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Castle in the Wilde #0.2
A Castle Lost
An Early Days Novella
Condemned for a crime he didn’t commit. How can the last son of a debased duke survive treacherous exile and the king’s fury?
Everyone knows that Lord Thomas will become as vile as his three elder brothers and his father, the powerful Duke of Kaituer. Everyone except Thomas. As for the duke’s opinion, he demands Thomas’s loyalty, but he also forbids him access to the family’s questionable affairs.
When Thomas’s brothers burn an entire village, the king’s rage descends upon them. The Kaituers prepare for a siege, but the duke forces his youngest son out of the castle. Thomas must flee into a rugged forest of gigantic tower trees. He and a few friends—one especially dear—must hide in this place of fearsome legends where none dare to enter.
If only that were enough. The king’s army dares to enter, too. No matter how difficult the terrain, there is only so much land between the army and an impassable river. Wasn’t it already nigh impossible to forge a new life in exile? Now they are hunted!
A Castle Lost is a novella set in the medieval fantasy world of the Castle in the Wilde series. These characters make pivotal decisions that echo through later generations. They deeply affect Lord Thomas’s grandson and namesake, who is featured in novel 3, A Castle From Ashes. You can read A Castle Lost as a stand-alone, as first-in-series, or between novels 2 and 3. But definitely read it!
Condemned for a crime he didn’t commit. How can the last son of a debased duke survive treacherous exile and the king’s fury?
Everyone knows that Lord Thomas will become as vile as his three elder brothers and his father, the powerful Duke of Kaituer. Everyone except Thomas. As for the duke’s opinion, he demands Thomas’s loyalty, but he also forbids him access to the family’s questionable affairs.
When Thomas’s brothers burn an entire village, the king’s rage descends upon them. The Kaituers prepare for a siege, but the duke forces his youngest son out of the castle. Thomas must flee into a rugged forest of gigantic tower trees. He and a few friends—one especially dear—must hide in this place of fearsome legends where none dare to enter.
If only that were enough. The king’s army dares to enter, too. No matter how difficult the terrain, there is only so much land between the army and an impassable river. Wasn’t it already nigh impossible to forge a new life in exile? Now they are hunted!
A Castle Lost is a novella set in the medieval fantasy world of the Castle in the Wilde series. These characters make pivotal decisions that echo through later generations. They deeply affect Lord Thomas’s grandson and namesake, who is featured in novel 3, A Castle From Ashes. You can read A Castle Lost as a stand-alone, as first-in-series, or between novels 2 and 3. But definitely read it!
90 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2021
5 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Rose
24 books124 followersSharon Rose has been weaving stories since her second-grade masterpiece, titled My Life as a Flying Squirrel. No publisher snatched it up, but her classmates loved it.
After creating home and family, Sharon pursued her dream of creating stories for people like you. To date, she has published ten books, with more in the works. She writes fantasy and science fiction because they offer vast spaces to explore the realities that we all face. Her stories blend cultures and characters into adventures with mystery, romance, and hope.
When not writing or reading, Sharon may be traveling, enjoying gardens, or searching for unique coffee shops with her husband. She lives in Minnesota, USA, famed for its 10,000 lakes and vibrant seasons.
~~~
What’s in a name?
Way more than I expected. As in, more people. Of course, I knew I was not the only Sharon Rose in the world, but it turns out that some of them are authors, too. I’m the Sharon Rose who writes science fiction and fantasy for those who prefer a cleaner read.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
After creating home and family, Sharon pursued her dream of creating stories for people like you. To date, she has published ten books, with more in the works. She writes fantasy and science fiction because they offer vast spaces to explore the realities that we all face. Her stories blend cultures and characters into adventures with mystery, romance, and hope.
When not writing or reading, Sharon may be traveling, enjoying gardens, or searching for unique coffee shops with her husband. She lives in Minnesota, USA, famed for its 10,000 lakes and vibrant seasons.
~~~
What’s in a name?
Way more than I expected. As in, more people. Of course, I knew I was not the only Sharon Rose in the world, but it turns out that some of them are authors, too. I’m the Sharon Rose who writes science fiction and fantasy for those who prefer a cleaner read.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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November 3, 2022This review tells why I liked writing this story, which was a lot like reading it. I felt like I watched the story grow and unfold from a seed that fell where I didn’t intend to plant. And then it begged to be shared.
When I first envisioned Lord Thomas, he lurked in the background of the novel A Castle Awaked. He is part of an historic event that altered the course of a nation. I never intended to write his story because I was writing about his grandson and namesake.
Lord Thomas was an innocent man, maligned and shunned by his own people. He lost everything. And yet, two generations later his life produced honor and peace.
How? How does it happen that a person can lose everything and still create good? The message I learned from this story is this: When all is lost, there is another all to be gained.
When I first envisioned Lord Thomas, he lurked in the background of the novel A Castle Awaked. He is part of an historic event that altered the course of a nation. I never intended to write his story because I was writing about his grandson and namesake.
Lord Thomas was an innocent man, maligned and shunned by his own people. He lost everything. And yet, two generations later his life produced honor and peace.
How? How does it happen that a person can lose everything and still create good? The message I learned from this story is this: When all is lost, there is another all to be gained.
September 17, 2021
A Castle Lost is the latest book in the Castle in the Wilde series, though comes first chronologically. It's everything I loved about the first book, A Castle Awakened. There's adventure and danger, with this constant feeling of discovery and exploration. It's about survival and learning to make do with what you have.
To clear up any timeline confusion this isn't about Lord Petram and the castle Lost is not the castle in the Wilde.
This book is about Kaituer castle. The Thomas in this book is the grandfather to the Thomas we meet in A Castle Awakened and is the story of how he was exiled. I really beleive this is best to be read between books two and three as it sounds like it will be a direct prequel to the third book in the series: A Castle from the Ashes.
I really enjoyed this story. It adds a lot of lore to the series as well as just being a ln entertaining read.
*My thanks to the author for the early review copy. The thoughts and opinions listed here are my own.*
To clear up any timeline confusion this isn't about Lord Petram and the castle Lost is not the castle in the Wilde.
This book is about Kaituer castle. The Thomas in this book is the grandfather to the Thomas we meet in A Castle Awakened and is the story of how he was exiled. I really beleive this is best to be read between books two and three as it sounds like it will be a direct prequel to the third book in the series: A Castle from the Ashes.
I really enjoyed this story. It adds a lot of lore to the series as well as just being a ln entertaining read.
*My thanks to the author for the early review copy. The thoughts and opinions listed here are my own.*
August 29, 2021
Anyone who has read any of the other books in this series will know of young Thomas, a supporting character who has been lovingly described and built up by the author. Me, I always wondered about the family history of young Thomas. Thank you for introducing me to the first Thomas, who sets a bar for honourable behaviour that young Thomas is unknowingly surpassing. Both Thomases are the kind of men I would be very pleased to meet.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2021
I loved Thomas and Esther's story! Thomas is NOT like his father and step-brothers, though most people think he is. He's not allowed to join in on their schemes. When his brothers "accidentally" burn down an entire village, everyone, including the King, think Thomas was in on it, except for a few that know better. Thomas' father has him wed Esther, then sends them into exile. What a great beginning to this series!! You'll definitely want to read this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
September 18, 2021
Intriguing story of hope
I loved going back in time to learn of Thomas's ancestors. The story has great characters, surprising twists, and heart-warming moments.
I loved going back in time to learn of Thomas's ancestors. The story has great characters, surprising twists, and heart-warming moments.
September 17, 2021
A Castle🏰 Destroyed 🔥Means A New Life💘
SWEET and CLEAN Historical Medieval 🏰Style Fantasy Adventure 🌈 and Romance 💕NOVELLA.
This is a medieval🏰🔪 style tale in a land rife with smugglers and corrupt noblemen. Lord Thomas🐺🔪 is the only decent man in His family. His half brothers 👺are out of control arsonists🔥 and drunken killers👺🔪, and his father, the Duke👹, condones their methods as a way to control the peasants. He👹 also condones the organized smuggling which leads to more crime.
Finally, it all blows up when the brothers set 🔥fire to the smithy and it spreads to 🔥burn the entire village! A neighbouring Duke who hates the smuggling and crime, comes to conquer the castle🏰 and Thomas's father and his half brothers are hung💀, and the castle🏰 burned🔥
Thomas🐺🔪 escapes into a thick wild woodland with his new wife👰, Esther. They must hide and try to start a new life. Thomas🐺🔪 wants nothing to do with his old one.
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚for 99¢
This is an interesting and fast paced short fantasy🌈novel . There is no magic or monsters, just a make believe medieval world 🌎.
SWEET and CLEAN Historical Medieval 🏰Style Fantasy Adventure 🌈 and Romance 💕NOVELLA.
This is a medieval🏰🔪 style tale in a land rife with smugglers and corrupt noblemen. Lord Thomas🐺🔪 is the only decent man in His family. His half brothers 👺are out of control arsonists🔥 and drunken killers👺🔪, and his father, the Duke👹, condones their methods as a way to control the peasants. He👹 also condones the organized smuggling which leads to more crime.
Finally, it all blows up when the brothers set 🔥fire to the smithy and it spreads to 🔥burn the entire village! A neighbouring Duke who hates the smuggling and crime, comes to conquer the castle🏰 and Thomas's father and his half brothers are hung💀, and the castle🏰 burned🔥
Thomas🐺🔪 escapes into a thick wild woodland with his new wife👰, Esther. They must hide and try to start a new life. Thomas🐺🔪 wants nothing to do with his old one.
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚for 99¢
This is an interesting and fast paced short fantasy🌈novel . There is no magic or monsters, just a make believe medieval world 🌎.
September 4, 2021
Who needs a castle when you have towing trees?
This is a cute short story good for all ages.
The Duke Kaituer and his sons are seen as evil or unlawful. His youngest son, Thomas, has never been allowed in family and business meetings. He has always been told he must stay in the castle at night. One night there is a fire and Thomas's only concern is for his childhood friend Esther. When he finds her, he takes her to the castle and hides her since she lost everything to the fire.
The Duke decides to exile Thomas and finds Esther in his room. He has them marry and explains that he knows the King is very upset with the family and he would see his youngest run and start a family.
This is the start of Thomas's adventure and his struggles to find a place to live in the world. With any luck he will find a way to outrun the King's men long enough to find a refuge.
This is a cute short story good for all ages.
The Duke Kaituer and his sons are seen as evil or unlawful. His youngest son, Thomas, has never been allowed in family and business meetings. He has always been told he must stay in the castle at night. One night there is a fire and Thomas's only concern is for his childhood friend Esther. When he finds her, he takes her to the castle and hides her since she lost everything to the fire.
The Duke decides to exile Thomas and finds Esther in his room. He has them marry and explains that he knows the King is very upset with the family and he would see his youngest run and start a family.
This is the start of Thomas's adventure and his struggles to find a place to live in the world. With any luck he will find a way to outrun the King's men long enough to find a refuge.
October 1, 2021
I now know some of Sir Thomas' background
My thoughts about this book:
• I liked that this story filled in background to Sir Thomas. It was nice to read the story of his forefathers and where they came from.
• There was action and intrigue throughout the book.
• I could envision the scenes clearly in my mind and feel the emotions of the characters. I like the author's writing style.
• I was left wondering why there were no weird animals present (I've read the other books of this series, and if you had, you would wonder, too.)
• This book is not really a stand alone. To make the most of this story, you need to have read the other books (my opinion).
I was given a free copy of this book by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read more books by this author.
My thoughts about this book:
• I liked that this story filled in background to Sir Thomas. It was nice to read the story of his forefathers and where they came from.
• There was action and intrigue throughout the book.
• I could envision the scenes clearly in my mind and feel the emotions of the characters. I like the author's writing style.
• I was left wondering why there were no weird animals present (I've read the other books of this series, and if you had, you would wonder, too.)
• This book is not really a stand alone. To make the most of this story, you need to have read the other books (my opinion).
I was given a free copy of this book by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read more books by this author.
August 31, 2021
I think this is my favorite of the series so far!! Short and sweet background story of one of the families who had been hunted for many years, due to the malicious actions of a vindictive father. It helped some of the pieces fall into place from the other stories - highly recommend reading this one! I don't want to reveal too much of the plot... suffice it to say one young man is unjustly accused and acquits himself well in the aftermath.
I received an ARC; this honest review is my own.
I received an ARC; this honest review is my own.
September 24, 2021
If you've read any of the Castle in the Wilde books and wanted to know just who the Kaituers were and what terrible things they did in the past that lost them their duchy, well A Castle Lost scratches that itch. And they were terrible people. Except for Thomas.
It does work as a standalone novella, and is rather interesting as a prequel, but I guess I found out I wasn't THAT interested in Thomas after all. lol
It does work as a standalone novella, and is rather interesting as a prequel, but I guess I found out I wasn't THAT interested in Thomas after all. lol
February 2, 2022
Very well written. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. Had to finish it in one evening it was that good.
March 27, 2022
I enjoyed this story following the son of a Duke and his journey following a disaster of his family's making.
February 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were great; the storyline great. Looking forward to more in this series!
November 23, 2021
This is a prequel to The Castle in the Wilde series. It says that it can be read as a stand alone, a first in the series or a middle books between 2nd an 3rd book in the series, but I think the best way must be the latter, because I've read this without reading the others and thought that the world was a bit confusing. I also think it could be better with more 10-20 pages at the beginning so we could could know the characters better and care more for the danger they're in at the first chapter and that the villains were very stereotypical (they seemed to be bad for the sake of being bad and doing every evil thing you could imagine a bad person doing) Even with those considerations, it was an enjoyable, fast paced novella, and by the end it got me to really care about those characters and their future.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest reviw.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest reviw.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews