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Brayan's Gold (Demon Cycle)

by Peter V. Brett (Goodreads Author), Lauren K. Cannon (Illustrator)

4.1 of 5 stars 4.10 · rating details · 690 ratings · 42 reviews

This novella presents Arlen Bales, seventeen, an apprentice Messenger in brand new armor, about to go out for the first time alongside a trained Messenger on a simple overnight trip. Instead Arlen finds himself alone on a frozen mountainside, carrying a dangerous cargo to Count Brayan’s gold mine, one of the furthest points in the duchy. And One Arm, the giant rock demon,...more

Hardcover, 88 pages

Published January 31st 2011 by Subterranean Press (first published January 1st 2011)

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May 13, 2013 Kristina rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this short story in the new The Great Bazaar and Brayan's Gold edition that was released in April 2013 so unfortunately I am not in on the illustrations, but I don't think it took away from the story. It is a short story about Arlen's first overnight run as a messenger's apprentice, but at the last moment it turns into a near two week run. This story takes during the middle of The Warded Man when Arlen is living in Miln.

I thought this was a great little short story. As it has no effect on...more

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Apr 28, 2013 David Sven rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

A nice short addition to the Demon Cycle story giving us the account of Arlen's maiden journey as an Apprentice Messenger. The first book of the Demon Cycle series The Warded Man skips a lot of the period between Arlen starting out as a messenger till he is uber badass so there is certainly room for a series of short stories to cover that period and add to the lore of The Warded Man.

This is intended as a standalone novella so you don't absolutely have to read the other books beforehand. However,...more

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Jun 14, 2011 Marc Aplin rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Painted Man and The Desert Spear are among my favourite books ever written. Not only is the story absolutely brilliant, but Peter V. Brett's writing is just simply 'readable'. This is something Peter can do that I think other people lack in the genre right now...

The description is there, but it's not rammed down your throat. You don't have to know how many blades of grass there are to get a feeling of the area. What is more important and what is Brett's finest skill is that he can describe a...more The Painted Man and The Desert Spear are among my favourite books ever written. Not only is the story absolutely brilliant, but Peter V. Brett's writing is just simply 'readable'. This is something Peter can do that I think other people lack in the genre right now...

The description is there, but it's not rammed down your throat. You don't have to know how many blades of grass there are to get a feeling of the area. What is more important and what is Brett's finest skill is that he can describe and give the readers a feeling of atmosphere. Brett's world is terrifying and as a reader you really, really feel that. Demon's have reduced mankind to essentially only being able to live during the day... because at night... Demons arrive... and they want blood.

So, what is 'Brayan's Gold'? 'Brayan's Gold' is a special edition book released by Peter V. Brett that is actually based at some time during the middle of 'The Painted Man'. Arlen is an apprentice messenger and is actually taking one of his first jobs. He is to take an extremely important and extremely delicate delivery to a mine within a mountain whilst at the same time avoiding any bandits or thieves that may be waiting to steal from him, kill him or even a combination of the two.

Now... this doesn't sound like a short story does it? Well... that is why this book as much as 'The Painted Man' and 'Desert Spear' prove Peter's worth as a writer... not many people can write a good short story... yet, Peter V. Brett does.

I can tell you that there is a lot of content squeezed into this little book. Not only are there beautiful, beautiful images by 'Lauren K. Cannon' that intertwine with the story, but there is a legitimately good read here. In less that 85 pages of actual text, Brett takes you back to Arlen's past and further shapes his story. You will find out a little bit more about his motivations and choices that lead him to becoming what he has become by the middle to end of 'Desert Spear' and generally you will have had a good adventure.

Certainly an important read and for me... the image of Arlen pre-warded really made it. Seeing Brett's accepted version of Arlen's face as a fan is a huge moment. How many characters ever get given a face? Not many. Fans of the Demon Cycle... DO NOT MISS IT!
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Dec 16, 2011 Seak (Bryce L.) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, fantasy

This is a novella set in the Demon Cycle universe (The Warded Man, The Desert Spear) covering a short portion in Arlen's life...you know...before he became superman.

Brayan's Gold occurs during Arlen's time as an apprentice messenger. Messenger's are the brave and daring souls who brave the night and the corelings to deliver messages and other materials. His task, along with his master, Curk, is to escort a wagonload of easily combustible firesticks up into the high mountains to Brayan's Gold, w...more

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Feb 06, 2011 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

A quick read, this book serves to fill in a bit more of the series of blanks left in Arlen's life after The Painted Man. It was intereting to see more of Thesia and learn more about some of the demons who inhabit this world, as well as more interaction between One-Arm and Arlen: you can really see the intense level of hatred between them in this book, which I don't think ever came across to the same extent in either TPM or The Desert Spear.

All in all, a nice little filler story to get my 'coreli...more

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Mar 20, 2013 Victoria rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-in-a-series, fantasy-science-fiction, novella

This illustrated novella is a fun read and a fast fix for fulfilling the desire for more books in the Demon Cycle series. The drawings are really enjoyable - particularly those of the corelings. It is always interesting to see how your imagination lines up against an artist’s vision of the same description. The Kindle version (even for the Fire) does not have have color images though, so there remains some mystery left for the reader. A new type of demon makes its debut here - a snow demon - but...more

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Oct 11, 2011 Mark rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read

I think it's a fairly well known fact that I'm a sci-fi reader that dabbles in fantasy from time to time. Back in 2009 I read a debut fantasy from Peter V Brett called The Painted Man (The Warded Man in the US), and instantly became a fan. There was just something about it that ticked the right boxes for me - the setting, the history, the magic, the demons, the characters - all of these worked extremely well together. While waiting for the sequel, The Desert Spear, to be released Subterranean Pr...more I think it's a fairly well known fact that I'm a sci-fi reader that dabbles in fantasy from time to time. Back in 2009 I read a debut fantasy from Peter V Brett called The Painted Man (The Warded Man in the US), and instantly became a fan. There was just something about it that ticked the right boxes for me - the setting, the history, the magic, the demons, the characters - all of these worked extremely well together. While waiting for the sequel, The Desert Spear, to be released Subterranean Press announced that they were going to be releasing a limited edition novella called The Great Bazaar. This was very welcome news, and when the limited edition I bought arrived I couldn't help but drool over it. The quality was awesome, the art excellent, and the story and extras it contained well worth the money.

And then I read The Desert Spear and settled in for the long wait for the third book in the series, The Daylight War. Just when I thought all hope was lost Subterranean Press announced that they would once again be releasing another limited edition novella from Brett, this one called Brayan's Gold. It was time to rejoice! I got my order in straight away and it finally arrived at the end of January. It looked so good I was hesitant to open the book and ruin it, but I bought it to read and that's exactly what I did...

Brayan's Gold is the story of Arlen during his apprentice messenger days and his his first overnight journey with a trained messenger. The cargo is an expensive load of explosives for Count Brayan and his mines, and despite the regular messenger having been unable to take this run, a new one steps in and off they go. But when they are stopped by bandits and his mentor flees Arlen is left to stand his ground, not allowing the cargo to be stolen. And then he is alone, determined to travel the long road to the gold mine and deliver the cargo in one piece.

This is a short story, and providing you understand that then there is nothing that you should be disappointed with. As with The Great Bazaar, it's really nice to see Arlen's messenger days before he became the infamous Painted Man, and this time we see another part of the world that hasn't been explored in the main novels. The setting is great, the snowy mountains and cold nights really add a nice atmosphere to the story and the characters that we meet are as interesting as they can be given the limited length of the story.

As a fan of Peter V Brett's Demon Cycle this one hit the right notes, was a quick and thoroughly enjoyable read, and works perfectly to serve the purpose of filling in some of Arlen's back story. While it could be read as a stand alone, it's really one for those that have already read and enjoyed Arlen's world. I hope this isn't the last short excursion to some of Arlen's history as they're such fun and work so well within the larger body of work. Awesome. (less)

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May 10, 2011 Ranting Dragon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: stephan

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. http://www.rantingdragon.com/brayans-...

