The Vagrant (The Vagrant Trilogy)

Difficult to give a lot of depth to a protagonist that never speaks, I felt more attached to the goat in the end. Interesting writing style using truncated sentences to express black and white moral code of the universe.

All in all not bad but I am not hanging out for the sequel.

Underrated, this one. Well worth your time and attention. Yes, dark, occasionally bleak but offset with moments of humor and compassion. Original and well written. Stands out in a crowded sci-fi/fantasy field filled with samey-same me-toos.

The Vagrant's characterization of father's love for daughter, soldier's pure duty to defend the defenseless, liberation and justice for those harmed in most innocence of childhood abuse, provides for a most aspiring 'underdog' story, whose merit of five stars can only be the open of great cheers of appreciations by the readers of this novel.

Story was very good and well thought out. You get to know each character and care for them. It makes you search your soul and what is the right thing. Some of the poetic phrasing was hard to follow and character building for some characters was short. But overall. The story builds and you want to know what will happen next.

A way different book then books I have read before.... But I really enjoyed it it made you think and pay attention. A gifted writer with a unbeleavable imagination. I like to sit and have a beer with this guy ..... And find out how he came up with this story and writing style.... Well worth the read and I am looking forward to the next book... Thanks for the journey

This feels alot like the Gunslinger, there's no getting around it. The last knight in a corrupted land that's forgotten they exist, with a magic god weapon. Unlike the changing patchwork of settings in Dark Tower, there's a single cohesive world built here. I'm honestly surprised with all the moaning about him leaving the girl, considering Roland did the exact same thing to Jake 1 for his mission. I can't wait for The Malice to come out in a few weeks. The world he's built in one book is pretty compelling and I would like to know more.

Surprising. Excellent. Enjoyable. Engrossing.

Piss on everyone who gives it 1 star for the cost. If its too much $ for you, then don't buy it. At the same time, don't 1 star it without reading it.

A very strange and interesting world, not something I've ever seen or heard of. If a 2d book is written I'll buy it, but I think this book (as the precursor) sits right on the edge of between good and terrible and it would be very easy for any further efforts to fall on the terrible side. Though unique premise in a unique world following up the first book in a way that will remain interesting may be very difficult.

Buy this if you're interested in reading about a post apocalyptic world filled with evil and a little bit of good.

Tried, tried ,tried to read this. Just couldn't understand the complex unstructured style.
A protagonist that's too weak, an enemy too confusing. I only read 400+ books a year. I'm way to stupid to follow such sophisticated writing. If I'm his audience, I only could manage 25% before I was soundly and completely defeated.

Very different concept in fantasy literature. But very slow action and explanation due partly to the non chronological chapters. So in my opinion a difficult read due to losing interest periodically.

They travel across a post apocalyptic wasteland, A man, a baby and a goat. He may be the world's last hope as he is carrying a weapon that may well be all that stands between humanity and demonic infestation.

First things first - The Vagrant himself. Here is a man who feels like a walking threat. The Vagrant (yes, that is his name) has to carry the whole story as he is the main lead but....he is unable to speak. He utters not one word and really that should be a stumbling block. How can someone on whom the story hangs get away with not speaking? The answer, as it turns out, is perfectly well. The author writes his character so well he can convey all he needs to say with a gesture, a facial expression. The Vagrant comes across as a determined and violent man but not an evil violent man. If he hurts you or kills you it is because that is something that needs to be done.

Under his cloak (as well as his sentient sword, Malice) is a small baby whom The Vagrant is looking after. This man will murder, maim, destroy enemies and then stop to feed or change the baby. It isn't something that should necessarily work but again, it does. The final member of our heroic trio is a goat...yes, you heard me correctly, A GOAT!! To say the goat is mainly there for comic chuckles may be stating the obvious but it's a fact and, again, it works well. There is a scene early on in the story where The Vagrant is getting treated for an injury and all through the process the goat just stands there watching and eating a glove it has found. This juxtaposition between the two characters, one a pent up barrel of rage and violence and one a goat who, basically, doesn't seem to give a toss about anything except eating makes for an intriguing time.

The land itself is bleak in the extreme. It is a post apocalyptic wasteland and actually feels oppressive. I guess the impression it gave to me was a cross between Mad Max and Judge Dredd's Cursed Earth. It is broken, every footstep is a risk and may be your last. The 'Big Bad's' of this tale are hideous demonic grotesques, demon's from your worst nightmares - one could almost compare his creations with those of Clive Barker.......almost.

Finally, the actual writing. Is this really Peter Newman's debut novel? (You will probably ask yourself this several times). It is, and a very fine job he makes of it too. The story is told in more or less the present tense (there's probably a fancy term for it but I don't it) and the prose is often very sparing. You know what you need to know and that's often all you know. To put this book in a genre bracket is difficult as it has aspects of fantasy, horror and sci-fi but it would sit well in any.

I'd call it a promising debut but exceptional would probably be a better description. If Mr Newman keeps up this level of quality then we are witnessing the arrival of a big player on the scene

9/10 stars

A man, mute and known only as the Vagrant, travels across an apocalyptic landscape carrying a baby and a sword. The sword may be the last hope for humanity in a world being destroyed by demons and he is determined, against all odds, to deliver it to those he believes can best use it. The enemy is just as determined to stop him and he encounters opposition and danger every step of the way. But he also finds allies including Harm, a member of a rebel group, as well as a very smart, very stubborn goat.

I have to say that it took me a while to get into The Vagrant by author Peter Newman. The beginning drops you somewhere in the middle of the story several years after the cataclysmic events that changed this world. We are introduced to characters, culture, events, and a world already fully realized and in motion and it took me a while to catch up. Still I hung in and I am so glad I did.

The story jumps back and forth in time between the Vagrant’s mission and the events leading up to it. As a result, the story at first felt fragmented to me, the cause of my initial confusion. But, as the story progressed, I began to appreciate this style of story-telling. It required commitment on my part to continue but it rewarded me for that commitment with a beautifully written tale, almost lyrical in its prose, both thoughtful and full of action.

The world-building weds modern technology with more typical fantasy culture in a way I have never seen before and that it works so well says much about Newman’s writing abilities. But it is the characters that made this one of my favourite reads so far this year. The Vagrant is a complex hero, preferring to settle disputes with money if possible, run away if he can, willing to stand and fight if that is the only option left. Despite the fact that he cannot speak, he has the ability to attract and retain loyal followers and his interaction with them and with the baby makes a sharp and fascinating contrast to the brutal world that exists around him. Harm is also a very interesting character, a man who worked as enforcer for the rebel group, committed to violence, but who sees in the Vagrant the possibility of redemption. And, of course, the baby who may be the most adorable heroine in fantasy and the goat who adds humour to this otherwise dark tale.

But perhaps my favourite character was the one called the Hammer that Walks as well as the Usurper’s daughter. She was one of the first humans tainted by the demons and one of the most terrifying. She is sent to destroy the Vagrant and the sword but something changes and her story is one of hope and heartbreak in almost equal measure.

The Vagrant is Newman’s debut novel and the first in a series. It is a tale full of adventure, complex characters and world-building, and beautiful prose. It is well-written and compelling, combining dark fantasy with post-apocalyptic. It is smart and violent and requires much from the reader but, for those who are willing to invest in the story, the result is well worth it.

4.5

With thanks to Edelweiss and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this book in

An enthralling fantasy with a main character who doesn’t speak and only communicates through physical interactions and body language.

Interestingly enough the author has chosen not to compensate for the lack of verbal interaction by having the character talk to the reader via his thoughts.

Instead his communication takes place through the actions, words and interactions with others. In particular Vesper, Harm and the goat. Yes, you read that right, a goat. A very stubborn goat with a keen sense of survival and more attitude than a teenager in the middle of a hormone rush.

I just want to slip a murmur of dissatisfaction in about the Hammer. Plot-wise what happens to her was a mistake. The four of them, sorry five plus the grumpy goat, not only make for great reading, but her development was a treasure trove of potential.

It’s a sign of a good story and a great storyteller when a reader connects to the characters in a way that makes them believe they know better.

The story switches from past to present, as we slowly learn more about the silent wanderer and how he and Vesper ended up together. Simultaneously we are introduced to that evil that won the war and the aftermath of its influence. I didn’t find those parts of the story as compelling as the ones with the merry band of misfits. Perhaps because Harm, Vesper, the Vagrant, the Hammer and the goat are such strong characters, as opposed to the enigma and essence of the enemies.

I look forward to reading more about this particular group of characters, especially when it comes to keeping an eye on Vesper as she grows.
* I received a copy of this book, courtesy of the publisher, via Edelweiss.*

I recently found The Vagrant by Peter Newman at my local library. I got home, opened it up and did not stop reading until the end.
The world he has created here is amazingly complex as are the characters. It is a blend of genres that works very well. A world far in the future, long after suffering a near world ending disaster/invasion. A world of solar cells and swords, of ethereal demons, mutants and those who struggle against them.
The main character, appropriately named the Vagrant, has a mission to complete and complete it he will no matter who or what gets in his way. No, he is not a brute powering his way through hordes of enemy, he is a terribly damaged and lost man with just one goal, to take what he has to where it needs to be and to do his best to live up to the code instilled in him.
The Vagrant is a wonderful story, easily one of the best I have read in some time. I just wish my library has the next book in the series.....

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: A silent knight, with a sword that is alive, on a very dangerous mission, will he make it?

Opening Sentence: “Starlight gives way to bolder neon.”

The Review:

The Vagrant, a baby and a goat are trying to get to the Shining City. That actually sounds like a joke, but seriously, the Vagrant is traveling with a baby and a goat. He is the last Seraph Knight on this side of the world, and he carries with him a deadly sword. The Shining City is the last place fully human, and the Vagrant hopes the sword will help them turn the tide. In a world losing it’s hope the Vagrant is slowly rekindling that fire.

Along the way he ends up with some traveling companions, Harm, a man who sees the Vagrant for what he is and decides to help him as a way to redeem himself. The Hammer also joins them, and her change is nothing less than miraculous. As they continue to stay ahead of the Knights of Jade and Ash and all that hunt the sword, will the Vagrant be able to make it to the Shining City or will he fall on his quest?

Okay, first off I really enjoyed this book. I slightly edge away from love because it is a little confusing. Some of that gets cleared up near the end of the book, but some due to the nature of the story is just a mystery. I am glad to see that this is a series, because I really still need some answers. Now that I have said what bothered me I have to get to the point, I mean this book is soo different than anything I have ever read. The main character, The Vagrant, goes by no other name. I mean that literally, even in the chapters that fill in the back story at no point does the author let loose the name of the Vagrant. Oh, and to top it all off he doesn’t speak very much throughout out the entire book, and I am not joking, this book carries it though and is really good despite the lack of dialogue or even inner thought of the main character.

He is a giant enigma through the whole book, you do learn why he doesn’t talk, because in the back story you only figure who he is when the story comes to that conclusion and you understand why he doesn’t speak at all. All of that being said, this is definitely towards the science fiction side of fantasy. There are plenty of high fantasy elements, but an edge of futuristic thrown in. Honestly, when I started this I was sure I would hate it, and when I saw that the he didn’t talk, I really thought this is going to suck, but I just kept reading. Out of fascination, curiosity, heck, I am not sure what drove me. I couldn’t put the book down.

I am hoping the other books will answer more questions, but I have to say that for a non speaking swordsman, a goat and one baby girl to be the stars of this book, it just blows me away. The level of talent that requires those types of characters to drive a book and make it successful. It’s like Tom Hanks in Castaway level of good. Seriously, if you are into fantasy you must read this book!

Notable Scenes:

“One canine, black in the poor light, unreadable, but the other human one: it flickers in recognition.”

“In New Horizon nothing is wasted.”

“To him the Seraph Knights are heroes from a time when childhood was more than the few moments between consciousness and disappointment.”

“He closes his eyes, covering his face with quick hands to hide the trembling.’

“The Hammer that walks and the Malice?”

“You must be strong in yourself, pure of intent, if you are truly to master being a knight.”

“At his side, the sword twitches, wings parted, metal feathers unashamedly tipped in red.”

FTC Advisory: Harper Voyager provided me with a copy of The Vagrant. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

There are lots of very good reviews for this title that have explained the plot, so I'll skip that particular detail. What my review boils down to is this - this is a tremendous book. Blending fantasy with science fiction, via the buddy movie, the road movie and even a spot of comedy, The Vagrant manages to be superbly refreshing in a genre that often gets bogged down in a ream of 'Chosen One' cardboard cutouts and arcane (and impenetrable) lore. Peter Newman is a fantastic writer, who isn't shy of hitting you with the "Aw man!" feels, and I have never before read a book that manages to make a goat such a fabulous character. I actually cannot recommend it enough.

I won my advanced reader copy of The Vagrant through a goodreads giveaway.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Vagrant, by Peter Newman. The world of The Vagrant is one in which a crack in the ground, called the Breach, has opened. There were prophecies that it would open and terrible things would flow from it. The Seraph Knights watch the Breach, ready to battle whatever might surface. They have sky ships, mechanized walkers, and various other technologies, as well as powerful swords whose pommel is adorned by an eye surrounded by wings. Their government is known as the Empire of the Winged Eye. And as much as this sounds like, and to some extent is, an epic tale of good versus evil, the majority of the book is told from a more personal perspective. We actually see less of the epic struggle and far more of the personal struggle, watching individuals or smaller groups interact. We see people who have to make choices that greatly affect their lives and play into the larger struggles.

The story centers around a mute traveller the book calls the Vagrant. He carries a sword and a baby, beautifully portrayed in the fantastic cover art. He travels northward, moving from town to town, heading towards a specific destination. He doesn’t speak, so the book has a different tone than most, and character development is slow as a result. However, as he travels he meets people and eventually travels with some who, in various ways, become his voice. He begins a very dark and enigmatic traveller, but over time we see more of his character through his interactions with others, both his actions towards others and simple facial or bodily expressions, as well as interactions with the baby and his sword, a sword of the Seraph Knights. He typically keeps both the sword and the baby hidden, but he seems compelled to help people, which requires drawing the blade and drawing attention from infernals, the creatures that emerged from the Breach, who seem able to sense the sword.

Throughout the book are a series of flashbacks that slowly reveal back story of the Vagrant and bring many of the story lines together. It’s done very well. The infernals that spewed from the Breach destroyed much of the existing society and drove back the Seraph Knights. The present finds people struggling to survive. The Usurper was the first of the infernals to emerge and is the most powerful. Most infernals blindly follow the Usurper, but some have broken away and follow others, such as the Uncivil. Some take over human bodies, changing them, corrupting them. Others augment humans, allowing the humans to retain some semblance of themselves, but still be subservient to their infernal master. There is some tension between the ruling infernals, adding other layers to the story. Each wants to find the Vagrant for their own reasons, leaving him on the run from different factions of infernals all while trying to deliver his precious cargo to the north.

The book could be read as a standalone novel, but it seems obvious a sequel is planned. Some of the major story lines are resolved, but many are left open. There is much left of the world and cultures to explore. The Vagrant is a dark story, but there is also redemption, of sorts. I felt the book was very well crafted. The periodic flash backs did a great job of slowly revealing the Vagrant’s history, giving purpose to his travels and actions. I look forward to any sequel that may follow.

A book that seems to have divided opinion and one that I wasn't initially sold on either. I think this lies in the authors quite unusual writing style, which is descriptive yet sparse (if that makes any sense?!) Once you get used to the way it's written it is a very good book with some strong characters and vivid settings. It's dark, but not to the point of becoming depressing. I would've liked to have read about the vagrants thoughts (he is a mute) though the more emotional scenes are handled very well through other characters and their body interaction. Book two drops in 2016 and I will be keen to see what happens. If you are looking for some dark fantasy that can be a challenge to read then give this a go. Recommended. 4 stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was original fast paced and very entertaining.

The main character is a mute with a baby, a goat and a super dope sword. The story is of his travels across a world that has been corrupted by a monstrous race the rose from a breach in the planets crust. The monsters are strange and unique.

It has two simultaneous stories, the present story of the Vagrant and of the war that leads to the current tale. Both were enjoyable.

I really enjoyed the fact that the vagrant did not speak and that you never got any internal dialogue from him. It was interesting to learn about him solely through his actions.

I would recommend this to any one that is interested in a unique story with interesting characters. I am very much looking forward to reading more in this series.

CYCZiQA
Anyway, moving on to the subject at hand, The Vagrant was an ambitious book, original and thoughtful, though I wouldn’t say it totally triumphed. The Vagrant himself is sword wielding mute headed for the last safe haven for humans as demons continue to integrate and take over the population. Personally, I think that would be incredibly difficult to write a mute as a main character successfully. From a writer’s perspective, I commend Newman. I don’t think I could’ve done a better job of it at all. From a female reader’s perspective, however, it was difficult for me. I had a hard time connecting with the character because not only does he not speak, but the writing gives us little insight to his thoughts either.

Furthermore, Newman’s writing is not full of unnecessary embellishments. It was short and crispy. While most of the time I would consider this a strength in the writing, since our character is mute and conversation is sparse, the limited amount of details did not give me a good picture of what was going on and made way for unclear world building. It took me a while to understand what was going on and where the story was going.

23559647Overall, I simply did not feel connected. It’s not that the writing or story were bad, but they didn’t move me in anyway. It didn’t sweep me up or make me feel as though I was there. I felt like the author may have bit off more than he could chew for a debut novel. The concepts however are original. I can see other readers loving this book. For instance, I would definitely recommend this book to my younger brother, who I think would like it immensely.

I also think Newman has a bright career ahead of him as an author. I enjoyed the writing style in general, and I would be interested in reading a different series or book of Newman’s in the future.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review

5 stars for the storyline! 3 for the story telling...

Great story, really fantastic world he(Peter Newman) has built. Its a post apocalyptic world of another kind. I wouldnt call it futuristic or past. Its just an alternate reality of a different, but similar world. Some really interesting characters in it, too.

My biggest problem with his book is EVERYTHING IS PRESENT TENSE - seriously, even the "5 years ago..." parts... That and it's lack of a full description. I couldnt tell you how many times I read a sentence and wonder, "Wait, what happened? What does it look like? What is he doing? What is that even supposed to mean?". Its just the way he tells it. In a different perspective than you would normally have thought about it. Problem is, it leaves me confused far too often. A lot of things left unexplained towards the end of it and even during it. I wont spoil any of it, but it's frustrating.

Definitely sets itself up to a sequell, which I'll probably read, but I wont be happy trying to decipher whats going on. On the other hand, I'll be happy to know how it ends.

UNABRIDGED Audiobook

The Vagrant By Peter Newman Narrated By Jot Davies Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins
A mute a Infant girl and a goat walk in to a Post-Apocalyptic Demon ruled world. The mute looks at the baby and says nothing.
HAHHAHHAHA get it? He’s mute. So like, he can’t say anything…………
Ok so I can’t write good jokes but, Anything I ever wrote would fail to come close to this amazing book.
I kept picturing Peter talking to an agent and a publisher and telling them about a book he wrote. So it’s a First-person POV But with no internal monologue and he is mute…… Then as they look at Peter with “Oh god who let this nutjob in here” looks on their faces. He would hurry to explain. well he’s not alone he has a baby and a goat with him. He sits back and smiles. The publisher slowly moves his hand to the Security button on his desk.
Yes The office was in New York and everyone was in 1930’s suits and the Publisher had a glass of whisky and a cigar. With a big red SECURITY button next to the big black rotary phone.
Now I doubt someone would ever get in to a publishers actual office without someone having already read at least a sample and I suspect that not even Publishers still use those phones but that’s how I pictured it.
Stop judging me!
I am not the crazy one here. That would be Peter Newman. And he is crazy, crazy like a fox.
OK now on to my Review!!
As Far as plot goes I told you as much as I am going to.
I know I am an ass right? Well I knew no more than the title and that a few friends had read it and liked it when I picked it up. So you already know too much if you ask me.
The character depth is astounding for the limited ways we get to know them. One of the best Literary characters I have ever met actually. And yes, I said THEM. The Vagrant is good but not my favorite, that would be the goat. Stop looking at me like my imaginary Publisher looked at my imaginary Mr. Newman. I really did just say One of the best Literary characters I have ever met is a unnamed Goat.
Ok I better wrap this up Or one of you will try and have me committed. Just trust me and get this book. It is an emotional roller-coaster of humor and sorrow, that I will want to ride again many times.
The audio book was magnificently narrated By Jot Davies. A relatively new “voice” in the audio book world. I have only ever listened to one other book by him, Time and Time Again By Ben Elton, also very well narrated and a good book.
The Vagrant earns 4.75 out of 5 stars

Protagonist is mute, and narration is limited omniscient that does not have access to internal thoughts. This is a novel choice well executed, creating a unique book. The setting is what I think of "Heavy Metal" fantasy (mix of exotic-high-tech and magic, alien world, vaguely feudal social setting, etc.) but less cheesy than that makes it sound. Hints at sophisticated considerations of good, evil, motivations, etc. Very much look forward to reading the next in the series.

Wonderful book, more since the 3 main characters: the Seraph knight, the baby and the goat, do not speak.The atmosphere created is fantastic, the strangeness of the cities overcome by demonic plagues, the malice and helplessness of the people, the difficult choices to be made, the baby who does not understand anything but discovers the world for the first time. Simply amazing.

Sharply written, edged with humour, original and fresh.
The book doesn't have a US publisher and the fact it's listed on the store.com is rather strange, as is the ebook price. When it gets a US release I'm sure the ebook price will be more in line with other books. Either way, to 1* the book without reading it, as so many have done here, says more about those 'reviewers' than it does about the book or, indeed, the UK publisher.

A very original sci-if/fantasy story that takes place in a land that has fallen to demonic forces which have corrupted the land and its people. It's a story of redemption and hope existing in a world where literally almost everyone and everything has gone to hell. It reminded me of Cornac McCarthy's "The Road" though it was not as gruesome and dark. Definitely loved the book and look forward to reading more from this very talented author!

Bought book. Read book. Found prose abrupt. Staccato. Almost cryptic, like shipping forecast. Much paragraph rereading needed. “And yet the dialogue between characters was well written, like islands of tranquility.” Despite this, story good. Liked Vagrant / Scout, Vesper also Harm and goat. Hammer gone to soon. Uncivil and Usurper confusing antagonists. Pace flags at 70% at Six Circles. Unlikely to read sequel MALICE, especially at £10 for kindle version. Summary: loses 2 stars from 5 due to writing style, Reviewer disappointed. Sorry. Wipes eyes.
[ Bought from the store UK, £0.99 offer, read on a iPad/Kindle, June 2016]

The ideas are great, the writing is poor. Things meet in the middle for an acceptable experience. For 1/3rd of the book, or mute protagonist comes and goes from other characters lives. These characters feel better developed than the mute protagonist at first.

We get chapters that go back the 8 years ago, and it's easy to tell IF and only IF you manage to read the "8 years ago" line. Eventually we get a character to serve as a voice in tandem with The Vagrant. I suspect this character was an invention because the author got tired of writing his main character in the 3rd person.

If you can find the book for cheap, it's interesting. If you can stand poor writing, the world is pretty interesting. Just... Crap writing. You'll see.