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Scar of the Downers
“Don’t you want to be free?”
“Yes, but…” His voice trailed off, and the silence that followed this time felt darker, lonelier.
Crik is a downer and lives in the dark city of Ungstah. Like all downers, branded on his arm is a scar that tells the world he’s a slave. It’s all he’s known. There’s no escaping it. No hiding it. But strange things are stirring.
Rumors have spread that an ancient being known as the avarah has returned.
A company of men ride through the Northern Reaches on a secret mission. A cloaked figure stalks the alleys searching for something.
Unaware the world is changing around him, Crik spends most of his days scavenging food for himself and his best friend, Jak, avoiding the ash kings that haunt the streets, and stealing for Kilvar, his cruel master. But when he steals from the wrong person, Crik will either die or do what no other downer has ever done before - escape from Ungstah.
“Yes, but…” His voice trailed off, and the silence that followed this time felt darker, lonelier.
Crik is a downer and lives in the dark city of Ungstah. Like all downers, branded on his arm is a scar that tells the world he’s a slave. It’s all he’s known. There’s no escaping it. No hiding it. But strange things are stirring.
Rumors have spread that an ancient being known as the avarah has returned.
A company of men ride through the Northern Reaches on a secret mission. A cloaked figure stalks the alleys searching for something.
Unaware the world is changing around him, Crik spends most of his days scavenging food for himself and his best friend, Jak, avoiding the ash kings that haunt the streets, and stealing for Kilvar, his cruel master. But when he steals from the wrong person, Crik will either die or do what no other downer has ever done before - escape from Ungstah.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
226 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2015
18 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 30, 2017
***** 5 Cranky Stars *****
Friends, Andevin and Forden are on their way to Ungstah on a mission for Andevin's father. On their way they are ambushed and killed.
Ungstah is the city of fire and smoke, ruled over by the Gaunt King who is manipulated by the Voice behind the throne and an ancient wicked witch.
Downers are people who are branded like cattle and owned by masters who treat them worse than dogs. Rik and Jak are two of these Downers and the central characters of this tale.
This book is peopled by fantastic creatures, the Rukmush, flesh eaters, The Dendron, wood people, The Ashes, monstrous ash and fire beings to name but a few.
The setting of the book is reminiscent of Edwardian times and the author did an amazing job of world building and the story captivated and held my interest from beginning to end and I could barely wait to dive into book 2.
My rating of 5 stars then should come as no surprise!
April 9, 2017
For a first book in a series it was a very interesting and adventurous beginning. I really loved Crik, and Jak and how protective Crik is of Jax.
The reason I only gave the book 4/5 is because I am trying to get use to all of the different individuals that are in this book. Other character that is very interesting is Aniel, I am not going to say what part she plays in the book.
I loved how the book ended, and I am already reading the second book and I am really loving it so far.
I received this book because I am taking part of the book tour for the second book in the series, but I never read this one, so they gave me this one, so I could know what's going on so far. I did voluntarily requested this book on my own. And my opinion is my very own.
The reason I only gave the book 4/5 is because I am trying to get use to all of the different individuals that are in this book. Other character that is very interesting is Aniel, I am not going to say what part she plays in the book.
I loved how the book ended, and I am already reading the second book and I am really loving it so far.
I received this book because I am taking part of the book tour for the second book in the series, but I never read this one, so they gave me this one, so I could know what's going on so far. I did voluntarily requested this book on my own. And my opinion is my very own.
June 17, 2017
Scar of the Downers is the second book of Scott Keen’s remarkable series. In the city of Ungstah, Crik, a Downer, marked by his scar as a slave, works hard to protect his young companion, Jak. Together they serve a cruel master, Kilvar, scavenging stolen merchandise and enduring a life of privation. At night, terrifying phantoms roam the streets, searching out unwary victims and dealing a vicious death to those unlucky enough to wander into their path.
Meanwhile, a dutiful father, Talorc, learns of the death of his son. Together with his companions, he sets out to seek vengeance, but his duty will have powerful implications for Crik, Jak, and all Downers.
This book offers a variety of detailed and interesting characters, a healthy dose of action set in a rich fantasy world, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. There is much to like about Crik as a hero – he is devoted, flawed at times, but full of heart without being unrealistically gallant.
I found myself drawn into the world instantly. Not having read the first book, I was pleased to find it stood easily on its own, though I will now have to read that one too! Keen is definitely an author to watch for fantasy fans.
December 4, 2019
Holy World Building Batman! What an epic story set in a fantastic magical realm. In case you can't tell, this is my first of Scott Keen's books... but it won't be my last. I loved learning about all of the different people, the individuals and their stories. This book read well as a standalone although it is not. Now I need to go back to read what I have missed! If you are a fantasy reader who loves epic stories on a grand scale about freedom and justice and just being inherently good then do not miss this series, especially Scar of the Downers!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this free book as I requested and am voluntarily leaving my review. All opinions are my own.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this free book as I requested and am voluntarily leaving my review. All opinions are my own.
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December 3, 2019I have read this book and just finished the audiobook. I was captured by this story both times. I was brought in quite early making a connection with a number of characters, especially Crik, Jak, Durgan, and Tinker. But I was especially drawn to Aniel and Chaser - these two hold mystery and I was immediately intrigued. I love how the story is dark with lots of twists and turns but always with a spark of hope keeping the reader anxious to turn the page and see what’s next. It’s excellent, well thought out and is definitely a unique story. Loved it!
April 12, 2018
This book will keep you up
An epic tale of freedom seeking slaves in a land of magical history. I’m eager to read the next installment
An epic tale of freedom seeking slaves in a land of magical history. I’m eager to read the next installment
January 27, 2026
AGHHHHHH I LOVED IT SO GOOOOD!!
February 18, 2015
Crik and Jak are Downers, children branded with the mark of slavery and trapped in the oppressive city of Ungstah. Their master, Kilvar, owns a grungy shop where the boys are forced to work during the day selling stolen merchandise; in the evenings they scavenge for food. As long as they’re home by dusk they’re safe from the Ash Kings, phantom beings released each night from the smoky pit in the center of the city, beings that roam the streets in search of victims doomed to a searing, charred death.
In a village named Arined a devoted father, Talorc, sets out on a journey to avenge his son Andevin. The village blacksmith and his young apprentice join Talorc, and throughout their journey the reader learns the history and legends of Ungstah and the Ash Kings. The reader also learns that Talorc is not simply out to avenge his son, but to complete an important mission which will decide the fate, and maybe the freedom, of Crik and Jak.
I enjoyed this fantasy novel very much, particularly the uniqueness of it and the way Keen threads the history of his world throughout the story instead of condensing it in the first chapter. Crik is a likeable hero, scrappy and tough, a little too impulsive at times, a little too mistrustful at other times. He is, above all, dedicated to Jak and assumes full responsibility for the younger boy. Crik’s desire to protect Jak is both touching and sad—there is only so much he can do in the face of hunger, poverty, and the regular beatings from their cruel owner.
Another thing that stands out in Keen’s world is the depiction of poverty—the dirt, the lice, the caked fingernails, the grime-coated shop windows. I appreciated these details, and the overall sense of place. When you read about Ungstah, you feel like you’re there, slinking through its dirty alleys with Crik and Jak.
Fans of Middle-earth will recognize where Keen pays homage to Tolkien, especially in the adventures of Talorc. I really loved these scenes; there is such easy friendship and natural dialogue between the three men. And again, the slow unfolding of this world’s myths and legends was very well done.
In a village named Arined a devoted father, Talorc, sets out on a journey to avenge his son Andevin. The village blacksmith and his young apprentice join Talorc, and throughout their journey the reader learns the history and legends of Ungstah and the Ash Kings. The reader also learns that Talorc is not simply out to avenge his son, but to complete an important mission which will decide the fate, and maybe the freedom, of Crik and Jak.
I enjoyed this fantasy novel very much, particularly the uniqueness of it and the way Keen threads the history of his world throughout the story instead of condensing it in the first chapter. Crik is a likeable hero, scrappy and tough, a little too impulsive at times, a little too mistrustful at other times. He is, above all, dedicated to Jak and assumes full responsibility for the younger boy. Crik’s desire to protect Jak is both touching and sad—there is only so much he can do in the face of hunger, poverty, and the regular beatings from their cruel owner.
Another thing that stands out in Keen’s world is the depiction of poverty—the dirt, the lice, the caked fingernails, the grime-coated shop windows. I appreciated these details, and the overall sense of place. When you read about Ungstah, you feel like you’re there, slinking through its dirty alleys with Crik and Jak.
Fans of Middle-earth will recognize where Keen pays homage to Tolkien, especially in the adventures of Talorc. I really loved these scenes; there is such easy friendship and natural dialogue between the three men. And again, the slow unfolding of this world’s myths and legends was very well done.
June 23, 2015
By the time I got to the last chapters of Scar of the Downers, I was whizzing through it, I couldn't put it down without knowing what would happen. No spoilers, but you won't be disappointed! When the book starts, the stakes are laid out - there's a caste of people who are the slaves (or Downers), and there's a movement brewing to free them. Mostly the story follows Crik and Jak, two Downers who live in the city of Ungstah and have a brother-type relationship because they are both owned by Kilvar, who is cruel and corrupt. Crik is the older of the two and is definitely my favorite character. He's loyal and kind to Jak and others, but he also has his faults. His character arc through the story is clear - he must make decisions and figure out what to do. His and Jak's future depend on it.
This book's not just about Crik and Jak though, there's something bigger. There's a free city, and those people have committed to helping the Downers. This storyline is where we get the bigger picture of the whole land and the fantastical creatures that make up this world. There are the Rukmush, flesh-eating goblin-like creatures who stalk some of the free men, Dendron, a whole race of people who seem like they came from the trees and Hurag, wolf/bear-like creatures. The free men (Talorc, Gabril, and Edem) make their way to Ungstah, encountering (and sometimes fighting) these creatures, trying to complete the mission given to them by the supernatural beings of the Avarah, who are a type of messenger/prophet.
And, there's also another character, whose storyline is small, but very important, and that's Durgan, captain of the guard in Ungstah. He's got problems of his own, because his inner conflict regarding King Sulfus of Ungstah doesn't seem like it will end well for him. He just seems to have too much moral integrity to make it in that town.
The book goes back and forth between these three storylines, until they converge into a tremendous finale that is action-packed and character-revealing. The ending is satisfying, but if you're like me, you'll be eager to read the sequel!
This book's not just about Crik and Jak though, there's something bigger. There's a free city, and those people have committed to helping the Downers. This storyline is where we get the bigger picture of the whole land and the fantastical creatures that make up this world. There are the Rukmush, flesh-eating goblin-like creatures who stalk some of the free men, Dendron, a whole race of people who seem like they came from the trees and Hurag, wolf/bear-like creatures. The free men (Talorc, Gabril, and Edem) make their way to Ungstah, encountering (and sometimes fighting) these creatures, trying to complete the mission given to them by the supernatural beings of the Avarah, who are a type of messenger/prophet.
And, there's also another character, whose storyline is small, but very important, and that's Durgan, captain of the guard in Ungstah. He's got problems of his own, because his inner conflict regarding King Sulfus of Ungstah doesn't seem like it will end well for him. He just seems to have too much moral integrity to make it in that town.
The book goes back and forth between these three storylines, until they converge into a tremendous finale that is action-packed and character-revealing. The ending is satisfying, but if you're like me, you'll be eager to read the sequel!
July 29, 2016
Not for me.
Perhaps Keen decided to divide the story the way he did solely because this is the first book in a series, but I felt that the transitions between the varying parts of the story were at times awkwardly done. It's possibly to switch PoV among several characters who are vast distances apart without jarring readers. It's possible to carve new pieces of the plot puzzle without letting the reader forget the shapes of the other pieces. I didn't feel either happened during several of the transitions. That might have been a deliberate stylistic choice, but it didn't work for me in this book.
That said, my curiosity about the world and its peoples didn't come close to being satisfied by the end of the book. While there were some things that I thought make the book poorer by not having been made clear, not knowing about the people or the world wasn't among them. I actually felt it might be worth it to read the next book if it meant I might get those answers. (It was frustrating, however, to see that any clear sense of the over-arcing plot appears to remain needlessly obscured even by the end of the first book.)
There were other tiny things that annoyed me, but this was all-in-all a decent read. With only light editing, it will be a good read... for a reader who is not me.
Above all other things, one finally removed any possibility that I would continue: books that try to deliver a Christian message through Fantasy leave me twitchy, and I'm convinced that that's exactly what Keen is attempting to do with this series.
The world he built was somewhat interesting, and I would have been interested in learning more about the Downers, but I sense a great battle between the good (or good-ish) and the ultimate evil is coming. And there's only one book telling that story that idea doesn't make me flinch.
Perhaps Keen decided to divide the story the way he did solely because this is the first book in a series, but I felt that the transitions between the varying parts of the story were at times awkwardly done. It's possibly to switch PoV among several characters who are vast distances apart without jarring readers. It's possible to carve new pieces of the plot puzzle without letting the reader forget the shapes of the other pieces. I didn't feel either happened during several of the transitions. That might have been a deliberate stylistic choice, but it didn't work for me in this book.
That said, my curiosity about the world and its peoples didn't come close to being satisfied by the end of the book. While there were some things that I thought make the book poorer by not having been made clear, not knowing about the people or the world wasn't among them. I actually felt it might be worth it to read the next book if it meant I might get those answers. (It was frustrating, however, to see that any clear sense of the over-arcing plot appears to remain needlessly obscured even by the end of the first book.)
There were other tiny things that annoyed me, but this was all-in-all a decent read. With only light editing, it will be a good read... for a reader who is not me.
Above all other things, one finally removed any possibility that I would continue: books that try to deliver a Christian message through Fantasy leave me twitchy, and I'm convinced that that's exactly what Keen is attempting to do with this series.
The world he built was somewhat interesting, and I would have been interested in learning more about the Downers, but I sense a great battle between the good (or good-ish) and the ultimate evil is coming. And there's only one book telling that story that idea doesn't make me flinch.
June 24, 2015
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
To call this unique and original would hardly do it justice. In Scar of the Downers Scott Keen brings readers a well-developed and rich world with a storied past, a challenging present, and a potentially changing future. It is very easy to become immersed in this story due to Keen's descriptive writing, smooth flow of plot, and character development. And there are certainly enough twists and turns here to keep you wondering how things are going to turn out, even right through the ending.
Highly recommended for fans of fantasy--both those who particularly enjoy young adult and even those who don't. This strikes me as one that would appeal to a broad audience, and I'll certainly be recommending it to a few specific individuals in my reading circles.
Personally, I'm anxiously awaiting more...
To call this unique and original would hardly do it justice. In Scar of the Downers Scott Keen brings readers a well-developed and rich world with a storied past, a challenging present, and a potentially changing future. It is very easy to become immersed in this story due to Keen's descriptive writing, smooth flow of plot, and character development. And there are certainly enough twists and turns here to keep you wondering how things are going to turn out, even right through the ending.
Highly recommended for fans of fantasy--both those who particularly enjoy young adult and even those who don't. This strikes me as one that would appeal to a broad audience, and I'll certainly be recommending it to a few specific individuals in my reading circles.
Personally, I'm anxiously awaiting more...
July 1, 2015
Scar of the Downers is an interesting new fantasy book. It is full of survival, strength, growth, trust, and the fight for freedom. It involves the Downers being treated like slaves, barely ever being fed and always having to do as their master asks. They are treated so poorly and cruelly, but then they have help and suddenly everything is looking brighter. It’s about friendship and trust and it’s a tale written to make scared characters a little braver, a littler more trusting, and a lot more loving.
*This was posted on my blog Fishing For Books on the 25th, and now here as well. So you can see the full review there.
*This was posted on my blog Fishing For Books on the 25th, and now here as well. So you can see the full review there.
March 19, 2016
I received an autographed copy of this book from the Goodreads Giveaways. There was even a personal note from the author which was really nice!
I enjoyed this book. The author does well to describe his fantasy world to us, describing the history of the land. The plot itself was interesting and I look forward to reading the sequel to find out what happens to these characters and the land. However I did have a few qualms with the book. The writing style had a few too many unnecessary commas for my taste but after a while I stopped noticing as I wondered what would happen to the characters. Also, too many things happen due to coincidence to be believable and I wish there has been better reasons by the characters for their actions, they seemed very cheesy and not well thought out.
I enjoyed this book. The author does well to describe his fantasy world to us, describing the history of the land. The plot itself was interesting and I look forward to reading the sequel to find out what happens to these characters and the land. However I did have a few qualms with the book. The writing style had a few too many unnecessary commas for my taste but after a while I stopped noticing as I wondered what would happen to the characters. Also, too many things happen due to coincidence to be believable and I wish there has been better reasons by the characters for their actions, they seemed very cheesy and not well thought out.
June 24, 2015
Being born into slavery is something that I will never understand. The author has taken a lifestyle completely foreign to us and shows us the grit, the dirt and the pure emotion of living this way.
As you read about Crik you see that he is just trying to survive and this costs him dearly.
I can't imagine having to leave behind the terrors of the life you know, for the unknown terrors of life that wants to end you.
When you read this book you will learn things about the characters that will endear them to your heart. Expertly dialoged and very charismatic in character.
I loved it and so will you!
~Dowie
As you read about Crik you see that he is just trying to survive and this costs him dearly.
I can't imagine having to leave behind the terrors of the life you know, for the unknown terrors of life that wants to end you.
When you read this book you will learn things about the characters that will endear them to your heart. Expertly dialoged and very charismatic in character.
I loved it and so will you!
~Dowie
April 9, 2016
Being born into slavery is something that I will never understand. The author has taken a lifestyle completely foreign to us and shows us the grit, the dirt and the pure emotion of living this way.
As you read about Crik you see that he is just trying to survive and this costs him dearly.
I can't imagine having to leave behind the terrors of the life you know, for the unknown terrors of life that wants to end you.
When you read this book you will learn things about the characters that will endear them to your heart. Expertly dialoged and very charismatic in character.
I loved it and so will you!
~Dowie
As you read about Crik you see that he is just trying to survive and this costs him dearly.
I can't imagine having to leave behind the terrors of the life you know, for the unknown terrors of life that wants to end you.
When you read this book you will learn things about the characters that will endear them to your heart. Expertly dialoged and very charismatic in character.
I loved it and so will you!
~Dowie
July 23, 2015
I consider myself an avid Science Fiction reader, with such authors as Tolkien, Card, Adams, Zahn, and Allston in my library. Keen is going to be the next fixture.
I picked up this treasure at a local bookstore. I was concerned at first that the book was geared more towards adolescents, but it gripped me from the beginning, and its ease of reading only added to it's allure. Each chapter was more thrilling than the next, pulling me through the pages with sword fights and suspense.
I can't wait to read the sequel and find out what happens to my favorite characters, especially Durgan!
I picked up this treasure at a local bookstore. I was concerned at first that the book was geared more towards adolescents, but it gripped me from the beginning, and its ease of reading only added to it's allure. Each chapter was more thrilling than the next, pulling me through the pages with sword fights and suspense.
I can't wait to read the sequel and find out what happens to my favorite characters, especially Durgan!
September 29, 2015
I think there is too much going on in this book. Too many characters being introduced at random times that don't really fit the story, many talked about in passing after an introduction worthy of a big character. Honestly, if I hadn't promised a friend that I would read the book, I would have put it down in the second chapter.
October 4, 2015
Fantasy books are not my favorite read; but I was totally hooked after reading the first chapter....The characters seemed to come alive and I could imagine living among them. I read the book in 2 days...loved it and am anxiously waiting for the next book
March 9, 2015
Amazing book! Scar of the Downers is very exciting and keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews