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The Shattered Truce: The Chronicles of Eruthin, Book 1

A young man fights for life and love, a mother battles grief and vengeance, a young woman resists an arranged marriage and a lonely man defies expectation.



The settlement of March is a lonely backwater that makes up its own laws and serves out its own justice. For a generation, peace has rested on the edge of a sword blade.



The sword in question hangs on the wall of the tiny house where Fran lives with his mother. But after Elsa, the girl Fran loves, is promised to the son of the chief, that fragile peace shatters into a million pieces.



Falsely accused of injuring his rival, Fran’s back is against the wall. Fight he must, but he needs to learn how to handle the sword … and fast.



With a setting inspired by ancient Britain, The Shattered Truce is an epic fantasy with magic, adventure, swords, heroes, dragons and ancients.

387 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2024

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Donna Brown

40 books4 followers

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5 stars
9 (50%)
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7 (38%)
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2 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah Mcintosh.
113 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2024
The Shattered Truce: The Chronicles of Eruthin, by Donna Brown is an enthralling introduction to a new fantasy series that promises an intricate world of intrigue, magic, and deep-seated conflicts. Brown masterfully sets the stage for an epic saga, blending complex characters, a richly woven plot, and a vividly imagined world.

The story begins in the land of Eruthin, where a fragile truce has kept peace between rival kingdoms for years. This balance is shattered when an assassination sparks renewed hostilities, plunging the kingdoms into chaos. The central narrative follows multiple perspectives—kings, mages, and common folk alike—each with their own motivations, secrets, and stakes in the brewing war.
Brown skillfully weaves these perspectives together, crafting a tale filled with tension and unexpected twists. The political intrigue at the heart of the story keeps readers guessing as alliances shift and betrayals are revealed. The pace is brisk, with action sequences balanced by quieter moments of character development.

One of the most impressive aspects of The Shattered Truce is the world-building. Eruthin feels alive with its history, diverse cultures, and magical systems. Brown doesn’t overwhelm the reader with information dumps but gradually introduces the lore of her world through the experiences of the characters. From the towering citadels of royalty to the secretive orders of mages, each setting feels distinct and immersive.

Magic in Eruthin is not just a backdrop but a fundamental part of the conflict, with different kingdoms wielding power in unique ways. This dynamic adds another layer of complexity to the plot, as magic users play crucial roles in shaping the course of the war.

The characters are well-developed and layered, with each one facing moral dilemmas that make them feel real and relatable. King Alistair, for example, is a ruler torn between duty to his people and his desire for peace, while Elara, a mage with a mysterious past, grapples with the consequences of her powers. The antagonist, though ruthless, is given enough depth to make their motivations understandable, if not sympathetic.

One of the standout characters is Aiden, a young soldier swept up in the conflict. His journey from a naive recruit to a battle-hardened warrior is one of the more compelling arcs in the book, highlighting the personal toll of the larger political struggles.

At its core, The Shattered Truce explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the consequences of power. Brown delves into the complexities of war, showing how it affects not just the leaders but the everyday people caught in its wake. The book also raises questions about the nature of peace—whether it is merely the absence of conflict or something more profound and difficult to attain.

While the book is a strong start to the series, it occasionally stumbles with pacing. Some chapters, particularly those heavy with political exposition, slow the momentum. Additionally, the sheer number of characters and subplots can be overwhelming at times, though this may appeal to readers who enjoy sprawling, multi-faceted stories.

Thank you to Rowanvale Publishing for providing me the opportunity to read this novel. I have left my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mariel.
389 reviews14 followers
November 12, 2024
The Shattered Truce: The Chronicles of Eruthin, Book 1
Donna Brown

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Dive into the mesmerizing depths of a world where magic intertwines with reality, where heroes rise from shadows, and destiny dances on the precipice of chaos! "The Shattered Truce: The Chronicles of Eruthin" by the exceptionally talented Donna Brown is not just a fantasy novel; it is an enthralling odyssey that captures the heart and soul of its readers from the very first page. With its rich and immersive narrative, Brown crafts a story that beckons you to lose yourself in the mythical realm of Eruthin, making this book a remarkable journey deserving of a resounding five-star review!

From the outset, Brown’s prose is enchanting and lyrical, setting the stage for an epic tale. She introduces us to Eruthin, a land of breathtaking landscapes and intricate cultures, deftly painted in vivid hues that flicker to life in the reader’s mind. The world-building in "The Shattered Truce" is nothing short of awe-inspiring as Brown meticulously crafts every detail, immersing readers in a rich tapestry of history and lore that adds layers of depth to the journey. It’s a universe that feels as real as our own, where every rustling leaf and distant echo resonates with possibility and intrigue.

The plot unfolds like a finely woven tapestry, revealing a narrative that is both complex and thrilling. At the heart of the story lies the struggle between light and darkness, an age-old battle brought to life through the experiences of characters that leap off the page. From the courageous protagonist, Elara, with her fierce determination and unwavering spirit, to the morally ambiguous antagonists whose motivations are shrouded in shadow, each character is infused with depth and authenticity. Brown’s ability to craft multi-dimensional characters is truly a testament to her prowess as a storyteller. We experience their fears, joys, and vulnerabilities, making their journeys resonate on a profoundly personal level.

What sets "The Shattered Truce" apart is not only the captivating plot and well-defined characters but also the emotional undercurrents woven seamlessly throughout the narrative. Brow explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the intricacies of trust, rendering a poignant exploration of human (and magical) relationships. The dynamic bonds that develop among the characters invite readers to reflect on their own connections and the complexity of loyalty in a world torn asunder. At times heart-wrenching and at others uplifting, the emotional richness of the story reinforces its impact, ensuring that readers are not merely observers but participants in the unfolding drama.

As we traverse the pages, we are led deeper into the complexities of political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and the timeless battle between good and evil. The intricate plot twists leave us breathless, often leading us down unexpected paths that heighten the suspense and keep us guessing until the very last chapter. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Brown skillfully twists the threads of fate, reminding us that in Eruthin, nothing is ever as it seems!

In closing, "The Shattered Truce: The Chronicles of Eruthin" is a resounding triumph for Donna Brown—a dazzling creation that stands as a testament to the skill of a fantasy author. This book isn’t simply a narrative; it’s an invitation to adventure, a call to the heart, and a journey into a world where anything is possible if you dare to believe. With mega themes, multi-dimensional characters, and an immersive storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat, it is no wonder that this book deserves five glorious stars! " now! You will not regret becoming part of the Chronicles of Eruthin!
Profile Image for Susie Helme.
Author 4 books21 followers
July 27, 2025
A psychological olde-world tale of three families, a witch and a dragon
Ebba and Hilda, prospective mothers-in-law, negotiate a betrothal between Elsa and Gareth, son of the chief who’d killed Annerin’s husband, who’d cast them out of March, a ‘poor little backwater clinging to a legend because it had nothing else’.
Annerin tells the children the story of the sword with the black rose. Was it the lost sword of Glendorrig? No, the rose would have been red. I understood much too late that there were, in fact, three swords.
Annerin urges Fran to speak his feelings for Elsa before the betrothal is official.
Maya believes there is a dragon in the forest. Annerin encounters the beast and scares it away with the sword. Gareth is lying unconscious. Fran rescues them, but Annerin worries that no one will believe her. Gareth’s father Lukas clearly does not, and Fran raises the sword as if to defend his mother Annerin against the perceived threat. Ebba is afraid ‘blood will be spilt’.
As old grievances coincide with new, it is the innocent who pay the price, and suspense heats up as Gareth and Fran both try to sort everything out ‘once and for all’.
There is heavy backstory conflict between the families, which we are fed skilfully, bit by bit. Likewise, we learn the story of when Arete the witch came to the gate. And there’s some mystery about what’s in the ‘packet’. I love how it doesn’t tell us too much, waiting for the emotional impact to hit.
I felt the dragon was a metaphor for the unspoken hostility, the ‘unfinished business [that] stalked March’. Only little Maya tells the truth. Then, the dragon, too, becomes a character involved in the drama.
It's well written, and once you get the hang of who belongs to which family, you get hooked into the drama.
This is the Chronicles of Eruthin Book 1, and I’d love to read the sequels.
Profile Image for Cyrus Quintus.
Author 1 book1 follower
May 17, 2026
Some books throw the reader right into the heart of the story starting with the very first sentence. Others, take a more leisurely approach. This book, The Shattered Truce, belongs to that second category. It starts off very slowly. It took me a long time to find my bearings. There were times when I wanted to abandon the book. But, what I read made me want to stay and read more. Little-by-little the story became clearer and I am glad I stayed.

The subtitle of the book, The Chronicles Of Eruthin, suggests that there is more to come. Words like "Chronicle" conjure up a grand world building exercise. One that spans countries, continents or even planets. This is where The Shattered Truth differs. All the action takes place within the vicinity of a small and forgotten settlement in early Britain. A misunderstanding in the past has sown the seeds of mistrust in the village. Two rival factions maintain an uneasy truce. A truce dictated by the unceasing demands that nature makes on this primitive rural society. This state of affairs lasts for nearly twenty years until a fresh misunderstanding and hastily drawn conclusions reignites ancient rivalries.

I always look for "take home" messages in the books I read. The message that has stayed with me with this book is how a cocktail anger, jealousy, personal ambition and miscommunication can rip apart the fabric of a society. Getting this across to the reader is no easy task - even when you have a larger canvas that spans many locations in space and time. Donna Brown has done this with great skill within the very limited framework of one very small pre-medieval settlement.

In the end, I really liked this book and look forward to reading the sequels. My decision to give it 4 stars rather than 5 is driven largely by my personal preference for books that throw me into the midst of the action right from the word go.
1 review
December 8, 2025
An Enchanting Tale

Even if you are not a fan of the fantasy genre, you can appreciate The Shattered Truce for its beautiful writing. The village of March and its surrounding forest come alive with vivid description that captures the setting both physically and in terms of the mood created. This is a well-crafted tale of witches, dragons, villains, and heroes. It is a place of magic, and we are made to believe.

Although there are many characters and multiple points of view, all of the people in this novel feel real. The main heroes/heroines--Fran, Elsa, Maya, and Annerin--all strive to do what is right, even when it seems impossible to do so. They are loyal, brave, and intuitive. Each has a quest and unique abilities that are honed through their trials, coming together in the ultimate battle to save March.

Just as the heroes are easy to love, the villains are easy to hate, their quest for power a driving force throughout the novel. And in the midst of the battle between good and evil, the villagers must choose a side. Some follow the just, paying dearly, while most throw their fates with the powerful. Even though this story takes place in a fantasy world of witches and dragons, magic swords, and enchanted lakes, the politics of human relationships feel very relevant in our modern world. There's even a certain amount of "gas lighting" (a concept that has existed for millennia before a word was created to describe it).

The story's plot moves along nicely, with several conflicts that intensify and lead to an exciting climax and satisfying resolution. In modern day reality, justice is not always served. It's nice to escape into a book that restores balance in the world.
Profile Image for Eva Barber.
Author 8 books23 followers
July 30, 2026
The Shattered Truce story pulled me into its fantasy world from its first page. I immediately felt for Elsa when her mother schemed to arrange a marriage for her. I liked Fran and his mother as the quiet heroes who kept to themselves but maintained deep friendships that later helped them survive. The mother-son unassuming love is gut-wrenching, more so than the love between Fran and Elsa.
My favorite character was Maya. Full of life and wisdom beyond her years, Elsa’s younger sister is also brave. Pragmatic and full of wonder and curiosity. Her character was poetic and deep.
The tension grew to the point that I couldn’t put the book down to find out how the story would end and to learn all the secrets the author kept hidden until revealing them at the right time. However, there were quiet moments when I rested between the tension and the fights and enjoyed the world so masterfully created by the author. The descriptions were beautifully written and immersive, poetic in places, but never flowery. Just long enough to put me in the forest with the characters, but not long enough to lose interest.
This is not your typical epic fantasy story, but one that dwells on the importance of family and friendship. Although standalone, you get hints, the story will continue. Overall, it was a great read. I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Cari.
Author 5 books12 followers
November 1, 2024
Legendary swords, dragons, a witch, a young man finding his place in the world… there were many aspects of this book that were right up my alley. The storytelling was immersive with information coming to you in such a way as to pull you in. I quickly became invested in the characters, especially Annerin and Fran, though I admit Maya was possibly my favorite of all. How can I not like a young girl who sees the world differently than everyone else?
I loved the world itself as well. A time and place when being exiled means living just far enough away to be separated from the safety and society on the other side of the stockade walls. When myths are still in living memory and most villagers remember the winter when the witch came pounding on the gates. And though the story is not overburdened with excessive description, the world is vividly realized. It is easy to picture the stone house down by the ford or Arete’s cave or Spiral Cove or Mirrormantle Grove.
At a time when I find it increasingly hard not to get frustrated with a story or the characters in it, or worse to lose interest entirely, The Shattered Truce was a breath of fresh air. A story that drew me in and kept me up late reading it.
1,039 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2025
Annerin and her son, Fran, live close to March. They chose to isolate themselves from the villagers. Elsa and Maya are frequent visitors as are some of the other lads of Fran's age. Things take a nasty turn when Lukas is killed in the village square by Galos, also a friend to Annerin's family. Annerin leaves to find Arete, believed to be a witch, and Fran follows. Will March settle down now they are gone or will loyalties split it apart?
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. Tension builds at a good pace to the end. It's well written and a good start. There's dragons too.
Look forward to reading more. Thank you to LoveReading for the free copy.
Profile Image for Melissa Widmaier.
Author 5 books21 followers
December 13, 2024
This was an interesting tale of village politics with a little magic thrown in for fun. It almost read more like an historical fiction piece than a fantasy, but I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the lead characters. I'm going to need a prequel about Arete and Ladon, however. More dragons, please!
Profile Image for Alexandra.
Author 13 books93 followers
November 5, 2024
I have always loved stories which were set in ancient Britain, especially when they offered an exciting blend of fantasy and magic. This is exactly what I discovered in “The Shattered Truce”, the first book in the series entitled “The Chronicles of Eruthin”. This epic fantasy offers a bit of everything, including fantasy, magic, and adventure. It speaks of ancient times, with heroes you cannot help but admire. There are many characters whose lives intertwine, and you can easily see how everyone has his or her own battle to lead. Someone might fight for love, while others might seek vengeance. I love how the author describes that peace has been resting on the edge of a swort blade, this is just beautiful. I think the main lesson to take away from this book is that peace can be easily disturbed, it is just as fragile as one might expect. I absolutely loved the setting of the story and how it unfolds, not to mention the characters, which are excellently sketched. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book from Rowanvale Books, but the opinion I posted is my own and not biased in any way.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews