The Battle that was Lost (Ringlander, #0.5) by Michael S. Jackson

“Some tides are inevitable, Horse Master. They may never be stopped.”

This is my first foray into the Ringlander universe and it was straight into battle with this one! I really appreciated that there was action from page one and even though I wasn’t familiar with the novel’s setting to have context for the opening battle that unfolds, it was easy to fall into the story and let the characters lead the way. So for anyone not sure whether to start with this one or the novel, I think this is a fine starting point! It certainly left me wanting more!

It’s quite a short read, but the amount of action and violence and worldbuilding packed into the pages makes it feel much longer – I was totally shocked when I turned the next page and realised it was done! And I quite liked Staegrim as a character. (And also that is a really cool name!) The prose moves along at a brisk, crisp pace and there are a good number of flashbacks to provide more character development. I’m curious to see where the storyline goes in the next one and how this battle sets things up for the novel. I honestly did not expect so many twists in so short a tale, so I’ve a feeling that the book will be VERY VERY VERY intense! Excellent. Can’t wait!

Thank you so much to the author for a review copy.