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The Splintered Land #2
The Storm Within
Assassins come for the Savior of Ravenswall.
Geneve and the sorcerer Meriwether are beset while burying their dead. The assassins’ goal is simple. They will erode support for the queen and take the crown from her trembling fingers. With the power of illusion, they can be anyone, go anywhere… or wear the skin of the one Geneve loves.
She and Meriwether race to kill the head of the assassins: the lord in the north. Fires of rebellion blaze across the kingdom. Feybrind and Vhemin go to war. The gods turn their faces away as whispers spread of a dragon in a madman’s grip.
If Geneve can't best the dragon, all she knows will be ash. Even the ancients feared them. Her skymetal blade feels insufficient for the task.
Geneve and the sorcerer Meriwether are beset while burying their dead. The assassins’ goal is simple. They will erode support for the queen and take the crown from her trembling fingers. With the power of illusion, they can be anyone, go anywhere… or wear the skin of the one Geneve loves.
She and Meriwether race to kill the head of the assassins: the lord in the north. Fires of rebellion blaze across the kingdom. Feybrind and Vhemin go to war. The gods turn their faces away as whispers spread of a dragon in a madman’s grip.
If Geneve can't best the dragon, all she knows will be ash. Even the ancients feared them. Her skymetal blade feels insufficient for the task.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2020
3 people are currently reading
7 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 5, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This is the second book in the ‘Splintered Land’ trilogy, so if you haven’t read the first, Blade of Glass, I strongly recommend that you do that first. There is so much character and relationship development, and worldbuilding of the setting, magic and cultural systems, that you would miss out on if you don’t, even though the author kindly recaps the bare necessities as we go along.
The Storm Within begins right after Blade of Glass ended, with our main characters still reeling and mourning those they lost in the action-packed climax. Still, most of the gang survived – more or less intact – and it is evident that their epic battle against the evil that has permeated their world is still very much ongoing. With Faebrind and Vhemin at war with each other, the Templars in tatters, and most remaining Sinners arrayed against them, Geneve and Meri need to work out what their next move should be. It might involve dragons…! And for Meri, this time it’s a bit more personal.
You can expect this instalment to be just as enthralling as the first: full of death, sacrifice, battle, magic, love and comradeship. There is not only the struggle between good and evil, but a struggle between love/unity and hatred/division which feels very topical for… well, for pretty much any period in human history to be honest!
I do have a bone to pick with the author about his treatment of a certain group of characters that will remain unnamed (no spoilers!) – you know what you did, Richard, and they deserved better! But I will grudgingly admit that he did pay them their deserved respect in later parts of the storyline (too little, too late!) and my emotional response to the characters does serve to demonstrate how I was compelled into engaging with even the most side of side characters. So, I’ll give him that one!
In all seriousness, this is truly epic fantasy in every sense, and I was so glad to be able to dive straight into the third instalment immediately and continue my journey through the Splintered Land with Geneve, Meri and… I’m not telling you who else made it this far… just go and read it! 😉
'“Where you lead, we follow.”
“But—”
“Ikmae’s sometime balls,” Armitage rumbled. He approached with his bear in tow. “We’ve followed you for weeks. It ain’t gonna change now.”
“But—”
“Get your horse, and start moving.” The Vhemin’s snake eyes watched her, considering, measuring. “If you like, we can arm wrestle for who’s in charge. You’d lose, and then I’d abdicate, and we’d be where we are. Happy to do it if you think the theater will help.”
{Who better to lead a handsome cat, a horrible monster, a wounded soldier, and a sinner?} Sight of Day half-smiled. {We’re only offering you the job because none of us want it.}
“He’s right.” Meri stood with arms crossed. “It sounds like real work, and that’s for suckers.”'
– Richard Parry, The Storm Within
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This is the second book in the ‘Splintered Land’ trilogy, so if you haven’t read the first, Blade of Glass, I strongly recommend that you do that first. There is so much character and relationship development, and worldbuilding of the setting, magic and cultural systems, that you would miss out on if you don’t, even though the author kindly recaps the bare necessities as we go along.
The Storm Within begins right after Blade of Glass ended, with our main characters still reeling and mourning those they lost in the action-packed climax. Still, most of the gang survived – more or less intact – and it is evident that their epic battle against the evil that has permeated their world is still very much ongoing. With Faebrind and Vhemin at war with each other, the Templars in tatters, and most remaining Sinners arrayed against them, Geneve and Meri need to work out what their next move should be. It might involve dragons…! And for Meri, this time it’s a bit more personal.
You can expect this instalment to be just as enthralling as the first: full of death, sacrifice, battle, magic, love and comradeship. There is not only the struggle between good and evil, but a struggle between love/unity and hatred/division which feels very topical for… well, for pretty much any period in human history to be honest!
I do have a bone to pick with the author about his treatment of a certain group of characters that will remain unnamed (no spoilers!) – you know what you did, Richard, and they deserved better! But I will grudgingly admit that he did pay them their deserved respect in later parts of the storyline (too little, too late!) and my emotional response to the characters does serve to demonstrate how I was compelled into engaging with even the most side of side characters. So, I’ll give him that one!
In all seriousness, this is truly epic fantasy in every sense, and I was so glad to be able to dive straight into the third instalment immediately and continue my journey through the Splintered Land with Geneve, Meri and… I’m not telling you who else made it this far… just go and read it! 😉
'“Where you lead, we follow.”
“But—”
“Ikmae’s sometime balls,” Armitage rumbled. He approached with his bear in tow. “We’ve followed you for weeks. It ain’t gonna change now.”
“But—”
“Get your horse, and start moving.” The Vhemin’s snake eyes watched her, considering, measuring. “If you like, we can arm wrestle for who’s in charge. You’d lose, and then I’d abdicate, and we’d be where we are. Happy to do it if you think the theater will help.”
{Who better to lead a handsome cat, a horrible monster, a wounded soldier, and a sinner?} Sight of Day half-smiled. {We’re only offering you the job because none of us want it.}
“He’s right.” Meri stood with arms crossed. “It sounds like real work, and that’s for suckers.”'
– Richard Parry, The Storm Within
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
January 6, 2021
The 2nd book kicks the action up a notch and then some, thinking that they have some safety and that they have made a major win against their enemies Geneve and Meriwether try to recover.
Time and even their allies however show them different, so it seems that going to the North to face the evil may be the only hope for the land giving us plenty of last battles, surprising insights , twists and enjoyment along the way for the reader.
Parry does great with these characters and story always leaving us ready for the next book with anticipation.
Time and even their allies however show them different, so it seems that going to the North to face the evil may be the only hope for the land giving us plenty of last battles, surprising insights , twists and enjoyment along the way for the reader.
Parry does great with these characters and story always leaving us ready for the next book with anticipation.
January 2, 2021
Superb
This series just keeps getting better and better. Wonderful characters, action galore and a beautiful story with so much meaning.
This series just keeps getting better and better. Wonderful characters, action galore and a beautiful story with so much meaning.
January 3, 2021
Waiting for this book was like waiting for your baby to be born, you know you can’t hurry it and you know it needs time to grow, but OH MY GOD can you just come out now already, this was exactly what I thought it would be more of the same great writing, more of the same great story and more nights awake because I can’t put the bloody thing down, if you haven’t already then go and get the first book, the rest will follow just like an addiction.
January 4, 2021
Monsters, magic and dragons! What's not to love about this book? Geneve and Merri are a great team along with Armitage and Sight of Day. Their adventures are legendary.
Parry writes wonderful characters and great action scenes. I love his stories. He keeps you glued to the book till the end and I still want more. I am excited to read the next one.
Parry writes wonderful characters and great action scenes. I love his stories. He keeps you glued to the book till the end and I still want more. I am excited to read the next one.
December 25, 2025
We are still on the journey with Geneve and her misfit band of would-be world savers. There have been loses and they are still coming to grips with everything that has happened. It’s like a fresh wound that is forming a layer of scab any sudden movement may open it up again.
They have more or less sorted out what parts they each play within the group. The one thing they all have in common is a willingness to follow where Geneve leads. Geneve is struggling with for the first time not having a rudder to follow. Her life has always been duty and nothing else. She now has time to make friends and possibly fall in love. A new world is opening up to her and she’s uncertain which is more scary getting close to others and possibly losing them or the madness of the world that their victories have helped create.
Keep in mind that while she can use a sword with an immense amount of skill, Geneve is only a young woman of 18. All the emotions that she had learned to suppress is now coming to the surface and she is unskilled in that area.
