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svnz's review against another edition
3.0
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was drawn to this book by it's amazing cover and the quick synopsis read-up interested me immediately. I love stories that tackle the complex lives of characters that are are a product of two different species (in fantasy/sci-fi worlds obviously). It mirrors the lives of mixed race people in real life in many ways and it is very interesting to see that through a fantasy lens. However, I didn't find the book lived up to my expectations. The executions was a little lackluster and I never felt drawn in to the world until I was about 3/4th through. Given the short length of the book, I would have preferred the hook to be both stronger and faster. It wasn't bad though and I enjoyed the story once it grabbed me. I hope future books would flesh out the world a little more and give us more background on the characters.
I was drawn to this book by it's amazing cover and the quick synopsis read-up interested me immediately. I love stories that tackle the complex lives of characters that are are a product of two different species (in fantasy/sci-fi worlds obviously). It mirrors the lives of mixed race people in real life in many ways and it is very interesting to see that through a fantasy lens. However, I didn't find the book lived up to my expectations. The executions was a little lackluster and I never felt drawn in to the world until I was about 3/4th through. Given the short length of the book, I would have preferred the hook to be both stronger and faster. It wasn't bad though and I enjoyed the story once it grabbed me. I hope future books would flesh out the world a little more and give us more background on the characters.
gi1pierrez's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
arthistorygirl's review against another edition
4.0
The Harrowed Half-Breed: A Tarnished Lands Story by P.A. Wikoff is the first book the Forgotten Woods series. This is a coming of age dark fantasy story. The main character Barne is not like the others and all he wants is to be happy in his life. Many can relate to his conundrum of balancing parts of his life and still finding a balance where he is happy. The setting of the story is creative and interesting. It was easy to see an image while reading and get further involved in the story. The writing is good and the story kept me interested. After reading this story I want to see where the author takes the series and how Barne will fit into the overall scheme of things.
carabellacullen's review against another edition
4.0
The Harrowed Half-Breed by P A Wikoff
4 Stars
Its always nice to step outside your favorite genre and read something new. This book is a refreshing change from my normal genre. I found it to be a very unique and refreshing read. The world built by this author is very original and well voiced.
I found the book to be filled with drama and twists and turns. The whole story was filleI d with
unique characters. I like how it began with Kit and turned into Barne's story. I was hooked from page one and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I really look forward to reading more from this author and hopefully this series.
4 Stars
Its always nice to step outside your favorite genre and read something new. This book is a refreshing change from my normal genre. I found it to be a very unique and refreshing read. The world built by this author is very original and well voiced.
I found the book to be filled with drama and twists and turns. The whole story was filleI d with
unique characters. I like how it began with Kit and turned into Barne's story. I was hooked from page one and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I really look forward to reading more from this author and hopefully this series.
katie_83's review against another edition
4.0
The Harrowed Half-Breed
By P.A. Wikoff
4 stars
This is the first book that I have read by this author and the genre is a not my usual but I actually really enjoyed it. The writing was really good, it was engaging and my interest was kept throughout. Whilst I didn’t really connect with the characters I thought that they were well thought out, planned and developed well over the story. The world-building in this book was particularly good; the author has created an imaginative and creative setting for the story. There are some violent and gritty parts to the story that whilst not to my taste were excellently written.
I would absolutely recommend this book to dark fantasy lovers and I would like to read more from this author in the future.
By P.A. Wikoff
4 stars
This is the first book that I have read by this author and the genre is a not my usual but I actually really enjoyed it. The writing was really good, it was engaging and my interest was kept throughout. Whilst I didn’t really connect with the characters I thought that they were well thought out, planned and developed well over the story. The world-building in this book was particularly good; the author has created an imaginative and creative setting for the story. There are some violent and gritty parts to the story that whilst not to my taste were excellently written.
I would absolutely recommend this book to dark fantasy lovers and I would like to read more from this author in the future.
lisa01's review against another edition
4.0
The Harrowed Half-Breed: A Tarnished Lands Story (Forgotten Woods Book 1)
By P.A. Wikoff
Rated 4 stars
I love the cover! It’s eye catching and immediately drew me to the book. This is a first time author for me. The story is nice and a bit weird at times. The plight of the half breed made me feel for him. He leads quite the life. This story has a darker element to it. The characters are different and wildly imaginative. His name was genius! Not nice but still...genius.
I loved the world of the feathered folk. Some of the things they were able to do was very cool. Of course there is the element of magic installed. I liked the magic inspired by the forest. Not so much the magic of the stones. There is a lot of despair and not much hope for this little half breed.
I also didn’t understand the point of the prologue along with the epilogue. I am not sure why he is laughing and so happy. Unless he is what Kip thinks and I guess I could understand that too. I see there will be another story. I wonder where that will lead the halfbreed and Kip
By P.A. Wikoff
Rated 4 stars
I love the cover! It’s eye catching and immediately drew me to the book. This is a first time author for me. The story is nice and a bit weird at times. The plight of the half breed made me feel for him. He leads quite the life. This story has a darker element to it. The characters are different and wildly imaginative. His name was genius! Not nice but still...genius.
I loved the world of the feathered folk. Some of the things they were able to do was very cool. Of course there is the element of magic installed. I liked the magic inspired by the forest. Not so much the magic of the stones. There is a lot of despair and not much hope for this little half breed.
I also didn’t understand the point of the prologue along with the epilogue. I am not sure why he is laughing and so happy. Unless he is what Kip thinks and I guess I could understand that too. I see there will be another story. I wonder where that will lead the halfbreed and Kip
fish3718's review against another edition
5.0
The Harrowed Half-Breed is the first book in the Forgotten Wood Boook by P.A. Wikoff is a dark fantasy that captured me from the first work. Wikoff has an amazing ability to write about different creatures but keep the eye on the main characters of humans and feather-folk. His imagery is intrigue so you can imagine the scenery and therefore can place the creatures inside the scenery. This story is a page turned that will want you to keep reading until the last word. This story is about the feather-folk. They treasured the land and never took from it more than necessary. The humans pilfered the world to have more than what they needed to show dominance in the land. Barne is the main character who is a half-breed. He is trying to fit in the best he can. This is the coming of age part of the book. We see Barne and what he has to go through just to be happy. I enjoyed reading about Barne. It makes you hopeful for the future. Will you see Barne in a better place than he was at the start of the story? You will have to read it to find out.
bwagner's review against another edition
4.0
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. This is science fiction-fantasy book that I couldn't put down once I started it. There are twists and turns, action, suspense, and secrets. It is a fast paced book that left me sitting on the edge waiting to see what would happen next. I enjoyed the fantasy part of it with the darkness, swords and sorcery, the character Barne it makes it interesting. You never know what you might find lurking in the shadows. I highly recommend this book.
angelahayes's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
The Harrowed Half Breed is A Tarnished Lands Story and the first book in the Forgotten Woods Series By P.A Wikoff. This is my first read by Mr. Wikoff, so I wasn’t sure what I would find when I began reading. The story is an interesting and original fantasy that has lots of action, adventure, drama, unique creatures/beings, magic, and some violence. The story has a dark tone to it and feels a lot like a D & D story/game. But mostly it is a story of self-discovery and a ‘coming of age’.
In the story we meet many characters, all of which play a part in making this story interesting- Barne, Valara, Kip, Nanis, Hogar, Neff, Seyu, and many others, help to bring the story alive. We explore the Tarnished Lands and meet the feathered folk- and discover a lot about their history and struggles.
“The feathered-folk had resided in the wildwoods for greater than a thousand years. They lived off nature's gifts while never upsetting the symbiosis. It was a sacred way of life passed down from each generation.
Soon the humans found value in the forest's wood and sought to cut down the very lands that provided for the folk. Human greed was a flaw that flowed deeply within their blood; they couldn't help it any more than they could help breathing or blinking.
While the humans pilfered more than necessary, the trees bled dark sap, showing their displeasure.
As the self-appointed wardens of the forest, the feathered-folk raged war against the humans. Peace was in their nature, though you wouldn't know it as of late. There hadn’t always been conflict between the two bloodlines, although as of the last couple years, it was a daily struggle. With each fallen warrior, contention spoiled their kind nature and poisoned their disposition.”
This is a very short and easy read, I read it in one sitting. Mr. Wikoff has a descriptive and detailed style, which gave the story a rich texture and feel. If you love swords and sorcery, D & D, original and interesting fantasy, and quirky/unique characters- then this book should be part of your collection.
There is a link at the end of the book to a D & D Module called “Breaking the Peace”- which is set before The Harrowed Half Breed.
Looking forward to “The Progeny Assassin!”, Book #2 in the series.
Thank you, Mr. Wikoff!
The Harrowed Half Breed is A Tarnished Lands Story and the first book in the Forgotten Woods Series By P.A Wikoff. This is my first read by Mr. Wikoff, so I wasn’t sure what I would find when I began reading. The story is an interesting and original fantasy that has lots of action, adventure, drama, unique creatures/beings, magic, and some violence. The story has a dark tone to it and feels a lot like a D & D story/game. But mostly it is a story of self-discovery and a ‘coming of age’.
In the story we meet many characters, all of which play a part in making this story interesting- Barne, Valara, Kip, Nanis, Hogar, Neff, Seyu, and many others, help to bring the story alive. We explore the Tarnished Lands and meet the feathered folk- and discover a lot about their history and struggles.
“The feathered-folk had resided in the wildwoods for greater than a thousand years. They lived off nature's gifts while never upsetting the symbiosis. It was a sacred way of life passed down from each generation.
Soon the humans found value in the forest's wood and sought to cut down the very lands that provided for the folk. Human greed was a flaw that flowed deeply within their blood; they couldn't help it any more than they could help breathing or blinking.
While the humans pilfered more than necessary, the trees bled dark sap, showing their displeasure.
As the self-appointed wardens of the forest, the feathered-folk raged war against the humans. Peace was in their nature, though you wouldn't know it as of late. There hadn’t always been conflict between the two bloodlines, although as of the last couple years, it was a daily struggle. With each fallen warrior, contention spoiled their kind nature and poisoned their disposition.”
This is a very short and easy read, I read it in one sitting. Mr. Wikoff has a descriptive and detailed style, which gave the story a rich texture and feel. If you love swords and sorcery, D & D, original and interesting fantasy, and quirky/unique characters- then this book should be part of your collection.
There is a link at the end of the book to a D & D Module called “Breaking the Peace”- which is set before The Harrowed Half Breed.
Looking forward to “The Progeny Assassin!”, Book #2 in the series.
Thank you, Mr. Wikoff!
jennadb's review against another edition
4.0
The Harrowed Half-Breed by P.A. Wikoff is a unique dark fantasy story set in a dismal world. There are strange creatures who are at war with humans and are quite a violent race even amongst themselves. It was quite gruesome at times but P.A. has done a great job of building and weaving the written word to fully explore all sides of the characters and the world in which they live. But it was not all doom and gloom, there are moments in time where there was things that will make you laugh.
As a fantasy lover I would recommend this book to anyone who likes things a little bit darker
As a fantasy lover I would recommend this book to anyone who likes things a little bit darker