Hand of the Wicked

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Rebellion has swept through the far-flung province of Vurun. Tens of thousands lie dead. Thousands more suffer in captivity. Cities are besieged across the western reaches. Vastrum has sent its reply: two new armies from the south and orders to leave none of the rebels alive. Major Dryden and the Bloody 13th ride again to fulfill the promises he made, and to slay the enemies of his king. By his wicked hand, the enemies of the empire will fall.

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The Bloody 13th Series

Grave of the Bold

Hand of the Wicked

Throne of the Cruel

Ride of the Damned(Ongoing)

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Information

Status
Completed
Year
2024
Author
kahberger

Tags

ACTIONFANTASYMALE LEADWAR AND MILITARYGRIMDARKHIGH FANTASY

Royal Road Stats

Rating
4.6/ 5.0
Followers
12
Views
10,039

Chapters(48 total)

Reviews

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Community Reviews(3)

  • RigdzinRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Continuing on with the second volume of Knute's historical fantasy, several impressive aspects stand out. One is the dialogue, the vocabularly and usage absolutely true to the period, and fits each character. In fact, it's a joy to partake of that, bringing the reader right into the time period.
    Another is the pacing, which is exciting, sometimes breathtaking. I'm often swept right into the action, which is then balanced by the quieter moments where the reader is brought into understanding the motivations of key characters. Or where there are surprising turns of events.
    Through this fantastical reimagining of history, I'm deeply enjoying riding along on this fascinating slice of the British and Central Asian/Himalayan story. Thank you, Knute!
  • KohgsbRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    This second volume, following Grave of the Bold, is off to a great start as the protagonist, Major Dryden, is part of an army of retribution for the events of Book One. Powerful forces are arrayed against them, including a sorceress. The story is an adventure tale of colonial warfare and illuminates its complexities with non-stop action. It's a fantasy war story told in compelling detail.
  • KptnRoyal Road
    ★★★★ 4.0
    Synopsis:
    In the grim darkness of the alternative fantasy colonies, there is only war.
    Bias:
    I dislike litRPGs, which this is not and I am a huge fan of believable and realistic fiction. This is as good as realistic war stories can get. As such, I am predisposed to like it.
    Story:
    Fortunately it delivers on my expectations. It is the second half of the Vastrum campaign in Vurud by the 13th Dragoon Regiment. Where the first book covers the desperate flight of the colonial oppressors after an insurrection, the second book shows the punitive campaign that follows.
    Small spoilers from here:
    While the first book was already gritty and did not spare us the horrors of war, the second one goes a step further. Not really unexpected, as Vastrums generals decide on putting the whole land to the torch. We learn more about the Vurun god Tizrun, who feeds on vengeance and further fuels the conflict.
    With thousands dead, civilians murdered, all fields salted and the land destroyed for generations to come, there are no victors. The insurectionists are dead, Vastrum lost legions and their important aetherium, the former kings brother lost his son and has no longer a kingdom to rule and the Vuruni experienced a genocide. Violence breeds violence and war has only losers.
    Tl;dr: Read it. It is a gripping story following Major Dryden finishing a brutal military campaign. It is immersive with great world building. Beware the heavy topic however. War is never just.