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Wars of Light and Shadow
The Gallant
The Gallant, a Wars of Light and Shadow novella:
Verrain is the celebrated gallant of Shand. When a web of conspiracy aimed at the throne makes him an unwitting target, Lisianne, least likely of women, steps up to salvage his fate.
Verrain is the celebrated gallant of Shand. When a web of conspiracy aimed at the throne makes him an unwitting target, Lisianne, least likely of women, steps up to salvage his fate.
- GenresFantasyEpic Fantasy
108 pages, ebook
First published July 14, 2019
8 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
Janny Wurts
106 books1,934 followersJanny Wurts is the author of War of Light and Shadow series, and To Ride Hell's Chasm. Her eighteen published titles include a trilogy in audio, a short story collection, as well as the internationally best selling Empire trilogy, co authored with Raymond E. Feist, with works translated into fifteen languages worldwide. Her latest title in the Wars of Light and Shadow series, Destiny's Conflict, culminates more than thirty years of carefully evolved ideas. The cover images on the books, both in the US and abroad, are her own paintings, depicting her vision of characters and setting.
Through her combined talents as a writer/illustrator, Janny has immersed herself in a lifelong ambition: to create a seamless interface between words and pictures that will lead reader and viewer into the imagination. Her lavish use of language invites the mind into a crafted realm of experience, with characters and events woven into a complex tapestry, and drawn with an intensity to inspire active fuel for thought. Her research includes a range of direct experience, lending her fantasy a gritty realism, and her scenes involving magic crafted with intricate continuity. A self-taught painter, she draws directly from the imagination, creating scenes in a representational style that blurs the edges between dream and reality. She makes few preliminary sketches, but envisions her characters and the scenes that contain them, then executes the final directly from the initial pencil drawing.
The seed idea for the Wars of Light and Shadow series occurred, when, in the course of researching tactic and weapons, she viewed a documentary film on the Battle of Culloden Moor. This was the first time she had encountered that historical context of that brutal event, with the embroidery of romance stripped from it. The experience gave rise to an awakening, which became anger, that so often, our education, literature and entertainment slant history in a manner that equates winners and losers with moral right and wrong, and the prevalent attitude, that killing wars can be seen as justifiable solutions when only one side of the picture is presented.
Her series takes the stance that there are two sides to every question, and follows two characters who are half brothers. One a bard trained as a master of magecraft, and the other a born ruler with a charismatic passion for justice, have become cursed to lifelong enmity. As one sibling raises a devoted mass following, the other tries desperately to stave off defeat through solitary discipline and cleverness. The conflict sweeps across an imaginary world, dividing land and people through an intricate play of politics and the inborn prejudices of polarized factions already set at odds. Readers are led on a journey that embraces both viewpoints. The story explores the ironies of morality which often confound our own human condition - that what appears right and just, by one side, becomes reprehensible when seen from the opposite angle. What is apparently good for the many, too often causes devastating suffering to the nonconformist minority. Through the interactions between the characters themselves, the reader is left to their own discretion to interpret the moral impact of events.
Says Janny of her work, "I chose to frame this story against a backdrop of fantasy because I could handle even the most sensitive issues with the gloves off - explore the myriad angles of our troubled times with the least risk of offending anyone's personal sensibilities. The result, I can hope, is an expanding journey of the spirit that explores the grand depths, and rises to the challenge of mapping the ethereal potential of an evolving planetary consciousness... explore free thought and compassionate understanding."
Beyond writing, Janny's award winning paintings have been showcased in exhibitions of imaginative artwork, among them a commemorative exhibition for NASA's 25th Anniversary; the Art of the Cosmos at Hayden Planet
Through her combined talents as a writer/illustrator, Janny has immersed herself in a lifelong ambition: to create a seamless interface between words and pictures that will lead reader and viewer into the imagination. Her lavish use of language invites the mind into a crafted realm of experience, with characters and events woven into a complex tapestry, and drawn with an intensity to inspire active fuel for thought. Her research includes a range of direct experience, lending her fantasy a gritty realism, and her scenes involving magic crafted with intricate continuity. A self-taught painter, she draws directly from the imagination, creating scenes in a representational style that blurs the edges between dream and reality. She makes few preliminary sketches, but envisions her characters and the scenes that contain them, then executes the final directly from the initial pencil drawing.
The seed idea for the Wars of Light and Shadow series occurred, when, in the course of researching tactic and weapons, she viewed a documentary film on the Battle of Culloden Moor. This was the first time she had encountered that historical context of that brutal event, with the embroidery of romance stripped from it. The experience gave rise to an awakening, which became anger, that so often, our education, literature and entertainment slant history in a manner that equates winners and losers with moral right and wrong, and the prevalent attitude, that killing wars can be seen as justifiable solutions when only one side of the picture is presented.
Her series takes the stance that there are two sides to every question, and follows two characters who are half brothers. One a bard trained as a master of magecraft, and the other a born ruler with a charismatic passion for justice, have become cursed to lifelong enmity. As one sibling raises a devoted mass following, the other tries desperately to stave off defeat through solitary discipline and cleverness. The conflict sweeps across an imaginary world, dividing land and people through an intricate play of politics and the inborn prejudices of polarized factions already set at odds. Readers are led on a journey that embraces both viewpoints. The story explores the ironies of morality which often confound our own human condition - that what appears right and just, by one side, becomes reprehensible when seen from the opposite angle. What is apparently good for the many, too often causes devastating suffering to the nonconformist minority. Through the interactions between the characters themselves, the reader is left to their own discretion to interpret the moral impact of events.
Says Janny of her work, "I chose to frame this story against a backdrop of fantasy because I could handle even the most sensitive issues with the gloves off - explore the myriad angles of our troubled times with the least risk of offending anyone's personal sensibilities. The result, I can hope, is an expanding journey of the spirit that explores the grand depths, and rises to the challenge of mapping the ethereal potential of an evolving planetary consciousness... explore free thought and compassionate understanding."
Beyond writing, Janny's award winning paintings have been showcased in exhibitions of imaginative artwork, among them a commemorative exhibition for NASA's 25th Anniversary; the Art of the Cosmos at Hayden Planet
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 11, 2019
Originally published in Secrets & Spells: 6 Fantasy Novels (recommended!), The Gallant is a self-contained story about a secondary WoLaS character and when I was finally able to get some quality time off and dive in, I savored each page of Verrain’s story. It was poignant and full of love, with an edge of practical brutality that lends more depth to the conflict between Townbreds and Clanfolk.
I'm reminded, once again, that there are not clear-cut sides in this story but layers and nuances.
I’m so happy I read it, I enjoyed both the personal story of Verrain, Lisya and Sethant and all the details about the brewing disorders, the big conspiracies that would set the ground for the events of the main series.
I would recommend it to returning and new readers alike, the tale is clearly planned with both in mind because it's self-contained and clever on history. It's also a nice example of Wurts' authorial style.
I'm reminded, once again, that there are not clear-cut sides in this story but layers and nuances.
I’m so happy I read it, I enjoyed both the personal story of Verrain, Lisya and Sethant and all the details about the brewing disorders, the big conspiracies that would set the ground for the events of the main series.
I would recommend it to returning and new readers alike, the tale is clearly planned with both in mind because it's self-contained and clever on history. It's also a nice example of Wurts' authorial style.
December 2, 2025
Of course Janny Wurts just casually packs an entire epic into the space of a hundred pages like it's the easiest thing in the world, because why not? The Gallant delivers political intrigue, cultural conflict, thrilling adventure, complex characters, and the most beautifully tragic romance, all wrapped up in Wurts' signature rich and layered prose. In other words, that is how you do a prequel novella.
While all the hype and love for The Wars of Light and Shadow series lately has been giving me major FOMO, I wasn't yet sure if I wanted to commit to the full series when I wasn't entirely sure if it was going to be the right fit for my tastes. So, what better way to dip my toes into the wondrous world of Athera than with this prequel novella, set 500 years before the events of the main series?
I decided to listen to the audiobook narrated by Zachary Shaye, and honestly? Best decision I could ever have made. Wurts’ writing is beyond stunning but pretty dense for me to read physically as a non-native English speaker (I struggled hard with To Ride Hell's Chasm), and Shaye’s immersive narration made every sentence flow so beautifully. He brought the world and characters to life in a way that let me fully sink into the story, and I loved that I could just enjoy the rhythm and atmosphere without feeling like I had to work to keep up with it.
That is not to say that I didn’t feel like a ton of hidden depth and layered nuance was going way over my head (even with me taking it very slow and rewinding many times to really appreciate everything and let it all sink in), but somehow that didn’t hinder my enjoyment at all. I very quickly latched onto Verrain and Lisianne as protagonists here, and while the development of their romantic connection felt a bit rushed to me, I can’t deny that their bittersweet journey across these pages moved me deeply and surprised me in all the most brutal ways. This is just an epic love story for the ages, driven by passion, altruism, sacrifice, and so much unwavering devotion.
It’s incredible how well Wurts manages to balance and interweave the character development with the world building, and I loved how this tale felt both so intimately human and wonderfully fantastical all at once. Some bits of the lore and magic felt a bit too feverdreamy and intangible to me, especially in the final few chapters, but that doesn’t diminish the high quality of it all. I have a feeling that a lot of the revelations here will gain more significance with added context in the main series, so in that sense I think this prequel novella did its job in wetting my appetite for what is yet to come in this series.
Whether I will feel brave enough to try Curse of the Mistwraith as a physical read is still up in the air though, especially considering that I feel like Wurts’ storytelling is just made to be read aloud and listened to. In any case, I am very glad I gave The Gallant a fair shot, because it is without a doubt one of the strongest novellas I have ever read.
While all the hype and love for The Wars of Light and Shadow series lately has been giving me major FOMO, I wasn't yet sure if I wanted to commit to the full series when I wasn't entirely sure if it was going to be the right fit for my tastes. So, what better way to dip my toes into the wondrous world of Athera than with this prequel novella, set 500 years before the events of the main series?
I decided to listen to the audiobook narrated by Zachary Shaye, and honestly? Best decision I could ever have made. Wurts’ writing is beyond stunning but pretty dense for me to read physically as a non-native English speaker (I struggled hard with To Ride Hell's Chasm), and Shaye’s immersive narration made every sentence flow so beautifully. He brought the world and characters to life in a way that let me fully sink into the story, and I loved that I could just enjoy the rhythm and atmosphere without feeling like I had to work to keep up with it.
That is not to say that I didn’t feel like a ton of hidden depth and layered nuance was going way over my head (even with me taking it very slow and rewinding many times to really appreciate everything and let it all sink in), but somehow that didn’t hinder my enjoyment at all. I very quickly latched onto Verrain and Lisianne as protagonists here, and while the development of their romantic connection felt a bit rushed to me, I can’t deny that their bittersweet journey across these pages moved me deeply and surprised me in all the most brutal ways. This is just an epic love story for the ages, driven by passion, altruism, sacrifice, and so much unwavering devotion.
It’s incredible how well Wurts manages to balance and interweave the character development with the world building, and I loved how this tale felt both so intimately human and wonderfully fantastical all at once. Some bits of the lore and magic felt a bit too feverdreamy and intangible to me, especially in the final few chapters, but that doesn’t diminish the high quality of it all. I have a feeling that a lot of the revelations here will gain more significance with added context in the main series, so in that sense I think this prequel novella did its job in wetting my appetite for what is yet to come in this series.
Whether I will feel brave enough to try Curse of the Mistwraith as a physical read is still up in the air though, especially considering that I feel like Wurts’ storytelling is just made to be read aloud and listened to. In any case, I am very glad I gave The Gallant a fair shot, because it is without a doubt one of the strongest novellas I have ever read.
August 8, 2023
https://undertheradarsffbooks.com/202...
If you ever wanted to find a great entry point for Janny’s writing without feeling the strain of tackling a huge Epic Fantasy series, then The Gallant is the story for you. Written in the same world as her Wars of Light and Shadow series, five hundred years before the first volume The Curse of the Mistwraith begins. A gritty romance tale with high society, clans, the free wilds, and assassins all in one story around one hundred pages long. Janny lets it all loose with this novella so have your box of tissues ready at hand.
Before I begin let me tell you right off the bat that this story and all other of Janny’s short stories in her Wars of Light and Shadow series are not available on amazon or in paperback (yet). They can be found on her website and I will leave a link to that at the bottom of this review. One more thing to note is that this novella follows a side character in the main series, Verrain, and The Gallant can be read at any time. The further into the main series you are before starting The Gallant, the more you will see beyond what is written on the page. Implications, goals, desires, and the horror of what is about to come.
Verrain is a Gallant of the city of Shand and the son of a well known merchant family. Tall, blonde, and handsome Verrain is always the talk of the ball. Lisianne is a gentle soul but is not what most people would consider “beautiful” and she is mocked or ridiculed by those around her. This continues until Verrain comes to her rescue and they are both spirited away for more private matters. Out of nowhere Verrain is the target of a “political” assignation attempt and is left poisoned and fading in and out of consciousness. Lisianne needs to traverse the free wilds to try and find a cure with the Clans or the Apt Brotherhood but the journey itself is daunting. I’ll leave the review here otherwise we will get into spoiler territory.
Once again Janny was able to completely drag me into the story in little to no time and give everyone a taste for the world of Athera. There are much larger works at play than what is revealed in the story but all the markers are there if you look closely enough. The prose continue to be second to none and I mean that for any genre you can find. The details are bursting with energy and Janny has a way with the pen in making these imagines just come alive. The relationship between Verrain and Lisianne will tear at your heart strings in every possible way and I mean that in all sincerity. Romance readers will be chomping at the bit here with Janny’s words.
Let this be the Gateway you need to jump into Janny’s magnum opus of an Epic Fantasy series. I’m sure your mind will be flooded with questions and let me tell you that Janny will not lead you astray. Trust her to reveal the story in all its glory and all you need to do is be swept away in the writing and have a little patience because she nails her endings. Happy reading my friends!
Cheers!
https://paravia.com/StudioShop/index....
If you ever wanted to find a great entry point for Janny’s writing without feeling the strain of tackling a huge Epic Fantasy series, then The Gallant is the story for you. Written in the same world as her Wars of Light and Shadow series, five hundred years before the first volume The Curse of the Mistwraith begins. A gritty romance tale with high society, clans, the free wilds, and assassins all in one story around one hundred pages long. Janny lets it all loose with this novella so have your box of tissues ready at hand.
Before I begin let me tell you right off the bat that this story and all other of Janny’s short stories in her Wars of Light and Shadow series are not available on amazon or in paperback (yet). They can be found on her website and I will leave a link to that at the bottom of this review. One more thing to note is that this novella follows a side character in the main series, Verrain, and The Gallant can be read at any time. The further into the main series you are before starting The Gallant, the more you will see beyond what is written on the page. Implications, goals, desires, and the horror of what is about to come.
Verrain is a Gallant of the city of Shand and the son of a well known merchant family. Tall, blonde, and handsome Verrain is always the talk of the ball. Lisianne is a gentle soul but is not what most people would consider “beautiful” and she is mocked or ridiculed by those around her. This continues until Verrain comes to her rescue and they are both spirited away for more private matters. Out of nowhere Verrain is the target of a “political” assignation attempt and is left poisoned and fading in and out of consciousness. Lisianne needs to traverse the free wilds to try and find a cure with the Clans or the Apt Brotherhood but the journey itself is daunting. I’ll leave the review here otherwise we will get into spoiler territory.
Once again Janny was able to completely drag me into the story in little to no time and give everyone a taste for the world of Athera. There are much larger works at play than what is revealed in the story but all the markers are there if you look closely enough. The prose continue to be second to none and I mean that for any genre you can find. The details are bursting with energy and Janny has a way with the pen in making these imagines just come alive. The relationship between Verrain and Lisianne will tear at your heart strings in every possible way and I mean that in all sincerity. Romance readers will be chomping at the bit here with Janny’s words.
Let this be the Gateway you need to jump into Janny’s magnum opus of an Epic Fantasy series. I’m sure your mind will be flooded with questions and let me tell you that Janny will not lead you astray. Trust her to reveal the story in all its glory and all you need to do is be swept away in the writing and have a little patience because she nails her endings. Happy reading my friends!
Cheers!
https://paravia.com/StudioShop/index....
August 18, 2024
4.5/5 Stars
I recieved a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Janny Wurts’ ability to weave an engrossing tale with heartbreak, intrigue and vulnerability is astounding.
The Gallant follows Verrain de Sient and his love interest Lissaine as a political plot leaves Verrain in a state of madness to reveal secrets. Throughout their journey, Lissaine sacrifices everything to care for Verrain despite the judgement, harrowing circumstances and dangers ahead.
Upon reading I found myself in the thick of political schemes and romantic entanglements only to have the rug pulled out from under me as it shifts into a beguiling exploration of a person’s character, self-sacrifice and the birth of legends.
Now, while I’ve been eager to start Janny Wurts books, I wasn’t sure how this novella would work for me as trope heavy romance is not something I enjoy. For context, if a book has romance in it, I prefer genuine relationships rather than the dramatic.
With that in mind, the romance initially felt a bit on the dramatic side, but that perspective quickly shifted the more I read. Finishing the story brings these characters arcs and their relationship into a completely different light that I thoroughly appreciated. Looking back at the first 20% knowing what these characters go through and where they end up reveals just how much of a love story this is with impeccable character work. Serving as a reminder to never judge a book or characters by their cover.
That’s not all, as the story is filled with magical encounters, beasts, and captivating worldbuilding it’s also matched with steady pacing. There was never a dull moment as events continued to propel the story forward with political machinations, suspense, shock, intrigue, action and heartache all blended in.
The Gallant is packed with masterful storytelling, demonstrating a skillful passion for the craft. There are plenty more aspects I could delve into with this novella, but suffice it to say I am eager to read more of Janny’s stories.
I recieved a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Janny Wurts’ ability to weave an engrossing tale with heartbreak, intrigue and vulnerability is astounding.
The Gallant follows Verrain de Sient and his love interest Lissaine as a political plot leaves Verrain in a state of madness to reveal secrets. Throughout their journey, Lissaine sacrifices everything to care for Verrain despite the judgement, harrowing circumstances and dangers ahead.
Upon reading I found myself in the thick of political schemes and romantic entanglements only to have the rug pulled out from under me as it shifts into a beguiling exploration of a person’s character, self-sacrifice and the birth of legends.
Now, while I’ve been eager to start Janny Wurts books, I wasn’t sure how this novella would work for me as trope heavy romance is not something I enjoy. For context, if a book has romance in it, I prefer genuine relationships rather than the dramatic.
With that in mind, the romance initially felt a bit on the dramatic side, but that perspective quickly shifted the more I read. Finishing the story brings these characters arcs and their relationship into a completely different light that I thoroughly appreciated. Looking back at the first 20% knowing what these characters go through and where they end up reveals just how much of a love story this is with impeccable character work. Serving as a reminder to never judge a book or characters by their cover.
That’s not all, as the story is filled with magical encounters, beasts, and captivating worldbuilding it’s also matched with steady pacing. There was never a dull moment as events continued to propel the story forward with political machinations, suspense, shock, intrigue, action and heartache all blended in.
The Gallant is packed with masterful storytelling, demonstrating a skillful passion for the craft. There are plenty more aspects I could delve into with this novella, but suffice it to say I am eager to read more of Janny’s stories.
July 16, 2019
A wonderful and heartbreaking addition to the Wars of Light and Shadow Series
RTC
RTC
January 9, 2025
If you prefer watching videos, I have a BookTube Channel!
Below is a summary of the transcript from the above referenced video about this novella.
This is a prequel novella to the "Wars of Light and Shadow" series by Janny Wurts.
Wurts' writing is distinct, unique—neither flowery nor overly simplistic. Her prose features a vast vocabulary, introducing several uncommon words that enhance the reading experience without overwhelming the reader. Initially, the I found the language a bit challenging, but it ultimately deepened my immersion into the story.
The narrative provides a backstory for what appears to be a pivotal character in the main series, Verrain. (This is my hope - please note that I have NOT yet read this series, so I'm speculating here.) This character is described with depth and complexity, presenting both his public reputation as a rake and the personal perspectives of those around him, which revealed a gentle, kind soul.
The novella served as a "taste test" to me for the series and its author. I am very much looking forward to moving on to the first book, THE CURSE OF THE MISTWRAITH.
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Tara, John, Ann, Chad K. & Wilbur.
Below is a summary of the transcript from the above referenced video about this novella.
This is a prequel novella to the "Wars of Light and Shadow" series by Janny Wurts.
Wurts' writing is distinct, unique—neither flowery nor overly simplistic. Her prose features a vast vocabulary, introducing several uncommon words that enhance the reading experience without overwhelming the reader. Initially, the I found the language a bit challenging, but it ultimately deepened my immersion into the story.
The narrative provides a backstory for what appears to be a pivotal character in the main series, Verrain. (This is my hope - please note that I have NOT yet read this series, so I'm speculating here.) This character is described with depth and complexity, presenting both his public reputation as a rake and the personal perspectives of those around him, which revealed a gentle, kind soul.
The novella served as a "taste test" to me for the series and its author. I am very much looking forward to moving on to the first book, THE CURSE OF THE MISTWRAITH.
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Tara, John, Ann, Chad K. & Wilbur.
October 26, 2022
Wow, that was a tear jerker!!! Holy moly.
This is a novella in the Wars of Light and Shadow series. The events take place during the time of the mistwraith's incursion. I don't think there's much I can say without ruining the story for someone else, other than the fact that this was excellent.
If you plan to read it, though, grab a tissue 😭
This is a novella in the Wars of Light and Shadow series. The events take place during the time of the mistwraith's incursion. I don't think there's much I can say without ruining the story for someone else, other than the fact that this was excellent.
If you plan to read it, though, grab a tissue 😭
October 31, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ║ A short prequel novella that packs a punch and showcases Janny Wurts’ signature depth and precision, even within a slim page count.
The Gallant moves fast but cuts deep, weaving love, sacrifice, and tragedy into a world that already feels vast and layered. Set hundreds of years before the events of the The Curse of the Mistwraith and focusing on characters less important to the main events of the Wars of Light and Shadow series, it’s not required reading but is still worth the effort.
The prose is dense and lyrical—almost musical—but it demands patience. When I slowed down to savor it, I found it mesmerizing. When I rushed, it lost clarity. The world is massive, detailed and vividly described, and Wurts doesn’t hold your hand building it. The character work is incredible for such a short tale.
I rarely connect with novellas or short stories compared to full length novels, yet this one heightened my anticipation for the main Wars of Light and Shadow series.
The Gallant moves fast but cuts deep, weaving love, sacrifice, and tragedy into a world that already feels vast and layered. Set hundreds of years before the events of the The Curse of the Mistwraith and focusing on characters less important to the main events of the Wars of Light and Shadow series, it’s not required reading but is still worth the effort.
The prose is dense and lyrical—almost musical—but it demands patience. When I slowed down to savor it, I found it mesmerizing. When I rushed, it lost clarity. The world is massive, detailed and vividly described, and Wurts doesn’t hold your hand building it. The character work is incredible for such a short tale.
I rarely connect with novellas or short stories compared to full length novels, yet this one heightened my anticipation for the main Wars of Light and Shadow series.
February 1, 2023
Cold sober, he might have remembered the warning: no one who crossed paths with one of the Seven survived the experience unchanged.:
Decent novella. Best appreciated by those who have read other of Wurtz’s Wars of Light and Shadow corpus, otherwise pointless. Cover art by the author unrelated to the story.
Davien’s concern had rigorously proven the pitfall that risked the mysteries to entropy: sooner or later, the rot of self-interest undermined guided wisdom.
Decent novella. Best appreciated by those who have read other of Wurtz’s Wars of Light and Shadow corpus, otherwise pointless. Cover art by the author unrelated to the story.
Davien’s concern had rigorously proven the pitfall that risked the mysteries to entropy: sooner or later, the rot of self-interest undermined guided wisdom.
November 20, 2025
Update from reread November 20 2025: This novella still is so so amazing! The second to last chapter is one of the most beautiful and magical scenes I’ve read this year. The scout was also such a great dude! It was neat to learn about the imprints that people could make electro magnetically speaking on Athera. It certainly explains how the Koriani know certain things about certain characters in certain locations later on in the series….
9/10
This novella was a beautiful love story/tragedy with implications that will make me revisit this novella more and more as I go through the WOL&S series starting in January! I really appreciated the writing style in regards to how much it demanded my attention. I hope that as I read on in the series that I can understand the sequence after Verrain is transported away from the white rock water fountain a bit better. As a novice to the world of this story, the transcendental elements of the novella were a bit difficult to picture at times and especially became a bit more challenging to grasp in the second to last and last chapter.
Lisianne’s choice to stick with Verrain despite his condition and only knowing him for such a short time was one of two profound moments that stuck out to me in the story. The scene made me reflect on my own marriage and my own concerns that I would have if my wife had to take care of me if I were rendered in a similar state of being as Verrain was at the time. It made me see an extent of what someone can do out of love for another person and the power. Without going into too much detail, reading about Lisianne’s choice has in a way eased a far off concern of mine. I deeply appreciate Wurts and this novella for making such an impact.
The other scene which I found to be profound was the scene featuring the aftermath of the town after the methspawn passed through. The methspawn are a truly horrific creation, horrific enough to compete in my book for most unsettling creatures in fantasy or SF I’ve seen. They were just as terrifying as the reavers from Firefly, if not more so. I think it’s safe for me to say that I was pretty shaken by Lisianne’s and the scout’s fate at the hands of these creatures.
Overall, this will not be the last time I read this work, especially since I get the impression Verrain will make some more appearances. Since this is the case, I hope that repeat read throughs will improve my already awesome experience with this novella. For now though, this novella did a fantastic job in hooking me into reading the rest of the series. I’m very glad to have read it!
9/10
This novella was a beautiful love story/tragedy with implications that will make me revisit this novella more and more as I go through the WOL&S series starting in January! I really appreciated the writing style in regards to how much it demanded my attention. I hope that as I read on in the series that I can understand the sequence after Verrain is transported away from the white rock water fountain a bit better. As a novice to the world of this story, the transcendental elements of the novella were a bit difficult to picture at times and especially became a bit more challenging to grasp in the second to last and last chapter.
Lisianne’s choice to stick with Verrain despite his condition and only knowing him for such a short time was one of two profound moments that stuck out to me in the story. The scene made me reflect on my own marriage and my own concerns that I would have if my wife had to take care of me if I were rendered in a similar state of being as Verrain was at the time. It made me see an extent of what someone can do out of love for another person and the power. Without going into too much detail, reading about Lisianne’s choice has in a way eased a far off concern of mine. I deeply appreciate Wurts and this novella for making such an impact.
The other scene which I found to be profound was the scene featuring the aftermath of the town after the methspawn passed through. The methspawn are a truly horrific creation, horrific enough to compete in my book for most unsettling creatures in fantasy or SF I’ve seen. They were just as terrifying as the reavers from Firefly, if not more so. I think it’s safe for me to say that I was pretty shaken by Lisianne’s and the scout’s fate at the hands of these creatures.
Overall, this will not be the last time I read this work, especially since I get the impression Verrain will make some more appearances. Since this is the case, I hope that repeat read throughs will improve my already awesome experience with this novella. For now though, this novella did a fantastic job in hooking me into reading the rest of the series. I’m very glad to have read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
Janny Wurts Sprache ist für mich schwer zu verstehen. Sie benutzt sehr viele mir unbekannte Wörter und ich musste sehr vieles nachschlagen und habe deshalb sicherlich das eine oder andere nicht vollständig verstanden und mitbekommen. Ich habe das schon befürchtet, nachdem ich englischsprachige Booktuber gesehen habe, die sagten, sie mussten auch Wörter nachschlagen...
Auf jeden Fall bin ich auf ihre Serie "Wars of Light and Shadow" neugierig geworden. Mal sehen, ob ich es wagen werde.
Auf jeden Fall bin ich auf ihre Serie "Wars of Light and Shadow" neugierig geworden. Mal sehen, ob ich es wagen werde.
January 10, 2025
I thought it was a great novella. I just think the prose is too ornate and posh. It gets in the way of actually enjoying the moments.
August 4, 2020
Tears. Janny Wurts sure knows how to break my heart. This is the story of Verrain, the spellbinder who stands guard against the meth-snakes. Set before the Mistwraith has covered all of Athera, we learn of Verrain before he is a spellbinder and how comes to be a spellbinder. It's interestingly not really told from Verrains point of view though. Most of it is from Lisiannes viewpoint, and she is a great character imo, I really loved having her perspective.
A fantastic novella, but it's a novella, and the fact that such a small book made cry so hard, in addition to the fact that Destiny's Conflict almost killed me from crying... I am suddenly quite scared to read the final book when it comes out. Will I survive the read?
A fantastic novella, but it's a novella, and the fact that such a small book made cry so hard, in addition to the fact that Destiny's Conflict almost killed me from crying... I am suddenly quite scared to read the final book when it comes out. Will I survive the read?
January 11, 2025
Jannys’ work invites readers to unravel its intricacies layer by layer. It challenges them to confront the darkness within the narrative, suggesting that those who venture into this world will want to remain amongst the pages. She masterfully weaves together a tapestry of suspenseful storytelling. The narrative unfolds through edge-of-your-seat plots and chilling enigmas that ensnare readers from the very first page.
This story seamlessly blends supernatural and paranormal elements. I am addicted! This series is gripping and exciting. It is a tangled web that leaves you breathless and craving more. It is filled with loss and hope, magic and danger, suspense and tension, humour and action within a world where nothing is what it seems.
This story seamlessly blends supernatural and paranormal elements. I am addicted! This series is gripping and exciting. It is a tangled web that leaves you breathless and craving more. It is filled with loss and hope, magic and danger, suspense and tension, humour and action within a world where nothing is what it seems.
January 10, 2025
This novella adds so much depth to the world of Athena and perfectly complements the main novels of the series.
Janny tells a lot of story and shares a lot about her world in very few pages here, making it one really immersive and compelling read. Due to the shorter page count and making every word say as much as possible this is a denser read, me I recommend taking your time with.
I would recommend starting with Curse of the MistWraith then coming back to this, I’m very happy I did. But if you want to know if Janny is for you before committing to an 800 page book, start with The Gallant, you’ll quickly know of The Wars of Light and Shadow is for you or not…
Janny tells a lot of story and shares a lot about her world in very few pages here, making it one really immersive and compelling read. Due to the shorter page count and making every word say as much as possible this is a denser read, me I recommend taking your time with.
I would recommend starting with Curse of the MistWraith then coming back to this, I’m very happy I did. But if you want to know if Janny is for you before committing to an 800 page book, start with The Gallant, you’ll quickly know of The Wars of Light and Shadow is for you or not…
October 31, 2022
I confess that I’d probably read a shopping list by Janny Wurts but I found this especially good, first, because she is SO good st placing both tragedy and romance in fantasy, second for the doin it puts on later stuff in the series. No spoilers tho; read it yourself!
August 4, 2024
The world in which this series is set is so fascinating. And I am obsessed with the super complicated prose - it creates a unique sort of experience and contributes to the worldbuilding in an unusual, almost alien way.
December 29, 2024
4.5 rounded to 5. I'm not even sure why I'm not automatically hitting 5 stars as it is a tremendous novella. Maybe I'll come back and do it after I read Curse of the Mistwraith, which this book is the prequel novella for. She does more in 100 pages than a lot of authors do in 800.
December 26, 2022
I don’t have much familiarity with The Wars of Light and Shadow, so I can confirm that this prequel novella (set about 500 years before the main action) is quite accessible for those new to the series. I imagine that those deep into the series will pick up other nuances.
At any rate, this is a good, short work with enough plot threads to keep it interesting and uncertain, but without so much to feel overstuffed. And its heart is a love story, as well as a tale of treachery at a time when the land was facing both supernatural and political threats. Those familiar with the series will probably be able to connect it to more specific backstory, but for newcomers, it’s not hard to follow the main thread of the action, and the emotional stakes are immensely clear.
This is my fourth foray into Wurts’ work, and this may be my new recommended entry point, because new readers should get a sense of her authorial voice before diving into an 800-page doorstopper. Personally, it’s a voice that I respect more than I love, as the combination of heavy, flowery description and key plot details dropped into casual conversation require an attention to detail that’s hard to maintain with three small children in the next room. The characters are engaging enough that I’ve enjoyed my reading experience on the whole—perhaps most in this instance—but I have to wonder whether I’d go from “engaged, but with difficulty” to “absolutely wowed” if I return to the series at a time when life is a little less distracting.
At any rate, this is a compelling story with a likable lead and plenty of emotional impact. If you’re wondering whether to give Wurts a try, not sure I know a better place to start (To Ride Hell’s Chasm is also worth consideration, but it’s five times as long).
First impression: 16/20. Full review to come at www.tarvolon.com
At any rate, this is a good, short work with enough plot threads to keep it interesting and uncertain, but without so much to feel overstuffed. And its heart is a love story, as well as a tale of treachery at a time when the land was facing both supernatural and political threats. Those familiar with the series will probably be able to connect it to more specific backstory, but for newcomers, it’s not hard to follow the main thread of the action, and the emotional stakes are immensely clear.
This is my fourth foray into Wurts’ work, and this may be my new recommended entry point, because new readers should get a sense of her authorial voice before diving into an 800-page doorstopper. Personally, it’s a voice that I respect more than I love, as the combination of heavy, flowery description and key plot details dropped into casual conversation require an attention to detail that’s hard to maintain with three small children in the next room. The characters are engaging enough that I’ve enjoyed my reading experience on the whole—perhaps most in this instance—but I have to wonder whether I’d go from “engaged, but with difficulty” to “absolutely wowed” if I return to the series at a time when life is a little less distracting.
At any rate, this is a compelling story with a likable lead and plenty of emotional impact. If you’re wondering whether to give Wurts a try, not sure I know a better place to start (To Ride Hell’s Chasm is also worth consideration, but it’s five times as long).
First impression: 16/20. Full review to come at www.tarvolon.com
August 26, 2025
This was so bittersweet and unbelievably well-written. I’m blown away by how deeply I felt for these characters over such a short book. The prose is immaculate and the themes resonate so strongly. I loved the discussions on empathy, loss, love, sacrifice, nature, family…just so many GOOD discussions. This is endlessly rereadable and I will probably reread it right after I finish the official book one of the series. Just wow.
December 16, 2020
What a wonderful short story. It really adds to the background of the series overall. I love Janny's writing style.
February 10, 2023
"Rinsed to pallid gray under a scud that showed no sign of lifting, the dismal morning belied the notion an exalted presence ever had trodden this desolate vista or danced to the mystical harmony of the sunchildren’s crystalline flutes. The miasma of dank moss and earth clogged the air and shrouded the delicate scent of furled primroses. Hope ebbed under daylight, that the inherent perils of an unsanctioned trespass posed sufficient threat to deter the league’s murderous interests. One step to the next, through scrub brambles and wire grass, their clumsy flight seemed an act of futility."
Few books, especially few books that are this short in length, are capable of bringing me to tears more than once during the entire reading.
Janny Wurts' plaintive, stunning, glorious novella, "The Gallant" was definitely one of those rare books.
It tore at my sensitivities in a way that was so astonishing and deeply emotive that I will remember this book, forever.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this novel directly from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have provided here.
This novella first appeared in the anthology, "Secrets & Spells: 6 Fantasy Novels". To the best of my knowledge, this anthology is no longer available for purchase via nominal means (i.e. on Amazon, etc.), however can be bought (only in ebook format) directly from the author on Wurts' website https://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/in... .
This approximately 100-page novella is set in Athera, the primary world that is the setting for Wurts' seminal work, "The Wars of Light and Shadow", and I consider this book an excellent prequel to that main series, and a great way to get a taste of Wurts' fabulous writing, in a smaller dose than the primary books in the series, which consists of eleven novels, averaging about 200k words each, divided into five separate arcs.
"The Gallant" is set approximately six and half centuries prior to the events of "Curse of the Mistwraith", which is the first installment in "The Wars of Light and Shadow". Most significantly, the time period covered in "The Gallant" encapsulates a two year period following the initial geas of the eponymous bane on existence from "Curse of the Mistwraith".
The novella centres around Verrain sen Dient, the renowned Gallant of Shand, but a minor character from the main series. Verrain, at the time of the novella, is a tradesman, and highly skilled swordsman, who appears to be a bit of a philandering rake to many, on the outside, known for his many dalliances.
But one of his trysts turns serious. He falls hard for minor noblewoman Lisianne, who returns his feelings with matching ardour. The two become quite taken with one another, in a very short time. But sadly for Verrain, he is at the centre of a devious plot involving the throne of Shand, that will change the lives of both lovers, forever.
Against the humongous and daunting backdrop of the Mistwraith's sinister, magical imposition, looming large over all Athera, the tragic love story of Verrain and Lisianne will play out, with major implications for the entire world.
The character work done by Wurts in this short work is wondrous, truly prodigious. The two main characters, Verrain and Lisianne, are so much more than they initially appear. Verrain's sense of honour, courage, chivalry, and ultimately his deep and abiding love for Lisianne, who would seem to be (physical appearance-wise, despite her attractiveness) not up to his usual standard of romantic partner, adds to illustrate that he is far from a superficial dandy.
Lisianne was my favourite character, and her pragmatism, unerring, obstinate devotion to Verrain, altruism, and combination of inner beauty and outer appeal, dazzles. She is the kind of partner anyone would want: selfless, passionate, intelligent, thoughtful, kind, and so much more. She is intrepid, and faces the impossible challenges she confronts in the book with bravery, persistence, and integrity.
The secondary characters are absolutely wonderful. The gruff, taciturn Sethant, the valiant and faithful Edlie, in particular, and their arcs, shattered me. Wurts draws characters, no matter their affiliation, flaws, or virtues, that one will care about, deeply, and the skill she displays with doing this is masterclass. Wurts puts her characters through absolutely visceral pain and turmoil, and as the reader, you will hurt right along with them. Be warned. Have the Kleenex box ready.
In terms of themes, as noted above, love, sex, pleasure, pain, devotion, along with betrayal, bereavement, devastation, and pathos and so much more are part of this novella. There is a savagery and a contrasting beauty to what happens to the characters, and the topics Wurts' presents to the reader, never allowing us to look away from the grace and blessing, along with the simultaneous harshness and cruelty of life and its varying circumstances. It is all enthralling, deeply inward feeling, and unforgettable.
With the worldbuilding being of Athera, but outside the main series, it allows some fascinating backstory, pre-Curse, of the universe Wurts has created for "Wars of Light and Shadow". Reading "The Gallant" should only enhance one's immersion into the main series. Reading the novella should also increase one's comprehension of the grander political stage of Athera, the rivalry and intricacies of the Townbred versus the Clans, the intervention (and interference) of the Fellowship of Seven Sorcerers and the Koriathain Sorceresses in the fate of Athera, and the true impact of the mysterious Paravians on the land.
Here I feel compelled to add a note about the Paravians. For some of those who are reading the seminal "The Wars of Light and Shadow", it may seem at times that the Paravians - especially in the early parts of the series - seem a remote, detached historical fact.
Something in the shadows of antiquity, whose presence still looms, but we don't truly FEEL their presence as much as we could, because they're not what we THINK they are, and not WHERE we think they are. I am not far along in the main series to truly grasp the entirety of this myself. However the hints Wurts has been dropping are starting to germinate, and I am slowly starting to SEE. And what I'm seeing is incredible.
Thus, one theme that permeates "The Gallant", for those who have read "Wars of Light and Shadow", is that history can be misconstrued and misinterpreted from the lens of present-day, and that the constant reiteration and restatement of certain narratives about the past can distort what truly happened.
The novel is fast-paced, and SO much happens in about 100 pages. The characters live in a near-constant threat of danger from Still, in typical Wurts fashion, there is a LOT to unpack.
Now, my sixth book read by this outstanding author, my counsel to the reader is simple: slow down.
If you rush, one can lose oneself in the density of the beautiful, lyrical prose, the crucial details mentioned almost nonchalantly, either buried within dialogue or exposition, the geopolitical implications, etc. So slow down, don't rush, appreciate and savour the writing, and you will pick up on things you might otherwise overlook.
The good news with reading "The Gallant" as one's first entry into the world of Athera, is that it's not too overwhelming at all, that newcomers will not be overwhelmed with the scope that is "The Wars of Light and Shadow", while being better prepared to tackle the level of depth that the main series provides.
The style of Wurts' writing can provide a potential obstacle for readers. It is dense, lush, and extremely detailed. It also features some of the most beautiful prose one will find in fantasy, anywhere. The excerpt I provide at the start of this review is an example. You will be spellbound, but it will, at times perhaps leave you in a stupor.
"The Gallant" sets some of the foundation for major plot points, conspiracies, and supernatural perils that one will find in "The Wars of Light and Shadow". But this tale is as autonomous, and it is a dark, gut-wrenching, yet hopeful love story, with incredible characters, that will linger with you, long after you finish it. The emotional impact of this story wrecked me, and I loved it.
Another exceptional book by Janny Wurts, whose eminence, for me, has already joined the Eriksons, Hobbs, Martins, and most celebrated living fantasy writers of our time.
Few books, especially few books that are this short in length, are capable of bringing me to tears more than once during the entire reading.
Janny Wurts' plaintive, stunning, glorious novella, "The Gallant" was definitely one of those rare books.
It tore at my sensitivities in a way that was so astonishing and deeply emotive that I will remember this book, forever.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this novel directly from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have provided here.
This novella first appeared in the anthology, "Secrets & Spells: 6 Fantasy Novels". To the best of my knowledge, this anthology is no longer available for purchase via nominal means (i.e. on Amazon, etc.), however can be bought (only in ebook format) directly from the author on Wurts' website https://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/in... .
This approximately 100-page novella is set in Athera, the primary world that is the setting for Wurts' seminal work, "The Wars of Light and Shadow", and I consider this book an excellent prequel to that main series, and a great way to get a taste of Wurts' fabulous writing, in a smaller dose than the primary books in the series, which consists of eleven novels, averaging about 200k words each, divided into five separate arcs.
"The Gallant" is set approximately six and half centuries prior to the events of "Curse of the Mistwraith", which is the first installment in "The Wars of Light and Shadow". Most significantly, the time period covered in "The Gallant" encapsulates a two year period following the initial geas of the eponymous bane on existence from "Curse of the Mistwraith".
The novella centres around Verrain sen Dient, the renowned Gallant of Shand, but a minor character from the main series. Verrain, at the time of the novella, is a tradesman, and highly skilled swordsman, who appears to be a bit of a philandering rake to many, on the outside, known for his many dalliances.
But one of his trysts turns serious. He falls hard for minor noblewoman Lisianne, who returns his feelings with matching ardour. The two become quite taken with one another, in a very short time. But sadly for Verrain, he is at the centre of a devious plot involving the throne of Shand, that will change the lives of both lovers, forever.
Against the humongous and daunting backdrop of the Mistwraith's sinister, magical imposition, looming large over all Athera, the tragic love story of Verrain and Lisianne will play out, with major implications for the entire world.
The character work done by Wurts in this short work is wondrous, truly prodigious. The two main characters, Verrain and Lisianne, are so much more than they initially appear. Verrain's sense of honour, courage, chivalry, and ultimately his deep and abiding love for Lisianne, who would seem to be (physical appearance-wise, despite her attractiveness) not up to his usual standard of romantic partner, adds to illustrate that he is far from a superficial dandy.
Lisianne was my favourite character, and her pragmatism, unerring, obstinate devotion to Verrain, altruism, and combination of inner beauty and outer appeal, dazzles. She is the kind of partner anyone would want: selfless, passionate, intelligent, thoughtful, kind, and so much more. She is intrepid, and faces the impossible challenges she confronts in the book with bravery, persistence, and integrity.
The secondary characters are absolutely wonderful. The gruff, taciturn Sethant, the valiant and faithful Edlie, in particular, and their arcs, shattered me. Wurts draws characters, no matter their affiliation, flaws, or virtues, that one will care about, deeply, and the skill she displays with doing this is masterclass. Wurts puts her characters through absolutely visceral pain and turmoil, and as the reader, you will hurt right along with them. Be warned. Have the Kleenex box ready.
In terms of themes, as noted above, love, sex, pleasure, pain, devotion, along with betrayal, bereavement, devastation, and pathos and so much more are part of this novella. There is a savagery and a contrasting beauty to what happens to the characters, and the topics Wurts' presents to the reader, never allowing us to look away from the grace and blessing, along with the simultaneous harshness and cruelty of life and its varying circumstances. It is all enthralling, deeply inward feeling, and unforgettable.
With the worldbuilding being of Athera, but outside the main series, it allows some fascinating backstory, pre-Curse, of the universe Wurts has created for "Wars of Light and Shadow". Reading "The Gallant" should only enhance one's immersion into the main series. Reading the novella should also increase one's comprehension of the grander political stage of Athera, the rivalry and intricacies of the Townbred versus the Clans, the intervention (and interference) of the Fellowship of Seven Sorcerers and the Koriathain Sorceresses in the fate of Athera, and the true impact of the mysterious Paravians on the land.
Here I feel compelled to add a note about the Paravians. For some of those who are reading the seminal "The Wars of Light and Shadow", it may seem at times that the Paravians - especially in the early parts of the series - seem a remote, detached historical fact.
Something in the shadows of antiquity, whose presence still looms, but we don't truly FEEL their presence as much as we could, because they're not what we THINK they are, and not WHERE we think they are. I am not far along in the main series to truly grasp the entirety of this myself. However the hints Wurts has been dropping are starting to germinate, and I am slowly starting to SEE. And what I'm seeing is incredible.
Thus, one theme that permeates "The Gallant", for those who have read "Wars of Light and Shadow", is that history can be misconstrued and misinterpreted from the lens of present-day, and that the constant reiteration and restatement of certain narratives about the past can distort what truly happened.
The novel is fast-paced, and SO much happens in about 100 pages. The characters live in a near-constant threat of danger from Still, in typical Wurts fashion, there is a LOT to unpack.
Now, my sixth book read by this outstanding author, my counsel to the reader is simple: slow down.
If you rush, one can lose oneself in the density of the beautiful, lyrical prose, the crucial details mentioned almost nonchalantly, either buried within dialogue or exposition, the geopolitical implications, etc. So slow down, don't rush, appreciate and savour the writing, and you will pick up on things you might otherwise overlook.
The good news with reading "The Gallant" as one's first entry into the world of Athera, is that it's not too overwhelming at all, that newcomers will not be overwhelmed with the scope that is "The Wars of Light and Shadow", while being better prepared to tackle the level of depth that the main series provides.
The style of Wurts' writing can provide a potential obstacle for readers. It is dense, lush, and extremely detailed. It also features some of the most beautiful prose one will find in fantasy, anywhere. The excerpt I provide at the start of this review is an example. You will be spellbound, but it will, at times perhaps leave you in a stupor.
"The Gallant" sets some of the foundation for major plot points, conspiracies, and supernatural perils that one will find in "The Wars of Light and Shadow". But this tale is as autonomous, and it is a dark, gut-wrenching, yet hopeful love story, with incredible characters, that will linger with you, long after you finish it. The emotional impact of this story wrecked me, and I loved it.
Another exceptional book by Janny Wurts, whose eminence, for me, has already joined the Eriksons, Hobbs, Martins, and most celebrated living fantasy writers of our time.
May 3, 2024
[There are no explicit plot spoilers in this review.]
The Gallant is a novella (12 fast-paced chapters over about 100 pages) that takes place on Athera, the high resonance planet featured in The Wars of Light and Shadow series. The Gallant is a self-contained story about a minor character, Verrain sen Dient, whose innate character traits lead him to grow out of his straightforward life as a tradesman and become something more.
The action takes place over the span of just a few months during a critical period of Athera's history -- just 2 years after the initial invasion of the titular Mistwraith from Curse of the Mistwraith and 23 years before the rebellion, a major conflict between various human factions on the planet. There is an immediacy and relevance to The Gallant, in spite of the fact that it takes place 642 years before Curse of the Mistwraith begins (Wars of Light and Shadow is a series that spans centuries).
While familiarity with the main series will enhance your appreciation of the world at large, The Gallant is an effective entry point and taste test for readers with no other series exposure. At its core, this is a simple tale of love between two characters that happens to be set against a vast backdrop of magic and geopolitical intrigue. That said, there is plenty of additional context for series fans to devour. Like other shorter stories in this universe, The Gallant will deepen your understanding of the various factions and their perspectives. (As always, the Fellowship of the Seven and the Koriathain loom large over the story, but their impact is felt more than seen here and they never overshadow the main characters).
Tersely described concepts that might seem like a throwaway detail in the main series are unpacked, unparsed, and brought to life here, showing facets that we have not yet seen in other parts of the story. Rereading it in 2024 also makes me appreciate how many "call-forwards" there are to the final volume of the series, Song of the Mysteries. In particular, I enjoyed the added detail of how humans and Paravians coexist in practice. When discussed 600 years later, the effect of Paravians on human inhabitance takes on an air of dry, rote history -- the visceral experiences of the characters in The Gallant add new emphasis to a recurring theme, that history is formed through recitation and repetition, and time and distance from the original event leads to a flawed understanding in the present day.
Whether or not you're a series enthusiast, The Gallant is a fine piece of fantasy writing that acts as an effective introduction to the books of Janny Wurts.
The Gallant is a novella (12 fast-paced chapters over about 100 pages) that takes place on Athera, the high resonance planet featured in The Wars of Light and Shadow series. The Gallant is a self-contained story about a minor character, Verrain sen Dient, whose innate character traits lead him to grow out of his straightforward life as a tradesman and become something more.
The action takes place over the span of just a few months during a critical period of Athera's history -- just 2 years after the initial invasion of the titular Mistwraith from Curse of the Mistwraith and 23 years before the rebellion, a major conflict between various human factions on the planet. There is an immediacy and relevance to The Gallant, in spite of the fact that it takes place 642 years before Curse of the Mistwraith begins (Wars of Light and Shadow is a series that spans centuries).
While familiarity with the main series will enhance your appreciation of the world at large, The Gallant is an effective entry point and taste test for readers with no other series exposure. At its core, this is a simple tale of love between two characters that happens to be set against a vast backdrop of magic and geopolitical intrigue. That said, there is plenty of additional context for series fans to devour. Like other shorter stories in this universe, The Gallant will deepen your understanding of the various factions and their perspectives. (As always, the Fellowship of the Seven and the Koriathain loom large over the story, but their impact is felt more than seen here and they never overshadow the main characters).
Tersely described concepts that might seem like a throwaway detail in the main series are unpacked, unparsed, and brought to life here, showing facets that we have not yet seen in other parts of the story. Rereading it in 2024 also makes me appreciate how many "call-forwards" there are to the final volume of the series, Song of the Mysteries. In particular, I enjoyed the added detail of how humans and Paravians coexist in practice. When discussed 600 years later, the effect of Paravians on human inhabitance takes on an air of dry, rote history -- the visceral experiences of the characters in The Gallant add new emphasis to a recurring theme, that history is formed through recitation and repetition, and time and distance from the original event leads to a flawed understanding in the present day.
Whether or not you're a series enthusiast, The Gallant is a fine piece of fantasy writing that acts as an effective introduction to the books of Janny Wurts.
February 11, 2025
“Sound echoed, as though words spun away into distance. The close air became suddenly too dense to breathe. Vanquished by eyelids grown leaden, Lisianne battled her ebbing faculties too late. Either she had succumbed to embarrassing frailty when she most needed her adamant will, or the herbalist’s treacherous, medicinal drink had been laced with a soporific.”
This is just one excerpt from this remarkable work of fantasy fiction. Much like in Curse of the Mistwraith (another 5 star read) Janny Wurts infuses every line with the care and majesty most authors only aspire to. Steven Erikson and Robin Hobb have long been my two favorite writers of prose and character and Janny somehow takes the best of these two authors and makes something as original as it is beautiful.
She balances the Hobb-esque intimate character work of Verrain and Lisianne with the Erikson-esque thematic richness of her Paravian world. Athera, a continent on the planet Paravia, is a living and breathing character in its own right.
Janny Wurts deserves that greatest of all time rating alongside Hobb, Erikson, and Tolkien as one of the very best writers not just of fantasy but of the written word.
The Gallant, while only ~85 pages or so, is one of the most heart wrenching/rending love stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading and how she was able to instill such raw emotion and passion into such few pages must be an act of some Paravian sorcery.
You can find more Janny Wurts reviews on my Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@zacharyshaye
This is just one excerpt from this remarkable work of fantasy fiction. Much like in Curse of the Mistwraith (another 5 star read) Janny Wurts infuses every line with the care and majesty most authors only aspire to. Steven Erikson and Robin Hobb have long been my two favorite writers of prose and character and Janny somehow takes the best of these two authors and makes something as original as it is beautiful.
She balances the Hobb-esque intimate character work of Verrain and Lisianne with the Erikson-esque thematic richness of her Paravian world. Athera, a continent on the planet Paravia, is a living and breathing character in its own right.
Janny Wurts deserves that greatest of all time rating alongside Hobb, Erikson, and Tolkien as one of the very best writers not just of fantasy but of the written word.
The Gallant, while only ~85 pages or so, is one of the most heart wrenching/rending love stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading and how she was able to instill such raw emotion and passion into such few pages must be an act of some Paravian sorcery.
You can find more Janny Wurts reviews on my Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@zacharyshaye
January 20, 2023
As always, Janny's musical talent for language and storytelling has pulled me into this atheran satellite novella from page one.
The origin story of one of my favourite characters in the Wars of Light an Shadow series, Verrain, however small his role there, is a beautiful tale of a tragic love, playing out as a hymn for compassion and decency. The main female character, Lisianne, battles expectations and her own perceived flaws with a true heart and a strength that feels wonderfully different.
This story tears and warms the heart at the same time. Read it!
The origin story of one of my favourite characters in the Wars of Light an Shadow series, Verrain, however small his role there, is a beautiful tale of a tragic love, playing out as a hymn for compassion and decency. The main female character, Lisianne, battles expectations and her own perceived flaws with a true heart and a strength that feels wonderfully different.
This story tears and warms the heart at the same time. Read it!
December 3, 2024
4.5/5
I’m pretty speechless here at the end. What a beautiful tale that seems to lead perfectly into the War of Light and Shadows. This novella challenged me as a reader and I’m the better for it. It blows my mind how much incredible worldbuilding and notable character work Wurts accomplished here. Excellent.
I’m pretty speechless here at the end. What a beautiful tale that seems to lead perfectly into the War of Light and Shadows. This novella challenged me as a reader and I’m the better for it. It blows my mind how much incredible worldbuilding and notable character work Wurts accomplished here. Excellent.
December 19, 2024
****1/2
December 10, 2023
3/5 (3* due to the ending)
I'm very mixed here.
Overwhelmingly due to the last few chapters, I enjoyed where the story concluded, leaving me wanting more. I assume this will be built and expanded upon in WoLaS's first entry, The Curse of the Mistwraith.
In the beginning, my experience with the prose was fair, enjoying the vast richness of poetic construction; a vernacular coupled with emotion. I did however become fatigued. Also, I didn't necessarily enjoy the first 2/3rds of this novella's story, the back 1/3rd is what piqued my interest. That being said, due to the lack of interest in the early story and eventually feeling reading fatigue from the prose, The Gallant fell flat. This may be in part due to not ever reading prose like Wurts puts forth on the page? I love that she is distinctly clear on her style, and it is by no means poor, I just don't think I was mentally prepared for her storytelling and writing style.
I commented with another author regarding this novella and he mentioned that slowing down proves prudent with Wurts's novels. I think he's right. The story deserves patience and that investment will bring a return. I'm just not ready to invest right now. I hope WoLaS picks up where The Gallant left off for me, in terms of intrigue and fantasy. I don't think this series is for me right now.
WoLas will be shelved for a future investment.
I'm very mixed here.
Overwhelmingly due to the last few chapters, I enjoyed where the story concluded, leaving me wanting more. I assume this will be built and expanded upon in WoLaS's first entry, The Curse of the Mistwraith.
In the beginning, my experience with the prose was fair, enjoying the vast richness of poetic construction; a vernacular coupled with emotion. I did however become fatigued. Also, I didn't necessarily enjoy the first 2/3rds of this novella's story, the back 1/3rd is what piqued my interest. That being said, due to the lack of interest in the early story and eventually feeling reading fatigue from the prose, The Gallant fell flat. This may be in part due to not ever reading prose like Wurts puts forth on the page? I love that she is distinctly clear on her style, and it is by no means poor, I just don't think I was mentally prepared for her storytelling and writing style.
I commented with another author regarding this novella and he mentioned that slowing down proves prudent with Wurts's novels. I think he's right. The story deserves patience and that investment will bring a return. I'm just not ready to invest right now. I hope WoLaS picks up where The Gallant left off for me, in terms of intrigue and fantasy. I don't think this series is for me right now.
WoLas will be shelved for a future investment.
January 3, 2025
This is a novella that serves as a prequel to the Wars of Light and Shadow series, and since I’m starting the series in January 2025 I thought this would be a nice place to start. It evidently provides a backstory for one of the secondary characters in the main series and provides some poignant moments in the romance of this character. I thought it would also give me some insight to the style of this author and unfortunately I didn’t really care for the style of writing all that much. So for me I give the 3-star rating because by reading this novella I feel trepidations about starting the main series instead of building excitement as I thought it would. I’m fearful this may not be an author for me. Regardless, on to book one, Curse of the Mistwraith, and let’s hope for the best.
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