Covenant of the Faceless Knights (Beginnings, #2)

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Covenant of the Faceless Knights (Beginnings, #2)

by Gary F. Vanucci (Goodreads Author)

4.57 of 5 stars 4.57 · rating details · 21 ratings · 10 reviews

This is the first full-length novel in the series and picks up directly after Distant Familiarity ends in the Wothlondia Rising Anthology.

When a dangerous artifact goes missing from the Temple of The Shimmering One, the high priest in charge of the artifact's protection realizes that he will not be able to retrieve the stolen relic without help. Calling upon Garius, the ma...more

Kindle Edition, 341 pages

Published July 13th 2011 by Ashenclaw Studios

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Aug 26, 2012 Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-fiction

Interesting, well-developed characters. Quick moving plot with plenty of action, magic and mayhem. It's obvious that the author put a lot of thought into the story and worked hard to pull it together so well.

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Mar 21, 2012 Stephanie Dagg rated it 5 of 5 stars

There’s a lot happening in this debut novel from Gary Vanucci. It incorporates all the distinguishing features of fantasy - a tightly constructed plot, a unique and formal lexicon, a group of individuals on a quest, and at the same time, a journey of self-discovery. Good is pitched against evil, we encounter a variety of races, and magic and the supernatural abound.
But that is not to say this book is just a formulaic fantasy. Far from it. This author has a wonderful imagination and has created...more There’s a lot happening in this debut novel from Gary Vanucci. It incorporates all the distinguishing features of fantasy - a tightly constructed plot, a unique and formal lexicon, a group of individuals on a quest, and at the same time, a journey of self-discovery. Good is pitched against evil, we encounter a variety of races, and magic and the supernatural abound.
But that is not to say this book is just a formulaic fantasy. Far from it. This author has a wonderful imagination and has created an extremely interesting story. It’s far from straightforward and predictable. For a start he has harnessed together possibly the most unlikely team of characters to tackle the evil that threatens to devastate Wothlondia! Garius, the Sun God warrior, and leader of the inquisition, is a natural choice, certainly. But a grieving female barbarian, an enthusiastic but self-effacing elf with emotional baggage and a wily, feisty teenager with too much attitude and a liking for a glass of wine? They might not sound promising, and there are a couple of times when Garius, who selected the team, wonders what he’s done. However, each of these main characters has special qualities that eventually unite them into a true force to be reckoned with. Their inner strengths and true natures are drawn out too, and we discover some truly remarkable beings in this story.
There are more interesting characters at the periphery of the story, whom we hope that we’ll meet again in future stories and in bigger roles. Orngoth, the half-ogre - half-barbarian, who escapes from slavery during this story; Ganthorpe, the town dignitary, who doesn’t want Rose saying too much; Tiyarnon the High Priest, and Rolin Hardbeard the Dwarf - these are all intriguing, fascinating figures that we want to know more about.
There is real and terrifying evil in the book. However, there is also courage, nobility and heroism, even if slightly flawed, to counter it. The clashes between the two are physical and mental, and always exciting.
Gary Vanucci is an author to read now and look out for in the future. He has a unique approach to fantasy with his intricate characterisation and his eye for the unpredictable.

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Feb 09, 2012 Pixie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: indies

My review can be found at my blog: http://the-bookaholic.blogspot.com

I don’t normally read “epic fantasy” or “high fantasy” or whatever it’s called. You know, Lord of the Rings style type stuff, with sword and sorcery, and imaginary lands and all that if that makes sense. I guess you can say I’m more into the modern fantasy worlds and characters. I love taking those creatures and putting them into our own world settings and the like moreso. But, on a side note, I did and do love The Hobbit and L...more My review can be found at my blog: http://the-bookaholic.blogspot.com

I don’t normally read “epic fantasy” or “high fantasy” or whatever it’s called. You know, Lord of the Rings style type stuff, with sword and sorcery, and imaginary lands and all that if that makes sense. I guess you can say I’m more into the modern fantasy worlds and characters. I love taking those creatures and putting them into our own world settings and the like moreso. But, on a side note, I did and do love The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, so I’m not making jabs at that--I just don’t usually read and review in this genre because it’s not my style.
It even says so in my review policy.
I took a great risk picking up Covenant of the Faceless Knights though, knowing there was a chance I probably wouldn’t enjoy it since it was outside my “realm” of usual reading tastes. It’s funny that I post today’s review on this day, because Parajunkee posted her BB01 post just earlier about authors not following a blogger’s review policy, and I found it very insightful, helpful, and completely agreed with everything she said. I did warn the author ahead of time before reading this that it was out of my zone, so with that said, I hope there’s no offense. I was nice enough to still take it on at least either way--but it’s just not me. And I’m absolutely done taking on anymore work from now on outside of my genres--see my review policy. It’s very simple.

Covenant of the Faceless Knights does have an appeal to an audience that I see. There’s action and adventure and a lot of detail. It took me quite awhile to read it because there are a lot of characters and many creatures I had to try and wrap my head around--it got a bit confusing at times. I couldn’t enjoy it personally, but I know people who like this genre that might find this book just suitable for them. That’s the reason for my 2 star rating--it means I found things I liked somewhat (detail, action, adventure), but didn’t like it enough personally…However, I’d recommend it to those who read in this particular genre. In fact, I plan on passing it on to a friend I know who might enjoy it more than I did.

I was provided a copy by the author in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you very much and I appreciate it.

<3
Pixie(less)

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Apr 23, 2012 Becca rated it 4 of 5 stars

The author of this book, kindly sent me this book to review after enjoying two of his Wothlondia short stories. It is fast-paced and adventure packed and thoroughly enjoying. It is packed full of detailed descriptions of the characters and setting, therefore making the world of and its inhabitants even more realistic and authentic. Vanucci also gives us the viewpoints of numerous different characters, be them good or bad, giving us a wide range of perspectives and therefore allowing the reader t...more The author of this book, kindly sent me this book to review after enjoying two of his Wothlondia short stories. It is fast-paced and adventure packed and thoroughly enjoying. It is packed full of detailed descriptions of the characters and setting, therefore making the world of and its inhabitants even more realistic and authentic. Vanucci also gives us the viewpoints of numerous different characters, be them good or bad, giving us a wide range of perspectives and therefore allowing the reader to see the story through the eyes of different individuals.

You are thrown head first into the story and I do like to be in the thick of it straight away. I enjoyed the build-up to the beginning of the quest and being introduced to each of the characters individually.

There were three characters in this book that stood out for me. The first; Rose Thorne. What a feisty, independent woman she is! In the first few chapters I witnessed her skill with a blade, her roguish attitude, her skills as a thief and her special ability to disappear into the shadows. I enjoyed witnessing her humanity throughout the novel. She is so confident and cocky I enjoyed seeing her softer side at times, reminding us that she is human after all with feelings. I grew to like her and I’m looking forward to seeing what is in store for her in the next book.

Secondly, I admired Elec’s humble personality and his caring attitude towards his fellow companions. He was always thinking of the safety of others and on numerous occasions we witnessed his compassionate side. His unexpected ability with alchemical potions helps to hone his less than confident skill with a blade. I loved the concept of the magical potions helping him in battle and thought it an original idea. What I loved most of all was his entrance on his mighty steed; an eagle! What an amazing entrance and it really gave Elec that wow factor and I was just as amazed at his mount, as the guards of Oakhaven were on seeing the magnificent beast for the first time.

Sauenn was also an admirable character. A barbarian survivor of the Chansuk tribe she is hungry for revenge and her strong willed character helps feed her dangerous skill in battle. Although a deadly, blood-thirsty warrior, I also thought she was a vulnerable young woman. Underneath the desire for revenge, I felt there was a grieving little girl just trying to find her way in life and understand the atrocities that had been committed against her people. I just loved her fiery personality and how she just throws herself into battle regardless of the consequences. Definitely one to watch out for.

The level of detail within the book was just immense. I personally love detailed descriptions of characters, worlds etc and boy, this book didn’t disappoint. I just think such a level of detail adds that extra layer of authenticity to the story.

The use of each chapter as a different window was an effective narrative technique in the story. One minute your fighting alongside Rose, flying on the back of an eagle with Elec or traversing the underground passages with Barguth, the goblin and his worg mount. Being able to see the world through the eyes of the bad guys was a great idea. In most books the story is told through the eyes of the good guy and we partake in his journey alone, but in Covenant of the Faceless Knights I was taken on numerous different journeys.

I must admit I was a little confused at times and felt as if I was being jumping from scene to scene, character to character just too fast. I was most confused when it came to the bad guys as I wasn’t quite sure of what exactly was going on with the two different groups. But I must admit it was great to have a story where we had the baddies perspectives! Also I do enjoy the disjointed chapters and found it rather similar to Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire simply in the way that each chapter was centred on a different character. I do think it’s a good narrative technique as it keeps the reader wanting more and having to read on and on to get back to their favourite characters.

I really enjoyed the book but I just felt that it could have been just that little bit longer! I just think a lot more could have been explained and the story could have progressed at a slightly slower rate therefore incorporating more in the text. My main reason for thinking this is that I wanted to see the relationships of Elec, Rose, Sauenn and Garius develop right infront of my eyes over a realistic time frame. By the end of the book I was convinced of their ever growing close bonds as companions but I do wish that I could have just witnessed more of them conversing and communicating with one another. I’m sure that I’ll see their relationships grow stronger through the trails and tribulations of the next book. It was great seeing the result of their companionship at the end of the book; they all had key parts to play in the quest and played them perfectly. The length really isn’t an issue and maybe it is just my obsession with reading massively long books!

All in all, this was a great and exciting read. I would definitely recommend it to fans of traditional fantasy. Thank you to the author for allowing me to review it. I certainly had an exciting journey alongside Elec, Rose, Sauenn and Garius in Wothlondia and I’m looking forward to rejoining them in the next book!
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Jul 01, 2012 J Vernon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Covenant of the Faceless Knights: Beginnings is an excellent read for anyone who loves tales of adventure, interesting characters, and exciting battles. The story keeps with the classic idea of a fantasy story; a problem arrises that requires a combination of adventurers to overcome, but the problem in truth only hints at a darker crisis that is soon to face the Realm of Ashenclaw. While the plot is is typical of a fantasy novel, Garry Vanucci does a wonderful job of placing his own mark on the...more

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Apr 15, 2012 Vicky rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, sci-fi-fantastique

This book was free, I won it through the Goodreads Giveaways and it was excellent! I will definitely be looking forward to the next novel, I can't wait to see what awaits this group of adventurers.

It is a page turner, there is no undesirable lenghts, there's always something happening. There's quite a number of characters, and since some of the names are unfaniliar (not exactly your usual English name when it comes to a Goblin or an Orc!), I got a little confused at times but after a few lines I...more

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May 01, 2013 Anya rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, tbr-challenge

From my blog On Starships and Dragonwings

I used to play a lot of table-top roleplaying games in college and Covenant of the Faceless Knights by Gary Vanucci brought those memories back in force! I read the collection of short stories last year that give the background for a number of the characters in Covenant of the Faceless Knights, and I do recommend reading those. Like any table-top roleplaying game, there are a number of characters in the adventuring party and it is useful to have some cont...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Ross Kitson rated it 5 of 5 stars

I can quite honestly say that I loved every page of this novel. From start to finish it's pure fun- big, brash, in your face heroic fantasy.
The book commences a series in which a collection of companions are assembled by Garius, a Faceless Knight, to (initially) rescue some acolytes from a group of orcs holed up in an old temple. During the book the ground work is laid for the other books, with an impressive array of villains (half-demons, evil dwarves, succubi, a lich).
The heroes are engaging a...more

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Aug 30, 2012 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this some time ago, but just reread it after reading Wothlondia Rising. I enjoyed it much more the second time. Vanucci does a great job building the characters. There are some interesting twists in the fight scenes. If you like books about orcs, elves, and dwarves, or if you are a gamer with these types of figures, this is the book for you. Enjoy

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Jun 18, 2012 Daniel Zazitski rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you like reading fanasty novels simular to J.R.R Tolkien, I suggest you read Covenant of The Faceless Knights it is a book of epic purportions that will keep you wanting read more. Gary Vanucci creates an impressive fantasy world simular to Tolkien and other fantasy authors. Download this book to your preferred ereader or get a physical copy and pay a visit to Wothlondia.

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Apr 29, 2013 Alan Snowden rated it 5 of 5 stars

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About Gary F. Vanucci

One of my peers stated that Covenant of the Faceless Knights was "...pure fun- big, brash, in your face heroic fantasy..."

All paperbacks on sale for $9.99 each!
WOTHLONDIA RISING ❶ https://tsw.createspace.com/title/390...
COVENANT OF THE FACELESS KNIGHTS ❷ https://tsw.createspace.com/title/387...
SECRETS OF THE EBONITE MINES ❸ https://tsw.createspace.com/title/392...

My books can be be found on AMAZO...more

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Books by Gary F. Vanucci

Wothlondia Rising 1: Distant Familiarity

Wothlondia Rising: The Anthology (Beginnings, #1)

Secrets of the Ebonite Mines (Beginnings, #3)

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Covenant of the Faceless Knights (Beginnings, #2)

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