Valley of the Free: Pandemonium Rising

Pandemonium Rising #0.5

by Michael Sliter

Novella set in the world of the best-selling Pandemonium Rising Series



You're scared. You should be. This is terrifying shit that we do. But, would you rather kill or die? Because that is your option!

With a quest for vengeance, Ferl Nerial finally achieves his dream-charming his way into the first sanctioned job for his mercenary company. On behalf of the newly-minted lord of Farrow's Hold, Ferl is to put down an incursion by the free and independent nation of Oshwana. It should be an easy march, subjugating a people who defined themselves through the rejection of the niceties of modern society.The problem is... Ferl hasn't a single follower to his name.Follow the birth of the infamous Ferl's Company through their first ill-fated engagement against a people desperate to retain their independence and willing to do whatever it takes to do so. Visceral combat, devastating magicks, and bad decisions plague Ferl's Company in this novella from the world of Pandemonium Rising.

Genres: Fantasy

126 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2019

About the author

Michael Sliter was born in the deep wilds of Cleveland, Ohio, where he fought off at least two siblings for scraps of pizza. His bedroom, growing up, was a monument to fantasy, containing a stack of worn and well-read books, a medieval Lego civilization spanning half the room, and a very real sword circa World War II.

Though always fascinated with the written word, Michael ended up with only a minor in writing, instead majoring in Psychology (Hiram College, OH). He later went on to complete his M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (Bowling Green State University, OH)—overall spending a larger portion of his life than strictly necessary in school. Following, Michael was a psych professor for a time, and then moved into the real world to help organizations hire the right people.

He attempted to write some childish fantasy novels in the past, all abandoned as derivative refuse. It wasn’t until his daughter was born that Michael decided to begin writing in earnest, and he published Solace Lost, the first book in the Pandemonium Rising series. Since, Wisdom Lost (Book 2) and Valley of the Free (novella in the same world) have been published.

Today, you can find Michael back in the Cleveland area, where he lives with his wife, daughter, and two dogs. They are quite tolerant of his writing, reading, video game, and racquetball habits.

Reviews

[Petrik]

4.5/5 stars

Short, violent, and bloody; this is a good place for you to try Sliter’s writing.

Valley of the Free is a prequel novella to Mike Sliter’s grimdark fantasy series: Pandemonium Rising. The story follows Ferl’s quest for vengeance, and this little novella depicts the conception of the infamous Ferl’s Company. Having read—and loved—the two available books in the main series so far, I can safely vouch that no prior reading of the main series is required. You can enjoy Valley of the Free without any knowledge of the main series; excluding the main character—Ferl—only one or two other characters appeared briefly. In fact, I do honestly think that this is a very starting point for you to try Sliter’s work. Valley of the Free is not as dark/brutal as Sliter’s debut work, Solace Lost, and it’s good to familiarize yourself with his writing style and gritty content first. I would say that Valley of the Free is more attuned to Wisdom Lost in terms of content and quality, which, in my opinion, delivers a more balanced narrative and also encapsulates Sliter’s craft at his best so far.

Same as the main series, characterizations are still the heart of Sliter’s storytelling; this is one thing that he learned well from reading Abercrombie. I’ve always enjoyed Sliter’s style of characterizations. There’s something about the way he makes sure that every event we read always unfolds and perceived directly from the character’s point of view that reminds me of Abercrombie’s style. Yes, Sliter’s books are dark, violent, and that’s still applicable here. But I found the dialogues traded between Ferl, Ashland, Christoph, and all the other characters he encountered to be engaging and even funny at times. I certainly didn’t expect to enjoy reading Ferl’s Mercenary Company conception this much—heck I honestly almost forgot who Ferl was—but this one kept me thoroughly entertained and hooked. Also, for such a short book, I’m amazed that Sliter managed to deliver an action scene—including some of the most terrifying pigs I’ve ever read—that made me feel so invested; I don’t usually feel invested in reading action scenes contained in novellas due to the lack of time spent with the characters and characterizations. I don’t think I have any issues with this novella other than the one that I often encountered with stories in the medium itself, which is that it’s a bit too short to my liking.

“She hated it, this killing. But Ashland knew that people tended to hate the things they were best at. The blacksmith eventually resented his hammer. The fisherman would rather toss his pole in the lake at times. The innkeeper would, by some point, just as soon burn down his livelihood, turning the place into kindling. And, in similar fashion, she wished that she did not have to kill. But life always had different plans.”

Filled with morally ambiguous characters and gory actions, Valley of the Free provides a quick and bloody reading experience. Finishing this made me eager to get back to the main series. By Pandemonium’s brain, I hope my memory will be enough to remember the necessary details when the third book—Faith Lost—in the main series comes out. Give me Faith Lost already, Sliter! Grimdark fantasy fans, get on this series, this is a good place for you to start your journey and it's only $0.99!

You can order the book from: Amazon

You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions

Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!

My Patrons: Mike, Hamad, Miracle, & Devin.

[Hamad]

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“Revenge is a good motive, but not the best. A man with vengeance in his brain is apt to make mistakes. He’s apt to do anything to see that the blood toll is paid. Is that yer story?”

Solace Lost ★★★★ 1/4
Wisdom Lost ★★★★ 1/2
Valley of the Free ★★★★★

★ I am going to start this review by the fact that for the first time in my life, I have been quoted on the back cover of this book! This is very awesome but it does not affect my opinions on this book and I made that very clear to the author too.

★ This was only released yesterday, I was on my blog readers and saw the reveal on Novel Notions, It was a surprise release and I like this series so I thought it would be cool to get a copy and read the Novella soon. I discovered that it was free on Kindle and so I immediately got it. As usual, what I do when I get any book is to see the dedication and the first line which I did here, and from there I just could not stop reading and actually finished the whole thing in an hour and a half (or a bit less than that). The opening line is just brutal and dark which I missed in the second book and I just knew I was going to love it, but what I did not know is that it is going to be the best short book/ Novella I have read this year.

“Killing a man was easier when he was already dead.”

★ Writing a novella is harder than writing a full novel because there are limitations for everything and because I have been trying to write one for the last year and it is not an easy task. I think to be able to deliver a story with fleshed-out characters and plot in under 120 pages is just amazing!

★ This Novella takes place before the main series and it can be a great place to start the story, and although I have read the first 2 books, I think it just added a lot of depth for Ferl’s company which I had lukewarm feelings about but not anymore! We are introduced to Ferl’s story here along with his company including Ashland, Christoph and other characters such as Violet and The Turtle lady and Lady Escamilla. This book made me realize that I just love books with a crew and the story of them meeting through time jumps and backstories. That’s why I love Six of Crows, Kings of the Wyld, Never Die and this book so much!

★ The plot was very intriguing and I found it addicting, when I was approaching the end, I thought it could make or break the whole thing and I was happy to have that final plot that I did not see which made me love this even more!

“And when someone you love asks you do to do what you do best, you simply say yes.”

★ Summary: I think this is a perfect place to start the story and for anyone interested in experiencing this series. The prose is slick as always, the characters are very real and the plot was gripping from beginning to start! This all made this deserve the 7th five stars rating for this out of the 149 books I read this year! A perfect novella for fans of the genre!

You can get more books from Book Depository

[Justine]

Killing a man was easier when he was already dead.

Valley of the Free is Michael Sliter's prequel novella in his ongoing Pandemonium Rising series. This is a tale of the paths and risks one is willing to take in the name of vengeance, a perfect storm of misinformation and ambition leading to catastrophic consequences. A beautifully portrayed character-centric story, it tells of the beginnings of Ferl's Company, a fledgling ragtag mercenary band hellbent on a path of retribution against savage foes. But as the enemy finds new inventive ways to thoroughly break morale, secrets and lies threaten from within. As expected with Sliter's work, Valley of the Free is as Grimdark as it gets, and manages to pack a huge punch with so little real estate space. With in-depth character building, intense action, and political maneuverings you know will shape the future of all, this novella is an excellent bite-sized morsel for both fans of the series, as well as those looking to try something new.

Sliter presents a narrative that utilizes alternating chapters of the recent past and present, steadily building up to a convergence. From the cramped confines of Fort Aurabourne to the descent into the mysterious Oshwon Valley and back again, readers follow a trail of breadcrumbs on a hunt for truth. The worldbuilding is subtle, but so very crucial, as it gives the audience a well-balanced taste of what the world has to offer. The depiction of two warring factions, one perceived as civilized, the other wild and uncultured, serves as the backbone for the intrigue and the unexpected to be fleshed out upon. This ominous adventure we embark on is ravaged by magics and atrocities that stem from a creative mind. There's so much to take in, but each little bit is given with just the right amount of detail – nothing is wasted or left shallow, everything is flawless.


Where this book truly shines is in its characterization. While this is an account of the assembling of the company and the horrors of its first contract, this is really an introduction to characters in the established series. Readers get insight into the past of Ferl Nerial, a pretty boy noble with his eyes on glory. His cunning and resolve make him truly formidable, both as a leader and an enemy. His words and promises initially ring true, but the more you read, the more complex layers you unearth, exposing a master of manipulation. In addition to new characters, each damaged and conflicted in their own way, we also see some other familiar faces giving tiny peeks into their histories, adding a richness to a world with many discoveries to be found. Sliter has a knack for crafting superb morally gray characters that don't all necessarily fall into that detestable realm, which is something I always appreciate in a Grimdark tale.

We, unlike all of you, are free.

Told with a simple, straightforward prose, the author tells a dark, and at times uncomfortable, no-holds-barred story highlighting the follies and disillusions of man. Flipping through the pages of this novella once again reminded me why I admire Sliter's writing style – it's intelligent, it's merciless, it's deceiving (in the best way possible). In my previous review of Solace Lost I state “[it's] defined by its brutality and tone of utter desperation”, and Valley of the Free continues in the same vein, cohesively blending in with the main novels. Infused with perfectly executed twists and turns, this book keeps readers on their toes at all times as nothing is as it seems on the surface. It's a story that demands your attention, digging its claws in deep, refusing to let go even after you turn the final page – and frankly, I didn't want it to end.

Valley of the Free is a book that has been on my shelves for far too long, and one I definitely regret not reading sooner. A visceral and affecting tale of deceit wrapped up and presented in a wonderfully concise fashion, this is a perfect example of how an accompanying novella should be written. Whether you're already familiar with Michael Sliter's Pandemonium Rising universe, or looking to finally dive in, this is an excellent place to start. I'm very much looking forward to continuing my journey into this gorgeous and ghastly world he has crafted. If you're a fan of Grimdark Fantasy and looking for your next read, you can't go wrong with this one. I thoroughly recommend.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dimitris Kopsidas]

This was really good. My first read of mr. Sliter's world and I'm intrigued. There's a lot of story for a novella and the pacing made it an easy read. Some of the descriptions are quite grim and there is a lot of swearing, so be warned. I liked most of the characters, though due to this being a novella not all are developed equally. The world felt a bit confusing but that is also to be expected.
All in all I enjoyed it and will continue with the series.

7,3/10

[DEGEN Psychonaut]

I absolutley loved and enjoyed just about every page of this book. Ferl quickly became one of those people you become hooked on. I couldn’t wait to see what he would.do next, or what he would say, as it was usually unexpected and very colorful. It’s a testament to some great writing that I got through a book so quickly, one that wasn’t an audiobook.

This is the first book I’ve read from Michael Sliter, and having seen some buzz surrounding the book this is a prequel for, and it was free to borrow on amazon prime, I felt it was right. I was not wrong.
Small Warning though, the story does contain some graphic descriptions, not too many, but a few. For me, it didn’t deter me, but added to the real terror and brutality of battle.

The story follows Ferls Company as they are sent on an attempt to complete their first mission, also a trial by fire. Their job is to remove a small community that was said to have burned down some villages. The story skips back to Ferl trying to secure this job, gathering his 1,000 strong army, as well as introducing the magical powered Ashland, who uses her powers to assist poor Ferl in what seems like a doomed mission.

I loved the humor interspersed along the way, the world building, and the story itself unfolds like a silk robe. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to what comes next.
4.75 of 5 stars

[Bill]

Sliter has quickly become my favorite new author. This is his third book in the Pandemonium Rising series (the first chronologically) and you can tell Sliter is really hitting his stride as an author. The first book, Solace Lost, was good, the second book was better, and this book is truly great. Sliter weaves together an excellent story that comes together in an excellent ending that - like his other books - leaves me wanting more.

This Novella is just over 100 pages so it is a quick read and would be a great starting point for anyone who hasn’t read the other books in the series yet.

[Gus]

I loved this new novella and learning more about Ferl's past! Dark and interesting, this is one of my favorite series. If you are looking to get into a new dark fantasy world, I highly recommend starting this series!

[Scott Withrow]

I have quickly become a huge fan of Michael Sliter's work on the Pandemonium Rising series.

I love the way the characters interact with one another and the world around them. Michael shows you how the world works through the eyes of people that are as real as you or me. There are no long boring exposition scenes to flesh out the world. Just experiences and letting the reader draw their own conclusions.

As a prequel book you get to know some characters that show up in the two novels and really help you connect some of the pieces and love the characters even more. This book just made me more hungry for book 3!

Setting wise, like the other two books, this is a dark, gritty, violent tale rife with butchery and dismemberment. While many novels can take it a bit too far I feel Michael has a real talent for walking the line between enough to show a brutally real world without going so far you want to put the book down.

[Jennifer Collins]

Michael Sliter has fast become my favorite writer of grimdark fantasy with his Pandemonium Rising series, and this novella in the series is a fantastic installment.

Ferl was one of my favorite characters in the first book of the series especially, and so I was thrilled to see Sliter put out a novella focused on his life leading up to the major books in the series. The attention the author brings to world-building and character is something special, and what's more, this little novella will be a great read for readers who are venturing into the series anew or discovering the novella after reading the fuller books. It's got the adventure and the humor that follow this character throughout the larger series, as well as the seriousness and the detail that make these books so special.

Truly, my only complaint is that I'd love to see novellas for all of the characters, or see longer works of them--because I hated to finish this one, and it felt like it ended nearly as soon as it began. That's not to say the book isn't what it needs to be; truly, it is. But the story and the writing are that good, you just don't want it to end.

Absolutely recommended for readers of grimdark, as well as epic and dark fantasy.

[Jon Adams]

That ending though....

[Nikki Ps]

Short novella that you wish was longer. I literally read it in a day. Definite page-turner!

[Hollylovesbooks]

3.5 stars!
For such a small book, it was so entertaining and fast paced. It had quite a bit of action and I’m really intrigued to see what the author does with this world in the series.

[Major Havoc]

I've read a few good reviews about author Michael Sliter's Pandemonium Rising series and was interested in taking the plunge. When I saw he had written a couple of prequel novellas, I though they would be a good place to determine if I wanted to go further into the series. This first novella is about Ferl Nerial of the Eastern Sweeps who, for various reasons not fully fleshed out in this novella, wants to raise an army of mercenaries and begin to make a name for himself. His first job is to wipe out the Oshwon people and level their home city. And it is not an easy job by any means.

I found this novella to be interesting and compelling. However, there just is not much here for me to recommend. It does pique my interest for further adventures in the series, which I presume is exactly what it is intended to do, but since it is a prequel I have no context for the land, the peoples, the main characters, or any real understanding of the world and its complexities. But, as I said, I am intrigued. There is just enough here to propel me to the next novella and then on to Solace Lost, the 'first' book in the series.

For now I am giving this novella three stars, but I reserve the right to adjust this rating upward at a later date as my understanding of the Pandemonium Rising world grows.

[Carrie Chi Lough]

Valley of the Free fanfares Michael Sliter's ability to write incredible stories. This novella is a prequel to the series and provides a satisfying backstory about Ferl and Ferl's company. Ferl's snarky temperament and clever wit in Solace Lost was a craft that has been gifted even more depth through this origin story.

"Your family is an artifact, little more than a bit of mold left over from a bygone era. Honestly, I had thought you all dead"

"Mold, my lord, is very difficult to remove."

True to Solace Lost, Valley of the Free captures the sinister spirit of war and doesn't hesitate to reveal the horrible impact it has on human nature. The characters are skillfully fleshed out and the story provides the same satisfaction as reading a full-length novel.

Michael Sliter has easily entered my top five authors list and should be an author to watch for any fans of Grimdark and Military fantasy.

[Matt]

Rather enjoyed this. Good quick read but still well paced enough to get a decent story arc in there which some novellas can struggle with. Definitely interested in reading more in this world and it seems a really good jumping on point for the series.

[Nikki Mitchell]

See this and other book reviews at https://www.thebookdragondotblog.word...
See my 5 Star reviews of both Solace Lost (#1) and Wisdom Lost (#2)!

Trigger Warnings for Book: Language, sex, graphic violence

Valley of the Free is the prequel in Sliter’s Pandemonium Rising series, following the early adventures of Ferl and the creation of his mercenary company.

Like the rest of the books in the series, Sliter’s writing is both entrancing and horrifying. Battles are waged with explosions of body parts, favorite characters are murdered too early, and yet, we have to keep going. The reader is sucked into the plights of the characters, and even when our hearts break at their losses and betrayals, we continue fighting with them.

Seeing into the beginning of Ferl’s life, and how he built his Company was quite a treat. It provides a rich background for one of the characters in the Pandemonium Rising series that I always loved, but did not know much about. This prequel was the perfect backstory, allowing me a glimpse into who he is while also making me yearn for more.

The plot was fast-paced, as is appropriate for a novella, although does switch between time periods. Every other chapter, the storyline oscillates between early summer and early spring–Ferl creating his Company and them fighting against the Oshwan. This juxtaposition allowed for the reader to gain a bit of a respite during some of the more heart-wrenching acts of war, while still remaining engaged in Ferl’s activities.

Overall, Sliter has outdone himself again. He created fully-fleshed and realistic characters, each with their own personality. Included a dark, gruesome, but enthralling plot. And weaved it all into a beautifully written novella, perfect to jumpstart a reader into the Pandemonium Rising series without the need to commit right away. Even though after reading this, they will most likely not be able to stop their hands from grabbing the first copy of Solace Lost that darkens their vision.