The Battle that was Lost

The Ringlander #0.5

by Michael S. Jackson

A bastard gets paid.
That's the point of being a bastard, after all. Yet in war, payment in blood is more likely than payment in coin. Staegrim knows coins better than he knows people, and he isn't giving his life away for free. Not to the rebels, not for the lords, and not for all of the bloody coins in Rengas.
But then... Everyone has a price.

Genres: Fantasy

104 pages, Hardcover

Published October 13, 2022

About the author

Michael became a writer to explore, worlds, words and people. Throw in a love of all things science and the Ringlander universe was the inevitable outcome.

When not writing, or thinking about writing Michael spends time with family, plays drums, designs, codes and fights off the little voice that beckons him constantly to sit down and do nothing.

Reviews

[Petrik · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

2.5/5 stars

An action-packed one-sitting read, The Battle that was Lost is an introductory novella to the Ringlander that shows glimpses of Jackson's skill at writing actions and a fast-paced story.

The Battle that was Lost is the prequel novella to the Ringlander series by Michael S. Jackson. Even though I have owned the first novel in Ringlander, The Path and the Way, for quite a while now, I still haven't got the chance to read it yet. Why? I have no excuses except to blame it on the constant fluctuating reading mood and overwhelming TBR pile and review requests. Because of this, I thought I might as well give the 50 pages-ish (the last 50 pages of The Battle that was Lost are preview chapters of The Path and the Way) prequel novella first and see how I feel about it.

The entirety of this 50 pages novella is packed with battle scenes, and I think the battles were well-written. Jackson has a way of pulling readers into feeling the frantic and scary situation of close-quarter combats. However, I will also mention this. Flashy or well-written action scenes alone aren't enough for me. I need to care for the characters to feel immersed in the battles. And unfortunately, due to the low page count, even though there were flashbacks implemented for the main characters, there weren't enough focus and characterizations to make me care about the character's ordeals. I have a feeling one or two characters from the novella do appear in the main novel, and although I can't confirm this as of now, I have an inkling I will enjoy The Battle that was Lost more if I have read The Path and the Way first.

But overall, if you're curious about the author's writing style, The Battle that was Lost is a good novella that will serve the purpose of introducing readers to the author's prose and storytelling style. I look forward to reading The Path and the Way, and then I'll let you know whether the novella improved or not after that.

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Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!

My Patrons: Alfred, Andrew, Andrew W, Amanda, Annabeth, Casey, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Elias, Ellen, Ellis, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jesse, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Kristina, Lana, Leigh, Luis, Lufi, Melinda, Meryl, Michael, Mike, Miracle, Nanette, Neeraja, Nicholas, Reno, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Scott, Shawn, Xero, Wendy, Wick, Zoe.

[Dom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as an introduction to the author and the world of Ringlander, as I like to do that with novellas set before the events of the first book in a series. This time, I think I might have shot myself in the foot by doing it that way.

The writing is good and the events intriguing. You get introduced to a handful of characters and there's a battle going on, but we also get some flashbacks to give the characters a little more depth and to form connections between some of them.

However, I didn't really get much more than that from this novella. At the time of writing this review, I am mid-way through reading The Path and the Way and I am enjoying it. I've come across some of the characters from the novella so far, and the battle has also been mentioned. Already, the events of the novella are starting to make a bit more sense to be, or at least, their impact on the world is becoming clear.

I genuinely think that this is one I would have appreciated a lot more had I read the book before the novella, despite that being out of chronological order. As it is, read the way I did, the novella is okay, but for me it served more as a taster for the author's talents than a taster for the world and the characters.

I would say there's no requirement to read the book first, I didn't feel like I was drowning, reading without a clue what was going on, or anything like that. However, I will personally be recommending this one to be read after, and not before, The Path and the Way.

[Library of a Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

.Great appetizer for the series!

The Battle That Was Lost is one of the most ambitious and concise fantasy novellas I have ever read. While this novella focuses first and foremost on a significant battle, large sections of the story focus on various flashbacks, allowing the reader to gain insights into each character's role in this conflict. The Battle That Was Lost is a multiple POV story spanning across various locations and time periods. If you are going to pick up this novella, I would highly recommend taking your time since skimming over some parts of the story could quickly end up with you missing some vital parts of this story.

The Battle That Was Lost is filled with intricate world-building, fascinating characters and a captivating plot. I kept turning the pages since I needed to see how this story would conclude, and Jackson definitely did deliver. I found the last act unpredictable and heartbreaking, leaving me with many questions! This novella is a perfect appetizer for anyone curious about picking up this series.

I would highly recommend this novella to fans of epic fantasy. The Battle That Was Lost is an engaging and captivating read that will leave readers wanting more. Fortunately, The Path and The Way is already out, so if you enjoy this novella, check out the other book in this universe!

Thank you to Michael S. Jackson for sending me a physical arc in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 / 5 stars

Thanks to my Patreons Erin, Peturius, Dent, Mel, Mark, Melissa and Áron Sofus.

[Rebecca Crunden]

“Some tides are inevitable, Horse Master. They may never be stopped.”

This is my first foray into the Ringlander universe and it was straight into battle with this one! I really appreciated that there was action from page one and even though I wasn’t familiar with the novel’s setting to have context for the opening battle that unfolds, it was easy to fall into the story and let the characters lead the way. So for anyone not sure whether to start with this one or the novel, I think this is a fine starting point! It certainly left me wanting more!

It’s quite a short read, but the amount of action and violence and worldbuilding packed into the pages makes it feel much longer – I was totally shocked when I turned the next page and realised it was done! And I quite liked Staegrim as a character. (And also that is a really cool name!) The prose moves along at a brisk, crisp pace and there are a good number of flashbacks to provide more character development. I’m curious to see where the storyline goes in the next one and how this battle sets things up for the novel. I honestly did not expect so many twists in so short a tale, so I’ve a feeling that the book will be VERY VERY VERY intense! Excellent. Can’t wait!

Thank you so much to the author for a review copy.

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[Kayla Kay's Hidden Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars Rounded to 5 Stars

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

“Faith is for the fallen”

I devoured The Battle That Was Lost in a single sitting. A fantasy novella and loose prequel to The Path and The Way. It’s a fast paced, engaging and action-packed story that depicts the battle of Drakemyre. It gives more insight and depth into some of the characters we meet in The Path and The Way. We also get introduced to a new character, Staegrim, a bastard for hire who puts a strong value in coin.

As this is a novella set in Rengas, it may be best to read The Path and The Way first to better understand some of the world building and cultures. As Michael S. Jackson’s world-building is rich, dynamic, and full of intricacy. However, if you are looking for an epic entry to the Ringlander series, without the depth of the world building, this is a great place to start.

The battle scenes were gripping and had some unexpected turns. A battle to decide the fate of the Tsiorc rebellion against the Bohr, that leaves you on the edge of your seat. For how short this novella is, getting great character developments was not something I expected, but the author pulled it off beautifully.

A must-read for any fantasy reader out there!

[FantasyBookNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Battle That Was Lost is a novella set in the middle of a battle. The story is a short little blast of mayhem that outlines a battle that leads us straight into Micheal S. Jackson's novel Ringlander.

The story itself is set around a number of characters that include the two bastards, Qor and Staegrim, the tactician Laeb and Captain Duga however, the main protagonist is Staegrim.

When we start the book, Staegrim is bemoaning the futility of the tactics employed by Laeb and how he feels the slaughter of twenty horses has no merit at all. From there we learn that Staegrim, and his partner Qor are bastards. A pair of mercenaries, fighting on the side of the Tsorics against the Lord's and the Bohr's (a race of what seem to be Minotaurs who have conquered the lands) armies.

It's hard to imagine how an extended battle scene can be sustained for fifty eight pages, but Michael S. Jackson manages to carry out that very feat by peppering the story with exceptional characters and interspersing this extended battle scene with flashbacks to key points in the characters lives.

Not only that he manages to capture the violence and ferocity of close quartered battle. This is not the typical heroic battle in which we see cavalry thundering in with infantry running in, all swords a blazing. It is largely close quartered fighting in which bodies are pressed so close together that the soldiers can barely raise a sword. Instead of the usual clashing swords, Michael S. Jackson captures the violence, grittiness and sheer dirtiness of melee fighting. You can veritably smell the odours of battle, the steel and the sweat of the fighting between the two sides.

The tale itself manages to fit an enormous amount in the relatively short page space. We learn about the backgrounds of various characters, how they got the the time and space that they inhabit now and what it means for the resistance as a whole.

The Battle That Was Lost is a compelling short story, full of gritty action scenes, some underlying dark humour and believable characters, serving as a good introduction to the world of Ringlander.

[Krina || Amazeofwords · Rating 4 out of 5]

The battle That was Lost by Michael Jackson is my first stop in the Ringlander Universe. While, I generally read the novel first and novella later. This year, is the year of changes and this change was a pleasant one. I was completely new to the world and this novella screams of battle. Maybe, you might wonder how a battle...just battle will be a good entry point? But...this is not the case here. There is a perfect balance between the battle ranging in front of us and the flashbacks of how we are where we are. The characters are introduced, they are fighting and at the same time, we get a glimpse of their past. We get a glimpse of why they are over here fighting.

Personally, I loved this novella and the bonus 3 chapters that I read of Ringlander and I can't wait to get lost in this world. The writing is fresh and clever. The tricks and quirks used are honestly fun to read. Personally the two of my favorites were: the double side Head coin and this dialogue: Your name will save your life, but only if you abide by the rules of your trade. The rules of Bastard."

I think The Battle that was Lost is a perfect book to read between your reads or hectic day. Seriously, it's only 57 pages but the content in those pages seem far more. There is so much information about the world and characters that I want to know more about them. I want to know what they will do. And that ending. The last words. Everything aside and the last words aside... If the gods had indeed entered the game, more death would follow.

I would recommend this novella to everyone, especially if you want to enjoy the balance between world-building and characterization. You can buy them exclusively on Broken Binding.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Battle That Was Lost is a prequel novella to Ringlander: The Path and the Way and retells the story of the battle between the rebels and the Bohr that happened right before the first book as told from the perspective of bastard mercenary Staegrim and rebel tactician captain Laeb.

It is a quick, action-packed read that features some familiar characters from the first book. Despite already knowing the outcome, there were still some surprises and a few insights. Personally, I would recommend reading The Path and the Way first before reading this novella although this is not a must.

*Thank you to Michael S. Jackson for sending me an ARC for an honest review.

[P.L. Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and the receiving of the ARC in no way influenced my review.

How do I rate and review the shortest book I have read in years? It's a real testament to the writing skills of author Micheal S. Jackson that I was completely enthralled by all fifty-seven pages of novella, "The Battle That Was Lost", prequel novella to his "Ringlander" series. 

From what I can determine, having not read the first book in "Ringlander", entitled "The Path and The Way", which is a lauded Self Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO) semi-finalist entry from this past year, the events of "The Battle That Was Lost" occur directly before "The Path and The Way".

Set in the fictional lands of Rengas, as per the title, the legendary battle of Drakemyre is the subject of the novella. The conflict features the forces of the dominant Bohr on one side and a Tsiorc rebel faction on the other. The battle looks utterly futile from the rebel's side, and they have virtually no hope to vanquish the superior Bohr forces. 

The Bohr are described as incredibly formidable, "...inhuman, a cross between a man and a bull standing, and twice as tall." 

Enter sell-sword Staegrim - a soldier who, as per the author "knows coins better than he knows people, and he isn't giving his life away for free" - and rebel leader Laeb. Despite the seemingly hopeless position of the Tsiorc revolution, neither one of these men is giving up.   
 
Live or die, Staegrim and Laeb are determined to do battle deeds that are worthy of remembrance, and maybe, just maybe, accomplish the impossible.

Without any knowledge of what's to come in the "Ringlander" Series, I read this book as one big chapter, and one big battle-scene, because I've read many fantasy novels with longer chapters than the entirety of this novella. It was fabulous. 

Surprisingly, squeezed into the small page-count was an astounding amount of character development of auxiliary players such as Qor and Kavik, in addition to Staegrim the Feared and Laeb. While there was not a lot of space for worldbuilding, I found the flashbacks, vivid descriptions, and the lean, eloquent writing more than enough to thoroughly invest myself in the story. 

Of course, with a novella such as this, it's all about the quick tension built up just prior to the actual fighting, the battle sequences themselves, and what the author does with those quiet moments of pause between the action. This was done in exceptional fashion - the scenes were quick, brutal, and bloody, the way it should be, with poignant moments illustrating the horror of battle, balanced alongside the glory of victory, and the agony of defeat.

Assuredly, I will be picking up "The Path and the Way", because I was highly impressed and very intrigued with the teaser "The Battle That Was Lost" provided for the world Jackson has created, and need to know more!  
4.5 stars! 

[Alex (Spells & Spaceships) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Battle That Was Lost is Michael S Jackson’s 2nd book in the Ringlander series after his debut novel The Path and the Way.

What I like about this novella is that it’s successful in introducing you to the author’s writing, the world and some of its inhabitants even if you haven’t read book 1. It’s also probably even more fun if you have, because it further fleshes things out and gives you extra action to sink your teeth into.

On the first page is a map, and it’s one of the nicest I’ve seen in fantasy books. It’s not overly complicated but it’s got such a pleasant design and it does its job in giving you some bearings and an idea of where the different locations are and people come from.

We are introduced to a number of characters , with Staegrim, Qor, Laeb and Duga being the main ones – Staegrim and Qor being the bastards teased in the blurb.

Your life is worth no more to me than the ten pieces of metal I dropped into your hand.

I enjoyed seeing war from the mercenary perspective. We often don’t see this as protagonists in fantasy novels are usually heroic in some way and even when their morals are grey, I’ve rarely encountered this dynamic looked at, following people fighting purely for coin. We see how there doesn’t always need to be some cause for soldiers to fight on – survival and money can be just as big motivators.

The majority of the book is one big battle against the monstrous Bohr, with Laeb and Duga in commanding positions on the same side as Staegrim and Qor.

Something that works really well is the italics chapters or passages that are interspersed between the main action, which serve to give more background on the characters and like a fast paced episode of a TV show, a cut away from the core action to gain a brief moment of calm and further knowledge. I think this was executed really well by the author.

The main strength of the novella is if you like battles and action, as we see battle tactics and gritty, visceral fighting up close. Although it being a novella means it’s a quick read, this really makes things fly as you get involved in the action.

Jackson’s new book complements his existing work, building the world and its inhabitants further whilst setting you up really nicely for future novels.

[Boe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Battle That Was Lost is one one heck of a start to a series. This novella’s main focus is not going to be a shocker to anyone, it's of course on an epic battle that takes place. Honestly even if that was all we got I probably would have been happy considering how short this novella is but we actually got so much more.

There are a number of flashbacks that give the reader a glimpse into how things came to be prior to the battle. I’m really impressed with just how much world building and character depth Michael S. Jackson was able to create in such a short amount of time.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect as I bought this hardcover novella on a whim from The Broken Binding and after reading this I’m definitely going to pick up the main book in the series and give it a go as this bite size teaser of a book left me wanting more.

3.5/5 stars

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to follow

[Pippin Took, the Shire Hobbit · Rating 3 out of 5]

"There was no honour in it, some would say, but Staegrim certainly never thought of stealing that way. He was helping those in need. It just so happened that he was often the one who happened to be in need."

This was an action packed novella that starts right in the middle of a battle. I really liked the dialogue and fighting scenes. The ending plot twist was very good and it sets up the next book pretty well.

"The gods, the fates, the stars, or whoever had handed them a victory when the battle should have been lost He should have thanked them, but something deep in his guts wouldn't allow it. If the gods had indeed entered the game, more death would follow."

I haven't read The Path and the Way (Book #1) yet but I think it is better to come back to this novella after reading that first. The reason is because it feels like too much has been tried to be executed in a very short space here. There are multiple POVs and the book also travels between past and present events quite frequently. Since it is all done in very few pages though, there was a disjointed feel to it. I will probably re-read it after I read Book 1.

[John Tales from Absurdia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Battle That Was Lost is the latest book in Michael S. Jackson’s Ringlander series.

A 50ish page novella, this entry details a battle that has significant ramifications for the narrative of Jackson’s full-length fantasy novel, Ringlander: The Path and the Way.

On the surface of it, how interesting could a novella about a battle be? Swords presumably clash, armour is rent, and people die. Par for the course. And let’s be honest – the most memorable parts of fantasy fiction tend to be the character moments and world-building.

Fear not, dear reader. The Battle That Was Lost strikes a good balance between character and world-building elements. The frenetic fighting is punctuated with flashbacks that help steady the pace of the writing, giving the story both time and space to breathe.

This is another impressive outing from Jackson, and well worth your time if you’re into fantasy fiction.

Read the full review on talesfromabsurdia.com

[Tristan · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 36%.

Maybe some other time.

There’s lots here that is good, but this didn’t hold my attention.

Firstly because I need to read another book preceding this in the sequence to have any idea who is who and who’s doing what and why.

Secondly because the author aims for frantic activity and jumping from one POV to another and one timeline to another. This is an attempt to be cinematic. However, the author really needs to smooth out the ride and guide the camera from significant moment to significant moment, as reading is slower than watching.

As it is, this is a maelstrom of action, people, recollections, and who knows what. It takes too much concentration to try to hold on. The message might be brilliant but if the audience doesn’t get it, it’s worthless. Don’t make the reader have to do all the work.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting novella. Definitely going to have to dive into the “Ringlander” series.

[Suki Rickey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Novella

This short read was okay and had errors throughout. The overall was about a battle between rebels and the reigning nobles. The characters and plot was hard to follow. The MC and his friends had flashbacks on how they met or other stuff in their past. The story jumped around so much I'm not sure what really happened.

[Harry Chilcott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it would be better if you read this one after you finish Ringlander #1, as although it's well-written, I had no idea what was going on at all

[Kelvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better upon reread