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Beyond the Burning Sea: Book One of Fate's Crucible
"Beyond the Burning Sea", by T.B. Schmid and R.Wade Hodges:
It has been over two hundred and fifty years since the sky fell and the Young Gods died.
The pride of the Sea Kings' fleet, the SKS Peregrine, has done the impossible: she has traveled beyond the Burning Sea, long thought to be the southern edge of the world of Ruine. Now, all that remains of her crew struggle to find their way back, led by a young man bearing a book filled with dark secrets. A terrifying truth pursues them, while the Endless Dark of the ocean patiently waits below.
Back on the mainland, the city states of Gundlaan strive to form a united nation. On the fringe of its western frontier, there are whispers of a sinister force gathering. The Laegis Templars, the mortal remains of the Young Gods' army, are dispatched to deal with the problem, but in the vast and untamed Deckoran Wilds, Death itself is never far away...
It has been over two hundred and fifty years since the sky fell and the Young Gods died.
The pride of the Sea Kings' fleet, the SKS Peregrine, has done the impossible: she has traveled beyond the Burning Sea, long thought to be the southern edge of the world of Ruine. Now, all that remains of her crew struggle to find their way back, led by a young man bearing a book filled with dark secrets. A terrifying truth pursues them, while the Endless Dark of the ocean patiently waits below.
Back on the mainland, the city states of Gundlaan strive to form a united nation. On the fringe of its western frontier, there are whispers of a sinister force gathering. The Laegis Templars, the mortal remains of the Young Gods' army, are dispatched to deal with the problem, but in the vast and untamed Deckoran Wilds, Death itself is never far away...
- GenresFantasy
460 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2016
17 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Schmid
3 books29 followersTB Schmid lives in upstate New York with his family and two Norwegian Elk Hounds. He and author R.Wade Hodges are currently collaborating on a gritty, epic fantasy series entitled "Fate's Crucible". Book 1 of the series, "Beyond the Burning Sea", was released on 9/20/16, and Book 2, "Between the Darkness and Dust" was released 2/28/18. "Feral" was his first published work.
Lions of the Empire is an electronic publisher dedicated to delivering quality fantasy fiction. Lions of the Empire brings a lifetime love of fantasy and science fiction to all of our ebook and print releases. We are crafting accessible and affordable works that would be the kind of thing we've enjoyed reading for years. Independent and proud of it, we like to think of ourselves as a small batch craft brewery of fantasy goodness.
Lions of the Empire is an electronic publisher dedicated to delivering quality fantasy fiction. Lions of the Empire brings a lifetime love of fantasy and science fiction to all of our ebook and print releases. We are crafting accessible and affordable works that would be the kind of thing we've enjoyed reading for years. Independent and proud of it, we like to think of ourselves as a small batch craft brewery of fantasy goodness.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 7, 2016
I received a free copy of this book, but I would readily pay. I just finished Beyond the Burning Sea and this epic Fantasy world has me drawn in. Fate’s Crucible is a series that I will keep up on!
Maughrin is the living darkness, a demon dragon who destroyed the first world. The young gods imprisoned her, but they are all dead. The H’kaan are super human beings that carry Maughrin’s torch, but their presence has been scarce since Maughrin’s demise at Ehronfall.
New vocabulary aside, the people of Ruin have a thriving world, in spite of their dead young gods. They find themselves besieged by the enemies their dead deities sought to eliminate. Beyond the Burning Sea tells the tale of Ruin’s people discovering the threat and carrying on to deliver the news. Bore not, Dear Reader! It isn’t as simple as all that.
Triistan is cast away, starving, and struggling to deliver news of Ruin’s fate to the Sea Kings. Fellow stowaways threaten his secret and his life.
Casselle, one of the first women to join the Templars, the knights of Ruin. Her squad is digging girl power, but most of the old guys on shift don’t like the idea. It’s awesome to read about woman soldiers. My sister was in the US Army and defended American freedom. Women kick ass and deserve to be heroes for their tribulations. They are brave and strong, and capable of a love that this male reader thinks many men don’t understand. I appreciate reading about a woman war veteran in a time when reality mirrors fantasy. It’s a trope I hope to read a lot more about. I get weepy and patriotic just thinking about it.
Casselle happens to be a large and strong woman, capable of the physical feats her male counterparts can perform. I think about Rowdy Rhonda Rousey, who could certainly strangle you or me (I could probably strangle you, too, but definitely not Rhonda!) Her male team mates back up her leadership and the fact that she’s the first lady to become a Templar. The organization used to be the militia for the young gods, but now local armies can match their strength.
Also the shipwreck with Triistan and Dreysha will draw you in. Her allegiances push her to uncover his secret, but what is the cost? I fell in love with them both, will they get along?
He knows a secret that will change the world and she will stop at nothing to learn it! What a beautiful way to go about world building! Announce that there is a “new world” while casually unfolding the “old world”.
Ruin has two suns. The bright sun setting and leaving behind its dull sister for a long evening has enthralled my imagination.
Buy this book, this quote explains why: “Once again he felt a strong compunction to hurl the book over the rail; there was such a long shadow of misery that trailed from its pages all the way back to Aarden’s heart of darkness”
Maughrin is the living darkness, a demon dragon who destroyed the first world. The young gods imprisoned her, but they are all dead. The H’kaan are super human beings that carry Maughrin’s torch, but their presence has been scarce since Maughrin’s demise at Ehronfall.
New vocabulary aside, the people of Ruin have a thriving world, in spite of their dead young gods. They find themselves besieged by the enemies their dead deities sought to eliminate. Beyond the Burning Sea tells the tale of Ruin’s people discovering the threat and carrying on to deliver the news. Bore not, Dear Reader! It isn’t as simple as all that.
Triistan is cast away, starving, and struggling to deliver news of Ruin’s fate to the Sea Kings. Fellow stowaways threaten his secret and his life.
Casselle, one of the first women to join the Templars, the knights of Ruin. Her squad is digging girl power, but most of the old guys on shift don’t like the idea. It’s awesome to read about woman soldiers. My sister was in the US Army and defended American freedom. Women kick ass and deserve to be heroes for their tribulations. They are brave and strong, and capable of a love that this male reader thinks many men don’t understand. I appreciate reading about a woman war veteran in a time when reality mirrors fantasy. It’s a trope I hope to read a lot more about. I get weepy and patriotic just thinking about it.
Casselle happens to be a large and strong woman, capable of the physical feats her male counterparts can perform. I think about Rowdy Rhonda Rousey, who could certainly strangle you or me (I could probably strangle you, too, but definitely not Rhonda!) Her male team mates back up her leadership and the fact that she’s the first lady to become a Templar. The organization used to be the militia for the young gods, but now local armies can match their strength.
Also the shipwreck with Triistan and Dreysha will draw you in. Her allegiances push her to uncover his secret, but what is the cost? I fell in love with them both, will they get along?
He knows a secret that will change the world and she will stop at nothing to learn it! What a beautiful way to go about world building! Announce that there is a “new world” while casually unfolding the “old world”.
Ruin has two suns. The bright sun setting and leaving behind its dull sister for a long evening has enthralled my imagination.
Buy this book, this quote explains why: “Once again he felt a strong compunction to hurl the book over the rail; there was such a long shadow of misery that trailed from its pages all the way back to Aarden’s heart of darkness”
October 23, 2024
I read this book for the SPFBO (Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off) contest.
Beyond the Burning Sea was my personal favourite of the books I read for SPFBO, and I was really impressed by it. It’s enormous in scope and ambition, with great characters, beautiful writing, and original settings. The authors seem to have a knack for vividly bringing to life all the locations in the book and making them immersive, whether we’re adrift at sea or encountering ancient ruins in the depths of a jungle. I loved the deep worldbuilding and the sense of mysteries being uncovered, and I thought the book was doing things that few other epic fantasies do. This is a big story, with big consequences, but the authors never take the focus away from the characters who are living it.
On the downside, there were some minor structural issues in the first third of the book: a big time jump after chapter one (if chapter one had been a prologue, that little issue would have disappeared, IMO) and a few too many things told in flashback. There was also an unnecessary and over-long epilogue.
I do feel the cover lets the book down a little, but don’t let that put you off. As soon as I finished it, I went and bought the sequel, which is the biggest complement you can give a book, in my opinion, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
9/10 for the purposes of SPFBO.
Beyond the Burning Sea was my personal favourite of the books I read for SPFBO, and I was really impressed by it. It’s enormous in scope and ambition, with great characters, beautiful writing, and original settings. The authors seem to have a knack for vividly bringing to life all the locations in the book and making them immersive, whether we’re adrift at sea or encountering ancient ruins in the depths of a jungle. I loved the deep worldbuilding and the sense of mysteries being uncovered, and I thought the book was doing things that few other epic fantasies do. This is a big story, with big consequences, but the authors never take the focus away from the characters who are living it.
On the downside, there were some minor structural issues in the first third of the book: a big time jump after chapter one (if chapter one had been a prologue, that little issue would have disappeared, IMO) and a few too many things told in flashback. There was also an unnecessary and over-long epilogue.
I do feel the cover lets the book down a little, but don’t let that put you off. As soon as I finished it, I went and bought the sequel, which is the biggest complement you can give a book, in my opinion, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
9/10 for the purposes of SPFBO.
November 11, 2016
Wow !
I have not enjoyed a book this much in a loooong time.
For only the second published work by this author this book was written to a VERY high level of skill.
The story, world settings, and characters are deep and well detailed. The sense of adventure and mystery pulled me right along like only a best selling author of high fantasy could. Why are these guys not on a best sellers list ?
I will put this book up against ANY recent fantasy bestseller in a heartbeat !
When is the next one guys ?
I'm dying to find out what happens to Tris and the crew !
Your NEW # 1 fan .......
I have not enjoyed a book this much in a loooong time.
For only the second published work by this author this book was written to a VERY high level of skill.
The story, world settings, and characters are deep and well detailed. The sense of adventure and mystery pulled me right along like only a best selling author of high fantasy could. Why are these guys not on a best sellers list ?
I will put this book up against ANY recent fantasy bestseller in a heartbeat !
When is the next one guys ?
I'm dying to find out what happens to Tris and the crew !
Your NEW # 1 fan .......
April 26, 2025
8. 25/10
I read this as judge (Fantasy Faction) for SPFBOX — despite the flaws; needs another pass of editing, the two parts of the story (sea based and land based) could be merged more evenly and could be a tad shorter this is an excellent story with the potential to be an awesome epic fantasy.
I absolutely loved the prologue, it sent chills up my spine and gave me Malazan vibes (the huge statues, broken chains and maybe an escaped god?).
The world building was very well done, the newly discovered territory seen through the eyes and the artwork of a young inexperienced sailor.
The young female Templar on land was another favourite character - she doesn't fit the expectations of her gender and of course bullied for it. However her large muscular frame and her empathy are huge positives and I absolutely adore her.
27.04.25 - picked up the sequel to this today. Between the Darkness and Dust (on Kobo plus)
I read this as judge (Fantasy Faction) for SPFBOX — despite the flaws; needs another pass of editing, the two parts of the story (sea based and land based) could be merged more evenly and could be a tad shorter this is an excellent story with the potential to be an awesome epic fantasy.
I absolutely loved the prologue, it sent chills up my spine and gave me Malazan vibes (the huge statues, broken chains and maybe an escaped god?).
The world building was very well done, the newly discovered territory seen through the eyes and the artwork of a young inexperienced sailor.
The young female Templar on land was another favourite character - she doesn't fit the expectations of her gender and of course bullied for it. However her large muscular frame and her empathy are huge positives and I absolutely adore her.
27.04.25 - picked up the sequel to this today. Between the Darkness and Dust (on Kobo plus)
December 10, 2016
Before warned, reading this book may ruin other books for you. The word pictures created by these two authors are some of the best I've ever encountered. While avoiding being too verbose, they quickly create a world and characters in which you become completely absorbed. I cannot wait for the next installment.
January 8, 2018
I love the story and while the start was rocky I came to really care for the characters. I’m REALLY glad book two will be out this year because I need to know MORE THINGS.
dnf
October 16, 2024Beyond The Burning Sea by T.B. Schmid & R. Wade Hodges
I did like the start, but overall the story felt too slow, and a bit confusing at first. The world and mystery were really interesting, but it took me a bit to get the into the characters and actually get immersed into the story.
A big plus for me where what seems to be a neurodivergent character, and a female fighter who felt well rounded.
Overall it just didn’t grab me enough to keep reading all the way through though.
I did like the start, but overall the story felt too slow, and a bit confusing at first. The world and mystery were really interesting, but it took me a bit to get the into the characters and actually get immersed into the story.
A big plus for me where what seems to be a neurodivergent character, and a female fighter who felt well rounded.
Overall it just didn’t grab me enough to keep reading all the way through though.
April 20, 2020
A free book has never been more of a gift until this one... To anyone who is in need of every one of their heartstrings plucked, read this book and I promise you that you won't regret it. All readers can find something they enjoy here. This book just set a new standard for me.
Here before this blows up in the future :)
Here before this blows up in the future :)
June 13, 2025
I wanted to like this book, and from what I can tell book 2 is well liked. I'll not be finding out, however. I found it to be poorly written, although not terrible. Most of the book was much too long and long winded. I kept finding myself asking why we were still talking about the same thing 20 pages longer than we should have been. And the biggest thing for me is pretty much that not much of consequence happens in the book. It was also boring. I could probably give you the gist of the two storylines in 30 seconds apiece. Other people seem to think higher of it than me though, so keep that in mind. But I was disappointed.
December 16, 2024
"Beyond the Burning Sea" by T. B. Schmid was one of the 2024 Semifinalists for the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off book awards. I decided to read the preview (about 30%) of each Semifinalist to help me decide on my 2025 TBR!
This story opens with Captain Vaelysia and her crew on the cusp of a massive discovery, a new land. No one goes beyond the Burning Sea, and they did. What glories await? What treasures? What horrors? The world they left behind also seems to be in strife, with public riots flooding the streets and breaking the gates. I appreciated the construction of characters thus far and feel this plot is only going to get more engaging. It is definitely on my 2025 reading list!
This story opens with Captain Vaelysia and her crew on the cusp of a massive discovery, a new land. No one goes beyond the Burning Sea, and they did. What glories await? What treasures? What horrors? The world they left behind also seems to be in strife, with public riots flooding the streets and breaking the gates. I appreciated the construction of characters thus far and feel this plot is only going to get more engaging. It is definitely on my 2025 reading list!
December 22, 2024
This book is well written. It has many words, but it does not have any mention of Monch, the most valiant and handsomest warrior of all literature. This is purely an objective opinion.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews