What do you think?
Rate this book
A Circle of Iron
In all the lands of the Old Empire, no one knows more about killing wights than Caleb Thorn. The bounty-hunter has taken blood-drinkers in the timber camps, where loggers and alchemists harvest magic from the ancient trees. He’s hunted them in the villages that lie in the shadow of the Greenwell, and pursued them in the deep wood. Only Eldernost is off-limits, the fallen city where wights haunt the dark places like ghosts in the ruins.But Eldernost is rich in magic, and the local lord’s wealth and power depend on his ability to protect the scavengers who plunder the city’s treasures in his service. Given a choice between the hangman's noose and the ruins, Thorn is forced to venture into the city to confront the notorious wight raider known as Redmourn. Amidst the crumbling remnants of a lost age, Thorn must face the demons of his own troubled past if he is to find the strength to protect those he cares about most.A CIRCLE OF IRON is a 24,000-word, DRM-free fantasy novella licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2012
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Read
December 4, 2014I REALLY LIKED IT
Okay, so this was just fun. Tons of action, lots of blood, good set of characters, very little history, and no info dumps!
This isn’t going to be a moving book that makes you think for days. This will, however, be a fun book for a bit of fighting and bloodshed. The world was rather simple but thorough enough to feel planned. If you’re huge into complex worlds, this might not be for you—unless you’re just looking for an adventure book.
The characters were all interesting, different from one another in subtle ways, and entertaining. I found Thorn and Mara to be fun characters to follow and enjoyed their interactions, as well as all in the group. This isn’t a character driven book, but, again, more of an adventure.
For me, I love all sorts of reads and it’s been a while since I’ve read a book that moved so fast. The fight scenes were done well, in my opinion, and were full of blood and guts. I’ll definitely be picking up the second one when I’m ready for a fast paced, no fuss, book. The writing itself was smooth and I slipped into my reading trance right away.
So overall, a great book for those looking for an adventure book. It’s short and, for me, just damn fun.
You can see this an other reviews on my website: http://booksbylkevans.com
Okay, so this was just fun. Tons of action, lots of blood, good set of characters, very little history, and no info dumps!
This isn’t going to be a moving book that makes you think for days. This will, however, be a fun book for a bit of fighting and bloodshed. The world was rather simple but thorough enough to feel planned. If you’re huge into complex worlds, this might not be for you—unless you’re just looking for an adventure book.
The characters were all interesting, different from one another in subtle ways, and entertaining. I found Thorn and Mara to be fun characters to follow and enjoyed their interactions, as well as all in the group. This isn’t a character driven book, but, again, more of an adventure.
For me, I love all sorts of reads and it’s been a while since I’ve read a book that moved so fast. The fight scenes were done well, in my opinion, and were full of blood and guts. I’ll definitely be picking up the second one when I’m ready for a fast paced, no fuss, book. The writing itself was smooth and I slipped into my reading trance right away.
So overall, a great book for those looking for an adventure book. It’s short and, for me, just damn fun.
You can see this an other reviews on my website: http://booksbylkevans.com
July 10, 2012
(On my blog, I give this a 3.5, which translates to a 3 here on Goodreads.)
This story is going to be kind of hard to review.
I liked it, but I did have some issues with it. The prologue felt entirely unneeded to me and I almost didn’t get into the book, maybe because of it. The prologue didn’t grab me, but the first and second chapters did. If I had started at the first chapter, it probably would have gotten me better.
This was epic fantasy without enough backing up the epic. I did like the characters, and the world. I thought it was a very interesting take on what’s on otherwise common creature. (Read the story to understand.) But it felt like not enough was given for what was trying to be accomplished.
I would have liked more ominous foreshadowing on Redmourne, and a little more about the characters leading into the dramatic parts towards the end. Things about the history of the wights and of magic were kind of tossed in later and felt more like… last minute plot devices. I would have liked those foreshadowed more, little bits and pieces dropped in earlier.
And yet… I did like it. I’m not sure I can say I really liked it, but I will be checking out the second book when it comes out next month, so that makes this a 3.5 star review.
This story is going to be kind of hard to review.
I liked it, but I did have some issues with it. The prologue felt entirely unneeded to me and I almost didn’t get into the book, maybe because of it. The prologue didn’t grab me, but the first and second chapters did. If I had started at the first chapter, it probably would have gotten me better.
This was epic fantasy without enough backing up the epic. I did like the characters, and the world. I thought it was a very interesting take on what’s on otherwise common creature. (Read the story to understand.) But it felt like not enough was given for what was trying to be accomplished.
I would have liked more ominous foreshadowing on Redmourne, and a little more about the characters leading into the dramatic parts towards the end. Things about the history of the wights and of magic were kind of tossed in later and felt more like… last minute plot devices. I would have liked those foreshadowed more, little bits and pieces dropped in earlier.
And yet… I did like it. I’m not sure I can say I really liked it, but I will be checking out the second book when it comes out next month, so that makes this a 3.5 star review.
July 27, 2013
The title drew my attention. Maybe it had something to do with the 1978 martial arts movie, dunno. Nice cover. Sadly, this story reminded me of one of those quest sessions we used to get into in the old AOL days of roleplay in the Red Dragon Inn. Great hack and slay mission. I liked the characters despite their too-convenient backstories. I liked the bad guys, though they were predictable too. Reading this story reminded me of the days when I played my way through World of Warcraft. Though the story had potential, I found it bogged down by unnecessary foul language and colloquialisms that drew me out of the setting - a nebulous one at best to begin with - and into the present day. I half expected someone to hand the hero a Coke at some point.
As another reviewer said, the prologue seemed out of place and turned me off enough that I almost didn't bother. As the story was short and in my kindle database anyway, I finished reading. I am glad that it was free.
I do hope Mr. Benage keeps trying, though. I think he could actually write something exciting if he really put his mind to it. This felt a bit to me as though he had this tale and tidied it up and published it to get out there. I don't blame him for that, I just hoped for more. I may give him another chance.
As another reviewer said, the prologue seemed out of place and turned me off enough that I almost didn't bother. As the story was short and in my kindle database anyway, I finished reading. I am glad that it was free.
I do hope Mr. Benage keeps trying, though. I think he could actually write something exciting if he really put his mind to it. This felt a bit to me as though he had this tale and tidied it up and published it to get out there. I don't blame him for that, I just hoped for more. I may give him another chance.
May 21, 2013
I like to think that I don’t give five stars out too freely, but this book actually impressed me. I’ve been needing a new fantasy book to read, and I found this one for free in my Nook library. I wasn’t expecting very much when I dove into it, but it ended up taking me by surprise.
I don’t know what won me over the quickest – it had to be either the fantastically wonderful, colorful, memorable characters (I have high standards for characters, but Benage had some really good ones) or the compelling world that I found myself looking into. It wasn’t the usual grand-scale, sparkling Elven paradise or the even the grim dystopia that I find myself so found of. It was a straightforward, humble setting with the focus being heavily on the action and the characters. I even found myself enjoying the female character – which talk about high standards, I almost never enjoy them! Benage really hit the nail on the head with this delightful treat and I commend him for it.
My biggest real criticism is that it is way too short. The Nook version was only about 180 pages and I felt like there could have been so much more content and plot wise. I think Benage has real potential if he could just bulk his content a bit more and give it some weight.
I don’t think Benage does himself enough credit by listing this book as “free”. It is on Smashwords, so I know that all of you darlings could probably get it on your Kindles and iPads too (which if you can, I would recommend doing so!). But I think, honestly, that if this was a book I had come across by chance in a bookstore, I would have paid money for it. It just goes to show – another great example of ‘never judge the book by its price’! They might surprise you.
I don’t know what won me over the quickest – it had to be either the fantastically wonderful, colorful, memorable characters (I have high standards for characters, but Benage had some really good ones) or the compelling world that I found myself looking into. It wasn’t the usual grand-scale, sparkling Elven paradise or the even the grim dystopia that I find myself so found of. It was a straightforward, humble setting with the focus being heavily on the action and the characters. I even found myself enjoying the female character – which talk about high standards, I almost never enjoy them! Benage really hit the nail on the head with this delightful treat and I commend him for it.
My biggest real criticism is that it is way too short. The Nook version was only about 180 pages and I felt like there could have been so much more content and plot wise. I think Benage has real potential if he could just bulk his content a bit more and give it some weight.
I don’t think Benage does himself enough credit by listing this book as “free”. It is on Smashwords, so I know that all of you darlings could probably get it on your Kindles and iPads too (which if you can, I would recommend doing so!). But I think, honestly, that if this was a book I had come across by chance in a bookstore, I would have paid money for it. It just goes to show – another great example of ‘never judge the book by its price’! They might surprise you.
June 5, 2012
This novella had me hooked from the start. It is a very fast paced story set in the world of Eldernost. Greg Benage does an excellent job of setting up a very unique world without wasting lots of time getting into the story. The details of the world are nicely inserted into the story line giving you just what you need to follow along and enjoy the ride.
After reading the description I assumed this would just be lots of killing and plundering, however, there is a very rich story with several unexpected twists and turns (I’d love to tell you about them but I don’t want to give away the ending) built into and around all of the killing and plundering. The story itself is very descriptive yet still an easy read for just about anyone.
Caleb Thorn and his band of bounty hunters are a very likeable crew that I rooted for throughout the entire story and hoped that no misfortunes would befall them, and being an animal lover I cringed every time I thought the dog was in danger. Caleb and his crew were after wights (creatures who drink your blood) just for the bounty because it was easy enough for them to single one out and take it down, thus earning a fair living. Yet, when agreements changed and the scenario became more dangerous you learn more about the wights and that they are not just mindless creatures but ones with an intriguing backstory of their own.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next one when it comes out.
After reading the description I assumed this would just be lots of killing and plundering, however, there is a very rich story with several unexpected twists and turns (I’d love to tell you about them but I don’t want to give away the ending) built into and around all of the killing and plundering. The story itself is very descriptive yet still an easy read for just about anyone.
Caleb Thorn and his band of bounty hunters are a very likeable crew that I rooted for throughout the entire story and hoped that no misfortunes would befall them, and being an animal lover I cringed every time I thought the dog was in danger. Caleb and his crew were after wights (creatures who drink your blood) just for the bounty because it was easy enough for them to single one out and take it down, thus earning a fair living. Yet, when agreements changed and the scenario became more dangerous you learn more about the wights and that they are not just mindless creatures but ones with an intriguing backstory of their own.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next one when it comes out.
June 4, 2016
This book was obviously meant as the first in a series that never continued, the sequel promised for 2012 never seeing the light of day, or at least not yet. However, this is no extended introduction, quite the contrary, as it definitely doesn't lack in action and does complete its part of the story satisfyingly enough. And I can't complain about the writing style or any lack of polish either.
Would have needed to be at the very least twice the size for any chance at a better rating though, and to have filled that space with more information about the world and characters, and in fact with more characters, places and events. As it is, it's a well-written but too short single adventure, taking place in a single location and involving one small group and one problem. It hints at epic fantasy and some interesting twists, but in fact offers only plain sword and sorcery and feels perhaps a bit rushed even for that.
Would have needed to be at the very least twice the size for any chance at a better rating though, and to have filled that space with more information about the world and characters, and in fact with more characters, places and events. As it is, it's a well-written but too short single adventure, taking place in a single location and involving one small group and one problem. It hints at epic fantasy and some interesting twists, but in fact offers only plain sword and sorcery and feels perhaps a bit rushed even for that.
January 18, 2013
This was a short, but very well written book. It had some great lines with dialogs that seemed so real and familiar.
The book is like a snap shot in the lives of Thorn and his crew. Thorn is the main character, but not a hero. He is a bad*ss, but not really – does this make sense?! But he’s a cool guy and I like him.
The story itself was pretty interesting and I want to read more. I will agree that towards the end of the book I wasn’t sure which ‘group’ deserved my sympathy, but I think that was the point. And Thorn had a great line that supported his position:
“Thorn shook his head. ‘I still don’t see how it matters. They drink blood. Whether they do it because they’re hungry or because they take some magic from it, doesn’t make much difference to me.’
‘Do you still want to kill Redmourn?’ Quinix asked. Thorn nodded, and the wizard gave a wicked grin.”
I’m ready for the next book . . . . . . .
The book is like a snap shot in the lives of Thorn and his crew. Thorn is the main character, but not a hero. He is a bad*ss, but not really – does this make sense?! But he’s a cool guy and I like him.
The story itself was pretty interesting and I want to read more. I will agree that towards the end of the book I wasn’t sure which ‘group’ deserved my sympathy, but I think that was the point. And Thorn had a great line that supported his position:
“Thorn shook his head. ‘I still don’t see how it matters. They drink blood. Whether they do it because they’re hungry or because they take some magic from it, doesn’t make much difference to me.’
‘Do you still want to kill Redmourn?’ Quinix asked. Thorn nodded, and the wizard gave a wicked grin.”
I’m ready for the next book . . . . . . .
February 12, 2014
25%, 50% and 60% and 90% were the only interesting portions of the story. Everything was so tedious I found myself skimming and skipping SEVERAL pages. Didn't like it.
I'll say that there is always a plot arc that KILLS my opinion of a story. Killing off characters just for the sake of drama, or development. Honestly, the deaths were unnecessary. He could have just as easily kept all the characters, not killed them, and still had an action packed, driven narrative. But he killed characters that didn't need to die. And he was left with his very boring protagonist.
I appreciate the work. That's why the review isn't lower, but man...come on.
I'll say that there is always a plot arc that KILLS my opinion of a story. Killing off characters just for the sake of drama, or development. Honestly, the deaths were unnecessary. He could have just as easily kept all the characters, not killed them, and still had an action packed, driven narrative. But he killed characters that didn't need to die. And he was left with his very boring protagonist.
I appreciate the work. That's why the review isn't lower, but man...come on.
August 7, 2012
This has been one of the better free books I've come across. It is quite violent at times, but that doesn't bother me much, personally. I liked the characters a lot, but I will say that *POSSIBLE SPOILER*:
I wasn't really sure whose side to take by the end...then again, I sympathize (to an extent) with Hannibal Lector; after Hannibal Rising how can you not?! Sorry, I digress...the point is; this is a good, fairly short book, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it for kids under 12-14.
I wasn't really sure whose side to take by the end...then again, I sympathize (to an extent) with Hannibal Lector; after Hannibal Rising how can you not?! Sorry, I digress...the point is; this is a good, fairly short book, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it for kids under 12-14.
December 22, 2012
This wasn't a great book, but by no means was it a horrible one, either. I liked Thorn, but would have preferred more development from the other characters because Thorn was the only one I was really attached to. I did like the cliffhanger and will keep my eye out for the next book; I want to see how much the author improves upon his craft. He has a lot of potential, and his story left a lot of questions.
March 24, 2013
This book was akin to being dropped in the middle of an action movie. You sort of know the characters and what's happening and there's a lot of violence and blood and battle wounds.
And then the whirlwind is over because you're on the last page, and none of the characters really stuck, or the plot, because it all went by so fast. Doesn't mean it wasn't a good read, it just needed some more components.
And then the whirlwind is over because you're on the last page, and none of the characters really stuck, or the plot, because it all went by so fast. Doesn't mean it wasn't a good read, it just needed some more components.
February 9, 2013
An excellent story, a brief novel, well-told. I enjoyed the measured revelations of character and setting, as well as the mixture of direct action and sharp prose. It's amazing the number of great lines found in this novel, considering that it is supposedly a fairly modest work of fiction. This is more satisfying than many big-name books I've read lately. I look forward to the next volume.
February 7, 2013
This is almost more of a short story. 75 pages long, I think it is a ploy. Give you the first "half" of a book free, label it Book 1 so you'll but the other ones to get the rest of the story. It's ok. Interesting plot so far, pretty original. I like it, and I will read the rest.
August 30, 2016
This is a well written fast paced story. I really liked all the characters (I even had some sympathy to the wight at the end, just a little, but still), action and I really want to know what will happen next to Thorn.
March 4, 2014
It was good...so why am I not more enthused?
I enjoyed this book although it felt like this was a tease to get you into the story and hook you to buy the next book. It was well written, action packed, and a great story...but will I buy the next book? Doubt it.
I enjoyed this book although it felt like this was a tease to get you into the story and hook you to buy the next book. It was well written, action packed, and a great story...but will I buy the next book? Doubt it.
October 5, 2012
difficult to become engaged with this and it was a little more creepy than I like.
October 10, 2012
Good for a novella, but lacks a lot of depth. Intriguing storyline & characters though.
Difficult to determine if the other "books" will be the same, or if this is meant as an intro to the world.
Difficult to determine if the other "books" will be the same, or if this is meant as an intro to the world.
May 27, 2013
An interesting read. I wouldn't mind reading the second book.
July 18, 2013
The descriptions were amazing. Great book.
September 13, 2015
A quick and fun read. Just when I thought I'm done with the author, it intrigued me (at the very end). Now I must find out what happened in the second book:)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews