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Royal Scales #1
Once Lost Lords
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
Humanity hasn’t been alone for almost two thousand years. Elves, wolves, vampires, all joined together with mankind to eradicate the ‘darker’ races and maintained a tentative peace until modern times. Society adapted, everyone has rules that help keep the peace in this modern era. Yet, absolute genocide is impossible when talking about creatures beyond the pale. Some hid, some buried, other were re-purposed.
Some, like Jay Fields, pass for human with a little bit extra. His abilities didn’t belong to one of the major races, but any information was buried along with the long dead boogie men. All Jay cared about was those closest to him and a job that let him hit people. He used to be a bouncer at a bar, a part-time enforcer for a loan shark, and even a fight club champion. That was four years ago, before betrayal by someone close sent him packing.
Now he’s back and trying to recover a life he left behind. Questions of origin aren’t his only problems. His ex-girlfriend is a vampire. His part-time boss doesn’t think he’s up to snuff anymore. There’s a missing elf who might have some answers, and Jay’s best friend is caught up in something dangerous…
Humanity hasn’t been alone for almost two thousand years. Elves, wolves, vampires, all joined together with mankind to eradicate the ‘darker’ races and maintained a tentative peace until modern times. Society adapted, everyone has rules that help keep the peace in this modern era. Yet, absolute genocide is impossible when talking about creatures beyond the pale. Some hid, some buried, other were re-purposed.
Some, like Jay Fields, pass for human with a little bit extra. His abilities didn’t belong to one of the major races, but any information was buried along with the long dead boogie men. All Jay cared about was those closest to him and a job that let him hit people. He used to be a bouncer at a bar, a part-time enforcer for a loan shark, and even a fight club champion. That was four years ago, before betrayal by someone close sent him packing.
Now he’s back and trying to recover a life he left behind. Questions of origin aren’t his only problems. His ex-girlfriend is a vampire. His part-time boss doesn’t think he’s up to snuff anymore. There’s a missing elf who might have some answers, and Jay’s best friend is caught up in something dangerous…
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2016
99 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Stephan Morse
14 books83 followersStephan Morse was born the year 1983 in San Diego. The next fifteen years were spent slowly escaping California and surviving a public education system. Thus far he's made it to the Seattle (WA) region with little desire to go further. When not trying to shove words together into sentences Stephan spends time reading, catching up on sleep, and otherwise living a mundane life.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 6, 2016
Stephan Morse contacted me here at Books and Beyond Reviews to review his book. I read the information and description with a small sense of trepidation. Not so much because of the description per se, but because it was a fantasy book. Some of you will remember my review of the fantasy-based steampunk horror, Skyships Over Innsmouth that I read, reviewed, and hated due to a somewhat inaccurate description. Given that was only my second foray into the world of fantasy proper after Sir Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, I was disappointed. But I thought I would give this one a chance.
One of the first things that hit me was the setting. Once Lost Lords is a fantasy story set in what appears to be a close approximation of Continental USA, not a fictional realm. Coupled with that is that rather than being set in a pseudo-Medieval era, this seems to be relatively modern; the population of Morse’s world have mobile phones, cars, all the sorts of simple tech we take for granted but would never see in a typical fantasy story. Already I am intrigued. The book continues to clamor for my attention in taking a simpler approach and not overwhelming with as many fantasy creatures as possible, keeping mostly to humans, elves, vampires and wolves. This meant for a greater chance to really get to know the subtleties of each character type.
The lead character, Jay Fields, is not your typical fantasy hero or villain either. He’s just a semi-human trying to make a living using what assets he has. In his case, his size and strength, and his ability to track people, casting his mind out over the land while holding something that belongs to them. This makes roles in finding lost people and debt collection fantastic lines of work for him. Beyond this, he collects all manner of trinkets, eats, and drinks a little more than he should. Very different from the usual fantasy leading man.
He gets caught up in something a bit darker when his friend, a law enforcement agent, needs to find someone. Things become strange when Jay can’t get any answers from his friend about what has him so worked up, what is so important about this case. All he is told is there is a massive quarter of a million dollar reward. One someone who might be able to shed some light on things, an elf named Evan, calls him Lord things get crazier. Jay finds himself in a race against time and his friend to find the answers to this whole mystery, along with answers about himself. Throw in an obsessive (sort of) ex-girlfriend who is also a partial vampire, and a short-tempered werewolf employer and Jay has plenty to contend with.
Stephan Morse has put together a wonderful fantasy story in Once Lost Lords. I was uncertain given my love of the works of Sir Terry Pratchett, and that I really didn’t take well to supposed-fantasy horror Skyships Over Innsmouth. But this book restored my faith in the genre, and having discovered there are more books in this series means there are more to enjoy. I found this book to be dark, yet humorous in a sarcastic way. The action elements were fast paced and well-placed, and the fantasy elements were well used making for the beginning of what could be a great series.
One of the first things that hit me was the setting. Once Lost Lords is a fantasy story set in what appears to be a close approximation of Continental USA, not a fictional realm. Coupled with that is that rather than being set in a pseudo-Medieval era, this seems to be relatively modern; the population of Morse’s world have mobile phones, cars, all the sorts of simple tech we take for granted but would never see in a typical fantasy story. Already I am intrigued. The book continues to clamor for my attention in taking a simpler approach and not overwhelming with as many fantasy creatures as possible, keeping mostly to humans, elves, vampires and wolves. This meant for a greater chance to really get to know the subtleties of each character type.
The lead character, Jay Fields, is not your typical fantasy hero or villain either. He’s just a semi-human trying to make a living using what assets he has. In his case, his size and strength, and his ability to track people, casting his mind out over the land while holding something that belongs to them. This makes roles in finding lost people and debt collection fantastic lines of work for him. Beyond this, he collects all manner of trinkets, eats, and drinks a little more than he should. Very different from the usual fantasy leading man.
He gets caught up in something a bit darker when his friend, a law enforcement agent, needs to find someone. Things become strange when Jay can’t get any answers from his friend about what has him so worked up, what is so important about this case. All he is told is there is a massive quarter of a million dollar reward. One someone who might be able to shed some light on things, an elf named Evan, calls him Lord things get crazier. Jay finds himself in a race against time and his friend to find the answers to this whole mystery, along with answers about himself. Throw in an obsessive (sort of) ex-girlfriend who is also a partial vampire, and a short-tempered werewolf employer and Jay has plenty to contend with.
Stephan Morse has put together a wonderful fantasy story in Once Lost Lords. I was uncertain given my love of the works of Sir Terry Pratchett, and that I really didn’t take well to supposed-fantasy horror Skyships Over Innsmouth. But this book restored my faith in the genre, and having discovered there are more books in this series means there are more to enjoy. I found this book to be dark, yet humorous in a sarcastic way. The action elements were fast paced and well-placed, and the fantasy elements were well used making for the beginning of what could be a great series.
November 8, 2016
I would never have even had heard of this book had I not spoken to the author. For those of you who like reading books about supernatural creatures etc, this is definitely a book to add to your list. I was definitely unexpectedly surprised with this book and found it a really good read.
The book follows Jay Fields as our main character. Jay lives in a world where elves, vampires, werewolves and other supernatural creatures live amongst us. Society is run through sectors and rules to keep the piece and help the world live mutually with one another. Jay is someone who seems human but also powers of his own, the power of tracking such supernatural creatures. Jay has returned to his life after four years away to an ex-girlfriend vampire who is still intent on making him hers and a boss/friend who isn't too pleased on his style anymore. Jay is now working a somewhat case involving a missing elf for a friend who is a sector agent when things get out of hand.
What was interesting about this book is that it takes an interesting view and story involving vampires, elves, werewolves etc. Sometimes it feels like the literary world just conjures up the same things over again i.e. a love story of human/vampire or an overly gory story. Although this story does still have some of the human/vampire love story part, Jay may not be very human himself and there is definitely something different. It doesn't overtake the story either. I really enjoyed the majority of characters and how they all played their parts in the story, with the exceptions of David. The story was also very well written and although not overly fast-paced, it definitely read at a decent pace and worked for the plot. I would also say that I enjoyed reading more about Jay as a character, the people he ran into and him trying to work out who/what he is more than him trying to catch his missing elf for his friend.
I wouldn't say there was anything in particular that I didn't enjoy in this book. I enjoyed everything I suppose!
Overall, definitely something new and interesting in the supernatural, maybe thriller/action genre from a more unknown author. It's great to see that such authors do have just as good or better writing skill than known authors too. I really enjoyed the use of making America within the realms of our own world too.
The book follows Jay Fields as our main character. Jay lives in a world where elves, vampires, werewolves and other supernatural creatures live amongst us. Society is run through sectors and rules to keep the piece and help the world live mutually with one another. Jay is someone who seems human but also powers of his own, the power of tracking such supernatural creatures. Jay has returned to his life after four years away to an ex-girlfriend vampire who is still intent on making him hers and a boss/friend who isn't too pleased on his style anymore. Jay is now working a somewhat case involving a missing elf for a friend who is a sector agent when things get out of hand.
What was interesting about this book is that it takes an interesting view and story involving vampires, elves, werewolves etc. Sometimes it feels like the literary world just conjures up the same things over again i.e. a love story of human/vampire or an overly gory story. Although this story does still have some of the human/vampire love story part, Jay may not be very human himself and there is definitely something different. It doesn't overtake the story either. I really enjoyed the majority of characters and how they all played their parts in the story, with the exceptions of David. The story was also very well written and although not overly fast-paced, it definitely read at a decent pace and worked for the plot. I would also say that I enjoyed reading more about Jay as a character, the people he ran into and him trying to work out who/what he is more than him trying to catch his missing elf for his friend.
I wouldn't say there was anything in particular that I didn't enjoy in this book. I enjoyed everything I suppose!
Overall, definitely something new and interesting in the supernatural, maybe thriller/action genre from a more unknown author. It's great to see that such authors do have just as good or better writing skill than known authors too. I really enjoyed the use of making America within the realms of our own world too.
June 5, 2017
It is often the world-building that draws me into a story. This book established its world in the very first paragraph. The very first sentence, actually, with the mention of elves and their tendency to form addictions. So while I was skeptical about reading a book featuring mythical humanoid beings, knowing how overdone this genre has become, I knew from the start that this one had something different to offer.
Characters are the second thing that will hook me on a book, and I admit I liked Jay from the start. It was weird. I don't normally fall for the rugged, rough around the edges type, but there was something about him that caught my attention. It made me want to keep reading. To find out more. What's his backstory? What makes him tick? And what were the details of the frightening situation with his vampire ex-girlfriend that made him leave town and stay away for four years? I needed to know, so I read on and was not disappointed with where that line of questioning took me.
I'm also a sucker for a good mystery, so Jay's quest to find out who or what he is became my quest as well. I was a little disappointed that those answers were not fully explained in this book, but it just makes me curious to read the next installment.
Characters are the second thing that will hook me on a book, and I admit I liked Jay from the start. It was weird. I don't normally fall for the rugged, rough around the edges type, but there was something about him that caught my attention. It made me want to keep reading. To find out more. What's his backstory? What makes him tick? And what were the details of the frightening situation with his vampire ex-girlfriend that made him leave town and stay away for four years? I needed to know, so I read on and was not disappointed with where that line of questioning took me.
I'm also a sucker for a good mystery, so Jay's quest to find out who or what he is became my quest as well. I was a little disappointed that those answers were not fully explained in this book, but it just makes me curious to read the next installment.
February 1, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was off to a great start it got me interested in the characters and the story. I was invested for most of the book. It took a few fantastic turns and had a great mystery surrounding it.
I felt that it was dragging on a bit in the middle and was a little confusing. It definitely picked up again in the last part of the book.
The characters were great. Each adding to the story. A couple of characters annoyed me at times, like Daniel and Evan. Overall they all kept me excited over the story. The main character Jay Fields, who seems Human, has a special gift of tracking others. Soon tries to figure out why an Elf he is tracking called him a Lord. He was a wonderful character to follow and was definitely my favorite.
In the end, I found Once Lost Lords a great story, filled with interesting characters that I was excited to know more about. I gave this books a 4/5.
I felt that it was dragging on a bit in the middle and was a little confusing. It definitely picked up again in the last part of the book.
The characters were great. Each adding to the story. A couple of characters annoyed me at times, like Daniel and Evan. Overall they all kept me excited over the story. The main character Jay Fields, who seems Human, has a special gift of tracking others. Soon tries to figure out why an Elf he is tracking called him a Lord. He was a wonderful character to follow and was definitely my favorite.
In the end, I found Once Lost Lords a great story, filled with interesting characters that I was excited to know more about. I gave this books a 4/5.
May 31, 2017
The story begins with the return of Jay Fields, although he uses other names to make finding him harder. Jay has been traveling around for the last 4 years and lots of things at home have changed and some have stayed the same.
Jay likes to hit people, he is like an enforcer. Basically, he does what he knows best to make a living. Jay is also a collector and he is pretty possessive when it comes to his treasures, really all things that he considers his. Jay is human with a few added abilities, due to a vampire bite when he was young or is he? Jay uses his ability to track down people who owe his boss Julianne money, he gets the money, something of value or he may teach them a lesson. Jay also rents an apartment from Julianne and works as a bouncer at her bar.
Throughout the book, we learn more and more about Jay actual origin. However, Jay can’t remember and the clues lead him to things that don’t make sense and yet seem familiar. Jay is tough and can hold his own against vampires, wolves, fairies and humans. We meet the people of his life. They are a strange group of individuals. There are lots of secrets that seem like only Jay doesn’t know.
Jay’s ex-girlfriend is Kahina, she is a vampire who hasn’t finished the transformation yet. She loves purple and apparently still loves Jay. She seems kind of pushy, yet she is there when he needs her.
Then there is Julianne, she is my favorite. She is tiny and still human. She runs the bar with no nonsense and a smart mouth. Julianne comes from the wolf pack, she just hasn’t transformed into a wolf. Her grandfather is the head of the pack and tolerates her bar and bookie business. Julianne cares about Jay, more than he realizes. She protects him and calls an intervention to help him. I love the way she and her brother banter back and forth. Julianne is one tough cookie.
What I like about the story is the way the author portrays the characters. There are the four main races who eradicated all the other races for peace and yet there are still the prejudice and fight for power, the secrets about the races eradicated and lost history. It proves that no matter what race you are, it’s what is inside you and how you treat your friends and family that matter.
My rating for this book is 4 stars. If you like to read fantasy, with a modern urban flair, I recommend this book, Once Lost Lords by Stephan Morse. This is the first book in what looks to be an exciting series, The Royal Scales. The second book in the series is also available so you won’t have to wait to continue with the story, Lady’s First Knight.
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
This book was given to the Baroness Book Trove for an honest review.
Jay likes to hit people, he is like an enforcer. Basically, he does what he knows best to make a living. Jay is also a collector and he is pretty possessive when it comes to his treasures, really all things that he considers his. Jay is human with a few added abilities, due to a vampire bite when he was young or is he? Jay uses his ability to track down people who owe his boss Julianne money, he gets the money, something of value or he may teach them a lesson. Jay also rents an apartment from Julianne and works as a bouncer at her bar.
Throughout the book, we learn more and more about Jay actual origin. However, Jay can’t remember and the clues lead him to things that don’t make sense and yet seem familiar. Jay is tough and can hold his own against vampires, wolves, fairies and humans. We meet the people of his life. They are a strange group of individuals. There are lots of secrets that seem like only Jay doesn’t know.
Jay’s ex-girlfriend is Kahina, she is a vampire who hasn’t finished the transformation yet. She loves purple and apparently still loves Jay. She seems kind of pushy, yet she is there when he needs her.
Then there is Julianne, she is my favorite. She is tiny and still human. She runs the bar with no nonsense and a smart mouth. Julianne comes from the wolf pack, she just hasn’t transformed into a wolf. Her grandfather is the head of the pack and tolerates her bar and bookie business. Julianne cares about Jay, more than he realizes. She protects him and calls an intervention to help him. I love the way she and her brother banter back and forth. Julianne is one tough cookie.
What I like about the story is the way the author portrays the characters. There are the four main races who eradicated all the other races for peace and yet there are still the prejudice and fight for power, the secrets about the races eradicated and lost history. It proves that no matter what race you are, it’s what is inside you and how you treat your friends and family that matter.
My rating for this book is 4 stars. If you like to read fantasy, with a modern urban flair, I recommend this book, Once Lost Lords by Stephan Morse. This is the first book in what looks to be an exciting series, The Royal Scales. The second book in the series is also available so you won’t have to wait to continue with the story, Lady’s First Knight.
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
This book was given to the Baroness Book Trove for an honest review.
October 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this story of a “hero” who was complex rather than the simple absolute best which is so common these days. Why would I want to read about someone who is so awesome that the ending is known before I even start reading.
Although Jay/Jeff did have power, he figured it out slowly along with me, his reader. It also didn’t make him perfect, but someone dealing with life challenges.
A most interesting read. I plan to read the next book in the series.
Although Jay/Jeff did have power, he figured it out slowly along with me, his reader. It also didn’t make him perfect, but someone dealing with life challenges.
A most interesting read. I plan to read the next book in the series.
February 4, 2019
Interesting concept
At first I wasn't sure about this novel. The writing stuttered a bit each time Jay\Jeff was using his power\ability. I wasn't sure what to expect but as I kept reading I found myself wondering just what he was. Not a vampire or werewolf or elf. Not a human even but I will say we don't quite find out by the end of this book. Which makes me as a reader definitely interested in the next book. Is he what I think? Time will tell.
At first I wasn't sure about this novel. The writing stuttered a bit each time Jay\Jeff was using his power\ability. I wasn't sure what to expect but as I kept reading I found myself wondering just what he was. Not a vampire or werewolf or elf. Not a human even but I will say we don't quite find out by the end of this book. Which makes me as a reader definitely interested in the next book. Is he what I think? Time will tell.
November 2, 2017
A beautiful bittersweet book
This author knows how to do first person writing well. He really gets you into the head of the protagonist. And as the for the protagonist "Jay" you can't help liking him. He's this lost gruff, tough, dude and its just fun to watch him trying to deal with his life and how it all seems to be crumbling around him.
This author knows how to do first person writing well. He really gets you into the head of the protagonist. And as the for the protagonist "Jay" you can't help liking him. He's this lost gruff, tough, dude and its just fun to watch him trying to deal with his life and how it all seems to be crumbling around him.
August 20, 2018
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.
December 28, 2018
Good read
Very good plot and believable characterizations. Moves quickly from start to finish. Looking forward to reading further stories from Stephan.
Very good plot and believable characterizations. Moves quickly from start to finish. Looking forward to reading further stories from Stephan.
March 23, 2024
Interesting premise, decent character development, solid writing.
October 22, 2016
This review will be very brief, because to be honest I’m not even sure what happened.
There was nothing intrinsically wrong with Once Lost Lords, I just wasn’t interested. It didn’t draw me in at all. I actually read 3 other books between starting and finishing this one (which, let me tell you, is not a good sign). I honestly don’t even know why I didn’t like it. I love vampires and elves and magic, but I just didn’t care who these characters were or what they were doing (to the extent that, although I only finished the book yesterday, I can’t remember what happened in it). Also, I never fully understood the 'lord' situation (I say not fully, what I really mean is not at all). I think this is the first part in a series, so maybe it would become clearer later, but it seemed weird to not understand something so central to the story.
I feel like the story line might have actually been quite good - and not totally badly written – I just could not get into it. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
There was nothing intrinsically wrong with Once Lost Lords, I just wasn’t interested. It didn’t draw me in at all. I actually read 3 other books between starting and finishing this one (which, let me tell you, is not a good sign). I honestly don’t even know why I didn’t like it. I love vampires and elves and magic, but I just didn’t care who these characters were or what they were doing (to the extent that, although I only finished the book yesterday, I can’t remember what happened in it). Also, I never fully understood the 'lord' situation (I say not fully, what I really mean is not at all). I think this is the first part in a series, so maybe it would become clearer later, but it seemed weird to not understand something so central to the story.
I feel like the story line might have actually been quite good - and not totally badly written – I just could not get into it. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2017
I downloaded Once Lost Lords as a free novel from Amazon. At times this author's writing style is difficult to grasp: vague concepts, poetry-like fugues, and an affinity for violence over conversation. Jay/Jeff is a unique and interesting character-- part brutish ass, part inept friend, and part berserker (it's never revealed what he is, but this is my best description of his rages). I don't get his relationship with Kahina at all, and I think more character development for her, and other secondary characters, may have added reader empathy and needed depth to the plot. This is not a book to read when you are prone to outside distraction. The storyline is layered and can be a challenge if the reader doesn't pay attention. But don't be discouraged, this book is worth sticking with.
April 15, 2017
It's complicated
This book reminded me of several Roger Zelazny books/series. The protagonist starts with little information about his past, his powers, or his place in the world. Stephan Morse takes on a journey with his characters to discover those secrets. I found reading this book both challenging and rewarding and after this review I'll read book number 2.
This book reminded me of several Roger Zelazny books/series. The protagonist starts with little information about his past, his powers, or his place in the world. Stephan Morse takes on a journey with his characters to discover those secrets. I found reading this book both challenging and rewarding and after this review I'll read book number 2.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews