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Sagas of Irth #1
The Wolf & The Crow: Quintet
THE WOLF & THE CROW: QUINTET features four short stories and one novella of Farys, the wandering, vengeful Wolf Knight, and Sibyl, the renegade witch-seer of Mandria. Following their first encounter ("The Wolf & The Crow"), to both of their origins ("Upon a Field of Ruin" and "The Whispering Trees"), the tales find them traveling through the mystical land of Irth to tangle with a demonic mercenary prince and his minions ("A Sordid Tale"), and across savage wastes against relentless Unhuman adversaries ("The Reckoner"). The QUINTET gives fans of Sword & Sorcery a glimpse into the larger realm of Irth, immersing them into Farys and Sibyl's world, and their grand adventures awaiting beyond.
170 pages, Paperback
Published May 16, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 27, 2021
Rating: A
So close to an A+! This is a sword and sorcery genre fantasy novel following two main characters: Farys and Sybil, as they are introduced and team up to take down the Manticore, a mysterious demonic king ruling their nation. Sybil is a witch, which is outlawed in his land, and Farys is the 3rd son of a nobleman, whose mother is kidnapped by the Manticore. A myriad of other mysterious characters are introduced in the story, which enriches the experience.
With that, the wizard rose with a theatrical flourish, a wave of his hand, and he patted Lughan on the shoulder, praised his fine work once again, and he left. But Axiom never returned.
What really drew me into the book initially was the classical design on the cover; like a medieval-inspired tapestry. I believe I bought this as part of a promotional sale on a collection of sword and sorcery novels. I felt like the lore and world-building was richly developed and I thoroughly enjoyed finding all the little tidbits of history dropped throughout. I really liked reading about the origins of Farys and his legendary prowess, especially when he finally faces Sordid. I liked how unique and frightening each of the characters are. I really love named weaponry as well - the final chapters of the book were especially interesting to me. Lore and mysteries are one of my favourite fantasy tropes.
I felt like the action scenes kept me interested, with really clear descriptions so I could see what was happening really well in my mind. What I often struggle with is understanding what is happening in action-packed scenes, so I'm glad that I enjoyed these, too. I also really liked the variety of factions fighting and growing to become to top (especially the mentions of the Dragon and Manticore in the same discussion).
The scale of the story makes me excited for the next ones in the series and I'm happy to know that another is being published this year.
The Mandrian witch reached out and took Sordid’s hand in her own, her nails lacquered red, her touch warm. She moved almost faster than Sordid could react.
As for what pulled the book down for me, it was mostly the use of female-based slurs like bitch or whore to the characters. I think I was also pretty confused by the Manticore - and the scale of him compared to the other characters. I think I also thought he was humanoid for some of the book even though he is not.
It’s too late for any of you. Make your peace with whatever gods you hold dear to you. The Hour of the Wolf is upon you. —Farys
So anyway, onto the next book. This is one of my favourites for 2021.
So close to an A+! This is a sword and sorcery genre fantasy novel following two main characters: Farys and Sybil, as they are introduced and team up to take down the Manticore, a mysterious demonic king ruling their nation. Sybil is a witch, which is outlawed in his land, and Farys is the 3rd son of a nobleman, whose mother is kidnapped by the Manticore. A myriad of other mysterious characters are introduced in the story, which enriches the experience.
With that, the wizard rose with a theatrical flourish, a wave of his hand, and he patted Lughan on the shoulder, praised his fine work once again, and he left. But Axiom never returned.
What really drew me into the book initially was the classical design on the cover; like a medieval-inspired tapestry. I believe I bought this as part of a promotional sale on a collection of sword and sorcery novels. I felt like the lore and world-building was richly developed and I thoroughly enjoyed finding all the little tidbits of history dropped throughout. I really liked reading about the origins of Farys and his legendary prowess, especially when he finally faces Sordid. I liked how unique and frightening each of the characters are. I really love named weaponry as well - the final chapters of the book were especially interesting to me. Lore and mysteries are one of my favourite fantasy tropes.
I felt like the action scenes kept me interested, with really clear descriptions so I could see what was happening really well in my mind. What I often struggle with is understanding what is happening in action-packed scenes, so I'm glad that I enjoyed these, too. I also really liked the variety of factions fighting and growing to become to top (especially the mentions of the Dragon and Manticore in the same discussion).
The scale of the story makes me excited for the next ones in the series and I'm happy to know that another is being published this year.
The Mandrian witch reached out and took Sordid’s hand in her own, her nails lacquered red, her touch warm. She moved almost faster than Sordid could react.
As for what pulled the book down for me, it was mostly the use of female-based slurs like bitch or whore to the characters. I think I was also pretty confused by the Manticore - and the scale of him compared to the other characters. I think I also thought he was humanoid for some of the book even though he is not.
It’s too late for any of you. Make your peace with whatever gods you hold dear to you. The Hour of the Wolf is upon you. —Farys
So anyway, onto the next book. This is one of my favourites for 2021.
January 20, 2021
This collection of related fantasy short stories has a lot going for it. From the unique application of classic monsters (a manticore leading an army of beastmen to conquer the world, or a dragon that uses its blood to make a hive-mind of its followers) to the quick beat of its action scenes and the classic feel of the story overall, there was a lot to like. Daring knights, cunning wizards, and treacherous mercenaries, each helped to give this world a fleshed-out feel that made me all the more eager to learn more about it.
That said, there were a few places I felt like the book didn't quite mesh for me. The first four stories were short but hyper-focused, whereas the fifth (which accounted for half of the book overall) was a rather stark departure. Instead of being told from the perspective of the titular Wolf and Crow characters, it followed the actions of a mercenary band chasing after them. This was further compounded by having the perspective of their adventures be from that of an intelligent sword that one of the characters held. While I do love a sapient-yet-nonliving object being used in storytelling, there didn't seem to be a particular reason for this choice in W&C. The weapon did little more than offer commentary on each scene, which just made the whole section feel a bit too passive. This problem was further compounded by switching from third to first person perspective partway through. While I applaud the author for attempting something different here, I found it more distracting than anything.
Overall, still a beautifully assembled book with a simple-yet-enjoyable story.
That said, there were a few places I felt like the book didn't quite mesh for me. The first four stories were short but hyper-focused, whereas the fifth (which accounted for half of the book overall) was a rather stark departure. Instead of being told from the perspective of the titular Wolf and Crow characters, it followed the actions of a mercenary band chasing after them. This was further compounded by having the perspective of their adventures be from that of an intelligent sword that one of the characters held. While I do love a sapient-yet-nonliving object being used in storytelling, there didn't seem to be a particular reason for this choice in W&C. The weapon did little more than offer commentary on each scene, which just made the whole section feel a bit too passive. This problem was further compounded by switching from third to first person perspective partway through. While I applaud the author for attempting something different here, I found it more distracting than anything.
Overall, still a beautifully assembled book with a simple-yet-enjoyable story.
January 17, 2022
Honestly, I thought the book was fantastic for a short story. It starts off relatively week but when when a work of fiction spends it's time setting up a character's motivations and history that usually is the weakest part (in my experience). After that segment is over, the present time story is fantastic; full of interesting characters and what seems to be a really stunning and interesting world. A desert made entirely out of glass that just burns you alive if you're outside in daytime? That's something i'm surprised hasn't been done before.
I'll be continuing this series for sure. I don't know if it follows the same characters (as the story doesn't end) but I can't wait to find out!
I'll be continuing this series for sure. I don't know if it follows the same characters (as the story doesn't end) but I can't wait to find out!
April 4, 2021
Just once I’d like to read a sword and sorcery book that isn’t full of casual misogyny and the word ‘whore’.
April 20, 2022
An unlikely pair. A world full of enemies.
THE WOLF & THE CROW: QUINTET features four short stories and one novella of Farys, the wandering, vengeful Wolf Knight, and Sibyl, the renegade witch-seer of Mandria. Following their first encounter (“The Wolf & The Crow”), to both of their origins (“Upon a Field of Ruin” and “The Whispering Trees”), the tales find them traveling through the mystical land of Irth to tangle with a demonic mercenary prince and his minions (“A Sordid Tale”), and across savage wastes against relentless Unhuman adversaries (“The Reckoner”). The QUINTET gives fans of Sword & Sorcery a glimpse into the larger realm of Irth, immersing them into Farys and Sibyl’s world, and their grand adventures awaiting beyond.
Sagas of Irth 1 (Novella)
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews