grow up in "The Stocks", apart from others, until they are fully grown and old enough to be harvested for a magical elixir coveted by the ruling class. Ryl is one such tribute, approaching his harvest.
The concept is good but sadly the execution is not. There are a few problems:
1. It is a miserable read. There are pages and pages of mistreatment in the stocks, particularly from a sadistic and nasty guard who has a personal vendetta that really makes little sense within the story concept. The author clearly wanted a powerful antagonist, but this one just came of clumsily.
2. The prose was plodding and long winded. Narrative was also overwritten. There were pages and pages of description that were entirely unnecessary. Quick and sharp dialogue was all but non existent. I found myself skim reading, and even that seemed to take too long to get past it all. Here is where a professional editor should have made drastic edits throughout.
3. Characterisation was not well considered. The Tributes are all of one mind. The guards are irredeemably bad. There is no character development and it was just unconvincing.
4. The whole story logic needed a step back and a rethink. Did this need to be book 1 of a series? Maybe the whole of this book could just have been the first act of a single complete work.
I will say again, however, that the story concept had potential, and the writer's prose, although overwritten, is not without merit. I think this writer could write a story I would love to read - but this is not it. Sorry, I can't recommend it.
December 28, 2018
A Tribute at the Gates was a solid, well-measured read that kept me interested enough to read until the end! Grammatically, it was quite good for an independently published book - there were a few places that could have benefited from another read-over, but it wasn't enough to pull me out of it.
I do feel that the pacing between about 10 and 30 percent of the way through the book could be improved, as there was a lengthy section of exposition that didn't seem to fit with the tone of the rest of the piece. This was a bit of a stumbling block for me in reading it, but I'm glad I pushed through. There were a few instances of inconsistency in how characters acted versus how they spoke which had me questioning, but not enough to make me want to stop altogether. I also questioned the Master's motivations, as he seemed to be willing to go to greater lengths than seemed reasonable over a grudge.
Overall, I'm glad I read this book, and I'll definitely be watching to see where it goes! The MC is relatable and sympathetic, and the author does an excellent job of building tension throughout the book. Given the book's ending, which both ties off the current arc while priming the reader for the next, I'll be reading on when book 2 hits the digital shelves!
I do feel that the pacing between about 10 and 30 percent of the way through the book could be improved, as there was a lengthy section of exposition that didn't seem to fit with the tone of the rest of the piece. This was a bit of a stumbling block for me in reading it, but I'm glad I pushed through. There were a few instances of inconsistency in how characters acted versus how they spoke which had me questioning, but not enough to make me want to stop altogether. I also questioned the Master's motivations, as he seemed to be willing to go to greater lengths than seemed reasonable over a grudge.
Overall, I'm glad I read this book, and I'll definitely be watching to see where it goes! The MC is relatable and sympathetic, and the author does an excellent job of building tension throughout the book. Given the book's ending, which both ties off the current arc while priming the reader for the next, I'll be reading on when book 2 hits the digital shelves!
March 14, 2019
I was very impressed with CJ Aaron’s first novel. The deeper and deeper you get into the story, the more and more you want to read. You feel a genuine connection to the main character, the plot is interesting, and the pacing of the action vs. story building is well done.
My only critiques would be that I’d like to see further character development of the villains, and there were some typos in the text (though the later is more a problem with the editor than it is with the story or the author).
Overall I thought the book was a really solid debut for Mr. Aaron. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series!
My only critiques would be that I’d like to see further character development of the villains, and there were some typos in the text (though the later is more a problem with the editor than it is with the story or the author).
Overall I thought the book was a really solid debut for Mr. Aaron. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series!
January 12, 2022
This one wasn’t for me. I can only read about so much abuse/torture. The story itself was good but I just didn’t enjoy it. All I felt was depressed reading this. My heart hurt for the characters. Especially the MC although I got really tired of literally EVERYTHING happening to him. One day I will try to read the next book in the series but it won’t be anytime soon.
April 9, 2021
As many other reviews already state, this book shows without a doubt how much "green" is the author. Many, many things that the author wanted to communicate utterly failed at the end, and the book is filled with inconsistencies that only had the purpose to make the story progress. An example:
What I can't really stand tho is the protagonist itself, he is a completely passive character that never ever analyzes the situation and develops possible plans in advance. He is being told that he is the child of prophecies, the savior of his "race", and from that point onward he simply goes with the flow of the events and reacts to whatever is thrown at him on the spot, usually this means to do nothing let the others do whatever they want to. It's as if the book itself constantly tells us "no problem, he is the guy from the prophecy, he will get there anyway". I don't like the concept of prophecies, they have become overused and very "old" as a plot device, but that is not what bothers me. I just would have liked for the guy to have a different type of mindset, such as "ok, maybe I'm the guy from the prophecy, maybe not, it doesn't matter, it changes nothing for me, I'll still act as best as I can to accomplish my goals. If this will accomplish the prophecy then it's even better"
What I can't really stand tho is the protagonist itself, he is a completely passive character that never ever analyzes the situation and develops possible plans in advance. He is being told that he is the child of prophecies, the savior of his "race", and from that point onward he simply goes with the flow of the events and reacts to whatever is thrown at him on the spot, usually this means to do nothing let the others do whatever they want to. It's as if the book itself constantly tells us "no problem, he is the guy from the prophecy, he will get there anyway". I don't like the concept of prophecies, they have become overused and very "old" as a plot device, but that is not what bothers me. I just would have liked for the guy to have a different type of mindset, such as "ok, maybe I'm the guy from the prophecy, maybe not, it doesn't matter, it changes nothing for me, I'll still act as best as I can to accomplish my goals. If this will accomplish the prophecy then it's even better"
April 3, 2021
Depressing stuff. I don’t think I’ve read a book where the main character gets the crap beaten out of him quite so frequently before. The whole book is him trudging morosely from one thrashing to another, sometimes stopping to get a good hiding on the way. The only times he isn’t getting the daylights knocked out of him are when he’s recovering from near-death, and someone usually gets a punch or two in while that’s happening, as well. The writing’s pretty good and the world is interesting, but I just can’t stand another pummelling I’m afraid.
December 15, 2020
I DNF around 35% and had to force myself to even make it that far. Another user mentioned the fact that the author was over descriptive and i couldn't agree more! You don't need three pages to describe a forest for goodness sakes!
There were times i had to skip ahead and the author was STILL describing the same thing!!
i don't know where the high rating are coming from but i was expecting a better book.
There were times i had to skip ahead and the author was STILL describing the same thing!!
i don't know where the high rating are coming from but i was expecting a better book.
September 24, 2020
Couldn't take it any more
Just couldn't get into the story. The storyline itself was ok, but the writing style is what got to me. Overly descriptive is an understatement. I found myself skipping pages to move the story along only to find out the story was still on the same subject. I am sure some people will enjoy this book. It just irritated me.
Just couldn't get into the story. The storyline itself was ok, but the writing style is what got to me. Overly descriptive is an understatement. I found myself skipping pages to move the story along only to find out the story was still on the same subject. I am sure some people will enjoy this book. It just irritated me.
September 19, 2020
The Catalyst comes!!!!
This was a book I was asked to give a look see. To tell the truth when I started I wasn't t sure if I would like it just from the sneak peek I read. But page after page I got the feeling this was reminder that you can't always go by the sneak peek. The Catalyst is a story about ppl being caged for the blood in other veins an rice buy them so they live longer lives. They have no names an r branded till they hit there time to leave the small in closer. No one knows what happens when they leave. But one young man stands out from them all an fights in his own way to keep them safe form the master. When it's time for him to go there are forces of the outside world that will help go free. He is the Catalyst because what runs in his veins is different. I won't give to much away it will spoil your fun in reading this series. Aaron has a great story to give an a journey for the taken with Ryl while he learns who he is an how to use the power that has been given to him by the woods an others. How he helps his friends that he had to leave behind. Aaron hit his mark on this series. Outstanding writing an read.
This was a book I was asked to give a look see. To tell the truth when I started I wasn't t sure if I would like it just from the sneak peek I read. But page after page I got the feeling this was reminder that you can't always go by the sneak peek. The Catalyst is a story about ppl being caged for the blood in other veins an rice buy them so they live longer lives. They have no names an r branded till they hit there time to leave the small in closer. No one knows what happens when they leave. But one young man stands out from them all an fights in his own way to keep them safe form the master. When it's time for him to go there are forces of the outside world that will help go free. He is the Catalyst because what runs in his veins is different. I won't give to much away it will spoil your fun in reading this series. Aaron has a great story to give an a journey for the taken with Ryl while he learns who he is an how to use the power that has been given to him by the woods an others. How he helps his friends that he had to leave behind. Aaron hit his mark on this series. Outstanding writing an read.
October 13, 2020
This is a case of an idea surpassing the writing.
The idea behind this book does not coalesce into a workable plot. The mentor showing up, unlocking powers and disappearing is ludicrous. It directly leads to the main character almost dying repeatedly. And by all accounts this guy just had to pay low for a few months. The master of the stock's hate is unjustified by any story, and it crosses into treason at several points. I just never believed what was going on, the entire plot is extremely forced.
The idea behind this book does not coalesce into a workable plot. The mentor showing up, unlocking powers and disappearing is ludicrous. It directly leads to the main character almost dying repeatedly. And by all accounts this guy just had to pay low for a few months. The master of the stock's hate is unjustified by any story, and it crosses into treason at several points. I just never believed what was going on, the entire plot is extremely forced.
October 2, 2020
3.5 stars
I like the story, I like the world, and I like the concept. My issue was that the book just dragged. It was soooo slow. Also, the bad guys (the soldiers, masters, etc) all acted like the stereotypical villain. Whereas the tributes all joined together in solidarity. It got a little annoying towards the end, but by that time, there were soldiers who were sympathetic to the tributes. I’m interested in what happens next.
I like the story, I like the world, and I like the concept. My issue was that the book just dragged. It was soooo slow. Also, the bad guys (the soldiers, masters, etc) all acted like the stereotypical villain. Whereas the tributes all joined together in solidarity. It got a little annoying towards the end, but by that time, there were soldiers who were sympathetic to the tributes. I’m interested in what happens next.
Read
October 3, 2024Overall I liked this book. The main character was relatable and you really wanted to root for them and the other tributes. The world is interesting and the more you find out about the tributes and what makes them special is a really cool idea. However the pacing of the book was a struggle for me. Some parts just really dragged on a little too long. Overall I enjoyed it. Narration was well done.
July 31, 2020
Excellent!
A rather dark but very readable, rollercoaster of a book. Possibly one of the best I’ve read, this promises to be one of the best of it’s genre.
A rather dark but very readable, rollercoaster of a book. Possibly one of the best I’ve read, this promises to be one of the best of it’s genre.
January 11, 2021
Gave up at 45%. Interesting idea badly executed.
November 20, 2021
Wow! Just Wow! This book is simply splendid. Let me begin this review by stating that, having read many of the one and two stars reviews, I completely understand where people are coming from. This book started off very depressingly. At least 30-40% of this book paints a vividly depressing picture. In fact I myself was getting ready to stop reading, simply because the book was so disheartening and sad. However, for some reason I found myself unable to put the book down for any serious length of time. This book is just so well written, that even when I wanted to stop reading I simply couldn't. And I can't tell you how glad I am that I kept reading! It was at about the 50% mark where this book truly opens up and reveals the amazing potential the story has. It was also at this point when I realized that the previous depressingly detailed part of the book actually served an important purpose. It made me well and truly bond with the characters and care about their plight. And bond I did. This book is written so well, that I felt seriously connected the main character in a way I haven't in a very long time. I ended up staying awake till nearly 2 Am simply so I could finish the book. I just couldn't put it down. If it wasn't clear to you by now, I think this book is amazing, and I cannot recommend it to others enough. My advice to any potential reader is, stick with the book no matter how much you may fell like the book is simply too sad to continue reading. Because believe you me, you absolutely not regret it.
September 14, 2020
Sold by his family, transported by cage
Every eight year old gets tested for blood of the ancients. It is not hereditary, it almost seems random. Families that have children with this blood can run. They will eventually get caught and slaughtered in front on their child. Or the family can sell the child and be set for life. Ryl is found to have the blood and is sold by his family.
All children that are found to have the blood are sent to the Stocks were they live out their lives until their harvest time. The harvest time is determined by the amount of Ancient’s blood they have. This way the rich family that bought the child can get the most of elixir from the child. It helps these families live long lives and get power.
They are called tributes. The 200+ guards are there to supposedly guard against outside threats as well as quash any rebels internally. But realistically, they are a sadistic bunch that are being punished for conduct in the regular army. They treat the children poorly and abuse them.
One day as Ryl is working he stumbles into the forest and finds the forest changing. He runs into a man he explains more about his blood and what he must do. He must inspire others since he will not leave except through the front door on his harvest day. That doesn’t sound like much to him (or the reader), but it turns out to be quite the adventure.
Every eight year old gets tested for blood of the ancients. It is not hereditary, it almost seems random. Families that have children with this blood can run. They will eventually get caught and slaughtered in front on their child. Or the family can sell the child and be set for life. Ryl is found to have the blood and is sold by his family.
All children that are found to have the blood are sent to the Stocks were they live out their lives until their harvest time. The harvest time is determined by the amount of Ancient’s blood they have. This way the rich family that bought the child can get the most of elixir from the child. It helps these families live long lives and get power.
They are called tributes. The 200+ guards are there to supposedly guard against outside threats as well as quash any rebels internally. But realistically, they are a sadistic bunch that are being punished for conduct in the regular army. They treat the children poorly and abuse them.
One day as Ryl is working he stumbles into the forest and finds the forest changing. He runs into a man he explains more about his blood and what he must do. He must inspire others since he will not leave except through the front door on his harvest day. That doesn’t sound like much to him (or the reader), but it turns out to be quite the adventure.
August 23, 2020
It may not be apparent at first glance, but this book is about slavery... It's not about the color of someone's skin either, it's weirder than that. A group segregated by blood type... and it's something that doesn't breed true! But once puberty hits every child is tested and if they have it they become property of the state, branded and sold to the highest bidder! There are no exceptions, no matter how powerful your family... your only life from then on is one of subjugation! Ryl is one of those children! And this is his story! What's different is that maybe, just maybe, he's the catalyst needed to start a chain reaction that takes down the system!
I immediately fell in love with Ryl... though I did feel kinda' like the pacing was a bit off, but by the half way mark the story actually started rolling along, with a lot less world building (info) and a lot more storytelling and action! I was actually surprised to find that this was CJ Aaron's debut novel... so I immediately forgave the author for the stumble and uneven pacing at the beginning!
Travis Baldree once again gave us a fantastic performance, and is one reason why Ryl felt so real... Grab this book... and get ready for the next incredible book by CJ Aaron!
I immediately fell in love with Ryl... though I did feel kinda' like the pacing was a bit off, but by the half way mark the story actually started rolling along, with a lot less world building (info) and a lot more storytelling and action! I was actually surprised to find that this was CJ Aaron's debut novel... so I immediately forgave the author for the stumble and uneven pacing at the beginning!
Travis Baldree once again gave us a fantastic performance, and is one reason why Ryl felt so real... Grab this book... and get ready for the next incredible book by CJ Aaron!
July 14, 2020
An Unusual Read
In this story people born with "special blood" are condemned to a life of slavery, cruelty and abuse..at least until they are "harvested " for their blood. Farmed like cattle, children are torn away or betrayed by their parents only to be sold to the highest bidder who will eventually have the privilege of using that blood to extend their lifespan. Ryl is one of these people. Sold by his parents for this purpose, his life is one of constant misery and torment with no hope until he meets a strange figure in the forest and he discovers the true purpose and powers pecial blood grants him.
The plot is uncomplicated and, although a little slow in places, it is the curiosity of what is going to happen with this unusual storyline that holds the reader. The author also does a good job of garnering sympathy for the tributes (whose with special blood) and a sense of unfairness at what they forced to endure.
A decent start to a new series. Does not end in a cliffhanger but the story is incomplete.
In this story people born with "special blood" are condemned to a life of slavery, cruelty and abuse..at least until they are "harvested " for their blood. Farmed like cattle, children are torn away or betrayed by their parents only to be sold to the highest bidder who will eventually have the privilege of using that blood to extend their lifespan. Ryl is one of these people. Sold by his parents for this purpose, his life is one of constant misery and torment with no hope until he meets a strange figure in the forest and he discovers the true purpose and powers pecial blood grants him.
The plot is uncomplicated and, although a little slow in places, it is the curiosity of what is going to happen with this unusual storyline that holds the reader. The author also does a good job of garnering sympathy for the tributes (whose with special blood) and a sense of unfairness at what they forced to endure.
A decent start to a new series. Does not end in a cliffhanger but the story is incomplete.
January 16, 2023
I am coming back after reading several books in this series and not enjoying them. I strongly recommend against reading this series. The only positive thing I have to say is this book is mostly grammatically correct.
Other than that, I pushed through, hoping the series would get better and it does not. This author struggles with pacing. He also basically just copy and pastes chapters in the later books. He will have the character go through this chapter long revelation about Hope or protecting innocents, that means NOTHING, then have the character go through the exact same revelation again a couple chapters later. He is incapable of writing believable characters. His books are 90% filler and only get worse throughout the series. Ever heard of plot arcs? This guy neither. It’s absolute chaos after book 1. Save yourself the time, try a different series.
Other than that, I pushed through, hoping the series would get better and it does not. This author struggles with pacing. He also basically just copy and pastes chapters in the later books. He will have the character go through this chapter long revelation about Hope or protecting innocents, that means NOTHING, then have the character go through the exact same revelation again a couple chapters later. He is incapable of writing believable characters. His books are 90% filler and only get worse throughout the series. Ever heard of plot arcs? This guy neither. It’s absolute chaos after book 1. Save yourself the time, try a different series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2021
Interesting and Rare Perspective
This book is a slow starter, but just hang in there. Eventually it finishes painting just how bleak and difficult life is for Tributes, as it needs to cement that in before it moves on with the plot. Once that ball starts rolling, you’ll enjoy the slower pace and focused character development. It really promotes your investment, and so will mean much more when we come back to these folks. I enjoyed the slow progression myself, having an MC that wants to succeed, but being self-taught, simply doesn’t always know how to move forward. The book has some fascinating world-building in it also. In the end it was a story that made me think, and makes me look forward to the next book. Recommended (16+)
This book is a slow starter, but just hang in there. Eventually it finishes painting just how bleak and difficult life is for Tributes, as it needs to cement that in before it moves on with the plot. Once that ball starts rolling, you’ll enjoy the slower pace and focused character development. It really promotes your investment, and so will mean much more when we come back to these folks. I enjoyed the slow progression myself, having an MC that wants to succeed, but being self-taught, simply doesn’t always know how to move forward. The book has some fascinating world-building in it also. In the end it was a story that made me think, and makes me look forward to the next book. Recommended (16+)
March 8, 2021
This one is something else
The story is good, but the characters are a mixed bag. The bad guys are sadistic and the good guys are saints. The only normal person seems to be the MC. The main character is basically a mage in a world where they are anathema. It's an interesting concept, but the story begins to suffer when exposition comes out of nowhere. There is something about epic fantasy I love, but the worst is the concept of a prophecy. It gives our MC a roadmap and purpose, but wraps everything up in the messiah problem. Give this one a go, despite its flaws, this is a diamond in the ruff.
The story is good, but the characters are a mixed bag. The bad guys are sadistic and the good guys are saints. The only normal person seems to be the MC. The main character is basically a mage in a world where they are anathema. It's an interesting concept, but the story begins to suffer when exposition comes out of nowhere. There is something about epic fantasy I love, but the worst is the concept of a prophecy. It gives our MC a roadmap and purpose, but wraps everything up in the messiah problem. Give this one a go, despite its flaws, this is a diamond in the ruff.
July 17, 2020
A slow start in a terrible part of town
There is a heavy theme of slavery and stolen innocence in this first slow building book and yet it still manages a few even worse slaps to the face throughout with the odd dusting of family, hope and love. But in a story of a guy coming out of the slums to raze the world, he’s still very much up to his neck in it until the final chapters, here’s hoping there’s more light in the tunnel in book 2. An interesting read though that really pulled me into Ryl’s world and predicament with a fantastic narration from Travis Baldree.
There is a heavy theme of slavery and stolen innocence in this first slow building book and yet it still manages a few even worse slaps to the face throughout with the odd dusting of family, hope and love. But in a story of a guy coming out of the slums to raze the world, he’s still very much up to his neck in it until the final chapters, here’s hoping there’s more light in the tunnel in book 2. An interesting read though that really pulled me into Ryl’s world and predicament with a fantastic narration from Travis Baldree.
January 21, 2021
Good read
The book was a good read; but, it was a little slow. The book gives a vague description or background for a few characters, including the MC. I walked away not really knowing much about anything or anyone in the story. Too many mysteries left at the end of the book and no answers. It was enough to make me interested in the next book though, just not excited only interested. If your between series give it a read. Hopefully we learn more in the next book. At the reading of this book there are 4 books total in the series. The 5th is up for pre-order.
The book was a good read; but, it was a little slow. The book gives a vague description or background for a few characters, including the MC. I walked away not really knowing much about anything or anyone in the story. Too many mysteries left at the end of the book and no answers. It was enough to make me interested in the next book though, just not excited only interested. If your between series give it a read. Hopefully we learn more in the next book. At the reading of this book there are 4 books total in the series. The 5th is up for pre-order.
January 23, 2021
I so hope the kid comes back and butchers his parents. I would. Tho the author tries to make you feel sympathy for the kids and at first it was a success. However after I seen how the kids act I lost all sympathy for them and just laugh at them as they get what they deserved. They have no back bone they don't fight back and just do what they are told even tho they know they are going to get butchered. So why would they act like that they have nothing to lose. So there is no point in feeling sympathy for them as they brought it on themselves.
July 25, 2020
Great story!
I don't often leave reviews, but this story got me good. The start was a little confusing as it went back and forth, but I stuck with it and I'm glad I did! The plot was well laid out and progressed well. I like the detail used and the descriptive language surrounding the various scenes. Way to go, CJ! I can hardly wait for the follow-up stories (which I have preordered). Thank you for a great story and I wish you well! Bill.
I don't often leave reviews, but this story got me good. The start was a little confusing as it went back and forth, but I stuck with it and I'm glad I did! The plot was well laid out and progressed well. I like the detail used and the descriptive language surrounding the various scenes. Way to go, CJ! I can hardly wait for the follow-up stories (which I have preordered). Thank you for a great story and I wish you well! Bill.
January 17, 2021
To be locked up and kept prisoners, just for an abnormally in your blood. Your loathed for your natural birth right, but those in the highest society covet what your blood can give them, longer life and wealth.
Like all good fantasy sagas, it keeps you feeling totally for the young hero, with a situations that he hasn't caused, but still, he is the one having to come up with a solution.
I am going to continue this intriguing journey, thanks to KU, and see where it all ends.
Like all good fantasy sagas, it keeps you feeling totally for the young hero, with a situations that he hasn't caused, but still, he is the one having to come up with a solution.
I am going to continue this intriguing journey, thanks to KU, and see where it all ends.
December 13, 2021
Long winded and depressing at 70% read, but interesting enough for me to continue. Largely because it has to be a really bad book for me to not finish.
That said, one can see where CJ Aaron got most of his ideas from. The "Phrenics" appear to be a mix of Jedi and the Druids from Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid series.
The "Leaves" are fairly original though - I like those.
Will update when done.
That said, one can see where CJ Aaron got most of his ideas from. The "Phrenics" appear to be a mix of Jedi and the Druids from Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid series.
The "Leaves" are fairly original though - I like those.
Will update when done.
August 6, 2020
I found this interesting but very slow. I honestly found my self skimming to more interesting sections. The first 60-70% is rather depressing. I can't help but feel that the first 70% could have been compressed into the first 30%. I did enjoy the end. This is one of those series' where the first book is mostly a set up piece for the real action.
September 5, 2020
Enjoyed this book. Ready to see what happens next.
It's become difficult lately to surprise me with a new story. Well, not NEW, but definitely a new flavor. Knocking out a good read in a day tells me that it kept my interest. Looking for the next book, I liked it. Some very minor editing stuff, but it did not detract from the flow. Moving on to Book two.
It's become difficult lately to surprise me with a new story. Well, not NEW, but definitely a new flavor. Knocking out a good read in a day tells me that it kept my interest. Looking for the next book, I liked it. Some very minor editing stuff, but it did not detract from the flow. Moving on to Book two.
September 24, 2020
I tend to only give five stars to books I find hard to put down. This book was one of them. Every time I had to stop reading, I put it down with reluctance and wanted to start again ASAP. Just finished it and will immediately start on the second and then the third books. The hard part will be finding other things to read until the fourth book comes out in December.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews