"Like many great pieces of fantasy fiction, Exile starts with a prologue that gives the reader important exposition to preface what I can only describe as one of the more gripping and multi-layered pieces of fiction I've had the pleasure of reading this year. Once the prologue concludes, Owton introduces Aron, a protagonist that feels very much a product of the contemporary literary age regarding his pessimistic personality and his uncertainty.

While past protagonists such as Conan the barbarian carried themselves with unwavering confidence in their own ability, and other characters such as Jamie Lannister put on a false façade of confidence, there is something oddly relatable to Aron's feelings of discomfort. That being said, his ego is still large enough that he's not one to be trifled with, made clear by the man who tests him in a tavern, only to meet his fate at Aron's skilled hands in the tale's first action sequence, one that sets him off on a sprawling adventure that extends far past your generic, bargain-bin fantasy".

"Owton has a clear and direct writing style that passes unnoticed. There's no ornamentation. I don't recall a seeing a single simile in the whole book. There must have been some ... surely? That may sound like criticism but it really isn't. To write a book that isn't a chore to read is a rare skill. To write prose that lets the reader glide through rather than labour across requires talent. The writing will probably not wow you but it is solid and lets the story take centre focus.

The setting is a kingdom in the land of Generica, which is my smart arse way of saying fantasy-everywhere, a medievalesque land of castles dukes, kings, taverns, farmers, the occasional wizard or wise-woman, a "standard" comfortable fantasy land where you'll encounter no surprises and feel at home. Again, you could read this as a criticism, but the reason many authors rely on established fantasy common ground is so they can focus on story.

So, the story! Well, it's a quite small scale tale. Small scale for fantasy that is. There are no wars, the fate of nations is not really at stake. There's no evil other than the common or garden human variety. No magical cataclysm approaches. We are concerned with one point-of-view character. He wants revenge on a powerful man but gets sucked into the affairs of an impoverished duchy. The bulk of the book concerns his getting involved with the local minor nobility and mounting an attempt to rescue the duke's son from a rival holding him hostage over some land dispute. Not high stakes stuff, but interesting in a small scale swords & sorcery way.

Exile is a "traditional" fantasy of the sort that wouldn't raise any eyebrows twenty years ago but might now get readers asking "what about the women?". The women largely feature in the form of the duke's wife and two daughters (both husband hunting) and later a minor goddess, all four of whom sleep with or snog our hero. Other women are relegated to serving maids, whores and wise-women. I've written books in this style but it does seem that the tide may have turned toward fantasy equality of the style Robin Hobb championed 20+ years ago when the castle barracks turned out both male and female soldiers without remarking on the fact.

I'm poking at this book, but as I said, it's sturdy enough to take it. I enjoyed the story. It was sword-swinging, castle climbing, hard drinking fun.

There were moments of very literal deus ex machina but it didn't bother me. It is, in a good way, a simple undemanding story that offers amusing diversion, and that's a good thing."

"I've read hundreds of fantasy stories over the years. There are so many clichés and examples of bad writing out there that when a decent, semi-original story comes around it seems better than it is. So I've taken my time before reviewing this book, chewed over my thoughts on it to be sure that I mean what I say.

The story starts with a prologue, setting the scene with the fall of Darien and thus giving some back story to the main character, Aron (though he doesn't make an appearance at this point). This is, for me, the weakest part of the whole book. The prose in the prologue is plodding and I very nearly gave up. In fact, had I not been stuck on a flight with no other entertainment, I would have given up. I'm so glad I didn't.

Chapter 1 introduces Aron. He's a fantastic character though his layers are revealed slowly through the story. If I say too much I might detract from your enjoyment but safe to say he is a fine example of a flawed, and thus believable, hero. Like a Clint Eastwood character from a Spaghetti Western but with a sword and yet also vulnerable. Emotionally and physically. He stands out as a character I will long remember. The problem with the prose in the prologue? Gone. Like it was written by a different author. I simply don't understand how such a gripping multi-layered tale which is as compellingly written as this is has such a flat beginning. My advice: speed through the prologue for the background and maybe remember a character or two but don't waste too much time on it or let it put you off.

There are no elves, dwarves, orcs or other fantasy tropes in this story. OK, magic but it's understated and the involvement of gods and goddesses is more a matter of dreams and visions. This is fantasy that is closer to Martin's world than Tolkien's (though not epic like either, rather intimate and character driven). It's not as bleak as a Song of Ice and Fire and there are no dragons (at least in this story...). That works in its favour. The cast of characters is smaller and you really get to know them, so when one dies, it matters.

The world feels solid and believable. The plot is good and felt fresh. Characters do things for real world reasons and though there are plenty of twists and turns in the story, none of them ever felt forced. Dialogue is tight and lacks any jarring anachronisms or 'cutesiness', which really ruin so many fantasy stories for me. The author renders some dialects but these are not overdone and added rather than taking away.

Every time I was forced to put Exile down, I walked away from it reflecting on how good it was. How the author so often refused to take a predictable and clichéd route but did so in a natural, unforced way.

I started this review by referring to semi-original and decent fantasy stories that can cause a knee-jerk, 'Oh this is great' reaction. This isn't one of those. It is up there with any of the big names in modern Fantasy. It is genuinely and quite simply: Bloody Brilliant. (Just not the prologue!)".

"I can't think of anything else to say really this is a thoroughly enjoyable read and has been compared by many to Gemmell, a statement I would echo. To wrap up I would definitely endorse this book and suggest it to anyone looking for a nice manageable slice of Grimdark that is well worth picking up. Sequels are as far as I know in the works and I can't wait to get my teeth into them, well done Martin. Treat yourself ladies and gents, it's a bloody good read".

"While I do share the current love of Grimdark in Fantasy Fiction I also enjoy the slightly lighter side of the genre as well. Exile, the first in a 2 book series would, in my opinion lean toward the lighter side of Grimdark - not too dark and not too fluffy, an excellent blend.

The story concerns Aron (the titular exile) in a tale of heroism and treachery which ends in some pretty epic fight scenes. He is employed by the Earl of Nandor to rescue his heir but betrayal changes everything. There is a good bit of family politics, fun to read banter, hints of 'Destiny' all things you would expect in this kind of tale but it is all wrapped up in some excellent story telling. The world is well realised - and being a very 'visual' reader this is something that is very important to me - and populated with interesting people, Gods, and a decent history.

As a hero Aron is just what you would expect, dashing, brave, admired by the ladies, but he also come across as a decent sort, not big headed or 'better than everyone else' (and it makes a change for the hero not to be a 'former turnip farmer').

So, heroic fantasy verging on the lighter side of Grimdark that all sets up nicely for 'Return To Nandor' (out later this year). A very enjoyable read that I will be looking to read again. Martin Owton is an author I have no hesitation in recommending and one I am putting high on my 'authors to watch' list".

"In the expansive world of indie fantasy, it's easy to note the abundance of dark, edgy novels, with many authors attempting to out-shock their peers.

I'm a Grimdark fan, but I began my fairly late entry in to Fantasy fiction with Epic series like Sanderson's Stormlight Archive, and Robin Hobb and Pat Rothfuss' work so every once in a while a novel like Martin Owton's Exile, with its more classic style and themes feels extremely welcome and refreshing.

Without rehashing the overall plot extensively, Exile tells the story of Aron, a young assassin who after killing one of an Earle's top swordsman in a bar brawl, finds himself enlisted by the Earle and his wife on a mission to save their captive son.

Being a top swordsman and a clear commodity to the Earle, Aron finds himself surrounded by a realm of intrigue which includes advances by not only the Earle's two daughters, but his wife as well, which leads to family feuding, questions of motive and often frustration for Aron, who for much of the book attempts to remain aloof and focus on his mission. Oh and somewhere along the way he manages to be seduced by a fertility Goddess... and we all know where that motive lies.

While I have often found fault with stories that focus on a roguish gentlemen being the subject of every female character's affection, and while it's true that Lady Alice and her daughters Celaine and Edith may not be the finest examples of progressive females in literature, it is important to view the novel for what it seems to be modelled most after, or at least how it reads which is that of a period piece.

Much like Jane Austin and Patrick O'Brian, Owton seems to place his world in a time where chivalry rules the day, and equality is a non-issue. By focusing on an MC that is often confused, reluctant and even disinterested, and female characters pulling the strings from behind the scenes, the author bridges the gap between then gallant Errol Flynn style swashbucklers and the more gritty style popularized by GRRM.

Much of the novel features excellent battle sequences and some great character moments. There is an ongoing power struggle between Aron and Tancrid, a relative of the Earle entrusted to lead the mission which leads to many tense moments and some wonderful dialogue.

I found much to love here, and I am looking forward to the conclusion of Aron's story. Owton is a great writer whose prose is fluid and readable. Like many self-published works there are a few very forgivable typos but overall I found the book to be in the top tier of self-published works from an editing perspective.

Give Exile a try if you are looking for a beautifully written escape and maybe even some fun in your reading".

"Shortlisted for last year's Best Newcomer prize at the British Fantasy Awards, Exile is the first half of Martin Owton's Nandor Tales - the story concludes in Nandor, also through Tickety Boo Press. From the cover art, the reader may be expecting a high-stakes, world-shifting epic fantasy, but the truth is a little different: Exile has set its roots in David Gemmell's studies of conflicted characters, and personal missions, and is all the better for that, in my opinion.

Aron is the titular exile, having escaped from his homeland of Darien when it was invaded by Tirellan, the main villain of the piece. Aron's life is now spent drifting from country to country, hoping to drum up support for his cause before the High King, as well as avoiding Tirellan and his allies. When he reaches Nandor, he finds himself embroiled in a mission to rescue the Earl's son, Maldwyn, who is being held for ransom by the Duke of Sarazan. This mission sets up the other main strand of the plot, with chases, duels, and sorcery all involved, as well as the intervention of a goddess who takes a personal interest in Aron's affairs.

Exile is pacey, focusing heavily on Aron and the Earl's two young daughters Celaine and Edith who, along with every other red-blooded female in the book, have fallen for the lad's charms. With disbelief firmly suspended, you can see Aron as a sort of medieval James Bond figure in this respect. With economic descriptions and sharp sentences, we don't see a great deal of Owton's world, but here the story is the focus. Owton wisely pads the dialogue with humour and makes his fight scenes flow pleasingly fast and bloodily. As such Exile can stand alongside John Gwynne's Faithful and Fallen series as a great example of modern heroic fantasy, and proof that the genre doesn't have to resort to all-out grimdark to keep readers interested.

There are a few minus points, however: Tirellan's fate feels premature and robs the story of a great final showdown. Instead Aron faces off against Sarazan's champion in an arena duel, and again Owton allows the tension to build before pulling the carpet from under the narrative. Looking ahead, you can make the case for everything being more conclusively settled at the end of Nandor, but it leaves the conclusion of Exile feeling a tad underwhelming. Aron's Lynx-like pheromones cause a few eye-rolls too, though Owton does create some very interesting consequences for further down the line - let's just say that Celaine and Edith will probably be very unimpressed.

As a debut, Exile is generally a very good Gemmell-flavoured piece of heroic fantasy, and marks Martin Owton as a name to watch in the future".

"This was a nice comfortable fantasy read that entertains without being too predictable. It's worth checking out if you are looking for something on the noble bright edge of the genre".

"'Exile' is a gripping sword-and-sorcery adventure with action, political intrigue, and a relatable protagonist navigating betrayal and survival".