Rise and Fall

Book One of the Blood and Tears Trilogy

By: Joshua P. Simon

Narrated by: Jonathan Waters

An ill-prepared queen, a soft-hearted mercenary, and a crippled warrior struggle as a kingdom falls and an empire rises. For years, the High Mages of Cadonia have maintained an uneasy peace among the nobles disgruntled with the rule of the king. In the aftermath of a tragic event, Elyse, the king's daughter, is thrust into a role she is not ready for. As queen, she must now determine who to trust while struggling to keep the kingdom from collapsing around her. The Hell Patrol, a legendary mercenary outfit commanded by Jonrell, finds itself disenfranchised with their current employer. Recalling a promise he made over a decade ago, Jonrell breaks his contract in order to right the wrongs of his past.

On the continent of Hesh, the Blue Island Clan has long been ignored by its neighbors. Tobin, a warrior and son of the Clan's ruler, struggles as an outcast as he watches his brother Kaz lead his father's army to glory. Emboldened by a new friendship with a mysterious shaman, Tobin finds himself gaining the respect he always wanted.

An epic fantasy tale, Rise and Fall is the first book in the Blood and Tears Trilogy.

>©2011 Joshua P. Simon (P)2013 Joshua P. Simon

Fair and good

This was fairly preformed and well written. The story has to get better even though it is a good story.

Excellent fantasy series

This is an action packed fantasy series. If you like war and magic, then this one is definitely for you.

Good story!💜

This book has two major issues going on. The first, the hatred between 2 brothers and the rule of their father. The second, is WAR. I’m not a huge war fan but I found the story of the brothers was so engaging that it kept me wanting more.
The war going on had too many factions for me and so many characters that I admit at times I was a bit confused. Did I stop after book 1? Heck no. There was more storyline that I enjoyed than not. But mostly because I enjoyed the narration so much. Jon E Waters was new to me only a few months ago and now I can’t get enough. His voices are brilliant and especially his female voices. I love the way he performs so many different characters in one story. Fantastic. I recommend this book/series but remember sometimes in war good people die. This book is not a standalone and does not have an HEA. The entire trilogy is already published.

Sisters Spotlight 💜

Great narration but a bit of a predictable story

I liked this book but felt that the big reveal events were supposed to be things we figured out ages before, and I'm pretty slow to see the surprise plot sneaking up.

Another great narration by Mr Waters, who brings the story to life

Well written epic fantasy

Any additional comments?

First book in the Blood and Tears series.

This is a well designed story of the personal growth and development of several leaders whose lives become intertwined. It is an epic fantasy told from many POV. My main complaint is the foreshadowing of the death of one of the main characters is handled poorly.