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Storm Approaching
STORM APPROACHING The first volume of the Mercenaries series Leaving the Institute for the Homeless, Andiriel longs for excitement. Befriended by a knight of the illustrious Sovereign Order, she enters the Order's auxiliary services and finds herself on a strange mission leading to a challenging future in a job she hardly expects.------------------No magic swords or mighty rings, no orphans who are really kings, No elves or dwarfs or prophecies, no ghouls and vampires, if you please. A mercenary regiment, its men (and women), where it's sent, Its training, tactics, work and play; A growing threat (still far away): That's Storm Approaching. Kindly look at this self-published, worthwhile book.---------------More information andiriel.blogspot.com
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2009
About the author
Brian Libby
4 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 28, 2009
Storm Approaching follows the trials and fortunes of Andiriel, an orphan living in one of the many houses for orphans in the New Empire. Andiriel longs for a life bigger than what she knows, and as the book progresses and she finds her path, she also finds out more about the world than she ever bargained for.
Now, one of the first things that I kept an eye out for while reading this book was the normal tropes of fantasy – after all, Brian states at the back of the book:
“This book is warranted to be free of ingredients known to harm originality in contemporary speculative fiction. It has no magical swords, rings, orbs, wands, torques, gems, or other trinkets. Here are no elves, dwarfs, vampires, zombies, golems, imps or goblins. No orphans or mislaid children are the rightful heirs of kings. Nobody discovers hidden Wizardly powers, Dead people stay that way. And there is not one prophecy in sight.”
I can hear you asking, “Well then, what’s there to read about?” For one thing, it’s still a fantasy novel, and a damn good one, for all that it doesn’t have what we are used to when reading fantasy novels.
You see, what Brian does so well is the same kinds of things that authors like GRRM and Robert Jordan do so well: I’m talking about World Building, attention to detail and excellent character development.
The world that Brian creates, being the New Empire, is filled with real history and an interesting culture. As you read, Brian skillfully gives you all the information you need to think of the New Empire -and the towns and cities you will go to- as a place that makes sense, that seems as real and comfortable as the place you’ve grown up in or known your whole life. Brian also achieves the all important Don’t-Deluge-the-Reader-With-Information aspect of making Fantasy good.
Character-wise, Andiriel is, of course, given the most attention, but Brian lets characters from all walks of life have their time in the book and each character is true to themselves; there’s no noble speaking or like a low-born and no low-born speaking of acting like a noble (though that would, probably, be more likely). Everyone has a presence, a solidness, which needs to be there when dealing with as large a cast of characters as grace Storm Approaching’s pages. Some of the stand-out characters for me, other than Andiriel herself, were some of the mercenaries, the Emperor and members of his council, and a cute little fox.
As good as the book is, it does take a couple of chapters to build up, but looking back, I do see this as a strength. You see, the master himself, JRR Tolkien, took it slow and steady, and this is a path that Brian walks well. There’s no hurrying this book, though do allow yourself some time to get into Brian’s rhythm – it’s worth it.
Brian also has a good handle on the military aspects of the novel – while characters are learning about formations, tactics, weapons and the like, you are, too, and before you know it, you might find yourself thinking up strategies of your own to use in whatever strategy game you play. Case in point, I like Warhammer: Dawn of War and Star Craft, so you can imagine the fun I had.
Another aspect that Brian excels at is the political aspect of the his world, and this is an important part of any fantasy – a part that needs to be spot on all the time so that it doesn’t come across as dumb or contrived. It’s another aspect of the novel that Brian put a lot of thought into.
There’s enough intrigue, character development, and mystery in this novel to keep the discerning fantasy-lover satisfied, but if there’s one thing I missed, it’s battles. If you’re looking for two or three big battles, you wont find them in this book, but what does occur in the book is absolutely central to Andiriel, so keep that in mind if you start feeling let down.
Taking everything into account, Storm Approaching is an incredibly self-assured novel, and an excellent example of what can be still be done in fantasy without using anything that is expected from the genre. Let’s hope that Brian’s work crosses the desk of editor in a big publisher, because Storm Approaching deserves to be on shelves everywhere.
I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
8 / 10
Now, one of the first things that I kept an eye out for while reading this book was the normal tropes of fantasy – after all, Brian states at the back of the book:
“This book is warranted to be free of ingredients known to harm originality in contemporary speculative fiction. It has no magical swords, rings, orbs, wands, torques, gems, or other trinkets. Here are no elves, dwarfs, vampires, zombies, golems, imps or goblins. No orphans or mislaid children are the rightful heirs of kings. Nobody discovers hidden Wizardly powers, Dead people stay that way. And there is not one prophecy in sight.”
I can hear you asking, “Well then, what’s there to read about?” For one thing, it’s still a fantasy novel, and a damn good one, for all that it doesn’t have what we are used to when reading fantasy novels.
You see, what Brian does so well is the same kinds of things that authors like GRRM and Robert Jordan do so well: I’m talking about World Building, attention to detail and excellent character development.
The world that Brian creates, being the New Empire, is filled with real history and an interesting culture. As you read, Brian skillfully gives you all the information you need to think of the New Empire -and the towns and cities you will go to- as a place that makes sense, that seems as real and comfortable as the place you’ve grown up in or known your whole life. Brian also achieves the all important Don’t-Deluge-the-Reader-With-Information aspect of making Fantasy good.
Character-wise, Andiriel is, of course, given the most attention, but Brian lets characters from all walks of life have their time in the book and each character is true to themselves; there’s no noble speaking or like a low-born and no low-born speaking of acting like a noble (though that would, probably, be more likely). Everyone has a presence, a solidness, which needs to be there when dealing with as large a cast of characters as grace Storm Approaching’s pages. Some of the stand-out characters for me, other than Andiriel herself, were some of the mercenaries, the Emperor and members of his council, and a cute little fox.
As good as the book is, it does take a couple of chapters to build up, but looking back, I do see this as a strength. You see, the master himself, JRR Tolkien, took it slow and steady, and this is a path that Brian walks well. There’s no hurrying this book, though do allow yourself some time to get into Brian’s rhythm – it’s worth it.
Brian also has a good handle on the military aspects of the novel – while characters are learning about formations, tactics, weapons and the like, you are, too, and before you know it, you might find yourself thinking up strategies of your own to use in whatever strategy game you play. Case in point, I like Warhammer: Dawn of War and Star Craft, so you can imagine the fun I had.
Another aspect that Brian excels at is the political aspect of the his world, and this is an important part of any fantasy – a part that needs to be spot on all the time so that it doesn’t come across as dumb or contrived. It’s another aspect of the novel that Brian put a lot of thought into.
There’s enough intrigue, character development, and mystery in this novel to keep the discerning fantasy-lover satisfied, but if there’s one thing I missed, it’s battles. If you’re looking for two or three big battles, you wont find them in this book, but what does occur in the book is absolutely central to Andiriel, so keep that in mind if you start feeling let down.
Taking everything into account, Storm Approaching is an incredibly self-assured novel, and an excellent example of what can be still be done in fantasy without using anything that is expected from the genre. Let’s hope that Brian’s work crosses the desk of editor in a big publisher, because Storm Approaching deserves to be on shelves everywhere.
I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
8 / 10
April 16, 2013
No magic swords or mighty rings, no orphans who are really kings,
No elves or dwarfs or prophecies, no ghouls and vampires, if you please.
A mercenary regiment, its men (and women), where it's sent,
Its training, tactics, work and play; A growing threat (still far away):
This is the first book in a wider tale called simply, Mercenaries. It is a wonderful introduction to the main character, Andiriel. We meet Andiriel as she is nearing the end of her time at the Institute for the Salvation of the Homeless, a home for orphan girls where they are cared for and schooled. In return they worked as lace makers in a factory. Andiriel is preparing for life outside of the home, but what to do? One friend is to be married the other is joining a traveling acting troupe. This is when she meets Sir Branlor, a Glory Knight, and her life is never the same.
Although there is a really good story developing in this first book, it is more about the character Andiriel. Through the actions that she takes and the thoughts in her mind, we begin to get to know her and quite honestly really like her. She is a strong female lead but she makes mistakes and has many faults. You can relate to her on a very personal level. You find yourself rooting for her to find her way out of each sticky situation she gets into. You want her to come out on top.
There are many other good characters in this book also. None more special than Sandy the sand fox Andiriel rescues. After she is rescued, Sandy stays at Andiriel’s side. She is sweet, when she needs to be, and fiercely loyal, but can definitely take care of herself also. As the story goes on you learn that she shares a telepathic bond with Andiriel. She adds some levity to the story by her antics and the conversations she has with Andiriel.
The storyline is strong. It is the introduction so not a whole lot is given up yet, but you can definitely feel the winds of change blowing. There is deception, intrigue, betrayal and political maneuvering abounding throughout. All the makings of an epic story.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed Storm Approaching and cannot wait to get book two, Gold and Glory. If you are looking for a good fantasy story without all the trappings of convenience found in most contemporary fantasy then this is a book you need to read.
Originally posted on To Read Or Not To Read, August 15, 2011.
July 20, 2009
Storm Approaching is book one in author Brian Libby’s Mercenaries series.
It begins with the story of a young girl named Andiriel. She and a bunch of other girls live and work at the Institute for the Homeless. Andiriel is an orphan. She longs for a grand adventure. Andiriel just may get her adventure sooner than she thought. She ends up meeting The Silver Hawks, a bunch of soldiers. Andiriel gets the chance to hone her skills with a sword and hang with the soldiers.
While out and about, Andiriel discovers a fox. This fox is very unique. Andiriel feels the need to find the fox’s home. She ends up leaving the Institute. Along the way, Andiriel makes some friends, who travel with her. Now Andiriel and her companions are on the greatest adventure Andiriel will ever have in her life.
I liked the fact that the main character Andiriel is a young girl. Mr. Libby could have written this part for a boy but he didn’t. That is great. Andiriel took me on an adventure. She is a very courageous girl, who is also smart. While I did enjoy this story, there were a few times in the middle where I did skim over it. It wasn’t because of lack of interest but just because I wanted the story to more along a little faster. I have a feeling with the ending and the fact that there are already books two and three that this series will get better and better as the story progresses. Overall a pretty good book.
It begins with the story of a young girl named Andiriel. She and a bunch of other girls live and work at the Institute for the Homeless. Andiriel is an orphan. She longs for a grand adventure. Andiriel just may get her adventure sooner than she thought. She ends up meeting The Silver Hawks, a bunch of soldiers. Andiriel gets the chance to hone her skills with a sword and hang with the soldiers.
While out and about, Andiriel discovers a fox. This fox is very unique. Andiriel feels the need to find the fox’s home. She ends up leaving the Institute. Along the way, Andiriel makes some friends, who travel with her. Now Andiriel and her companions are on the greatest adventure Andiriel will ever have in her life.
I liked the fact that the main character Andiriel is a young girl. Mr. Libby could have written this part for a boy but he didn’t. That is great. Andiriel took me on an adventure. She is a very courageous girl, who is also smart. While I did enjoy this story, there were a few times in the middle where I did skim over it. It wasn’t because of lack of interest but just because I wanted the story to more along a little faster. I have a feeling with the ending and the fact that there are already books two and three that this series will get better and better as the story progresses. Overall a pretty good book.
June 5, 2011
from Murphy's Library — http://www.murphyslibrary.com/ — rated 3 and a half there
Andiriel is an orphan, but also a mercenary. And this is not an easy thing. It all seems to be going well for her, she is a mercenary employed by Knights, and she has her future carefully thought. Nothing could go wrong, right? Wrong.
Storm Approaching is what I would call an action fantasy. Without paranormal creatures, Brian Libby created a fantasy with a great main character—who’s definitely way too much followed by Murphy, I had a total identification with her because of it—, who needs to escape pirates, assassins and the dangers of the world she chooses for herself.
The narrative in this book is really epic, and I mean epic. I found myself transported to the middle of the story sometimes, and this is a really good sensation. It has its problems, sometimes I felt like some phrases were broken, but it had a good pace most of the time.
The characters are good to read, but Andiriel was the golden character of this book, without a doubt. A good work by Brian Libby.
Andiriel is an orphan, but also a mercenary. And this is not an easy thing. It all seems to be going well for her, she is a mercenary employed by Knights, and she has her future carefully thought. Nothing could go wrong, right? Wrong.
Storm Approaching is what I would call an action fantasy. Without paranormal creatures, Brian Libby created a fantasy with a great main character—who’s definitely way too much followed by Murphy, I had a total identification with her because of it—, who needs to escape pirates, assassins and the dangers of the world she chooses for herself.
The narrative in this book is really epic, and I mean epic. I found myself transported to the middle of the story sometimes, and this is a really good sensation. It has its problems, sometimes I felt like some phrases were broken, but it had a good pace most of the time.
The characters are good to read, but Andiriel was the golden character of this book, without a doubt. A good work by Brian Libby.
June 4, 2011
I tried reading this book many times but could never get into it. It was interesting at first. I liked it that the author chose a girl (a mercenary) to be the main character of his novel. Andiriel's character is likeable. However, I think the main problem is having too many characters with unusual names, it makes the story hard to understand. And also didn't like that the font used here is different than normal books. I have to admit that when choosing a book to buy, I always check the font and/or size because even though I have perfect vision ( okay, as of this writing...) my eyes tend to hurt real bad when the font size is smaller than normal.
Overall, for me it wasn't an easy book to read, giving this book 2-star but here are some positive reviews of the book :
http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Approachi...
Overall, for me it wasn't an easy book to read, giving this book 2-star but here are some positive reviews of the book :
http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Approachi...
January 18, 2012
I found some dichotomies in my reaction Storm Approaching. I thought it was well written, but in need of editing from someone experienced in publishing (sorry, I know I'm picky--what bothers me might not bother many readers at all). I thought the story well crafted, exciting, and interesting, but Andiriel takes some actions without much thought that I thought she should have struggled with. I won't name them, because I don't want to give away too much. Despite these, I really enjoyed the book and hope I get the chance to read the next two. The characters are enjoyable, with fun interactions, and there is just enough adventure and suspense. A fun read!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews