Tisarian's Treasure

by J.M. Martin, Julie Dillon (Illustrator)

A dark jungle. Angry pirates. Bloodthirsty monsters. Old magic. And a captivating woman. This is the scene of TISARIAN'S TREASURE, a novella by J.M. Martin, in which the young Doctor Alexandre Mallory has recently escaped the clutches of the fearsome pirate captain, Thadieus Drake, and his hellish crew aboard the Tatterdemalion. But the pursuit is far from over. Drake and his band of cutthroats are hot on Mallory's heels, and during his flight the good doctor realizes he holds a secret the pirate captain will do anything to attain--the location of a treasure that is much more than jewels and gold, but a hoard of immeasurable power.

Genres: Fantasy

50 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2011

About the author

Joe is a multi-talented creative with a background in the comic industry. He worked at Caliber Press in the mid-90s where he contributed to various projects including a collectible card game based on Todd McFarlane's Spawn universe, designed covers and advertisements, managed the company's art archives, lettered comics, and wrote a 17-issue run of a fantasy comic series. From 2001 to 2005, he was the managing editor of Privateer Press, where he edited and wrote RPG game supplements, illustrated maps, and managed a team of writers. He served as the managing editor for syndicated magazine YOUnique from 2006 to 2008, interviewing local personalities and guiding the direction of articles. Joe is the author of the Dead West series and has written several short stories, and is also the editor of the award-winning Blackguards: Tales of Assassins, Mercenaries, and Rogues. From 2013 to 2017, he served as Creative Director and later Publisher at Ragnarok Publications, where he edited for various indie authors and companies such as Simon & Schuster and Procter & Gamble.

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like pirates and swashbuckling and adventure, and this story purported to provide all three in a novella-sized bundle bounded with crisp prose and stamped DESTINATION: ADVENTURE! Where did it take me? To an island, then a jungle, then a river, then a temple, and then a "moral-to-the-story" wrap-up. In between these sights there are gunfights, swordplay, magic, romance, bad guys, and good deeds. Put simply, this is adventure fiction done nice and tidy.

Mayhap the last characteristic runs too strong in the story. I was never startled and I was barely pulled in to the proceedings. Peeps die and pages turn and the prize that beckons at the end doesn't graduate past point 'Z.' Nothing is poorly done here, and nothing is done to greatness, either.

Correction: that "moral-to-the-story" bit did throw me, if only because it was so blatant. Guess what: the word "treasure" has a deeper meaning. Keanu says, Woah.

[J.M. (Joe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any author who marks their work less than five stars is being entirely too honest with themselves. Or entirely too self loathing. Which is certainly a trend among writerly types, to be sure, but I'm feeling more chipper than that today. Five stars! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! In fact, "highly" is too weak an adverb. How about...I EMPHATICALLY, INSANELY, X-TREEEEEMLY RECOMMEND (!!!!!*) you download TISARIAN'S TREASURE to your e-reader device post-hasty (sounds like a cereal, that), or even order a paper copy. All the cool kids are doing it, I hear.

--

* A ridiculous five exclamation points? That's just too bold now, isn't it? But I can't seem to help myself.

[seak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tisarian's Treasure is a rip-roarin' pirate's tale along the lines of one of my all-time favorites from Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island.

The beginning was a little difficult to get into, since there are lots of characters to introduce, but once it gets going, it's a stellar read. I couldn't put it down.

The most feared pirate on the seas, Thadieus Drake, has tracked our protagonist Doctor Alex Mallory and his mysterious companion to an island and through the jungle, seeking the fabled treasure.

Filled with romance, action, twists and turns, and a surprising ending, Tisarian's Treasure is Highly Recommended.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue, action and mystery!
This is a great novella, a little slow to start but once it gets going it doesn't stop.
Can't wait for more from J.M.

[David West · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantasy, pirate-laden treasure hunt with with enough wild savages, eerie creatures and even hints at romance to satisfy anyones hunger for a great quick read.

Opening upon a pebble strewn shore, their doomed ship burning, (with pirates bearing down on them) a handful of survivors struggle on an uncharted island to escape and yet still find the treasure they came searching for.

Narrated by Alexandre Mallory, a doctor, is intrigued by one of the other survivors, a woman named Katlin who seems to have the gift of clairvoyance. Together they evade a number of threats beyond the pursuing pirates themselves. With hints and warnings she lets Mallory know fragments of the fate that awaits them as they flee.

Set in Martin's fantasy world of Khaladune, I was carried along and every time I thought I knew what would happen Martin turned the tables. I thought I saw influences everywhere from the pulps and even The Golden Bough but always with a new poignant twist. Evoking the same spirit of classical fantasies, I greatly enjoyed this novella and look forward to reading more of Martin's work.

[Kenny Soward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joe's elegant writing style which, in this story, describes a fantastic island setting akin to Pirate's of the Caribbean or Raiders of the Lost Ark. Probably a combination of both. But don't worry, as much as this is a love story, it is a warrior's tale. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I'll just say this is more than a solid piece of writing. This is a mini vacation.

I suggest you take it.

I gave Tisarian's Treasure an extra point for the sheer value. $.99 for a great read on the Kindle. You can't beat it.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-done novella! The author does a bang up job giving the reader a good idea of the characters and builds a beautiful setting. The characters had depth, which demonstrates a high level of skill since this is so short.

My only complaints would be that the climax seemed a bit rushed, given all the build up, and it was too short! But the author promises more to be written in this world, and I will eagerly seek out his next installment.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased but I think this is amazing. :)

[Paul Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll have to admit. This wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It was so much better! From the moment I started it felt like I had been dropped straight into the action. Written in a style that reminded me of Treasure Island (the tale is vastly different)I couldn't put it down. In fact I must confess upon reaching the end I only wished it had been longer (I may even have shaken my ereader hoping more pages would appear). If J.M ever feels like expanding on the wonderful world and characters he has created further I'll be at the front of line to grab a copy!

[Doug Sturtevant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this novella from J.M. Martin. It has pirates, treasure, swordfighting, strange creatures, ancient temples, magic, and a bit of romance - what more could you want? The story is told in a style that is reminiscent of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, and it really works here. Well-written, nicely paced, with solid characters in an interesting world, and it's fun and exciting to boot. If I have a complaint, it's that I wish the story was longer. Not because I felt the story was incomplete, but because I wanted to spend some more time in this world. Heartily recommend.

[Paul Wadehra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Fun story and interesting characters.

[Jo Means · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt more like a creative writing project than a publish story.