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Arrows and Archers #2
The Night Archers
A failed test. Ruined crops. Night archers.
The war against the rebels rages, and Riverside’s famous cavalry is called to the King’s aid, leaving behind the women, children, and Gavynn.
Gavynn knows why he was the only man left behind. Every day in the town is a painful reminder. But storms, sickness, and sudden danger threaten his people, forcing him into an unexpected role.
Could his failure be a blessing in disguise?
The war against the rebels rages, and Riverside’s famous cavalry is called to the King’s aid, leaving behind the women, children, and Gavynn.
Gavynn knows why he was the only man left behind. Every day in the town is a painful reminder. But storms, sickness, and sudden danger threaten his people, forcing him into an unexpected role.
Could his failure be a blessing in disguise?
- GenresFantasy
60 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2019
2 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Kate Willis
27 books574 followersKate (Willis) Hoppman is a follower of Jesus and lover of words. She enjoys quiet afternoons reading or watching movies with her nerdy husband, baking tall cakes, and cuddling her dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
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July 10, 2019At long last, this book is live! Thank you all for your patience and excitement. :D
Its target audience is once again 8-12-year-olds, but it's been enjoyed by readers of all ages. ;)
Its target audience is once again 8-12-year-olds, but it's been enjoyed by readers of all ages. ;)
July 11, 2019
I had the privilege of beta reading this book, and it was really pretty awesome. I was able to read it again after it had been published, and it was totally, entirely, and completely awesome. It is a sequel to The Twin Arrows and takes place within the same area as the first book, although it doesn't follow the same characters with the exception of when Sir Larkin and Drewin make an appearance. The story takes place in the aftermath of the events set in motion in The Twin Arrows, and follows the story of a working-class young man named Gavynn, who is left behind when the rest of the men from his town leave to join the King's army. Throughout the story he has to deal with the shame of being left behind while at the same time trying to take the lead and keep his town alive. With almost certain destruction closing in on the town, Gavynn is forced to face his own fears for the sake of those who depend on him. I found many of the characters intriguing, especially the boys under Gavynn's command, and how the peril they were all in drew them together as one. I had some confusion about Gavynn himself during the Beta reading process, but in the final draft his personal story was much more clearly related and you felt like you got to really know him, even though the book is only 60 pages long.
In summary, I would highly recommend you read this book, and be sure to check out its prequel The Twin Arrows as well.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. I would have bought and reviewed it anyway
In summary, I would highly recommend you read this book, and be sure to check out its prequel The Twin Arrows as well.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. I would have bought and reviewed it anyway
😜
August 22, 2022
Ooo, I really enjoyed that! A beautiful lesson on what it means to be brave...it's not not being afraid, it's pushing through that intense fear for the ones you love! Omgoodness! My heart melted for poor Gavynn!!! (Also, LOVE his name!!!!) Just, ack! This story was so beautiful and just...yes! I love this!!!
Highly recommend it for lovers of MG mild fantasy with a powerful message!!!!
Highly recommend it for lovers of MG mild fantasy with a powerful message!!!!
January 12, 2021
I think I liked this book better than the first one! I loved all the characters... except the bad guys of course;) I loved the eagerness of the archers, and I loved what Lord Arcella said to Gavynn at the end!<3
February 18, 2021
I love, love, love this little story! The characters, the supposedly coward hero, the sweet friends, and his family all made this a need to read story for medieval fiction readers!
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
September 5, 2024
5 stars. I didn’t love the first book, although it was good, but this one was so good. I fell in love with Gavynn from the first. So broken but so strong and courageous. My only objection is a hug between Gavynn & Farren and the only thing which takes off half a star is that sometimes the language was a bit too modern, which personally breaks into the setting for me. But I loved the names. I loved the medieval setting. I love Farren (blind characters <3) and Caelan and the zephyrs and the stepmother and... alllll the other characters. I loved the lesson of the book. I couldn’t put this down... not in a edge-of-my-seat sort of way, but in a I’m-in-a-beautiful-world sort of way.
A Favourite Quote: “Even his own failure and brokenness had been used by God.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Later when night and day passed each other and bowed in solemn greeting…”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Why did you tell him we were apprentices?’ he hissed.
‘I was apprenticed to my father, and now you’re apprenticed to me. I’ll walk you through.’
“Gavynn muttered.
“‘He’s a peddler by the look of him, and he’ll have news,’ Caelan added. ‘You’re stuck at home, and I miss my father. We could use a little news of the outside world.’
“‘Stuck is right, and now I’ve been apprenticed,’ Gavynn grumbled.”
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review but I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest opinions.*
A Favourite Quote: “Even his own failure and brokenness had been used by God.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Later when night and day passed each other and bowed in solemn greeting…”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Why did you tell him we were apprentices?’ he hissed.
‘I was apprenticed to my father, and now you’re apprenticed to me. I’ll walk you through.’
“Gavynn muttered.
“‘He’s a peddler by the look of him, and he’ll have news,’ Caelan added. ‘You’re stuck at home, and I miss my father. We could use a little news of the outside world.’
“‘Stuck is right, and now I’ve been apprenticed,’ Gavynn grumbled.”
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review but I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest opinions.*
October 21, 2021
So, I really liked the first book in this series, but I loved this one. The beginning of this book gives an impression of Gavynn as a flawed young man, rejected by the king's army with a fear of water. I felt sorry for him because he was ridiculed by young boys.
By the end his help and protection of his village had me cheering.
And the ending? Oh my, was that a party in my head!
Ms. Willis is a talented author. I am so looking forward to many books in her future.
By the end his help and protection of his village had me cheering.
And the ending? Oh my, was that a party in my head!
Ms. Willis is a talented author. I am so looking forward to many books in her future.
November 17, 2020
I just re-read this little gem. Not only is it a fun story, but it's full of great characters and themes!
And it features Sir Larkin, which is pretty awesome.
2020>> This story is amazing. Gavynn is an epic character who had realistic struggles and relatable reactions to life. I need another book about him.
And it features Sir Larkin, which is pretty awesome.
2020>> This story is amazing. Gavynn is an epic character who had realistic struggles and relatable reactions to life. I need another book about him.
Want to Read
July 6, 2018YAS, first reader to mark it as tbr!
April 8, 2019
This was a powerful story I just completed. To see God's providence woven so clearly throughout the pages of a book is a rare treat, indeed. I enjoyed ever minute of reading this!
July 28, 2019
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
“The Night Archers” is a story about hope, purpose and second chances. It is about overcoming the past and trusting God’s provision.
This novel was an enjoyable read with a simple plot that was enriched by flashbacks of Gavynn, the main character’s, past. Something small, but significant that I loved is the relationship Gavynn has with younger boys - the way he treats them shows true character. I also loved the poetic description the author included throughout the book.
Although the target audience is 8-12, this story is worth reading for any age. A book I can most definitely recommend!
4 ½ stars from 5
“The Night Archers” is a story about hope, purpose and second chances. It is about overcoming the past and trusting God’s provision.
This novel was an enjoyable read with a simple plot that was enriched by flashbacks of Gavynn, the main character’s, past. Something small, but significant that I loved is the relationship Gavynn has with younger boys - the way he treats them shows true character. I also loved the poetic description the author included throughout the book.
Although the target audience is 8-12, this story is worth reading for any age. A book I can most definitely recommend!
4 ½ stars from 5
August 7, 2021
Whew! What a heart-pounding read! I loved the layers of action, questions being revealed and answered, and character development that is so wonderfully arranged that you just HAVE to keep reading! A short, sensational, and even sweet read. I hope the author writes more of these—the medieval village life is something I don’t read about often and she does it so well. The setting is rich, abc even though the book is short, the characters don’t feel flat at all. You’ll fall in love with Gavynn and his family, Farren, Caelan, and maybe even Ewan, too ;).
I received a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 26, 2019
A more than worthy follow-up to The Twin Arrows. I'm eagerly anticipating the third book now!
January 31, 2021
** A big thank you to Kate Willis for sending me this paperback!!**
This is my first read from Kate Willis and first of the Twin Arrows Series.
Wow, this was a wonderful read! It grabbed me from the beginning and never let go. I couldn’t wait for the next series of events and the characters kept me wanting more. Love the medieval storyline and the writing was superb! Would recommend this for all ages!!
This is my first read from Kate Willis and first of the Twin Arrows Series.
Wow, this was a wonderful read! It grabbed me from the beginning and never let go. I couldn’t wait for the next series of events and the characters kept me wanting more. Love the medieval storyline and the writing was superb! Would recommend this for all ages!!
July 18, 2019
Sooooo lovely! <3<3<3 I adored Gavynn from the moment I met him--so sweet and protective and humble, but willing to step up in order to do what needs doing--he was just awesome! Ended up really loving Caelan, too, after a bit of a rough introduction. And don't get me started on Farren... <3<3<3
The story was a little shorter than I realized, which is not to say it was too short, just that I have gotten used to the pacing of longer books and kept expecting more plot twists when everything was beginning to wrap up. Also an effect of not having the physical book in my hand or paying attention to the Kindle progress bar. :P Anyway, I'm totally blaming my, "wait, it's over?" reaction on that and not any defect in the book itself. Also, the way it wrapped up was beautiful.
I loved the way Gavynn's backstory came out little by little, with enough to understand some of his brokenness but not get the full significance until the critical moment. Loved seeing his strength even in the middle of weakness and overwhelming circumstances. And loved the way he took charge of organizing the younger boys and defending the village. <3 Also, I loved the fact that even though this book is set during a war and has some references to battles, it's still entirely appropriate for a young and sensitive audience.
Final thoughts--adore, adore, adore! Highly recommended to anyone! <3<3<3
I received a free copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Content--mentions of war and battles; a few mentions of wounds (not graphic); children attack a blind girl (corrected);
The story was a little shorter than I realized, which is not to say it was too short, just that I have gotten used to the pacing of longer books and kept expecting more plot twists when everything was beginning to wrap up. Also an effect of not having the physical book in my hand or paying attention to the Kindle progress bar. :P Anyway, I'm totally blaming my, "wait, it's over?" reaction on that and not any defect in the book itself. Also, the way it wrapped up was beautiful.
I loved the way Gavynn's backstory came out little by little, with enough to understand some of his brokenness but not get the full significance until the critical moment. Loved seeing his strength even in the middle of weakness and overwhelming circumstances. And loved the way he took charge of organizing the younger boys and defending the village. <3 Also, I loved the fact that even though this book is set during a war and has some references to battles, it's still entirely appropriate for a young and sensitive audience.
Final thoughts--adore, adore, adore! Highly recommended to anyone! <3<3<3
I received a free copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Content--mentions of war and battles; a few mentions of wounds (not graphic); children attack a blind girl (corrected);
July 20, 2019
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
It’s been a long time since I read the first book in this series, but that was okay, because this one is really like a stand alone. And honestly, I liked it even more than the first one!
I liked each of the characters. Gavynn struggled, but didn’t let his failures and his disappointments stand in the way of doing his best. The troubles and the problems made the ending that much better.
I would recommend this book and I wouldn’t mind reading it again.
It’s been a long time since I read the first book in this series, but that was okay, because this one is really like a stand alone. And honestly, I liked it even more than the first one!
I liked each of the characters. Gavynn struggled, but didn’t let his failures and his disappointments stand in the way of doing his best. The troubles and the problems made the ending that much better.
I would recommend this book and I wouldn’t mind reading it again.
February 8, 2022
*3.5 stars*
~First of all, I would like to thank the author of this book for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review.~
The first half was a little bit slow, but it got better towards the end. It was a nice, sweet, medieval-ish book, for fans of little violence.
This is a great book, but if you're a fan of action-packed books, perhaps this one isn't your type. If you like mellow, curl-up-by-the-fire-with-some-tea kind of books, what are you waiting for?!
~Full Review To Come~
~First of all, I would like to thank the author of this book for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review.~
The first half was a little bit slow, but it got better towards the end. It was a nice, sweet, medieval-ish book, for fans of little violence.
This is a great book, but if you're a fan of action-packed books, perhaps this one isn't your type. If you like mellow, curl-up-by-the-fire-with-some-tea kind of books, what are you waiting for?!
~Full Review To Come~
September 24, 2019
It's always good to find a series that isn't vitally dependent on the previous book. This book is a wonderful companion to Twin Arrows, but in no means does it stands on its shoulders. The two tales stand side by side against this rebellion in Arcella, and I am curious to see where the story leads.
October 14, 2024
This was a really enjoyable read! I enjoyed the main character, the key supporting cast, the plot and how it was handled, the whole thing. It was super fun, and it's not dependent on the first book--which I wish I'd realized a long time ago; I would have read it sooner.
December 31, 2019
With a big storm having destroyed most of Riverside's crops, hunger is in the eyes of most around him. Gavynn should have been out fighting with his father and the other soldiers. Why was he left behind? What are the memories that keep plaguing him? Are the rebels heading towards the town? What preparations are made? How does Gavynn being present make a difference? Farren is the blind daughter of the local midwife. What does she hear that turns things around?
This is a wonderful, short story set back in medieval times. It illustrates the important lesson that failure doesn't mean that you have no purpose in life. Sometimes that failure is for a reason and God has a different plan to use your talents. This is a Christian book written for kids but one that I enjoyed as an adult. It is CLEAN with adventure and the harsh reality of everyday life mixed in. Not a book you want to put down. Whilst it is the second book in the series there is no major link to the first book and it is definitely a stand-alone story. I purchased this book for my Kindle. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz
This is a wonderful, short story set back in medieval times. It illustrates the important lesson that failure doesn't mean that you have no purpose in life. Sometimes that failure is for a reason and God has a different plan to use your talents. This is a Christian book written for kids but one that I enjoyed as an adult. It is CLEAN with adventure and the harsh reality of everyday life mixed in. Not a book you want to put down. Whilst it is the second book in the series there is no major link to the first book and it is definitely a stand-alone story. I purchased this book for my Kindle. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz
July 19, 2025
How lovely! 🥰
July 29, 2019
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Kate Willis has done it again!
I started reading her book with high expectations and I wasn't disappointed.
What I loved:
Gavynn!
Gavynn's relationship with his family
Gavynn's taking care of Farren
The writing style
The setting
Pretty much anything else you can think of.
What I didn't love:
There is this thing called an "Ending". It is the worst thing that can happen in a good book.
The bottom line:
It is a wonderful book and you need to go read it.
I will definitely be reading more of Kate's books in the future.
Kate Willis has done it again!
I started reading her book with high expectations and I wasn't disappointed.
What I loved:
Gavynn!
Gavynn's relationship with his family
Gavynn's taking care of Farren
The writing style
The setting
Pretty much anything else you can think of.
What I didn't love:
There is this thing called an "Ending". It is the worst thing that can happen in a good book.
The bottom line:
It is a wonderful book and you need to go read it.
I will definitely be reading more of Kate's books in the future.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews