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thewulverslibrary's review against another edition
5.0
“War is no different to peace. It is simply more honest. Do not hesitate, do not contemplate mercy. Remember everything I have taught you.”
It is definitely my worst-kept secret that Ryan Cahill’s The Bound and the Broken series has been one of my absolute favourite breakthroughs in fantasy of recent years, so when Ryan sent me the ARC of The Exile, his latest novella set in this series, then of course I had to drop everything and read it in one sitting. The Lorain Empire took everything from Dayne. His family. His home. His people. He will carve a bloody path through Epheria. He will have his vengeance, by blade and by blood. This is his story. The story of the Exile.
This is a story, and series, that just simply deserves to be seen and praised to the high extent of its content. Cahill has treated us time and time again to a beautiful world filled with fascinating wonder and insanely gripping action that constantly fills the story he has set out to create. He has mastered the craft of showing a character’s moving growth and takes us on a trusted journey from Dayne in the Exile to the man we meet in Of Darkness and Light. The dynamic interactions between Dayne and many familiar characters was fun to read and that’s what Cahill has managed to do most; grip the reader into being invested in character cameos and lore so that we feel fabulous excitement at each little interaction. There is a familial bond that is shown here and it’s so hard to talk about this story without spoiling it but fans of the series should just snatch this right up. I’m just utterly amazed by how Cahill can get such investment in characters in such a short page count; albeit main, side or returning characters yet still keep us enticed and ever-wanting of a story.
This year has been an amazing year for fantasy novels but Ryan Cahill keeps delivering yet another staple in the genre that I will read and re-read to digest every single detail. Once again, a series high on my recommendation list for those that want to read a breath of fresh air in fantasy that will be talked about for years to come, and many years after that. This has thrust my excitement for book three of the main series to the forefront and I cannot wait to dive back into this meticulously crafted story once again.
Thank you to Ryan Cahill again for the opportunity for me, a massive fan, to become lost in a world that makes me feel like I'm reading a classic series in the making.
It is definitely my worst-kept secret that Ryan Cahill’s The Bound and the Broken series has been one of my absolute favourite breakthroughs in fantasy of recent years, so when Ryan sent me the ARC of The Exile, his latest novella set in this series, then of course I had to drop everything and read it in one sitting. The Lorain Empire took everything from Dayne. His family. His home. His people. He will carve a bloody path through Epheria. He will have his vengeance, by blade and by blood. This is his story. The story of the Exile.
This is a story, and series, that just simply deserves to be seen and praised to the high extent of its content. Cahill has treated us time and time again to a beautiful world filled with fascinating wonder and insanely gripping action that constantly fills the story he has set out to create. He has mastered the craft of showing a character’s moving growth and takes us on a trusted journey from Dayne in the Exile to the man we meet in Of Darkness and Light. The dynamic interactions between Dayne and many familiar characters was fun to read and that’s what Cahill has managed to do most; grip the reader into being invested in character cameos and lore so that we feel fabulous excitement at each little interaction. There is a familial bond that is shown here and it’s so hard to talk about this story without spoiling it but fans of the series should just snatch this right up. I’m just utterly amazed by how Cahill can get such investment in characters in such a short page count; albeit main, side or returning characters yet still keep us enticed and ever-wanting of a story.
This year has been an amazing year for fantasy novels but Ryan Cahill keeps delivering yet another staple in the genre that I will read and re-read to digest every single detail. Once again, a series high on my recommendation list for those that want to read a breath of fresh air in fantasy that will be talked about for years to come, and many years after that. This has thrust my excitement for book three of the main series to the forefront and I cannot wait to dive back into this meticulously crafted story once again.
Thank you to Ryan Cahill again for the opportunity for me, a massive fan, to become lost in a world that makes me feel like I'm reading a classic series in the making.
mattevans92's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
trystonwebb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
hewhospeaksoftales's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
rbecker29's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sthenic's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nclcaitlin's review against another edition
3.0
The empire had burned his people. He would do the same in return. Burn them all.
Dayne is exiled from his home after a failed rebellion led to his parents being killed and his siblings being raised as pawns for the Empire.
Do you need to read this? (Reviewed after reading book 3)
I read this in under an hour, so it’s something very fast-paced that you can tear through.
However, I picked it up and other reviews had said how pivotal it was to the main plot. I disagree. It added more depth to the world and characters that was teased at in Of Darkness and Light, but I don’t think you would miss much if you skipped it. I think you might miss some character depth and backstory, but Cahill does a phenomenal job at recapping the events of everything (including the novella) at the start of book 3.
Please can such detailed recaps be made the norm for all fantasy books.
The highlight for me was Belina who was irrational, brash, and completely unpredictable. Her perception of what was acceptable was the opposite to any reasonable person's, and she had killed more people than she had eaten warm meals. Yet she was a delight, especially to the more stoic Dayne.
One thing I want to point out:
Why do male authors always feel the need to write about breasts? I’ve just finished reading Brent Weeks, and there’s just such a focus on it.
“Oh, relax. They're just tits. Why do men always get so worked up about tits?"
Overall, a quick novella filled with spectacular fight scenes and a man on a mission for revenge.
Dayne is exiled from his home after a failed rebellion led to his parents being killed and his siblings being raised as pawns for the Empire.
Do you need to read this? (Reviewed after reading book 3)
I read this in under an hour, so it’s something very fast-paced that you can tear through.
However, I picked it up and other reviews had said how pivotal it was to the main plot. I disagree. It added more depth to the world and characters that was teased at in Of Darkness and Light, but I don’t think you would miss much if you skipped it. I think you might miss some character depth and backstory, but Cahill does a phenomenal job at recapping the events of everything (including the novella) at the start of book 3.
Please can such detailed recaps be made the norm for all fantasy books.
The highlight for me was Belina who was irrational, brash, and completely unpredictable. Her perception of what was acceptable was the opposite to any reasonable person's, and she had killed more people than she had eaten warm meals. Yet she was a delight, especially to the more stoic Dayne.
One thing I want to point out:
Why do male authors always feel the need to write about breasts? I’ve just finished reading Brent Weeks, and there’s just such a focus on it.
“Oh, relax. They're just tits. Why do men always get so worked up about tits?"
Overall, a quick novella filled with spectacular fight scenes and a man on a mission for revenge.
lostinwords01's review
4.5
"The Exile" by Ryan Cahill, book 2.5 in the "Bound and Broken" series, offers readers a compelling glimpse into Dayne's enigmatic past, peeling back the layers of his character in a way that is both riveting and enlightening. While "Of Darkness & Light" introduced us to Dayne, it's in this novella that we finally unravel the intriguing events that shaped him into the character we encountered in ODAL.
Dayne, a figure whose aura of mystery and strength was already captivating in the previous books, takes center stage here. As readers, we are granted access to his innermost thoughts, fears, and motivations. We witness the crucible of his transformation, the forging of a character who has become a fan favorite.
At its core, "The Exile" is a vengeance-driven narrative, a theme that resonates powerfully throughout the story. Dayne's journey is fraught with challenges and trials that demand not only his physical prowess but also his moral compass. His evolution from a determined and conflicted figure into the steadfast and unwavering individual we've come to admire is a testament to Cahill's prowess in character development.
Cahill's writing and formatting continue to impress, a hallmark of his exceptional talent as a writer, be it in a full-length novel or a novella. Despite the shorter length, which can sometimes deter readers, "The Exile" doesn't skimp on delivering a rich and satisfying story. Cahill effortlessly draws readers into his narratives, making it easy to become emotionally invested in the characters and their journeys, and "The Exile" adheres to this winning formula.
In the interest of preserving the novella's surprises, I'll refrain from delving into extensive details. Suffice it to say that if you enjoyed the previous books in the series, you're in for another treat with "The Exile." Cahill consistently delivers, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in this captivating series, with Dayne's character being a shining example of the depth and complexity that make this story so enthralling.
Dayne, a figure whose aura of mystery and strength was already captivating in the previous books, takes center stage here. As readers, we are granted access to his innermost thoughts, fears, and motivations. We witness the crucible of his transformation, the forging of a character who has become a fan favorite.
At its core, "The Exile" is a vengeance-driven narrative, a theme that resonates powerfully throughout the story. Dayne's journey is fraught with challenges and trials that demand not only his physical prowess but also his moral compass. His evolution from a determined and conflicted figure into the steadfast and unwavering individual we've come to admire is a testament to Cahill's prowess in character development.
Cahill's writing and formatting continue to impress, a hallmark of his exceptional talent as a writer, be it in a full-length novel or a novella. Despite the shorter length, which can sometimes deter readers, "The Exile" doesn't skimp on delivering a rich and satisfying story. Cahill effortlessly draws readers into his narratives, making it easy to become emotionally invested in the characters and their journeys, and "The Exile" adheres to this winning formula.
In the interest of preserving the novella's surprises, I'll refrain from delving into extensive details. Suffice it to say that if you enjoyed the previous books in the series, you're in for another treat with "The Exile." Cahill consistently delivers, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in this captivating series, with Dayne's character being a shining example of the depth and complexity that make this story so enthralling.