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Vorclaw
Spurred on by the unexpected loss of his wife, the military officer Baltus Blackpool plans to enact his revenge by dismantling the decadent ruling council of Vorclaw by building his own cult—The Black Masks! Meanwhile, his son Dru bonds with others and delves into a less respectable career path that his father is forced to embrace.
Magnus Foehammer, the infallible right hand of Baltus, rears an orphaned elf he names Leif. The elf, raised as a human alongside his adopted brother Bjorn, has no memory of his past but has an uncanny propensity towards good.
Leif and Bjorn bond with Dru Blackpool and all three follow their own fathers’ footsteps into the army. However, they get caught up in Baltus Blackpool’s plans to overtake the Vorclaw while falling into their own misfortunes involving deceit, magic and a quest to save Leif from the vampiress and her arch-goblin hoards!
Magnus Foehammer, the infallible right hand of Baltus, rears an orphaned elf he names Leif. The elf, raised as a human alongside his adopted brother Bjorn, has no memory of his past but has an uncanny propensity towards good.
Leif and Bjorn bond with Dru Blackpool and all three follow their own fathers’ footsteps into the army. However, they get caught up in Baltus Blackpool’s plans to overtake the Vorclaw while falling into their own misfortunes involving deceit, magic and a quest to save Leif from the vampiress and her arch-goblin hoards!
228 pages, Hardcover
Published March 31, 2022
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 3, 2022
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I recieved a copy of this book from the author exchange for an honest review. Just staring at the beautiful cover it screams classical fantasy with a noble knight. What the cover doesn’t show is that this book takes several dark turns at moments where you least expect it. Characters on both sides of the conflict will be heard and you may be surprised who you end up rooting for. A multi-POV story that shows the consequences of corruption and revenge. Lets take a deep dive.
Major Baltus Blackpool is a military officer in charge of the White Eagles and is marching back with his army to the capital city in Vorclaw. His beloved wife has passed away and he holds the politicians and sorcerors responsible for her demise. Revenge is on the forfront of Baltus mind and he will start his own cult in the underbelly of the city capital. This new cult, The Black Masks will have influence in all corners of Vorclaw and the plans they have in mind are not pretty.
Magnus Foehammer is the right hand of Baltus and comes across an orphand elf child named Leif in the wild. The origins of Leifs’ past are unknown but he is equiped with a magical necklace that gives him power and protects him from harm. Magnus becomes the father figure Leif never had and takes him under his wing. Leif grows up with Magnus and Baltus children to join the army and become rightous defenders of Vorclaw, but the worst is yet to come.
You will see very early on the worldbuilding and character moments start to progress on a slow but steady pace. There are several different moving parts happening at the same time creating tension and mystery around every corner. Even the so called “enemy” in this book, the arch goblins trying to regain their lands from the humans get there page time and we learn about the inner politics and alliances of the enemy. Especially the Queen of the arch goblins who is more than what she seems. Although a relatively short book, Vorclaw packs multiple punches and an ended which is screming for a sequel to come sooner rather than later.
This is the type of story which can take the classical fantasy genre and introduce it to the modern reader. Vorclaw is far from perfect but the bones are there for this to be a very good series. Leif turns out to be my favorite character of the bunch but there are several others to choose from. I’m looking forward to continuing with the next book.
Cheers!
I recieved a copy of this book from the author exchange for an honest review. Just staring at the beautiful cover it screams classical fantasy with a noble knight. What the cover doesn’t show is that this book takes several dark turns at moments where you least expect it. Characters on both sides of the conflict will be heard and you may be surprised who you end up rooting for. A multi-POV story that shows the consequences of corruption and revenge. Lets take a deep dive.
Major Baltus Blackpool is a military officer in charge of the White Eagles and is marching back with his army to the capital city in Vorclaw. His beloved wife has passed away and he holds the politicians and sorcerors responsible for her demise. Revenge is on the forfront of Baltus mind and he will start his own cult in the underbelly of the city capital. This new cult, The Black Masks will have influence in all corners of Vorclaw and the plans they have in mind are not pretty.
Magnus Foehammer is the right hand of Baltus and comes across an orphand elf child named Leif in the wild. The origins of Leifs’ past are unknown but he is equiped with a magical necklace that gives him power and protects him from harm. Magnus becomes the father figure Leif never had and takes him under his wing. Leif grows up with Magnus and Baltus children to join the army and become rightous defenders of Vorclaw, but the worst is yet to come.
You will see very early on the worldbuilding and character moments start to progress on a slow but steady pace. There are several different moving parts happening at the same time creating tension and mystery around every corner. Even the so called “enemy” in this book, the arch goblins trying to regain their lands from the humans get there page time and we learn about the inner politics and alliances of the enemy. Especially the Queen of the arch goblins who is more than what she seems. Although a relatively short book, Vorclaw packs multiple punches and an ended which is screming for a sequel to come sooner rather than later.
This is the type of story which can take the classical fantasy genre and introduce it to the modern reader. Vorclaw is far from perfect but the bones are there for this to be a very good series. Leif turns out to be my favorite character of the bunch but there are several others to choose from. I’m looking forward to continuing with the next book.
Cheers!
June 9, 2024
The book was a smooth, engaging read, with vivid and detailed depictions that made me feel as though I were right there in the story, experiencing the same sights, sounds, and smells as the characters.
Driven by the unexpected loss of his wife, military officer Baltus Blackpool vows to dismantle the decadent ruling council of Vorclaw, building his own cult known as The Black Masks to achieve his revenge. Meanwhile, his son Dru forges bonds and pursues a less respectable path, one that Baltus reluctantly accepts.
Magnus Foehammer, Baltus's steadfast right-hand man, raises an orphaned elf named Leif alongside his own son, Bjorn. Leif, with no memory of his past but an innate tendency toward goodness, grows up as a human. Leif, Bjorn, and Dru eventually join the army, following their fathers' footsteps.
However, they become entangled in Baltus's scheme to overthrow Vorclaw, facing their own trials of deceit, magic, and a quest to save Leif from a vampiress and her arch-goblin hordes.
The author's ability to masterfully intertwine each character's storyline in a suspense-filled narrative kept me on the edge of my seat, reminiscent of other great authors.
I grew fond of the characters and was deeply invested in their development and future.
I eagerly look forward to reading the second book.
Driven by the unexpected loss of his wife, military officer Baltus Blackpool vows to dismantle the decadent ruling council of Vorclaw, building his own cult known as The Black Masks to achieve his revenge. Meanwhile, his son Dru forges bonds and pursues a less respectable path, one that Baltus reluctantly accepts.
Magnus Foehammer, Baltus's steadfast right-hand man, raises an orphaned elf named Leif alongside his own son, Bjorn. Leif, with no memory of his past but an innate tendency toward goodness, grows up as a human. Leif, Bjorn, and Dru eventually join the army, following their fathers' footsteps.
However, they become entangled in Baltus's scheme to overthrow Vorclaw, facing their own trials of deceit, magic, and a quest to save Leif from a vampiress and her arch-goblin hordes.
The author's ability to masterfully intertwine each character's storyline in a suspense-filled narrative kept me on the edge of my seat, reminiscent of other great authors.
I grew fond of the characters and was deeply invested in their development and future.
I eagerly look forward to reading the second book.
May 2, 2023
I can definitely relate to the military aspects of Baltus Blackpool. I really liked the kinship that grew between Bjorn, Leif and Dru but I do not see it end well once they all learn that Leif developed a relation ship with the vampire. The overall feel of the book is defiantly has a Dungeons & Dragons / Lord of the Rings / Witcher feel to it. It could fit into anyone of those realms so if you like them, then you will like this.
August 12, 2025
Really was not my kind of book. I read for our book chat.
May 2, 2023
I can definitely relate to the military aspects of Baltus Blackpool. I really liked the kinship that grew between Bjorn, Leif and Dru but I do not see it end well once they all learn that Leif developed a relation ship with the vampire. The overall feel of the book is defiantly has a Dungeons & Dragons / Lord of the Rings / Witcher feel to it. It could fit into anyone of those realms so if you like them, then you will like this.
July 5, 2023
Loved the cover and was a pretty good read. Kept me guessing and loved the cliffhanger into the next book. I like the family and friendship drama too between Leif, Bjorn and Dru; none are related but it is clear they all share a bond. A good book if you like fantasy novels and I liked the Sequel even better.
June 15, 2024
The fantasy book is full of action and adventure and it revolves around an elf-boy named Leif.
In the beginning, a military officer named Baltus Blackpool finds the malnourished elf-boy Leif all alone in the forest. Baltus has his soldier friend Magnus take care of Leif. Magnus raises Leif alongside his own son Bjorn.
As Leif and Bjorn grow up, they become close friends and brothers. They decide to follow in their fathers' footsteps by joining the army. However, they get caught up in Baltus Blackpool's secret plans to take over the ruling council. There are battles against evil vampires, goblins, and the undead!
The book was very exciting and fun to read. The fight scenes were described really well. I could picture the characters swinging their swords and using magic. My favorite character was Leif obviously because he started out so small and weak but became a mighty warrior.
The book also teaches you about the different creatures that live on the world of Vana, like elves, dwarves, goblins, and others. I learned what each race looks like and how long they live compared to humans. This made me feel immersed in the fantasy world.
I really enjoyed this action-packed fantasy adventure book! If you like stories with magic, monsters, and brave heroes, then I think you would like reading this book too. The battles were thrilling and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I give this book two thumbs up!
In the beginning, a military officer named Baltus Blackpool finds the malnourished elf-boy Leif all alone in the forest. Baltus has his soldier friend Magnus take care of Leif. Magnus raises Leif alongside his own son Bjorn.
As Leif and Bjorn grow up, they become close friends and brothers. They decide to follow in their fathers' footsteps by joining the army. However, they get caught up in Baltus Blackpool's secret plans to take over the ruling council. There are battles against evil vampires, goblins, and the undead!
The book was very exciting and fun to read. The fight scenes were described really well. I could picture the characters swinging their swords and using magic. My favorite character was Leif obviously because he started out so small and weak but became a mighty warrior.
The book also teaches you about the different creatures that live on the world of Vana, like elves, dwarves, goblins, and others. I learned what each race looks like and how long they live compared to humans. This made me feel immersed in the fantasy world.
I really enjoyed this action-packed fantasy adventure book! If you like stories with magic, monsters, and brave heroes, then I think you would like reading this book too. The battles were thrilling and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I give this book two thumbs up!
June 16, 2024
"Vorclaw" by Jason Kalinowski is the first installment of an epic fantasy series that delves into themes of revenge, war, destiny, friendship, and family.
The story begins with General Baltus Blackpool discovering an elf boy with no memory during a mission. He entrusts the boy to his right-hand man, Magnus Foehammer, to raise. Everything seems to be going well until their return from a lengthy military duty, when Baltus learns of his wife's death and becomes determined to overthrow the current ruler.
The narrative unfolds in two parallel storylines and features a rich array of fantasy creatures, including goblins, dragons, vampires, and elves.
The plot is engaging and thrilling, providing a solid introduction to the world and characters while promising even more chaos in the second book.
This action-packed, thrilling epic fantasy is highly recommended, especially for beginners, as the world-building is straightforward and easy to grasp.
Overall, the first book is quite enjoyable, and I am eagerly anticipating the sequel.
The story begins with General Baltus Blackpool discovering an elf boy with no memory during a mission. He entrusts the boy to his right-hand man, Magnus Foehammer, to raise. Everything seems to be going well until their return from a lengthy military duty, when Baltus learns of his wife's death and becomes determined to overthrow the current ruler.
The narrative unfolds in two parallel storylines and features a rich array of fantasy creatures, including goblins, dragons, vampires, and elves.
The plot is engaging and thrilling, providing a solid introduction to the world and characters while promising even more chaos in the second book.
This action-packed, thrilling epic fantasy is highly recommended, especially for beginners, as the world-building is straightforward and easy to grasp.
Overall, the first book is quite enjoyable, and I am eagerly anticipating the sequel.
August 9, 2025
Vorclaw isn’t a book you read. It’s a world you fall into. One moment, you’re watching a grieving military officer bury his wife. The next, you’re caught in the shadowy rise of Baltus Blackpool and his ruthless cult, The Black Masks.
The thing that hooked me hardest? The relationships. Dru, Leif, and Bjorn aren’t just side players in a war — they’re brothers forged by circumstance, each with their own demons. You feel every betrayal, every desperate choice, every tiny moment of trust between them.
The plot never slows down — one second you’re navigating political intrigue, the next you’re in the middle of a fight against a vampiress and her goblin army. The magic is dark, the stakes are high, and the tension never lets up.
Why is this one of the best books I’ve ever read? Because it doesn’t just throw action at you — it makes you care deeply about the people in the middle of it. When the last page came, I wasn’t ready to leave Vorclaw. And honestly? I’m still not.
The thing that hooked me hardest? The relationships. Dru, Leif, and Bjorn aren’t just side players in a war — they’re brothers forged by circumstance, each with their own demons. You feel every betrayal, every desperate choice, every tiny moment of trust between them.
The plot never slows down — one second you’re navigating political intrigue, the next you’re in the middle of a fight against a vampiress and her goblin army. The magic is dark, the stakes are high, and the tension never lets up.
Why is this one of the best books I’ve ever read? Because it doesn’t just throw action at you — it makes you care deeply about the people in the middle of it. When the last page came, I wasn’t ready to leave Vorclaw. And honestly? I’m still not.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews