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Vesik #13

The Book of the Rune

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A haunted mage. A weapon lost. Sometimes, the dead return…
To save a life, Zola must find an anchor to transfer a blood knot of untold power, and she knows exactly who to turn to. An old ally, Ward, is gifted in the ancient arts and may hold the key to Vesik’s salvation.

With his team by his side, Ward embarks on a quest through the outskirts of The Golden City, which is rife with Unseelie Fae and irontouched alike. Their only hope is a dangerous meeting with a highly trained cadre—who balance their loyalties on a knife’s edge.

As they embark on their path of knowledge and terror, tables take a jarring turn when a long lost apprentice, believed to be claimed by the darkness, makes a ghoulish return. The time for peace is near the end, and Ward must trust in those who rarely trust themselves in order to fulfill his mission.

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2020

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About the author

Eric R. Asher

48 books627 followers
Eric is a former bookseller, cellist, and comic seller currently living in Saint Louis, Missouri. A lifelong enthusiast of books, music, toys, and games, he discovered a love for the written word after being dragged to the library by his parents at a young age. When he is not writing, you can usually find him reading, gaming, or buried beneath a small avalanche of Transformers.

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5 stars
63 (52%)
4 stars
41 (34%)
3 stars
12 (10%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
156 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2020
Excellent Book

This is an excellent addition to the entire series. I would recommend you start with Days Gone Bad the first book in the series, so that you do not miss anything in this terrific series. All the books are well written and have plenty of action and intrigue. This book is no exception. It is a quick read with a lot packed into it. Definitely worth a read.
11.1k reviews160 followers
February 6, 2020
Wow. This might be the thirteenth book, but if possible, each one gets better. Once I started, I was hopelessly addicted. Don’t miss out.
Profile Image for Angela.
325 reviews25 followers
February 9, 2020
Just keeps getting better

The more I read this series, the more I learn. I love that each book is a glimpse into the characters and their lives. Don't get me wrong, I love Damian! But, it's nice to read about some of the behind the scenes type of stuff. I do miss Damian though. I really hope things turn out well for him. I'm ready to start the next installment!
Profile Image for Susan.
1,455 reviews
February 4, 2020
The Book of Runes is the thirteenth book in the Vesick series. This book should not be read as a standalone. It is a short book that features Ward. There is violence and use of magic. I really enjoy these stories about the other series characters.
Profile Image for Steven.
31 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2020
Friends into Foes


The war versus Gwynn ap Nudd continues as does the attempt to save the necromancer, Damian Vesik, and those bound to him.  As part of the attempt, Ward continues the hunt for a particular coin to serve as the anchor for the ritual.  During the search, Ward encounters his former apprentice, Heather.  She has become an enemy, now using her considerable skills for Nudd and his dark allies.


The series continues to be a joy to read.  Recent installments have done a great deal to fill in the backgrounds  of characters that were in the periphery in the past.  It has given them a chance to stand out and play a lead role in _The Books of the Dead_.  It adds to the overall depth of the story and makes the challenges at hand more universal, rather than being the problem of only a few.
Profile Image for Connie Fogg-Bouchard.
462 reviews4 followers
February 15, 2020
playing more than one side against the other

Ward is in charge of finding the Ryo coin for the spell. Heather seems to have other plans. she has dug into the leylines and corrupted them, burying fae in them to add strength. her attacks against Ward and his companions is matched by her treachery to the human army into which she has placed spelled fae, ready to take down Park and Casper.

and Nudd sits back and smiles.

Eric is moving us into that position where all of his characters will meet to decide Damie's fate. they all have incredible life. they live and move through incredibly detailed dimensions. each book leaves you waiting more and more. thank you, Eric, for this world of fae.
Profile Image for A Belle & A Book.
643 reviews18 followers
June 5, 2020
Audiobook Review

I love that this series literally picks on the next page from the previous one. The war rages on while Zola and crew try to find another piece of the puzzle to create a new anchor for Sam and Vicki. In this installment, we focus on Ward and met his long lost apprentice, Heather.

The world building and layers make this an epic series. While I love delving deeper into the many characters, the suspense of Damien's predicament is killing me!

Eric Moon is a fantastic narrator for this series. It amazes me who she can keep all the individual accents and nuances for each voice she lends to the story.
Profile Image for Penny.
2,431 reviews67 followers
February 1, 2020
I am constantly amazed at the storytelling by this author. He’s quite good at laying a foundation with great action and wonderful characters. In this one we find out more about what happened in the past which has ramifications on the present. I am happy (get it, happy? LOL!) to have found out more about Ward, Happy, and the Old Man. I think there are some surprises coming and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next. This is a must-read novella, and they are all a wonderful way to pass the time. Recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Sandy.
55 reviews
February 3, 2020
More action plus background on characters in the Vesik series.

This book gives you the action that you expect from the Vesik series as Ward goes to get the Rune. It is the last item that is needed for Zola and her team to keep Samantha and Vicki safe and hopefully rescue Damien. There are traps and dangers that keep you on the edge of your seat as Ward tries to retrieve the Rune and a shocking surprise.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the author. I am voluntarily reviewing this book.
February 8, 2020
It just keeps getting better!

This is my favorite series. in this book, I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into Ward's story and personality. Overall, the story just keeps building. I thought it would be easier with a book coming out each month, but instead, it gets harder to wait as the story moves quickly to some major events. I miss Damien, but I love hearing from the rest of the crew. Definitely start at the beginning on this series. You wouldn't want to miss the fun or the sarcasm. Enjoy!
Profile Image for TE.
240 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2020
I liked The Book of the Rune because we got to spend time with some of the Vesik series' "older" kick-butt heroes that we haven't heard from in a while. They've still got it and are willing to put it all on the line for their loved ones. This one also alludes there may be even more ominous plans in the works than they can imagine. Yikes! This is a quick, fun read.

For those who want to know: This one has a little language, a lot of violence but no sex.
Profile Image for Ginelle Blanch.
862 reviews26 followers
May 6, 2020
I really like reading more about all the characters that we haven't seen a lot of so far in this series. It's cool to be able to unravel a bit of their mystery. Ward is a badass character, a bit scary if I'm being honest. Happy he's on the side of the allies.

This book continues down the dark path. Maybe a bit more so than the others. Lots of death, lots of power coming into play. Keeps moving forward in the goal of saving Damian, Vicky, and Sam. But, it's not easy. Obstacle after obstacle stand in the allies' way and, it seems the Mad King...and other players...still have tricks up their sleeves!

Damian's levity is certainly missed and heavily felt.

Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Amy Bellino.
26 reviews
August 29, 2020
If you enjoy Tolkien, you'll enjoy the Vesik series!

From the very beginning of the story, we catch up with old friends we haven’t seen in a while. Mr. Asher has a special talent for creating imagery that makes you feel like you are actually there in the story. Zola is as entertaining as ever and delivers the most “Zola-fied” zinger I’ve seen yet: “He’s only going to die if we f*** it up. So don’t f*** it up!”
Profile Image for Wendy Schindler.
297 reviews
February 2, 2020
Vesik and the Misfits Rule!

Getting a look into the pasts of so many of the Vesik crew is awesome! The loyality, love and courage is truly amazing! There is a lot of heartbreak too, but such is the nature of war, supernatural or not. Eric has us all tied up in the past, present and futures of our heroes and I sure hope Team Vesik emerge victorious!
Profile Image for Kate.
9 reviews
February 11, 2020
The Book of the Rune

Don’t forget your Aviator sunglasses, because you’re gonna need them!
What do you do when the person who holds a high rank in your trust bank, deceives you?
This book brings Ward to the forefront on the latest in the Vesik Series.

I am lucky in that I get to read and review this book free of charge but I always purchase Eric Asher’s books for my own personal collection
17 reviews
February 8, 2020
Just getting better

Love these short books featuring one of Damians friends. Certain that there will be sadness and death ahead, but hopefully will end with Nudd being one of the dead.
Profile Image for Heather.
347 reviews
August 25, 2020
Continuation .. great!

It was fun to learn more backstory and hear the story in other characters’ voices. Learning more of the lore behind the story has also been fun. On to the next book!
43 reviews
February 1, 2020
Once again Eric Asher knocks it outta the park. A great fun read for a wild ride of action/emotions. If you haven't read any Vesik ..... 13 books is a nice binge read. :)
Profile Image for Lisa Guertin.
513 reviews10 followers
February 3, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better! Ward’s book answers some questions but raises new ones. It was good seeing Edgar in full Mage Solis mode again and catching up with Parks and Casper.
792 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2020
Loved it!

I can't wait until I can see where Eric is going with everyone's story on the way to saving Damian...On to the Burning Lands.
52 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2020
If you are reading this review, then you

Are wasting your time because you should be reading every book in this series instead! Shoo! Go read! What are you waiting for!
Profile Image for Eric Evans.
581 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2021
Great

Great getting time with the characters we don't get much of in the main ark. Really enjoyed spending time with Ward.
36 reviews
July 20, 2020
In this story we follow Ward.
What happens when an apprentice becomes a turncoat?
When much of your arsenal is already known and understood?
This is the question facing Ward.
This story is intense and and exciting, as are all the Vesic books. The story flows well and draws you in.
Can't wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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