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Terraunum Origins #0.5
Against the Beast
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here
One man can stop the monster. Will he rise up, or will he be the next victim?
One man can stop the monster. Will he rise up, or will he be the next victim?
In Terraunum, Rangers are the most powerful Marvels in the military. Blessed with Quantum Powers, they are the special forces assigned the missions no one else wants, or can even do.
Royn Crowell’s first assignment is a tough one - stranded on the West Side of the Breaks with a commanding officer that hates him and unwilling to let him to use his gifts.
Talk of demons finally forces the captain’s hand, and sends Royn on his first mission. Unfortunately he comes face to face with the most feared creature in Terraunum. With the situation getting worse by the minute, can Royn find a way to defeat the monsters, or will his death mark the first in a long line and threaten all humans on Terraunum?
Sword and Sorcery, Superhero, Military, and Steampunk elements combine in the fast-paced, action packed adventure in Terraunum, where monsters and men clash in a battle for survival.
The first novella in the “Terraunum Origins” series, chronicling the characters from FIRE EYES AWAKENED, first book in the “Marvels of Terraunum” series coming out in 2017.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2016
9 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Batla
11 books175 followersR.J. Batla is a fantasy author and fan of the genre. He’s working on series in both epic and urban fantasy, and likes to write fast paced books that take the reader on an adventure that they can see in their mind. His books reflect influences from novels, comic books, manga, and other cartoons/media, and he joys in blending in these elements in his books.
Author, Christian, Husband, and Father, R.J. Batla enjoys everything outdoors and takes as much time as he can with his family. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him outside (thinking about writing), working out (and thinking about writing) or various other places (all while thinking about writing).
To get a FREE BOOK, visit his website at www.rjbatla.com and sign up for my mailing list.
Follow, like, or email, he'd love to hear from you!
Twitter: @RJBatlaAuthor
Facebook: fb.me/rjbatlaauthor
Email: rjbatlaauthor@gmail.com
Author, Christian, Husband, and Father, R.J. Batla enjoys everything outdoors and takes as much time as he can with his family. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him outside (thinking about writing), working out (and thinking about writing) or various other places (all while thinking about writing).
To get a FREE BOOK, visit his website at www.rjbatla.com and sign up for my mailing list.
Follow, like, or email, he'd love to hear from you!
Twitter: @RJBatlaAuthor
Facebook: fb.me/rjbatlaauthor
Email: rjbatlaauthor@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 14, 2018
My rating 4.8
The short story Against the Beast (Terraunum Origins 0.5) by R.J. Batla is very well written and read it in one breath. I think this is the beginning of a promising book and I would love to read the sequel. The action is happening in the land Terraunum and the story follows, ranger Royn Crowell, who got his first assignment in the army. But what seems like a simple mission will turn into a dangerous task. Royn's life will be at stake because the enemies he encounters are more than dangerous. The plot of the story is tense and forcing you to read, but high-maintenance that will appeal to readers of fantasy.
The short story Against the Beast (Terraunum Origins 0.5) by R.J. Batla is very well written and read it in one breath. I think this is the beginning of a promising book and I would love to read the sequel. The action is happening in the land Terraunum and the story follows, ranger Royn Crowell, who got his first assignment in the army. But what seems like a simple mission will turn into a dangerous task. Royn's life will be at stake because the enemies he encounters are more than dangerous. The plot of the story is tense and forcing you to read, but high-maintenance that will appeal to readers of fantasy.
April 20, 2017
Short but intense is how I would describe this one. This is Royn's first assignment and boy is it rough. Rumors are going around that something is killing people, and Royn has to figure out what. There are powers associated with the elements that people can develop as well as some extra ones. Royn happens to have a handy set of powers that help keep him alive while fighting some pretty scary monsters. Besides orcs and regular nasty things there is a new monster in town and there were a couple of places were the things it likes to do started to raise the hair on my arms. Creepy. It has really got me interested in the rest of the series, and I'm really hoping to see more of Royn. There is violence, and no adult content.
April 20, 2017
This book is not normally in my range of books that I read but I decided to give it a chance and I am glad that I did. The author new to me and their work is extremely well written, there are no major plot fails , And the book seems to flow well for me. The characters are interesting and grab your attention.
April 19, 2017
a well written story but felt there was too many creatures and elements that i felt didnt work. I felt the crossovers between superheroes,rangers and more. Some parts felt a little too fast paced and lacked enough information.
April 20, 2017
This isn't usually my kind of read but I must say that I truly enjoyed this mix of fantasy and military. The Author creates a world that grabs the imagination. I was absolutely all in from the beginning of this fast paced story of war, mystical magical creatures, and superheroes.
April 19, 2017
This is novella was action packed. Against the Beast was a different mix with using the Military, Rangers and sci Fi. With a great storyline this is a great quick read!
April 17, 2017
A thrilling fast-paced story that introduced this new fantasy world of magic and monsters.
I enjoyed the suspense and action. The main character was likeable with a good courageous heart.
I look forward to reading more from this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
I enjoyed the suspense and action. The main character was likeable with a good courageous heart.
I look forward to reading more from this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
April 18, 2017
I am not normally one to pick up a book about battles or battle scenes, but this book truly caught my attention! Of course this writer mixed a war with mystical creatures and yep, right there I got hooked! As with all books it is the hope of the writer that reading one will spark your interest to read more of their work and I found this book to be successful! Mystical battles, being fought by characters that a reader can imagine springing to life? Winner! Fantasy and Paranormal fans that don't mind battles should really enjoy this! This voluntary review is based against a Kindle Unlimited copy
December 13, 2016
I very much enjoyed the mix of military action with superhero powers, and Against the Beast DELIVERS! The early chapters drew me in by a combination of well written action with a layer of darkness and horror concerning the enemy, the gruesome Skeptors. The author has also succeeded in building an interesting world, and as I read about the marvels and the various powered races that populate the story, I was left wanting MORE by the end of this book! Well written, suitable for 12+ and I think an audience that appreciates action and powered heroes will enjoy this one!
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January 7, 2017Great book
The plot line of the book was a little fast and seemed a little unexplained but I guess that's expected in a novella great book really interesting world and powers can't wait to read the next book
The plot line of the book was a little fast and seemed a little unexplained but I guess that's expected in a novella great book really interesting world and powers can't wait to read the next book
July 7, 2022
i loved this Novella , it was fast paced and exciting , and it just pulled me in all the way , i thought the characters and there powers were well thought out , the enemies were different unique
The world building was amazing and storyline was one of the best i have read in a while , obvisously i need to read more of this authors books .
But overall , one of the best novellas i have read in a while ,
basically “Private Royn Crowell, is a Senturians , but he has been sent to this outpost where he is treated like an outcast , and then is sent on a mission , just to get rid of him ,yes he will be able to use his powers , and more than one , he has been sent to find the disturbances in the forest , and was told not to come back until he had found it , or could prove what it was , not a simple mission , and now the smell of death and what he finds in the cave not far away from the people who have been slaughtered Royn must not only fight whats outside in the forest but everytime he goes back to the captain at the oputpost it feels like hes fighting him too , as the captain does not listen to him . and when its to late its a fight to the death as the Senturians fight unknow creatures on there doorstep , and not only them there are orcs and other nasty creatures to fight as well , find the truth of what these monsters are up to and how they stop them .
The world building was amazing and storyline was one of the best i have read in a while , obvisously i need to read more of this authors books .
But overall , one of the best novellas i have read in a while ,
basically “Private Royn Crowell, is a Senturians , but he has been sent to this outpost where he is treated like an outcast , and then is sent on a mission , just to get rid of him ,yes he will be able to use his powers , and more than one , he has been sent to find the disturbances in the forest , and was told not to come back until he had found it , or could prove what it was , not a simple mission , and now the smell of death and what he finds in the cave not far away from the people who have been slaughtered Royn must not only fight whats outside in the forest but everytime he goes back to the captain at the oputpost it feels like hes fighting him too , as the captain does not listen to him . and when its to late its a fight to the death as the Senturians fight unknow creatures on there doorstep , and not only them there are orcs and other nasty creatures to fight as well , find the truth of what these monsters are up to and how they stop them .
August 22, 2021
An absolutely fantastic short novel from The Senturians of Terraunum series, we follow a young Ranger Royn, a half breed, a highly trained Senturian in the magical elements, mind communicating and teleportation, has been posted in Terraunum, his Captain doesn't like him very much and sends him out to investigate what is happening with the local villagers and discovers a Monster a Sceptor, two of them and their building an army from the rendered souls of their victims, using juiced up Orcs, Goblins and other creatures, a fable from every soldiers nightmares is coming to fruition, will our super hero save the day, check it out to find out, in this story we see Royn coming into his new super powers and also see the development of his character and the strong leader he will become in the main series, really enjoyable read, fast paced with lots of magic and action, highly recommend....😁
May 30, 2017
Enter a fantasy world full of all the elements you love and expect to find in a Fantasy, but with the added benifit of having superpowered super heros!
This was a free download RJ Batla offers for signing up for his newsletter. There is not a lot of character developent or world building but this book is meant to hook you and make you want to find out more and there is just enough to get the job done. This is, however, a fast paced thrill ride from chapter one that you will not put down till the end.
RJ Batla has created a unique world that has lots of potential and I can't wait to dive into the world of Terraunaum and see were the story takes me.
This was a free download RJ Batla offers for signing up for his newsletter. There is not a lot of character developent or world building but this book is meant to hook you and make you want to find out more and there is just enough to get the job done. This is, however, a fast paced thrill ride from chapter one that you will not put down till the end.
RJ Batla has created a unique world that has lots of potential and I can't wait to dive into the world of Terraunaum and see were the story takes me.
June 24, 2019
I was hooked from from page 1!
The description of the environments = sounds, smells, colors, etc was so clear I felt I was there. R J Carla has been a master of creativity by combining some already known "creature" traits e.g. Trolls being slow and stupid etc with new and fresh types
I was shocked when the book ended and was confused as to why but when I realised it is a prequel I couldn't wait to start the next book.
Don't read this if you are looking for a multitude of characters with a lengthy plot full of twists and turns that has your brain feeling exhausted.
Clear, simple, clever with an injection of good fun humour that's what I think this is. Simply a good read
The description of the environments = sounds, smells, colors, etc was so clear I felt I was there. R J Carla has been a master of creativity by combining some already known "creature" traits e.g. Trolls being slow and stupid etc with new and fresh types
I was shocked when the book ended and was confused as to why but when I realised it is a prequel I couldn't wait to start the next book.
Don't read this if you are looking for a multitude of characters with a lengthy plot full of twists and turns that has your brain feeling exhausted.
Clear, simple, clever with an injection of good fun humour that's what I think this is. Simply a good read
September 4, 2021
This was an interesting read for sure, a good combination between fantasy, modern technologies and a pinch of superpowers. Our protagonist is a young man, ranger Royne, who despite having awesome powers is underused by the camp commander.
But he gets a chance to prove himself when he gets sent to a mission to discover some dangerous foe. He gets more than he bargained when he stumbled on a creature tought to be a legend, a deadly one.
Royn proves to be a great character, that wants to help and do good, and it shows that he has a promising future.
But he gets a chance to prove himself when he gets sent to a mission to discover some dangerous foe. He gets more than he bargained when he stumbled on a creature tought to be a legend, a deadly one.
Royn proves to be a great character, that wants to help and do good, and it shows that he has a promising future.
August 28, 2018
The book had good details and was engaging enough to keep my 11 year old interested in reading past an hour. Sadly it was too short and had vulgar language that I had to skip and could not allow him to have his turn at reading for fear of him reading one out, this the loss of a star.
April 1, 2019
This is a great origin story for Royn Crowell, one of the great characters from R.J. Batla's series The Senturians of Terraunum. His blending genres is unique and his stories have a way of drawing you in. I highly recommend checking this one out. Join his newsletter and get it for free.
July 2, 2019
Loads of action
This was definitely worth giving a read and has me now intrigued to dive into the main Terraunum series. Recommend if you enjoy action packed fantasy with creatures, orcs, elves, and of course magic!
This was definitely worth giving a read and has me now intrigued to dive into the main Terraunum series. Recommend if you enjoy action packed fantasy with creatures, orcs, elves, and of course magic!
October 2, 2020
An amazing read!! The action starts out fast and just keeps going. This book is a page turner and I didn't stop until I was done. R. J. has now become a favorite author and I'm looking forward to more spine tingling adventures.
October 7, 2020
I liked the concept of the story, but it moved way too quick. It also felt like it had a strong religious theme to it, which is fine, but it felt a little out of place. I was a little bit disappointed in the world building, but it moved too fast for real world building.
May 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this quick read. Here is my review.
https://rosesarehappy.wordpress.com/2...
https://rosesarehappy.wordpress.com/2...
June 5, 2018
A deep journey into fantasy that was exceptionally & wonderfully written by R. J. Batla sci fi doesn't get any better. I loved it!!
June 8, 2018
Wonderful! thoughtfully plotted and executed,great characters and action!World-building is talented,and it shows...all in all,a thoroughly exciting read. RECOMMENDED!
July 17, 2018
Awesome
This novella is a great introduction to this fantastic world. The characters are wonderful and there’s plenty of action. It left me wanting more
This novella is a great introduction to this fantastic world. The characters are wonderful and there’s plenty of action. It left me wanting more
August 27, 2018
I really liked this book.
It is non-stop adventure--it grabbed me by the hand and did not let me go.
It is non-stop adventure--it grabbed me by the hand and did not let me go.
February 22, 2019
This is unfair. I need more. This book is a great read, very brief but very interesting. I kept imagining turning the book into a movie. Definitely won't be my last by this author.
May 19, 2019
This amazing story might be short but totally enjoyable.
June 20, 2019
This is a great short story to start a new series off. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and think you will too.
July 1, 2018
Kinda hard to describe this, but for me, it was like Epic Fantasy meets Avatar: The Last Airbender, then add a dash of DnD. I was pleasantly surprised at how well everything clicked. It worked perfectly together and didn't feel forced.
The story is pretty straightforward but gives a fun ride for the reader. My only qualm was that I would have liked a bit more depth. Buuuut, this is an Origins story and they have a tendency to be a tad less in-depth. Also, may have something to do with the fact that I had just finished reading a couple large novels before diving into this.
Overall, it was a fun, enjoyable, quick read! It was also a nice introduction into Terraunum!
Can't wait to read more by R.J. in the future, especially in the Terraunum world.
The story is pretty straightforward but gives a fun ride for the reader. My only qualm was that I would have liked a bit more depth. Buuuut, this is an Origins story and they have a tendency to be a tad less in-depth. Also, may have something to do with the fact that I had just finished reading a couple large novels before diving into this.
Overall, it was a fun, enjoyable, quick read! It was also a nice introduction into Terraunum!
Can't wait to read more by R.J. in the future, especially in the Terraunum world.
June 8, 2018
We have all faced that one boss.
Keep trying to explain there seems to be more going on. Yet they are way to angry, busy, or just whatever to listen. So there we are stuck dealing with the situation. This man definitely did that and more! Love this whole series!
Keep trying to explain there seems to be more going on. Yet they are way to angry, busy, or just whatever to listen. So there we are stuck dealing with the situation. This man definitely did that and more! Love this whole series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews