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A thief, a poisoned blade, and a monster on the loose. Life as a king is not easy.
Subterfuge, assassinations, and Chaos magic take center stage as the rise of a new threat forces the king of Kantaria to take drastic action. Discover the origin behind ICON and learn more about the conflict to come in the Wardens of Issalia Saga.
Enter a world of magic, intrigue, twists and betrayal in this thrilling prequel to the Wardens of Issalia series.
"I wrote this novella to give readers a glimpse of Brock and Ashland's life as King and Queen and to paint a more clear picture of what drove Brock to form ICON." - Jeffrey L. Kohanek
Subterfuge, assassinations, and Chaos magic take center stage as the rise of a new threat forces the king of Kantaria to take drastic action. Discover the origin behind ICON and learn more about the conflict to come in the Wardens of Issalia Saga.
Enter a world of magic, intrigue, twists and betrayal in this thrilling prequel to the Wardens of Issalia series.
"I wrote this novella to give readers a glimpse of Brock and Ashland's life as King and Queen and to paint a more clear picture of what drove Brock to form ICON." - Jeffrey L. Kohanek
91 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2018
26 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey L. Kohanek
79 books537 followersI love fantasy, adventure, and magic. More than that, I adore my readers.
My books are written to entertain -- fantasy adventures filled with compelling characters, spectacular magic, thrilling action, constant intrigue, and a sense of discovery. I equate them to the "Marvel Movie" version of fiction, intended to be a fun escape.
I would love to have you join me and my quirky characters for one outrageous adventure after another. With over a million published words, my author journey has just begun.
Best wishes,
Jeff
_________________________________
Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota where comic books sparked his young imagination, inspiring fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer's imagination.
Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging characters caught in fantastic plots to inspire young adults and the child within us all.
_________________________________
"Would you like FREE books and access to exclusive content? Join my author newsletter, which frequently includes special offers and inside info on my books.
Join at www.JeffreyLKohanek.com and download a free eBook today." -Jeff
"I LOVE to hear from readers and fans. Connect with me through email or social media."
Email - author@JeffreyLKohanek.com
Facebook - /JeffreyLKohanek
My books are written to entertain -- fantasy adventures filled with compelling characters, spectacular magic, thrilling action, constant intrigue, and a sense of discovery. I equate them to the "Marvel Movie" version of fiction, intended to be a fun escape.
I would love to have you join me and my quirky characters for one outrageous adventure after another. With over a million published words, my author journey has just begun.
Best wishes,
Jeff
_________________________________
Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota where comic books sparked his young imagination, inspiring fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer's imagination.
Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging characters caught in fantastic plots to inspire young adults and the child within us all.
_________________________________
"Would you like FREE books and access to exclusive content? Join my author newsletter, which frequently includes special offers and inside info on my books.
Join at www.JeffreyLKohanek.com and download a free eBook today." -Jeff
"I LOVE to hear from readers and fans. Connect with me through email or social media."
Email - author@JeffreyLKohanek.com
Facebook - /JeffreyLKohanek
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 6, 2019
As an origin/companion story, it is, of course, a short read. But we still quickly grasp the characters emotions: their loves, their admiration, their sense of duty… And It is definitely inviting the reader to know more about Issalia.
July 10, 2024
A very good book. Jeffery Kohanek wrote the next series of the Issalia novels and then went back and wrote this book to bridge the gap between the series.
What is the ICON? What has happened in the last 13 years. The Heroes of Issalia have grown up, taking their responsibilities and new family life seriously. Now, an old enemy has resurfaced, and a new way of thinking and dealing with the enemy is needed. I am ready for the next series.
What is the ICON? What has happened in the last 13 years. The Heroes of Issalia have grown up, taking their responsibilities and new family life seriously. Now, an old enemy has resurfaced, and a new way of thinking and dealing with the enemy is needed. I am ready for the next series.
May 30, 2019
Great introduction and background of the Issalian Clandestine Operative Network. Writing was excellent. I enjoyed this book.
August 28, 2022
This is a short story that introduces us to Delvin, the Master of Secrets at the Ward. However, in this story, he is not a part of the Ward, in fact, he is a thief, and he has just made one of the more interesting decisions of his life at the start of this story.
The story is set just at the time of the escape of the Empire prisoners from the mine. This is effectively the point at which Brock discovers that those of the Hand have escaped, and that he is going to become a target again.
At the start of this story, Brock discovers an intruder in his home, one Delvin Garber, and captures him, putting him in the dungeon.
As the story progresses, several things happen, including the assassination attempts of several leading members of the Kingdoms. This is where we learn of what happened with those that were poisoned or killed, where King Cassius was poisoned and lost so much of his strength, and the same for General Budakis. And where one of the Kings dies.
It is a fascinating story, learning not only of what happens to these people, how they survived, but also of what happened to Delvin as a result.
Whilst this is a short story, there is so much packed into it, Kohanek manages to tell so many different character stories, and convey so much history in such a short time.
This is an absolute much read (or listen) for anyone who is a fan of the series as it not only fills in some history, but it just tells some amazing stories about all the characters that we know and love.
Although this is listed as a 0.5 story, I think this is actually best listened to after book 1 of the Wardens series, so that you will get the full appreciation of all the stories and the characters.
As with all of Kohanek’s other books, this is just a brilliant character driven story that should not be missed!!
The story is set just at the time of the escape of the Empire prisoners from the mine. This is effectively the point at which Brock discovers that those of the Hand have escaped, and that he is going to become a target again.
At the start of this story, Brock discovers an intruder in his home, one Delvin Garber, and captures him, putting him in the dungeon.
As the story progresses, several things happen, including the assassination attempts of several leading members of the Kingdoms. This is where we learn of what happened with those that were poisoned or killed, where King Cassius was poisoned and lost so much of his strength, and the same for General Budakis. And where one of the Kings dies.
It is a fascinating story, learning not only of what happens to these people, how they survived, but also of what happened to Delvin as a result.
Whilst this is a short story, there is so much packed into it, Kohanek manages to tell so many different character stories, and convey so much history in such a short time.
This is an absolute much read (or listen) for anyone who is a fan of the series as it not only fills in some history, but it just tells some amazing stories about all the characters that we know and love.
Although this is listed as a 0.5 story, I think this is actually best listened to after book 1 of the Wardens series, so that you will get the full appreciation of all the stories and the characters.
As with all of Kohanek’s other books, this is just a brilliant character driven story that should not be missed!!
Read
July 28, 2019Read this as an introduction to Jeffrey Kohanek's fantasy books. In hindsight, not the ideal starting place as it comes between his first two series, so we have characters from series 1 and set up for series 2. I would therefore recommend The Buried Symbol as the place to start.
That said, it was an enjoyable read. It flowed well and the writing style reminded me of David Eddings, which is high praise where I come from. It's firmly in the YA end of the spectrum, which is not my personal go to genre. There were 3 points of view which may have been a bit too much for a short story of this length, but it suggests some complexity in the storytelling for the Wardens of Issalia series that follows.
That said, it was an enjoyable read. It flowed well and the writing style reminded me of David Eddings, which is high praise where I come from. It's firmly in the YA end of the spectrum, which is not my personal go to genre. There were 3 points of view which may have been a bit too much for a short story of this length, but it suggests some complexity in the storytelling for the Wardens of Issalia series that follows.
April 11, 2019
I love Issalia! The world is unique and the characters suck you in! Jeffrey is a very talented author! I highly recommend reading this series!
June 17, 2024
A super short story that tells of how King Brock and Issalia forms their counterintelligence network. Honestly could've just been included in the normal book, i think, but still a good read.
August 23, 2019
A really immersive tale. The characters really suck you in.
January 16, 2019
Icon: A Wardens of Issalia Companion Tale my sixth read from author Jeffrey L. Kohanek. Well-written with intricately developed characters you can invest heavily in and the story-line with its intricate twists & surprises as the tension & suspense ratchets up throughout the short story’s length. Kohanek’s fantasy world has become one of my favorite reads, now I just need to determine the proper reading order for his multiple Issalia books. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 1, 2024
This short prequel introduces characters and the dangers facing the kingdoms when the chosen kings are being threatened by secret assassins.
Delvin, is a thief who is waltzing through the King's chambers taking items of value including the crown. He is on his way out the window when Brock, the King, spots him. Delvin didn't count on the King having enough magic ability to capture him. Nor did he expect that the King might find a use for him rather than lingering in the dungeon.
King Brock and his queen escape a poisoned blade and get a visit from another king's son who has also suffered an attack. They recognize the mark of the assassin. Now they have to find a way to uncover the plans of the enemy. So the King establishes I.C.O.N. Sorry- I can't remember what the initials stand for but it is to be a counter espionage team.
I liked these characters and I like the storytelling. I have added the series to my Wish List to get down the line. I recommend this to fans of fantasy.
Audio Notes: Tim Campbell's narration added to the story. His provided distinct male and female voices and accents for the characters. He also captured the emotional energy of the story.
Source: Audible Plus Catalog. My Rating. 4.25.
Delvin, is a thief who is waltzing through the King's chambers taking items of value including the crown. He is on his way out the window when Brock, the King, spots him. Delvin didn't count on the King having enough magic ability to capture him. Nor did he expect that the King might find a use for him rather than lingering in the dungeon.
King Brock and his queen escape a poisoned blade and get a visit from another king's son who has also suffered an attack. They recognize the mark of the assassin. Now they have to find a way to uncover the plans of the enemy. So the King establishes I.C.O.N. Sorry- I can't remember what the initials stand for but it is to be a counter espionage team.
I liked these characters and I like the storytelling. I have added the series to my Wish List to get down the line. I recommend this to fans of fantasy.
Audio Notes: Tim Campbell's narration added to the story. His provided distinct male and female voices and accents for the characters. He also captured the emotional energy of the story.
Source: Audible Plus Catalog. My Rating. 4.25.
December 20, 2024
Sometimes, as a keen reader, one comes across a book that attracts your attention and keeps you fully engaged as if afraid you might miss out on something good. Reading?
Icon by Jeffrey L Kohanek is such a book. And my fingers are just itching to reread the Wardens of Issalia once again.
And Icon? Icon is about a king who in his own right is a formidable warrior. And the king of Kantaria. And when he recognised the signs of a dark forces rising, he knows just what to do to fight that dark force. Start Icon.
Enjoy
Icon by Jeffrey L Kohanek is such a book. And my fingers are just itching to reread the Wardens of Issalia once again.
And Icon? Icon is about a king who in his own right is a formidable warrior. And the king of Kantaria. And when he recognised the signs of a dark forces rising, he knows just what to do to fight that dark force. Start Icon.
Enjoy
August 12, 2020
A typical page turner by Jeffrey Kohanek! This is an Origin story to A Warden's Purpose..13 years after the Runes of Issalia concludes. This story gives us insight to the origin of ICON as we follow Delvin, a master thief. Brock, King of Kantaria. Cameron, Prince of Torinland.. Magic, assassins, intrigue and spies, all the ingredients needed for an entertaining read. Very exciting. I enjoy this authors work so much...
August 10, 2021
A great little short story from the Ruins Of Issalia series, there is a Giant Stag terrorising Issalia and the King Brock of Kantaria loves a good hunt, but there is something afoot, with all the prisoners escaped from the mines and assassination attempt on the King, there is foul magic at play and a new treat is the rise against the kingdom, fantastic characters, for such a short read it really packs a punch, Tim Campbell the Narrator give an awesome performance, highly recommend....😁
August 7, 2024
I. C. O. N. is a great little prequel/companion story about an assassination, a wild hunt on a dangerous beast, and a daring heist that ends in plenty of court intrigue! The characters are well-established, despite the limited "screen time", and the action is on point. There are even a few funny moments in there, so I really enjoyed this one!
I also thought the narration was well done and of high quality!
I also thought the narration was well done and of high quality!
December 16, 2022
This is a short introduction to Jeffrey L. Kohanek's Wardens of Issalia series. As introductions go, it is pretty exciting, laying out a bit of the world from the perspective of three main characters. The most fascinating is the thief, Delvin. From what I've seen of the world, it is rich in magic and political intrigue, which is right up my alley, so I'm going to give the series a try!
June 18, 2023
First time with this author. I was interested in the series when i discovered this. I would have rated it a 3.5 if that was possible on Goodreads.
I enjoyed this appetite wetting morsal and I will be hunting down book one shortly. Some interesting characters accompanied by some mystery and intrigue.
Check back for the book one revue shortly.
I enjoyed this appetite wetting morsal and I will be hunting down book one shortly. Some interesting characters accompanied by some mystery and intrigue.
Check back for the book one revue shortly.
January 4, 2023
Great teaser. Does exactly what it is supposed to do, makes you want to read the next book. Multiple kingdoms attacked at approx. same time. One king falls. One thief captured. Two assassins dead. A spy network is born.
June 8, 2019
It's pretty good. I'd like to read more.
This short story stands alone pretty well, and I would guess probably is a good entry to the rest of the series, which I haven't yet read.
This short story stands alone pretty well, and I would guess probably is a good entry to the rest of the series, which I haven't yet read.
March 13, 2022
Intriguing book. Was a good temptation into this new world
December 27, 2023
Informative
This background helps set the scene for the 'Wardens of Issalia'. It leaves you with desire to read more.
This background helps set the scene for the 'Wardens of Issalia'. It leaves you with desire to read more.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews