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Tales of the Wanderer #1
Blood Lust
AN UNSTOPPABLE WARRIOR. A FATAL QUEST FOR REVENGE.
From #1 Amazon Bestseller Garrett Robinson
In an unknown tavern in the kingdom of Dorsea, a young noble girl named Sun meets an old man: Albern, of the family Telfer, once the dearest friend of Mag.
Mag. The Uncut Lady. The Wanderer. Stories of her skill are known throughout all the nine kingdoms. But few know how her tale ended—and even fewer know how it began.
Albern begins his tale.
Stripped of everything she loved—her town, her home, and her husband—Mag sets off into the Greatrock mountains seeking revenge. Albern accompanies her, his only hope to keep her alive as long as he can.
But the Shades are not the only things lurking in the mountains. An ancient creature of unspeakable evil awaits them—and even the strength of The Wanderer may not be enough.
From #1 Amazon Bestseller Garrett Robinson
In an unknown tavern in the kingdom of Dorsea, a young noble girl named Sun meets an old man: Albern, of the family Telfer, once the dearest friend of Mag.
Mag. The Uncut Lady. The Wanderer. Stories of her skill are known throughout all the nine kingdoms. But few know how her tale ended—and even fewer know how it began.
Albern begins his tale.
Stripped of everything she loved—her town, her home, and her husband—Mag sets off into the Greatrock mountains seeking revenge. Albern accompanies her, his only hope to keep her alive as long as he can.
But the Shades are not the only things lurking in the mountains. An ancient creature of unspeakable evil awaits them—and even the strength of The Wanderer may not be enough.
- GenresFantasy
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2018
79 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 4, 2020
5 stars - English Ebook 🦋🦋🦋
Well told story. I realy enjoyed it. With almost 500 pages it took me a while. Not because the story was bad but because our family did grow. Some times life goes before reading (mostly not). First book of the tales of the Wanderer. But as Albert and Mag ride for Calentin what does follow? Why does Kaita hate Mag? Lots more questions, lot more awnsers in the next book : Stone heart, I hope ☺️🌹🌹🌹
Well told story. I realy enjoyed it. With almost 500 pages it took me a while. Not because the story was bad but because our family did grow. Some times life goes before reading (mostly not). First book of the tales of the Wanderer. But as Albert and Mag ride for Calentin what does follow? Why does Kaita hate Mag? Lots more questions, lot more awnsers in the next book : Stone heart, I hope ☺️🌹🌹🌹
June 3, 2022
425 sterren - English Ebook
They say I sound first 3 NightblDe books.
I didn't and I could follow the story quit well. It was nice getting to know the main character's Mag and Albern and see other new characters introduced. Albern tells the tale to a new character Sun. So basically a few things are clear like that Albern will live and things in general didn't go up in flames.
But it's still been exciting and I got quite fond of Sun and Dryleaf. What's it about: Albern and Mag had been mercenaries together and are reuinited by tragedy after having both lived civilian lives for long times. Mag is a warrior, Albern a tracker and archer. They're on a quest and end up tracking someone through Underrealm, however they then come across the town Lan Shui, that is plagued by a monster.
Story well told and a great new fantasy world to explore.
They say I sound first 3 NightblDe books.
I didn't and I could follow the story quit well. It was nice getting to know the main character's Mag and Albern and see other new characters introduced. Albern tells the tale to a new character Sun. So basically a few things are clear like that Albern will live and things in general didn't go up in flames.
But it's still been exciting and I got quite fond of Sun and Dryleaf. What's it about: Albern and Mag had been mercenaries together and are reuinited by tragedy after having both lived civilian lives for long times. Mag is a warrior, Albern a tracker and archer. They're on a quest and end up tracking someone through Underrealm, however they then come across the town Lan Shui, that is plagued by a monster.
Story well told and a great new fantasy world to explore.
September 21, 2018
Combining a sound portrayal of character with an engaging perspective on the gritty fantasy world and one of its more famous monsters, Robinson creates a tale that please both high and low fantasy readers.
This book contains references to events during later books in the Nightblade saga. So, a small risk of spoilers ahead.
Sun’s parents are dragging her across the kingdoms as part of their plan to build closer ties with other noble families. Bored, Sun starts sneaking away from the group whenever they stop. An overnight halt in a small town in Dorsea seems just another opportunity to break the tedium, until Sun ends up fleeing the local constables. Albern, once a famous archer but now old, offers her both a place to hide and a tale of Mag, famed as the Wanderer. A tale that begins with Mag losing everything to an evil conspiracy and setting out to seek her revenge. Sun is enthralled, but the price of hearing more is accompanying Albern while he completes a brief—yet secret—task.
As with Robinson’s other Underrealm series, this book skilfully balances action with depth of world, allowing the reader to both root for the characters and develop their own thoughts on wider events without a sense of being told who to support or what they should believe.
This focus on allowing the reader to deduce things rather than having a character provide a detailed history also has the advantage of neither leaving a reader who has not read other books set in the world adrift, nor making a reader who has come straight from another such book wading through repetition of matters they recall well. As such, this book is likely to serve both as an entry point to those new to Robinson’s world and as a pleasing new perspective on events to those already familiar.
Unlike other books in the world, it is structured as a narrative within a narrative: events during Sun’s time with Albern are interspersed with the start of Mag’s quest for vengeance, told as if it were happening. Each of these arcs begins and ends a significant character arc while leaving a larger goal outstanding, making this a series within a series.
Robinson switches between these two stories frequently, but not frenetically so, walking the line between so immersing the reader in one that they lose connection to the other and yanking the reader away just as they have fully immersed.
However, the tale of a young noblewoman conversing with an old man during a single evening and the tale of two warriors journeying through dangerous lands and facing evils are sufficiently different in tone and weight that some reader who are not deeply drawn to the finest nuances of character might find Sun’s arc feels thinner than that of Mag and Albern.
Sun is a solid protagonist, her mix of youthful rebellion and lack of life experience making her decision to accept the offer of protection and a tale of daring do from a stranger rather than head back to the safety of her parents very plausible. This inchoate desire not to live the life she does rather than to live a different life is balanced by a sharp insight into things she is familiar with, both preventing her seeming shallow and creating an engaging struggle between reason and emotion as events unfold.
Albern is similarly interesting, both as the primary supporting character of Sun’s arc and the protagonist of Mag’s tale. Seen both as his older self through Sun’s eyes and his younger self through the biased—consciously or not—lens of his own description, he is realistically contradictory and engagingly mysterious.
Mag, while the archetypal warrior without equal, is also no mere cipher: rather than balance her skill at combat with arrogance or some other social inability or allow her to become a female version of the classic geekish wish-fulfilment, Robinson crafts her a complex network of emotional responses, past experiences, and unexamined assumptions that make her as prone to success or failure outside of a fight as other characters.
The remainder of the cast in both stories share this layer of characterful nuance, becoming both comfortably familiar and fresh at the same time.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers seeking a character-driven fantasy story to fill a few hours.
I received a free copy from the publisher with a request for a fair review.
This book contains references to events during later books in the Nightblade saga. So, a small risk of spoilers ahead.
Sun’s parents are dragging her across the kingdoms as part of their plan to build closer ties with other noble families. Bored, Sun starts sneaking away from the group whenever they stop. An overnight halt in a small town in Dorsea seems just another opportunity to break the tedium, until Sun ends up fleeing the local constables. Albern, once a famous archer but now old, offers her both a place to hide and a tale of Mag, famed as the Wanderer. A tale that begins with Mag losing everything to an evil conspiracy and setting out to seek her revenge. Sun is enthralled, but the price of hearing more is accompanying Albern while he completes a brief—yet secret—task.
As with Robinson’s other Underrealm series, this book skilfully balances action with depth of world, allowing the reader to both root for the characters and develop their own thoughts on wider events without a sense of being told who to support or what they should believe.
This focus on allowing the reader to deduce things rather than having a character provide a detailed history also has the advantage of neither leaving a reader who has not read other books set in the world adrift, nor making a reader who has come straight from another such book wading through repetition of matters they recall well. As such, this book is likely to serve both as an entry point to those new to Robinson’s world and as a pleasing new perspective on events to those already familiar.
Unlike other books in the world, it is structured as a narrative within a narrative: events during Sun’s time with Albern are interspersed with the start of Mag’s quest for vengeance, told as if it were happening. Each of these arcs begins and ends a significant character arc while leaving a larger goal outstanding, making this a series within a series.
Robinson switches between these two stories frequently, but not frenetically so, walking the line between so immersing the reader in one that they lose connection to the other and yanking the reader away just as they have fully immersed.
However, the tale of a young noblewoman conversing with an old man during a single evening and the tale of two warriors journeying through dangerous lands and facing evils are sufficiently different in tone and weight that some reader who are not deeply drawn to the finest nuances of character might find Sun’s arc feels thinner than that of Mag and Albern.
Sun is a solid protagonist, her mix of youthful rebellion and lack of life experience making her decision to accept the offer of protection and a tale of daring do from a stranger rather than head back to the safety of her parents very plausible. This inchoate desire not to live the life she does rather than to live a different life is balanced by a sharp insight into things she is familiar with, both preventing her seeming shallow and creating an engaging struggle between reason and emotion as events unfold.
Albern is similarly interesting, both as the primary supporting character of Sun’s arc and the protagonist of Mag’s tale. Seen both as his older self through Sun’s eyes and his younger self through the biased—consciously or not—lens of his own description, he is realistically contradictory and engagingly mysterious.
Mag, while the archetypal warrior without equal, is also no mere cipher: rather than balance her skill at combat with arrogance or some other social inability or allow her to become a female version of the classic geekish wish-fulfilment, Robinson crafts her a complex network of emotional responses, past experiences, and unexamined assumptions that make her as prone to success or failure outside of a fight as other characters.
The remainder of the cast in both stories share this layer of characterful nuance, becoming both comfortably familiar and fresh at the same time.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers seeking a character-driven fantasy story to fill a few hours.
I received a free copy from the publisher with a request for a fair review.
January 3, 2020
Instead of continuing to read the Nightblade Underrealm novels, I’ve jumped to another series within Underrealm (as recommended by the author). Blood Lust is the first book in the Tales of the Wanderer series, and the story it tells occurs parallel to Shadeborn in the Nightblade series.
At the beginning of Shadeborn, there’s a pretty climactic battle—one where we’re led to believe that a certain set of consequences occur, but, instead, something else occurred that our hero was unaware of. Blood Lust is the beginning of that story. And I know that’s pretty vague, but if you haven’t begun your journey into Underrealm, I don’t want to ruin it for you…
You know what? It’s difficult to tip-toe around this. From here on out, you might encounter spoilers. If you don’t want that, stop reading right here. Go back and start reading the Nightblade saga. You’ll catch up after the first four novels. They’re not too long. You’ll be up to speed in no time.
Did you catch up? Are you sure? Because if you keep reading, you might encounter spoilers.
You didn’t read them, did you?
Oh well, I warned you….
Pretty quickly into the story, we learn that Mag and Albern survived the attack at the beginning of Shadeborn. Sten, however, did not. And Mag, the Uncut Lady, wants revenge. Set within the framing device of a post-Nightblade Underrealm, Albern tells the story of how he and Mag set out to avenge the death of Mag’s husband that not only adds a different spin to the story as we know it but adds new layers of worldbuilding to the lore of Underrealm.
What’s fantastic about this story is its framing device. Albern is giving a first-hand account of his experiences with Mag to a character we haven’t met before. This allows us to experience the story from more than one character’s point of view. In the Nightblade series, we’re limited to Loren’s viewpoint. In this story, we’re allowed a peek into the minds of the enemy, and that’s a welcome change. The framing device also adds an extra layer of mystery and functions to punctuate the narrative with commentary that adds depth and thematic resonance to the story’s arc. Up to this point, Robinson’s adventures have been adventure-first. And while I would argue that it is still so, there is a point to the story that elevates the story to mean something more than a fun yet simple action-adventure fantasy tale.
And while featuring a character such as Mag could present a terrible problem (she is rather over-powered), Robinson has done us the favor of not letting us know whether or not Mag survived the ordeal, adding a sense of danger. Additionally, his character work is well-sketched, and his prose remains rock-solid.
I would have preferred it if the adventure didn’t wait for 10 chapters to truly begin, however since this is the first book in the series, there was a certain amount of setup that needed to be done for any reader who had not read the first four Nightblade novels. So this will slow seasoned readers of Underrealm, but is ultimately needed for newcomers.
Blood Lust is a fantastic opening to the Tales of the Wanderer series, and I’m excited to continue the saga. Pick it up if you’ve enjoyed the Nightblade saga… which you probably did enjoy if you’ve read this far… I told you to go back and read it!
*Full Disclosure — I work for the publisher. I wasn't paid to review this book. It was on my TBR list from before I worked for the publisher.*
At the beginning of Shadeborn, there’s a pretty climactic battle—one where we’re led to believe that a certain set of consequences occur, but, instead, something else occurred that our hero was unaware of. Blood Lust is the beginning of that story. And I know that’s pretty vague, but if you haven’t begun your journey into Underrealm, I don’t want to ruin it for you…
You know what? It’s difficult to tip-toe around this. From here on out, you might encounter spoilers. If you don’t want that, stop reading right here. Go back and start reading the Nightblade saga. You’ll catch up after the first four novels. They’re not too long. You’ll be up to speed in no time.
Did you catch up? Are you sure? Because if you keep reading, you might encounter spoilers.
You didn’t read them, did you?
Oh well, I warned you….
Pretty quickly into the story, we learn that Mag and Albern survived the attack at the beginning of Shadeborn. Sten, however, did not. And Mag, the Uncut Lady, wants revenge. Set within the framing device of a post-Nightblade Underrealm, Albern tells the story of how he and Mag set out to avenge the death of Mag’s husband that not only adds a different spin to the story as we know it but adds new layers of worldbuilding to the lore of Underrealm.
What’s fantastic about this story is its framing device. Albern is giving a first-hand account of his experiences with Mag to a character we haven’t met before. This allows us to experience the story from more than one character’s point of view. In the Nightblade series, we’re limited to Loren’s viewpoint. In this story, we’re allowed a peek into the minds of the enemy, and that’s a welcome change. The framing device also adds an extra layer of mystery and functions to punctuate the narrative with commentary that adds depth and thematic resonance to the story’s arc. Up to this point, Robinson’s adventures have been adventure-first. And while I would argue that it is still so, there is a point to the story that elevates the story to mean something more than a fun yet simple action-adventure fantasy tale.
And while featuring a character such as Mag could present a terrible problem (she is rather over-powered), Robinson has done us the favor of not letting us know whether or not Mag survived the ordeal, adding a sense of danger. Additionally, his character work is well-sketched, and his prose remains rock-solid.
I would have preferred it if the adventure didn’t wait for 10 chapters to truly begin, however since this is the first book in the series, there was a certain amount of setup that needed to be done for any reader who had not read the first four Nightblade novels. So this will slow seasoned readers of Underrealm, but is ultimately needed for newcomers.
Blood Lust is a fantastic opening to the Tales of the Wanderer series, and I’m excited to continue the saga. Pick it up if you’ve enjoyed the Nightblade saga… which you probably did enjoy if you’ve read this far… I told you to go back and read it!
