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The First Scars: (Epic Fantasy: Dark, Emotive, and Action-packed) (Soulbrand Trilogy Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

Now nominated as a semi-finalist in the tenth annual SPFBO competition

Before resurrection, there must be death.

The immortal Branded are needed once more; the Druidic Curse has returned to the Fatherland, and an entire city has fallen. The Great One calls for aid, and the devout and the desperate come in droves to sear their skin with His mark.

Niko Puchev, reeling from his banishment from the Old Magic Inquest, seeks to prove his detractors wrong, and can see no better path than to take the brand. But Tasha Zolanova volunteers with a single question on her lips; can the Cursed be saved?

To end the nightmare, Niko, Tasha and the other Branded must destroy the source. They will scour the bloody, hate-ridden streets of Ranitsa City, their every step stalked by the ravening Cursed. And they will die, over and over, only to wake once more, clinging to their swords and the tatters of their wills.

But the truth lurking behind the Curse will tear them from their souls.

Perfect for fans of Malazan or Elden Ring.

Praise for The First Scars

"The mysterious world-building of Dark Souls and Elden Ring with the epic scope and character-driven detail of Brandon Sanderson." David Green, author of Empire of Ruin.

"A great grimdark debut." Fantasy Faction.

"So much fun." The LoreHunter

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CR8L8NT1
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 30, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.2 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 382 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 1 ‏ : ‎ Soulbrand Trilogy
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 15 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
21 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    If you like monsters, curses, magic, and adventure, then this is your type of fantasy book! This is well-written, full of plot twists, and endlessly creative. Definitely recommend this to my fantasy novel lovers!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    Great book, I really enjoyed it
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    I funded the kickstarter for this book and I'll tell you what the cover is very nice. Without giving anything away this is one of the fastest books I read. It kept me wanting to read more. It is a good read
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    Top-notch EPIC Fantasy! This book captured my imagination from the go and didn't let go! The author built a fantastical and dark vivid world I fell in love with.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    Lots of entertainment! This book is full of entertainment. It will keep you on your toes and the edge of your seat. A mayor paper turner. Very well-developed characters and beautifully written. Easy to understand.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    The First Scars has a strong female protagonist with a simple premise that evolves into a fast-paced plot of twists, turns and foreshadowing.
    If you a fan of fantasy books, this book is for you.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    The First Scars is an explicit content fantasy read that is both tense and emotional. It’s full of unexpected twists, highly imaginative, and the complex characters will have you hooked from the first page. I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    I really loved this one! Recommended!

Top reviews from other countries

  • David Green
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    We always remember our first scars, don't we? I have one running up the side of my left knee from where I fell (was pushed by my older brother) off a wall (on to a nail) that I always remember (not) fondly.

    Ah, memories.

    And you know what? Even though I've receieved many a scar of the physical and mental variety since, I think I won't be forgetting Ivor K. Hill's 'The First Scar' any time soon, and nor would I want to.

    This book - the author's debut - has scratched an itch I've been desperate to rid myself off for a long, long time (insert Obi-Wan Kenobi GIF here).

    Dark, unsettling, moreish, and fast-paced, Hill combines the mysterious world-building of Dark Souls and Elden Ring with the epic scope and character-driven detail of Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive. And all in a brisk 380 pages, too.

    It's a brilliant book that had me gripped from page one, and that it comes from a debut author cutting their teeth only makes me more excited to see what Hill writes next.

    Basically, I'm ready for more scars. Bring them on, Ivor. Bring them on.
  • Laudinho
    5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishing debut
    Reviewed in Germany on October 10, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    That’s quite the astonishing debut Ivor K. Hill published with The First Scars. Kudos!

    We are introduced into a medieval world where so-called old magic is forbidden. At the beginning, we are following two characters who want to fight for their country and do so as part of the ‘branded’ – fighters that will come back to life in a certain area after dying and who can also collect the souls of the people they kill. They are sent to fight against the cursed – regular people turned turned zombies.

    The idea of the branded reminds me a lot of dungeon crawlers, etc. where you restart your game at certain saving points in case you die. Then you go back there and try again. It’s the same concept here, unlike in games the characters even get to see their bodies. But the author really gets behind this idea of resurrection: Yes, the characters gain fighting skills and experience this way, just like in videogames. But there is also quite a psychological impact all the killing and dying has on the individuals which is further explored and which makes The First Scars unique (at least for me). This aspect adds to the overall bleak tone of the book.

    While the beginning was a bit confusing for me, very soon I really got into the very flowery writing and the story. The First Scars is fast-paced, action-packed, visceral and dark, with a strong focus on the characters. The cast of POVs is growing/changing throughout the book. There is also a comedic relief towards the end of the story, that came as a surprise to me, but that I enjoyed. I can imagine some readers having their difficulties with it, though.

    To sum it up: If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, probably even aforementioned games, you will really like The First Scars. I for one am looking forward to the next book in this (planned) trilogy.
  • Janice F.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A real page turner!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 1, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    After 30+ years of reading fantasy books, its great to come across something thats a bit different but remains true to the genre! Loved it and looking forward to more!

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