Crop Burner: The Tale Of Fearn & The Deamhon

Crop Burner: The Tale Of Fearn & The Deamhon

Despite his humble farming roots, young Fearn displays incredible powers. Blessed by Dainua to harness the strength of every soul surrounding him, he’s known as an Asinta and could help the kingdom vitally. However, due to dark events that marred the name of those akin, Fearn finds himself distrusted by the superstitious villagers and even his own father, Dair . . . effecting untold sorrow.
To overcome the ancient ills of prejudice will not be easy. Luckily, there’s magic, too, beyond the spatial world—in words. As taught to be a “teller of tales” by Dair, who long has honed the craft, Fearn learns with creativity to also quickly capture minds. When wicked comes to visit, however, one mentor alone will guide the boy—a mentor with a story that has yet to end with due revenge.
Fearn soon shall discover the cost of love and loyalty—of hate and betrayal—and venturing to save his land, he’ll run the risk of losing himself, as deamhons play for keeps.

My readers say...

Lynn Libby
Read More
Plot and characters are well developed. A lot of imagination went into this story!
A. CARTER
Read More
The Crop Burner tells of Fearn, who at birth is tested and kept a careful watch as he grows by the Asinta. The author takes the reader along Fearn’s story as we are transported to his world, a world of good vs. evil, or is it? The characters are described so that I could really imagine what they looked like and what they were doing, but not so much in detail that it overtook the story. What I really enjoyed in this book were the stories within a story. Fearn is a teller of tales, which he learned from his father, and would tell stories along his travels. I found myself looking forward to these stories in the book. This fantasy book is more than just a wizard toting a magical wand. There are Crop Burners, deamhons, suls and oskas; mothers, brothers, fathers and sons. Even a baker or two. The author has given depth to the characters, flaws and all. The storyline is well planned and flows well, making it an enjoyable read. It was a book I kept wanting to read to find out what happens next in the story. I am looking forward to more books by the author!
Mandy Frost
Read More
I absolutely tore through this book - I could not put it down. This is Gavin's debut novel, and I was blessed enough to receive an ARC copy to review! As an avid fan of fantasy/magic games like Dungeons and Dragons, I was drawn in instantly! Gavin's use of strong, descriptive language created such a beautiful mental picture in my head of the characters, the scenery and locations in the book, as well as each scene as they unfolded. I was taken with the surprises around each corner - as I would predict a resolution in my head, Gavin took it in a completely different direction! This was a fresh, fascinating story, with beautiful and vivid imagery! Absolutely worth the read - and reread, as I will be doing again soon! Thank you, Gavin, for an incredible story!
Scribble
Read More
This book is an amazing journey for the protagonist. Young Fearn, discovered at birth to be of the remarkable, secretive Asanti, those with powers to aid -- or destroy -- living things by reaching into their sul, is isolated and despairing until he comes under the tutelage of the Asanti, learning gradually to use his powers. But this isn't Arthur-and-Merlin. Indeed, I was struck by the originality of the language and story development. Politics and genocide enter into the tale; as well as references to "horseless vehicles" and hints of a former ( ?) world. Nothing is quite as it seems, especially as Fearn faces the ultimate betrayal. I found it intriguing and fresh, with a vivid voice and a satisfying ending. Well worth the read!
Seeking
Read More
It is a coming-of-age story with more depth of character and harder questions answered by the hero. When what makes you special also makes you a pariah in your own community, when the person you thought was worth supporting turns out to have a much darker path and you have to choose the one who supported you or those who spurned you... There are moments of sadness that will live with you and moments of triumph- but best of all it will have you thinking about your own choices.
Sarah J Ched
Read More
This is a perfect gem of a book for lovers of fantasy as well as those who love a good coming of age tale. The world of Crop Burner is fully realized and has a textured depth that makes me excited for the author to write more so that I can lose myself again in this universe. Fearn is a wonderful protagonist, and I loved going on his journey with him. Highly recommend.
Archie Goodwin
Read More
Crop Burner had me riveted from the first. Fearn's life and the beings he meets as he grows are fascinating. There's action, danger, desire, and fulfillment. This book was a fast and fun read. As a lifelong fantasy lover, I was so pleased to find this novel takes place in a fresh landscape of charm. It's not often one comes across fantasy characters so compelling and distinctive. Fearn's world creates its own individual atmosphere, a big and flourishing terrain. I will definitely be watching this author.
David Congdon
Read More
Love the characters. They came to life. I do have a question though. Who was the old lady he helped? Was she a Deamhon or was she the earth mother
Larry L.
Read More
I loved the detail of the characters and the the unique magic system in the world. Fearn has depth and complex shifting personality that changes over the events that shape his life. I hope to read more Gavin Black’s work soon!
Previous
Next

About the Author

Gavin Black lives with his wife and two boys in Reno, Nevada. Growing up, he spent his formative years in the hospital due to a congenital lung malady. He found an escape in fantasy and science fiction novels, beginning with the books of David Eddings and followed by so many of the greats: Tolkien, Heinlein, and Asimov, among others. He was always drawn to stories with deep character development and that defied readers’ expectations. When not writing, he can be found playing board games with his family and friends, reading, or discussing the varied merits of many a pop culture franchise.
Gavin and his wife, Ann, met at Renovation, the 2014 WorldCon. Together, they enjoy attending numerous conventions – always in cosplay! – including D23, WorldCon, Wizard World, and any others that come within 100 miles of Reno. Gavin’s favorite panels always include learning more about the creation process in any media form. He’s also attended courses by Neil Gaiman and Brandon Sanderson on the ins and outs of writing fantasy.
Before he began writing, Gavin imagined dozens of worlds and characters, often inspired by the unique folks he met traveling while working as a systems engineer for different gaming companies. Although only a few have found their way into his first novel, he swears he has a never-ending supply of future tales!