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Shawn Speakman
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The Dark Thorn (The Annwn Cycle Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Shawn Speakman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 442 ratings
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"The Dark Thorn is one exciting book. From start to finish, there are strong characters, dangers lurking around every corner and cliffhangers that will leave you breathless. A fine tale by a talented writer." — Terry Brooks

Beneath the streets of Seattle, a long-forgotten war is about to be renewed…

Richard McAllister, a spiritually destitute homeless man and Knight of the Yn Saith, protects one of seven portals linking his world to that of Annwn, where the fey Tuatha de Dannan of antiquity have been relegated by a long-running religious war.

Unknown to Richard though, powerful forces are aligning against him and all he stands to keep safe. In the wilds of a discarded world, Philip Plantagenet, son of Henry II, moves to claim a birthright nine centuries in the making, one that drives him to eliminate the Tuatha de Dannan—at any cost to both worlds.

In the halls of Vatican City, Cardinal Vicar Cormac Pell O’Connor schemes to control the Heliwr—the Unfettered Knight—one who possesses the great power known as the Dark Thorn.

The three men are on a collision course with history—and their futures.

For in the wilds of Annwn, death comes as easily as magic.

Haunted by a past he can’t forget and a knightly responsibility he can’t shun, Richard is drawn into levels of machinations—and two worlds—far darker than any he has prepared for.
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  1. Book 1 of 1
    The Annwn Cycle
  2. Print length
    388 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    November 25, 2011
  6. File size
    1661 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Dark Thorn is one exciting book. From start to finish, there are strong characters, dangers lurking around every corner and cliffhangers that will leave you breathless. A fine tale by a talented writer." -- Terry Brooks, New York Times Bestselling Author

About the Author

Shawn Speakman grew up in the beautiful wilds of Washington State near Mt. St. Helens. After moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, he befriended New York Times bestselling fantasy author Terry Brooks and became his webmaster. Under Terry's tutelage, Shawn completed his writing certificate at the prestigious Maui Writers Conference before finishing his contemporary fantasy novel--The Dark Thorn.

He was a manager at one of the largest Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the country for many years but now owns the online bookstore The Signed Page, manages the websites for authors Naomi Novik and David Anthony Durham, and freelance writes for Random House at Suvudu.

Shawn is a cancer survivor, loves dark beer, and currently lives in Seattle, Washington.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0074A3M72
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grim Oak Press (November 25, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 25, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1661 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 388 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 442 ratings

About the author

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Shawn Speakman

Shawn Speakman

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Shawn Speakman grew up in the beautiful wilds of Washington State near Mt. St. Helens. After moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, he befriended New York Times bestselling fantasy author Terry Brooks and became his webmaster. It has led to a life filled with magic and words.

He was a manager at one of the largest Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the country for many years but now owns the online bookstore The Signed Page, manages the websites for authors Terry Brooks and Naomi Novik, and freelance writes for Random House at Suvudu.com.

Shawn currently lives in Seattle, Washington.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
442 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Michael Tracy
5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific journey crafted by a skilled writer
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2016
Verified Purchase
I loved reading The Dark Thorn by Shawn Speakman. My favorite thing about the story was probably some of the mythology related to the old Arthurian tales. I've always been a fan of legends like that, old Greek god stories, and magic relics. It's fun to play with these themes and tie it into a more modern day style Seattle background, along with a new fantasy realm that I was excited to explore. And having been to neither place, I was happy to have the detailed descriptions that would supply the fuel for imagination to picture these locations.
The weapons were the most exciting part of the mythology, even one item in particular that was used as a weapon that's never traditionally been thought of as one. The imagination in using that item in that manner was really inspired. I believe that this is probably one of the biggest strengths of this book. The ability to take the myth of something you know a little bit about, and turning into something that is set aside from other stories that have come before it. Brilliant.
The depiction of the Catholic Church was very interesting as well and helps to solidify the myth and the importance of some of these items. And as a side goofy note, I'm a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, anytime I see someone that's tied to a Cardinal in a novel (even a religious one) I can't help but root for them. Lol.
I also enjoyed the length of the novel as well, as I was able to really sink my teeth into the book without feeling like it was over too soon. But it still left me ready and excited to read the next installment of this series. There was a strong sense of pace throughout the story, and lots of action to keep the reader entertained.

The fact that Shawn Speakman can produce such a great story in early in his writing career speaks volumes for the work that he put into it, using his resources and learning from them while maintaining his own unique style, and also to the strength of what his writing can become as he continues to write more and more. So far this is the only thing I've read from this author so far, but I fully intend on diving into the short stories and works that share this novel's world next. I can't to wait to see what other magic up his sleeve.
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The Ranting Dragon
4.0 out of 5 stars A more-than-decent pageturner debut
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2012
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Shawn Speakman is no stranger to the world of speculative fiction. The owner of popular online bookstore The Signed Page and webmaster to many authors, including Terry Brooks and Naomi Novik, Speakman has become a well-known presence online and personal friend to many authors. In 2009, Speakman was diagnosed with cancer. He beat it, and it is currently in remission, but his lack of health insurance left him with $200,000 in medical bills. In an attempt to resolve his financial situation, Speakman created Grim Oak Press.

Good cause, good book
Now, with the help of many generous authors--including Sanderson, Brooks, Rothfuss, Lawrence, Hearne, Grossman, and many more of the best authors--Grim Oak is releasing Unfettered, which may well be the greatest anthology in the history of fantasy. Speakman also used Grim Oak Press to self-publish his own novel, The Dark Thorn. The combination of sales between these two books should hopefully reduce his medical debts.

While a good cause might be reason enough for me to buy The Dark Thorn, it is hardly reason to actually read it. Like so many of you, I'm wary of self-published authors. Yet the combination of the incredible artwork by Todd Lockwood and the intriguing premise of The Dark Thorn were enough to convince me to give it a shot--a decision I have not regretted. From the first page, Speakman's compelling blend of urban and epic fantasy drew me in and refused to let me go.

Tale of two worlds
When the Roman Empire brought Catholicism to the British islands, they encountered a world that clashed with their beliefs in every possible way: the world of the fey. The ensuing war eventually forced the fey to retreat to the world of Annwn, where they still live. Their world, however, is still linked to our own through a series of seven portals. These portals are guarded by seven knights, the Yn Saith, who each possess a magical weapon to aid them in preventing anyone to cross.

Richard is one of these knights. He is in charge of the portal that hides in the forgotten depths of old Seattle, in the northwestern corner of the United States. When Richard discovers that the old war between humans and fey is brewing anew, he enters Annwn--accompanied by a young man, Bran--to discover what is going on.

Combining genres and settings
From its start in the basements and streets of Seattle, The Dark Thorn jumps directly into the action, luring the reader in. With a wonderfully creative magic system, Speakman introduces the urban fantasy side of his story. This magic system combines many mythologies and legends--Arthurian tales in particular have a major part to play in The Dark Thorn--with both Catholicism and present day life. Then, as the story progresses through the portals and into Annwn, the intriguing world-building is seamlessly connected to the story, adding epic fantasy to the urban tale.

High-paced and brimful of suspense, The Dark Thorn is a story-driven novel of the best caliber. The many fights and battles bring a reader to intriguing locations, from the streets of Seattle to the mountains of a well-designed fictional world, and from mystical forests to the catacombs beneath the Vatican in Rome. Throughout the many enthralling battle scenes, The Dark Thorn successfully combines conventions of the epic and urban genres with original and creative innovations. This is a page-turner that I had trouble putting down.

No time for foreshadowing
The Dark Thorn is not a novel without flaws, however. While its pace is its greatest asset, it is also its greatest flaw. The focus on the action, with captivating fights and battle sequences, leaves little room for proper foreshadowing. Unfortunately, that means that what should be the best twists come as a complete surprise. Don't get me wrong; I want twists to be surprising, but when the elements introduced in these twists have to be explained afterwards, the strength of the story is significantly reduced.

Varying characters
On top of that, the characters are hit-and-miss. Or rather, only two of them are hits. Unfortunately, I found the other characters to be dull, cheesy, and stereotyped. Bran is a twenty-year-old who is treated by all other characters as a twelve-year-old and definitely has the stubbornness to match. Deirdre, a princess in Annwn, can only think about the arranged engagement she's trying to escape and her infatuation toward Richard. Wizards are mysterious people who manipulate events to serve their agenda, and Catholic cardinals are power-hungry, self-possessed hypocrites.

On the other hand, the main protagonist Richard is an intriguing, complex, morally ambiguous character. His viewpoints are skillfully written, his decisions are relatable, and he is both likable and repulsive. The fairy Snedeker is equally ambiguous and absolutely hilarious. His snarky comments and his unending habit of giving people silly nicknames make for some of the best moments in The Dark Thorn.

Why should you read this book?
All in all, The Dark Thorn is a more-than-decent debut. It's far from perfect, but the fascinating use of mythology, the inventive world-building, authentic settings, and gratifying action are reason enough to make this a must-read for any fan of both urban and epic fantasy. Of course, helping a fellow genre fan in need should provide a valid enough excuse to give The Dark Thorn a chance. And you can now preorder a gorgeous hardcover edition of the book on Speakman's website!
41 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2012
Verified Purchase
I had an idea about what I was getting into before I ordered The Dark Thorn, havnig read the first four chapters on-line some time ago. Although those first few chapters I read were enjoyable they were nothing compared to the rest of the book.

Shawn paints a great picture. I could see the story coming to life in my mind. The characters were well written. Not all of the "good" guys are completely likeable and not all of the "bad" guys are completely hatable. The twists and turns in the book were great. Some the reader could see coming, others not so much. I thought the pacing of the story was perfect. At no time was I wishing for things to pick up or slowdown.

If you are a fan of these kinds of book or are just looking for something enjoyable to read I highly recomend this book. You will not be sorry. If this first book is any indication of Mr. Speakman's talent as an author I think it is safe to say our desire for great books to read are in good hands.
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Top reviews from other countries

Diana
5.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting read for fantasy fans!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 15, 2015
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I'm a big fan of fantasy and I have to say this book was a nice treat for me! I really enjoyed getting lost in the Annwn world! It is also a bit unusual as there is a bit of urban fantasy added to this otherwise epic fantasy. Overall, a great read for anyone who loves fantasy, magic and a bit of conspiracy!
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Stephan Ziegler
5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful
Reviewed in Germany on October 24, 2013
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Great book! I really enjoyed reading this after reading the unfettered knight. I am looking forward to the next instalment.
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The Grim Reader
2.0 out of 5 stars Hmmmmm.
Reviewed in Australia on January 26, 2016
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Started off great but then kind of lost it's way, a little. What was a promising premise soon ended up in Epic Fantasy Cliché Ville with the usual shenanigans. Well-written, yes, but highly unoriginal. Must try harder!
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Charles F Bond
4.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2015
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I bought this book because Shawn Speakman is the guru of best selling author Terry Brooks, whose books I adore. Before I read this I thought this was going to be somewhere along the lines of a Brooks novel, and as I read through the first chapters I found myself half convincing myself it was going to be. (This isn't a bad thing, but every author needs to have their own voice, world, etc.) On reading this book, I found Shawn Speakman does have his own voice, and I enjoyed it immensely.

It has an Arthurian feel, with one of the characters being none other than... no, I'm not going to spoil that surprise, you will have to read to find out for yourselves. And it comes with the Arthurian weaponry, some of us, me included, have grown up with, again you will have to read and discover which ones. (I really don't like giving too much away, I like surprises when I read and this is one reason I don't read reviews, I take into account ratings, but never read reviews.)

As I read through the pages I discovered Dean Forest, but not as I remember it. I walked through parts of this wood in my later teens, and remember the usual scurrying of the small animals, and tweets of its birdlife, but Shawn opened my mind to a darker, more enchanting place. (Thanks.)

To some up, this is an enchanting, enthralling read and I encourage and fantasy readers to go out and give The Dark Thorn a go.
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tubbo
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 22, 2019
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Having read the books of Terry Brooks for many years I became aware of this book due to Shawn's association with Terry. There are some similarities with Terry's books, but found the story enjoyable in it's own right too.
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