Scourge of the Betrayer (Bloodsounder's Arc, #1)

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Scourge of the Betrayer (Bloodsounder's Arc #1)

by Jeff Salyards (Goodreads Author)

3.69 of 5 stars 3.69 · rating details · 237 ratings · 84 reviews

Many tales are told of the Syldoon Empire and its fearsome soldiers, who are known throughout the world for their treachery and atrocities. Some say that the Syldoon eat virgins and babies–or perhaps their own mothers. Arkamondos, a bookish young scribe, suspects that the Syldoon’s dire reputation may have grown in the retelling, but he’s about to find out for himself.

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Hardcover, 320 pages

Published May 1st 2012 by Night Shade Books (first published January 1st 2012)

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Apr 17, 2012 Bob Milne rated it 3 of 5 stars

I actually finished Scourge of the Betrayer last week, but it's taken me a few days to decide precisely how to approach a review. It's such an oddly structured novel, and one that forgoes so many genre cliches, I wanted to give myself time to separate the novelty of the reading experience from the story itself.

Most fantasy novels begin with a very clear explanation of who the characters are, what the story is about, and where the story is going; the author immediately defines a goal, a destinati...more I actually finished Scourge of the Betrayer last week, but it's taken me a few days to decide precisely how to approach a review. It's such an oddly structured novel, and one that forgoes so many genre cliches, I wanted to give myself time to separate the novelty of the reading experience from the story itself.

Most fantasy novels begin with a very clear explanation of who the characters are, what the story is about, and where the story is going; the author immediately defines a goal, a destination, or an objective against which to measure progress; and then leads us to the discovery of a monster, a villain, an empire, or a philosophy to be defeated as the ultimate measure of success.

With Scourge of the Betrayer we get none of that. We're introduced to the characters by name, given a few vague hints and clues as to their roles within the world, and then we're off. Much like Arki, the scribe who provides our focal point into the world, we're kept in the dark as to where we're going, why we're going there, and what it is we hope to accomplish. More than that, we're denied any insight into the significance of events, and robbed of the opportunity to play along and estimate where we are on the journey.

It's a dangerously ambitious way to tell a story, and one with as much potential to alienate readers as to engage them. Fortunately, Salyards know just how to pace his clues, creating a sense of drama and anticipation that wouldn't otherwise be found in what is ultimately revealed to be a rather straightforward tale. Instead of driving towards a goal or a destination we, as readers, are driving instead towards an understanding of who Captain Braylar is and what, exactly, his Slydoon are up to.

The fact that Salyards tells such a stark, brutal, realistic tale certainly helps - had this been a lighter or brighter fantasy, the storytelling likely wouldn't have worked so well. Instead, the edginess of the storytelling plays well against the edginess of the characters and their world, actually serving to draw the reader in. Make no mistake, it's a literary tease, and one that's often frustrating, but it somehow all comes together.

Of course, every story must have its end, and every mystery must have it's big reveal. The big reveal here is less of a "WOW!" and more of an "hmm . . . okay" moment, but it's in keeping with the rest of the story. While I was looking for something a bit more grand, something with a bit more significance, I can't really say I was disappointed. The reveal, and the casual way in which it takes place, just seem to fit. Besides, in a story that is so character-driven, it's only fitting that the most significant moments be saved for the characters themselves, not their purpose.

My only complaint is that this feels like less of a complete story and more of a first arc in a longer book, the kind of opening instalment that catches your interest but leaves you wanting to reserve judgement until you know more. Having said that, it's an intriguing enough first arc to make me want to read more, and there's no better recommendation I can offer than that.

Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins(less)

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May 16, 2012 Chris Hawks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned

I've received, read, and reviewed review copies of books before, either won via random internet giveaways, or through dedicated early reviewer programs. But Scourge of the Betrayer marks the first time an author has personally reached out to me and said, "Hey, would you like a copy of my new book to review?" Normally, I'd be flattered, but also a little wary, having been burned more than a couple of times doing advance reviews of fantasy debuts. In this case, however, by the time Jeff Salyards h...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Brandon Zarzyczny rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this book, and it's probably one of the most original fantasy books that I've ever read. The world itself is relatively bare-bones, but the style of story telling is amazing. My only real problem with the book is that it's relatively short, and because of the nature of the character narration/perspective the story is very limited. The main character and only viewpoint is that of a relatively helpless scribe that is hired to chronicle everything that happens with the company of sol...more I really loved this book, and it's probably one of the most original fantasy books that I've ever read. The world itself is relatively bare-bones, but the style of story telling is amazing. My only real problem with the book is that it's relatively short, and because of the nature of the character narration/perspective the story is very limited. The main character and only viewpoint is that of a relatively helpless scribe that is hired to chronicle everything that happens with the company of soldiers. The whole story is told solely from the limited perspective of Arki, who becomes a great viewpoint character that maximizes the reader's immersion into the world and story of The Scourge of the Betrayer. There really isn't a lot of heavy world building, there are a few slightly forced but quick info dumps. However they are explained by the fact that Arki has led a relatively sheltered life and likes to ask a lot of questions.

The chronicler Arki is a very interesting character, an intelligent and talkative but shy young adult that grew up as a bastard from a Tavern Barmaid and an unknown rich man. He is very self-conscious about his upbringing, but he strives to make something of his life after he graduates from a University that was paid for anonymously by his absent father. This is the impetus for him accepting the contract from Captain Braylar Killcoin, a job that has very limited details, other than knowing it was very likely to be dangerous. This is where the story of Scourge of the Betrayer begins, the start of an adventure that will lead to many deaths, some of whom may be the main characters. There are very few featured characters for most of the book even though it features a company of soldiers, and they vary from being very quiet, to having bursts of talkativeness. The three main characters had a very interesting rapport, where they seemed to really like each other at times, but at the same time there was a certain amount of separation and animosity between them. The relationships just felt very real and different, and even the less important characters all have strong relationships with certain of their other companions, that mostly occur off the pages. The nature of it made the story feel very intimate and different, and the whole time I felt very close to the main character, especially with how the reader and Arki know very little about what's actually going on. The reader and Arki really don't learn about most of the actual plot/intrigue of the story until after the climax, when Captain Killcoin actually trusts Arki. This makes for a very unusual story, but it feels incredibly realistic, something that isn't common in a fantasy novel, or most books of any genre. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say that even though most of the plot is explained near the end, the reader still doesn't know if the Syldoon Company are the good guys or the bad guys.

For the world building, while this is a fantasy world, magic plays a very small role. From what is present in the book, it seems to be a mostly mental magic with a strong focus on memory. There are a group of sorcerers that can change remove memories, and it is rumored that they can stop people dead in their tracks, but they aren't featured at all in this book. There are also rouge untrained mages, one of whom is the crippled Grass Dog companion of Captain Killcoin. She uses her limited abilities to strip from Captain Killcoin's mind the stolen memories that plague him after he kills using his cursed flail. The flail's heads are in the likenesses of the Deserter Gods, and they warn the Captain whenever violence and bloodshed is coming his way. The source of the weapon's powers aren't really explored, and all the reader and Arki really knows about the cursed flail is the Captain dug it up from the ground previously, and he can't get rid of it unless he want's to face a painful slow death. Apparently, at one time the world featured in Scourge of the Betrayer had multiple real Gods, but about a millennium ago they deserted the world for unknown reasons. The only sign that they ever existed being a magical veil that stretches across the country and leads anyone that gets too close to their death. The land in the book isn't too well described, but that's explained by the fact Arki isn't very knowledgeable about it. Essentially though, the company of soldiers featured in this book are from the Empire of Syldoon, whose power was originally gained by a bloody emperor that built an army of slave soldiers abducted as children. However, at the present time in the book the Syldoon forces are more of a normal but still brutal and efficient military force. Companies of Syldoon are sent around the world with various goals, and they all must include a Chronicler that's supposed to be impartial to allow the Empire to keep track of all of their actions. The country that this book takes place in is ruled by a Child King and multiple power hungry Barons, other than that very little is described.

The writing was probably my favorite aspect of this book, as it has a great flow that makes it tough to put down, and the action is among the best that I've ever read. The perspective is a little different, as of course Arki is usually just the spectator of the multiple battles in the book, though he does slightly participate at times. There is a slight inherent weakness as he can only focus on one fight at a time, and it can appear like he must be frozen in place doing nothing so that his viewpoint can describe the main action. Still, I really loved the realistic and high tension action, even more so as the main weapon is one I've really never seen used in a fantasy novel, a flail. I've just never really considered the effectiveness and purpose of a flail before reading this book, and all of the action really showed a depth of knowledge of that martial art style. The flail is used in so many different ways, from intentionally having the chain be blocked by the edge of the shield allowing the flail heads to crash into the vital organs of the opponent, to using it like a whip to crush the armored skull of the Captain's opponent, or even flinging it out in a jab. Some of the fights are quick and brutal, but others are wars of attrition when Braylar Killcoin goes against talented well armored enemies. The battles were so thrilling and entertaining that I almost wished there were more of them, but then if there had been it's possible that none of the characters would have been alive by the end. I also like how crossbows are used in the book as a great equalizer when they are otherwise outnumbered, and the actual mechanics the Captain teaches Arki about them are incredibly described in depth. It all just reads like the author has an intimate knowledge of all of the medieval weapons and armor featured in the book that allows Salyards to craft intense battles featured in this book.

So overall, I really loved Scourge of the Betrayer and I would highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for something that's different from the normal epic fantasy novel.(less)

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Aug 04, 2012 Seak (Bryce L.) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-review, 2012, fantasy

Arki, short for Arkamandos, has been hired on as a scribe by a band of Syldoon, the most feared and treacherous soldiers in the world. Why did he accept this work? Well, it seemed a good idea at the time - he just wanted to get out and maybe see a little more adventure.

This may have also been the worst decision of his life.

As mentioned, the Syldoon aren't the kindest of people, nor are they even that pleasant to have a drink with (as we learn early on). They have some sort of plan, of which not...more

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Jul 16, 2012 LunaBelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-uf, x-badass-x-five-stars

I loved it!
I have to admit that at the beginning of the novel I wasn't really expecting to like it that much. But the more I read the more I liked the characters that I disliked at the beginning. The plot got interesting too. It is well written and easily understood.
I really want to read more now. I was shocked when I read the last sentence. it seemed that the events were cut,but oh well can't wait to read the rest!
For a first book, it's really good.

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Jun 03, 2012 Craig Slater rated it 4 of 5 stars

Like finding a colourful stone in the muck in the bottom of a stream, i can't quite tell if this is a little gem or not.

It's such an... odd and unexpected approach to a 'Fantasy' Novel, that it's difficult to 'label' or judge, for the purpose of a review.

There's not really that much that happens, no big events or conflicts of evil oppressors craving for power and wealth, not a lot of world building, (hints here and there of ‘animosity’ between regions and races), and not a lot of aggression an...more

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May 28, 2012 Andrew Rice rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jeff Salyards did a phenomenal job on this for a debut novel. It was an engaging, well-paced novel with an intriguing plot and an excellent cast of characters. What more could you hope for?

The main character, Arkamondos (who we will lovingly call Arki now because his full name is hard to spell and to read), is a scribe. Everything comes from his perspective, and this already does a good job to raise a few intriguing questions right from the start. How good of a scribe is he? Since this is a firs...more Jeff Salyards did a phenomenal job on this for a debut novel. It was an engaging, well-paced novel with an intriguing plot and an excellent cast of characters. What more could you hope for?

The main character, Arkamondos (who we will lovingly call Arki now because his full name is hard to spell and to read), is a scribe. Everything comes from his perspective, and this already does a good job to raise a few intriguing questions right from the start. How good of a scribe is he? Since this is a first person narrative, is he always telling us the whole truth? How accurate are his writings? Some of this is answered in the novel, and I enjoy how it shows Captain Braylar Killcoin take a liking to Arki and give him time to write events. Not to mention the reason for Arki being there at all is rather interesting. I look forward to finding out more about that.

Speaking of Capt’n Killcoin, I just have to say I love this character. Highly intriguing, and once you figure out his particular brand of “magic” and how this “magic” seems to work in this world, he gains a few new levels of depth. He definitely has his fault, and it is a nice contrast to his adept battle skills. I really love how he always seems to feel like he will never make it out and he isn’t as good as he clearly is. You don’t see that often in fantasy.

The plot is very intriguing and clearly sets a good stage for future novels. The beginning starts a little slow, but even though there isn’t an apparent conflict or action right in the beginning, the characters do all the heavy lifting and keep the pace going. A few surprising twists along the way ultimately lead us to the explosive end of the novel which leaves you hungry for more.

The one thing that initially worried me about this novel was Arki and his tendency to be down on himself, as he was always commenting that he is not a warrior or one who is particularly brave. Fortunately, he does progress as a character and we don’t have a repeat of Sam Tarly in Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series that leaves us a little annoyed at his constant whining about the same thing.

My only criticism so far, and it is a small one, is that I felt like I never got a firm grip on the world. I am one who loves world building and looking at book maps, so it is important for me to be able to place where we are in a narrative and what the world is like. There certainly was some world building, don’t get me wrong, but it left me wishing for more at the end. However, this won’t make me deduct any stars, since if more were included it might have detracted from the story telling, which is masterfully executed.

In short, this is an excellent debut novel and left me satisfied at the end and anxiously awaiting more. I highly recommend this read.
(less)

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May 14, 2012 Stefan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: advance-reading-copy, fantasy, ebook, far-beyond-reality-review

Arkamondos has been making a decent living as a scribe. He writes letters, keeps ledgers for merchants, and generally takes any scribing work that pays the bills, even though most of it is utterly boring. When he has the option to become the embedded record keeper for a band of Syldoon soldiers, it seems like an opportunity to do something meaningful and exciting, something that will leave a mark on this world, but once he takes the job, he quickly learns that, along with that excitement, he wil...more

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May 24, 2012 James Powell rated it 3 of 5 stars

Scourge of the Betrayer is a well-written opening chapter in what appears to be a much longer epic fantasy series. Salyards' focuses on character here, which makes for a compelling read. However, the attention to character development keeps the story a little on the slow side. Although I wanted a little more movement and action in this debut, I eagerly await the next book in the Bloodsounder's Arc series.

For a longer review, please click here: http://www.thedebutreview.com/reviews...

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Jun 02, 2012 Brad Saenz rated it 5 of 5 stars

I had been anticipating Scourge of The Betrayer since it was mentioned to me by someone from Night Shade Books. My expectations were probably too high for a debut novel, but Mr. Salyards wasted no time in alleviating those fears. I won't rehash the plot as enough reviews have covered that, but I will point out that the writing in this debut fantasy is outstanding and the narrative voice is very comfortable form the very beginning. You can have an excellent story, but weak writing or the reverse....more

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Feb 13, 2013 Jason rated it 5 of 5 stars

Having finished Scourge a while back, I can say that this is a novel that leaves lasting impressions. The approach of narrating from Arki's perspective (or lack thereof) sets an ethereal landscape where we do not know much if anything about the characters or the plot. If the reader has a difficult time adjusting to non-traditional storyline development or narratives I can see where one may be inclined to put Scourge down. That would be a mistake. I did find myself wondering what exactly was goin...more

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Feb 08, 2013 Jacqie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: didnt-finish

Almost didn't read this one and then was convinced by good critical reviews. I should not have been swayed!

I was hoping for something along the vein of Joe Abercrombie or Matthew Stover, I suppose, and there are some commonalities here. There's a hard-bitten mercenary captain, his band of nasty rogues, and the twist: our first-person narrator is a scribe who's been hired by the mercenary company to write down their exploits.

I read more than 100 pages in a 250 page book, so I feel I gave it a ch...more

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Jan 20, 2013 K.L. Schwengel rated it 5 of 5 stars

There are very few books I can't put down to the point of staying up longer than I should, neglecting to make dinner, or putting off a long list of Things That Must Get Done. Jeff Salyard's debut novel Scourge of the Betrayer was such a book. Not for the faint of heart or those with tender sensibilities, Salyard weaves a tale told through the eyes of Arkamondos - Arki -- a scribe whose new patron is much more than he bargained for. There is very little back-story. Events unfold just as Arki sees...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Dominick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Scourge of the Betrayer is the first book in the Bloodsounder’s Arc and Jeff Salyards’ debut. And it is a debut to be proud of. Based on the gritty style, you can put this book in the same category as Joe Abercrombie’s First Law and Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire. I even dare to state that Scourge is on the same high level as the books of those two authors.

Salyards’ book shows us a surprising and different view on the great epics and tells the story from an intimate point of view. While a grand e...more Scourge of the Betrayer is the first book in the Bloodsounder’s Arc and Jeff Salyards’ debut. And it is a debut to be proud of. Based on the gritty style, you can put this book in the same category as Joe Abercrombie’s First Law and Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire. I even dare to state that Scourge is on the same high level as the books of those two authors.

Salyards’ book shows us a surprising and different view on the great epics and tells the story from an intimate point of view. While a grand epic tale is brewing on the background we get to see a part of that tale through the eyes of Arkamondos, a young scribe who’s hired by the Syldoon Empire to chronicle the deeds of Captain Braylar Killcoin and his squad of soldiers. Killcoin and his men are sent by their Emperor on a mission and while the story unfolds we discover, together with Arkamondos, gradually what this mission is about.

The interaction between the naïve Arki and the bitter, tormented Killcoin is what lift this story above the average fantasy tale. It was sometimes heart wrenching to read how Arki, despite the constant bullying and threatening of Braylar, still tried to please the Captain by doing things he himself thinks are despicable. Throughout the story we get a few hints that there is something that happened in Braylar’s past that made him the evil, laconic and hard bastard that he is at the time of this tale. He wasn’t always the man he is now. Bloodsounder, the cursed flail he carries with him, is one part of that what happened, but it isn’t the whole tale and I’m curious to find out what happened that made Braylar become so bitter.

While it is the interaction between the two protagonists what make this book so good, the descriptions of the fights also deserve an honorable mention. Salyards describes the fights with a great sense of realism. A fight between soldiers in Scourge isn’t the flashing and glamorous battle like the old Errol Flynn movies. When you engage in a battle you are lucky when you get out of the fight with only a few bruises and cuts. Salyards’ fights end with the victorious soldiers as a bunch of beaten up men who count their blessings that they get out of this battle alive, mourning about their comrades who died in the fight. Battles in Scourge have, like in real life, nothing to do with glamour and flashing moves. The characters fight for their life with all means possible, hoping that they are the first to land a deadly blow, before their opponents can do the same.

Scourge is a very dark tale about the life of soldiers in service of a ruler and how they use everything in their power to achieve the goal of their mission. Even the magic, with his painful memories, is dark as hell.

Now, before I want to write down my conclusion, I want to mention that not everything in this tale is as dark as everything I’ve written so far in this review. I even laughed out loud, and I mean really loud, while I read about the fate that befell on the poor Rokliss. That’s probably the scariest and at the same time the funniest death I’ve ever read about.
Scourge of the Betrayer is a wonderful, well written intimate tale about how the life of a soldier weighs on the mind of a man. It shows us what war and fighting does with a man and gives us a great insight about how gritty war in reality is. Jeff Salyards delivers with this book a solid and awesome debut and Scourge definitely belongs in my top 5 of best books of 2012.
To end this review, I have only one more thing to add: Jeff, hurry up with book 2, Veil of the Deserters, because I desperately want to know what lies behind the Godveil.

This review is copied by me from my blog Fantastical Imaginations.(less)

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Dec 10, 2012 Jacen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Joe Abercrombie

Shelves: 2012-fantasy, 2012-reads, fantasy

I normally don't bother with reviews but I resolved for this gem I would compose one (perhaps the idea will stick and I'll write alot more of them in the future)

In a genre packed to the rafters with books that are a the size of a small car and weigh about the same Scourge comes across as something of a lightweight in appearance. Squeezing in at around 250 pages this svelte tome sure delivers the goods.
Working with so few pages has its advantages the pace can remain rapid without leaving the st...more I normally don't bother with reviews but I resolved for this gem I would compose one (perhaps the idea will stick and I'll write alot more of them in the future)

In a genre packed to the rafters with books that are a the size of a small car and weigh about the same Scourge comes across as something of a lightweight in appearance. Squeezing in at around 250 pages this svelte tome sure delivers the goods.
Working with so few pages has its advantages the pace can remain rapid without leaving the story behind and it cuts down on extraneous exposition (I know some people love that but some don't). This lack of exposition gives the book a somewhat disjointed feel as the reader is thrown into an unknown world without a great deal of understanding but this does come as the story progresses and Jeff Salyards manages to integrate what explaining that goes on into the story seamlessly, no out of place info dumps in this package.

The stand outs of the story are the Captain of the Syldoon a man by the name of Braylar Killcoin (what a cool name) a nefarious and capable man if ever there was one and his chronicler who is a new addition to the company and through whom we are told the story of assassination, deceit, lies, and bloody good fun. We are shown the true face and cost of brutality meted out by those for whom war is a war of life, both the cost to their enemies and victims and also to themselves. The bonds forged and the camaraderie between soldiers. The back and forth banter between friends is a highlight that captures this feeling better than alot of other attempts.

Other stand outs of the book are a "magical" flail (that's right a flail how often do you seen those bad boys in a leading role?) dinosaur like creatures, detailed and realistic fight scenes(they are REALLY well done) and a general feeling that this book barely even scratches the surface of the goodies that Salyards has to offer. One caveat those who dislike profanity may be offended by some of the language used in the book. (less)

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Nov 08, 2012 Ross Evans rated it 4 of 5 stars

Okay first off a huge thank you to Mr. Salyards for sending me a copy of this book while I was deployed overseas. Seriously you get some major cool points for doing that! Sadly I've already missed the band-wagon for this book, but I'm still going to hop on and encourage anyone else out there to give this one a shot if you haven't already.

Instead of rehashing the plot for this one, I'll keep it simple and tell you what I liked. I know a lot of the other bloggers have covered this title, so I'm no...more Okay first off a huge thank you to Mr. Salyards for sending me a copy of this book while I was deployed overseas. Seriously you get some major cool points for doing that! Sadly I've already missed the band-wagon for this book, but I'm still going to hop on and encourage anyone else out there to give this one a shot if you haven't already.

Instead of rehashing the plot for this one, I'll keep it simple and tell you what I liked. I know a lot of the other bloggers have covered this title, so I'm not going to beat a dead horse by telling you to pick this one up. Here are the top 5 things I liked about Scourge of the Betrayer. (In no specific order)

1) Main character is a "chronicler" of sorts, which is one of those groups that doesn't get enough attention. I think most book worms would agree that we all have a special place in our hearts for the ink and quill carrying nice guy.

2) First person narrative. Most love it or hate it, but when done correctly it really puts you in the characters head. Mr. Salyards nails the first person point of view.

3) Captain Braylar Killcoin. As much as I loved Arki the main character, I felt that Killcoin stole the show in this first novel. A cross between a bad ass warrior and a smart ass noble, he has mass appeal to any fan of fantasy.

4) Military "grunt" perspective. I've mentioned it before and I'll say it again, sometimes when authors try to give you a military perspective it often comes across as cheesy. Too much and it's hyper-masculine and too little and it's not noticeable Salyards does well giving the reader a dirty, nasty, and downright inappropriate look into life as a soldier/mercenary.

5) We get to see what a "scourge" can actually do in battle. I'm sure there is a pagan god of Scourge weapons out there who is nodding in approval! It's a pretty wicked weapon and it's nice to see something original.

I did have two issues with this book. First I thought it was just too damn short. The book clocks in at around 255 pages which is fine, but I really wanted a bit more. Second I thought some of the action/fight scenes could have been toned down slightly. Another blogger mentioned how these parts read slightly like "R.A. Salvatore" and I had to agree with that. To be fair though, they are still pretty awesome bloody fight scenes. I thought the "political intrigue" scenes had a bit more flavor, because it was awesome to hear Captain Killcoin run his mouth.

Book 1 in a series, "Scourge of the Betrayer" has a lot to offer a traditional fan of fantasy, as well as appeal to fans of the "new grit" scene. (May it never stop!) The story is short and sweet and I know I'm not the only one who is looking forward to book 2.(less)

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Oct 06, 2012 Zachary Jernigan rated it 5 of 5 stars

In the acknowledgements, Salyards thanks his agent for "believing in fantasy more intimate than epic." Clearly, he's thought a great deal about the impact this book will have on the right reader. For myself, I was riveted--not only by the fight scenes, of which there are many, well crafted; nor by the world-building, which is subtle and thought-provoking; but by the inward nature of the narrative.

We get to know Arki, the scribe documenting the Syldoon warriors' mission, and through him begin to...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Molybdenum rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very minor spoilers.

I just finished Scourge of the Betrayer. What a fantastic book. One complaint one can have about military fantasy (or military books in general) is that because the point of view is from well worn veterans in most cases it gives kind of a cheap view of human life. Well, put a naive narrator into that military fantasy world, and add on the effect of the Bloodsounder Flail and that worry just goes away.

The book for me was perfectly paced, though many would find it slow, and I r...more Very minor spoilers.

I just finished Scourge of the Betrayer. What a fantastic book. One complaint one can have about military fantasy (or military books in general) is that because the point of view is from well worn veterans in most cases it gives kind of a cheap view of human life. Well, put a naive narrator into that military fantasy world, and add on the effect of the Bloodsounder Flail and that worry just goes away.

The book for me was perfectly paced, though many would find it slow, and I really kind of liked the way that we only had what was in front of us to gather information from most of the book. It took the focus off of the plot and onto really getting into the heads of Lloi, Braylor and Arki, so when things start to pick up near the end of the book and in future novels the foundation is there for events to become meaningful. And the characters are so well drawn in a short period of time without becoming caricatures, and its managed without giving us explicit character resumes. The battle scenes were also brilliantly written (if battle scenes is the right word, fight scenes might be better), as I was able to follow what was happening, keep track of where everyone was, and be perfectly clear (for the most part) on why everyone was doing what they were trying to do.

The brilliant thing is that Arki has the same perspective on human life that the reader does. So where in other military fantasy books the prevailing opinion of the narrator is that life is cheap, and this sensibility creeps into the reader, instead in Scourge we have the exact same environment, except to Arki, life isn't cheap. It allows the brutality to resonate with us emotionally, and get a truer perspective on how we would feel if we were suddenly thrust into such a world.

Some may say not enough of the story was revealed, but the Syldoon plot is not the story. Not yet anyways. The story was Arki trying to fit in with a company that he has no business fitting into. Things are kept close to the vest exactly because Arki doesn't fit in, and the Syldooon have no reason to trust him. The withholding of information makes sense within the story, and allows us to focus on the true points of the story: the characters and the harshness of the setting.

The only possible complaint I could think of about this book was that it wasn't very self contained. But that isn't really true thematically. Even with the cliffhanger ending, the book takes you on Arki's journey from being an outsider scribe to becoming locked in with the company both in knowledge of their goals and a sharing of the prevailing philosophy of the company. This makes the two sort of addendum endings make a lot more sense in hindsight.

For me, this is not only my early favorite to be the top debut of the year (though I'm not sure I'll actually be reading any more of the year's debuts yet), but the top book of the year. It was that good.(less)

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Jul 16, 2012 Selorn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Me and LunaBelle spent all day reading over half of this book together! I'm not active on this website at all, just wanted to commend you on writing a really good book Jeff. I'm a very dull person, but your book really got my attention and got me thinking.. this is awesome! That is rare.

What made the book appeal to me was how realistic it all seemed. The personalities of the characters and the plot. You get the feeling that there is real danger; that perhaps not even the most important character...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Dan Berger rated it 3 of 5 stars

From Foes of Reality

If you are looking for a gritty fantasy novel where character relationships move the story forward in equal measure with hard-hitting action and political intrigue, Scourge of the Betrayer may well be the book for you. If you never need to read the word “horsecunt” ever, ever again, this book might not be your cup of tea.

Scourge of the Betrayer follows the adventures of Arkamondos, the bastard son of an inn keeper mother. “Arki” makes his living as a scribe, chronicling the m...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Nick rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Sword & Sorcery sub-genre is currently the most important facet of my reading life. This is the sub-genre that got me back into fantasy after a five year hiatus where I read nothing but science fiction. With that in mind, I take the authors and novels of this genre very, very seriously. At first glance SCOURGE OF THE BETRAYER by Jeff Salyards failed to catch my eye. I didn't find the cover immensely appealing (don't give me that look, we all judge books by their cover) and the synopsis s...more

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Jun 13, 2012 A.E. Marling added it

You may love Scourge of the Betrayer if you love your fantasy feast blood soaked and ungarnished, gritty in the fashion of Joe Abercrombie, Glen Cook, and GRRM. In this novel you'll find no superheroes, no wand-wielding children who can topple tyrants. The spiked flail has powers, but at a cost. The enchanted weapon poisons Braylar with memories that are not his own, corroding his identity and sanity.

Medieval food is described in sumptuous detail. Battles, even more so with intricate choreograph...more

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Jun 07, 2012 Courtney Schafer rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thought Scourge of the Betrayer sounded interesting right from the get-go: a naive bookish scribe playing "embedded journalist" in a hardened military company with a haunted, enigmatic leader...sign me up, I said! (I'm a total sucker for characters who've got secrets, and I enjoy military fantasies.) The book didn't disappoint.

The characters are very nicely drawn, particularly Captain Braylar Killcoin and the scout Lloi, both of whom I found fascinating. The internal journey of the young narr...more

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Jun 07, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

I need to be honest from the start. I love books, but I am not at fantasy reader. To me, the world of LARPing, dressing in medieval clothing and adopting an Ole Englysh accent for a weekend to joust while selling roasted turkey legs and dancing to lute music seems, well, an escape from reality taken a little too seriously. I will not line up to be a serving wench at the next Renaissance Faire in town, but Salyards has convinced me that fantasy literature is worth the time. And perhaps wearing a...more I need to be honest from the start. I love books, but I am not at fantasy reader. To me, the world of LARPing, dressing in medieval clothing and adopting an Ole Englysh accent for a weekend to joust while selling roasted turkey legs and dancing to lute music seems, well, an escape from reality taken a little too seriously. I will not line up to be a serving wench at the next Renaissance Faire in town, but Salyards has convinced me that fantasy literature is worth the time. And perhaps wearing a corset or two isn't out of the question.

I actually pre-ordered the book for by brother as a Christmas present, noted its arrival on my doorstep in May, and innocently thought I'd skim a few pages before handing it off. I ended up reading the whole thing, hijacking the gift without remorse.

I entered into scribe Arki's world, his narration and recording of a mysterious journey with Captain Killcoin's troupe, and I wanted to know more. The use of a scribe as the narrator is clever: the plot and discovery unfolds just enough to leave one to want more questions answered, leading us through Arki's observations as though we are he, as though we are there.

We learn of the caste system of the Syldoon, the Grass Dogs, the Hornmen, and the elusive and feared Memoridon. We also learn of the dark underbelly of the mystery and the bloodiness of battle. I admit, I'm a woman, an usually not into war scenes and books about battles. But this one, yes, this one, I was nervously crouched reading through the chase of horses, the blood and gore, the flails flailing, the swords poised, and afraid of just who might become a casuality. Salyards creates a believable world, one that comes alive for me, one that I see easily. The characters gain shape and color as the story unfolds. There are a few subtle anachronisms, but the kingdoms are real, guts and all. I also appreciate the humor laced in the darkness, just enough to lighten the mood slightly, but not make the book comical. Salyards does this well.

While I was converted to reading this type of literature, I do caution the foul language and adult situations are not appropriate for "delicate" readers. Don't give this book to your 13-year-old to read. It might be a little randy for virgin eyes.

The second installment is anticipated in another year. Hurry up! The first book ended on a very precipitous note: I am teetering on the edge to find out what happens next!

I highly recommend Scourge of the Betrayer to anyone who wants well-written adventure, with the anticipation there will be more to come! Bravo, Salyards. Brilliant debut.(less)

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May 31, 2012 Ryan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Many fantasy debuts get lots of attention and hype, then fail to live up to expectations. In my experience, it is a rare occasion when a fantasy debut not only lives up to the hype, but exceeds my own expectations and manages to bring something new and fresh to the table. Jeff Salyards' debut, The Scourge of the Betrayer, does just that.

Arkamondos, a young, bookish and inexperienced scribe has recently been hired to chronicle the exploits of a band of soldiers from the Syldoon Empire. Syldoon so...more Many fantasy debuts get lots of attention and hype, then fail to live up to expectations. In my experience, it is a rare occasion when a fantasy debut not only lives up to the hype, but exceeds my own expectations and manages to bring something new and fresh to the table. Jeff Salyards' debut, The Scourge of the Betrayer, does just that.

Arkamondos, a young, bookish and inexperienced scribe has recently been hired to chronicle the exploits of a band of soldiers from the Syldoon Empire. Syldoon soldiers have a dire reputation throughout the realm as treacherous bastards who eat babies and virgins, so it should come as no surprise that the group Arki hires on with are a tough bunch. The toughest and most enigmatic of them all is the company's captain, and leader, Braylar Killcoin.

Braylar is a mysterious guy to say the least, simultaneously frightening and fascinating. Braylar's weapon of choice, a flail, bearing the heads of old long lost gods, is as mysterious as it's owner, as the weapon appears to possess some magical qualities. However, Arki signed on with this crew in hopes of recording a historic adventure, and it appears that's what he'll get as they embark on a mysterious mission...all he's gotta do is survive the adventure, and Braylar's temper to tell the tale.

Scourge of the Betrayer, the first installment in the Bloodsounder's Arc series, wastes no time getting rolling as Salyards drops the reader right into the head of Arkamondos. From page one onward the reader experiences the novel through Arki's perspective, which makes for a very interesting read. Though Scourge of the Betrayer seems like it would fall into the category of epic fantasy, the book has a very intimate feel as Salyards uses the first person perspective to give the reader an up close and personal view of the book's events. Not only does Salyards achieve this through Arki's perspective, but also through his flat out brilliant descriptive writing. The man does a wonderful job with his world building, or maybe more accurately, scene setting to the point where I felt like I could smell the blood, the mud, the beer...and the offal. Though little of the world and it's settings, cities and regions are explored, those that were featured had a high level of detail and were places that brimmed with life and realism.

Not only did Salyards impress with his ability to give his story a strong sense of place but the people he populated his story with were impressive as well. Even though Arki, and many of the other Syldoon soldiers were impressively written and stood out as memorable, Braylar Killcoin sorta stole the show here. Braylar is an incredibly interesting and mysterious character, and I found myself always wanting to know more about him. Salyards does a great job of introducing Braylar, building him up, planting a few questions and seeds of mystery in the reader's head then slowly delivering the reveals as the book progresses. That can't all be an easy thing to pull off, but Salyards does it in style.

Sure, I might have described this as "intimate" Epic Fantasy, but there certainly are hints that the events in this book will become threads in a much larger tapestry as the series progresses. Strangely enough, even though lots happened here in terms of character development, world building, and story progression, Scourge of the Betrayer is a slim 255 pages. That's a page count that is almost unheard of in these days of giant cinderblock sized fantasy novels. Believe me, there is a lot of substance packed into the book here. In fact, I'd say that there's absolutely zero fluff, or wasted pages here at all. Instead, there's a great deal of efficient writing that doesn't waste time telling the reader what is going on, and instead shows in fantastic, in-your-face detail.

So, my gut reaction: Holy shit, this is an impressive book! Scourge of the Betrayer has everything I look for in a book; great characters that I care for and want to know more about, a fantastic setting I enjoy, and a plot that captures my imagination, engages my mind, gets me to ask questions and yearn for answers. This is one hell of a debut, and I can't wait for the next installment in this series. Highly recommended. (less)

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May 09, 2012 Caroline rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dark-fantasy, fantasy

The fact that I enjoyed this novel doesn't surprise me, just the extent to which I did. I've got a real taste for militaristic, dark fantasy, and "Scourge of the Betrayer" definitely satisfied me on that count. I really appreciated the fact that Salyards' writing style was descriptive and aesthetically pleasing without completely sounding out of character for Arki.

Speaking of which, Arki, the narrator, is possibly my favorite part of the whole book; Salyards' choice to write the blood-soaked qu...more

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May 03, 2012 Gabriel rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a must read epic filled with intrigue, mystery, and violence. It reads partially like historical fiction similar to Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth", part memoir of an embedded war journalist, thought it's fantasy. This is not a genera I am inclined to read, but might be now. The dialogue feels true and is peppered with humor. Despite being fiction this is quite reflective of real life with geo-political undertones, religious leader corruption, and a self-indulgent baron, while the m...more

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May 14, 2012 Mieneke rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, 2012

When I read Justin's review for Scourge of the Betrayer, I thought this would be a book I'd love to read. Not too long after I was approached by its author to review it, something which I readily agreed to. It's not often my wishes are catered to this efficiently! And the book was just as good as Justin made it out to be. It's a good military fantasy in the tradition of Glen Cook, a comparison reinforced by the book's narrator, who is a chronicler just as Cook's Croaker is, albeit a lot less mar...more When I read Justin's review for Scourge of the Betrayer, I thought this would be a book I'd love to read. Not too long after I was approached by its author to review it, something which I readily agreed to. It's not often my wishes are catered to this efficiently! And the book was just as good as Justin made it out to be. It's a good military fantasy in the tradition of Glen Cook, a comparison reinforced by the book's narrator, who is a chronicler just as Cook's Croaker is, albeit a lot less martial than the latter.

Scourge of the Betrayer starts somewhat in medias res. Not in regard to Arki's story; no, we join him at the start of his association with Killcoin's Syldoon company, but in regard to whatever the company is up to and as such it's not completely clear what the greater plot is. This would be my greatest complaint with the book. It made me jump out of the narrative at times, wondering what they were doing and why they were doing what they were doing, but other than making me wonder, it doesn't really take away from the reading experience. Plus by the end of the book, the reader is pretty much in the know on what the company was doing in Alespell and what their orders seem to be. However, if anything, this book is setting up Arki as chronicler of the company and him finding his feet within the group and committing to being part of their activities, to becoming totally embedded in the band. His assimilation into the group is gradual and seeping; Arki is horrified by Braylar's casual violence and made uncomfortable by the many secrets they seem to keep from him, but he is slowly drawn in, until he surprises himself by the choices he makes, such as getting involved in one of the band's violent altercations and his decision to stay at the ending of the book.

Due to the nature of the story, characterisation is key; if the characters aren't believable, the story won't engage the reader. Arki is a great character in this respect; he's likeable, a bit of an Everyman: he doesn't possess great martial prowess or special powers; he is a scribe, with perhaps better than average observational skills. The reader can identify with him, without it slipping into Gary Sue-territory. The Syldoon soldiers are wonderfully portrayed. While Braylar is violent, secretive and frightening, he is also unexpectedly sympathetic. I liked him more than expected, especially after we learn about the price he pays for wielding Bloodsounder. The bond between the men is also shown in a wonderful manner, from the gruff banter at table, the name-calling exchanges between Hewspear and Mulldoos, which seem to mask a deep respect and comradeship, and a soldier's heartfelt grief at the loss of his best friend. Loyalty is of paramount importance to these men, something borne out in their treatment of Lloi. Lloi is a Grass Dog, a woman from one of the plains-dwelling tribes largely considered barbarians and the enemy, but because she's fiercely loyal to Braylar and would lay down her life for his without hesitation, they may treat her as nothing but an inconvenient necessity, but they respect her nonetheless.

Scourge of the Betrayer is a wonderful read, even with the question of 'where is this going?' haunting me for most of the book. There are some major questions raised in this first book in Bloodsounder's Arc – what is Bloodsounder anyway, beyond a really scary flail? – and I can't wait for book two return to Arki and the Syldoon and get some answers. Scourge of the Betrayer is a strong debut, and in a year where I've read some very strong debuts, this one measures up to the best of them. Jeff Salyards is definitely one to watch for the future.

This book was provided for review by the author.(less)

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May 08, 2012 Donald rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I found this to be a very strong debut. There are a few minor quibbles (awkward word choices, words being repeated too close together, and it probably needed another look by a proofreader), but that's all technical stuff and has nothing to do with the important things, like story and character.

I was strongly reminded of Glen Cook's Black Company books, and while I know that's become a fairly common thing to say over the last few years, I think Salyard has done it better than nearly everyone els...more

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May 08, 2012 rameau rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley, fantasy, read-in-2012

This book and I didn't start out on good terms. My distaste for first person limited narration has a long well documented history, but as well documented are the exceptions when a story and the writing ascends the chosen method.

I fear this wasn't one of those times for me.

The plot is simplistic. An inexperienced scribe Arkamondos is conscripted as a chronicler for a band of Syldoon warriors. He follows Captain Braylar Killcoin around the Empire and is instructed to record all events truthfully...more This book and I didn't start out on good terms. My distaste for first person limited narration has a long well documented history, but as well documented are the exceptions when a story and the writing ascends the chosen method.

I fear this wasn't one of those times for me.

The plot is simplistic. An inexperienced scribe Arkamondos is conscripted as a chronicler for a band of Syldoon warriors. He follows Captain Braylar Killcoin around the Empire and is instructed to record all events truthfully without any poetics.

What follows, I assume, are the notes Arkamondos scribbled down during the journey. It reads more like a personal journal than an official war record. And that's where the success of this story hinges; with the narrator's voice.

Due to his comparative innocence, Arkamondos isn't the most reliable narrator and often there's a definite split between his perception and the reality of the events. Salyards deserves notice for managing that.

Through several violent incidents and a few moments of witnessed camaraderie Arkamondos starts to change. He's forced to learn to handle more than a quill and faced with difficult choices. His view on humanity and war changes. Art finds new meanings for him.

I however, wasn't impressed with this personal journey, and so far the only explanation I have is my gender. The author is a man writing about a man, and I'm a woman reading about a man and puzzling over his views on women. Or lack thereof.

There's only one half important female character and she gets the brunt of the assaults. Has for her whole life. Somehow, despite all the brutality and every cut Captain Braylar or the other soldiers receive or pay for with their lives, it felt like the author took extra pleasure hurting Lloi. This kind of victimisation of women has a long history, and I've been told before that watching a loved one receiving pain is the one thing that can break even the toughest (decent) man.

However, being a woman, I started thinking what would have happened had the roles been reversed. I can't help but feel the derision wouldn't have happened. And had it, the vengeance would have been served cold after days or weeks on a plate or goblet laced with particularly horrifying poison instead with an ineffective swing of a sword.

As for the scene at the first inn between Braylar and the barmaid, I hate to say it (view spoiler).

I received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher through NetGalley.(less)

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About Jeff Salyards

I grew up in a small town north of Chicago. While it wasn't Mayberry, with all the doors unlocked and everyone offering each other slices of pie and quaint homilies, it was pretty quiet and sleepy, so I got started early imagining my way into all kinds of other worlds and universes that were loud, chaotic, and full of irrepressible characters and heaps of danger. Massive explosions. Tentacled alie...more I grew up in a small town north of Chicago. While it wasn't Mayberry, with all the doors unlocked and everyone offering each other slices of pie and quaint homilies, it was pretty quiet and sleepy, so I got started early imagining my way into all kinds of other worlds and universes that were loud, chaotic, and full of irrepressible characters and heaps of danger. Massive explosions. Tentacled aliens. Men with sharp swords and thousand-yard stares and secrets they would die to protect. Clearly, I was a full-bore dork.

Royal Crown bag full of multi-sided dice? Check. Blood-red hooded cloak? Check. Annual pilgrimages to Renaissance Faires? Check. Whacking other (curiously athletic and gifted) dorks with rattan swords in the SCA? Check. Yes, I earned my badges, thank you very much.

My whole life, I've been fascinated by the fantastic, and of course this extended to speculative fiction of all kinds. Countless prepubescent evenings found me reading a worn, dog-eared copy of Thuvia, Maid of Mars (it sounded so much dirtier than it was!) or The Frost Giant's Daughter (high hopes for that one too!) well past lights-out, flashlight in hand, ignoring the repeated calls to turn in. That's as quiet and harmless a rebellion as you can have, and my parents mostly sighed and left me to it.

So, no one has ever been surprised to hear that I was working on (or at least talking about working on) some sci-fi or fantasy story or other. But it took years of flirting with various projects, flitting from one to the next without the hint of complete commitment, before I finally mastered myself enough to finish a novel. And longer still before I finished another one that was worthy of being published.

But wonders never cease. And here we are.

My debut novel, Scourge of the Betrayer, is a hard-boiled fantasy to be published by Night Shade Books in May 2012. It’s the first installment in a series called Bloodsounder’s Arc. I'm so excited I'm beginning to annoy myself. I am represented by Michael Harriot at Folio Literary Management, and couldn't be happier. His savvy, smart advice has been invaluable on this journey. I suspect he has a secret stash of 20-siders somewhere in his desk.

I live with my lovely wife, Kris, and three daughters in a suburb west of Chicago. I am indebted to Kris in countless ways for her steadfast encouragement, support, and thick skin in dealing with a prickly, moody writer. I don't always like living with me, but she has a choice and stays anyway.

And before you are tempted to mention it, I am fully aware that siring three daughters is certainly karmic retribution, particularly when they all transform into teenagers. I cling to the hope of discovering at least one of them reading covertly in the middle of the night. That kind of transgression I can handle.(less)

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Quotes from Scourge of the Betrayer

“I'll tell you this much. Men think memories are like murals or statues or truth or whatever happened, never changes none. But that ain't so. They can capture the untruth of something, just as easy. They can change, especially as time leads to time.

(...)
To each man himself, his memories seems as solid and factual as a stone mosaic, an urn he could turn around and heft, a flower he could sniff. But when I go inside another, I don't see it or feel it like that. Everything is shimmery, shifting, like it's bathed in mist and shadow, like... like walking down the foggiest street you can think of, with everything looking not like itself at all.” — 2 people liked it

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Scourge of the Betrayer (Bloodsounder's Arc #1)

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