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Siscci
Born to a life of abandonment and servitude, Syl'Kara is confronted with a horror she could not have imagined. Still a child, by elven standards, she is ill-equipped to handle life on her own, but that will soon become the least of her worries. Faced with an enemy that it seems no one else can withstand, she is left with a simple choice: run and hope someone else can put an end to the terror, or take matters into her own hands, despite her crippling fear.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2021
5 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Parker
3 books18 followersR.L. Parker is a passionate storyteller who is happiest when others are experiencing his creations. He believes in expansive stories with living, breathing characters that his readers and players can invest in.
One of his greatest passions is Ayrelon; a world he created for the purposes of pen & paper roleplaying in systems such as Dungeons & Dragons, Rolemaster and Palladium Megagames back in 1993. Much of the worldbuilding present in his writing was accomplished over the next decade through extremely long game sessions in epic campaigns lasting for months on end.
Not known for his pre-planning, he ran complex encounters and deep storylines for his players by the ‘seat of his pants’, often assuming personas in an instant to drive the story forward or interact with player characters. The skills he honed in those days of constant roleplaying are evident in his writing, as he now assumes the role of Discovery writer and lets his characters guide his scenes.
In addition to writing, he enjoys helping authors, storytellers, and dungeon masters craft their story and expand their own writing and roleplaying skillsets.
When not writing, R.L. enjoys video games, playing guitar, and heavy metal music. When he finds time to watch tv or movies, his favorite genres are fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and super-heroes. His favorite authors include Isaac Asimov, J.R.R. Tolkein, R.A. Salvatore, C.S. Friedman, Margaret Weiss, Tracy Hickman, Steven Brust, Ed Greenwood and Dean Koontz. When it comes to video games, he is partial to RPG or open-world and ‘sandbox’ games. In years past, he was an avid player of MMORPGs such as EverQuest 1 & 2, World of Warcraft, Rift, and Elder Scrolls Online. Some may remember him from Rift and E.S.O. as Wykkyd Gaming; a popular addon developer.
R.L. is an accomplished software developer and architect with nearly thirty years of experience in the craft. His skillset includes C#, Salesforce, Lua, Java, Python, JavaScript, and other languages. His career was the primary factor that caused delays for his writing, which did not begin in earnest until June of 2020. Having finally reached a point where long hours are no longer the norm, he now has room for his true passion, as is evident by the forthcoming novel: Bathed in the Blood of Ravens.
His success and creativity are in large part due to the support of his loving wife, Kristina, and his two sons, Corwyn and Zakuri.
One of his greatest passions is Ayrelon; a world he created for the purposes of pen & paper roleplaying in systems such as Dungeons & Dragons, Rolemaster and Palladium Megagames back in 1993. Much of the worldbuilding present in his writing was accomplished over the next decade through extremely long game sessions in epic campaigns lasting for months on end.
Not known for his pre-planning, he ran complex encounters and deep storylines for his players by the ‘seat of his pants’, often assuming personas in an instant to drive the story forward or interact with player characters. The skills he honed in those days of constant roleplaying are evident in his writing, as he now assumes the role of Discovery writer and lets his characters guide his scenes.
In addition to writing, he enjoys helping authors, storytellers, and dungeon masters craft their story and expand their own writing and roleplaying skillsets.
When not writing, R.L. enjoys video games, playing guitar, and heavy metal music. When he finds time to watch tv or movies, his favorite genres are fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and super-heroes. His favorite authors include Isaac Asimov, J.R.R. Tolkein, R.A. Salvatore, C.S. Friedman, Margaret Weiss, Tracy Hickman, Steven Brust, Ed Greenwood and Dean Koontz. When it comes to video games, he is partial to RPG or open-world and ‘sandbox’ games. In years past, he was an avid player of MMORPGs such as EverQuest 1 & 2, World of Warcraft, Rift, and Elder Scrolls Online. Some may remember him from Rift and E.S.O. as Wykkyd Gaming; a popular addon developer.
R.L. is an accomplished software developer and architect with nearly thirty years of experience in the craft. His skillset includes C#, Salesforce, Lua, Java, Python, JavaScript, and other languages. His career was the primary factor that caused delays for his writing, which did not begin in earnest until June of 2020. Having finally reached a point where long hours are no longer the norm, he now has room for his true passion, as is evident by the forthcoming novel: Bathed in the Blood of Ravens.
His success and creativity are in large part due to the support of his loving wife, Kristina, and his two sons, Corwyn and Zakuri.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 17, 2022
6/10
January 18, 2023
Let me just begin by saying that the cover of this book is absolutely fantastic, not to mention the small illuminated lettering at the beginning of each chapter. That is a touch that does not go unnoticed! It is evident that the utmost love and care had been exhibited in the craftsmanship of this book when it comes to visual appeal, not to mention that each sentence has been written with intent and attention to detail. The introduction to each of the characters is at a pace leaving you wanting to learn more but not so slow as to become tedious. Each character is introduced to the reader with enough information to understand them in their current state. The author then goes on to build upon each of their personalities and experiences seamlessly within the progression of the story. Each character’s story is introduced throughout and expertly sprinkled into the meat and potato’s of the plot! The story line it’s self is fantastic with wonderful details in the description of the surrounding world! Each characters physical description is excellently portrayed to the reader and gives a clear image of facial expressions and explanations of physique and facial features.The main character is a total bad ass even as a child by the standards of her people! This book is an absolute marvel of the fantasy world and simply felt original! Strong influences of D&D shine true in the authors ability to express complex scenarios and solutions while still ensuring you have a crystal clear image complete with a detailed narration of sound within the mind….I swear some scenes you can almost smell! You won’t want to put this book down I promise! Go get yourself a copy and dive deep into the dark depths of the changing world of elves, dwarves and demons,magic and combat!
January 28, 2023
I have be honest, I did not think I would like this book. It took me a while to get into it. But it turned out to be an awesome story. I loved the characters and the world that the author built. I don't often read fantasy but I think that I'll be reading more from this author.
March 2, 2023
This is a must read . If you enjoy books about a strong FMC coming into her own and wrecking shop this is the book for you.
Sylkara is a half elven girl who had a peppered upbrining starting with her being a sold into slavery and although meet she has a huge heart and is selfless in her personal sacrifice for her companion. It is a give and take friendship.. they meet a stranger on their travel with their master and the life changing paths begin.
I loved following sylks path from shy naive young elven to a strong fierce determined force to be reckoned with.
Be warned there are graphic scenes of violence but I was on the edge of my seat watching it play out in my mind and routing out loud for my girl to be the victor.. the scenes as the story peaked flew bye and before I knew it,it was over and I want to just keep following the kick ass storyline forever.
This book is a 5 star fantasy read
Sylkara is a half elven girl who had a peppered upbrining starting with her being a sold into slavery and although meet she has a huge heart and is selfless in her personal sacrifice for her companion. It is a give and take friendship.. they meet a stranger on their travel with their master and the life changing paths begin.
I loved following sylks path from shy naive young elven to a strong fierce determined force to be reckoned with.
Be warned there are graphic scenes of violence but I was on the edge of my seat watching it play out in my mind and routing out loud for my girl to be the victor.. the scenes as the story peaked flew bye and before I knew it,it was over and I want to just keep following the kick ass storyline forever.
This book is a 5 star fantasy read
April 16, 2022
My First Dance with R.L Parker
I met Mr. Parker at the April 2022 StC Author Con. He enticed me with "Bathed in the Blood of Ravens". He recommended "Siscci" which is sort of a prequel. It is an introduction to Sylk a character in BBR. It is also an introduction to his writing style and the world BBR is based in. This is a fantasy horror which for me is the best of both worlds.
For the 120 pages, this is a very dense book and while short is not a quick read as most fantasy books are not. They contain world and character building and you find that in Siscci. Siscci is the big baddie of the book and gives our girl Sylk the necessary growth she needs to become the heroine for the underrepresented. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was deceptive and I was not upset it was more than meets the eye.
I met Mr. Parker at the April 2022 StC Author Con. He enticed me with "Bathed in the Blood of Ravens". He recommended "Siscci" which is sort of a prequel. It is an introduction to Sylk a character in BBR. It is also an introduction to his writing style and the world BBR is based in. This is a fantasy horror which for me is the best of both worlds.
For the 120 pages, this is a very dense book and while short is not a quick read as most fantasy books are not. They contain world and character building and you find that in Siscci. Siscci is the big baddie of the book and gives our girl Sylk the necessary growth she needs to become the heroine for the underrepresented. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was deceptive and I was not upset it was more than meets the eye.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2021
Siscci takes place in the same world as Bathed in the Blood of Ravens but before the events of that book. If you've read Blood of Ravens (which I highly recommend you do) Siscci adds to your knowledge and provides the back story to one of the intriguing characters. However, it can be read as a stand-alone without losing any of the intensity of the story.
Like its counterpart, it is well written and draws you into a world that you won't want to leave. Told from a single point of view you follow the character through every experience. Living and breathing their fear, guilt, elation and pain.
I loved the book and can't wait for the next instalment of the story.
Like its counterpart, it is well written and draws you into a world that you won't want to leave. Told from a single point of view you follow the character through every experience. Living and breathing their fear, guilt, elation and pain.
I loved the book and can't wait for the next instalment of the story.
February 8, 2023
Another great story that had me in a death grip from start to finish. It is a short, so naturally i finished it in one sitting. This story gives an amazing back story and a different perspective to two characters from Bathed in the Blood of Ravens. Cant wait to read more from R.L. Parker. If you havent already, definitely read Bathed in the Blood of Ravens, this, Dusk and absolutely anything else this author writes.
November 22, 2022
I enjoyed Siscci. While it is on the shorter side and a quicker read, there is a lot of depth there. It is dark and thrilling. As in all R.L.Parker's books, the details are amazing and for one who lacks a good imagination, I can see the scenes vividly. It is part of a series and I finished it looking forward to the other works that will follow.
March 12, 2023
How does one express how amazing a book/story is, without just retelling it??
A few friends that asked why I was so excited about it were quite shocked that I was far more vague than I have ever been with any other book. I'm the friend that is very prone to accidentally spoiling a book or a movie. At the very least, I talk about the plot. But I was so mum. This is a story that needs to be experienced in real time for the first time by the reader. I cannot deny you that experience.
The character and world building were just right. No info dumps, not hurried or rushed. Well. Except Jae's introduction and her interactions with Aggie. Something felt off but I can't place a finger on it.
It's a novella, Sylk's origin story. It wasn't a deep dive into the world or the characters the way a novel has time to build these things, but at the same time, I felt like I knew these characters and understood the places described as intimately as if it were an actual full length novel. Pacing was perfectly layered, slow where it needed to be slow, fast when it needed to be fast. This novella felt like a D&D novel that belongs right alongside Drizzt and the Companions of the Hall. For me, Drizzt et al is the be-all-end-all of character and ensemble development. We know them. This is the level that gets me vested and willing to read every installment of a series or universe.
Authors must always be storytellers. But let's be honest: not every storyteller can write. R.L. Parker can write. Which means the only tidbit I'm willing to share is this: I was relatively interested as the story began and progressed. Then we reached the description of what Sylk saw when Siscci removed her mask. In that moment of genre straddling perfection, I became obsessed with everything about this world. And I'm not a horror fan at all, but this scene certainly crossed that hybrid genre barrier.
People who know me in person know how I have in recent years found it necessary to consume books in audiobook form due to eyesight and ADHD issues. Narrators have typically been the final nail in the coffin or a pure unadulterated enhancement. I read this as an e-book. y'all. I pushed my current/temporary disabilities to the limit just to get every last word digested. It has been a very long time since an author successfully presented a perfect and gapless image in my imagination using just words.
Get this story. Read this story. If you are a fan of gameplay level world building by an incredible DM/GM/Storyteller and like to give your player characters true development during gameplay, pick this up and get sucked all the way in. You'll want to pick up the rest of this world. Guaranteed.
CAWPILE Category rating breakdowns as follows. (*/10):
Characters: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Writing: 9.3 (docked just a wee bit: Chapter 4: Jae's character introduction)
Plot: 7.9 (Novella, wished it was longer with less time jump at end.)
Intrigue: 9
Logic: 8.6
Enjoyment: 9
A Category Average of 8.79 equates to a high 4.5 star rating, and since we all know how rating systems don't like allowing halfsies... High .5 gets rounded to the next full star. Siscci gets a full 5 star rating. Which it justly deserves.
Category Rating Clarity
10: A favorite
9: Maybe 1 issue
8: Minor problems, nothing major wrong
7: Not groundbreaking, has some issues but still really enjoyed
6: Good outweighs the bad
5: Mediocre
4: Bad outweighs the good
3: Not enough here to enjoy
2: Major problems, unredeemable
1: Is there anything good here?
0: The worst
A few friends that asked why I was so excited about it were quite shocked that I was far more vague than I have ever been with any other book. I'm the friend that is very prone to accidentally spoiling a book or a movie. At the very least, I talk about the plot. But I was so mum. This is a story that needs to be experienced in real time for the first time by the reader. I cannot deny you that experience.
The character and world building were just right. No info dumps, not hurried or rushed. Well. Except Jae's introduction and her interactions with Aggie. Something felt off but I can't place a finger on it.
It's a novella, Sylk's origin story. It wasn't a deep dive into the world or the characters the way a novel has time to build these things, but at the same time, I felt like I knew these characters and understood the places described as intimately as if it were an actual full length novel. Pacing was perfectly layered, slow where it needed to be slow, fast when it needed to be fast. This novella felt like a D&D novel that belongs right alongside Drizzt and the Companions of the Hall. For me, Drizzt et al is the be-all-end-all of character and ensemble development. We know them. This is the level that gets me vested and willing to read every installment of a series or universe.
Authors must always be storytellers. But let's be honest: not every storyteller can write. R.L. Parker can write. Which means the only tidbit I'm willing to share is this: I was relatively interested as the story began and progressed. Then we reached the description of what Sylk saw when Siscci removed her mask. In that moment of genre straddling perfection, I became obsessed with everything about this world. And I'm not a horror fan at all, but this scene certainly crossed that hybrid genre barrier.
People who know me in person know how I have in recent years found it necessary to consume books in audiobook form due to eyesight and ADHD issues. Narrators have typically been the final nail in the coffin or a pure unadulterated enhancement. I read this as an e-book. y'all. I pushed my current/temporary disabilities to the limit just to get every last word digested. It has been a very long time since an author successfully presented a perfect and gapless image in my imagination using just words.
Get this story. Read this story. If you are a fan of gameplay level world building by an incredible DM/GM/Storyteller and like to give your player characters true development during gameplay, pick this up and get sucked all the way in. You'll want to pick up the rest of this world. Guaranteed.
CAWPILE Category rating breakdowns as follows. (*/10):
Characters: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Writing: 9.3 (docked just a wee bit: Chapter 4: Jae's character introduction)
Plot: 7.9 (Novella, wished it was longer with less time jump at end.)
Intrigue: 9
Logic: 8.6
Enjoyment: 9
A Category Average of 8.79 equates to a high 4.5 star rating, and since we all know how rating systems don't like allowing halfsies... High .5 gets rounded to the next full star. Siscci gets a full 5 star rating. Which it justly deserves.
Category Rating Clarity
10: A favorite
9: Maybe 1 issue
8: Minor problems, nothing major wrong
7: Not groundbreaking, has some issues but still really enjoyed
6: Good outweighs the bad
5: Mediocre
4: Bad outweighs the good
3: Not enough here to enjoy
2: Major problems, unredeemable
1: Is there anything good here?
0: The worst
February 19, 2023
The only possible complaint a fantasy reader can have for this book is that it was nowhere near long enough. (I could do with about three to five inches more in content, here). Everything about this book is engaging on every level. And if you are looking for a truly captivating strong female lead, you will find it in the half drow half high-elf, Sylk'Kara. Every inch of her life, before and including these dark events, is a struggle that forces inch-by-inch of growth. Before you know it, fans of dnd will recognize a character class emerging from a supernatural disaster in the least expected way. Our hero is constantly tested with the tempting of the easy way out, and the pull of her heart, (and ours) as she finds endangered people who hail from hard life-experiences of their own. In each instance, she makes the hard choices involved in protecting the defenseless from threats that are massive enough to laugh that she would even think to get in their way. There is so much more to say about this book, but then I run the risk of spoilers. Fellow dark fantasy fans, read this and tell me I'm wrong. Go ahead, it's a quick read, I'll wait. For Mr. Parker: great job, but you can't make an awesome female lead on par with Ripley, and not give us more of her adventures. I'll read the others, but I'll be waiting for another Sylk standalone.
August 4, 2023
If you haven't picked up a book of this nature before definitely do so ASAP !
Hmmmm where does one begin. . .
Well what I can do Is express to any new readers that Siscci Is more than a novella and it’s more than your average shma-veraverage Thriller/Dark Fantasy !
Siscci takes you Into a completely new & alternate realm that feels like home but not quite as there is danger lurking around every corner all right off the first few pages of Siscci.
As a reader you literally can not find that anywhere these days and you are completely Immersed within this world now I ain’t talking a little here and a little there I am talking full blown immersion from your head to toes throughout the entire story!
Within Siscci you meet Syl’Kara and a few other important character(S) and as you read trust me you will begin to embody their mentality, emotionality and physicality as you trudge on through and with Syl’Kara on her perilous adventures!
Siscci is a phenomenal way to get into Dark fantasy / Thriller If you haven't picked up a book of this nature before definitely do so ASAP !
Thank you ☺️ ~ The_reading_nook_1
Hmmmm where does one begin. . .
Well what I can do Is express to any new readers that Siscci Is more than a novella and it’s more than your average shma-veraverage Thriller/Dark Fantasy !
Siscci takes you Into a completely new & alternate realm that feels like home but not quite as there is danger lurking around every corner all right off the first few pages of Siscci.
As a reader you literally can not find that anywhere these days and you are completely Immersed within this world now I ain’t talking a little here and a little there I am talking full blown immersion from your head to toes throughout the entire story!
Within Siscci you meet Syl’Kara and a few other important character(S) and as you read trust me you will begin to embody their mentality, emotionality and physicality as you trudge on through and with Syl’Kara on her perilous adventures!
Siscci is a phenomenal way to get into Dark fantasy / Thriller If you haven't picked up a book of this nature before definitely do so ASAP !
Thank you ☺️ ~ The_reading_nook_1
April 16, 2023
wow
I have no words! This books was written amazingly, and I couldn’t put it down!!!! Demons, witches, and elves oh my!!
I have no words! This books was written amazingly, and I couldn’t put it down!!!! Demons, witches, and elves oh my!!
April 1, 2023
The author excels at setting the scene. The characters easily fill the imagination while watching the story unfold. The pace of the story keeps you engaged the entire way through. This is the first book timeline wise in the series and I cannot wait to see where it goes.
April 5, 2023
I enjoyed getting into this story and following the arc to a satisfying conclusion. The imagery, setting, story, are all very complete. For a novella, it is packed and juicy. There is a unique perspective that is not totally just good vs. evil, and I loved following all the choices the author made in those regards. It makes me look forward to reading more of R.L. Parker's works.
June 17, 2023
These reviews are very generous. The artwork throughout is truly beautiful, and there is clearly passion behind the piece, BUT (1) the world-building feels laborious & dry, (2) the characters are flat, and (3) clunky sentence structure lends itself to recurring clarity issues. I tried very hard, but could not finish this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2023
A on going tale
I'm 2books into this on going adventure and enjoying every minute. If Dusk is half has good as the others then I'm in for a treat.if you like D&D, skyrim, or the sword of truth series (Terry goodkind). Then start reading R.L.Parker.this is the start of a grand tale...I'm not the best at reviews. But this... Is good stuff..
I'm 2books into this on going adventure and enjoying every minute. If Dusk is half has good as the others then I'm in for a treat.if you like D&D, skyrim, or the sword of truth series (Terry goodkind). Then start reading R.L.Parker.this is the start of a grand tale...I'm not the best at reviews. But this... Is good stuff..
August 27, 2023
This novella packed one heck of a plot that had me hooked from beginning to end. Highly recommend picking up this dark fantasy, reading about Sylk’s journey and the mysterious creepy Siscci.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews