Published: Oct. 04, 2011
Words: 16,297 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781466007901

Short description

As a young warrior in the elite Kifzo army of his father’s tribe, Tobin lives a life consumed by the relentless training demands of his uncle. Despite his best intentions and hard work, he struggles to cope with his father's indifference toward him and his brother's outright hatred. A chance opportunity may change all of that. Warleader is a prequel short story of approximately 9,200 words.

Extended description

As a young warrior in the elite Kifzo army of his father’s tribe, Tobin lives a life consumed by the relentless training demands of his uncle. Despite his best intentions and hard work, he struggles to cope with his father's indifference toward him and his brother's outright hatred.

A chance opportunity may change all of that. Tobin’s father gives him, his brother and three other young Kifzo each a small squad to lead on a key mission. The squad leader who succeeds will be named Warleader and will command the entire tribe’s army. Tobin sees this as his best chance to step out of the shadow of his brother and earn the respect and recognition he’s always desired.

Warleader is a short story of approximately 9,200 words. It is a prequel to the epic fantasy Rise and Fall: Book One of the Blood and Tears Trilogy.

Free Excerpt included: Chapter 1 of Rise and Fall: Book One of the Blood and Tears Trilogy (5000 words).

Tags

fantasy, dark fantasy, fantasy action adventure, fantasy adventure short story

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Reviews

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Review by: Chrystalla Thoma on Dec. 08, 2011 :
Warleader is a great short tale of two brothers struggling for power. Realistic and honest, the story is gripping from the start. The writing is strong and smooth, the descriptions and action masterful. I thought the ending was a little abrupt and would have wished for a more definite resolution, but otherwise I can hardly find any fault with Warleader and I definitely recommend it for its depth of feeling, its characterization, action sequences and realistic descriptions.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Kathy Hillamn on Nov. 30, 2011 :
The story is about Tabin and how he wants to be warleader of his people and the difference obsticles he must face to reach that position. The one thing he doesn't take into account is what lenght the other candiates will go to win. The story is very descriptive and grabs you attention from the first, giving you a teaser and hungry to read the future books in the Blood and Tears World.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Deb Novack on Nov. 29, 2011 :
I started reading Warleader last night in bed and could not stop until I had finished. This is a book that the characters are well thought out and well written. This is a short story as a prelude to a series and I don't usually read series but for this I would make the exception.

I won this in a giveaway on Librarything for an honest review and that is what you got.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: justmax on Nov. 29, 2011 :
For such a short story (and it is very short), Warleader packs one hell of a punch. The characters are well wrough as is the world building. However, this is a very dark and gritty world, definitely not for the squeamish. This is dark fantasy in the tradition of Glen Cook and Steven Erikson - lots of cruel and often wanton violence, very little magic. Fortunately, at least for me, this is my favourite kind of fantasy.

My one quibble with the story however - this is less prequel and more prologue. It is really a tiny taste of the author's upcoming fantasy series. I have to admit, though, now that I have whetted my appetite with this appetizer, I am hungry for more.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Katy Sozaeva on Nov. 28, 2011 :
The Blue Island Clan trains its best warriors to be part of the clan leader’s elite forces, called the Kifzo. These elite warriors are trained from a young age, and when the time is right, the best of them compete to find out who will be warleader. This short story focuses on that competition, as well as the more profound competition between the clan leader’s sons, Kaz and Tobin, as they struggle to determine who will lead the army – the power-hungry and corrupt Kaz, or Tobin, whose sole interest is in the betterment of his Clan?

The story is well written; the characters are defined quickly and surely, providing a uniqueness to each one without causing a hitch in the plot. The plot moves smoothly and efficiently to the conclusion, providing a few answers, but more questions. Personally I did not care for the story – I didn’t like the culture being described, the ruthlessness, the viciousness and dishonorable intentions of the majority of the Kifzo, their power-hungry and crude – dare I say cruel? – behavior quite sickened me. This should not count against your decision to pick up this story if you enjoy military fantasy stories, as I am quite sure this is just being realistic. I don’t care to read such things, as it just increases my belief in the general disgustingness of humanity, but those who aren’t as misanthropic as I am will probably be entertained by the action and fast-paced plot.

The first full-length novel in this series – which is “Rise and Fall: Book One in the Blood and Tears Trilogy” – will be available 12/1/11 in e-book and in paperback soon thereafter. “Warleader” is a short story basically providing an introduction to the world and characters.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: jojjo on Nov. 22, 2011 :
A neat story that is absolutely worth it's price!

Tobin is a strong and interesting protagonist and even Kaz makes a good villain (he shows signs that he may not be as bad as he acts though he is pretty terrible). The lifestyle of a Kitzo is similar to warrior clans but given a slight twist to make it the author's own.

The only issue I see is that we are not told much about the Kitzo world. It's a learn-as-you-go kind of deal. Other than that, this short story is a delight to read. I do recommend readers to be prepared because they will definitely want to read the trilogy after this story is done.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: amy on Nov. 08, 2011 :
I just finished reading this short story by Joshua P. Simon.He is a writer I found on librarything that was kind enough to gift me a free copy of this book. That being said ..I enjoyed the story alot.This Book is what it says a short story.I hate spoilers so I am trying really hard not to give any in my review.I liked the main character after the first few pages and really felt for Tobin and his struggles.The book has Tobin torn with many feelings about his family and doing his best so he will be the warleader.If Tobin wins in his quest it will be better for his people and others thats for sure.But my fellow readers I am not going to tell you if he does you need to read it for yourself and I would suggest that you do.One more note I would like to make dont worry about it being a short story this is part of a series so be ready to want more.I would read the rest in this series.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

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