Nothing in the Mist

by E.S. Barrison

Jiang left home with nothing but his name…
Only to find himself in a glass of wine.

As a child, Jiang Mǐn believed he would follow in the footsteps of his father and lead the Sīchóu Shíyóu Army. Yet after being rejected for reasons outside of his control, Jiang is forced to leave home in shame. With nowhere to go and nothing but his name, Jiang travels to the city of Tencauri and takes refuge in a gambling house.

Jiang impresses the owner with his palette for wine and is offered an apprenticeship. The mere idea of abandoning his military background, though, leaves an emptiness in his soul. Who is he? Where does he belong? And what does he protect? He drowns himself in the wine, only to resurface with a love for the owner's daughter, Kikyo.

While planning his future, Jiang’s talents attract the attention of the powerful sorcerer Odo Othar and his betrothed, Solana. Something strange is afoot as the sorcerer prepares for his wedding, and it threatens to lead Jiang’s newfound life with Kikyo into the arms of Death.

In this installment of The Story Collector’s Almanac, join Jiang as he rediscovers his identity before it is taken away by the Council of Mist Keepers from The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice.

Rated 14+ for mentions of death, child loss, alcohol, and addiction.

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

E.S. Barrison has been writing and creating stories for as long as she can remember. After graduating from the University of Florida, she has spent the past few years wrangling her experiences to compose unique worlds with diverse characters. Currently, E.S. lives in Orlando, Florida with her family. The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice is her first novel.

Reviews

[Jessica Ogram · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this story was heartbreaking beautiful. Jiang’s story becoming a mist keeper just broke my heart. I do like how we definitely have a better understanding of him now. I just love how there’s a book for each mist keeper and how the covers match. My reason for not rating it higher is because although it was sad, I didn’t feel sad. I couldn’t recognise the emotions but I didn’t feel them and I would’ve liked to have felt it more. And I thought the writing was a bit confusing and repetitive at times. Thank you to the lovely author for sending me a copy of this book, as always I am very grateful.

[Rosalie Slocum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of the available books in The Life And Death Cycle as well as all of the Story Teller’s Almanac novellas, I have always been so interested in Jiang and what his deal is?! He has to have magic since he’s a mist keeper?! And why is he such a raging drunk ass hole?! Why does he hate magic so much? Well, this story has answered all of my questions more beautifully than I could have imagined. I knew it wouldn’t have a happy ending so I tried not to get too excited and attached but I CRIED REAL TEARS TWICE 😭 there were a couple of repetitive sentences, but I can totally get past that considering how great the story is. I read a review where someone said how sad it was, but she didn’t really feel it and I CANNOT relate with that, I was sobbing like a baby lol also, the end of the book with Master Botan and Ji Lei gave me chills.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy - Her best book so far, in my opinion. This is the story of Jiang, full of love and promise followed by heartbreak. There are even a few chuckles. Jiang had been raised to be a soldier even though his stature would prevent it in the existing military. When he is refused, he runs to territory occupied by the enemy. There he is taken under the shelter of an old tavern owner who teaches him to become an accomplished Vitner and businessman...then the mist keepers arrive.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect Jiang's backstory to be my favorite in the antholgy series to date. Amazingly, as we delve into his history, heartaches, and personal revelations, he reveals himself as the most human of the Mistkeepers (with the exception of Brent, of course 😉 ) . I am really looking forward to Julietta's story.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this book, I had no idea of how attached I was going to get. I’m truly speechless writing this review.
ES’s writing style is so beautifully done. The use of metaphor always was spot on. I wasn’t sure what to expect upon first opening, as it was a slow burn and I couldn’t catch onto exactly which direction it would lead, but the outcome was earth-shatteringly gorgeous. This is just a GORGEOUS book, full of heart and loyalty.
I can’t wait to get into the rest of the series, and explore the world of the Mist Keepers even more.