*Full Disclosure — I work for the publisher. I wasn't paid to review this book. It was on my TBR list from before I worked for the publisher.*
February 27, 2021
This is the first book I have read by this author and the first of the tales of the Underrealm, but I know for sure it will not be my last as I really fell in love with the way the tale was told. I love it when a story is told through a skald's mouth in the form of storytelling, and Albern is a great story teller. Sun a noble family's daughter is angry at the way her family make her do what they want, never considering what she might want, and she feeling rebellious was sneaking out at night from their camp during their travels all over the Nine Kingdoms and seeking adventure. However when she comes into a tavern and meets Albern, her life is turned on it's head. She believed in chance however, Albern went out to prove to her that everything happens for a reason, and that we are all at the right place in the right time, and through his tale about his and Mag's adventuring he got to show Sun an alternative life, an answer to her questing. Mag known also as the wanderer and the uncut lady was a hero in her own right, never having been defeated or even cut in battle and battle she did. Mag was taken by blood lust during battle, and she lived to fight, but she and Albern had never fought as fiercely as they did when they defended the citizens of Lan Shui, who were being killed off by a vampire. In this tale we hear of such monsters as the shadeborn, satyrs, harpies, weremages and vampires bringing darkness and terror to the Nine Kingdoms, and the warriors for light like our heroes Mag and Albern who bring balance into their world. I found this book to be a very pleasurable read and look forward to reading further into the series.
July 17, 2019
the audio doesn't seem to exist on goodreads, but for reference, it is narrated by the author - and his narration is what pushed it from 4 to 5 stars. also, i was initially drawn to this book by the BEAUTIFUL cover - all robinson's books have gorgeous covers, really, but this one was just.. (kisses fingers like a chef). the colors, the expression, the pose. love it.
this book sets you up for an adventure with sun, a young adult who despises her family's ideaology & wants adventure. her characterization was great from the start, so i was very disappointed to find the bulk of the story is.... not about her. instead, it is a story within a story, told by a character from the other underrealm books to sun. (also, the cover depicts mag, not sun, if i am correct - something it took until the bit about her spear for me to get).
it took a bit to get over the disappointment of not getting sun's story, but once i did, i was hooked. this book had such a BEAUTIFULLY DIVERSE cast and the characters felt like such real people in their behaviors and personalities. (with the exception of a couple small children - their dialogue didn't feel like it was phrased how a child might, or logic'd how a child might logic. i am notoriously picky about this, however.)
i'd also like to note how i found this author - this is one that is quite loud on twitter and facebook about needing diverse casts and whose commentary is often screenshotted and shared.
anyway. super excited to continue, super excited to foist this series on my mother.
this book sets you up for an adventure with sun, a young adult who despises her family's ideaology & wants adventure. her characterization was great from the start, so i was very disappointed to find the bulk of the story is.... not about her. instead, it is a story within a story, told by a character from the other underrealm books to sun. (also, the cover depicts mag, not sun, if i am correct - something it took until the bit about her spear for me to get).
it took a bit to get over the disappointment of not getting sun's story, but once i did, i was hooked. this book had such a BEAUTIFULLY DIVERSE cast and the characters felt like such real people in their behaviors and personalities. (with the exception of a couple small children - their dialogue didn't feel like it was phrased how a child might, or logic'd how a child might logic. i am notoriously picky about this, however.)
i'd also like to note how i found this author - this is one that is quite loud on twitter and facebook about needing diverse casts and whose commentary is often screenshotted and shared.
anyway. super excited to continue, super excited to foist this series on my mother.
September 8, 2023
In a captivating tale of escape and adventure, a noble girl flees her family to find solace in a bar, where she crosses paths with the legendary bowman.
As their lives intertwine, he unfolds a riveting story of his own journey: his meeting with an uncut lady and their shared quest for vengeance against her husband's killer. This pursuit soon leads them to a town besieged by a vampire menace.
The narrative skillfully weaves their battles against these nocturnal adversaries and eventually sees the noble girl, inspired by the bowman's tale, joining him on his ongoing quest.
The story is a thrilling blend of intrigue, camaraderie, and supernatural challenges.
As their lives intertwine, he unfolds a riveting story of his own journey: his meeting with an uncut lady and their shared quest for vengeance against her husband's killer. This pursuit soon leads them to a town besieged by a vampire menace.
The narrative skillfully weaves their battles against these nocturnal adversaries and eventually sees the noble girl, inspired by the bowman's tale, joining him on his ongoing quest.
The story is a thrilling blend of intrigue, camaraderie, and supernatural challenges.
July 11, 2020
I really wanted to like this book and finished it, but had a hard time caring about the characters. I bought the audiobook on sale so I think worth what I paid or borrowing it from a library. The book is well written and the story creative. It sets itself up for a long saga, but I don't think I'll be continuing the series even though I'm a little curious about what comes next.
You might have a different opinion (clearly many people did!) so don't let my review necessarily dissuade you from trying the book.
You might have a different opinion (clearly many people did!) so don't let my review necessarily dissuade you from trying the book.
September 11, 2018
Interesting twist
I really enjoyed this book, the way the story is both a narrative of the past as well as a journey with the story teller makes this unlike many books I have read.
As a fan of the nightblade books it was great getting a look into 2 characters who you only scratched three surface of in Loren's story. Mag and Albern have a history of great adventures that I can't wait to hear about.
I really enjoyed this book, the way the story is both a narrative of the past as well as a journey with the story teller makes this unlike many books I have read.
As a fan of the nightblade books it was great getting a look into 2 characters who you only scratched three surface of in Loren's story. Mag and Albern have a history of great adventures that I can't wait to hear about.
September 17, 2018
I've really enjoyed the Chronicles of Underealm and this book is no exception.
We get to find out what happened to Mag and Albern in a slightly more narrated story style than the other books in the series.
More monsters and battles in this book. Plenty to keep you enthralled in the story.
It's a good idea to read the Nightblade stories first as this will make more sense.
We get to find out what happened to Mag and Albern in a slightly more narrated story style than the other books in the series.
More monsters and battles in this book. Plenty to keep you enthralled in the story.
It's a good idea to read the Nightblade stories first as this will make more sense.
September 8, 2018
As usual, Garrett Robinson entrances the reader with his masterful skill at wordsmithing. I loved the new characters and the way they tie in with the ones I loved previously. I am looking forward to more!
October 19, 2019
I'm torn between really liking and really *not* liking the method of the telling, but both stories in play are pretty nifty. 'course, t'would probably make more sense to me if I'd read it in correct order with the rest of the series.
February 17, 2020
Mesmerizing
Tale of dark arts and sorcery with fearsome creatures best left behind. Strong and resourceful warriors honed in bravery make the difference. Addicting theme....
Tale of dark arts and sorcery with fearsome creatures best left behind. Strong and resourceful warriors honed in bravery make the difference. Addicting theme....
October 17, 2022
Not sure I have read a more unbelievable story. Why not create a character who can't be touched in battle.. then send them into many battles against armies.. no one in any history has taken on an army by themselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2018
Great book would recommend to all. Garrett is proving himself as a master of the pen keeping us entertained and wanting more.
September 14, 2018
Enjoyed this book. Albern's P.O.V. We also get to meet some more new characters who I think, are going to become important to the story.
April 24, 2019
Interesting
Interesting read that has more twists and turns towards the unexpected as evil surfaces while trying g to save themselves.
Interesting read that has more twists and turns towards the unexpected as evil surfaces while trying g to save themselves.
July 20, 2020
A girl who does not like staying at home meets a stranger who tells her an interesting story then invites her to wander with him
August 12, 2020
Like being told the story from the person for which Lived through it which wa different but you get to find out what happened with some of the characters like mag
August 19, 2019
After reading the nightblade series, I really appreciated this book! Great read
March 22, 2019
Definitely a book for a fan of high fantasy with some good humour.
This series as a whole makes for a world that feels lived in, and this book adds to that. It's satisfying to learn more about each of the characters, and this book in particular takes some previous side characters on their own adventure. I'm always a fan of the kind of friendship they have as well, that being back-and-forth banter while in the middle of battle combined with a clear show of caring a lot for each other.
Also, there's a dog. You can always win me over with a dog.
This series as a whole makes for a world that feels lived in, and this book adds to that. It's satisfying to learn more about each of the characters, and this book in particular takes some previous side characters on their own adventure. I'm always a fan of the kind of friendship they have as well, that being back-and-forth banter while in the middle of battle combined with a clear show of caring a lot for each other.
Also, there's a dog. You can always win me over with a dog.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews