Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Mythical
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
“What was he doing, breaking the gods’ law again? Had his arrest and public shame taught him nothing?”
When a reformed lawbreaker impulsively sets out to help an old colleague, he sees danger ahead. He does not yet realize that his very spirit lies in peril, depending on the choice he is about to make.
This short story of a man’s quest for redemption and human bonds can be read on its own or as a side story of the Empty Dagger Hand volume in The Three Lands, a fantasy series on friendship, romance, and betrayal in times of war and peace.
The Three Lands is part of Chronicles of the Great Peninsula, a cycle of mythic historical fantasy series about a battle between cultures. Chronicles of the Great Peninsula is set at a time when a centuries-old civilization is in danger of being destroyed. The cycle is inspired by conflicts between cultures during late antiquity.
Author’s Note: As of 2024, my fiction is only released through my subscription services, so I’m only releasing stories (including novels) via omnibuses, which I update whenever a new story is released.To receive notice of new releases, subscribe to my blog or newsletter. To receive all my new releases for a monthly fee, subscribe to one of my subscription services. See also the progress report on upcoming fiction in this series.
The Review
At the age of sixteen, Fyfe wore the brand of an adult criminal as punishment on his cheek. Because of his youth and poverty, the wise priest of Blackpass found him to be redeemable. He confessed and repented, and swore not to break god’s ordained laws again. He would service his town and god’s people by offering alms.
Now, years later, Fyfe is breaking god’s ordained laws once again. He finds himself walking a young lad, who’s a fence and also has the brand of a criminal, home. The boy is was trustworthy, has never cheated him and never betrayed him. He also had blood brothers who helped him.
As they travel closer to the border of Koretia, Fyfe sees the border sentinels, but no village or homestead. He’s not surprised – lawbreakers often live friendless and isolated. The young lad leads him to a cave, telling Fyfe it’s his home. Fyfe hesitates – what if it’s a trap?
Peterson’s “Alms” is a heartwarming story of new friendships, one of the many stories that make up the “The Three Lands – Empty Dagger Hand” omnibus, which itself is part of the “Chronicles of the Great Peninsula.” It’s short but holds a wonderful meaning. I don’t want to say too much, as I didn’t want to give the ending away.
This is a clear and precise character-driven which gives the reader a glimpse into Dusk’s alternate world. Every story within the omnibus connects to the other stories, and many of them deliver a message.
This is a first time I’ve read something by Peterson. I found the omnibus concept interesting. The author has definitely piqued my interest, and I’ve already discovered some of his other characters that I would love to read about!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
