The Rusted Blade

"Blending European folklore and epic fantasy, Kotar is a brilliant new voice in speculative fiction!" -Miles Cameron, best-selling author of Cold Iron and The Red Knight

"A worthwhile read from a wonderful writer."

-Amazon reader Katherine Tolf

"I haven't read the books in the series yet, so I encountered this novella on its own. Even without reading the other books, I found the story compelling. Kotar has crafted a secondary world that crackles with life and that hints towards vast myths and deep realities. It's some darned-fine world building. Beyond the world building, Kotar can tell a story. The action scenes are well-paced, the dialogue flows, the narrative sweeps the reader into the world and its events." - Lupus

"Kotar writes in the tradition of Tolkien and Lewis, so if you love them you need to read this. Read it for the surface story and you'll have an excellent time. Read it again, and pay attention to the deeper meaning that's always just below the surface. The author is as good as anyone writing today at incorporating the ancient and pointing to it's relevance for us today. It's never preachy or overtly religious, but it's full of Christian symbolism if you look closely. In this story, we learn exactly what happened to someone who becomes very important in Raven Son, so definitely read this one if you've read the series. Even if you haven't, I think this may be a good place to start your journey. Enjoy!" - Nicholas

"The Rusted Blade is a prime example of the author's ability to write with balance. The world he creates is unique, with cultures and mythologies, yet it still ultimately parallels our own world and contains our Truths. The descriptions are beautiful and insightful, without being extraneous. The story line has action and excitement, but these moments are balanced with scenes of thoughtfulness and conversation. This balance makes the novel flow very well. As a prequel, it contains just enough to tie it to the original series, and just enough newness to make it intriguing and shed light on events that occur in the other books. Definitely do not skip this one!" - A. Rovny

"What I like most about this series is that Kotar is not afraid to have characters who doubt and fail. They come to realize the consequences their choices and thoughts on their loved ones and the world around them. Though difficult, there is always a choice to act for others, to deny oneself. Despite their weaknesses, they (and us) are not doomed to be weak forever. We can always choose the good, and that starts by fighting the evil in our hearts. Kotar wrote a Writer's Manifesto a while back that talks in part about the transformative role of fantasy in changing us and challenging us. This is my measure of good fiction and fantasy, but I'm always very pleased when an author can do it without it feeling forced and Kotar consistently does that with this series." - Zoe Kaylor

"Great book, I wish it was twice as long!" - D. Thompson