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The Forge Born Trilogy #1
The Noble Villains
No more kings, no more empires, the forge war begins. The Miracle Frequency changed the world, but was it for the better? Ex-soldier Darragh Moonford operates in society as an outlaw after being cast out by a kingdom that no longer needs forge-born killers. As technology advanced, magic-enhanced soldiers became obsolete leading to many becoming criminals. Using his enhanced abilities he takes jobs outside the law to provide security and income for himself and his partner Orion. Soon they stumble onto a plot that could destroy every kingdom and the world itself. The war has ended, but for the forgotten soldiers with inhuman abilities, peace never came. Some are outlaws, some keep the law, but none of them are heroes.
- GenresFantasy
453 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2021
26 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Seth Wildschut
4 books12 followersSeth Wildschut is a fantasy/sci-fi author from the desolate plains of the west.
Author of The Forge Born Trilogy and the upcoming Wayfarer Saga.
#fyouradventure
Author of The Forge Born Trilogy and the upcoming Wayfarer Saga.
#fyouradventure
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 21, 2021
This entertaining novel takes sci-fi and fantasy elements and merges them in a way where it feels like both genres, and neither; it's both familiar and fresh at the same time. Imagine, for example, that the members of the Fellowship of the ring were Blade Runner characters caught up in a space western like Firefly (without going to space), and you're getting a sense of what this book is like. The story also drums up concerns of modern relevance regarding trauma, the abuse of power, and the relativity of ethics in an increasingly troubled world. This is an entertaining story full of likeable characters. Excited for the next book in the series.
January 30, 2021
“There was a sorrow that was beyond any poem or song, a type of sorrow even beyond the capacity of the human heart to bear...There were many ships in the ocean of loss, but some never saw the shore.”
The Noble Villains explores what happens when broken men come together for a greater purpose. This is a book full of action, humanity, friendship, and witty humor.
The Noble Villains explores what happens when broken men come together for a greater purpose. This is a book full of action, humanity, friendship, and witty humor.
January 1, 2022
I loved the world Seth created, I love the realness of the characters. I wrestled with them in their hurts and was shocked by all the twists and turns. I’m looking forward to reading what’s next in the following volumes.
March 11, 2021
This book combines all the things I love about sci-fi and rolls them into one big, bloody, beautiful ball. While I have read nothing like it, I felt hints of Joss Whedon's "Firefly" and Nicholas Eames "Kings of the Wyld."
For me, the strength of the book was the characters. We get to see the reality of how trauma affects each person differently and how each one of us has our own demons to conquer. As I read this book, Wildschut definitely took me through a gambit of emotions. I felt rage and sadness and familiarity with the characters that is hard to come by.
I most certainly enjoyed this novel and can't wait for the next thing Wildschut writes.
For me, the strength of the book was the characters. We get to see the reality of how trauma affects each person differently and how each one of us has our own demons to conquer. As I read this book, Wildschut definitely took me through a gambit of emotions. I felt rage and sadness and familiarity with the characters that is hard to come by.
I most certainly enjoyed this novel and can't wait for the next thing Wildschut writes.
February 4, 2021
The development of this story was phenomenal. Every character was so unique and so bad due to circumstances not really of their control, and yet you wanted to be with them every step of the journey.
Seth has created a unique world where steam punk meets fantasy. You will get lost in Darragh's story, feel for Orion, laugh at Luis' antics, and gasp at all battles fought along the way.
Seth has created a unique world where steam punk meets fantasy. You will get lost in Darragh's story, feel for Orion, laugh at Luis' antics, and gasp at all battles fought along the way.
March 1, 2021
This is an amazing story. As I read this book I found myself immersed, and I didn’t want to put it down. I was surprised how emotionally invested I became in the characters and the tragedy. You can relate to the struggle and the pain that comes with life, but never wanting to give up hope. The brotherhood displayed in this book is something to be admired I can’t wait for the next one!
January 3, 2023
Phenomenal read that I would highly recommend. Dystopian futuristic world with a dash of wild west influence. Character development pulls you into their narrative and contemplating if you are rooting for the bad guys or if a misunderstood past makes them bad at all. Got wrapped up into the book and finished very quickly. Plot is great and I think this series would make a great movie.
February 19, 2022
Seth, you nailed it. I seriously cannot wait to read the next two. I hope others will hear about this book and read it and recommend it to their friends.
February 1, 2022
An intriguing tale, tempered by melancholia and camaraderie, this debut novel is powerful. Reminiscent of the experiences of some of our veterans, Darragh has returned from fighting his nation’s battles to a society that doesn’t have a place for him. His interactions with others often leave bloodstained scenes in his wake.
I thoroughly enjoyed this exhilarating, passionate story. Now I’m waiting impatiently for the second book in the trilogy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this exhilarating, passionate story. Now I’m waiting impatiently for the second book in the trilogy.
September 25, 2021
Seth Wildschut has given us a beautiful personal story with all the excitement and imagery any avid reader craves. Thank you for this gift. I can not recommend it enough.
March 1, 2021
The great thing about this story is also the hardest thing. Hurt people will hurt people, and you watch it happen through the Forge Born characters, each in their own way. Whenever there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it turns out to be a train that is steaming towards you, and Seth masterfully drags your heart along a cheese-grater while laughing at you for daring to hope.
May 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. This isn’t the type of book I normally gravitate towards, but I am so glad that I picked it up. Through Seth’s beautifully descriptive storytelling I was transported into this world he has created. As characters work through trials and as the story reveals their past, I grew so attached to them. I laughed and cried as the story went along and found myself being able to identify with some of the hurt that the characters were experiencing. I am looking forward to book 2. If you tend to stay away from science fiction/fantasy, please give this book a try.
June 25, 2022
The Noble Villains by Seth Wildschut is the first instalment in the Forge Born Trilogy. The book talks about one Miracle Frequency, which changed the world as seen in the book. However, whether the change is for the better or not remains to be seen. The world in this book deals with the aftermath of the war. While war is a monumental event, what happens afterwards also plays a crucial role in the long run. With this story in the background, the book amalgamates sci-fi and fantasy elements and weaves a tale that adds fuel to the reader's imagination.
In a war, it is the soldiers who are at the forefront, fighting for a cause that is more important than their lives. Reading about a war fascinates me; it is all the more interesting if the people involved have abilities, which go beyond normal human capabilities. They are an important part of the battle, but what happens when all that is over? Where will their abilities be put to use now? Inevitably, some become outlaws, whereas others decide to take the dark path. None of them has the same glory that they enjoyed once upon a time.
This looks like a period drama in the form of fantasy. From the sneak peek into the first few pages of the book, I am immediately drawn to pick it up because it has a glossary. This goes a long way in taking the reading experience up a notch. Guess what? This book has a map too, what else can I want? The book title, which is an oxymoron in itself, gives us some idea about how adventurous the storyline is going to be. Villains are not generally associated with being noble, they are sinful, and evil, on the opposite side of the law. How do they exactly get called noble here? Let's find out.
In a war, it is the soldiers who are at the forefront, fighting for a cause that is more important than their lives. Reading about a war fascinates me; it is all the more interesting if the people involved have abilities, which go beyond normal human capabilities. They are an important part of the battle, but what happens when all that is over? Where will their abilities be put to use now? Inevitably, some become outlaws, whereas others decide to take the dark path. None of them has the same glory that they enjoyed once upon a time.
This looks like a period drama in the form of fantasy. From the sneak peek into the first few pages of the book, I am immediately drawn to pick it up because it has a glossary. This goes a long way in taking the reading experience up a notch. Guess what? This book has a map too, what else can I want? The book title, which is an oxymoron in itself, gives us some idea about how adventurous the storyline is going to be. Villains are not generally associated with being noble, they are sinful, and evil, on the opposite side of the law. How do they exactly get called noble here? Let's find out.
October 3, 2023
I've read a lot of great books lately, but this is hands down one of my favorites. I absolutely loved the western steampunk setting, the humor (I laughed out loud too many times to count), and near perfect character development. I found myself invested into the witty, yet deeply flawed, characters, especially Orion and Darragh. The plot moved quickly and kept your attention the entire time, and Seth did a fantastic job weaving in powerful truths into his novel (I especially enjoyed the flashback scenes). I highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews