The Color of Vengeance

The Dragon's Dove Chronicles #1.5

by Kim Iverson Headlee

Vengeance was the only burial gift he could bestow.When Angli cattle thieves slaughter his wife and son, Dwras son of Gwyn vows revenge upon their murderers. But how can a mere farmer prevail against ruthless, trained warriors? For the answer Dwras must look not to his sword, but within his heart.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction

36 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2013

About the author

Only two generations removed from Russian nobility, Kim Headlee lives on a farm with her family, pets, fish, livestock & assorted wildlife in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia.

Reviews

[Romance Readers Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this story assuming it had some romance in it (since my blog is for romance), so I was surprised when it did not. It had elements of love and redemption, though, and I did find it enjoyable - just not my typical read.
This short story starts with Prince Badulf invading a village in order to steal cattle. So when Dwras, his wife and son were introduced, I was surprised to have two men at the center of the story (as I mentioned, I thought it was a romance).
Dwras is injured in the resulting village war (this is a historical piece), and bad things happen for him personally (don't want to give away the plot). He does want vengeance on those that dared to harm his people, and he is taken in by a group of warriors. He is able to do battle, but does he find that he is all about vengeful retribution, or not?
Though not my typical read, I really did enjoy it. I got a bit lost in some of the names and history parts, but it still kept me entertained. I found the ending really fulfilling!
Romance Readers received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela Withrow TheArdentReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a romance, my usual genre, but a story of revenge, justice and ultimately, mercy.
The story is a novella and a prequel to the authors Dawnlight series.

Dwras has lost his family in a terrible raid. He tells his Lord and waits to see what will happen!
He is hoping for revenge on the men who killed his wife and son.
The writing was very well done, and the descriptions of scenes and settings were really in-depth.
There was one point of the story that I could not get past, a violent scene that was not as violent as it should have been. I don't want to describe it any more than that, so as not to spoil, but it took me out of the story.

This prequel is very well done and leaves you wanting to read the next book!
I want to know what happens next! LOL It is full of action and Arthurian legend!
I recommend this Novell as a starter to more adventure!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Niki Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick look into a long ago time depicting the struggles between raiders and villagers. Lots of detail explaining the events happening during a raid and a brief look into the heads of both sides. This short story allowed you to know what the raiders felt and the explanation behind their attacks and gave you a view from a loan survivor. Class difference were highly held too in this time and the chance to raise above your station was not readily available. Dwras map Gwyn seeks revenge and learns that mercy can set you free.

[Sue Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST OPINION AN THIS IS MY HONEST OPINION
I liked this story but took me a little to catch on that it was a story about Arthur Pendragon and a villager that he showed mercy to. The villager was a survivor on an attacked village,where he saw his family die. But Arthur showed kindness and took him with his soldiers. While guarding another village, that is attacked he will be ask to show mercy, can he? It was a good story but and I will read more to see if I find out more about the Author's point of view of that time.

[Karlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Prequel to get you ready to read the first story Dawnflight. When Prince Badulf and his army raid Dwras village and kill his wife and son along with his friends and other town folk, he sets off to find Chieftain Loth to join his crew in stopping the raiders from hurting other villages. Dwras is out for vengeance. I am anxious to see what will happen in the first book now that I have read this prequel. You feel sorry for Dwras but he has found a way to honor his loved ones memories.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read, but an excellent way to decide rather you would enjoy An Arthurian legend tale of vengeance by this author. A prequel to her "Dawnlight" series. An enjoyable and satisfying read. A sweet but violent tale of vengeance, and finding forgiveness.
Although, very short story, it is packed full of emotion!

*Received for an honest review*

**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot com**

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild ( due to the violence)
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this short short story fascinating and for readers who love books about ancient fighting this is one to grab. The author did a great job with the feel of the story and the title is perfect because the vengeance is what propels this cook and makes it one to grab. I won't go into the actual story line because I feel that would spoil it for readers, given the length of this book. Just let me say this is a tale worth picking up.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a complimentary copy from author Kim Iverson Headlee for an honest review.

Dwras survived the enemy attack on his village that claimed the lives of many including his wife and son. Now with the help of Chieftain Loth he joins the force against the raiders.

This is a novella with a very good lead character in the story line. This has action, drama, death and more in the pages of this story.

This is for any fantasy book lover.

[Julianne Redmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Dwras map Gwyn's story was like riding a roller coaster (in a good way!). Non-stop action and even a few tears thrown in for good measure. Violent and heart-wrench from the beginning and has a great, solid ending.

You'll finish it and want more...so go read Dawnflight because it's amazing as well :)

A beautifully written tale of the birth of a warrior.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super quick read, but it's well written and interesting. It focuses on raiders invading a village and the destruction they leave in their wake. From that moment, Dwras's life changes. Although extremely short, the story does capture an array of emotions and draws the reader in. I look forward to continuing with this series.

[Danielle Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kim Iverson Headlee's "Color of Vengeance" is a standalone historical short story. It's a tale of revenge. It's a very quick read, but it's chock full of wonderfully detailed descriptions. I love Headlee's writing style! I've read her historical romances before and I've come to appreciate her writing talent.

[Cassandra Wilson-Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book expecting more of a fantasy element than a “knights in armor” element. But, that being said, I still enjoyed the book. It was well done and I didn’t find any issues with the work at all. I think that it is a book that anyone who likes knights, will LOVE.

[Gail Baugniet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique Writing Style

This short presentation contains enough tense excitement and suspense to fill a trilogy of historical adventure . Yet the action did not feel rushed or incomplete. Detailed action and character development also well fleshed out.

[Barbara Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

first time reading this author
bought from Amazon free.. 5 stars

[Michael Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Short Story Start

I expected a historical fiction novel, but this turned out to be PERHAPS an opening to a short story. The writing was enjoyable...all four minutes of it!

[PelicanFreak · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the book opens, I am somewhat interested but feel it's a bit vague. I read on expecting the vague-ness to clear up but it does only somewhat. This is a very interesting read to review as - some of the descriptions are brilliantly vivid and original while others have completely been done before. The book is action packed and would likely be a fast read even if it weren't so short. The formatting was clearly done with care and the result is gorgeous.

I was annoyed at one point as a mass rape is described as having no struggle on the victims' part; given our problem with rape culture, I cannot appreciate this scene as it's the sort of image that feeds it.That said, this is a work of fiction and I can move on.

This was an okay read, well imagined and fairly well written. A quick read. It didn't particularly leave me wanting more of this series or this author, nor did it leave me with a feeling of dislike.

I received this book in exchange for honest review.

[Kim Headlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excerpted from Morning's Journey, THE COLOR OF VENGEANCE tells the story of Dwras map Gwyn, a farmer who loses his wife, his son, his village, his very livelihood during a cattle raid. His only recourse is to report the carnage to his liege lord ... and pray that he might one day take revenge upon those who took everything else from him on that fateful night.

Audiobook edition forthcoming!

[Velvetink]

kindle

[Kelli Santistevan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this story sounded interesting so I read it and I finished it but I didn’t like it that much.