We already have four novels in Stephen Aryan’s fantasy setting – the complete Age of Darkness trilogy, and the currently in-progress Age of Dread trilogy – and now we have a prequel novella to tide us over until the next book is out. Of Gods and Men focuses on Vargus, a character introduced in Battlemage and seen in the other books since, and it’s one that I was very much looking forward to reading. Not only have I thoroughly enjoyed Aryan’s novels to date, but this character in particular piqued my interest early on and I wanted to know much more about him…
An original epic fantasy novella from Stephen Aryan, set in the world of Battlemage
The gruff and mysterious warrior known as Vargus has meant many things to many people over the course of his long life. But when he hears of a village suffering strange attacks in the dead of night, he must take up the role of the Gath – the people’s protector – once again, before any more children go missing.
Exclusive to ebook and audiobook, Of Gods and Men is an original epic fantasy novella by Stephen Aryan focusing on a fan-favourite character from the Age of Dread trilogy. Story takes place before the events of Battlemage.
Set before the events of Battlemage, what Of Gods and Men gives us is a new perspective on Vargus, allowing us to get to know him a little more and see what he was up to before the events of the Age of Darkness trilogy. It’s also nice because it’s clear from the start that there is more to Vargus than mere humanity, but it’s the way Aryan unravels these aspects throughout the novella that is most exciting. Not only do we have Vargus’ otherworldly powers to draw us in, but we also have the added character of Lanny, whom Vargus tells others is his nephew, but again is much more than what we’re told.
As events unfold and Vargus continues in his role of the Gath, he and Lanny find themselves in an out-of-the-way village suffering from vicious attacks by an unknown predator. As the town gathers around Vargus to bring this violence to an end we learn more about him, and that of the role he plays in the world. But it’s when he and Lanny are alone in their quest that the intrigue is turned up and much is revealed…
I very much enjoyed The Age of Darkness books, and Mageborn, the first in the Age of Dread trilogy, really hit the right notes for me. There’s something about Aryan’s writing that is both easy and complex. The words flow off the page, yet the way he tells a story by weaving bits and pieces of information throughout the narrative make for some very compulsive reading, and Of Gods and Men highlights these strengths perfectly.
A great place for newcomers to his work and for fans alike, Of Gods and Men is an entertaining and enjoyable read. Despite its self-contained nature I was continually hoping for more, if only to prolong my time with the world. I can’t wait for the next novel to come out, and I’m left sincerely hoping this isn’t the last novella in this world, or with these characters that we’ll see. Great stuff.
Publisher: Orbit
Author: Stephen Aryan
February 2018, 70 Pages
Ebook, ASIN: B074SW7FT9
Review copy received from the publisher
© 2018 Mark Chitty | @chitman13
