Astounding Razormouth: Book 1: Acid Breath

Razormouth: A Tale of Destiny Rewritten

In a world where fate is woven by the hands of gods, one warrior’s quest will reshape the future of humanity. “Razormouth” is an epic fantasy that pits Adalbern, a seasoned raider captain, against the fearsome black dragon known as the Black Terror. But as destiny unfolds, a farm girl named Svetlana becomes entangled in their fates, and the Goddess of Destiny herself intervenes to rewrite the tapestry of time.

Get your copy of “Razormouth” and embark on a journey that will challenge your understanding of fate, heroism, and the power of choice!

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Razormouth’s Genera:

SciFi & Fantasy Genera:

“Razormouth” plunges readers into a richly woven tapestry of fantasy, where mythical creatures like dragons and gods play pivotal roles in shaping destinies. The narrative also incorporates elements of science fiction with futuristic weaponry and the concept of destiny manipulation, creating a unique blend that explores the boundaries between magic and technology.

Explore more in our SciFi & Fantasy section.

Monster & Horror Genera:

The book features the terrifying presence of Razormouth, a dragon whose acid breath and psychological torment bring a chilling horror to the story. The graphic descriptions of battles and the gruesome effects of the dragon’s attacks provide a visceral horror experience, making it a standout in the Monster & Horror genre.

Dive into the horror with our Monster & Horror page.

Thriller Genera:

“Razormouth” is a relentless thriller, with high-stakes action, intense combat sequences, and the looming threat of a dragon’s wrath. The protagonist’s journey is fraught with danger, suspense, and the constant pressure of impending doom, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Experience the thrill at our Thriller section.

Mystery Genera:

While not primarily a mystery, “Razormouth” weaves in elements of mystery through. The protagonist’s quest to fulfill a destiny set by the Goddess of Destiny requires investigation and an open mind. The unfolding of prophecies and the tasks set before him create an air of intrigue and discovery. This makes an intriguing addition to the Mystery genre.

Unravel the mysteries in our Mystery section.

Historical Fiction Genera:

Set in a world reminiscent of medieval times, “Razormouth” captures the essence of historical fiction. We took care with detailed depictions of warrior life, battles, and the societal structure of the era. The story, however, diverges into fantasy, blending historical elements with mythical creatures and divine interventions. This offers a unique take on historical fiction.

If you are interested in this type of story you can step back in time with our Historical Fiction page.

The Story Unfolds

A Warrior’s Destiny Challenged

Adalbern, son of a nameless village, has spent three decades raiding and fighting his way to infamy. As he leads his army to face the dreaded Razormouth, he believes his greatest destiny awaits. But the dragon has other plans:

“Fool, do you think my destiny works any differently than your own? I did not know exactly how you would come, only that you would find me on this day, with your Army. You and I, like all of us with great destinies, have our lives written in the very stones of the universe. No matter where I was, on this day, you would have been drawn to me, as I am to you! We cannot fight our destiny, foolish Human. It just is.”1

The Goddess Intervenes

As Adalbern and Razormouth clash, the Goddess of Destiny herself appears, rewriting their fates and setting Adalbern on a new path:

“She says that we are both now rewritten in the runes of destiny. You are now her servant and will have tasks set before you. That is why she showed you what you have seen through my touch in our combat. She needed to motivate your obedience, and the failure of your race was her method of choice,” it added, “To motivate your small mind.”1

A Quest Begins

Adalbern’s first task is to find and retrieve a specific woman who will become crucial to his future and the fate of humanity:

“Your first task from our Mistress is to collect a female … This specific female will one day become your queen. She will be … ‘difficult’ but you will behave like the gentleman that we both know you are not. You will not improperly touch, force, rape or otherwise harm her. You must protect her at all costs.”1

Highlights from “Razormouth”

The Black Terror Revealed

The first encounter with Razormouth showcases the dragon’s terrifying power and cunning:

The beast snapped forward like a striking snake, maw agape, as it retched another massive wad of caustic stomach acid at close range. The inky black-green burst washed like a feted wave up a gentle sand beach slope to wash aside a clump of tangled seaweed.

Men and armor shrieked, cracked, and hissed under the assault. This wave rolled thick and horrid up the rock slope to wash away a whole swath of hirelings. Dozens were instantly down in a tangled steaming mass and silent under the acid wash.1

Destiny’s Tapestry

The dragon explains the intricacies of fate to Adalbern, revealing the complex nature of destiny:

“Think of it this way, in the inside of your cloth garments you have seams. Your tailor must occasionally tie off expended threads inside those seams, no matter how fine the garment or skilled the tailor, thread is not always long enough. Our Mistress has rewritten the destiny of the world by tying off different threads of destiny.

“Your ‘thread’, your whole life, is pulled on and placed in the weave of destiny by those influential beings around you.”1

A Warrior’s Dilemma

Adalbern grapples with the concept of a changeable destiny and the weight of his new responsibilities:

“You keep saying that! How is it I can now have cause for destiny! That … that … woman, that Goddess claims to have rewritten destiny. Tell me what I need to do and let me follow my own path! That is how a great destiny works! Everyone knows that! It is a path. Destiny is a road written in stone that only moves forward!”1

What Readers Can Expect

Epic Battles: Experience heart-pounding combat between man and dragon, where strategy and brute force collide.
Complex Characters: Dive into the minds of Adalbern, Razormouth, and Svetlana as they navigate their intertwined destinies.
Mythological Depth: Explore a rich world where gods intervene and the fabric of fate itself can be rewoven.
Moral Dilemmas: Witness Adalbern’s struggle between his warrior’s instincts and the demands of his new destiny.
A Fresh Take on Fantasy: “Razormouth” challenges traditional fantasy tropes, offering a unique perspective on heroism and fate.

Don’t miss out on this gripping tale of destiny, dragons, and the power of choice. Get your copy of “Razormouth” today and discover how one warrior’s journey can reshape the future of humanity!

Razormouth the Dragon plagues the land and this story introduces a Beowulf-style character named Adalbern. The Razormouth story is an epic fantasy, involving swords, shields, boats, dragons, Gods, and destiny.

I have been writing this for a long time! I think the first draft outline started way back in wrote this book in October of 2012, under the R.G Taark pen name. Razormouth is as yet unpublished in August 2023, but there is a lot written, about three books worth!

The Gods Have A Sense of Humor:

While the Gods have an ironic sense of humor. Mortal lives make up the tapestry of destiny. And when that tapestry of destiny needs alteration it is not amusing to we puny mortals.

The Crux of Razormouth:

The Razormouth project is stylistically different than a lot of other work I have published prior. The whole story is told from a single perspective, unlike prior works of mine, and more like Tolken’s Lord of the Rings books. (I’ve had that book set since March 2002, and read it three times. Plus I got the audible version, just because.) Stylistically this is to give a more personally vested connection while avoiding the bouncing perspective of TV shows or manic action movies. That is a super challenging writing style because there is little to no opportunity to bounce around perspectives to give alternate points of view. Everything must be shared in dialogue or activity.

The Razormouth project is a lot of fun, but extremely large. They are after all being used to change the flow of destiny.

More Epic Adventures from Razormouth

The Dragon’s Challenge

Adalbern’s encounter with Razormouth is just the beginning of his epic journey. As the story unfolds, readers will be drawn into a world of intrigue, danger, and destiny-altering quests. Here are some more thrilling adventures that await:

The Impossible Raid

Adalbern must complete a seemingly impossible task: raid a village, capture a specific woman, and do it all without killing anyone. This challenge showcases the protagonist’s cunning and resourcefulness:

“How do I raid a village by myself, steal this girl, and not kill anyone in the process?! That’s insane!” Adalbern demanded.

The dragon’s response was as cold as it was challenging: “Figure it out, Human! It is called a ‘quest’ specifically because it is not easy!”

This quest sets the tone for the intricate challenges Adalbern will face, where brute force alone won’t suffice. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow Adalbern’s clever strategies to accomplish this seemingly impossible task.

The Prophesied Queen

The woman Adalbern must capture is no ordinary villager. Svetlana is destined to become queen and play a crucial role in the fate of humanity:

“This specific female will one day become your queen. She will be … ‘difficult’ but you will behave like the gentleman that we both know you are not. You will not improperly touch, force, rape or otherwise harm her. You must protect her at all costs.”

This subplot introduces a complex relationship dynamic and raises intriguing questions about fate, free will, and the nature of prophecy. Readers will be captivated by the evolving relationship between Adalbern and his future queen as they navigate their intertwined destinies.

Echoes of Other Fantasy Greats

“Razormouth” draws inspiration from and pays homage to some of the greatest works in high fantasy. Readers who enjoy the following authors will find familiar elements woven into a fresh and exciting narrative:

Tolkien-esque World-Building

Like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, the world of “Razormouth” is rich with history, mythology, and complex power dynamics. The presence of gods, dragons, and destiny-altering quests echoes the epic scope of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Silmarillion.”

The intricate weaving of destiny by the Goddess mirrors the complex fate-driven narratives in Tolkien’s works, where seemingly small actions can have world-altering consequences.

George R.R. Martin’s Political Intrigue

Fans of “A Song of Ice and Fire” will appreciate the political maneuvering and power struggles hinted at in “Razormouth.” Adalbern’s need to maintain his leadership position while embarking on a seemingly foolish quest echoes the complex political landscapes in Martin’s works:

“Should you fail to act on this challenge from within your camp, your credibility will be shredded in the eyes of your crew. Not immediately, but it will grow and corrode you like ignored barnacles, worms and sea rot on the bottom of your longship.”

This subplot promises the kind of political intrigue and betrayal that keeps readers guessing and invested in the story’s outcome.

Brandon Sanderson’s Unique Magic Systems

While not explicitly a magic system, the concept of destiny as a tangible force that can be manipulated is reminiscent of Sanderson’s intricate and rule-based magic systems. The Goddess of Destiny’s ability to reweave the tapestry of fate offers a unique twist on how the world operates:

This system of destiny manipulation promises to be as intricate and fascinating as any of Sanderson’s magic systems, offering readers a new lens through which to view the unfolding events.

Why You Should Get Your Copy of “Razormouth”

A Fresh Take on Classic Themes

“Razormouth” offers a unique blend of familiar fantasy elements and fresh, innovative ideas. Here’s why you should add this book to your collection:

Destiny Reimagined

The concept of destiny in “Razormouth” goes beyond simple predetermination. The ability to rewrite and manipulate fate adds a thrilling layer of complexity to the story:

“Our Mistress has rewritten the destiny of the world by tying off different threads of destiny. Your ‘thread’, your whole life, is pulled on and placed in the weave of destiny by those influential beings around you.”

This fresh take on destiny promises to keep readers guessing and theorizing about the consequences of each character’s actions.

Complex Characters

Adalbern is not your typical fantasy hero. He’s flawed, sometimes brutish, and must learn to navigate a destiny he never asked for. His journey from raider to chosen hero offers a compelling character arc that will keep readers invested in his story.

Epic Scope with Personal Stakes

While the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, “Razormouth” never loses sight of the personal struggles and growth of its characters. This balance of epic scope and intimate character development promises a rich and satisfying reading experience.

A World You Can Get Lost In

The world of “Razormouth” is vast, complex, and begging for exploration.

From the intricate workings of destiny to the political landscapes of various kingdoms, there’s always more to discover. Each page promises new revelations about this richly imagined world.

Thrilling Action and Intrigue

From dragon battles to impossible quests, “Razormouth” delivers pulse-pounding action alongside cerebral challenges. Readers will find themselves unable to put the book down as they race through each thrilling chapter.

A Story That Stays With You

“Razormouth” raises many philosophical questions about free will, destiny, and the nature of heroism. The repercussions linger long after you turn the last page. This is a book that not only entertains but also provokes thought and discussion.

Don’t miss out on this epic tale of destiny, dragons, and the power of choice. Get your copy of “Razormouth” today and embark on a journey that will challenge your understanding of fate, heroism, and the very fabric of reality itself!

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