The Severing Son

The Sundered Nation, Book 1

De: Vaughn Roycroft

Narrado por: Alex Wingfield

Tales of the Bringer of Urrinan had been told for generations, but never had the prophecy felt so near to so many. Elan wasn’t sure if she even believed one man could cause the sort of upheaval that would change the world. And yet, just as the prophecy foretold, dark forces were on the rise—including the many Spali warbands raiding across the borderlands.

It was in pursuit of one such warband when Elan’s host discovered the hidden compound of the Outcast. She’d heard how the former chieftain of the mighty Amalus Clan had been unjustly accused of murdering his rival. How the conflict had begun over a woman. How the Outcast’s son—born of that same woman—perfectly matched the prophecy’s foretelling of the Bringer.

Prophecy aside, it seemed that fate had led Elan into the midst of a legend. Because of a choice made in the heat of battle, Elan found herself bound to an outlaw hunted by friend and foe alike. Whether she believed in the prophecy or not, she found herself entangled with a lone figure who vowed to seek the sort of upheaval that might just change the world.

©2022, 2023, 2024 Vaughn Roycroft (P)2025 Vaughn Roycroft

Great Fantasy Debut

I dove into this debut novel without reading the premise or having any expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by the heart wrenching opening and sympathized with the characters far sooner than I usually do. This was the perfect hook for the beginning of the story. Typically, I prefer longer periods of interaction that do not advance the plot. Every chapter felt crucial to the next. I felt unsure how much time had passed in the book and it was very fast-paced. This is not a bad thing and kept me interested in the story. However, it would have been nice to read more world building and fighting practice. I loved Vahldan’s character development! His inner thoughts are very realistic and you can tell how much he matures by his inner monologue. He is definitely a well thought out character, but I missed that connection with Elan. She is an amazingly strong, yet flawed woman, but I did not sympathize or connect with her as easily. Extra background on her relationship with her friend would’ve been appreciated. I was rooting for her to find happiness and romance away from her friend the entire time and felt satisfied where she’s at in book 1. This is entirely a personal preference, but the romance was more sexual than emotional, which is not my cup of tea. Overall, this was a very good debut and the fantasy tropes the book has (prophesies, chosen one) are done very well. I recommend anyone who enjoys classic fantasy to read this!