The author of this should be firmly congratulated. Every word in this short but gripping novella is well-chosen. Every paragraph is infused with detail that not only paint the scene, but put you in the story, caring about the characters.
The story is a sort of steam-punk, alternative version of historical Europe in which there is a wonderful mix of magic and steam technologies. It's clear the author did a ton of research into medieval Europe, all of which make this slightly-fantastic version seem like the real one and the real one the fantastic.
You owe it to yourself if you like fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, steampunk, or lyrical novels to give this novella a try.
I am ANXIOUSLY waiting the release of the subsequent novel that this novella is a harbinger of: Grimme.
The Burning Times (The Europas Cycle)
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![The Burning Times (The Europas Cycle Book 0) by [Peter A. Smalley]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TviZUKKSL._SY346_.jpg)
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The Burning Times (The Europas Cycle Book 0) Kindle Edition
by
Peter A. Smalley
(Author)
Format: Kindle Edition
Peter A. Smalley
(Author)
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LanguageEnglish
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Publication dateMarch 31, 2011
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File size257 KB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Smalley weaves his words onto the page with a flourish and a clear passion for his genre." - The Gate
About the Author
"No one is safe around a writer." - Lanford Wilson, American playwright (1937-2011)
Peter A. Smalley was not so much born as he was the object of a suitably ominous origin story. If only Marvel had been more attentive, I, Writer might even now be a successful comic and movie franchise starring Colin Farrell. So it goes.
Like so many writers and mad scientists, Peter knew from an early age he was different from the other children. In the third grade he told his teachers he wanted to be a 'cemist' (sic) and although he has since fulfilled that precocious goal, his youthful ambitions in science came too late to fully obscure his first love; he had already written his first work of fiction a year prior, the accurately entitled A Second Grade Tragedy. Since that tender age these twin abiding passions have illuminated the oft-crooked path leading through both his formal and informal educations.
Peter was raised in Seattle, Washington. In 2011 his picture appeared in the New York Times for something that had nothing directly to do with writing, but coincidentally, his first self-published work also came out in 2011: a speculative fantasy novella titled The Burning Times (amzn.to/NnWUkS). This was quickly followed by the full-length fantasy novel Grimme (amzn.to/NQ6mMf), which likewise took place in an alternate-history setting known as The Europas Cycle. He co-edited and contributed to the acclaimed recent anthologie 20,001: A Steampunk Odyssey (amzn.to/LouVko). His Shakespearean Steampunk novella Full Fathom Five (amzn.to/SqSvgX) appears in the anthologie and as a stand-alone ebook. Disbelief, his first Paranormal Romance thriller, came out in Summer 2012. He is also the founder of Kindling Press, an independent epublishing imprint, along with co-founder Jason Vanhee.
Peter can be found on Twitter, FaceBook, Google Plus, and occasionally hither but more often yon.
Peter A. Smalley was not so much born as he was the object of a suitably ominous origin story. If only Marvel had been more attentive, I, Writer might even now be a successful comic and movie franchise starring Colin Farrell. So it goes.
Like so many writers and mad scientists, Peter knew from an early age he was different from the other children. In the third grade he told his teachers he wanted to be a 'cemist' (sic) and although he has since fulfilled that precocious goal, his youthful ambitions in science came too late to fully obscure his first love; he had already written his first work of fiction a year prior, the accurately entitled A Second Grade Tragedy. Since that tender age these twin abiding passions have illuminated the oft-crooked path leading through both his formal and informal educations.
Peter was raised in Seattle, Washington. In 2011 his picture appeared in the New York Times for something that had nothing directly to do with writing, but coincidentally, his first self-published work also came out in 2011: a speculative fantasy novella titled The Burning Times (amzn.to/NnWUkS). This was quickly followed by the full-length fantasy novel Grimme (amzn.to/NQ6mMf), which likewise took place in an alternate-history setting known as The Europas Cycle. He co-edited and contributed to the acclaimed recent anthologie 20,001: A Steampunk Odyssey (amzn.to/LouVko). His Shakespearean Steampunk novella Full Fathom Five (amzn.to/SqSvgX) appears in the anthologie and as a stand-alone ebook. Disbelief, his first Paranormal Romance thriller, came out in Summer 2012. He is also the founder of Kindling Press, an independent epublishing imprint, along with co-founder Jason Vanhee.
Peter can be found on Twitter, FaceBook, Google Plus, and occasionally hither but more often yon.
Product details
- ASIN : B004URRZH0
- Publisher : Peter A. Smalley; 1st edition (March 31, 2011)
- Publication date : March 31, 2011
- Language : English
- File size : 257 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 31 pages
- Lending : Enabled
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Best Sellers Rank:
#4,819,136 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #948 in Teen & Young Adult Steampunk eBooks
- #1,674 in Teen & Young Adult Steampunk
- #6,503 in 45-Minute Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Reads
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
6 global ratings
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Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2011
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Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2011
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To start with, this is a longish short story. It's not a full novel, and shouldn't be thought of as such. What it is, is a fine introductory piece to what promises to be a grand cycle. Good characterization, strong suggestions of the larger plot that is to be important in his book Grimme (and other works?), and world building that was very strong indeed make this story a great pleasure.
About that world building: although this is, as noted, a shorter piece, it still and already creates a fully formed milieu in which the action takes place, and to do so in a confined space like The Burning Times is a truly sterling accomplishment.
About that world building: although this is, as noted, a shorter piece, it still and already creates a fully formed milieu in which the action takes place, and to do so in a confined space like The Burning Times is a truly sterling accomplishment.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2011
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The Burning Times was a well-paced, enjoyable novella, centered on a re-imagined European society. The main character, Kaarin, was both strong, and flawed, which made for a good balance. The action flowed quite well, and, with the strong storyline, pulled me in quickly. Indeed, I read the entire piece in one sitting. For someone with ADHD, like me, that is in itself quite an accomplishment.
I would have loved to have more description of the Woodfolk, and background of their conflict with Kaarin's people, but I imagine that's what the full novel Grimme is for. This is an excellent introduction to the author's work, and, in my experience, substantially better than most 1st novels on Kindle. I look forward to diving in Grimme next.
I would have loved to have more description of the Woodfolk, and background of their conflict with Kaarin's people, but I imagine that's what the full novel Grimme is for. This is an excellent introduction to the author's work, and, in my experience, substantially better than most 1st novels on Kindle. I look forward to diving in Grimme next.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2012
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When I finished The Burning Times I wanted to immediately read more about this place and time. (I will definitely be buying the next book.)The characters are not one dimensional warriors and the war is not black and white. I felt I was right there beside Kaarin and her companions as they fought in this epic battle and dealt with the aftermath. Anyone who loves alternative histories and great battles will enjoy this short story. I look forward to reading it again.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2016
You painted the forest perfectly (: I was there with your Kaarin. It was a little fast paced for me but the ending didnt feel abrupt (I actually thought it would end sooner 😋). Overall a nice short read. Now I shall read Grimme! Then Emerald City Blues.
Honestly the flavor of your writting has me thinking of detective/suspence kinda things. Like I'm being drawn in and pounced upon lol.
Honestly the flavor of your writting has me thinking of detective/suspence kinda things. Like I'm being drawn in and pounced upon lol.
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2011
Hey Peter, this is Adam.
I wanted to give you a brief E-mail about the novella. It was FANTASTIC, the book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I love the characters, and the mystery you left around the evil "Folk of the Wood" added to the suspense. I have started on to the novel Grimme, and it has already hooked me. You write great introductions, and the body of the story is no less impressive. With plot twists and turns, you keep the reader intrigued, and finish each chapter with a bang! The battle sequences I find especially impressive. If you choose to write more in the future, I will be the first to buy it, and begin to read!
Your friend and loyal reader,
~Adam Forrester
I wanted to give you a brief E-mail about the novella. It was FANTASTIC, the book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I love the characters, and the mystery you left around the evil "Folk of the Wood" added to the suspense. I have started on to the novel Grimme, and it has already hooked me. You write great introductions, and the body of the story is no less impressive. With plot twists and turns, you keep the reader intrigued, and finish each chapter with a bang! The battle sequences I find especially impressive. If you choose to write more in the future, I will be the first to buy it, and begin to read!
Your friend and loyal reader,
~Adam Forrester