The world is remaking itself and she and her group are at the forefront of that. Many different factions are coming after them and they must keep moving to find what these groups are seeking.
Reading book one is a must to be able to understand all of the different dynamics at play in book two. There will be more sacrifices along the way let’s hope that their bond is strong enough to weather what is coming the coming storm.
I received an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
They have more or less sorted out what parts they each play within the group. The one thing they all have in common is a willingness to follow where Geneve leads. Geneve is struggling with for the first time not having a rudder to follow. Her life has always been duty and nothing else. She now has time to make friends and possibly fall in love. A new world is opening up to her and she’s uncertain which is more scary getting close to others and possibly losing them or the madness of the world that their victories have helped create.
Keep in mind that while she can use a sword with an immense amount of skill, Geneve is only a young woman of 18. All the emotions that she had learned to suppress is now coming to the surface and she is unskilled in that area.
The world is remaking itself and she and her group are at the forefront of that. Many different factions are coming after them and they must keep moving to find what these groups are seeking.
Reading book one is a must to be able to understand all of the different dynamics at play in book two. There will be more sacrifices along the way let’s hope that their bond is strong enough to weather what is coming the coming storm.
I received an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
December 9, 2025
So! Have you heard the one about the Knight, the Sinner, the Cat and the Monster? Sounds like the start of a joke. Joke no. Fun fantasy read definitely!
But that’s not quite right. It should be have you heard the one about?
The Knight (the storm still rages within but now in love, but will she find the courage to say that out loud ?)
The Sinner (but now she’s changed her mind, not a sinner anymore as far as the Knight is concerned. Thoughtful and bright - but not bright enough to stop running towards danger).
The Cat (well not your average cute cat, as you will see if you watch him fire arrows at will - yes sharp pointy things good for ending up in eyes, not good for those that get the arrow in the eye though, so please don’t get in the way).
The Monster (only a monster sometimes, very good at bashing things when a monster is needed, and a friend sometimes too).
Four companions in adversity, found friends, good to have at your back in a fight. But what will that fight cost them? It’s sure to be a heavy price to pay.
Did I say four companions? Maybe it should be five, because don’t forget Tilly (good with a sword, in fact very, very good with a sword, so please stay on her the right side if anything sword like that she’s holding).
If you haven’t heard of them then why don’t you get this book? But read book one first to get the whole story.
I’m half way through the book. And will there be a third book to come? Probably because Richard Parry seems to be a trilogy fan.
I was so taken with book two I was inspired to write this review. So I’ll come back and confirm the possibility of a third book when I reach the end.
A day later and I’ve reached the end. I’ve learned that the second half of this book is action packed and so much fun, and yes there is a third book to come.
Thank you to Richard Parry and Booksprout for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
But that’s not quite right. It should be have you heard the one about?
The Knight (the storm still rages within but now in love, but will she find the courage to say that out loud ?)
The Sinner (but now she’s changed her mind, not a sinner anymore as far as the Knight is concerned. Thoughtful and bright - but not bright enough to stop running towards danger).
The Cat (well not your average cute cat, as you will see if you watch him fire arrows at will - yes sharp pointy things good for ending up in eyes, not good for those that get the arrow in the eye though, so please don’t get in the way).
The Monster (only a monster sometimes, very good at bashing things when a monster is needed, and a friend sometimes too).
Four companions in adversity, found friends, good to have at your back in a fight. But what will that fight cost them? It’s sure to be a heavy price to pay.
Did I say four companions? Maybe it should be five, because don’t forget Tilly (good with a sword, in fact very, very good with a sword, so please stay on her the right side if anything sword like that she’s holding).
If you haven’t heard of them then why don’t you get this book? But read book one first to get the whole story.
I’m half way through the book. And will there be a third book to come? Probably because Richard Parry seems to be a trilogy fan.
I was so taken with book two I was inspired to write this review. So I’ll come back and confirm the possibility of a third book when I reach the end.
A day later and I’ve reached the end. I’ve learned that the second half of this book is action packed and so much fun, and yes there is a third book to come.
Thank you to Richard Parry and Booksprout for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
December 14, 2025
"The ancients touched the world and broke it. The Three tried to hold the brittle remains together, and we’re all that’s left.”
And still, history keeps repeating itself, and humanity keeps forgetting its lessons. We let ourselves be lured by past victories, be they in wars on evil or battles against injustice. And then we become complacent or forget how good we have it compared to others, be they from the past or from different parts of the world and ignore the insidious rise of evil - the greed for power, wealth or immortality. When is enough enough? How do we find the balance between too little and too much?
The plot in this book unfolds hundreds of years after a civilization based on AI implodes for mysterious reasons, which come gradually to light as Geneve and her found family advance in their quest. It slowly uncovers a society fallen on the sword of its own technological wonders, much like a nuclear war would destroy our planet if we won't be able to stem the vaingloriousness of our modern day dictators.
Richard Parry is a master storyteller, he gives incredible depth, emotion and persuasion to the story. There are so many quotes I would use to make you believe me, but you need to read the books yourself to have the full benefit of its richness.
I can't wait for the end of this trilogy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And still, history keeps repeating itself, and humanity keeps forgetting its lessons. We let ourselves be lured by past victories, be they in wars on evil or battles against injustice. And then we become complacent or forget how good we have it compared to others, be they from the past or from different parts of the world and ignore the insidious rise of evil - the greed for power, wealth or immortality. When is enough enough? How do we find the balance between too little and too much?
The plot in this book unfolds hundreds of years after a civilization based on AI implodes for mysterious reasons, which come gradually to light as Geneve and her found family advance in their quest. It slowly uncovers a society fallen on the sword of its own technological wonders, much like a nuclear war would destroy our planet if we won't be able to stem the vaingloriousness of our modern day dictators.
Richard Parry is a master storyteller, he gives incredible depth, emotion and persuasion to the story. There are so many quotes I would use to make you believe me, but you need to read the books yourself to have the full benefit of its richness.
I can't wait for the end of this trilogy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2021
Character-driven story with action a-plenty
Sword-and-sorcery tales are fertile grounds for lots of action. Throw in ancient malevolent technologies emerging at the worst possible time, and that really ups-the-ante.
This is a compelling series, but do not start with this particular book. Too much back-story and character development will be missed. At the least, begin with A Blade of Glass, but the novella Tomb of the Six is the ideal first step.
Why Four Stars and not Five? You could put down A Blade of Glass for a day, or even two, before your body will start shaking as your very soul begins to ache for the next Richard Parry fix. This one gives no mercy, and you will want to have it in reserve once you finish Chapter 46. So take that Mr. Parry! Seems pretty unfair to me.
Sword-and-sorcery tales are fertile grounds for lots of action. Throw in ancient malevolent technologies emerging at the worst possible time, and that really ups-the-ante.
This is a compelling series, but do not start with this particular book. Too much back-story and character development will be missed. At the least, begin with A Blade of Glass, but the novella Tomb of the Six is the ideal first step.
Why Four Stars and not Five? You could put down A Blade of Glass for a day, or even two, before your body will start shaking as your very soul begins to ache for the next Richard Parry fix. This one gives no mercy, and you will want to have it in reserve once you finish Chapter 46. So take that Mr. Parry! Seems pretty unfair to me.
December 25, 2025
Even better than Book One!
I can’t even begin on just how much I love this story! The first part was fantastic, but this second part goes above and beyond that. We have sacrifice and danger and coming to terms with who we are and where we came from, and not just from one character, but more than one. One loses a son, another loses an arm, a third loses a whole tribe and the fourth and fifth lose a father. The action just doesn’t stop either. Once again, we have an ending, but not the ending. I cannot wait for the next one in the series. Thank you, Richard Parry!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can’t even begin on just how much I love this story! The first part was fantastic, but this second part goes above and beyond that. We have sacrifice and danger and coming to terms with who we are and where we came from, and not just from one character, but more than one. One loses a son, another loses an arm, a third loses a whole tribe and the fourth and fifth lose a father. The action just doesn’t stop either. Once again, we have an ending, but not the ending. I cannot wait for the next one in the series. Thank you, Richard Parry!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2024
What a brilliant continuation following the antics and swordsmanship of this mixed group of monsters to wizards. Arriving at their planned destination eventually they gain audience with the head of state and the fun starts brewing from there.
The storyline is totally strong with moments of true discovery for the intrepid group of soldiers
I absolutely loved reading this and would highly recommend it.
The storyline is totally strong with moments of true discovery for the intrepid group of soldiers
I absolutely loved reading this and would highly recommend it.
January 22, 2023
Entertaining. I did skim some of the endless battle scenes.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews