Valor and Violence

Information

Status

Hiatus

Year

2022

Author

JEPayne

• The Calling - Part 1
  Jun 10, 2022
• Birth of a Legend - Part 4 (Final)
  Jun 5, 2022
• Birth of a Legend - Part 3
  Jun 5, 2022
• Birth of a Legend - Part 2
  Jun 5, 2022
• Birth of a Legend - Part 1
  Jun 5, 2022

Reviews

Community Reviews(10)

• Wandering Brain SpasmRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  As the synopsis explains, this is not a single work, but a collection of short stories and you should stop and read them all RIGHT NOW. There is incredible storytelling, clever plot devices, and every chapter is packed with edge-of-your-seat action.
  Before I jump into the nitty-gritty, I think it’s worth mentioning that despite the name, short stories are incredibly challenging to write because the author has a limited amount of words to win over the audience before wrapping everything up with a satisfying ending. JEPayne has this down to an artform.
  The style is fast, gripping, and the world building is descriptive without bogging you down with detail. The action sequences alone are praise-worthy. I was fully immersed into the world by chapter one and couldn’t hit the ‘next chapter’ button faster.
  Each short story so far has a clear plot and what’s even better, the storylines are night and day from each other. You’re not reading more of the same. You get new characters, different environments, conflicting motives, and it’s all done so, so well.
  I was so immersed in the stories I didn’t notice any errors. There probably weren’t any either, because everything is very well polished.
  The characters are the best part, which is saying something, because every part of this collection has been darn near perfect so far. Like the stories, you get a wide range of cast, each with their own unique personality and voice. My only issue is that, due to the nature of short stories, I don’t get to spend more time with them. *On this note, the author has promised to bring back the original cast for more adventures, so my issue is a matter of impatience and not oversight.
  Highly recommend you give Valor and Violence a read. It lives up to its name in every way.
• A V DalcourtRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Valor and Violence IS the promise that this author keeps in this collection of related stories.
  Story: Initially, we follow a group of soldiers travelling in hostile jungle territories. The rival natives tribes are bad enough, but the drake infested waters makes the mission near impossible. Deciding to ally themselves with a local tribe, our band of soldiers agree to rescue their tribesmen as well as captured soldiers from the Reaver tribe.
  Back-to-back, each chapter is loaded with action, death, and mayhem. Don’t get too attached to folks, because those drakes are a real problem.
  In the middle of it all, the author layers in world-building, cultural elements, and colorful period context clues that define the core characters and what they’re about. The climatic end of the first story was well worth the wait, and really marked the difference between fighting for the sake of fighting, and fighting in the defense of others.
  Characters: As mentioned, don’t get too attached. But each character, no matter how brief their appearance, feels fleshed out. I particularly liked the visceral description of the 1st mate, and Felix.
  Grammar: No issues, but I’m not a great authority on such things. So I figure it’s fine enough to read through without any of the bad ‘wait-a-minute’ moments.
  Style: The style is pretty much what I expect from a well-executed, action-packed story. It’s got just enough details to shape the setting, the people, and the action without bogging down the story. An envious talent to be sure.
  A truly epic series of stories that I’m looking forward to reading more of.
• AustimizedRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  When you've been on Royal Road for a while, you just assume most stories will be a bit rough on the edges, but the plots, characters, worldbuilding, and/or systems (or Systems) will be worth the effort.
  Thusly, when you encounter a story written and edited to the standards of a publishing house, there's a sense of relief then hope that the sweet and crunchy interior can meet the expectations of the polished shell.
  Valor and Violence meets those expectations in spades.
  Instead of a single monolithic tale (though the novel is in-process), we get a series of short stories, each building and expanding upon differnt regions and aspects of the same gritty, harsh world. As it does so, the stories also carry one of the most ineffable, rare, and difficult-to-define traits: "realism" or perhaps "versimilitude".
  Many stories feel like D&D - people fight monsters, hurl spells, and brave deadly hazards with only the most cosmetic side-effects (unless they're "0hp" and it's time to die). There's nothing wrong with that style, especially for stories explicitly written with Systems to explain it. Sans-System, however, it immediately has my brain asking "yeah, but what about..." regularly, constantly pulling me from the immersion.
  In Valor and Violence, the violence "feels" real - from the horrific jungles to the gruesome effects of spells to the brutal realities of actual combat.
  Coupled with interesting plots, varied characters with human motivations rather than narrative contrivances, and the subtly expanding setting, this is truly a set of tales worth reading for any gritty fantasy fan!
• Banner CaygeonRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  All the effing stars. All of em.
  I'm not sure if this is an anthology, or a multi character story or what, but my god it's fun. And expertly written. There's only 6 chapters spanning two story arcs, but I cannot wait to read more.
  Part 1 - Marines, Jungles, river dragons, battles. Part 2 battle mages, ice magic, fire magic.
  Forget the summary, just read it.
  Grammar: Impeccable, though I was so engrossed that even if the author had dared to slip a mistake in, I doubt I'd have been able to notice.
  Story Score: As I mentioned it's hard to know what exactly the over-all story is...the second story recalls some places from the first, and the author note suggests that characters will be coming back, but it doesn't matter. What there is here is so brilliantly crafted and downright enjoyable. And isn't that what a story is to be?
  Character Score: Full friggin marks here too. I didn't do a word count, but maybe 20k words posted so far, and the economy of the author to pack so much into such a short period of time is to be commended. You genuinely like the characters. They are believable despite the fantastical nature of their surroundings. They are the kind of characters that if you saw in a movie you'd stand up and cheer at the end. Ironman 1, Rocky, Forrest Gump.
  Style: 11/5 stars here. The author has a brilliant wit and they show it off with such skill. I'm not sure I've ever truly laughed out loud reading something, but I did with Valor and Violence. Several times. It's funny, but in a perfectly acceptable way. Like it's not trying to be funny, it just is really funny. Add to that wonderfully fluid and readable prose and this piece feels like a the beginning of a the new hot hip novel that's going to be the talk of book clubs for a season.
  Two thumbs, all 25 stars, 10/10, would buy if able to, etc etc. The superlatives are warranted. This story is an absolute delight to read.
• BayksRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  An excellent first short story , looking forward the next!
  To gritty for high fantasy, too funny for grimdark - a vibrant world that I can't wait to see more of. Intrepid soldiers fighting the environment and an elusive enemy to prevent escaping raiders is a premise it's easy to love, but the way this story is handled in particular brings it to life. Can feel the heat of the jungle, the urgency of the quest and the fear of the unknown pushing forward.
  The style tends towards an adventurous rush through a deadly environment, with humour and violence throughout. Larger mysteries in the world are brushed against, and I can't wait to find out more!
  The story is excellent fun, with good pacing, and enjoyable chapters. It's irreverent, a bit violent, and has some excellent dark humour, along with establishing an interesting world. Can't wait to see it more fleshed out!
  Grammar is excellent throughout, one of the most easily readable stories on here.
  Characters, whilst not at this stage providing much new, do overcome their own challenges, and grapple with the unfamiliar and uncomfortable during the story. They are engaging, with their own motivations and reactions throughout, somewhat limited by the length of the story. Different factions and viewpoints are used effectively, and add to the enjoyment.  I look forward to seeing the future internal growth of the characters, and watching to see how they develop!
  Overall, an excellent story with great world building, engaging characters and a fun read!
• BullerRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Almost felt like speeding through the rest of the chapters but just stopping at the natural point.
  Is the premise good? Overall, it's fun enough. Heavy lore but that's not really required to understand to get through it. Style is great if a bit stilted in the mid chapters. Grammar? Couldn't find anything wrong when skim reading but I didn't pay too much attention. Personalities feel old.
  5/5
• CapwallcroftRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Valour and violence is precisely those two things, and that is what makes it possibly one of the greatest fictions I have ever encountered on Royal road. What sits before you is a brilliant military fiction that pops out into the page in a cascade of action, heroics and emotion. From the first moment of Erskine's introduction, I knew this series was going to be different. This series was going to be great. I have a bias for action, especially good action like this and I have to say, this is one great series.  The world-building, imagery, imagination and sheer glory of the tale are absolutely captivating. Action flies off the page in a series of twists blends and professional nature that I am sure any reader will be enthralled in mere moments. This is undoubtedly amazing work. In terms of character, in only four chapters the author builds a hero which takes to the page in splendour, his style, thoughts and personality and brilliantly portrayed. Levi, Erskine the plight of all is surprisingly well fleshed out and described. You begin to feel for the characters, and see their point of view, aspirations and desires.
  In terms of style, I have no single word to mar its perfection. The fiction is brilliantly crafted in every manner. Twisting and turning with exhilarating and amazing moments that pop out of the page. A world is built up around the reader in no time and the stage is set for an intricate tale to unravel.
  Grammar is okay, no flaws were spotted however some sentences here and there were a little confusing. This did not however impact the flow or reading.
  In terms of story, the fiction brilliantly intertwines with all aspects to produce tales of valour, honour, and action. Now it's not the most creative tale, however, the plight of Erskine, the Drakes, and the final concluding notion are fantastic. The author brings the story to life in a masterpiece of action. If the author wasn't as good as they are, I would say this was not the greatest story, not very origin
• CloudfallRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  This is a brilliant collection of short novels. Short novels can be difficult to write properly, but the author did justice to the ones I've read so far.
  Style — The chapters are written in a third person narration that kept me entertained. With vivid descriptions and great word choices, the story was easy to follow and provided an immersive experience. Truly, the imagery was there and effective.
  Story — With only four chapters, this story managed to build a fantastic rescue mission that involved obvious stakes at hand, as well as clashes of different parties. Very impressed with the worldbuilding; setting, monsters, people... everything was sophisticated and effective, which can be hard to achieve in short stories as such, so props to the author for executing it so nicely!
  Grammar — Excellent. No noticeable error that could affect the flow of the novel. If there were, they've been fixed.
  Character — The characters are well developed and written. There are focuses on different characters which work very well with the type of novel. The characters are all engaging, and though you can tell the author has a predilection for competent, humorous characters, each of them feels distinct and real. Great job on this.
  Overall — A well written and memorable short stories on this site. Highly recommend!
• Drew RoystonRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  This a series of short stories/novellas set in the same setting. The first of these is complete at the point of reviewing and it's a swashbuckling fantasy adventure.
  Nailing short stories is notoriously hard.  Fantasy short stories doubly so.  This writer knocks it out of the park.  Within the first few paragraphs you're embedded in the world. You understand the premise and the stakes, and, as soon as you do, you're into the action.
  The author understands his craft. The key cast is kept to a manageable number without any bloating, but also with cameos coming in to remind us that there is more going on. Characters are drawn in bold clean strokes. The plot zips along with no fat.  It is really skilfully done.
  The other thing to draw out is that the author nails the landing. So often on this site you can read stories that either don’t end, which is fair enough, but also that don’t manage to close arcs in a satisfying way.  This one does it well. You are left content, while still wanting to know more.  Love it.
  Final point. I have also read as far as is available of the next story. It has a different cast and setting but looks set to be equally good. This is no one hit wonder. I look forward to reading much more.
  Detailed scores
  Style: So good. This story shifts between different third person narrow focusses so seamlessly that I had to look back to realise that we had actually changed. Often this is done in a clunky way.  Not here though.  Also wide vocabulary, excellent descriptions, exciting fight scenes. Good. Good. Good.
  Story: To tell a complete, satisfying story in c. 10,000 words is not easy.  This writer does it.
  Grammar: Didn’t notice a thing. No problems for me.  Good job.
  Character: The author knows what he is doing here. Characters are generally clear and well drawn both in speech and action. The only reason that I took a notch off here was because I think that a little more can be done to distinguish between characters from  different backgrounds.  There ar
• AnehaliaRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  These short stories have so much character and world building done in a short amount of time! I enjoyed reading the two I've read so far, and I look forward to reading the next ones. I have found that these stories are best read in one sitting, so I am waiting to read the next story till I see the final chapter posted. (I think they are best read in one sitting because they are addictive and I want to know what happens next)
  Style Score: I'm addicted. I loved the writing and I liked the way the author had slightly different feels to two very different stories set in the same world. Very nicely done with tones of the stories. The first story has this very heroic heavy feel to it while the second story has a much lighter action adventure feel to it and reminded me of watching Indiana Jones in the feel of the writing.
  Story: Well done. Each is a well contained short story with a beginning middle and end that tie together very nicely and even give a satisfying epilogue.
  Grammar: Nothing glaringly obvious to interrupt reading enjoyment.
  Character: Each character had unique traits and were fun to read. I found myself very much rooting for each of the characters we followed in these stories.
  Overall: Awesome story, highly recommend. I looke forward to reading more of these short stories!