The Severing Son Audiobook By Vaughn Roycroft cover art

The Severing Son

The Sundered Nation, Book 1

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The Severing Son

By: Vaughn Roycroft
Narrated by: Alex Wingfield
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About this listen

Tales of the Bringer of Urrinan had been told for generations, but never had the prophecy felt so near to so many. Elan wasn’t sure if she even believed one man could cause the sort of upheaval that would change the world. And yet, just as the prophecy foretold, dark forces were on the rise—including the many Spali warbands raiding across the borderlands.

It was in pursuit of one such warband when Elan’s host discovered the hidden compound of the Outcast. She’d heard how the former chieftain of the mighty Amalus Clan had been unjustly accused of murdering his rival. How the conflict had begun over a woman. How the Outcast’s son—born of that same woman—perfectly matched the prophecy’s foretelling of the Bringer.

Prophecy aside, it seemed that fate had led Elan into the midst of a legend. Because of a choice made in the heat of battle, Elan found herself bound to an outlaw hunted by friend and foe alike. Whether she believed in the prophecy or not, she found herself entangled with a lone figure who vowed to seek the sort of upheaval that might just change the world.

©2022, 2023, 2024 Vaughn Roycroft (P)2025 Vaughn Roycroft Epic Fantasy Historical
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I dove into this debut novel without reading the premise or having any expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by the heart wrenching opening and sympathized with the characters far sooner than I usually do. This was the perfect hook for the beginning of the story. Typically, I prefer longer periods of interaction that do not advance the plot. Every chapter felt crucial to the next. I felt unsure how much time had passed in the book and it was very fast-paced. This is not a bad thing and kept me interested in the story. However, it would have been nice to read more world building and fighting practice. I loved Vahldan’s character development! His inner thoughts are very realistic and you can tell how much he matures by his inner monologue. He is definitely a well thought out character, but I missed that connection with Elan. She is an amazingly strong, yet flawed woman, but I did not sympathize or connect with her as easily. Extra background on her relationship with her friend would’ve been appreciated. I was rooting for her to find happiness and romance away from her friend the entire time and felt satisfied where she’s at in book 1. This is entirely a personal preference, but the romance was more sexual than emotional, which is not my cup of tea. Overall, this was a very good debut and the fantasy tropes the book has (prophesies, chosen one) are done very well. I recommend anyone who enjoys classic fantasy to read this!

Great Fantasy Debut

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Listener received this title free

Thanks to the author for providing an audio ARC.

The Severing Son is a military fantasy novel in the vein of Bernard Cornwell or George Martin. (Actually what it reminded me the most of was that 2004 King Arthur movie starring Clive Owen. Anyone else remember that?)

It tells the story of the son of an exiled chieftain who must return to his tribes, unite them against a common enemy and fulfill a prophecy.

In terms of the set up for this book, it will sound somewhat familiar and in some ways it is. What Roycroft really excels at is setting it apart with some quality writing and excellent world building. (And I have it on good authority that the sequels go in VERY unexpected places)

Roycroft excels in writing all things military and action. Many of the battles are so well described that they play out like a movie in the mind (this is coming from a non visual reader). The attention to detail around combat, wounds, and strategy is all to be commended.

This also feels very much like a world that has been fully lived in. It doesn’t feel like we’re having 21st century ideals mapped upon an older, darker age. All of these characters feel of their time.

One thing I’ll note (though it’s likely a me problem) is that I frequently will read and enjoy books and not be invested to ANY of the characters. In this book particularly I only felt connected to a few of the main ones and several of the side characters were a bit of a challenge to distinguish.

This is a rollicking good tale though that also will make you stop and think…a lot. I haven’t read something that felt like it came in the tradition of George Martin, quite like this book did, for a while!

Do you daily think of the Roman Empire?

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