This review does contain some spoilers for The Warded Man and should be read with caution if you plan on reading Peter V. Brett’s debut novel first.

Remember The Matrix?
If you’re visiting a website dedicated to Speculative Fiction, chances are that you’ve seen The Matrix at least once. If you have, do you remember that final scene where Neo walks out of a phone booth and flies off like Superman? If you’re anything like me, you probably thought something alo...more

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Jun 22, 2011 Tristax rated it 3 of 5 stars

Brayan's Gold is Peter V. Brett's second novella in the Demon Cycle. His first being The Great Bazaar. The GB was a fantastic read and every bit on par with his full length novels. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Brayan's Gold. Which isn't to say it's bad, just that it didn't meet my expectations. The purpose of the novella is to let readers get a peak into some of Arlen's work as a Messenger before finding the Deliverer's Spear. Arlen's time as a Messenger has always been something I...more Brayan's Gold is Peter V. Brett's second novella in the Demon Cycle. His first being The Great Bazaar. The GB was a fantastic read and every bit on par with his full length novels. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Brayan's Gold. Which isn't to say it's bad, just that it didn't meet my expectations. The purpose of the novella is to let readers get a peak into some of Arlen's work as a Messenger before finding the Deliverer's Spear. Arlen's time as a Messenger has always been something I've wanted more details about. IMO, the events that changed Arlen happened too quickly and I felt more than a little bitter at missing most of his time as a Messenger. Naturally, I was thrilled when a second novella, detailing just that was announced. I ended up buying the standard edition to read and the limited, signed, leather-bound, super geek edition for my collection.

In this book, we find Arlen about to embark on his first overnight run as an apprentice with the Messenger's Guild. What was supposed to be a one night trip to the lower mines, ends up being a 10 day expedition to Brayan's Gold, the most remote of the Duke's mines. The reader is also introduced to Snow Demons for the first time and One Arm is again back on Arlen's trial.

Brayan's Gold doesn't feel nearly as tight or crisp as Brett's other works. The story itself isn't that bad, it's just not on the same level as what I've come to expect from PVB. A lot was made about the addition of Snow Demons preceding the book and it was disappointing to only encounter one. The ending also left a lot to be desired in that I was left confused as to why Arlen spared a certain character. A lot is made of him doing so but no conclusion ever comes from that sub-plot. Maybe I'm forgetting some things from The Desert Spear and it was concluded there..I'm not sure. I was also a bit let down that Regan didn't make an appearance. There is still plenty to like here such as the substation with it's wardnets and fights against corelings pre-spear of destiny. Arlen comes off as a bit over-experienced for someone on his first real Messenger trip but I may just be forgetting how far his character had progressed by the end of the Warded Man.

If your a huge fan of the Demon Cycle (as am I) then it's still a must read but if you weren't really thrilled with the other books in the series, this one will do little to convert you.

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Jan 13, 2011 Kat Hooper rated it 4 of 5 stars

ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.

I’m really enjoying these little novellas that Sub Press puts out. Because they’re meant as stand-alone side-stories, they’re a great way for me to get a feel for an author’s world and writing style before jumping into a big series.

Peter V. Brett’s Brayan’s Gold is the story of how Arlen, one of the main characters in Brett’s Demon Cycle, goes on his first solo job and meets a snow demon. The episode is referred to in the story collection The Great Bazaar,...more

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Jan 29, 2011 Bonnie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: dark-fantasy, special-and-collectors-editions, my-library-in-print, favourites, owned-and-read, my-whole-library

I wasn’t going to read this because it’s limited edition, the first real limited ultra special book I’ve ever bought (only 700 copies were made of this particular edition, which makes me want to lock it up in a glass container and shout at people when they even glance at it or something), but I couldn’t help myself.

I. Cracked.

I’m glad I did because now I know a little bit more of Arlen’s story and world outside the Demon Trilogy. Even though it is from the Demon trilogy and follows the same main...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Joel Pearson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: signed-copies, hard-copy

I fell in love with this series of books very quickly, and despite some flaws, it's overall very well written and very entertaining. The two short novellas released as supplementals (this and Great Bazaar), were both very entertaining little side-stories that gave a fun look in on the happenings of Arlen's life outside of the main story.

Both were a little inconsistent with the writing of the main story, but still very enjoyable - Brayan's Gold moreso than Great Bazaar. I personally would love it...more

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Feb 08, 2011 David Biondi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: epic-fantasy, novella

It's been a while since I've read the The Desert Spear and after reading this book I really want Peter to write a hell of a lot faster lol. This book was a giant tease. The story was great and very entertaining but just when it started to get good it was over! Hopefully his next book will come out really soon!

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May 02, 2012 João Lamas rated it 4 of 5 stars

Brayan's Gold takes place at Arlen's time as an apprentice messenger. It shows he's first run as a messenger and his eagerness to apreend new wards and do what he deams reight.

It fills a gap in the original history and it's the first time he kills a coreling.

An enjoyable short story.

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Oct 17, 2012 Todd rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the best fantasy shorts I have read, this is well worth reading. Painted Man skips a significant portion of Arlen's development into a renowned and skilled Messenger and this plays a bit of a role putting a little more guts into Arlen's history.

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Feb 02, 2013 Lucas rated it 4 of 5 stars

It is a short story so it doesn't have all the detail and magic that makes Peter's books so good but it is Arlen at his best always taking the moral high road and fighting for his life. I read it in 2 hours great story

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Apr 15, 2012 Joe rated it 5 of 5 stars

The only bad part about this book was that it was a novella and only about 100 pages. It is a nice window into the early days of Arlen as a messenger, after the first book but before he became the warded man.

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Feb 22, 2011 John rated it 5 of 5 stars

A short but excellent novella by one of the best author. I got the white leather limited edition too, and it's just amazing. Beautiful work.

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Mar 28, 2011 John rated it 3 of 5 stars

This novella reads like like YA. Very easy going and tells a nice little story. Very much about atmosphere and world building and not much beyond that. It definitely makes me want to check out Brett's longer work, The Warded Man.

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Sep 01, 2012 Felix rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great short story, really liked it because of it's simplicity and it really shows just how awesome the protagonist really is.

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Feb 18, 2013 Roderick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nice short story but I am getting really sick of the country bumpkin speak. If I hear "ent" one more time.....

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Oct 08, 2012 James rated it 5 of 5 stars

very good short story explaining more of Arlen's adventures. very straight forward with the right amount of detail.

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Apr 09, 2012 Spencer Pranger rated it 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely brilliantly done! Peter's short storied were quick and action pack. Led to many great insights on 2 characters back stories.

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Mar 01, 2012 Robert Placencia rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love the fact that Peter V. Brett does these short novellas so that we can get our coreling fix until the next book is out. Just like all of his other books this one is a great read.

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Dec 25, 2011 Suzie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: epic-fantasy

Love the continuation again, interesting learning about more of Arlens travels during the northern parts of the free cities.

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Apr 23, 2012 Pollmak rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great addition to the two books in the series that Peter v Brett has already writen.

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Feb 08, 2012 Peter rated it 5 of 5 stars

Everything Peter Brett writes is amazing. I can't get enough.

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Apr 26, 2011 Holly marked it as to-read

Another Subterranean Press Grab Box book.

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Nov 14, 2012 WaiKwan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Totally enjoyed it. too short.

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Oct 07, 2012 Julian Spies rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Was a fun little novella ;)

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About Peter V. Brett

Raised on a steady diet of fantasy novels, comic books, and Dungeons & Dragons, Peter V. Brett (“Peat” to his friends) has been writing fantasy stories for as long as he can remember. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Art History from the University at Buffalo in 1995, and then spent over a decade in pharmaceutical publishing before returning to his bliss. He live...more

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Malowany człowiek. Księga I (Demoniczny Cykl, #1.1)

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