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Archon Sigil Trilogy #1
The Sigil Blade
The people of An Innis have fallen on hard times. Vengeful thieves, rumored to be men returned from death, have brought the island to its knees. Using a fleet of captured ships, they systematically plunder everything that enters or attempts to leave the coastal waters that surround the island.
The Sigil Blade, the first book of the Archon Sigil Trilogy, tells the story of Edryd, a man who is trying to reinvent himself and conceal the truth about his past. His unexplained arrival as a stranger upon the island will change the course of its history and set in motion events that will ultimately shape the future of an entire world. He will duel with Aed Seoras, a master shaper who seeks to use and control him, and battle with immortal draugar and their human thralls, as he struggles with dark powers over which he has no control. He must learn to shape the darkness around him if he wants to avoid a destiny which holds the promise of endless bloodshed and destruction. The tool he will need to do this… is an ancient weapon of power.
406 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2015
121 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 28, 2016
This rating is strictly for the audio version I tried to listen to.
I laid this aside (so to speak) and went back to it several times. The problem is not the book. The story has a good plot line (a must for me) and seems...that is "seems" to be well written.
The problem is that the reader in trying for something, stoicism maybe...a laconic mood (???), I'm not really sure what but anyway he reads in an almost monotone voice. He has a good deep voice that could be easy to listen to but his lack of inflection leaves one's mind wandering off (or at least mine did) over and over.
I found myself skipping forward (and had to "re-check" from the library once as I let it expire before finishing it). I don't plan to follow the series, at least not until I take the time to try the "text" version of the book.
Sorry, the audio disappointed me.
I laid this aside (so to speak) and went back to it several times. The problem is not the book. The story has a good plot line (a must for me) and seems...that is "seems" to be well written.
The problem is that the reader in trying for something, stoicism maybe...a laconic mood (???), I'm not really sure what but anyway he reads in an almost monotone voice. He has a good deep voice that could be easy to listen to but his lack of inflection leaves one's mind wandering off (or at least mine did) over and over.
I found myself skipping forward (and had to "re-check" from the library once as I let it expire before finishing it). I don't plan to follow the series, at least not until I take the time to try the "text" version of the book.
Sorry, the audio disappointed me.
May 20, 2015
Brilliant debut in the genre of epic fantasy! While all of the must have elements for a great fantasy novel are there, it goes so much further than that.
The characters are each unique and engaging, and I was surprised by how much emotion I had invested in each of their individual stories. The dichotomy between good and evil is expertly woven into each character, and as they faced choices and challenges, I felt myself struggling along with them.
The weighty themes in this novel touch upon the human condition in a way that is relatable beyond the fantastical world they are built in. The prose is tight and elegant. The imagery is stunning and the action is vivid and visceral. The action is in fact so compelling that if the book succeeding on that level alone it would make this book a worthwhile read.
The world this author has built envelops you, and the scale of it gives me reason to hope for the epic nature of what is to come in the next installment.
Thank you for a story that obviously took great time, labor, and care to craft. I will be reading this again, and anxiously waiting for more!
The characters are each unique and engaging, and I was surprised by how much emotion I had invested in each of their individual stories. The dichotomy between good and evil is expertly woven into each character, and as they faced choices and challenges, I felt myself struggling along with them.
The weighty themes in this novel touch upon the human condition in a way that is relatable beyond the fantastical world they are built in. The prose is tight and elegant. The imagery is stunning and the action is vivid and visceral. The action is in fact so compelling that if the book succeeding on that level alone it would make this book a worthwhile read.
The world this author has built envelops you, and the scale of it gives me reason to hope for the epic nature of what is to come in the next installment.
Thank you for a story that obviously took great time, labor, and care to craft. I will be reading this again, and anxiously waiting for more!
May 4, 2015
Great book
Definitely a 5 star book grabbed me from the start, read it in one sitting. The characters and setting hold your attention the whole way throughout the book. One of the best reads so far this year, hopefully we won't be waiting for book 2 for too long , no pressure Jeff Wilson
Definitely a 5 star book grabbed me from the start, read it in one sitting. The characters and setting hold your attention the whole way throughout the book. One of the best reads so far this year, hopefully we won't be waiting for book 2 for too long , no pressure Jeff Wilson
May 19, 2015
This is an astounding debut novel. Compelling characters and a story that feels complete yet leaves you aching for the next installment.
June 9, 2015
A Fantasy Worth Reading
If you are already fond of fantasy on a grand scale, with different countries pitted against each other in the model of European history, whether medieval, renaissance, romantic, industrial, or other ages, most likely an early one with swords and adding in magic.
This one ticks off all the boxes while not hitting all the tropes. For a protagonist, we have a warrior with a magic sword, who has given the sword away. He has left his kingdom after chaos has broken out across the land. His troops, the best army ever, are trying to find him, and so is the King, but for very different reasons.
Our protagonist, Edryd, is stuck on an island with a black sorcerer who knows he is really a Prince, and beats the crap out of him using a sword and his fists after they first meet. The black sorcerer is also tied to psychic vampires, creating mind slaves for the vamps, the island's smugglers, his own evil master, the pirates and the island healer and her sister.
Everyone wants a piece of Edryd, some may know who he is, some have already told people what they shouldn't have - that he is on the island. He finds out just how bad these people are making his world as he interacts with important citizens. The book really picks up speed when a goal of one group and Edryd overlap for completely separate reasons.
Good and unique magic system, significant world building, along with nicely layered characterization and detailed plotting. Recommended!
If you are already fond of fantasy on a grand scale, with different countries pitted against each other in the model of European history, whether medieval, renaissance, romantic, industrial, or other ages, most likely an early one with swords and adding in magic.
This one ticks off all the boxes while not hitting all the tropes. For a protagonist, we have a warrior with a magic sword, who has given the sword away. He has left his kingdom after chaos has broken out across the land. His troops, the best army ever, are trying to find him, and so is the King, but for very different reasons.
Our protagonist, Edryd, is stuck on an island with a black sorcerer who knows he is really a Prince, and beats the crap out of him using a sword and his fists after they first meet. The black sorcerer is also tied to psychic vampires, creating mind slaves for the vamps, the island's smugglers, his own evil master, the pirates and the island healer and her sister.
Everyone wants a piece of Edryd, some may know who he is, some have already told people what they shouldn't have - that he is on the island. He finds out just how bad these people are making his world as he interacts with important citizens. The book really picks up speed when a goal of one group and Edryd overlap for completely separate reasons.
Good and unique magic system, significant world building, along with nicely layered characterization and detailed plotting. Recommended!
May 31, 2015
Great book, highly recommended. For me, the best book I have read in ten years. Being a long time fan of the fantasy book genre, I have read everything that has grabbed my interest over the years. As I have grown, so has has my desire for better developed stories with complicated characters which are not simple copies of earlier works. This book takes it time to develop its world and its people, which gave me a sense of realism that other books have failed to provide.
I liked the patient pacing and plot development, which appealed to me as a long time reader of the genre. I won't give the story away, but this book delivered an excitement that built the further I read. Once finished, I was left frustrated that the planned second and third books are not yet published. The ending is simply awesome, and I am eagerly awaiting The Sigil Knight.
Good job Jeff Wilson. Please don't take too long to finish your next book.
I liked the patient pacing and plot development, which appealed to me as a long time reader of the genre. I won't give the story away, but this book delivered an excitement that built the further I read. Once finished, I was left frustrated that the planned second and third books are not yet published. The ending is simply awesome, and I am eagerly awaiting The Sigil Knight.
Good job Jeff Wilson. Please don't take too long to finish your next book.
October 8, 2015
I truly enjoyed this book. The author is intuitive and introspective. I look forward to future journeys with this author and the characters he introduces to us with skill and precision.
I truly enjoyed this book. The author is intuitive and introspective by his own admission but arguably better than he or his main character is comfortable with acknowledging. The writing style and obvious intelligence and education of the author is greatly appreciated as he doesn't 'talk down' to the reader but treats them as an equal in thought. I felt the chicken dumpling recipe was extremely thoughtful and not in the least bit contrite. Although the author isn't the editor or proof reader that brought it to e-print. An unexpected treat that reminds you that the characters are more than the writer.
I truly enjoyed this book. The author is intuitive and introspective by his own admission but arguably better than he or his main character is comfortable with acknowledging. The writing style and obvious intelligence and education of the author is greatly appreciated as he doesn't 'talk down' to the reader but treats them as an equal in thought. I felt the chicken dumpling recipe was extremely thoughtful and not in the least bit contrite. Although the author isn't the editor or proof reader that brought it to e-print. An unexpected treat that reminds you that the characters are more than the writer.
June 4, 2015
The Sigil Blade is very well-written, and it is a page-turner. The beginning of the book was foggy with much mystery and few clues as to what was going on. However, information was illuminated at a steady pace and it only heightened the thrill as more was revealed. The action was steady and I enjoyed the character developed immensely. Edryd and Irial in particular were beacons of light throughout a book filled with shady characters.
I was surprised a few times in the book by the turn of events, which is rare for me, and I had a blast reading it. I can't wait for the next one!
I was surprised a few times in the book by the turn of events, which is rare for me, and I had a blast reading it. I can't wait for the next one!
August 7, 2018
This is, without reservation, my favorite beginning to a series that will probably never be continued.
The very talented author, Jeff Wilson, passed away before finishing book 2, and it's really hard to imagine anyone filling his shoes.
But, even as a stand alone, this book is worth the read.
It's a very different take on the Sword and Sorcery genre, and, as a caveat, it is very male centered in the first book. (Not a spoiler, since that's impossible, but I think he intended to make a female the eventual hero of the series)
The very talented author, Jeff Wilson, passed away before finishing book 2, and it's really hard to imagine anyone filling his shoes.
But, even as a stand alone, this book is worth the read.
It's a very different take on the Sword and Sorcery genre, and, as a caveat, it is very male centered in the first book. (Not a spoiler, since that's impossible, but I think he intended to make a female the eventual hero of the series)
June 23, 2015
Bravo!
I didn't know what to expect when starting this book. To say it was a wonderful surprise would be an understatement. A perfect mix of the political, metaphysical, emotional and action. Complex characters; love, loyalty, betrayal, consequences and redemption, all wrapped up in a believable story.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy... or just a great story.
I didn't know what to expect when starting this book. To say it was a wonderful surprise would be an understatement. A perfect mix of the political, metaphysical, emotional and action. Complex characters; love, loyalty, betrayal, consequences and redemption, all wrapped up in a believable story.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy... or just a great story.
November 16, 2015
Mysterious and thrilling.
At the beginning of this book I didn't understand who the main character was but then I found out about our hero. He is the scion of an ancient house and bearer of the sigil blade!!! The book has a bright new flavour that all the readers of the gernre will absolutely like at once. I would recommend this book to all the fans of magic and politics. I am waiting for the sequel in the trilogy.
At the beginning of this book I didn't understand who the main character was but then I found out about our hero. He is the scion of an ancient house and bearer of the sigil blade!!! The book has a bright new flavour that all the readers of the gernre will absolutely like at once. I would recommend this book to all the fans of magic and politics. I am waiting for the sequel in the trilogy.
September 26, 2015
This is a transcendent book that elevates itself quite clearly above the usual dredge of fantasy books. The plot is well crafted and the characters are all wonderfully expressed. But what I admire most is the way the prose is used to emphasize actions and reveal implications which are significant but not quite obvious.
September 28, 2016
a great new take on epic fantasy, it was the characters in this book that made it stand out for me. they are all well drawn, and each of them has more than one layers, as the writer uses the story to explore the nature of good and evil. i loved the story, and the message about reinvention it carries
July 28, 2015
Truly great book.
Perfectly well written course I have some concerns on the age of edryd since it really didn't specify it but as read more of the book I found out that it really doesn't matter because it was so well written.
Perfectly well written course I have some concerns on the age of edryd since it really didn't specify it but as read more of the book I found out that it really doesn't matter because it was so well written.
June 13, 2015
Ok book
The book is ok but too much author projection. Like he would have felt better if he knew so and so was there. Stuff like that ruined the rhythm of the story for me. It was slow because of these unnecessary explanations.
The book is ok but too much author projection. Like he would have felt better if he knew so and so was there. Stuff like that ruined the rhythm of the story for me. It was slow because of these unnecessary explanations.
September 9, 2015
This is a great book. I would recommend you to read this if you are a lover of fantasy. There is a lot going on in this book. I see a lot of potential for book 2. I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
July 7, 2015
Excellent read
This was a great read. I'm looking forward to the other two books. I will be passing this book title on to my family and friends. I think that is the best compliment I can give.
Bonzo741@verizon.net
This was a great read. I'm looking forward to the other two books. I will be passing this book title on to my family and friends. I think that is the best compliment I can give.
Bonzo741@verizon.net
July 26, 2016
The key to a good adventure is the depth of imagination, depth of charters, and the depth in which the reader becomes fully immersed. I give this book 5 stars in all categories it was a truly wonderful read.
April 10, 2019
The Sigil Blade. Jeff Wilson
This book, in my opinion is an epic, masterfully written fantasy action packed thriller. It tells the tale of a Sigil knight, known as the Blood Prince. It entails a life of hardship and deep secrets he has imposed on himself. His journey in life is laced with others betrayal against his family and him. He receives help and wisdom from a women who also needs his help. His strong character and moral compass prevails in the end and he is able to correct and punish the people who directed their deceit towards him and many other innocents. Enjoyed immensely!
This book, in my opinion is an epic, masterfully written fantasy action packed thriller. It tells the tale of a Sigil knight, known as the Blood Prince. It entails a life of hardship and deep secrets he has imposed on himself. His journey in life is laced with others betrayal against his family and him. He receives help and wisdom from a women who also needs his help. His strong character and moral compass prevails in the end and he is able to correct and punish the people who directed their deceit towards him and many other innocents. Enjoyed immensely!
September 15, 2017
This fantasy was reasonably well written, and I'm not sure why it didn't click with me. One would be that there is no romance in it, which I regard as a prerequisite for good fiction. There is no explanation of the magic system, which might have made it more interesting.
January 17, 2018
I couldn't finish this because it just didn't make any sense to me - the guy has been on an island for one day, but there are fifty different people after him and watching him all without knowing who he is? It really stretched what I found plausible, so I gave up.
May 31, 2017
Poor overwrought pose that abuses telling. Dropped in the first chapter.
September 30, 2018
2.5 stars. A story to nowhere
December 18, 2018
Good book can be a little slow in parts but I like the depth in the characters and the feeling that your never quite sure what will happen.
July 6, 2021
A fun adventure.
May 1, 2025
3 Oh no. This was not good.
June 27, 2015
A dense but satisfying read
I described the book as dense because you have to wade through lots of words to get to action. So if you're looking for action then this isn't the book for you. I get bored with action books for the same reason I zone out during car chases in movies. I prefer a well written story with a lot of character development and this book meets that description.
As I said, the characters are fully realized. They are not one dimensional. I particularly liked that each character's motive develops slowly. There's bad guys but everyone else, with the exception of a couple, are like real people...a little bit of good and bad. The whole island of An Innis has made its living by selling slaves and piracy. But the individuals are neither black or white.
For example, edryd (main character) encounters the raiders who have captured and plundered every ship that attempts to leave or land on the island. They smear their skin with ash to make them look like undead beings ("ash men") who terrify the islanders. As edryd points out, an island that prospers from piracy is being plagued by pirates. He's led to them by secret means and asked for his help in a plot to take the island by force. Should we view these men as the good guys or bad guys?
As I said, the joy in this book is in the slow unveiling of each character's personality and the pieces of the puzzle each character reveals.
The negatives of this book are minor. There were articles and prepositions missing sometimes like "the," "into," etc. They caused me to stumble in my reading but for the most part these are things your mind fills in when you're reading.
Sometimes the rich description was a little too rich. For example, "The bronze coin was still pressed tightly in his hand and had become warm through the influence of a dissipating heat that was seeping rapidly from his body."
Sentences like that could be a little simpler without the book losing anything.
I generally read more science fiction than fantasy but like many nerds, The Lord of the Rings had a profound effect on me as a child and instilled a life long love of fantasy. This book falls under the category of "historical fantasy." By that I mean this could be a story that took place 200 years ago in our history with fantastical elements.
I was pleased to see draughrs as a main part of the plot. If you play Skyrim, you've had to fight these mythical Norse beings.
I'd recommend this book to any fan of fantasy who prefers story to action.
I described the book as dense because you have to wade through lots of words to get to action. So if you're looking for action then this isn't the book for you. I get bored with action books for the same reason I zone out during car chases in movies. I prefer a well written story with a lot of character development and this book meets that description.
As I said, the characters are fully realized. They are not one dimensional. I particularly liked that each character's motive develops slowly. There's bad guys but everyone else, with the exception of a couple, are like real people...a little bit of good and bad. The whole island of An Innis has made its living by selling slaves and piracy. But the individuals are neither black or white.
For example, edryd (main character) encounters the raiders who have captured and plundered every ship that attempts to leave or land on the island. They smear their skin with ash to make them look like undead beings ("ash men") who terrify the islanders. As edryd points out, an island that prospers from piracy is being plagued by pirates. He's led to them by secret means and asked for his help in a plot to take the island by force. Should we view these men as the good guys or bad guys?
As I said, the joy in this book is in the slow unveiling of each character's personality and the pieces of the puzzle each character reveals.
The negatives of this book are minor. There were articles and prepositions missing sometimes like "the," "into," etc. They caused me to stumble in my reading but for the most part these are things your mind fills in when you're reading.
Sometimes the rich description was a little too rich. For example, "The bronze coin was still pressed tightly in his hand and had become warm through the influence of a dissipating heat that was seeping rapidly from his body."
Sentences like that could be a little simpler without the book losing anything.
I generally read more science fiction than fantasy but like many nerds, The Lord of the Rings had a profound effect on me as a child and instilled a life long love of fantasy. This book falls under the category of "historical fantasy." By that I mean this could be a story that took place 200 years ago in our history with fantastical elements.
I was pleased to see draughrs as a main part of the plot. If you play Skyrim, you've had to fight these mythical Norse beings.
I'd recommend this book to any fan of fantasy who prefers story to action.
December 29, 2018
12/2018 re-read (staying at 4*)
The beginning takes a bit of time to get into as the MC mixes the real reason he got to An Innis with his made-up cover story and tries to get his bearings. The set-up is interesting with Seoras being a powerful man with possibly dark past and suspicious goals willing to teach Edryd what he knows. Strange creatures soon get in the way, as do the political struggles Edryd tried to escape. Most characters have a good and bad part, or a bad past and their own stories work together to make an interesting story.
---
Original 2016 comment (4*):
At the start, I felt like I have no clue what and why is going on. In retrospect, I am not sure if reading the short prequel would help. But it was interesting enough to keep me going. And it paid off. In the end, everything starts going on and it ends up in interesting way.
---
Other notes: the first self-published book I've read.
The beginning takes a bit of time to get into as the MC mixes the real reason he got to An Innis with his made-up cover story and tries to get his bearings. The set-up is interesting with Seoras being a powerful man with possibly dark past and suspicious goals willing to teach Edryd what he knows. Strange creatures soon get in the way, as do the political struggles Edryd tried to escape. Most characters have a good and bad part, or a bad past and their own stories work together to make an interesting story.
---
Original 2016 comment (4*):
At the start, I felt like I have no clue what and why is going on. In retrospect, I am not sure if reading the short prequel would help. But it was interesting enough to keep me going. And it paid off. In the end, everything starts going on and it ends up in interesting way.
---
Other notes: the first self-published book I've read.
June 15, 2015
I rate this highly to applaud and encourage the time, effort and courage it takes to write and publish a book. I liked how one of the characters was a child. She didn't get much point of view time and wasn't critical to the plot, but at least she was there and had a personality. I also found the monsters and the confrontations with them interesting. Personally, I think the book would be stronger if it were shorter. And I like my fantasy with a bit more epic and more awesome. But maybe my reading has been corrupted into over-analyzation by listening to the writing excuses podcast. :)
June 23, 2015
The description of this book doesn't do credit to the story because it relays facts and facts can be rather dull. The story delivers on a group of interesting characters such as a hero who's done something horrible, a heroine with secrets that I am still trying to puzzle out, a dark mentor who holds onto his boyhood dreams of heroism while battling his twisted nature. It is the combination of strong characters navigating the facts provided in the books description that makes this a pleasant and fast paced story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews