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Ridge: Day One
The darkest hour is just before dawn. But with bloodthirsty Beasts cutting brief lives shorter, can one man beat the ticking clock?
Rezin Hamel will protect his people until his dying breath. Resolving to carry on past every dearly departed loved one, the forty-four-year-old General has no idea how he’s lived over a decade beyond the average life expectancy. But when he’s shamed and cast out for an out-of-character act, he sets out to end the constant attacks from creatures staining the walls with death.
Searching for answers in society’s seedy underbelly, Hamel is shocked by the conditions ravaging the lower rungs of the city. But the strategic genius’s quest takes a staggering turn when he’s blindsided by a secret that could tear his tight-knit community to shreds.
Can Hamel restore his honor and stop the carnage before he’s the next one taken by the Dusk?
Ridge: Day One is the action-packed first book in the Ridge dystopian thriller series. If you like fantastic worlds, heart-trembling suspense, and twisted surprises, then you’ll love Shawn P. B. Robinson’s peek behind the Ridge veil.
Rezin Hamel will protect his people until his dying breath. Resolving to carry on past every dearly departed loved one, the forty-four-year-old General has no idea how he’s lived over a decade beyond the average life expectancy. But when he’s shamed and cast out for an out-of-character act, he sets out to end the constant attacks from creatures staining the walls with death.
Searching for answers in society’s seedy underbelly, Hamel is shocked by the conditions ravaging the lower rungs of the city. But the strategic genius’s quest takes a staggering turn when he’s blindsided by a secret that could tear his tight-knit community to shreds.
Can Hamel restore his honor and stop the carnage before he’s the next one taken by the Dusk?
Ridge: Day One is the action-packed first book in the Ridge dystopian thriller series. If you like fantastic worlds, heart-trembling suspense, and twisted surprises, then you’ll love Shawn P. B. Robinson’s peek behind the Ridge veil.
Paperback
Published October 1, 2021
11 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Shawn P.B. Robinson
28 books44 followersShawn P. B. Robinson hails from the Great White North, and he suspects his dislike of cold and snow is part of what drives him to immerse himself in other worlds. Whether he’s writing epic fantasy or middle-grade humor, he passionately pours his heart into his writing, seeking to create characters that we can all relate to and stories that engage the heart and soul.
In Shawn’s early 40s, he contracted a viral infection in his brain (encephalitis) which left him unable to work a normal job, but able to write when he has energy. In the midst of such loss, Shawn’s family, faith, and writing have brought joy to his heart and continue to motivate him.
Shawn continues to make his home in SW Ontario with his beautiful wife, two sons, and three goldfish.
To keep on top of what’s going on, sign up for Shawn’s newsletters here:
Middle-Grade Fiction Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2Vp51Dv
Fantasy Books Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/ridge
In Shawn’s early 40s, he contracted a viral infection in his brain (encephalitis) which left him unable to work a normal job, but able to write when he has energy. In the midst of such loss, Shawn’s family, faith, and writing have brought joy to his heart and continue to motivate him.
Shawn continues to make his home in SW Ontario with his beautiful wife, two sons, and three goldfish.
To keep on top of what’s going on, sign up for Shawn’s newsletters here:
Middle-Grade Fiction Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2Vp51Dv
Fantasy Books Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/ridge
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book!! It was fantastic! BUT THE ENDING! WHY??? I neeeeeeeeed the next one noooowwwwwwww ack. I can't wait. I can't I can't I can't. :'( I need a time machine so I can read the second one. And all the other books I've been waiting for
April 9, 2020
I read an Arc if this in October of 2019. I LOVED this book so much. To me it was like reading The Name of the Wind. A high fantasy world, amazing characters, a thrilling plot, and great character dynamics. I cannot wait for this book to release because I want to get everyone to buy/read this. I will have to reread it and do a proper review because it was a while ago and I can't really remember everything about it.
June 30, 2021
Okay, so I was a beta reader for this book... and I went into the published version knowing I had loved the arc, but not quite remembering why.
It took a little to get back into it, but this book is SO GOOD. It's a solid start to what promises to be am amazing, twisty fantasy trilogy. The twist at the end completely blew me away. I mean, that's hard to do a second time through, but I was left flabbergasted. I just need people to read this so that I can freak out about it with them.
Please. If you are my friend, read this book.
I need to talk about it with someone.
It took a little to get back into it, but this book is SO GOOD. It's a solid start to what promises to be am amazing, twisty fantasy trilogy. The twist at the end completely blew me away. I mean, that's hard to do a second time through, but I was left flabbergasted. I just need people to read this so that I can freak out about it with them.
Please. If you are my friend, read this book.
I need to talk about it with someone.
August 5, 2021
Incredible, I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait to read the next installment.
Hamel, is an incredible character, strong in his beliefs which is something we should all inspire to be.
Ridge, is a nation of beautiful people who hold family in the highest of high regard.
Yes this is a fantasy novel, but it addresses sensitive topics making it a fantastic read.
Hamel, is an incredible character, strong in his beliefs which is something we should all inspire to be.
Ridge, is a nation of beautiful people who hold family in the highest of high regard.
Yes this is a fantasy novel, but it addresses sensitive topics making it a fantastic read.
December 23, 2022
4.5 stars
Let me start by saying that I'm a huge fan of this author, but this is the first serious book I've read by him and it's geared towards an older audience. I was both hopeful and skeptical when I heard about this book, but I like his writing, so I decided to give this book a try. And I'm so glad I did! His previous books had to do with Arastana, a make-believe world that parallels our world, but you can reach Arastana through various portals, including one that sucks you through a toilet. Perhaps that gives you an idea of what kind of books those are! They're absurd middle school books and they were always a fun palate cleanser when I needed a break from more serious books. So back to Ridge. I can see some of Shawn's style in this book, including moments of levity, but also pretty easy reading where you get into the mind of the narrator/main character. Ridge is a town that is protected by high walls and the inhabitants have been protecting themselves from the Beasts for decades. The inhabitants typically die at around 33 or 34 years when the Dusk takes them (some sort of disease?). Our main protagonist is Rezin Hamel, who at 44, has somehow managed to avoid the Dusk. He is a General in the army but has also been the Honored Pater (Mayor of sorts) of their town and has spent his life protecting and nurturing his people. You can tell pretty quickly that honor and blessings are a big part of their daily life. When he allows himself to be dishonored and shamed and shunned by his people (but not exiled, just shunned), you know that something has to be up. This takes him on a completely different journey than he has hitherto experienced and while I don't think it's completely unpredictable (the author really gives us a lot of hints), you can't help but feel connected with Hamel and figure out how he's going to get out of it. The series is geared towards adults, but other than the highish body count, I really think older kids could read and enjoy this book. There are some pretty explicit lessons about honor and the evilness of slavery and some of the good vs bad stuff is pretty black and white, but overall, I really loved this book and I can't wait for the next one! Shawn Robinson, I was on the fence about how I would like this book, but once I started, I couldn't stop reading. Kudos on another great start to a series--I can't wait to see how this story resolves itself!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2022 Reread:
I recently bought the second two books of this trilogy and decided I wanted to reread this and remind me of who Hammel is and what this world is about. I'm glad I did because while I remembered many of the events, I didn't remember who all the characters were and I think if I had jumped straight into the second book, I would have had to do a lot of looking back. What I thought this time around is that Hammel is a very sympathetic character. The worlds of Ridge and Olmos are different from each other, and each country takes its values to the extreme. There were more than a few times when this book felt like an allegory. Hammel is on a journey (spy mission) to determine the reason for the attack by the Beasts, which they don't understand. Without revealing any spoilers, he finds out way more than he anticipated, but he also makes friends and allies along the way. There is a high body count in this story, but it never becomes grisly or too much, and you can see it weighs heavily on Hammel. I absolutely love this series and will be continuing immediately.
Let me start by saying that I'm a huge fan of this author, but this is the first serious book I've read by him and it's geared towards an older audience. I was both hopeful and skeptical when I heard about this book, but I like his writing, so I decided to give this book a try. And I'm so glad I did! His previous books had to do with Arastana, a make-believe world that parallels our world, but you can reach Arastana through various portals, including one that sucks you through a toilet. Perhaps that gives you an idea of what kind of books those are! They're absurd middle school books and they were always a fun palate cleanser when I needed a break from more serious books. So back to Ridge. I can see some of Shawn's style in this book, including moments of levity, but also pretty easy reading where you get into the mind of the narrator/main character. Ridge is a town that is protected by high walls and the inhabitants have been protecting themselves from the Beasts for decades. The inhabitants typically die at around 33 or 34 years when the Dusk takes them (some sort of disease?). Our main protagonist is Rezin Hamel, who at 44, has somehow managed to avoid the Dusk. He is a General in the army but has also been the Honored Pater (Mayor of sorts) of their town and has spent his life protecting and nurturing his people. You can tell pretty quickly that honor and blessings are a big part of their daily life. When he allows himself to be dishonored and shamed and shunned by his people (but not exiled, just shunned), you know that something has to be up. This takes him on a completely different journey than he has hitherto experienced and while I don't think it's completely unpredictable (the author really gives us a lot of hints), you can't help but feel connected with Hamel and figure out how he's going to get out of it. The series is geared towards adults, but other than the highish body count, I really think older kids could read and enjoy this book. There are some pretty explicit lessons about honor and the evilness of slavery and some of the good vs bad stuff is pretty black and white, but overall, I really loved this book and I can't wait for the next one! Shawn Robinson, I was on the fence about how I would like this book, but once I started, I couldn't stop reading. Kudos on another great start to a series--I can't wait to see how this story resolves itself!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2022 Reread:
I recently bought the second two books of this trilogy and decided I wanted to reread this and remind me of who Hammel is and what this world is about. I'm glad I did because while I remembered many of the events, I didn't remember who all the characters were and I think if I had jumped straight into the second book, I would have had to do a lot of looking back. What I thought this time around is that Hammel is a very sympathetic character. The worlds of Ridge and Olmos are different from each other, and each country takes its values to the extreme. There were more than a few times when this book felt like an allegory. Hammel is on a journey (spy mission) to determine the reason for the attack by the Beasts, which they don't understand. Without revealing any spoilers, he finds out way more than he anticipated, but he also makes friends and allies along the way. There is a high body count in this story, but it never becomes grisly or too much, and you can see it weighs heavily on Hammel. I absolutely love this series and will be continuing immediately.
July 21, 2022
Time is running out for 44-year-old military mastermind Rezin Hamel who has lived past his time. He was shunned and cast out due an unsuitable occurrence.
Murderous Beasts are killing the short-lived inhabitants of Hamel’s town, but he will defend them even if death is his reward.
Probing for clues in the dingy depths of society he discovers and is shocked that things are way worse than he thought. He endures to be a man of integrity no matter the cost.
The action is very tense and will keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages. Shawn P. B. Robinson has fashioned something really heroic in this novel.
Murderous Beasts are killing the short-lived inhabitants of Hamel’s town, but he will defend them even if death is his reward.
Probing for clues in the dingy depths of society he discovers and is shocked that things are way worse than he thought. He endures to be a man of integrity no matter the cost.
The action is very tense and will keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages. Shawn P. B. Robinson has fashioned something really heroic in this novel.
April 23, 2021
Finally! It's finally here!
I have been working on this book for a LONG time, but it's finally time to share it with the world. This story has so captivated my own heart over the last number of years that I find myself dreaming about it!
I hope as you dive in that you get pulled into Hamel's exciting world!
I have been working on this book for a LONG time, but it's finally time to share it with the world. This story has so captivated my own heart over the last number of years that I find myself dreaming about it!
I hope as you dive in that you get pulled into Hamel's exciting world!
June 17, 2021
Ridge: Day One is one of those wonderful books that grabs your interest right from the start and keeps it throughout the whole book. The imagery and setting are superb and the character development is excellent. The ideas behind this first science fiction book by author Shawn P. B. Robinson are new, fresh and exciting. This is a book that gives the words 'fantasy thriller' true meaning. Day One is the story of an honorable man in a country that places honor above all else. To lose your honor is to lose almost everything, even your name. To go from being Honored Patir Rezin Hamel, head of the Council of Ridge, and General, head of the army, to just Hamel is hard to bear. Though Hamel has lost everything, there are still two things he knows. One is the mantra that he repeats to himself several times a day. "I am not without family. I am not alone. I must continue. There is work to be done." The other is something Hamel has known for 10 years. People are supposed to reach their dusk and die at age 34. Hamel knows this because he is the oldest person in Ridge. He is 44. Ridge: Day One is an original story with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend it.
I want to thank BookSirens for the free copy of this book. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I want to thank BookSirens for the free copy of this book. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
September 11, 2023
Day One is the first book in author Shawn P. B. Robinson's Ridge Series. This book was an exciting ride, I found myself drawn in from the very beginning and did not want to stop even after it had ended! The pages just flew by, this is a book you can really get into. Do yourself a favor and grab this book now!!
August 9, 2022
Great read by a local author. Great adventure and messages about regret and trying to figure out what's really important in life.
May 10, 2021
Ridge: Day One is an exceptionally good book about one man's journey to restore his honor while rescuing his homeland from certain destruction. The main character, Rezin Hamel is a classic hero, possessing great strength of the physical, mental, and moral kind. He is in no way perfect but his natural bend is always toward truth and justice. The plot of Ridge is clever and exciting with lots of twists and turns and colorful characters including friends, enemies, and a race of deadly beasts. Ridge: Day One is an intelligent dark fantasy that gives its readers a true hero on a quest worth cheering for.
November 1, 2021
There is no Honor in defeat. Hamel is determined to win. He must complete his mission to save the Ridge.
The world building in this story is excellent. It began slow but as you keep reading, you begin to understand the need for the build-up in character development. I thoroughly enjoyed every turn of the page.
I eagerly await for more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The world building in this story is excellent. It began slow but as you keep reading, you begin to understand the need for the build-up in character development. I thoroughly enjoyed every turn of the page.
I eagerly await for more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2022
I just love this series and I'm so excited to share it with all of you! Enjoy!
August 17, 2024
At last! A profound author. A solid well written exciting detailed adventure. Fun.
The true gift of an author is to say little to describe much. It is what this author does well. Descriptions when needed, reader imagination does the rest. As it should be, immersive writing. Strong characters, flawed or otherwise, plus unpleasant adversaries. An extended plotline consistent with the Series development. The equivalent of a Bond-like character but with compassion and humility. A besieged City, doubtful Allies, fearsome Beast-wars, unknown threats. This first story in the series has it all. Everything is carried off perfectly, no loose developments in story content. Action a-plenty, no reader could be bored or feel cheated in the reading of this book. There are so many inferior novels of this type that I have read and laughed àt. This is not such a novel. It is a truly excellent well written adventure, a springboard to more adventures to come for these well defined characters from an author who truly knows his craft and the tight sentence, paragraph, chapter storytelling a delight to read and enjoy. Best read at a steady pace as much could be lost if speed reading, which given the rich storytelling, would be a shame. My nerves jangled once or twice, your will too, if you choose to read this epic tale of Honour, Endurance, Dignity, Adventure and Dangers Galore!
The true gift of an author is to say little to describe much. It is what this author does well. Descriptions when needed, reader imagination does the rest. As it should be, immersive writing. Strong characters, flawed or otherwise, plus unpleasant adversaries. An extended plotline consistent with the Series development. The equivalent of a Bond-like character but with compassion and humility. A besieged City, doubtful Allies, fearsome Beast-wars, unknown threats. This first story in the series has it all. Everything is carried off perfectly, no loose developments in story content. Action a-plenty, no reader could be bored or feel cheated in the reading of this book. There are so many inferior novels of this type that I have read and laughed àt. This is not such a novel. It is a truly excellent well written adventure, a springboard to more adventures to come for these well defined characters from an author who truly knows his craft and the tight sentence, paragraph, chapter storytelling a delight to read and enjoy. Best read at a steady pace as much could be lost if speed reading, which given the rich storytelling, would be a shame. My nerves jangled once or twice, your will too, if you choose to read this epic tale of Honour, Endurance, Dignity, Adventure and Dangers Galore!
August 29, 2023
This was an exciting book. Couldn’t put it down. The world building was beyond excellent. The character development was everything you could desire in a story. I love stories that make you ponder on how civilizations become what they are over time and this book definitely delivered on that! I was on the edge of my seat for so many reasons. It was an absolutely fascinating read. I saw the cover and knew I wanted to read this book. I am so glad I did.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted world & society. Fans of fantasy with a militaristic tilt will absolutely love it. Anyone who likes to be intrigued by a novel will find no shortage of it here. Definitely going to be reading the next book ASAP.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted world & society. Fans of fantasy with a militaristic tilt will absolutely love it. Anyone who likes to be intrigued by a novel will find no shortage of it here. Definitely going to be reading the next book ASAP.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
May 29, 2021
Day one is a unique book for me, I had never read anything like it before. At first I want kind of uncertain of the direction of the book, but the author has got this engaging way of writing that simply hooks you in and i am glad I read it.
Hamel is that kind of a character that you can't help but love. He is not the only one, Mellel, Gollos, Karotel, Markel they are all so very awesome. Their roles are well defined and they make sense.
After the last page I can't wait to read the next book in the series, coz I feel like this is just the beginning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hamel is that kind of a character that you can't help but love. He is not the only one, Mellel, Gollos, Karotel, Markel they are all so very awesome. Their roles are well defined and they make sense.
After the last page I can't wait to read the next book in the series, coz I feel like this is just the beginning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2021
Ridge: Day One is Book 1 in Shawn P B Robinson’s new series. WOW, this is a fantasy thriller filled with action and surprises. I really felt for General Rezin Hamel. His love for his people and family as well as everything he goes through in the story makes me respect his position in the story. I thought the Epilogue was perfect and left me wanting book 2 to be out now. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
September 1, 2021
This story follows the fall of Hemel as he is disgraced and goes on a journey to redeem himself. As two nations that were supposed to be allies, Hemel discovered and uncovered secrets, deceptions, danger, and found more than he ever dreamed possible with his redemption. Good read with a cliffhanger.
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.
January 6, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I picked it up for free on the Kobo site as part of a promotion, and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. The author is very imaginative, and has developed a unique set of societies. It kept me guessing. I couldn't wait to buy Ridge: Day Two and Ridge: Day Three.
October 3, 2023
I liked this book. You could relate to the characters and the storyline was good. I did find it a bit repetitive with regard to "honor" and "Patir". I am looking forward to book two in the series. I recommend it.
This book was received from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
This book was received from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
June 9, 2021
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful book!!!
May 28, 2021
I was a beta reader for this book and even then (in its rougher draft) it was incredible! I loved the main character Hamel. I really appreciate main characters that are strong and somehow, without making me fell guilty, cause me want to be a better version of myself... Hamel is just such a character!
Often in books I know what's going to happen, but Ridge: Day One had some pretty big twists that I didn't see coming.
I can't wait for Ridge: Day Two to come out!
Often in books I know what's going to happen, but Ridge: Day One had some pretty big twists that I didn't see coming.
I can't wait for Ridge: Day Two to come out!
September 20, 2021
This was a definite page turner. It's a testament to the author's storytelling that I could not stop reading. I was expecting a good fantasy monster book, but this tome has war, political intrigue, and a main character who at first is confusing but quickly becomes the kind of selfless hero you're rooting for against the entire world.
I think this story built a great world exploring how people are trapped by the invisible walls their societies create. In many stories, the hero will not act or behave the way Hamel does, because to many of us, showing that level of restraint is just plain crazy. Hamel's culture is very rigid, almost religious in the way they follow traditions of honor. It contrasts perfectly with the society of the neighboring allied country Hamel eventually finds himself in.
But despite the many opportunities to "take the easy way", and especially after Hamel discovers the many horrible secrets that have been kept from him, he continues to exude the honor his culture instilled in him because he clearly values it above everything else, no matter what it costs him.
My only real complaint --a personal preference thing-- was the dialog in many spots between the MC and a girl that he rescues. These are great characters, but I admit I jumped past several of their conversations (I won't describe them because I don't want to ruin the plot). It was a bit too Shakespeare-ish for me.
One other minor quibble is some of the action scenes, and one in particular. The hero, in disguise, lures several soldiers into a guard shack and kills them in about two sentences. It's easy to accept Hamel as a skilled soldier, but nothing in the story ever prepared me to believe he was Batman.
I'm really looking forward to the next chapter in this series, and can't wait to see what's next for Gollos!
I think this story built a great world exploring how people are trapped by the invisible walls their societies create. In many stories, the hero will not act or behave the way Hamel does, because to many of us, showing that level of restraint is just plain crazy. Hamel's culture is very rigid, almost religious in the way they follow traditions of honor. It contrasts perfectly with the society of the neighboring allied country Hamel eventually finds himself in.
But despite the many opportunities to "take the easy way", and especially after Hamel discovers the many horrible secrets that have been kept from him, he continues to exude the honor his culture instilled in him because he clearly values it above everything else, no matter what it costs him.
My only real complaint --a personal preference thing-- was the dialog in many spots between the MC and a girl that he rescues. These are great characters, but I admit I jumped past several of their conversations (I won't describe them because I don't want to ruin the plot). It was a bit too Shakespeare-ish for me.
One other minor quibble is some of the action scenes, and one in particular. The hero, in disguise, lures several soldiers into a guard shack and kills them in about two sentences. It's easy to accept Hamel as a skilled soldier, but nothing in the story ever prepared me to believe he was Batman.
I'm really looking forward to the next chapter in this series, and can't wait to see what's next for Gollos!
February 10, 2022
ARC Review: Received for free via BookSirens for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Shawn P.B. Robinson for the opportunity.
I actually really enjoyed this book, but it took me forever to get through. I think that moslty had to do with how repetitive it ended up getting with the whole 'honour' thing. That's not to say it was bad or anything, it just felt like every few pages we'd have to be reminded about the honour in the Ridge. Again, not bad, just a bit much.
I liked the characters though they almost fell into the 'too perfect' catagory. Things almost came too easily for everyone, and it almost felt like they didn't have to try too hard to get what they wanted. Like with one of the characters, they picked things up way too quickly, like they weren't amazing at the things, but they were too close to perfect for someone who'd only just started doing the thing (this sentence is weird, but I'm trying not to add spoilers!).
The story is good, I enjoyed it. I love that the chapters are short and ways to get through and that we don't have to suffer through bombastic words. The story is easy to follow and easy to understand and we aren't choked full of faux-science words. I like that, I like that my two brain cells didn't have to struggling to understand what was going on.
Overall, I enjoyed this a lot and am excited to read the second book!
CW/TW: blood, death, knives/knife violence, gun/gun violence, misogyny, physical abuse, slavery, blood loss, injury due to stabbing, child abuse
I actually really enjoyed this book, but it took me forever to get through. I think that moslty had to do with how repetitive it ended up getting with the whole 'honour' thing. That's not to say it was bad or anything, it just felt like every few pages we'd have to be reminded about the honour in the Ridge. Again, not bad, just a bit much.
I liked the characters though they almost fell into the 'too perfect' catagory. Things almost came too easily for everyone, and it almost felt like they didn't have to try too hard to get what they wanted. Like with one of the characters, they picked things up way too quickly, like they weren't amazing at the things, but they were too close to perfect for someone who'd only just started doing the thing (this sentence is weird, but I'm trying not to add spoilers!).
The story is good, I enjoyed it. I love that the chapters are short and ways to get through and that we don't have to suffer through bombastic words. The story is easy to follow and easy to understand and we aren't choked full of faux-science words. I like that, I like that my two brain cells didn't have to struggling to understand what was going on.
Overall, I enjoyed this a lot and am excited to read the second book!
CW/TW: blood, death, knives/knife violence, gun/gun violence, misogyny, physical abuse, slavery, blood loss, injury due to stabbing, child abuse
August 25, 2021
I was given an ARC of this book and I couldn't put it down. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out plots, but there were some big surprises in this book that had me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait until I can read book 2.
June 27, 2022
Two nations, one of honor and the other not as much, trials and tribulations hit. Disgraced general, Hamel, decides to infiltrate the other nation and find out what he could in regards to his nations death rate. His daughter is the nations matir and together the plan is hatched to get down to the bottom of what is going on. There are battles and blood, one nation honor and duty, the other no honor and malice all around, and they keep certain people as slaves. Will Hamel find the answers? Will he survive? How will events unfold? The reader will discover more than originally thought, and the ending will leave you questioning how this tragic story continues in book two.
November 16, 2023
I loved this book. The author starts with the spotlight on a single character ans slowly widens the lens in a thrilling tale of deception and relationships that are other than they seem. In a society defined by honour, sometimes the dishonoured are the most honourable!
September 24, 2023
I thought this book was quite interesting. Outstanding characters with lots of intense moments. Hamel was determined to gain his honor back at all costs. Trying to find out what the Dusk was and causing devastation to the people of the Ridge Capital. and why the Beasts were attacking more frequently. A great book to read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews