Steffen Larken

The fifth episode of the Swarming Death, Veric series by Steffen Larken, “This World of Smoke” starts on the shores of the Sangar Sea in Krell, “the crown of the Krymean Crowns.”

Will Veric ever decipher the enigmatic symbols on the box? A mysterious box he cannot open. Veric’s father gave him the artifact just before tragedy struck his homeworld. An apocalyptic tragedy that forced him from Qovv and through a portal that altered his life—forever.

Previous clues bring Veric and Sandrin to join a land-crossing caravan traveling to Uddengahl to learn about a mysterious historical warrior named Kurhen, “The Thrice Cursed.” All but erased from history, why was he called “Thrice Cursed?”

As Veric, Sandrin, and their guide Hrosken hike, the landscape becomes increasingly engulfed in a thick blanket of mysterious smoke. “This World of Smoke” becomes more threatening with every step they take. What is this choking smoke, where is it coming from, and why does it cause hallucinations?

The series explores ideas of friendships, belonging, bias, community, magic, iconic beasts, and warring kingdoms as Veric and his friends quest together—facing certain doom—and he seeks to unravel his mysterious past. The series has the elements fantasy readers love; magical beasts, swashbuckling battles all wrapped in menacing mysteries.

I recommend this series to any who enjoy a good fantasy story because it is entertaining. Each book can be read on just an hour or two. I was hooked upon completing the prequel and the first book.

I recommend taking the series for a test drive. To get a risk-free start—Go to Larken’s website, snag his newsletter, and a FREE copy of the prequel “For Fog Adorns Her”.

For additional details check out all my reviews about this series to date:
For Fog Adorns Her
Of Dragon Bones and Ashen Tears
House of Wizardry
A Kingdom to Die For
To Drown on Sunken Land… (more)

If you like reading a quick episodic fantasy, then the fourth book of the “Swarming Death,” “Veric” series by Steffen Larken will please you.

Join Veric and his friend Sandrin as they sail down the river from Aruvan across the Sangar Sea. Veric quests to learn the meaning of and what is in a mysterious box his father gave him while being violently thrust from his homeworld. He’s tried unsuccessfully for twenty years to figure it out. Clues from previous books lead him to travel across the Sangar Sea to Krymean Crown to learn about a mysterious historical figure known as Kurhen, “The Thrice Cursed.” All but erased from history, why was he called “Thrice Cursed?”

All manner of havoc breaks loose while they are aboard the Stormbound. How will Veric, Sandrin, and the crew survive such malevolent seas, the punishing winds where the land around them is being torn apart by unseen forces? Likewise, why is the ship's crew falling sick from a mysterious illness? What is it Veric sees beneath the murky waters, and why is he the only one able to see it?

Veric shares some of his past secrets with Sandrin about living in the elvish kingdom of Essandril. Learn the mysteries behind Veric’s cool elemental magic rings: earth (onyx), air (citrine), water (turquoise), and fire (amethyst)—and how he uses each magic ring.

The series explores ideas of friendships, belonging, bias, community, magic, iconic beasts, and warring kingdoms as Veric and his friends quest together—facing certain doom—and he seeks to unravel his mysterious past.

I recommend this series because it is entertaining. I don’t read fast but can finish one novella in just around two hours. Upon completion, I’m hooked and looking forward to reading the next one. Please check out my earlier reviews for additional details.

If you’re not sure, you can take it for a test drive—go to Larken’s website, snag his newsletter and a FREE copy of the prequel “For Fog Adorns Her”.… (more)

A Kingdom to Die For by Steffen Larken

The epic Swarming Death fantasy continues in “A Kingdom to Die For” by Steffen Larken when Veric teams up with Sandrin—a ferocious and wily warrior trying to earn her stripes and way into an esteemed position in the militia of the kingdom. This episode lays the foundation to understanding Veric’s friendship with Sandrin. War with Tressia is brewing and only Veric knows the truth behind how that came to be. Follow Veric and Sandrin as they cleverly crusade against a madman who is leading an army of “rags,” unfortunate souls who’ve been unwittingly duped into serving this illegitimate army. Will they save and free these poor conscripts? Read to find out! Please check out my earlier reviews for additional details.

The series explores ideas of friendships, belonging and bias, community, magic, iconic beasts and warring kingdoms as Veric and his friends quest together—facing certain doom—and he seeks to unravel his mysterious past.

The previous books are suitable for all ages. However, this one does have a scene where rape is implied so I issue caution: mature, adult content on this one. Just skip that paragraph if you’re reading the story to children.

The series is highly entertaining and well worth the read.

You can take it for a test drive—go to Larken’s website, snag his newsletter and a FREE copy of the prequel ”For Fog Adorns Her”.… (more)

Join Veric in the second novella of the marvelous Swarming Death series. Veric’s quest to unravel the mysterious symbols on the box and understand his past continues as he’s drawn into “The House of Wizardary.”

Follow Veric into the wizards house which has more doors than windows with each leading to another bizarre world. Meet Raved—a town historian—whose son Samir has vanished into the wizard’s house. He holds the next clues Veric must know. Through dazzling magic and swashbuckling fights—will any escape the wizard’s house intact? We learn the secret magic of Veric’s onyx ring (it’s so cool!).

We are left hooked, anticipating the third novella, “A Kingdom to Die For.”

Right now, the Veric series will publish two books per month, so it will be a short wait. (I hope to learn what that devious Devan is up to.)

I enthusiastically recommend reading this enchanting, well written series which delivers those elements readers of the high fantasy genre love and expect. For additional thoughts please check out my reviews of book one: “Of Dragon Bones and Ashen Tears” and the prequel “For Fog Adorns Her.”

Not sure?—take it for a risk-free test drive—go to Larken’s website, snag his newsletter and your FREE copy of the prequel ”For Fog Adorns Her”. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review—which is good for me because I love it.… (more)