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Protocol of Valor
Where reality fails, dreams are eternal.
After saving the realm from the wrath of the gods, crystal sorceress Everleigh Bennet hopes to return home and relax with her family. Instead, she finds her lover, Felix, imprisoned by the God of Wisdom in a scheme that threatens to remove his free will forever. Everleigh must venture to the kingdom of Terrangus to either free her family from the clutches of the Masked God or, if fate wills it, grant them eternal peace.
Protocol of Valor is a novella set in the world of the Legacy of Boulom series. It takes place 60 years before the events of Platinum Tinted Darkness.
After saving the realm from the wrath of the gods, crystal sorceress Everleigh Bennet hopes to return home and relax with her family. Instead, she finds her lover, Felix, imprisoned by the God of Wisdom in a scheme that threatens to remove his free will forever. Everleigh must venture to the kingdom of Terrangus to either free her family from the clutches of the Masked God or, if fate wills it, grant them eternal peace.
Protocol of Valor is a novella set in the world of the Legacy of Boulom series. It takes place 60 years before the events of Platinum Tinted Darkness.
- GenresFantasy
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 7, 2025
Platinum mage, Everleigh Bennet has outlived many of her fellow guardians. In her hazardous profession, few reach her 38 years. But Everleigh has reasons to persist, namely her young son, Landon, and the boy’s father, Felix.
I came to this novella at a good time. Having read the first 2 Legacy of Boulom books, I am familiar with these characters but I have not yet found closure in completing the trilogy. Protocol of Valour makes me all the more eager to dive into the final book, Age of Arrogance. While you could go into this novella fresh, it only presents you with a sketch of the world in which the story takes place. Descriptions of locations like Terrangus, Mylor, and Alanammus are fleeting.
Protocol kicks off with a funeral in Alanammus, where Everleigh finds herself swept up in the God of Wisdom’s machinations. She is joined by a more comedic character, Celadon, one of the swaggering giant lizard people from the Boulom series. The two of them become embroiled in a counter-scheme devised by the Goddess of Fear, who seeks to thwart Wisdom.
Everleigh isn’t here to entertain us. She is a forthright woman approaching middle age, who plans to continue fighting the good fight until her body gives out. While Everleigh isn’t a constant stream of laughs, I really enjoyed some of her keen observations.
“There comes a certain point in a woman’s life where she surrenders her own happiness in support of another. A husband, a child, an ungrateful cat, or, in my case, an entire realm.”
Author Timothy Wolff continues to impress with such quotable lines.
I won’t hide the content warnings because they are straightforward. You can expect all kinds of violence, things like people being burnt or impaled.
Much like David in the Boulom series, Everleigh has difficult choices to make and she has more than her share of gut-wrenching losses. It makes their interactions in the trilogy all the more meaningful. Someone needs to get this woman a cup of tea, or run her a relaxing bath, or just let her nap. While the whole series is glorious, it is really about characters dealing with their pain and doing right by others, more than it is about abstract labels “like hero, warrior, glory, and valour”.
I came to this novella at a good time. Having read the first 2 Legacy of Boulom books, I am familiar with these characters but I have not yet found closure in completing the trilogy. Protocol of Valour makes me all the more eager to dive into the final book, Age of Arrogance. While you could go into this novella fresh, it only presents you with a sketch of the world in which the story takes place. Descriptions of locations like Terrangus, Mylor, and Alanammus are fleeting.
Protocol kicks off with a funeral in Alanammus, where Everleigh finds herself swept up in the God of Wisdom’s machinations. She is joined by a more comedic character, Celadon, one of the swaggering giant lizard people from the Boulom series. The two of them become embroiled in a counter-scheme devised by the Goddess of Fear, who seeks to thwart Wisdom.
Everleigh isn’t here to entertain us. She is a forthright woman approaching middle age, who plans to continue fighting the good fight until her body gives out. While Everleigh isn’t a constant stream of laughs, I really enjoyed some of her keen observations.
“There comes a certain point in a woman’s life where she surrenders her own happiness in support of another. A husband, a child, an ungrateful cat, or, in my case, an entire realm.”
Author Timothy Wolff continues to impress with such quotable lines.
I won’t hide the content warnings because they are straightforward. You can expect all kinds of violence, things like people being burnt or impaled.
Much like David in the Boulom series, Everleigh has difficult choices to make and she has more than her share of gut-wrenching losses. It makes their interactions in the trilogy all the more meaningful. Someone needs to get this woman a cup of tea, or run her a relaxing bath, or just let her nap. While the whole series is glorious, it is really about characters dealing with their pain and doing right by others, more than it is about abstract labels “like hero, warrior, glory, and valour”.
February 15, 2026
Quotable good fun
This really felt like a series mash-up: Whispers meets Boulom.
All the witty introspection and quote-worthiness of The Whisper that Replaced God, with all the wild magic and fun fantasy dynamics of The Legacy of Boulom books.
Quick, satisfying read.
This really felt like a series mash-up: Whispers meets Boulom.
All the witty introspection and quote-worthiness of The Whisper that Replaced God, with all the wild magic and fun fantasy dynamics of The Legacy of Boulom books.
Quick, satisfying read.
July 5, 2025
The things we do for love… A gateway drug of a novella, Protocol of Valor will have you clamoring to binge Wolff’s entire Legacy of Boulom series.
October 1, 2025
Protocol of Valor by Timothy Wolff was added to my radar by being one of the reviewers for Grimoire Ink in this years 'Speculative Fantasy Indie Novella 3 Championships'...this right here is why I was so eager and excited to be apart of this! Being the first Novella I decided to start with, the bar is set high...this was a great introduction to Tim and his highly recommended series "The Legacy of Boulom". 🔥
What immediately stands out and pulls you into this story and Timothy's writing, is his wordplay and penmanship used to vividly describe and create scenarios and settings. You open with an almost poetic like prose, following the guardian Everleigh Bennet and her absolute dedication to 'Valor'...she is brutally tested by the Gods to see if 'Protocol' will be broken in the face of fear and losing her love. Just look at this opening... 🤌
"I have never understood the depravity of fear until the day I held my child within my arms for the first time. It had struck me like a blade through the chest. Like a wave of longing and pain. An obsession. An unspoken vow that all beings that dare harmed him, whether gods, zephum, or otherwise, would face platinum annihilation through the edge of my scythe."
Quite the eye catching opening yes?! This is the style and tone that pull us through this gripping, and often brutal, story of love, dedication, sacrifice and pain. Wolff creates a brief (98 page) but exceptionally enticing story following our MC, Guardian Everleigh and the path of loyalty and despair she must navigate, in the hope of continuing to protect and balance, her unwavering devotion to both her loved ones and her "Protocol of Valor". Chapters of dark decisions, chase chapters of pure emotion, all while delivering unapologetic action! There is no shortage of the beautiful writing style Wolff gifts us lucky readers with, and never is the story saturated with so much that it veers off its intended creation. 🍻
With far too many examples to give you, and in an attempt to spoil as little as possible... I implore you all to take a look at this author's works and enjoy a breath of fresh writing that will walk you into a new and amazing world! I will absolutely be continuing into the main series and can't wait to see how Timothy wows us! I'll leave you with one more little snippet of our brilliant authors wordsmanship...📚
"If you can't explain perfection, then you don't understand it. And you don't understand perfection because it doesn't exist. I take no pleasure in such things, Felix, but mercy must be the Protocol of Valor."
4⭐ read! May your experience lead you to Serenity, and may your choices of Protocol bring you peace! Now for God sake...where's my tea!? 😋
This review is available on Grimoire Ink Reviews
What immediately stands out and pulls you into this story and Timothy's writing, is his wordplay and penmanship used to vividly describe and create scenarios and settings. You open with an almost poetic like prose, following the guardian Everleigh Bennet and her absolute dedication to 'Valor'...she is brutally tested by the Gods to see if 'Protocol' will be broken in the face of fear and losing her love. Just look at this opening... 🤌
"I have never understood the depravity of fear until the day I held my child within my arms for the first time. It had struck me like a blade through the chest. Like a wave of longing and pain. An obsession. An unspoken vow that all beings that dare harmed him, whether gods, zephum, or otherwise, would face platinum annihilation through the edge of my scythe."
Quite the eye catching opening yes?! This is the style and tone that pull us through this gripping, and often brutal, story of love, dedication, sacrifice and pain. Wolff creates a brief (98 page) but exceptionally enticing story following our MC, Guardian Everleigh and the path of loyalty and despair she must navigate, in the hope of continuing to protect and balance, her unwavering devotion to both her loved ones and her "Protocol of Valor". Chapters of dark decisions, chase chapters of pure emotion, all while delivering unapologetic action! There is no shortage of the beautiful writing style Wolff gifts us lucky readers with, and never is the story saturated with so much that it veers off its intended creation. 🍻
With far too many examples to give you, and in an attempt to spoil as little as possible... I implore you all to take a look at this author's works and enjoy a breath of fresh writing that will walk you into a new and amazing world! I will absolutely be continuing into the main series and can't wait to see how Timothy wows us! I'll leave you with one more little snippet of our brilliant authors wordsmanship...📚
"If you can't explain perfection, then you don't understand it. And you don't understand perfection because it doesn't exist. I take no pleasure in such things, Felix, but mercy must be the Protocol of Valor."
4⭐ read! May your experience lead you to Serenity, and may your choices of Protocol bring you peace! Now for God sake...where's my tea!? 😋
This review is available on Grimoire Ink Reviews
December 6, 2025
Tension :High-stakes decisions and gut-wrenching conflicts push characters to their limits.
Choices*: Moral ambiguity reigns, and the line between right and wrong blurs.
Fight the Good Fight*: Unwavering determination and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Writing style*: Evocative, lyrical prose weaves a rich tapestry of emotions and imagery.
Eloquent*: Profound insights and poignant observations linger long after the story ends.
Small Cast*: Intimate, character-driven storytelling explores the depths of human relationships.
Everleigh*: A force to be reckoned with, her rough exterior hides a complex and vulnerable soul!
December 26, 2025
Where's my son??
July 22, 2025
Another Epic Story
Tim continues to be the GOAT of novellas. Each one is incredible and this was no different. Absolutely loved it
Tim continues to be the GOAT of novellas. Each one is incredible and this was no different. Absolutely loved it
July 18, 2025
Protocol of Valor is a prequel novella set decades before the main Legacy of Boulom trilogy, told via a POV of an ancillary character who shows up in the later half of the series.
Now, this is truly a contained prequel story with a beginning and end for this particular character. You don’t have to have read the trilogy to understand what’s happening, however, much of the lore/worldbuilding is diluted here. So should you read this novella first, you won’t get the great breadth of Wolff’s world, but it does give enough enticement. If I was to recommend a reading order, start with Platinum Tinted Darkness first, but that’s just me, I like lore.
The cast is small, and I think that was a smart decision. Everleigh, our crystal mage and protagonist (I should note this novella is told through 1st POV whereas the trilogy is 3rd multi-POV, so there is a different feeling/tone between the two works) is an interesting character. As a Guardian, she has a task to protect the realm, but Tim deviates from the norm and makes this a very personal story for Everleigh. She is a fairly blunt personality lacking witticism, so she might not work for everyone. Luckily we have Celadon, a glorious zephum! We need Tim to write more novellas about zephum protags, just saying, Tim… It was nice to see Wisdom, the Masked God, here, as well as a character named Landon from the main trilogy. It was like seeing old buddies again.
As far as the plot goes, it’s hard to talk about without spoiling the novella or the main series, but I will say it does touch on many concepts introduced in the series, especially relating to Wisdom’s ultimate goal (iykyk). But as I said, it’s a personal story, so it directly affects Everleigh, and I really liked that.
But my favorite thing about a Tim Wolff story is his prose. The man is a master wordsmith, just dropping bangers left and right. For example:
What is it about the below-average man that he has the audacity to see himself as God?
And then a couple pages later he brings in the humor:
Humans wouldn’t understand honor if it mated with their mother.
Protocol of Valor is a fast read, only some 70 pages, so easily done in a sitting or two. It has a lot of heart, and it scratches an itch for Tim’s world!
Now, this is truly a contained prequel story with a beginning and end for this particular character. You don’t have to have read the trilogy to understand what’s happening, however, much of the lore/worldbuilding is diluted here. So should you read this novella first, you won’t get the great breadth of Wolff’s world, but it does give enough enticement. If I was to recommend a reading order, start with Platinum Tinted Darkness first, but that’s just me, I like lore.
The cast is small, and I think that was a smart decision. Everleigh, our crystal mage and protagonist (I should note this novella is told through 1st POV whereas the trilogy is 3rd multi-POV, so there is a different feeling/tone between the two works) is an interesting character. As a Guardian, she has a task to protect the realm, but Tim deviates from the norm and makes this a very personal story for Everleigh. She is a fairly blunt personality lacking witticism, so she might not work for everyone. Luckily we have Celadon, a glorious zephum! We need Tim to write more novellas about zephum protags, just saying, Tim… It was nice to see Wisdom, the Masked God, here, as well as a character named Landon from the main trilogy. It was like seeing old buddies again.
As far as the plot goes, it’s hard to talk about without spoiling the novella or the main series, but I will say it does touch on many concepts introduced in the series, especially relating to Wisdom’s ultimate goal (iykyk). But as I said, it’s a personal story, so it directly affects Everleigh, and I really liked that.
But my favorite thing about a Tim Wolff story is his prose. The man is a master wordsmith, just dropping bangers left and right. For example:
What is it about the below-average man that he has the audacity to see himself as God?
And then a couple pages later he brings in the humor:
Humans wouldn’t understand honor if it mated with their mother.
Protocol of Valor is a fast read, only some 70 pages, so easily done in a sitting or two. It has a lot of heart, and it scratches an itch for Tim’s world!
August 26, 2025
I read and loved Wolff's Legacy of Boulom trilogy, so I was excited to dive into this prequel! Although it's set 60 years before the original series, the God of Wisdom/Arrogance once again takes centre stage. He's a delightful antagonist, like a mix between Littlefinger and a darker Studio Ghibli character. The way he manipulates those Everleigh loves for his own gain, all while trying to sound like the reasonable one, is so well done. He's already obsessed with Serenity (his paradise) even at this point, and he truly believes he's justified in doing whatever it takes to reach it. We also get glimpses of a slightly tender side to him which I don’t recall seeing in the trilogy. Feeling empathy for the villain? That's when you know a story is well done!
There’s some great tension in this novella, especially in how Wisdom turns Everleigh and her partner against each other. I can't help but compare Everleigh to Serena from the original series. Everleigh is rough around the edges in a way Serena wasn’t in Boulom. There’s a different kind of fragility to her, a grittier one, and she can be a bit reckless. But she is also the personification of 'valor' and I think her struggles make her a likeable character. I also loved how the “protocol of valor” line repeated like a theme throughout the story. I remember there were some other really profound lines too, which this author does so well.
This is a novella, so it's a good fast paced entry into the Boulom series, or an extra bit of fun if you've already read and enjoyed it.
There’s some great tension in this novella, especially in how Wisdom turns Everleigh and her partner against each other. I can't help but compare Everleigh to Serena from the original series. Everleigh is rough around the edges in a way Serena wasn’t in Boulom. There’s a different kind of fragility to her, a grittier one, and she can be a bit reckless. But she is also the personification of 'valor' and I think her struggles make her a likeable character. I also loved how the “protocol of valor” line repeated like a theme throughout the story. I remember there were some other really profound lines too, which this author does so well.
This is a novella, so it's a good fast paced entry into the Boulom series, or an extra bit of fun if you've already read and enjoyed it.
December 16, 2025
This is the second novella by the author that I’ve read – the first was the incredible The Whisper that Replaced God. Timothy Wolff’s prose is complex and emotionally intense, and it really strikes a chord with me.
Here we meet crystal sorceress Everleigh Bennet, who is a Guardian, one of half a dozen or so magically-talented individuals who protect the realm from the Harbingers of the less-savory gods. The gods in this universe are very real, very active in the lives of humans, and very capricious. When Everleigh’s husband and son are taken by the God of Wisdom (who manages to be both fascinating AND a nasty piece of work), she is forced to risk everything to free them.
I won’t spoil what happens, but know that this isn’t a romantasy – it’s a story of what a person is willing to sacrifice. It’s not always pretty, and it hits hard.
We only get a taste of the world-building here, but what we get is really compelling. Apparently, this novella takes place 60 years before the author’s Legacy of Boulom series, and I’ve already picked up the first book. Looking forward to it!
Here we meet crystal sorceress Everleigh Bennet, who is a Guardian, one of half a dozen or so magically-talented individuals who protect the realm from the Harbingers of the less-savory gods. The gods in this universe are very real, very active in the lives of humans, and very capricious. When Everleigh’s husband and son are taken by the God of Wisdom (who manages to be both fascinating AND a nasty piece of work), she is forced to risk everything to free them.
I won’t spoil what happens, but know that this isn’t a romantasy – it’s a story of what a person is willing to sacrifice. It’s not always pretty, and it hits hard.
We only get a taste of the world-building here, but what we get is really compelling. Apparently, this novella takes place 60 years before the author’s Legacy of Boulom series, and I’ve already picked up the first book. Looking forward to it!
December 20, 2025
Having read Tim Wolff's previous novellas I came in with high hopes and wasn't disappointed in the least!
As with The Whisper That Replaced God novellas, the character work and snappy(and snarky!) dialogue was fantastic. The world building was really interesting - it's always a bonus for me when there are reptilian species - and it was quickly explained in a way my often foggy head could follow along with.
I was a bit confused about the deal Everleigh made and what the plan was but the characters clearly knew what was going on and I honestly just enjoyed being along for the ride(I also could 100% have zoned out for a bit as I listened to the audiobook on my commute). But goodness is the masked God an absolute muppet!
It's a prequel novella but it feels fully self-contained and not just a setup for the trilogy itself although it did make me eager to start on those main books asap!
The audiobook was fantastic, I really felt the narrator nailed Everleigh's character and can definitely recommend listening to it if you're so inclined.
As with The Whisper That Replaced God novellas, the character work and snappy(and snarky!) dialogue was fantastic. The world building was really interesting - it's always a bonus for me when there are reptilian species - and it was quickly explained in a way my often foggy head could follow along with.
I was a bit confused about the deal Everleigh made and what the plan was but the characters clearly knew what was going on and I honestly just enjoyed being along for the ride(I also could 100% have zoned out for a bit as I listened to the audiobook on my commute). But goodness is the masked God an absolute muppet!
It's a prequel novella but it feels fully self-contained and not just a setup for the trilogy itself although it did make me eager to start on those main books asap!
The audiobook was fantastic, I really felt the narrator nailed Everleigh's character and can definitely recommend listening to it if you're so inclined.
January 29, 2026
This review is available on Grimoire Ink Reviews
I read this as part of the SFINCS3 competition as a judge.
Where to start? Let’s start with the almost poetic writing here, and say how beautiful it is. The opening paragraph….you had me at hello.
Our MC here is Guardian Everleigh Bennet, and her duty is to protect.
But how can she protect when she is the puppet of the gods, who use her lover and son to “toy” with her?
Timothy draws us in and leads us on a bittersweet journey of love, sacrifice, Valor, and loss.
The writing is atmospheric, and poetic, and I am itching to pick up the full novels in The Legacy of Boulom, to see what chaos the gods are creating there.
Everleigh is a mother first, and her love for her child is the overarching story here, and the lengths she goes to to ensure he has a safe life. It broke my heart, whilst leaving me feeling incredibly proud of her.
Pick this up…you won’t regret it!
I am excited to see where Timothy takes us in his future works.
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I read this as part of the SFINCS3 competition as a judge.
Where to start? Let’s start with the almost poetic writing here, and say how beautiful it is. The opening paragraph….you had me at hello.
Our MC here is Guardian Everleigh Bennet, and her duty is to protect.
But how can she protect when she is the puppet of the gods, who use her lover and son to “toy” with her?
Timothy draws us in and leads us on a bittersweet journey of love, sacrifice, Valor, and loss.
The writing is atmospheric, and poetic, and I am itching to pick up the full novels in The Legacy of Boulom, to see what chaos the gods are creating there.
Everleigh is a mother first, and her love for her child is the overarching story here, and the lengths she goes to to ensure he has a safe life. It broke my heart, whilst leaving me feeling incredibly proud of her.
Pick this up…you won’t regret it!
I am excited to see where Timothy takes us in his future works.
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August 2, 2025
This is my third novella that I have read by Wolff, and once again, it does not disappoint.
The thing that really is standing out is the Wolff's ability to write characters that are not especially likeable, but feel like the least bad options vs the antagonists in many ways, as well as writing truely melancholy endings that just work.
This acts as a prequel to Platinum Tinted Darkness, which i have yet to read, but based on what this portrays, and the title of that book, i am really looking forward to finally getting around to jumping fully ibtonthe world of Boulom
The thing that really is standing out is the Wolff's ability to write characters that are not especially likeable, but feel like the least bad options vs the antagonists in many ways, as well as writing truely melancholy endings that just work.
This acts as a prequel to Platinum Tinted Darkness, which i have yet to read, but based on what this portrays, and the title of that book, i am really looking forward to finally getting around to jumping fully ibtonthe world of Boulom
December 9, 2025
I love an impossible situation. Wolff once again delivers a captivating tale of gods and monsters in his unique and intoxicating voice. It's a short romp that never lets up until the end and a bite sized taste of his world.
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June 11, 2025Legacy of Boulom prequel set 60 years before Platinum Tinted Darkness from Everleigh's POV. July 18th release date
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