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The Splintered Land #1
Blade of Glass
Sorcerers are a blight. Knight Adept Geneve must end them.
A wizard rumored to hold the Tome of Lost Souls is on the run. This powerful grimoire can destroy Geneve's order in an instant. She must capture him–and the Tome.
Geneve finds truth on her path. Monsters brutalize the world, and her leaders are complicit. She runs from them into the blasted plaguelands. Geneve damns herself through her choice of companions: a Feybrind who keeps his own counsel, a renegade illusionist, and one of the vile Vhemin.
Her quest to uncover the Tome's secret remains. If she succeeds, she will let down those she serves. If she fails, not even the gods can stop the end of all things. Her armor has never felt so heavy.
Read this gripping dark fantasy adventure today!
A wizard rumored to hold the Tome of Lost Souls is on the run. This powerful grimoire can destroy Geneve's order in an instant. She must capture him–and the Tome.
Geneve finds truth on her path. Monsters brutalize the world, and her leaders are complicit. She runs from them into the blasted plaguelands. Geneve damns herself through her choice of companions: a Feybrind who keeps his own counsel, a renegade illusionist, and one of the vile Vhemin.
Her quest to uncover the Tome's secret remains. If she succeeds, she will let down those she serves. If she fails, not even the gods can stop the end of all things. Her armor has never felt so heavy.
Read this gripping dark fantasy adventure today!
538 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2020
25 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Richard Parry
47 books309 followersRichard Parry has worked as a senior marketing manager in one of the world’s top tech companies, but it wasn't all cocaine parties. His debut novel Night’s Favor and its sequel Night’s Fall have been shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel Award “Best Novel” category.
His ever-growing list of novels spans urban fantasy, cyberpunk, and space opera, featuring flawed heroes, sharp dialogue, and a healthy dose of action. His Night’s Champion trilogy follows an alcoholic-turned-werewolf saving the world, while Future Forfeit explores a neon-drenched cyberpunk future where hacking the system is just the start. Meanwhile, Ezeroc Wars throws readers into the deep end of an interstellar war against a swarm species that doesn’t take no for an answer. Across over 20 novels (and counting), Richard delivers stories packed with heart, explosions, and the occasional bad decision.
Richard lives in Wellington with the love of his life, Rae. They have cats, who chase birds. The birds, who have the power of flight, don’t seem to mind.
His ever-growing list of novels spans urban fantasy, cyberpunk, and space opera, featuring flawed heroes, sharp dialogue, and a healthy dose of action. His Night’s Champion trilogy follows an alcoholic-turned-werewolf saving the world, while Future Forfeit explores a neon-drenched cyberpunk future where hacking the system is just the start. Meanwhile, Ezeroc Wars throws readers into the deep end of an interstellar war against a swarm species that doesn’t take no for an answer. Across over 20 novels (and counting), Richard delivers stories packed with heart, explosions, and the occasional bad decision.
Richard lives in Wellington with the love of his life, Rae. They have cats, who chase birds. The birds, who have the power of flight, don’t seem to mind.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 31, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
If you enjoy reading fantasy adventure with magic, monsters and a strong female main character, then this series is definitely for you.
Geneve, Israel and Vertriline return in search of another sinner, only to find that nothing is what they thought and that the enemies may not be exactly who (or what) they thought either.
Richard Parry’s worldbuilding and plot are superb here, but what really stood out for me above everything else was his knack with characters. The dialogue exchanges are natural and witty, and you get a real sense for each individual character, their growth and the depth of the connections they forge as the story progresses. Even the horses have their own personalities and moments to shine – although not so much that they steal the show or disrupt the main plot.
In addition to the classic fantasy tropes of good vs. evil and racing to find ‘the thing’, Parry has mixed in some interesting moral dynamics about corruption and perfection, dark and light, and who decides who are the good guys and who are the bad guys.
I love the races of ‘others’ introduced here – the mysterious Feybrind and the monstrous Vhemin – and am desperate to know more about the whole world we see here. I’m thrilled that books two and three of the trilogy are already out now, but I think I need a prequel trilogy… and a Feybrind-based trilogy… and… you get the idea!
Honestly, having just put this book down, I can’t rave about it more. I was spellbound and kept reading it long past I should have done, when other duties were calling me away. This is top-class fantasy writing, and I am looking forward immensely to bringing you reviews of The Storm Within and Requiem’s Justice over the next couple of months. But don’t wait for me… go ahead and pick this series up now – you won’t regret it!
'Geneve tightened her grip. “I think—”
Whatever she thought was lost to the roar of a beast. She spun, dropping her hand from the man’s arm. In the alley behind her a black shadow hulked. Her mind tried to find a name for it, but came up empty. A bear? Whatever it was reared, pawing the air with malformed claws. She goggled for a moment, then drew her scattergun in a smooth motion. She’d named it Tribunal, and it spoke the Three’s law.
She pulled the trigger, the hard boom silencing the birdsong. The shot blasted through the might-be-a-bear, the… nothing. The thing continued to paw the air, and not very well—it wasn’t much of anything, let alone a real bear. Also, blood and viscera didn’t blast out the back as expected.
I’m here to catch a sinner. I’m an idiot.'
– Richard Parry, Blade of Glass
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
If you enjoy reading fantasy adventure with magic, monsters and a strong female main character, then this series is definitely for you.
Geneve, Israel and Vertriline return in search of another sinner, only to find that nothing is what they thought and that the enemies may not be exactly who (or what) they thought either.
Richard Parry’s worldbuilding and plot are superb here, but what really stood out for me above everything else was his knack with characters. The dialogue exchanges are natural and witty, and you get a real sense for each individual character, their growth and the depth of the connections they forge as the story progresses. Even the horses have their own personalities and moments to shine – although not so much that they steal the show or disrupt the main plot.
In addition to the classic fantasy tropes of good vs. evil and racing to find ‘the thing’, Parry has mixed in some interesting moral dynamics about corruption and perfection, dark and light, and who decides who are the good guys and who are the bad guys.
I love the races of ‘others’ introduced here – the mysterious Feybrind and the monstrous Vhemin – and am desperate to know more about the whole world we see here. I’m thrilled that books two and three of the trilogy are already out now, but I think I need a prequel trilogy… and a Feybrind-based trilogy… and… you get the idea!
Honestly, having just put this book down, I can’t rave about it more. I was spellbound and kept reading it long past I should have done, when other duties were calling me away. This is top-class fantasy writing, and I am looking forward immensely to bringing you reviews of The Storm Within and Requiem’s Justice over the next couple of months. But don’t wait for me… go ahead and pick this series up now – you won’t regret it!
'Geneve tightened her grip. “I think—”
Whatever she thought was lost to the roar of a beast. She spun, dropping her hand from the man’s arm. In the alley behind her a black shadow hulked. Her mind tried to find a name for it, but came up empty. A bear? Whatever it was reared, pawing the air with malformed claws. She goggled for a moment, then drew her scattergun in a smooth motion. She’d named it Tribunal, and it spoke the Three’s law.
She pulled the trigger, the hard boom silencing the birdsong. The shot blasted through the might-be-a-bear, the… nothing. The thing continued to paw the air, and not very well—it wasn’t much of anything, let alone a real bear. Also, blood and viscera didn’t blast out the back as expected.
I’m here to catch a sinner. I’m an idiot.'
– Richard Parry, Blade of Glass
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
January 3, 2021
This will become a best seller
I first found Richards books through his Chromed series which is Cyberpunk, then his Tyche’s series had me next, it is Space Opera, when Richard announced that he was writing a fantasy series I had two thoughts firstly can an author be good at multiple genres and secondly OH MY GOD I can’t wait to find out, the short version is yes, he can and is Great at Fantasy writing.
For transparency I am on his ARC team and I was gifted the book prior to release so that I could read it and write a review, the book was so good that I bought it even though I had been given it for free.
The main character Genevieve is awesome and has had me crying more than once, this is the best Xmas present you could buy yourself.
I first found Richards books through his Chromed series which is Cyberpunk, then his Tyche’s series had me next, it is Space Opera, when Richard announced that he was writing a fantasy series I had two thoughts firstly can an author be good at multiple genres and secondly OH MY GOD I can’t wait to find out, the short version is yes, he can and is Great at Fantasy writing.
For transparency I am on his ARC team and I was gifted the book prior to release so that I could read it and write a review, the book was so good that I bought it even though I had been given it for free.
The main character Genevieve is awesome and has had me crying more than once, this is the best Xmas present you could buy yourself.
December 25, 2020
Fun read
This was a fun, unpredictable read. Good character development and some interesting world-building. I enjoyed the plot twists and the promise of entertaining sequels.
This was a fun, unpredictable read. Good character development and some interesting world-building. I enjoyed the plot twists and the promise of entertaining sequels.
December 1, 2020
I loved it! Geneve is my new favorite heroine. She may be flawed, but she is smart and determined with a heart of gold. Fate gives her some unusual traveling companions and a rough road, but I think she can handle it.
I love Parry's characters. They all have faults and problems but still try to rise above it. The action keeps coming and the snarky dialogue is fun. Can't wait for the next book!
I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
I love Parry's characters. They all have faults and problems but still try to rise above it. The action keeps coming and the snarky dialogue is fun. Can't wait for the next book!
I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
September 27, 2021
good with slow parts
A good start to a series that you can read as a stand-alone if needed. Well rounded characters that actually grow as the book goes on, interesting magic and world, and well described action. Unfortunately it has long, slow parts that are a struggle to get through, especially the part before the Big Bang of action at the end. If you can get through those parts you will be rewarded, but I understand if you give up.
A good start to a series that you can read as a stand-alone if needed. Well rounded characters that actually grow as the book goes on, interesting magic and world, and well described action. Unfortunately it has long, slow parts that are a struggle to get through, especially the part before the Big Bang of action at the end. If you can get through those parts you will be rewarded, but I understand if you give up.
December 6, 2020
Great Reading
The prequel was little slow but in true Parry fashion this book hides lots of surprises as we explore the story.
With great depth , journey bonds and even some ancient tech this gives a lot to discover further into the series and a lot of my interest.
The prequel was little slow but in true Parry fashion this book hides lots of surprises as we explore the story.
With great depth , journey bonds and even some ancient tech this gives a lot to discover further into the series and a lot of my interest.
December 12, 2020
Outstanding
Outstanding tale of good and evil, or rather all the shades of grey in between. A tale of knights and quests and the beauty of friendships, wherever they be found.
Outstanding tale of good and evil, or rather all the shades of grey in between. A tale of knights and quests and the beauty of friendships, wherever they be found.
December 24, 2025
This is one of my favorite authors. I know that there will be snark, strong characters and that he will find a way to make me cry. I have read most of everything that he has written and I check to see what else I can find from him to read. His strong female characters have always impressed me, he gives them so much dimension and respect.
This story is no different, he pulls you in with the first paragraph and you are along for the ride through thick and thing with the gang. Geneve a Knight Adept, Meriwether a sorcerer/sinner, Sight of Day a cat like Feybrind, Armitage a Vhemin (they eat humans), Vertiline a Knight Chevalier, Israel a Knight Valiant of the Tresward are the main host of characters that commence the journey to bring a sinner to justice, let’s not forget the horses that have their own personalities and maybe a bear…
Along the way they begin to question the veracity of their original order. Does blindly following orders justify what you know to be right, which may be counter to that order?
There are moments of levity sometimes during the most macabre events that keep you hooked. The character’s flaws make them seem more human despite their incredible feats of strength.
The discovery that corruption has taken over many of the things that they hold dear leaves them at times feeling rudderless as they try and figure out what to do with the new world that they have created.
What began as a simple order to bring a sinner to justice will test them and make them all question what is really good and what is evil really. This unlikely group will have to learn to pull it together to stay alive as all is not what it seems.
I received an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
This story is no different, he pulls you in with the first paragraph and you are along for the ride through thick and thing with the gang. Geneve a Knight Adept, Meriwether a sorcerer/sinner, Sight of Day a cat like Feybrind, Armitage a Vhemin (they eat humans), Vertiline a Knight Chevalier, Israel a Knight Valiant of the Tresward are the main host of characters that commence the journey to bring a sinner to justice, let’s not forget the horses that have their own personalities and maybe a bear…
Along the way they begin to question the veracity of their original order. Does blindly following orders justify what you know to be right, which may be counter to that order?
There are moments of levity sometimes during the most macabre events that keep you hooked. The character’s flaws make them seem more human despite their incredible feats of strength.
The discovery that corruption has taken over many of the things that they hold dear leaves them at times feeling rudderless as they try and figure out what to do with the new world that they have created.
What began as a simple order to bring a sinner to justice will test them and make them all question what is really good and what is evil really. This unlikely group will have to learn to pull it together to stay alive as all is not what it seems.
I received an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
December 19, 2025
Great story doesn’t even begin to describe this!
When I read stories in genres that I normally would not read and really love them, it makes me wonder just what will happen when the same author, Richard Parry in this case, writes a book in a genre I adore. I cannot even begin to describe how much I love this book. I really enjoyed the way Richard manage to weave Geneve’s past throughout the book in a way that worked, really worked. So not only do we learn about her past, but we’re also right there with her in the present day. This fantasy has everything a fantasy should have—we have the quest, we have the different species working together, even though they should be enemies, and we have the evil they have to fight against. While we do have an ending to this book, it is not the ending and honestly, I can’t wait to see what Richard Parry treats us to in the next of The Splintered Land Series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I read stories in genres that I normally would not read and really love them, it makes me wonder just what will happen when the same author, Richard Parry in this case, writes a book in a genre I adore. I cannot even begin to describe how much I love this book. I really enjoyed the way Richard manage to weave Geneve’s past throughout the book in a way that worked, really worked. So not only do we learn about her past, but we’re also right there with her in the present day. This fantasy has everything a fantasy should have—we have the quest, we have the different species working together, even though they should be enemies, and we have the evil they have to fight against. While we do have an ending to this book, it is not the ending and honestly, I can’t wait to see what Richard Parry treats us to in the next of The Splintered Land Series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2025
The start of an epic dark fantasy adventure. Slow to start, the tempo increases as the story unfolds.
To know something is missing, yet strive. To look for the storm at the centre, yet realise it will not come to you. To question the truth, when the only truth you’ve been taught turns out to be wrong in your sight. To find enemies facing you, only to discover they are not so bad after all, and you would like to call them friends.
Knight Adept Geneve will have her world turned upside down by a sinner with magic. A choice is given to her. To accept what she thinks she knows, or question everything she has been taught.
The storm’s control may be out of her grasp. But she is the storm, and in anger her blade will cut darkness asunder.
The whole of book two can’t come soon enough.
Thank you to Richard Parry and Booksprout for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
To know something is missing, yet strive. To look for the storm at the centre, yet realise it will not come to you. To question the truth, when the only truth you’ve been taught turns out to be wrong in your sight. To find enemies facing you, only to discover they are not so bad after all, and you would like to call them friends.
Knight Adept Geneve will have her world turned upside down by a sinner with magic. A choice is given to her. To accept what she thinks she knows, or question everything she has been taught.
The storm’s control may be out of her grasp. But she is the storm, and in anger her blade will cut darkness asunder.
The whole of book two can’t come soon enough.
Thank you to Richard Parry and Booksprout for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
March 23, 2021
Original, lots of action, fun dialog
This is a Richard Parry novel.
If you have read any of his previous series (Nights Champion; Ezeroc Wars; Future Forfeit and future Forfeit Cities), his Splintered Land series is more of the same, meaning solid entertainment.
Blade of Glass is the first of three full-sized novels. A prequel novella of sorts – Tomb of the Six – is better read before the novels. Memorable characters, strong female lead, well-thought-out world-building and edge-of-the seat suspense.
If you are really old and loved Glen Cook’s Black Company stories, or merely old and was hooked on Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, this is what you have been waiting for.
I am well into The Storm Within, and have Requiem’s Justice already on my Kindle.
This is a Richard Parry novel.
If you have read any of his previous series (Nights Champion; Ezeroc Wars; Future Forfeit and future Forfeit Cities), his Splintered Land series is more of the same, meaning solid entertainment.
Blade of Glass is the first of three full-sized novels. A prequel novella of sorts – Tomb of the Six – is better read before the novels. Memorable characters, strong female lead, well-thought-out world-building and edge-of-the seat suspense.
If you are really old and loved Glen Cook’s Black Company stories, or merely old and was hooked on Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, this is what you have been waiting for.
I am well into The Storm Within, and have Requiem’s Justice already on my Kindle.
December 25, 2025
I enjoyed Richard Parry's Urban Fantasy trilogy so was keen to check out this new Fantasy series. It didn't disappoint!
The world building and character intro can be a bit slow, but this is book one and there is a lot to learn about everything/everyone, and I'm fine with that. I does feel like a D&D adventure I'd loved to have joined and "lived" with my friends. Stakes are high, touch of humour and emotions take you on an epic journey. Loved the setting, magics, and characters. will continue the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world building and character intro can be a bit slow, but this is book one and there is a lot to learn about everything/everyone, and I'm fine with that. I does feel like a D&D adventure I'd loved to have joined and "lived" with my friends. Stakes are high, touch of humour and emotions take you on an epic journey. Loved the setting, magics, and characters. will continue the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2024
This in my opinion is one amazing book , the storyline is strong and action packed, the characters are brilliantly written and what a start to a book series, to write about the story would mean giving spoilers so In my opinion I would like recommend this book a 100% stunning read and have absolutely no problem in recommending this to other readers.
December 19, 2025
If you like fantasy adventure, then this one is an absolute must-read!
High quality world building, fantastic storyline, intriguing characters and an unexpected plot!
I’m ready for the sequel! 🤩☺️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
High quality world building, fantastic storyline, intriguing characters and an unexpected plot!
I’m ready for the sequel! 🤩☺️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2025
This book was absolutely enthralling. Each character has their own personality which shines through to the reader. It is an amazing tale and I am looking forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2021
Very Enjoyable
Enjoyed his writing style. Very interested in reading the follow-up books in this series.
Six, five, four, three, two, one.
Enjoyed his writing style. Very interested in reading the follow-up books in this series.
Six, five, four, three, two, one.
September 16, 2022
Started slow. I was glad I stuck with it.
December 23, 2023
Great book,loved it now onto part 2
May 3, 2024
A great sword and sorcery tale
Thoroughly engaging and original kickoff to a series. I've already purchased the next and can't wait to follow Geneve's further adventures.
Thoroughly engaging and original kickoff to a series. I've already purchased the next and can't wait to follow Geneve's further adventures.
December 6, 2025
Who can overcome the bitter disappointment of adversity and betrayal and still remain a truly good, generous and kind defender of the light , open heartedly ready to sacrifice for not only a greater good, but for every friend or stranger in need? There are such characters in this book, which forge an unlikely bond and engage in a noble quest.
The writing is very good, the dialogue fast, witty or moving, the plot elaborate and fast paced, in a complex world making my breathing shallow and my heart beat faster. It sets a fire for righteousness in the reader's soul.
Be warned: this is only the first volume in a trilogy, so be aware - you won't be able to stop once you get into it, be prepared to buy the next 2 books in the series.
The writing is very good, the dialogue fast, witty or moving, the plot elaborate and fast paced, in a complex world making my breathing shallow and my heart beat faster. It sets a fire for righteousness in the reader's soul.
Be warned: this is only the first volume in a trilogy, so be aware - you won't be able to stop once you get into it, be prepared to buy the next 2 books in the series.
March 12, 2024
Kobo, 452 pages
At first sight a bog-standard fantasy set in a mediaevalesque world this turns into something a lot more complicated. Even the settung is not what it at first seems.
Geneve is a Knight Adept of an Order dedicated to serve the Three - gods? fragments of the Moon? both? - currently hunting a 'sinner' (forbidden magic user). When she and her companion Knights find the sinner they embark on a complex journey that radically alters their perception of the world.
Most enjoyable - and there's a prequel as well a five more novels to get lost in! Splendid stuff!
At first sight a bog-standard fantasy set in a mediaevalesque world this turns into something a lot more complicated. Even the settung is not what it at first seems.
Geneve is a Knight Adept of an Order dedicated to serve the Three - gods? fragments of the Moon? both? - currently hunting a 'sinner' (forbidden magic user). When she and her companion Knights find the sinner they embark on a complex journey that radically alters their perception of the world.
Most enjoyable - and there's a prequel as well a five more novels to get lost in! Splendid stuff!
January 17, 2021
Magnificent! I loved the Tyche series but this is even better. Believe me, I never thought those words would come out of this brain.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews