Rinn's Review of The Great Bazaar and Brayan’s Gold (The Demon Cycle, Books 1.5, 1.6)

by Peter V. Brett

Two exciting short stories set in the engrossing world of The Demon Cycle from bestselling fantasy author Peter V. Brett.

Humanity has been brought to the brink of extinction. Each night, the world is overrun by demons – bloodthirsty creatures of nightmare that have been hunting and killing humanity for over 300 years. A scant few hamlets and half-starved city-states are all that remain of a once proud civilization, and it is only by hiding behind wards, ancient symbols with the power to repel the demons, that they survive. A handful of Messengers brave the night to keep the lines of communication open between the increasingly isolated populace.

But there was a time when the demons were not so bold. A time when wards did more than hold the demons at bay. They allowed man to fight back, and to win. Messenger Arlen Bales will search anywhere, dare anything, to return this magic to the world.

Abban, a merchant in the Great Bazaar of Krasia, purports to sell everything a man's heart could desire, including, perhaps, the key to Arlen's quest.

The Great Bazaar and Brayan’s Gold is the essential addition to one of the most exciting epic fantasy series currently being published.

I received a copy of this book for free from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. Also posted on my blog, Rinn Reads.

I first discovered Peter V. Brett’s Demon Cycle series three years ago, when I picked up The Painted Man from my local library. I absolutely fell in love with the series, and have now read and reviewed all three books in the series so far. The first book is definitely my favourite of the three, so I thought it would be interesting to go back to Arlen’s roots with these short stories.

However, fans of Abban and Leesha will also be pleased, as they each have their own short stories in this volume. My favourite was the first, the story of Arlen and the thundersticks, his first encounter with snow demons and another battle with One-Arm, the rock demon hellbent on killing him.

I’ve mentioned in previous reviews of short stories that I find them difficult to review, because often I’m left a little disappointed and wanting more. This volume does not suffer from this, being an accompaniment to a longer series, but it didn’t really add anything necessary. However, it was interesting nonetheless, and something to quench the thirst until I can get my hands on the recently released fourth book. A recommendation for anyone who enjoys Brett’s writing, and especially those who can’t wait for book five!

The Great Bazaar and Brayan’s Gold (The Demon Cycle, Books 1.5, 1.6)

by Peter V. Brett

Reviewed by Rinn on Jun 15, 2015

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