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Now an Apple Books audiobook
Written and illustrated by Jason Behnke, The Book of Urm is a collection of hand-crafted tales set in a vast fantasy world developed over thirty years. Each story is a study into the psyche of its characters, exploring the intricate web of their relationships and the personal journeys that shape them.
This anthology intends to remind us that the most compelling stories are those that reflect our own lives – filled with the intimate drama of existence, the beauty of connection, and the wonder of the complex, often relatable, and sometimes bizarre world around us. This collection is a haven for those who seek solace in the written word and find adventure in the depths of human experience.
Welcome to the Book of Urm and all the stories within.
Reviews
★★★★★
Deep world building and detailed cultures explored by a strong primary character.
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
"Tales of Piecora: The Emerald Cave" immerses readers in the culturally rich world of Urm, guided by the resourceful Piecora. The author's strong world-building shines, with diverse cultures and complex character interactions. Piecora's journey reveals layers of Urm's lore, hinting at deeper stories to come. While the detailed world might slow the pace for some, it's this depth of the world that captivates me. This is a must-read for fans of character-driven and deep world-building fantasy, promising a vast world with many more tales to uncover.
★★★★★
Great worldbuilding and deep lore in this Fantasy adventure. Fun characters and a clever hawk.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot. This is the first novel in a series and it left me ready for more. I loved the character Piecora from the start. As a wilderness guide, her enthusiasm, confidence and lack of patience for city dweller nonsense was fun to read. The other characters had interesting arcs and they grew on me by the end. I was riveted by the well written action and adventure. I particularly love the bond between Piecora and the hawk that travels with her. There were some chapters where the adventure slowed to focus on some deep world building with a variety of well developed cultures, regions and races. While interesting, i found myself glossing over those parts a bit. The general feel is High Fantasy with hints that the world of URM runs deep like Middle Earth, or the Forgotten Realms. This book definitely stands alone without a cliffhanger ending. I look forward to to the next tales.
★★★★★
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2025
A detailed entry into the world of Urm, Tales of Piecora: The Emerald Cave by Jason Begnke is a fantasy adventure that blends action and mystery. This first novel in a promising series introduces readers to the irascible yet capable Serpendis Endium, a merchant whose ill-fated journey into the Wildlands leads him to forbidden emeralds, and his reluctant reliance on the steadfast guide, Piecora Tiorold. What starts as a mission for survival quickly escalates into a grand, reality-bending quest that holds the fate of multiple worlds in the balance.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its character work, particularly with Piecora. From the moment she appears, she commands the reader’s attention with her expertise, confidence, and sharp contrast to Serpendis’s more pampered, city-dwelling ways. Their dynamic creates an engaging tension, and as they navigate the treacherous Wildlands, their evolving relationship adds emotional weight to the tale. The bond between Piecora and her hawk is another standout aspect, reinforcing her connection to the natural world and further enriching her outstanding character.
The novel is deeply rooted in meticulous world-building, offering an array of cultures and magical elements that hint at a grander narrative yet to unfold. While this depth is a major selling point for those who revel in immersive fantasy settings, there are moments when the exposition slows the momentum of the adventure. However, these sections also provide a foundation for what feels like a much larger, fully realized universe.
Action sequences are executed skillfully, creating moments that drive the plot forward, especially once the cursed emeralds come into play. The introduction of the Aeonwyrm of Kiahalla and the looming threat of a powerful sorceress elevate the stakes, ensuring that the novel’s climax delivers a satisfying payoff.
Perhaps most impressively, The Emerald Cave manages to tell a complete, self-contained story while leaving the door open for future adventures. There is no frustrating cliffhanger—only the enticing promise of more to come. Fans of character-driven, richly woven fantasy will find much to love here.
Tales of Piecora: The Emerald Cave… a must-read for those eager to embark on a new and promising journey through the world of Urm.
Special recognition must also go to Jason for his outstanding cover art, which beautifully captures the essence of the novel and adds another layer of depth to the world of Urm. His work brings the story to life before the reader even turns the first page.
★★★★★
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
If you are looking for a well written fantasy series, mixing mythic, legend and quest fantasies, you are in for a great read with Tales of Piecora series. Slow pace, strong character development and excellent, detailed world building, The Emerald Cave is one of the rare indie fantasy reads I read in the last few years, that hooked me from the very beginning. The style is flawless, the writing is excellent and the descriptions are well built and smooth, allowing the reader to visualize pretty easily this massive world building while still enjoying the plot. I love how flawed and diverse the characters are. It's not the typical quest/epic hero journey but more a tale of survival and inner lessons. I definitely recommend this book.
★★★★
Serpendis Endium, Master Merchant, is an older man with a remarkable talent for using words to his advantage. After becoming the sole survivor of a journey, he has no choice but to hire a guide to make it home safely. His young companion, Piecora, is a survival expert with a deep connection to nature. At first, Serpendis sees her as little more than a wildling and fails to appreciate her skills. However, an unexpected event transports them to an unfamiliar world filled with magic and mystery. If they wish to return to their world, they must join forces. Their journey will be fraught with riddles, battles, and challenges, and the further they go, the more uncertain their fate becomes. Will they make it back safely?
The best part of Tales of Piecora - The Emerald Cave is its worldbuilding. Jason Behnke vividly describes the sounds, sensations, and thoughts of the characters, making it easy to picture the fantastical setting. Serpendis was my favorite character due to his development. His personality gradually shifts under Piecora’s influence, and she, in turn, shines with her impressive abilities. The story maintains a dynamic pace, balancing moments of action with scenes of quiet reflection and a touch of humor when the characters need to take a break.
However, the writing style could use some refinement to improve readability and make certain ideas more concise. Additionally, the story introduces many new terms, and a glossary at the beginning would have been helpful. Even so, the mythology is rich and well-crafted, adding a layer of depth that makes the story feel truly unique.
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