Sorrow

By John Lawson

A child of joy. A victim of Sorrow.

As a ward of the powerful Viscount and his wife, Faina whiles away her days exploring the palace and its grounds, dancing in the halls, hiding from her tutors, and spending time with the common folk she has grown to love.

And then comes Sorrow. An assassin of brutal efficiency, who weeps black tears over the corpses of the fallen, Sorrow has claimed the life of a beloved clergyman within the confines of the Viscount's own palace, and the infamous Lord Ash has come to investigate the crime. Faina is key to both their quests.

Sorrow cares only for destruction. Lord Ash cares only for the hunt. Whoever wins, whatever the cost, Faina will pay.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dragonwell
• Release date: Sep 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781940076164

Book preview

The Will of God

"God is all things, made all things, has become all things. Whether you know Him as Âkapirmas, Deivas, or even Johlpa, you have felt His presence in every breath and sigh, every itch and prick, every caress, every sight, every shadow, every whisper and shout. Our experiences are not variable; they are not subjective or open to interpretation. One and all, we have all shared in God in the same way. We breathe the air He breathed. We eat the flesh He slaughtered. We drink His blood and sweat and wine and seed and tears. We are all one upon Zå. We are all God’s children."

Archbishop Tuggub paused and looked out at the assembly, fishing for reactions. He was not disappointed. They stared back with the full gamut of expressions and emotions. Bored young rakes counting away the hours to their next sellâria orgy. Aged matrons devouring every word with eager adoration, or hatred, or both. Young girls clutching at their medians and bodices, coiling their ribbons and hair, on the verge of either pious climax or collapse. Husbands, wives, lords, ladies. They were the cream of EroBernac royal society—the wealthiest of the wealthy, most privileged of the privileged—and they had risen to the very top here in Vestiga Gæsi. Short of the royal families themselves, there were no others in all of the Seven Kingdoms wealthier, more powerful, or more

Reviews for Sorrow

[avellana_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book through Early Reviewers. I enjoyed the book very much although it was quite easy to guess who Sorrow was early in the narrative. The twist at the end was a bit unexpected and meant that the book didn't have the happy ending that might have been expected. I'm not sure if there is to be a sequel but it would be interesting to find out what happens to Sorrow.

[carod_51 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sorrow, by John Lawson, is the third novel in a series set in this imaginary world. The story is a standalone novel and although reading the earlier books would help familiarize the reader with this society it is not necessary to enjoy the book. The novel alternates in perspective between different characters. Phindol is a sorcerer from another land trying to return home with a dangerous weapon. Faina is a young girl who is living at the Viscount's palace as a guest (or possibly hostage) of the Viscount and his wife. An archbishop is murdered at the palace and the investigator sent to find the murderer is the dangerous Lord Ash.What I found wonderful about this novel was all the characters. The main characters were all interesting and fully realized. But all the supporting characters were just as colourful and well rounded. The culture and people of the land Lawson has created were presented well. He cleverly let the reader see the society through the eyes of archbishop early in the novel. The different levels of society and how they interacted added to the novel. I would have liked Faina's character to have been a bit stronger. She came across as very naive and almost simple. The novel ended with somethings still unresolved which makes me hope for a future novel to check in on these characters, a sure sign of successful storytelling.

[urbanaudreye · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Please note: When I read this book and wrote the review, I was unaware that there were books prior to this one. That said, this review is based solely on this work and is not reflective of the series and not totally fair considering my issues with it. I reserve my right to alter my review/opinion of this book after reading its precedents.This book was a bit unremarkable. While I didn't not enjoy it, I also can't say that I thoroughly enjoyed it either. I feel it had a lot lacking and an underdeveloped story. It had the feel of a difficult puzzle pieced together by a preschooler, with the pieces smooshed together, but no clear and concise picture of what it's supposed to portray. It had all the chaotic elegance of a Picasso. In its premise, I do feel like the book did have a good story underneath it all, but it failed to shine through as it should have.Things that irked me about this book:What really is going on in that first bit of the prologue and how does that tie into the story line?I think a more thorough explanation of the elementals is required.I think more information is required on the differences between the different lands' customs and belief systems.Why exactly is Faina so inclined to dance?What is more of Dedre's history?Most importantly, what is more of Phindol and the Splinter's backstory?I could probably go on from there.In a way, it is a good thing that I have so many questions, as it leaves me wanting more, however now that may be too little too late for me.*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[shoosty · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sorrow is the story about Faina who is being held as a hostage by Viscount Palus and Viscountess Chrysanth. It is also the story about Sorrow, an assassin. Count Hashii, the Hand of Valven, has been sent to catch the assassin before more murders are committed.I enjoyed the story and the unexpected twist it had at the end. At times I found the characters hard to relate to but that improved as the story progressed. I am looking forward to the next book if there is one.

[bookwyrmm_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The beginning of this was a bit disjointed, but once the plot really started rolling, everything fell into place. Faina, however, was not the most well-rounded character, but Lord Ash was full of depth.