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The Bound and the Broken #0.5
The Fall
The Order have watched over the continent of Epheria for thousands of years. But there are those who believe The Order has had its day. That it is corrupt, indulgent, and deceitful – that it is ready to fall.
The City of Ilnaen is on fire.
Dragons fill the skies.
Traitors fill the streets.
The Fall is a prequel novella that takes place four hundred years before the events in Of Blood and Fire – book one in The Bound and The Broken series.
The City of Ilnaen is on fire.
Dragons fill the skies.
Traitors fill the streets.
The Fall is a prequel novella that takes place four hundred years before the events in Of Blood and Fire – book one in The Bound and The Broken series.
95 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2020
About the author
Ryan Cahill
10 books2,481 followersGet your FREE copy of The Fall – a prequel novella from Ryan Cahill's new epic fantasy series, The Bound and The Broken – when you sign up for his mailing list:
www.ryancahillauthor.com
Ryan Cahill is the award-winning author of the bestselling epic fantasy series, The Bound and The Broken.
Born and raised in Ireland, Ryan now resides amongst the rolling hills and hobbit holes of Middle-Earth, New Zealand. He does not own enough swords, would sell his left kidney for a dragon egg, and despises mushrooms in all their eldritch forms.
There are three things Ryan has always told himself about writing. Write the books you want to read. Write the books that your younger self would be proud of you for reading. Make sure they have dragons.
www.ryancahillauthor.com
Ryan Cahill is the award-winning author of the bestselling epic fantasy series, The Bound and The Broken.
Born and raised in Ireland, Ryan now resides amongst the rolling hills and hobbit holes of Middle-Earth, New Zealand. He does not own enough swords, would sell his left kidney for a dragon egg, and despises mushrooms in all their eldritch forms.
There are three things Ryan has always told himself about writing. Write the books you want to read. Write the books that your younger self would be proud of you for reading. Make sure they have dragons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 931 reviews
October 21, 2021
Wow. I can’t believe this great novella is available for FREE on the author’s website.
If you’re diligent in searching for fantasy books on Amazon, it’s quite likely that you’ve seen the name Ryan Cahill popping up lately. His debut, Of Blood and Fire, has been trending on Amazon for months. As usual, though, when I start a series, I will more often than not read in publication order. And that’s why I started with The Fall first. What I didn’t expect, however, was how packed and compelling this novella would be.
The entire story of The Fall takes place in the year 2682 after Doom; 400 years before the events in Of Blood and Fire begins. It takes place in the City of Ilnaen, and this single destructive event is told through the perspective of four main characters. The Fall isn’t a big book; it’s only 95 pages long, and it’s incredibly action-packed. The danger of writing an action-packed novella, usually, is there aren’t enough characterizations to make readers care for their struggle. But Cahill was able to efficiently establish why the four POV characters are involved in this event. Alvira, Kallinvar, Coren, and Eltoar; four of them has different reason and motivation to participate in this war, and I was able to feel invested in this relatively short stories about justice, loyalty, and freedom.
I don’t want to ramble on too long for this review; the book is short enough already. But I need to praise just one more thing. Cahill was able to successfully infuse enough world-building elements to make this fantasy work intriguing, especially as an appetizer for his main series. There’s Soulblade, elemental/blood magic, and also a lot of dragons and Dragonbound. Cahill’s prose is accessible, and his actions felt vivid in my mind.
Picture: Kallinvar by Aron Cahill
Yes, the physical edition of The Fall has two interior artworks. The Fall is a great novella. Not only it managed to tell a pulse-pounding story in such a short length, but it also successfully Sparked (see what I did there?) my interest to read the main series. Definitely sooner than later. Once again, you can get this novella for free from the author’s website. Do it!
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Andrew, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Element, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Hunter, Jimmy Nutts, Jennifer, Joie, Luis, Lufi, Melinda, Meryl, Mike, Miracle, Neeraja, Nicholas, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Shaad, Xero, Wendy, Wick, Zoe.
If you’re diligent in searching for fantasy books on Amazon, it’s quite likely that you’ve seen the name Ryan Cahill popping up lately. His debut, Of Blood and Fire, has been trending on Amazon for months. As usual, though, when I start a series, I will more often than not read in publication order. And that’s why I started with The Fall first. What I didn’t expect, however, was how packed and compelling this novella would be.
“The duty of the strong is to protect the weak.”
The entire story of The Fall takes place in the year 2682 after Doom; 400 years before the events in Of Blood and Fire begins. It takes place in the City of Ilnaen, and this single destructive event is told through the perspective of four main characters. The Fall isn’t a big book; it’s only 95 pages long, and it’s incredibly action-packed. The danger of writing an action-packed novella, usually, is there aren’t enough characterizations to make readers care for their struggle. But Cahill was able to efficiently establish why the four POV characters are involved in this event. Alvira, Kallinvar, Coren, and Eltoar; four of them has different reason and motivation to participate in this war, and I was able to feel invested in this relatively short stories about justice, loyalty, and freedom.
“Pain is the path to strength.”
I don’t want to ramble on too long for this review; the book is short enough already. But I need to praise just one more thing. Cahill was able to successfully infuse enough world-building elements to make this fantasy work intriguing, especially as an appetizer for his main series. There’s Soulblade, elemental/blood magic, and also a lot of dragons and Dragonbound. Cahill’s prose is accessible, and his actions felt vivid in my mind.
Picture: Kallinvar by Aron Cahill
Yes, the physical edition of The Fall has two interior artworks. The Fall is a great novella. Not only it managed to tell a pulse-pounding story in such a short length, but it also successfully Sparked (see what I did there?) my interest to read the main series. Definitely sooner than later. Once again, you can get this novella for free from the author’s website. Do it!
“All great things require sacrifice.”
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Andrew, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Element, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Hunter, Jimmy Nutts, Jennifer, Joie, Luis, Lufi, Melinda, Meryl, Mike, Miracle, Neeraja, Nicholas, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Shaad, Xero, Wendy, Wick, Zoe.
March 9, 2023
I think the best way to describe this novella is taking your first step into a larger world. Almost immediately you’re thrown into a conflict without knowing who these characters are, where they are, why they’re fighting, and who is on what side. This is to be expected when you start here, as many read the first full book in the series before The Fall. But the author himself told me it was perfectly fine to start here and I’m glad I did.
Many have said if you’re good with in media res, The Fall is a great place to start because it gives you a quick glimpse of what this series is like without undergoing the slow burn of Cahill’s world-building first. And let me tell you…it is epic AF.
The magic system is one that I immediately latched onto with not just mages or wizards having access to it. But different power levels for different characters. I love that there are 5 “threads” of the magic system and no one seems reduced to just fire magic or ice magic, etc. But the coolest thing is summoning a Soulblade. It made me think of how Sanderson does his shard blades in Stormlight Archive yet somehow cooler.
But this story was non-stop action from 4 different POVs as we slowly see how they all tie together during this massive conflict. The action is relentless, the dialogue snappy, the pacing breakneck, and the characters layered. And this in just 86 pages. Oh, and did I mention it was this kickass before freaking dragons show up and start fighting one another?!
In the end, this quick taste has me anxious to pick up the series proper later this year when my scheduled read alongs are complete and I have some more TBR freedom. I can safely say that Cahill is onto something here and I can certainly see why he is the talk of the self-pub ball. Keep an eye on this author as I think he’s going to become one of my faves.
Many have said if you’re good with in media res, The Fall is a great place to start because it gives you a quick glimpse of what this series is like without undergoing the slow burn of Cahill’s world-building first. And let me tell you…it is epic AF.
The magic system is one that I immediately latched onto with not just mages or wizards having access to it. But different power levels for different characters. I love that there are 5 “threads” of the magic system and no one seems reduced to just fire magic or ice magic, etc. But the coolest thing is summoning a Soulblade. It made me think of how Sanderson does his shard blades in Stormlight Archive yet somehow cooler.
But this story was non-stop action from 4 different POVs as we slowly see how they all tie together during this massive conflict. The action is relentless, the dialogue snappy, the pacing breakneck, and the characters layered. And this in just 86 pages. Oh, and did I mention it was this kickass before freaking dragons show up and start fighting one another?!
In the end, this quick taste has me anxious to pick up the series proper later this year when my scheduled read alongs are complete and I have some more TBR freedom. I can safely say that Cahill is onto something here and I can certainly see why he is the talk of the self-pub ball. Keep an eye on this author as I think he’s going to become one of my faves.
June 21, 2023
A fun read, and one of the better novellas I've ever read. Action packed from start to finish.
April 19, 2023
As a thank you for being lovers of Fantasy, you can grab a free ebook copy of the fall at www.ryancahillauthor.com
I hope you enjoy!
I hope you enjoy!
February 25, 2022
4 stars for a book that demonstrates “pain is the path to strength.”. A dark fairy tale set in Epheria, where the city of Ilnaen is on fire, dragons fill the skies and traitors fill the streets and the reader can be assured of an action packed novella that will keep you absorbed.
“It is done, The Council are dead” Eltoar said. “As is the Archon”, and with pain and vengeance at the core, Eltoar forgot that honour was the only currency, and that night where many fell, he would look back on the terrible things he did that night “…things that would seep into his heart”. But what set him out on this course was vengeance.
“Vengeance. It was as good a reason as any. Vengeance could stir a rebellion, push people to do things beyond what they ever thought they could. But could it support an empire?”
As the battle raged Eltoar knew that their actions would have far reaching consequences because of the people he betrayed and the pact and vows that once protected all were left shattered and all sense of harmony was replaced with loss, pride, and sadness. The order had fallen but what they felt most that night was fear!!! Fear “that they had made the greatest mistakes of their lives”.
Action packed and set 400 years before the events of the first book in the series ‘Blood and Fire, ‘The Fall’, is a great teaser, gap filler and provides the followers of this series with a rare opportunity to get more insight into how the world looked and the order of power before the series began.
The world building is excellent, the writing style perfect for fantasy and with an array of characters and beasts that is certain to thrill in the full series. I loved the way the author themed the chapters around: The Archon, The Knights, Dragonbound, and finally The Traitor, the last two being my favourites. However, overall, I was missing the context of this story and in hindsight, I should have read the first book in the series and then 0.5.
Nevertheless a great little book that is action packed from the first page. 3.5 rounded up.
“It is done, The Council are dead” Eltoar said. “As is the Archon”, and with pain and vengeance at the core, Eltoar forgot that honour was the only currency, and that night where many fell, he would look back on the terrible things he did that night “…things that would seep into his heart”. But what set him out on this course was vengeance.
“Vengeance. It was as good a reason as any. Vengeance could stir a rebellion, push people to do things beyond what they ever thought they could. But could it support an empire?”
As the battle raged Eltoar knew that their actions would have far reaching consequences because of the people he betrayed and the pact and vows that once protected all were left shattered and all sense of harmony was replaced with loss, pride, and sadness. The order had fallen but what they felt most that night was fear!!! Fear “that they had made the greatest mistakes of their lives”.
Action packed and set 400 years before the events of the first book in the series ‘Blood and Fire, ‘The Fall’, is a great teaser, gap filler and provides the followers of this series with a rare opportunity to get more insight into how the world looked and the order of power before the series began.
The world building is excellent, the writing style perfect for fantasy and with an array of characters and beasts that is certain to thrill in the full series. I loved the way the author themed the chapters around: The Archon, The Knights, Dragonbound, and finally The Traitor, the last two being my favourites. However, overall, I was missing the context of this story and in hindsight, I should have read the first book in the series and then 0.5.
Nevertheless a great little book that is action packed from the first page. 3.5 rounded up.
November 12, 2023
“With his loss, came her fury.”
Ryan Cahill you have my attention. WOW. Amazing sword fighting on the first page, women in power, elves, tons of light and dark magic, dragons & bonded dragon riders, and a huge epic battle that spans this entire prequel novella?!?!? Where has this book been all my life?
The visceral pain, horror, honor, hope, and protection felt from these characters in such a few pages is incredible. One of the best books I’ve ever read and it’s less than 100 pages. Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR!!! Can’t wait to continue this series.
Update: This is the book that started my obsession with this series. And it’s incredible via audiobook as well! Although this is a hot topic amidst the fandom… I’m a firm supporter of the Svidarya reading order (Aka The Fall, then Of Blood and Fire, Of Darkness and Light, and The Exile.) If you adore Epic Fantasy at it’s finest, dragons, and some bloody chaos, I’d highly recommend getting a digital copy of this book for FREE from Ryan’s website.
Ryan Cahill you have my attention. WOW. Amazing sword fighting on the first page, women in power, elves, tons of light and dark magic, dragons & bonded dragon riders, and a huge epic battle that spans this entire prequel novella?!?!? Where has this book been all my life?
The visceral pain, horror, honor, hope, and protection felt from these characters in such a few pages is incredible. One of the best books I’ve ever read and it’s less than 100 pages. Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR!!! Can’t wait to continue this series.
Update: This is the book that started my obsession with this series. And it’s incredible via audiobook as well! Although this is a hot topic amidst the fandom… I’m a firm supporter of the Svidarya reading order (Aka The Fall, then Of Blood and Fire, Of Darkness and Light, and The Exile.) If you adore Epic Fantasy at it’s finest, dragons, and some bloody chaos, I’d highly recommend getting a digital copy of this book for FREE from Ryan’s website.
June 5, 2021
“Vengeance. It was as good a reason as any. Vengeance could stir a rebellion, push people to do things beyond what they ever thought they could. But could it support an empire?”
The Fall is a novella set 400 years before the events in Of Blood and Fire, which is the first book in The Bound and Broken series. I enjoyed Of Blood and Fire, so I was excited to get my hands on this novella! So what did I think about it?
Firstly, let’s talk about Cahill’s writing. While I was impressed by Cahill’s prose in Of Blood and Fire, Ryan Cahill’s writing is even better in The Fall! In The Fall, Cahill masterfully crafts epic fantasy scenes with mass destruction, fantastic characters and DRAGONS! The ability to set the stage and establish this world in less than 100 pages is truly incredible. Reading this novella feels like being dropped into a fantasy world, and then it is up to the reader to try and figure out what is going on. The reader is thrown into a complex and chaotic scene, where the empire’s future is being fundamentally threatened. Cahill effectively leads the reader through this complex conflict by slowly unveiling each character’s motivation and actions. The Fall is chaotic, heartbreaking and action-packed, and I enjoyed every page of it.
Cahill also expands on this universe and its history in The Fall. Reading this novella has convinced me that Cahill could write an endless amount of stories set in Epheria. This world is rich with history, fantasy races and complex magic systems.
Lastly, Cahill briefly introduces the reader to some truly badass characters. Although the reader barely gains any knowledge about them, Cahill is able to convince the reader why these characters are important. Cahill decides to analyse the central conflict through four different POVs. This way of telling this story is incredibly effective, which gives the reader an understanding of the stakes at play. I would love to learn more about each of these characters since I can imagine that each and everyone has an interesting past.
It is always difficult to rate a novella due to its short length, but Cahill has truly written something impressive in this story. Cahill’s writing ability, world-building and characterisation is phenomenal, and I can’t wait to read Of Darkness and Light.
4.5 / 5 stars
The Fall is a novella set 400 years before the events in Of Blood and Fire, which is the first book in The Bound and Broken series. I enjoyed Of Blood and Fire, so I was excited to get my hands on this novella! So what did I think about it?
Firstly, let’s talk about Cahill’s writing. While I was impressed by Cahill’s prose in Of Blood and Fire, Ryan Cahill’s writing is even better in The Fall! In The Fall, Cahill masterfully crafts epic fantasy scenes with mass destruction, fantastic characters and DRAGONS! The ability to set the stage and establish this world in less than 100 pages is truly incredible. Reading this novella feels like being dropped into a fantasy world, and then it is up to the reader to try and figure out what is going on. The reader is thrown into a complex and chaotic scene, where the empire’s future is being fundamentally threatened. Cahill effectively leads the reader through this complex conflict by slowly unveiling each character’s motivation and actions. The Fall is chaotic, heartbreaking and action-packed, and I enjoyed every page of it.
Cahill also expands on this universe and its history in The Fall. Reading this novella has convinced me that Cahill could write an endless amount of stories set in Epheria. This world is rich with history, fantasy races and complex magic systems.
Lastly, Cahill briefly introduces the reader to some truly badass characters. Although the reader barely gains any knowledge about them, Cahill is able to convince the reader why these characters are important. Cahill decides to analyse the central conflict through four different POVs. This way of telling this story is incredibly effective, which gives the reader an understanding of the stakes at play. I would love to learn more about each of these characters since I can imagine that each and everyone has an interesting past.
It is always difficult to rate a novella due to its short length, but Cahill has truly written something impressive in this story. Cahill’s writing ability, world-building and characterisation is phenomenal, and I can’t wait to read Of Darkness and Light.
4.5 / 5 stars
September 30, 2024
Lots of fire, lots of stabbing. Straight to the point!
July 20, 2024
really impressed with this novella! Looking forward to diving into the full series soon
Read
May 27, 2022This is a prequel novella by Ryan Cahill, and after reading Of Blood and Fire, I had high hopes. I was not disappointed! The Fall is a great novella that is ram-packed with action whilst embellishing on the world Ryan Cahill is created, answering some questions, but also putting forward a number of others.
Considering the small period of time that we spend with the characters, Ryan Cahill did a great job crafting them and also allowing me as the reader to grow attached and immersed in what was going on.
It is essentially a chaotic battle that we are thrust into in media res, and throughout this novella we find out what is going on, get a glimpse at the politics and betrayals and also the grand consequences for the world.
You can read The Fall before any of Ryan Cahill's works, or after Of Blood and Fire. It depends on personal choice. This takes place 400 years before the main story of the Bound and the Broken, so is used to increase an understanding of the world, and does not necessarily have to read to understand the plot and story of the main series.
Full Review to Come
Considering the small period of time that we spend with the characters, Ryan Cahill did a great job crafting them and also allowing me as the reader to grow attached and immersed in what was going on.
It is essentially a chaotic battle that we are thrust into in media res, and throughout this novella we find out what is going on, get a glimpse at the politics and betrayals and also the grand consequences for the world.
You can read The Fall before any of Ryan Cahill's works, or after Of Blood and Fire. It depends on personal choice. This takes place 400 years before the main story of the Bound and the Broken, so is used to increase an understanding of the world, and does not necessarily have to read to understand the plot and story of the main series.
Full Review to Come
July 8, 2024
This is a fantastic novella! I can't believe it has 3 POVs that all had me gripped and emotionally invested. The Fall also does some heavy lifting when it comes to emotional impact and character development for the main series. You get background for Eltoar, Aeson and Kavillar. Not only that, it has some epic combat scenes, and lays groundwork for the Knights of Acheron, the Order, and the dragonlore for the main series. I felt so much more grounded in the world as I was reading the main series from the context this little sucker gave me. It packs a punch. I'm telling you.
I can recommend this for its own entertainment, as it's excellent, but it also really enhances the core series for me. I HIGHLY recommend reading it after Of Blood and Fire, before going into Of Darkness and Light.
I can recommend this for its own entertainment, as it's excellent, but it also really enhances the core series for me. I HIGHLY recommend reading it after Of Blood and Fire, before going into Of Darkness and Light.
May 23, 2023
Ryan Cahill’s appetizer novella for his The Bound and the Broken series was BAD. Bad to the bone, that is! 😀 You can expect epic sword fights, innovative uses of magic, and exciting characterizations in this swift 90 page-ish novella.
There is definitely a unique approach to world building. It uses familiar fantasy tropes but quickly ingratiates you into the world and makes you care about what happens in the quick 4-pov arc.
I was blown away by the sheer amount of content that was packed into the story. You are treated to a lively siege, a battle of dragons, a magic encounter, and other thrilling sword bits. ⚔️
I would recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy and wants to jump right into the action. A big thanks to my Goodreads buddies for the recommendation.
❖ Category: Epic Fantasy / Adventure
❖Rating: 5/5
---------------------------
A quick note to those who are interested. You can get The Fall for free by signing up for the author’s newsletter on his website.
There is definitely a unique approach to world building. It uses familiar fantasy tropes but quickly ingratiates you into the world and makes you care about what happens in the quick 4-pov arc.
I was blown away by the sheer amount of content that was packed into the story. You are treated to a lively siege, a battle of dragons, a magic encounter, and other thrilling sword bits. ⚔️
I would recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy and wants to jump right into the action. A big thanks to my Goodreads buddies for the recommendation.
❖ Category: Epic Fantasy / Adventure
❖Rating: 5/5
---------------------------
A quick note to those who are interested. You can get The Fall for free by signing up for the author’s newsletter on his website.
July 3, 2022
I read Of Blood and Fire last year and really enjoyed the classic Tolkien feel of the world, intermixed with a more modern tone and feel. Later, I heard about The Fall.
The format for this book was really cool. It was a single action-packed event told through the eyes of four different characters in (mostly) chronological order. It's filled to the brim with magic, world-building, combat, and sorrow at every turn. What's most impressive is how thoroughly I enjoyed these heroic characters in such a short period of time.
I'm certain that if I read Of Blood and Fire again right now, I'd enjoy it even more than I did the first time. Now, I get to look forward to reading book 2, Of Darkness and Light, which I hear is absolutely incredible.
The format for this book was really cool. It was a single action-packed event told through the eyes of four different characters in (mostly) chronological order. It's filled to the brim with magic, world-building, combat, and sorrow at every turn. What's most impressive is how thoroughly I enjoyed these heroic characters in such a short period of time.
I'm certain that if I read Of Blood and Fire again right now, I'd enjoy it even more than I did the first time. Now, I get to look forward to reading book 2, Of Darkness and Light, which I hear is absolutely incredible.
February 7, 2023
The Fall ★★★★
Of Blood and Fire ★★★★
The Fall takes place 400 years before the events of "Of blood and Fire" and it is so darn action packed. I think this is the fastest novella I have ever read and there is just so much happening in less than a 100 pages.
The novella follows the chaos of an important war in the past and it is chaotic(in a very good way). There are dragons and magic and multiple characters and we get to experience the war from different point of views and actually care about them in very little time which almost never happens in novellas and the main reason they're hard for me to enjoy.
The world-building was magical, the prose was great and there is not much that I can criticize other than the fact that I wanted more. I can't wait to read more in this series!
Of Blood and Fire ★★★★
The Fall takes place 400 years before the events of "Of blood and Fire" and it is so darn action packed. I think this is the fastest novella I have ever read and there is just so much happening in less than a 100 pages.
The novella follows the chaos of an important war in the past and it is chaotic(in a very good way). There are dragons and magic and multiple characters and we get to experience the war from different point of views and actually care about them in very little time which almost never happens in novellas and the main reason they're hard for me to enjoy.
The world-building was magical, the prose was great and there is not much that I can criticize other than the fact that I wanted more. I can't wait to read more in this series!
May 23, 2022
Ratings:-⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 7, 2023
I love it
July 25, 2023
2.5 rounded up to three. Reading this a second time just didn’t click with me. 4 POV in 88 pages seems a tall order to pull off. I was never able connect with the characters so while the action was really cool the emotional beats of the story never really hit me.
June 8, 2023
A really great start to the series. Start here with the novella. Good old classic epic fantasy.
August 22, 2022
I liked this novella even more than the first book!
Mainly because I knew the world already, so we got right to try action, as well as the cast being a bit wider spread. I liked seeing more important female characters as well as seeing a three dimensional bad guy, instead of just "good versus evil".
This tells the backstory of how we even got to the whole situation the characters and world are stuck in "Of Blood and Fire" and was a quick, dark, fast paced, and engaging read!
Mainly because I knew the world already, so we got right to try action, as well as the cast being a bit wider spread. I liked seeing more important female characters as well as seeing a three dimensional bad guy, instead of just "good versus evil".
This tells the backstory of how we even got to the whole situation the characters and world are stuck in "Of Blood and Fire" and was a quick, dark, fast paced, and engaging read!
November 1, 2021
Update 25/10/2021
Find my reviews on : An Ode to Fiction
Self Pub Release Date : July 2021
Get the book for FREE by signing up for Ryan Cahill's mailing list :
Author Website
4/5 ⭐️
The Fall is a modern take of a classic fantasy story of dragons, elves, magic, and a crumbling city that is FREE and packs a punch!
The Fall is the companion novella for Ryan Cahill's self published The Bound and the Broken series. This book is recommended to me by my friend Petrik Reads when I was looking for something short to read. Before hand I've never read any book by Ryan Cahill but I've seen his books floating around the SFF book blogger community. Petrik did a great job at selling this book to me, he said "dragons, a siege, elves, free book" and I was sold. Based on the rating it is clear that I enjoyed everything about it! This novella is available for FREE on the authors website, all you need to do is sign up for their mailing list and you can download the book right away.
The story is set 400 years before the events in Of Blood and Fire, which is the first book in The Bound and Broken series in the middle of a siege as we follow four different perspectives. In the City of Ilnaen everything is in chaos, blood and gore litter the streets as battle ensues at every corner. I will not talk about the characters because that will pretty much spoil the story. The only thing I will mention regarding characters is Ryan Cahill's amazing characterization and ability to pack in a lot of noteworthy moments between characters that stunned me could be contained in this 95 page novella. The book starts off running and it keeps on running as the plot picks up as we follow different characters at different parts of the city from different backgrounds and stations. My favorite has got to be the second character POV that we follow. All I have to say he is the most glorious character that left a huge impression on me.
The Fall is a classic fantasy story that is written in a more modern approach that I find fascinating and addictive. Though I have to admit after 30 pages I had to put it down because I got distracted by a different book I finished the last 65 pages in one sitting. Being set in a city there isn't a need to do much world building but again Ryan Cahill still managed to condense the world and magic into this book which is impressive. Cahill's prose is accessible, detailed, and magnetic. The battle scenes in this story is vivid, alluring, and explosive that I could not get enough of it. The emotional moments are also delivered with depth and carried a lot of weight that left me devastated.
Final thoughts, The Fall is the perfect novella with thoughtful and detailed world building compelling characters and all round well balance fantasy story that is short enough to peak your interest into Ryan Cahill's epic fantasy series. I loved everything about this short novella and will very likely pick up Cahill's full length novels to go back into the world of The Bound and the Broken. I highly recommend for readers who are fans of the classic fantasy stories with dragons, elves, demons, etc but want a more modern voice to pick this book up. For a D&D fan like me this book is perfect to fill my need of an epic with the classic fantasy tropes that I've long searched. Let's just say I'm a new fan of Ryan Cahill and I'm looking forward to his other works.
Find my reviews on : An Ode to Fiction
Self Pub Release Date : July 2021
Get the book for FREE by signing up for Ryan Cahill's mailing list :
Author Website
4/5 ⭐️
“All great things require sacrifice.”
The Fall is a modern take of a classic fantasy story of dragons, elves, magic, and a crumbling city that is FREE and packs a punch!
The Fall is the companion novella for Ryan Cahill's self published The Bound and the Broken series. This book is recommended to me by my friend Petrik Reads when I was looking for something short to read. Before hand I've never read any book by Ryan Cahill but I've seen his books floating around the SFF book blogger community. Petrik did a great job at selling this book to me, he said "dragons, a siege, elves, free book" and I was sold. Based on the rating it is clear that I enjoyed everything about it! This novella is available for FREE on the authors website, all you need to do is sign up for their mailing list and you can download the book right away.
“Pain is the path to strength.”
The story is set 400 years before the events in Of Blood and Fire, which is the first book in The Bound and Broken series in the middle of a siege as we follow four different perspectives. In the City of Ilnaen everything is in chaos, blood and gore litter the streets as battle ensues at every corner. I will not talk about the characters because that will pretty much spoil the story. The only thing I will mention regarding characters is Ryan Cahill's amazing characterization and ability to pack in a lot of noteworthy moments between characters that stunned me could be contained in this 95 page novella. The book starts off running and it keeps on running as the plot picks up as we follow different characters at different parts of the city from different backgrounds and stations. My favorite has got to be the second character POV that we follow. All I have to say he is the most glorious character that left a huge impression on me.
The Fall is a classic fantasy story that is written in a more modern approach that I find fascinating and addictive. Though I have to admit after 30 pages I had to put it down because I got distracted by a different book I finished the last 65 pages in one sitting. Being set in a city there isn't a need to do much world building but again Ryan Cahill still managed to condense the world and magic into this book which is impressive. Cahill's prose is accessible, detailed, and magnetic. The battle scenes in this story is vivid, alluring, and explosive that I could not get enough of it. The emotional moments are also delivered with depth and carried a lot of weight that left me devastated.
“Vengeance. It was as good a reason as any. Vengeance could stir a rebellion, push people to do things beyond what they ever thought they could. But could it support an empire?”
Final thoughts, The Fall is the perfect novella with thoughtful and detailed world building compelling characters and all round well balance fantasy story that is short enough to peak your interest into Ryan Cahill's epic fantasy series. I loved everything about this short novella and will very likely pick up Cahill's full length novels to go back into the world of The Bound and the Broken. I highly recommend for readers who are fans of the classic fantasy stories with dragons, elves, demons, etc but want a more modern voice to pick this book up. For a D&D fan like me this book is perfect to fill my need of an epic with the classic fantasy tropes that I've long searched. Let's just say I'm a new fan of Ryan Cahill and I'm looking forward to his other works.
August 27, 2024
Really enjoyed this novella and foray into the world of The Bound and the Broken. Lots of action right from the get-go, sword fights, magic, dragons… yeah, it’s a good action book that still gives some light world building, character development, and magic system. Does all this really well for such a short book. I will absolutely be continuing this series… just have a few others I want to get through first.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
July 18, 2022
Wow, that was surprisingly generic, with nothing to fall back on but mindless action. I was very excited when it was revealed that this novella has elemental magic, but unfortunately, that's the last time I had any positive feelings regarding this short story. Being split into multiple POVs results in no noticeable character getting their fair due in terms of development, explaining their motivations, or just simple character interactions or monologues to make the reader aware of anything unique about them.
Only in the final chapter does one character finally get some type of development, and all it is is them realising that maybe the extreme measures they and their team undertook throughout the story don't justify the goal they aspire to. What goal was that again? Overthrowing the establishment to have no more leaders to rule with an iron fist? Do the bad decisions the (now) previous leaders make get explained to get the reader to perceive their justifications? Nah, only a completely unknown foot soldier in the final chapter of the novel gives the motivation for the entire event taking place over this whole short story.
Moving on to the plot, in terms of plot... there is no plot. This is just a collection of POVs, all showing the small part that each character plays in this grand battle. All that one gets is who the character is and which side they're on. The character then travels through the battlefield to an arena where a huge fight takes place. All the fights are ultimately either just throwing an element directly at the enemy and then throwing another element at the environment to aid them in their fight or just decent swordplay. Maybe a dragon will come swooping in to shake things up, but just flee or throw an element directly at it and carry on with the fight. The elemental magic system is very lame. It's just selecting an element out of one's weapons wheel by visualising it, then pointing it in a direction to either push it or pull it either at someone or at something. Barely any nuance is thrown into the mix beyond using it to communicate in loud environments and combining it to create ice or melt the floor.
Also, the author really should find new words to describe things beyond the word "thunder" because a dragon's roar, bits of dust plummeting downward from the roof, and the anguish in a dragon’s mind, all just so happen to be like thunderous roars. In a novella and so close to each other within two chapters, this is a bit distracting and lazy.
A breakneck fast pace with lots of action and a barrage of destruction and chaos in the background means little if the fightscenes aren't enjoyable and the characters, while distinguishable, are paper-thin with nothing intriguing to make one want to find out more about them or to see how their journey continues.
1,7 stars. I will not be reading the series because this is reportedly the action-packed and high-stakes entry, with the next one being a slow burn to just build back up to such a subpar and shockingly uncreative magic system in a world with dragons who are more like emotional support animals rather than game-changing players in fight scenes. I definitely am not missing much that could appeal to me.
Only in the final chapter does one character finally get some type of development, and all it is is them realising that maybe the extreme measures they and their team undertook throughout the story don't justify the goal they aspire to. What goal was that again? Overthrowing the establishment to have no more leaders to rule with an iron fist? Do the bad decisions the (now) previous leaders make get explained to get the reader to perceive their justifications? Nah, only a completely unknown foot soldier in the final chapter of the novel gives the motivation for the entire event taking place over this whole short story.
Moving on to the plot, in terms of plot... there is no plot. This is just a collection of POVs, all showing the small part that each character plays in this grand battle. All that one gets is who the character is and which side they're on. The character then travels through the battlefield to an arena where a huge fight takes place. All the fights are ultimately either just throwing an element directly at the enemy and then throwing another element at the environment to aid them in their fight or just decent swordplay. Maybe a dragon will come swooping in to shake things up, but just flee or throw an element directly at it and carry on with the fight. The elemental magic system is very lame. It's just selecting an element out of one's weapons wheel by visualising it, then pointing it in a direction to either push it or pull it either at someone or at something. Barely any nuance is thrown into the mix beyond using it to communicate in loud environments and combining it to create ice or melt the floor.
Also, the author really should find new words to describe things beyond the word "thunder" because a dragon's roar, bits of dust plummeting downward from the roof, and the anguish in a dragon’s mind, all just so happen to be like thunderous roars. In a novella and so close to each other within two chapters, this is a bit distracting and lazy.
A breakneck fast pace with lots of action and a barrage of destruction and chaos in the background means little if the fightscenes aren't enjoyable and the characters, while distinguishable, are paper-thin with nothing intriguing to make one want to find out more about them or to see how their journey continues.
1,7 stars. I will not be reading the series because this is reportedly the action-packed and high-stakes entry, with the next one being a slow burn to just build back up to such a subpar and shockingly uncreative magic system in a world with dragons who are more like emotional support animals rather than game-changing players in fight scenes. I definitely am not missing much that could appeal to me.
June 13, 2024
This review was originally posted on SFF Insiders
The Fall is an emotional, Sentinel-armor-enhanced kick to the gut while ranking as one of my all-time favorite novellas. I’ve heard The Fall touted as the example of how to effectively write a fantasy novella and, after reading it, I have to agree.
It’s important to note here, especially if you haven’t read my review for Of Blood and Fire, that I decided to follow the Fellensir reading order, which means I read Of Blood and Fire before reading The Fall. As I expressed in the other review (check it out for more details), I sincerely believe that this is the optimal way of starting The Bound and the Broken series. Having the groundwork laid for me by Of Blood and Fire allowed this extremely fast paced and ambitious novella to land on an already established framework and understanding of Epheria. The impact of seeing some of these characters, who played huge parts in Of Blood and Fire or who were mentioned in passing, allowed their story in The Fall to take on greater depths, and ultimately extract significantly more emotional pain as I watched The Fall unfold.
“Pain is the path to strength.”
Where Of Blood and Fire started the reader in a small village with a slow and steady build up of action and lore, The Fall grabs you by the shoulders from the first page, chucks you onto the back of a dragon, and expects that you’re not going to fall off during the ride. The action is non-stop. The Fall is set 400 years before the events in Of Blood and Fire. We follow four main perspectives as we learn about this devastating, bloody night in the city of Ilnaen: Alvira the Archon, Kallinvar from the Knights of Achyron, Coren of the Draleid, and the traitor Eltoar. We get to meet a young Aeson and learn briefly of Farda’s traitorous backstory. These four perspectives are woven together masterfully. There are touch points snuck into each story so you can place it on the timeline of the battle, but there never feels like there is unnecessary redundancy.
The Fall is such a strong novella for a number of reasons. First, and probably most impressive to me, is that Cahill was able to introduce us to four almost completely new characters (I know there were some brief introductions to some of them in Of Blood and Fire, but they were minor) and make us care about these people in the space of a few pages. There are instant emotional connections between the readers and these characters, to such a degree that I felt my heart being ripped out multiple times in the course of a 77-page book! I was on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entire novella, shocked and heartbroken as I witnessed Alvira and Eltoar’s interaction, cheering a wild battlecry as the Knights charged into Ilnaen, crushed at the death and destruction and ripping apart of dragon bonds, and then ultimately horrified as we meet Fane Mortem in the last pages. These pages are bursting at the seams with blockbuster worthy scenes that I cannot get over. All the scenes with Aeson. Kallinvar’s fight with the Bloodmarked. Coren witnessing the pain of the newly christened Rakina. Eltoar’s brief realization of the sacrifice he has made while standing in the Hatchery. The terrible might of Fane. The amount of lore that Cahill is able to build in such a brief novella is impressive and bodes well for the remainder of this series.
“You must always rise, so that others rise with you.”
The Fall is black velvet, highlighting the diamond that Cahill is crafting in The Bound and the Broken. Cahill’s deep, meticulous history of Epheria and the potential for how sweeping and epic this series can be is encapsulated in this short novella. To anyone who is deciding how to start The Bound and the Broken (because starting it should be a given at this point), start with Of Blood and Fire, learn about Epheria, and then get blown away by The Fall. Please, for the love of Achyron, do not just read the novels and skip these novellas. The Fall is a masterclass in elevating a series into a completely different tier of fantasy story.
The Fall is an emotional, Sentinel-armor-enhanced kick to the gut while ranking as one of my all-time favorite novellas. I’ve heard The Fall touted as the example of how to effectively write a fantasy novella and, after reading it, I have to agree.
It’s important to note here, especially if you haven’t read my review for Of Blood and Fire, that I decided to follow the Fellensir reading order, which means I read Of Blood and Fire before reading The Fall. As I expressed in the other review (check it out for more details), I sincerely believe that this is the optimal way of starting The Bound and the Broken series. Having the groundwork laid for me by Of Blood and Fire allowed this extremely fast paced and ambitious novella to land on an already established framework and understanding of Epheria. The impact of seeing some of these characters, who played huge parts in Of Blood and Fire or who were mentioned in passing, allowed their story in The Fall to take on greater depths, and ultimately extract significantly more emotional pain as I watched The Fall unfold.
“Pain is the path to strength.”
Where Of Blood and Fire started the reader in a small village with a slow and steady build up of action and lore, The Fall grabs you by the shoulders from the first page, chucks you onto the back of a dragon, and expects that you’re not going to fall off during the ride. The action is non-stop. The Fall is set 400 years before the events in Of Blood and Fire. We follow four main perspectives as we learn about this devastating, bloody night in the city of Ilnaen: Alvira the Archon, Kallinvar from the Knights of Achyron, Coren of the Draleid, and the traitor Eltoar. We get to meet a young Aeson and learn briefly of Farda’s traitorous backstory. These four perspectives are woven together masterfully. There are touch points snuck into each story so you can place it on the timeline of the battle, but there never feels like there is unnecessary redundancy.
The Fall is such a strong novella for a number of reasons. First, and probably most impressive to me, is that Cahill was able to introduce us to four almost completely new characters (I know there were some brief introductions to some of them in Of Blood and Fire, but they were minor) and make us care about these people in the space of a few pages. There are instant emotional connections between the readers and these characters, to such a degree that I felt my heart being ripped out multiple times in the course of a 77-page book! I was on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entire novella, shocked and heartbroken as I witnessed Alvira and Eltoar’s interaction, cheering a wild battlecry as the Knights charged into Ilnaen, crushed at the death and destruction and ripping apart of dragon bonds, and then ultimately horrified as we meet Fane Mortem in the last pages. These pages are bursting at the seams with blockbuster worthy scenes that I cannot get over. All the scenes with Aeson. Kallinvar’s fight with the Bloodmarked. Coren witnessing the pain of the newly christened Rakina. Eltoar’s brief realization of the sacrifice he has made while standing in the Hatchery. The terrible might of Fane. The amount of lore that Cahill is able to build in such a brief novella is impressive and bodes well for the remainder of this series.
“You must always rise, so that others rise with you.”
The Fall is black velvet, highlighting the diamond that Cahill is crafting in The Bound and the Broken. Cahill’s deep, meticulous history of Epheria and the potential for how sweeping and epic this series can be is encapsulated in this short novella. To anyone who is deciding how to start The Bound and the Broken (because starting it should be a given at this point), start with Of Blood and Fire, learn about Epheria, and then get blown away by The Fall. Please, for the love of Achyron, do not just read the novels and skip these novellas. The Fall is a masterclass in elevating a series into a completely different tier of fantasy story.
August 3, 2024
There's apparently a never ending discussion within TBATB fandom of whether people should start with Of Blood and Fire or The Fall. OBAF is allegedly a slow setup for the rest of the series, The Fall is action packed prequel providing more information about the past events. Even author doesn't have a definitive answer and so I decided to go with the short action packed entry.
As you can see by my rating it was either a bad idea or I would outright dnf OBAD. I understand that it's a novella and so the characters can't have much depth... scratch that. These are four interconnected short stories with four POVs. It is not a novella. Cahill did a decent job of explaining how the world works without infodumps but I can't say I was thrilled with it. I didn't know what mattered here or why with exception of the villain. Also it felt so video game-y.
Knights have magical armor that turns them into Space Marines with Jedi swords. Dragon riders are glued to dragons when they fly by magic so they can't fall off. Magic itself is so cheap to use and you can use all elements at will apparently. Orc like monster literally hit its fists into ground and sent a wave of earth mixed with fire (I think?) at its enemy. Like some skill ability from Dragon Age.
Speaking of Dragon Age, it's probably what it reminded me the most. But Inquisition, not Origins. The knights can also create worm holes to teleport which are black in the middle with green light oozing from the edges... like those tears in the veil from Inquisition. I hate when other forms of entertainment gamify their world to make them feel like video games. It's why I barely watch any isekai and why I stay away from licensed books.
I guess I was suppose to feel for the main villain at the end where it's shown that he has regrets and fears of just what the hell did he unleash at the world? If I could read with my eyes rolled up I would've read the hatchery scene like that and that last chapter is ultimately why the rating is one star lower. I do admit that other scenes were epic but that's not enough. Not sure if I will continue.
As you can see by my rating it was either a bad idea or I would outright dnf OBAD. I understand that it's a novella and so the characters can't have much depth... scratch that. These are four interconnected short stories with four POVs. It is not a novella. Cahill did a decent job of explaining how the world works without infodumps but I can't say I was thrilled with it. I didn't know what mattered here or why with exception of the villain. Also it felt so video game-y.
Knights have magical armor that turns them into Space Marines with Jedi swords. Dragon riders are glued to dragons when they fly by magic so they can't fall off. Magic itself is so cheap to use and you can use all elements at will apparently. Orc like monster literally hit its fists into ground and sent a wave of earth mixed with fire (I think?) at its enemy. Like some skill ability from Dragon Age.
Speaking of Dragon Age, it's probably what it reminded me the most. But Inquisition, not Origins. The knights can also create worm holes to teleport which are black in the middle with green light oozing from the edges... like those tears in the veil from Inquisition. I hate when other forms of entertainment gamify their world to make them feel like video games. It's why I barely watch any isekai and why I stay away from licensed books.
I guess I was suppose to feel for the main villain at the end where it's shown that he has regrets and fears of just what the hell did he unleash at the world? If I could read with my eyes rolled up I would've read the hatchery scene like that and that last chapter is ultimately why the rating is one star lower. I do admit that other scenes were epic but that's not enough. Not sure if I will continue.
May 24, 2024
This felt exactly like reading the book version of a World of Warcraft video game cinematic.
Without context or investment in the characters this was nothing to me but cliche fantasy writing and magical battles with sword fighting, names for everything that seemed to come directly out of a fantasy name generator, and dialogue that was extremely stilted and generic. Maybe I should've started with Of Blood and Fire instead, which I will probably still try at some point, but this didn't impress me at all, unfortunately.
Without context or investment in the characters this was nothing to me but cliche fantasy writing and magical battles with sword fighting, names for everything that seemed to come directly out of a fantasy name generator, and dialogue that was extremely stilted and generic. Maybe I should've started with Of Blood and Fire instead, which I will probably still try at some point, but this didn't impress me at all, unfortunately.
July 7, 2024
“The gods have not abandoned us, just as we will not abandon the people we swore to protect. If we die tonight, we die with our swords in our hands, staring into the eyes of the one who sends us into the void.”
In this short novella, we follow the events of the Fall of the Order. In one night, there is a betrayal and all is lost. We do this through the perspectives of four:
the Archon
Will you go with me, follow me into the flames of our home?
a Knight of Achyron
The duty of the strong is to protect the weak.
a Draleid
Draleid n’aldryr, Rakina nai dauva. Dragonbound by fire, Broken by death.
and the Traitor
All great things require sacrifice.
This was so heartbreaking to read.
November 9, 2021
Amazing! A brilliant novella to kick of an exciting start to a new fantasy series! I am kicking myself for not reading this sooner but here we are!
Told though 4 pov characters, The Fall tells of an event that is epic for its action, characters and introduction to an interesting magic system. It also has Dragons...big Dragons.
Reviewing a novella is very different to a full sized novel but I found myself routing for the POV characters as they fight to defend what they believe in. Ryan writes action scenes so well, cinematic and intense and the description in this novella is fantastic. You will be transported to the land of Epheria and witness The Order fight against treachery as the city of Ilnean burns!
Draleid n'aldryr
This is the start of something special!
Told though 4 pov characters, The Fall tells of an event that is epic for its action, characters and introduction to an interesting magic system. It also has Dragons...big Dragons.
Reviewing a novella is very different to a full sized novel but I found myself routing for the POV characters as they fight to defend what they believe in. Ryan writes action scenes so well, cinematic and intense and the description in this novella is fantastic. You will be transported to the land of Epheria and witness The Order fight against treachery as the city of Ilnean burns!
Draleid n'aldryr
This is the start of something special!
December 30, 2022
Bestselling, Stabby-award winning (Best self-published/independent novel: "Of Blood and Fire"), and highly lauded writer Ryan Cahill sold more than 40,000 books in slightly more than a year, after becoming an author.
That is a feat that ANY author would be extremely grateful to accomplish, and a feat to be very proud of.
Because selling 40,000 books in about a year indicates there are a LOT of readers out there who've heard about one's writing, and after hearing about it, and reading it, can't get enough of it.
My first introduction to Cahill's writing was "The Fall", an approximately 90-page novella, serving as a prequel to his signature series of epic fantasy novels, "The Bound and the Broken". Events in "The Fall", are supposed to take place about 400 years prior to the happenings in "The Bound and the Broken".
After reading "The Fall", I can clearly see why Cahill's popularity has ascended so swiftly.
"The Fall '' whisks us to the Elven City Of Ilnaen, home base of the Order, during the winter solstice, and the night of a Blood Moon. One can imagine a Blood Moon is portentous, and things certainly take an ominous tone right away.
The Order, the powerful group that controls the continent of Epheria for millennia, is in grave danger. Their city is under siege from within. For those who believe the Order has lost their way, and become iniquitous, seek to overthrow the ancient sect.
As a result, the city of Ilnaen explodes into horrific conflict, and at the centre of the turmoil are the four POV characters we are introduced to: Alvira, Kallinvar, Coren, and Eltoar.
Alvira is a fearsome warrior and magic user, dubbed the "Archon", or leader of the "Draleid", which means "Dragonbound". Dragonbound are soldiers who are bonded to dragons.
Kallinvar is a high ranking soldier, Brother Captain of the Second, a fierce Knight of Achyron. Achyron is the warrior god among the deities Cahill has created, also known as more plainly - the Warrior.
Coren is a Dragonbound, whose dragon is named Aldryn.
Eltoar Daethana is a commanding warrior, named First Sword of the Draleid, whose dragon is the formidable Helios.
Their four POV chapters, entitled "The Archon", "The Knights", "Dragonbound", and "The Traitor", provide the reader fascinating, unique, and sweeping perspective about the utterly devastating and shocking war into which we are immediately plunged from the first pages of the novella.
The brevity of this work highlights how Cahill excels with characterization. A short work such as a novella doesn't leave a lot a room for character development, but Cahill's skillful writing makes the reader truly devoted to the characters, in only a few pages, and share their tumultuous emotions and attributes: angst, fear, outrage and righteous indignation, doubt, bravery, sorrow, despair, justice, and more. One will feel a strong sense of attachment to the four main characters, and to the mighty dragons that share soul-bonding with their riders, which was one of my favourite features of the novella.
And once Cahill forces the reader, quickly, to care for the characters, he breaks our hearts over them. Some of the losses will be crushing, and you may be surprised how deeply you feel them. As a character-based reader, I marvelled at how well Cahill depicted and managed his characters in a very short book, and was highly impressed.
I was also astonished by the amount of worldbuilding Cahill was able to incorporate, considering the consciousness of the work. Adorned with elves, dragons, Jotnar (giants), gods both benevolent and malevolent, knights, Urak (bloodthirsty creatures), Soulblades (magical weapons of utter destruction) and more, Cahill tantalizes the reader with a glimpse of some of the wondrous elements that no doubt are featured in his main series. Truly, after reading "The Fall", I can't wait to see what type of worldbuilding is in store in "The Bound and the Broken", where such creations, history, and lore can be expanded in full length novels.
It's clear by some of the worldbuilding aspects I've noted above, there will be a lot of tried and true fantasy tropes that one can find in many iconic fantasy novels of the last few decades, in Cahill's work. That said, after reading this novella, I can attest the tropes are definitely well done, with the right splash of inventiveness and twists to feel fresh.
Largely, the writing was strong, the prose accessible. Though not as ornate as I love, in reading Cahill, I am reminded of an early-stage John Gwynne, and I mean that as high praise, as Gwynne is one of my favs. There were some true nuggets in the writing, especially some of the inspiring battle speeches:
“The gods have not abandoned us, just as we will not abandon the people we swore to protect. If we die tonight, we die with our swords in our hands, staring into the eyes of the one who send us into the void.”
This is a feverishly paced novel, full of devastating battle, magic, betrayal, rousing courage, and death. It introduces the reader to some of the backstory, political dynamics, factions, magic, and world that one can hope to read in Cahill's main series. You'll blow through this read, with your appetite aroused to read the rest of Cahill's work.
Assuming "The Fall '' was designed to convince readers to go onto "The Bound and The Broken", it definitely succeeded. I can't wait to read more of Ryan Cahill's books!
4.5 stars!
That is a feat that ANY author would be extremely grateful to accomplish, and a feat to be very proud of.
Because selling 40,000 books in about a year indicates there are a LOT of readers out there who've heard about one's writing, and after hearing about it, and reading it, can't get enough of it.
My first introduction to Cahill's writing was "The Fall", an approximately 90-page novella, serving as a prequel to his signature series of epic fantasy novels, "The Bound and the Broken". Events in "The Fall", are supposed to take place about 400 years prior to the happenings in "The Bound and the Broken".
After reading "The Fall", I can clearly see why Cahill's popularity has ascended so swiftly.
"The Fall '' whisks us to the Elven City Of Ilnaen, home base of the Order, during the winter solstice, and the night of a Blood Moon. One can imagine a Blood Moon is portentous, and things certainly take an ominous tone right away.
The Order, the powerful group that controls the continent of Epheria for millennia, is in grave danger. Their city is under siege from within. For those who believe the Order has lost their way, and become iniquitous, seek to overthrow the ancient sect.
As a result, the city of Ilnaen explodes into horrific conflict, and at the centre of the turmoil are the four POV characters we are introduced to: Alvira, Kallinvar, Coren, and Eltoar.
Alvira is a fearsome warrior and magic user, dubbed the "Archon", or leader of the "Draleid", which means "Dragonbound". Dragonbound are soldiers who are bonded to dragons.
Kallinvar is a high ranking soldier, Brother Captain of the Second, a fierce Knight of Achyron. Achyron is the warrior god among the deities Cahill has created, also known as more plainly - the Warrior.
Coren is a Dragonbound, whose dragon is named Aldryn.
Eltoar Daethana is a commanding warrior, named First Sword of the Draleid, whose dragon is the formidable Helios.
Their four POV chapters, entitled "The Archon", "The Knights", "Dragonbound", and "The Traitor", provide the reader fascinating, unique, and sweeping perspective about the utterly devastating and shocking war into which we are immediately plunged from the first pages of the novella.
The brevity of this work highlights how Cahill excels with characterization. A short work such as a novella doesn't leave a lot a room for character development, but Cahill's skillful writing makes the reader truly devoted to the characters, in only a few pages, and share their tumultuous emotions and attributes: angst, fear, outrage and righteous indignation, doubt, bravery, sorrow, despair, justice, and more. One will feel a strong sense of attachment to the four main characters, and to the mighty dragons that share soul-bonding with their riders, which was one of my favourite features of the novella.
And once Cahill forces the reader, quickly, to care for the characters, he breaks our hearts over them. Some of the losses will be crushing, and you may be surprised how deeply you feel them. As a character-based reader, I marvelled at how well Cahill depicted and managed his characters in a very short book, and was highly impressed.
I was also astonished by the amount of worldbuilding Cahill was able to incorporate, considering the consciousness of the work. Adorned with elves, dragons, Jotnar (giants), gods both benevolent and malevolent, knights, Urak (bloodthirsty creatures), Soulblades (magical weapons of utter destruction) and more, Cahill tantalizes the reader with a glimpse of some of the wondrous elements that no doubt are featured in his main series. Truly, after reading "The Fall", I can't wait to see what type of worldbuilding is in store in "The Bound and the Broken", where such creations, history, and lore can be expanded in full length novels.
It's clear by some of the worldbuilding aspects I've noted above, there will be a lot of tried and true fantasy tropes that one can find in many iconic fantasy novels of the last few decades, in Cahill's work. That said, after reading this novella, I can attest the tropes are definitely well done, with the right splash of inventiveness and twists to feel fresh.
Largely, the writing was strong, the prose accessible. Though not as ornate as I love, in reading Cahill, I am reminded of an early-stage John Gwynne, and I mean that as high praise, as Gwynne is one of my favs. There were some true nuggets in the writing, especially some of the inspiring battle speeches:
“The gods have not abandoned us, just as we will not abandon the people we swore to protect. If we die tonight, we die with our swords in our hands, staring into the eyes of the one who send us into the void.”
This is a feverishly paced novel, full of devastating battle, magic, betrayal, rousing courage, and death. It introduces the reader to some of the backstory, political dynamics, factions, magic, and world that one can hope to read in Cahill's main series. You'll blow through this read, with your appetite aroused to read the rest of Cahill's work.
Assuming "The Fall '' was designed to convince readers to go onto "The Bound and The Broken", it definitely succeeded. I can't wait to read more of Ryan Cahill's books!
4.5 stars!
November 11, 2021
I'm normally not a fan of short stories or novellas, but this short story is amazing. After reading only a couple of pages it sucked me into its world and left me breathless. It's amazing that the author managed to create such a vivid and exciting world with such interesting characters in such a short time. I can't wait to read a full novel. Highly recommend!
June 1, 2021
This novella was my introduction to Ryan Cahill’s work. I’ve seen his novel, Of Blood and Fire, around, but it’s been on Mount TBR, which is a precarious place to be these days due to all my editing and writing research things I’ve got going on. When he asked if I’d be willing to edit this novella for him, I was overjoyed at the chance to do just that. He’s an author who has done quite well for himself, and has a name that a lot of people know. He’s, in essence, someone I’d like to support, but more, he’s someone with a lot of talent. I know this, because a lot of the bloggers and authors I trust have raved about his work.
So, he sent me his novella and I will admit, I was pretty blown away by it.
Cahill takes a few risks here, and I appreciated all of them and the finesse by which he took them quite a bit. First, he dumps readers right into the action. There is no lag time. There’s no gradual buildup. There’s action right away, and you either sink or you swim. There’s a bit of trust on the author’s side in this particular reader-author relationship. He’s trusting you to figure it out. To go where he’s leading you, and understand the situation he’s thrusting you into as it unfolds, and it doesn’t take long for you to realize this is no small thing. This is empire-sized, and you’re right in the heart of it. In this pitched battle between good and evil, where everything important hangs in the balance.
However, Cahill has a deft way with leading readers along. He could have made this incredibly complicated and layered, and while there are layers and complications here, they are presented in such a way they aren’t overwhelming. Cahill doesn’t hold your hand and lead you along, but he does know just how to bring you through his story with enough breadcrumbs you never feel lost. The heart of this novella is always beating, and always just within sight.
Secondly, Cahill has The Fall split into four sections, each one told by a different character, from a different perspective of this core conflict.
When you think of novellas, and how short they tend to be, you’ll realize how brave this is for Cahill to do. There’s only so much time, and so many words to use, and somehow Cahill managed to not just set up a conflict that is quite awe-inspiring for how all-encompassing it is, but he’s managed to bring four character POVs to blazing life for readers, and show this conflict from numerous points of view. Not only do the characters matter to me, but they help me see the core of this novella in different, unique ways.
And, if that’s not enough, Cahill manages to make you like enough of these characters deep enough so when things happen to them, you genuinely feel for them. Surprise, anger, grief… you feel it.
Honestly, I think novellas are an underrated art. I really enjoy editing them almost more than anything else, and the reason is because I find them fascinating. I love to see how and author takes fewer pages, fewer words, and makes a rich, layered story out of them. We tend to believe that for fantasy to be epic, the book needs to be a doorstopper. A Brandon Sanderson-sized tome. There is a time and place for that, but sometimes a novella comes along that proves that sentiment very wrong. Epic fantasy isn’t about page count, it’s about story. When an author manages to take fewer pages, fewer words, and writes a story that’s every bit as epic as George R. R. Martin, I’m interested. My brain perks up, I start studying how the author managed to pack so much epic into so few pages. There’s an artistry here, and it fascinates me. Epic fantasy is not about page count. It just isn’t.
Epic fantasy is about story.
What you have in The Fall is an epic fantasy in every sense of the word. It’s a setup for the first book in Cahill’s The Bound and the Broken series, which I’m absolutely chomping at the bit to read now. It is every bit as epic as any other epic fantasy out there, despite its shorter size. Pitched battles, dragons, characters you love and love to hate, tension, complexities, and carnage, this book has it all. It truly shows what novellas are capable of. Cahill is an author to watch.
So, he sent me his novella and I will admit, I was pretty blown away by it.
Cahill takes a few risks here, and I appreciated all of them and the finesse by which he took them quite a bit. First, he dumps readers right into the action. There is no lag time. There’s no gradual buildup. There’s action right away, and you either sink or you swim. There’s a bit of trust on the author’s side in this particular reader-author relationship. He’s trusting you to figure it out. To go where he’s leading you, and understand the situation he’s thrusting you into as it unfolds, and it doesn’t take long for you to realize this is no small thing. This is empire-sized, and you’re right in the heart of it. In this pitched battle between good and evil, where everything important hangs in the balance.
However, Cahill has a deft way with leading readers along. He could have made this incredibly complicated and layered, and while there are layers and complications here, they are presented in such a way they aren’t overwhelming. Cahill doesn’t hold your hand and lead you along, but he does know just how to bring you through his story with enough breadcrumbs you never feel lost. The heart of this novella is always beating, and always just within sight.
Secondly, Cahill has The Fall split into four sections, each one told by a different character, from a different perspective of this core conflict.
When you think of novellas, and how short they tend to be, you’ll realize how brave this is for Cahill to do. There’s only so much time, and so many words to use, and somehow Cahill managed to not just set up a conflict that is quite awe-inspiring for how all-encompassing it is, but he’s managed to bring four character POVs to blazing life for readers, and show this conflict from numerous points of view. Not only do the characters matter to me, but they help me see the core of this novella in different, unique ways.
And, if that’s not enough, Cahill manages to make you like enough of these characters deep enough so when things happen to them, you genuinely feel for them. Surprise, anger, grief… you feel it.
Honestly, I think novellas are an underrated art. I really enjoy editing them almost more than anything else, and the reason is because I find them fascinating. I love to see how and author takes fewer pages, fewer words, and makes a rich, layered story out of them. We tend to believe that for fantasy to be epic, the book needs to be a doorstopper. A Brandon Sanderson-sized tome. There is a time and place for that, but sometimes a novella comes along that proves that sentiment very wrong. Epic fantasy isn’t about page count, it’s about story. When an author manages to take fewer pages, fewer words, and writes a story that’s every bit as epic as George R. R. Martin, I’m interested. My brain perks up, I start studying how the author managed to pack so much epic into so few pages. There’s an artistry here, and it fascinates me. Epic fantasy is not about page count. It just isn’t.
Epic fantasy is about story.
What you have in The Fall is an epic fantasy in every sense of the word. It’s a setup for the first book in Cahill’s The Bound and the Broken series, which I’m absolutely chomping at the bit to read now. It is every bit as epic as any other epic fantasy out there, despite its shorter size. Pitched battles, dragons, characters you love and love to hate, tension, complexities, and carnage, this book has it all. It truly shows what novellas are capable of. Cahill is an author to watch.
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