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Never: (Prequel to The Amber Isle) (Book of Never: 0) Kindle Edition

by Ashley Capes (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 401 ratings
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Adventure? Check. Magic? Check. Sarcasm? You bet.

Roguish Never is sure he has hunted down every relic and every clue possible on his quest to finally lift the curse on his blood and hopefully learn his true name. However, convincing the wealthy Lord Firmita to part with a map to the sunken city proves to be far more dangerous than he first imagined.

Prequel story to The Amber Isle - see how Never meets his old enemy Harstas!

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  1. Print length
    58 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    July 14, 2016
  5. File size
    3234 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Prequel to a series of epic fantasy novellas and novels:

Book of Never 1: The Amber Isle
Book of Never 2: A Forest of Eyes
Book of Never 3: River God
Book of Never 4: The Peaks of Autumn
Book of Never 5: Imperial Towers  Book of Never 6: The Phoenix of Kiymako

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01II2SBFC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Close-Up Books (July 14, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 14, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3234 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 58 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 401 ratings

About the author

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Ashley Capes

Ashley Capes

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Ashley is an Australian novelist, poet & teacher. You might have read his epic fantasy 'The Bone Mask Trilogy' or maybe you're familiar with his other work, the fantasy/adventure series 'The Book of Never.' Either way, you can read more about his books and get access to giveaways and free books via his newsletter below :)

Ashley occasionally dabbles in film, is addicted to 80s cartoon shows and Studio Ghibli films, and finds himself constantly awed by the simple beauty of haiku. He is also convinced that 'Magnum PI' is one of the greatest TV shows ever.

Sign up to Ashley's newsletter for free books and news:

http://www.subscribepage.com/b5w1k0

Find out about Ashley's fiction:

http://www.cityofmasks.com/

Check out Ashley's poetry:

http://www.ashleycapes.com/

And follow him on twitter right here:

@Ash_Capes

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
401 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Hippy_Lettuce
5.0 out of 5 stars Never - what a name
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2016
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I enjoyed reading about Never, what a great name. I read this book before I read the others, so, I got a great feel for the other books when I started them. I like the way Ashley has written the Never series, to me it is like a serial novel, and each book is specific adventure in Never's quest to learn about himself.
This prequel sets the stage for the following books, and explains how he received the map that sets him on this quest of discovery. Never has a wicked sense of humor, as well as a sense of honor. I liked the part in the bar, when the drunk disturbs him and causes him to be kicked out. Never asked him where he lives, so he could rob him as compensation for his rudeness. Never didn't rob him blind, and actually left something very valuable, monetary and sentimental to the drunk. Most thieves wouldn't care, but Never is not out to make money or treasure in his quests, just answers...
Its a great place to start the series, and well worth the time to read.
12 people found this helpful
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Manie Kilian
4.0 out of 5 stars Enticing.
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2017
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A rip-roaring start to an intriguing epic fantasy. Never does not know his true name, nor how it came to be that he cannot remember anything of his past.
But he is willing to do everything he can to find out notwithstanding the fact that so far he could accomplish very little.
He is getting desperate but just maybe there is a clue to be found in the Amber Isle. One problem though, common lore has it this isle is just a myth. Or is it?
This prequel to a series of novellas featuring the fast talking rogue, Never, is the start to a great action adventure full of surprises and numerous escapades to delight even the most jaundiced palate. I loved the character of Never, the almost tangible atmosphere of mystery and the medieval setting.
Very enticing!
5 people found this helpful
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Devann M.
3.0 out of 5 stars pretty standard but an interesting series starter
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2017
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An interesting little prequel story. It seems to be fairly standard high-fantasy so far but it's well written and I do love books about thieves. I'm also interested to learn more about Never's curse so I will definitely check out the first actual book in the series.
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Sierra
5.0 out of 5 stars Full of action with a smart, mysterious lead
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2017
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A great introduction to an interesting fantasy landscape and fascinating character! Never is smart and cunning with an ability to analyze a situation in a split second. The story is full of action and displays Never's talent for fighting and strategy to full effect. He is a puzzle that we are given pieces of in this novella but left tantalized for the rest of the story. He is a man with a curse, a man who lacks his own real name, a man on a question for the knowledge of both. The author has a great gift for showing not telling. The writing style is very smooth and the pacing is quick with a good rhythm. While this work is a complete caper, it is also a masterful setup for the series. I am planning to read the next installment without delay and am so glad to have discovered a new writer!
One person found this helpful
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TomB
4.0 out of 5 stars Nice intro
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2019
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This is a very nice intro into the world of the Amber Isles and our main character, Never. We get a glimpse into his motives and the mysterious blood curse he suffers from. Never is a thief and he's presumably a good one. However we don't see much of his skills although we do go along for his current caper. You see, every time Never doe a little B & E, he gets caught! It leads to some revealing info so maybe that's the point of his lack of success. He's good at getting in its the getting out that is the problem. Even so, this is a very good prequel to the main story set to unfold. I liked it.
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Brenda Telford
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2016
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This short prequel to The Amber Isle (which I’ve read) is another great action adventure for the stubborn but cursed Never. His life is never easy, and visiting Lord Firmita in his castle proved to be the same. A cell, an escape and a vicious fight with the evil Harstas are only part of what Never gets up to in Aussie author Ashley Capes’ Never.

I’m thoroughly enjoying the series and discovering this short story (and the fact it was free on kindle) was a delight. I highly recommend this and each book in the series about Never and his search for answers.
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Book Mouse
3.0 out of 5 stars A Good Start
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2018
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On a day when I'd already started and rejected a couple of books because they were just too badly written to struggle through, I was pleased to find Never. Skeptical at first, I quickly became involved in the story. The character of Never is engaging and I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
2 people found this helpful
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AP Morison
5.0 out of 5 stars Epic Fantasy Adventure
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2020
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This series is one of the most fortuitous finds of my time sweeping through the Kindle Free Books listings. Ashley Capes had me in the first few words. I've read up through book 5 and I'm hooked.

Never, what a name, is a bit of a rogue, a mercenary, a thief, and a survivor. He bears a 'curse' or a gift depending on your point of view. His own blood. It has saved his life, it has also taken lives that he didn't intend to take. No control but he is searching for reasons, explanations, the truth about why he is and who he is.

I have not been disappointed with anything I've read. This author is amazing.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Freya Pickard
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant introduction to Never
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2023
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Never (Prequel to The Amber Isle) by Ashley Capes 5/5
Brilliant introduction to the character of Never and to the events that occur in The Amber Isle and subsequent books.
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E J
4.0 out of 5 stars A short but pleasant read.
Reviewed in Canada on October 23, 2019
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It's a little short to be it's own book, and therefore a bit pricey. Just one chapter before the Amber Isles really but consistent with the rest of the tale.
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Lynn Kennedy
5.0 out of 5 stars The books of Never
Reviewed in Australia on October 17, 2019
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Not as mch depth in this prequel as the following books but gives you the leadin. Have enjoyed all the Never books - light reading but I keep coming back for each new one.
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Ulla Fleu
5.0 out of 5 stars Eine spannende Vorgeschichte der Abenteuer von Never
Reviewed in Germany on July 18, 2016
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Die Handlung ereignet sich vor "The Amber Isle", dem ersten Buch der "Book of Never" Serie von Ashley Capes.

Der Held mit dem ungewöhnlichen Namen Never sucht nach Hinweisen zu seiner Herkunft und seinem richtigen Namen. In dieser Geschichte landet er im Gefängnis und bricht wieder aus, er wird verfolgt und besteht blutige Kämpfe. Eine besondere verfluchte Eigenschaft seines Blutes spielt eine wichtige Rolle. Verschiedene alte Waffen kommen zum Einsatz, Never selbst kämpft am liebsten mit Messern.
Never hat einen besonderen Humor in brenzligen Situationen. Seine bissigen Bemerkungen sind manchmal weise: "Everybody dies from something" (Jeder stirbt an irgendwas.) - Mich bringt das immer wieder zum Lachen.
Die 55 Seiten bringen einige Stunden Spaß und Spannung, eine schöne Ablenkung für kleines Geld.
Ich empfehle dieses Buch, es ist sehr lesenswert auch oder gerade wenn man die Serie noch nicht kennt!
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merlin
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 6, 2018
Verified Purchase
should have got this one first, felt as if you were going over the same thing again.
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