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Sentinals Awaken
Book One of the Sentinals Series
Helen Garraway
2021 Finalist
380 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Maureen Dangarembizi for Readers' Favorite
Sentinals Awaken is the first book in Helen Garraway’s The Sentinals series. As captain of the King’s Rangers, Jerrol Haven’s job is to make sure everything in the kingdom of Remargaren is kept safe and secure. When he discovers treasonous acts committed by Chancellor Isseran, the third most powerful man in the kingdom, he has no idea of the scope of the conspiracy he has uncovered. The crown prince accuses him of treason and Jerrol is forced to flee. On the run, Jerrol is plagued by visions and signs of things he thought were mere myths. Lady Leyandrii, the deity that sundered the veil three thousand years ago, needs him to save a kingdom beset by its most ancient enemies. Jerrol must race against time and countless enemies in order to awaken the kingdom’s Guardian Sentinals.
Helen Garraway introduces a magically unique world in this fast-paced fantasy epic. The magic system in this book is different yet familiar. The age-old battle of good versus evil is grandly portrayed in the struggle between the Sentinals and the Ascenders. This is a recipe that makes epic tales so breathtaking and Sentinals Awaken doesn’t disappoint. Jerrol is a great protagonist from the beginning, a fighter and a man of principle. His life is filled with danger and near catastrophes that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. This enjoyable book reminded me of Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb in terms of premise. I was sad to reach the end of the story and hope to read more books in this series.
Sentinals Awaken is the first book in Helen Garraway’s The Sentinals series. As captain of the King’s Rangers, Jerrol Haven’s job is to make sure everything in the kingdom of Remargaren is kept safe and secure. When he discovers treasonous acts committed by Chancellor Isseran, the third most powerful man in the kingdom, he has no idea of the scope of the conspiracy he has uncovered. The crown prince accuses him of treason and Jerrol is forced to flee. On the run, Jerrol is plagued by visions and signs of things he thought were mere myths. Lady Leyandrii, the deity that sundered the veil three thousand years ago, needs him to save a kingdom beset by its most ancient enemies. Jerrol must race against time and countless enemies in order to awaken the kingdom’s Guardian Sentinals.
Helen Garraway introduces a magically unique world in this fast-paced fantasy epic. The magic system in this book is different yet familiar. The age-old battle of good versus evil is grandly portrayed in the struggle between the Sentinals and the Ascenders. This is a recipe that makes epic tales so breathtaking and Sentinals Awaken doesn’t disappoint. Jerrol is a great protagonist from the beginning, a fighter and a man of principle. His life is filled with danger and near catastrophes that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. This enjoyable book reminded me of Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb in terms of premise. I was sad to reach the end of the story and hope to read more books in this series.
Recommend this book:
Preons
Alpha
Frederik T. Stevens
2021 Honorable Mention
234 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Charles Remington for Readers' Favorite
Preons: Alpha by Frederick T. Stevens is set in a Star Wars-like universe populated by a myriad of strange creatures inhabiting even stranger planets. The storyline is centered mainly around the adventures of David, an extraordinary individual who was present at the invasion and subjugation of planet Earth and who is bent on revenge. David discovered some latent, extremely violent powers during the invasion, and has spent the last seven years training and developing them on a planet where bloody gladiatorial tournaments to the death are a popular spectator sport. On the planet Canteli, Hanla is the King’s favored princess who goes through a ceremony to wed a prince from a neighboring powerful planet. It is a politically arranged, loveless match but she is shocked when later, after the ceremony, the groom stumbles into their bed-chamber with a knife planted in his vital organs. As she removes the knife, and soldiers from the groom’s home planet beat on her door, she realizes that being discovered holding a bloody knife over the dead body of her new husband will not look good, so she makes a hasty escape through the castle’s secret tunnels...
As a fan of the sci-fi genre, I was very much taken with Preons: Alpha. It is a great space opera, with plenty of beautifully described action among strange and wonderful planets. Author Frederick Stevens is in possession of a prodigious imagination and writes with a light, sure touch, presenting an astounding array of characters and situations with clarity and lucidity. In a narrative that spans numerous planets, involves a plethora of alien races and several plot threads, one never becomes lost in the detail. The book is a brilliant achievement and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrative leads to an open-ended conclusion which promises a second volume (Preons: Beta?) which I hope will come soon. Preons: Alpha is first-class science fiction - aficionados of the genre will not be disappointed.
Preons: Alpha by Frederick T. Stevens is set in a Star Wars-like universe populated by a myriad of strange creatures inhabiting even stranger planets. The storyline is centered mainly around the adventures of David, an extraordinary individual who was present at the invasion and subjugation of planet Earth and who is bent on revenge. David discovered some latent, extremely violent powers during the invasion, and has spent the last seven years training and developing them on a planet where bloody gladiatorial tournaments to the death are a popular spectator sport. On the planet Canteli, Hanla is the King’s favored princess who goes through a ceremony to wed a prince from a neighboring powerful planet. It is a politically arranged, loveless match but she is shocked when later, after the ceremony, the groom stumbles into their bed-chamber with a knife planted in his vital organs. As she removes the knife, and soldiers from the groom’s home planet beat on her door, she realizes that being discovered holding a bloody knife over the dead body of her new husband will not look good, so she makes a hasty escape through the castle’s secret tunnels...
As a fan of the sci-fi genre, I was very much taken with Preons: Alpha. It is a great space opera, with plenty of beautifully described action among strange and wonderful planets. Author Frederick Stevens is in possession of a prodigious imagination and writes with a light, sure touch, presenting an astounding array of characters and situations with clarity and lucidity. In a narrative that spans numerous planets, involves a plethora of alien races and several plot threads, one never becomes lost in the detail. The book is a brilliant achievement and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrative leads to an open-ended conclusion which promises a second volume (Preons: Beta?) which I hope will come soon. Preons: Alpha is first-class science fiction - aficionados of the genre will not be disappointed.
Recommend this book:
 and lived within the confines of the 'pillow house' (brothel) all their lives. Their names were Marilia and Annuweth, bastards of noble military birth. After the death of their mother and a rape attempt on Marilia, they ran off to the lands of their father, where they lived out their destinies. ...){kind=link}
Marilia, the Warlord
Chrysathamere Trilogy Book 1
Morgan Cole
2021 Bronze Medal
483 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
A set of twins were born to a 'painted lady' (harlot) and lived within the confines of the 'pillow house' (brothel) all their lives. Their names were Marilia and Annuweth, bastards of noble military birth. After the death of their mother and a rape attempt on Marilia, they ran off to the lands of their father, where they lived out their destinies. Annuweth climbed the military ranks while Marilia safely married. Suddenly, the country faced a war that could wipe them out. Weighed down by the grief of losing a husband and in the early stages of pregnancy, Marilia must save her country. With a keen mind and a prophecy unfulfilled, she marched to battle. But how mighty a force can a mere woman be? You’re about to find out in Marilia, the Warlord by Morgan Cole!
In all honesty, the movie “300” has got nothing on this book. Marilia, the Warlord by Morgan Cole is a brilliant epic historical novel. Morgan told a compelling story that sounded more like war chronicles of old than mere fiction. The plot had soul, depth, and originality that held me spellbound. I moved with every horse hoove, sword thrust, hand combat, you name it. I felt transported to the battlefield, watching everything live. The book was alive with anger, betrayal, integrity, stealth, grit, courage, perseverance, and tough love. I loved the creative, yet simple era-appropriate language usage. Marilia was a strong character, and I loved to see her evolve. However, Annuweth’s character was developed so beautifully that it gained my respect. Morgan has written a masterpiece, one that is movie worthy. I’d love to read more from Morgan Cole.
A set of twins were born to a 'painted lady' (harlot) and lived within the confines of the 'pillow house' (brothel) all their lives. Their names were Marilia and Annuweth, bastards of noble military birth. After the death of their mother and a rape attempt on Marilia, they ran off to the lands of their father, where they lived out their destinies. Annuweth climbed the military ranks while Marilia safely married. Suddenly, the country faced a war that could wipe them out. Weighed down by the grief of losing a husband and in the early stages of pregnancy, Marilia must save her country. With a keen mind and a prophecy unfulfilled, she marched to battle. But how mighty a force can a mere woman be? You’re about to find out in Marilia, the Warlord by Morgan Cole!
In all honesty, the movie “300” has got nothing on this book. Marilia, the Warlord by Morgan Cole is a brilliant epic historical novel. Morgan told a compelling story that sounded more like war chronicles of old than mere fiction. The plot had soul, depth, and originality that held me spellbound. I moved with every horse hoove, sword thrust, hand combat, you name it. I felt transported to the battlefield, watching everything live. The book was alive with anger, betrayal, integrity, stealth, grit, courage, perseverance, and tough love. I loved the creative, yet simple era-appropriate language usage. Marilia was a strong character, and I loved to see her evolve. However, Annuweth’s character was developed so beautifully that it gained my respect. Morgan has written a masterpiece, one that is movie worthy. I’d love to read more from Morgan Cole.
Recommend this book:
Khon'Tor's Wrath
Wrak-Ayya: The Age of Shadows Book One
Leigh Roberts
2021 Silver Medal
312 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
Khon'Tor's Wrath by Leigh Roberts is the story of a healer, the leader, and his mate. Adia was a revered Healer with a fair heart and just spirit. She set off for another village to give a bag of goldenseal to Ithua, a fellow Healer. Adia's heightened seventh sense led her to a scene of horrible murder and gore, complete with a living infant. However, the infant was a Waschini, a people known for their cruelty, disrespect for nature, and other beings. The Waschinis incurred the hatred of all. Still, as a Healer and a woman, empathy won, and she took the baby home. This singular act snowballed into a series of events that would determine the fate of Adia, Khon'Tor, who loved but now hated her, and Hakani, Khon'Tor's jealous and spiteful mate.
Khon'Tor's Wrath by Leigh Roberts is the first installment in the series titled Wrak-Ayya: The Age of Shadows. It is a novel woven around compassion, strife, hate, malice, deception, power, and honor or its lack. The prime thing that struck me about this novel was the First Law. It protected women, especially on consent and abuse. I wish the real world made women feel safer this way. The plot, storyline, and range of characters also drew me in. There were formidable and redeeming qualities about the cast, the alpha women, and even the villains. Khon'Tor's Wrath was captivating, so enthralling that it evoked anger among other emotions from me. I thought Khon'Tor was beyond reproach, but I was surprised! I loved Leigh's writing style and crisp editing. Will Acaraho give in to his desires? Please, write more, Leigh.
Khon'Tor's Wrath by Leigh Roberts is the story of a healer, the leader, and his mate. Adia was a revered Healer with a fair heart and just spirit. She set off for another village to give a bag of goldenseal to Ithua, a fellow Healer. Adia's heightened seventh sense led her to a scene of horrible murder and gore, complete with a living infant. However, the infant was a Waschini, a people known for their cruelty, disrespect for nature, and other beings. The Waschinis incurred the hatred of all. Still, as a Healer and a woman, empathy won, and she took the baby home. This singular act snowballed into a series of events that would determine the fate of Adia, Khon'Tor, who loved but now hated her, and Hakani, Khon'Tor's jealous and spiteful mate.
Khon'Tor's Wrath by Leigh Roberts is the first installment in the series titled Wrak-Ayya: The Age of Shadows. It is a novel woven around compassion, strife, hate, malice, deception, power, and honor or its lack. The prime thing that struck me about this novel was the First Law. It protected women, especially on consent and abuse. I wish the real world made women feel safer this way. The plot, storyline, and range of characters also drew me in. There were formidable and redeeming qualities about the cast, the alpha women, and even the villains. Khon'Tor's Wrath was captivating, so enthralling that it evoked anger among other emotions from me. I thought Khon'Tor was beyond reproach, but I was surprised! I loved Leigh's writing style and crisp editing. Will Acaraho give in to his desires? Please, write more, Leigh.
Recommend this book:
Dragon Mage
An Epic Fantasy Adventure (Rivenworld Book 1)
ML Spencer
2021 Gold Medal
830 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Dragon Mage by ML Spencer is a coming-of-age epic high fantasy adventure novel and the first book in the Rivenworld series. The book revolves around the arc of our main character, an awkward adolescent boy named Aram, who, by all accounts, seems to be destined for a life of mediocrity. When he finally makes a friend in Markus, a boy who embodies everything that Aram lacks, the two become inseparable. After the song of a bard has Aram frantic to pierce through The World Above, his true power becomes evident through his tear into a terrifying Void, penetrating and catapulting the journey of both boys into The World Below. Aram's obsession and natural ability to entwine and uncoil a labyrinth of different knots turn out to be the key to his destiny as a Savant. With the proper nurturing and expansion of his skills and power, he could be the savior of them all.
Dragon Mage is a book I kept sort of brushing aside on account of its size. ML Spencer has written a behemoth of a novel that I did not initially realize was a stand-alone epic fantasy. And an unbelievably fantastic one, to boot. Aram and Markus are both given the time and space to develop and grow. While doing so, Spencer can also engross a reader in the intricate magic system, the world-building of not just one, but two worlds, the Void, and all the creatures and good and evil that sweep through the tension on every page, and beauty that softens the blows. Some parallels converge, like when Markus can console a stunning dragon and summon the possibility of revenge while Aram, in a fist-pumping moment that had me in shivers of delight, unwittingly metes it out to a horribly abusive man. It looks like the saga will continue with the next installment, Champion of the Fallen, which I must now anxiously await. Very highly recommended.
Dragon Mage by ML Spencer is a coming-of-age epic high fantasy adventure novel and the first book in the Rivenworld series. The book revolves around the arc of our main character, an awkward adolescent boy named Aram, who, by all accounts, seems to be destined for a life of mediocrity. When he finally makes a friend in Markus, a boy who embodies everything that Aram lacks, the two become inseparable. After the song of a bard has Aram frantic to pierce through The World Above, his true power becomes evident through his tear into a terrifying Void, penetrating and catapulting the journey of both boys into The World Below. Aram's obsession and natural ability to entwine and uncoil a labyrinth of different knots turn out to be the key to his destiny as a Savant. With the proper nurturing and expansion of his skills and power, he could be the savior of them all.
Dragon Mage is a book I kept sort of brushing aside on account of its size. ML Spencer has written a behemoth of a novel that I did not initially realize was a stand-alone epic fantasy. And an unbelievably fantastic one, to boot. Aram and Markus are both given the time and space to develop and grow. While doing so, Spencer can also engross a reader in the intricate magic system, the world-building of not just one, but two worlds, the Void, and all the creatures and good and evil that sweep through the tension on every page, and beauty that softens the blows. Some parallels converge, like when Markus can console a stunning dragon and summon the possibility of revenge while Aram, in a fist-pumping moment that had me in shivers of delight, unwittingly metes it out to a horribly abusive man. It looks like the saga will continue with the next installment, Champion of the Fallen, which I must now anxiously await. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
 by Kevin Kauffmann is an engrossing epic fantasy that showcases the author’s imagination. I was fascinated with Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, but this novel takes supernatural intrigue to a new level. The protagonist is Niccolo da Firenze who, after living a miserable life, finds himself condemned to...){kind=link}
From Hell with Love
The Forsaken Comedy
Kevin Kauffmann
2020 Finalist
366 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
From Hell with Love (The Forsaken Comedy) by Kevin Kauffmann is an engrossing epic fantasy that showcases the author’s imagination. I was fascinated with Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, but this novel takes supernatural intrigue to a new level. The protagonist is Niccolo da Firenze who, after living a miserable life, finds himself condemned to hell. But to his utter surprise, hell turns out to be a comfortable home and a place far from what everyone, or almost everyone, thinks it is. Instead of the popular place of torment with eternal fire, he discovers that it is the one place he feels accepted and loved, and he rises up the ranks to become the Horseman of Pestilence. But when Cadmus, the Horseman of Death, reveals a vision of Lucifer’s death, Niccolo must ride to uncover a powerful conspiracy and save his lord.
A tale of a supernatural conspiracy involving ancient demons, vile men, and some gods. The story is highly imaginative and it poses a disturbing question: What if, after all, Lucifer isn’t what the Church has taught us to believe and what if hell is the invention of humans in order to control the masses. Kevin Kauffmann has written a story about a controversial topic and has challenged readers to question popular belief. The writing is gorgeous, filled with beautiful descriptions, and arresting imagery. From the opening pages, the reader encounters Lucifer, who turns out to be an interesting character. While From Hell with Love (The Forsaken Comedy) is pure fantasy, it is filled with realism and the author’s deft use of biblical allusions. The characters are strong and exceptional and it is interesting how an ordinary man transforms into one of the Horseman. I equally enjoyed how the author integrates the theme of the apocalypse into the writing.
From Hell with Love (The Forsaken Comedy) by Kevin Kauffmann is an engrossing epic fantasy that showcases the author’s imagination. I was fascinated with Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, but this novel takes supernatural intrigue to a new level. The protagonist is Niccolo da Firenze who, after living a miserable life, finds himself condemned to hell. But to his utter surprise, hell turns out to be a comfortable home and a place far from what everyone, or almost everyone, thinks it is. Instead of the popular place of torment with eternal fire, he discovers that it is the one place he feels accepted and loved, and he rises up the ranks to become the Horseman of Pestilence. But when Cadmus, the Horseman of Death, reveals a vision of Lucifer’s death, Niccolo must ride to uncover a powerful conspiracy and save his lord.
A tale of a supernatural conspiracy involving ancient demons, vile men, and some gods. The story is highly imaginative and it poses a disturbing question: What if, after all, Lucifer isn’t what the Church has taught us to believe and what if hell is the invention of humans in order to control the masses. Kevin Kauffmann has written a story about a controversial topic and has challenged readers to question popular belief. The writing is gorgeous, filled with beautiful descriptions, and arresting imagery. From the opening pages, the reader encounters Lucifer, who turns out to be an interesting character. While From Hell with Love (The Forsaken Comedy) is pure fantasy, it is filled with realism and the author’s deft use of biblical allusions. The characters are strong and exceptional and it is interesting how an ordinary man transforms into one of the Horseman. I equally enjoyed how the author integrates the theme of the apocalypse into the writing.
Recommend this book:
Forged in Shadow
Megan Haskell
2020 Honorable Mention
345 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Forged in Shadow by Megan Haskell is the first book in The War of the Nine Faerie Realms series. Curuthannor's dreams don't align with his family as he would rather forge weapons than hunt and turned the act of forging into his purpose. When the king arrives with a request, searching for a special sword made of iron, Curuthannor receives an opportunity that could change everything. The opportunity takes him on a journey to the goblin mines of the Shadow Realm. This allows Curuthannor to venture away from his family and make a name for himself that's all his own. He doesn't expect to encounter others with their own agendas, which land up with him being accused of a crime he didn't commit and facing the wrath of the Shadow King. Elsewhere, Lhewen's thrilled to receive the chance to be the handmaiden to the princess until she's whisked along to the Shadow Realm where the princess's true plans leave Lhewen alone and searching for a way out.
Megan Haskell delivers an epic adventure with a story that comes to life through a truly detailed and amazing world which introduces you to the Nine Realms. The vivid world is explored through well-rounded characters, both primary and secondary, whose journeys are full of action, purpose, and adventure. Curuthannor's journey is at the center of the plot as he takes a chance on his dream and is driven by his desire to prove himself. The adventure gives him a real opportunity to use the weapons he's long since forged when he faces the true danger of the Shadow Realm. His journey has all the elements of an epic quest explored through a riveting plot that goes from someone with a dream to accusations that push him to fight for his life. The various characters all find themselves on the same quest as each is playing a different part in the grander plot of king against king and the search for a sword. Forged in Shadow serves as a great introduction into epic fantasy for younger ages and an addictive getaway for adults in a plot filled with magic and adventure that is complex and entertaining.
Forged in Shadow by Megan Haskell is the first book in The War of the Nine Faerie Realms series. Curuthannor's dreams don't align with his family as he would rather forge weapons than hunt and turned the act of forging into his purpose. When the king arrives with a request, searching for a special sword made of iron, Curuthannor receives an opportunity that could change everything. The opportunity takes him on a journey to the goblin mines of the Shadow Realm. This allows Curuthannor to venture away from his family and make a name for himself that's all his own. He doesn't expect to encounter others with their own agendas, which land up with him being accused of a crime he didn't commit and facing the wrath of the Shadow King. Elsewhere, Lhewen's thrilled to receive the chance to be the handmaiden to the princess until she's whisked along to the Shadow Realm where the princess's true plans leave Lhewen alone and searching for a way out.
Megan Haskell delivers an epic adventure with a story that comes to life through a truly detailed and amazing world which introduces you to the Nine Realms. The vivid world is explored through well-rounded characters, both primary and secondary, whose journeys are full of action, purpose, and adventure. Curuthannor's journey is at the center of the plot as he takes a chance on his dream and is driven by his desire to prove himself. The adventure gives him a real opportunity to use the weapons he's long since forged when he faces the true danger of the Shadow Realm. His journey has all the elements of an epic quest explored through a riveting plot that goes from someone with a dream to accusations that push him to fight for his life. The various characters all find themselves on the same quest as each is playing a different part in the grander plot of king against king and the search for a sword. Forged in Shadow serves as a great introduction into epic fantasy for younger ages and an addictive getaway for adults in a plot filled with magic and adventure that is complex and entertaining.
Recommend this book:
STAZR The World Of Z: The Dawn Of Athir
Dr. Anay Ayarovu
2020 Bronze Medal
304 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
STAZR The World of Z is the first book in The Dawn of Athir series by Dr. Anay Ayarovu, and it is an epic fantasy that features Lael, the unusual protagonist who finds himself caught up in a mystery that is about to blow his mind. Lael is an aspiring author. In fact, he has written some short stories and is now contemplating his next big book, a novel that he thinks will become a masterpiece. But how he finds himself at the center of a prophecy is what makes things even more exciting. He lives in a world where class distinction is very strong and where the ruling class takes advantage of those they lord over. Someone has stumbled upon a prophecy from beyond the Roum. The message contains the coordinates of Lael’s residence, which is how he gets embroiled in unraveling the prophecy.
This novel is filled with humor. The narrative voice in the first person captures the sentiments and worldview of Lael in an absorbing manner. When readers encounter the protagonist, they get the impression of someone who is full of himself, confident, and even vain in his knowledge, but from the moment that the shwine messenger delivers a message to him, his world is turned upside-down. He has to put his feet on the ground and shun the delights of reveling in books to avoid the crude realities of life. The adventure is wonderful and the story suspenseful. The reader will want to know what happens to Lael’s world and if the strong and privileged class can use him to acquire a power that has been hidden for ages. It is his transformation and growth that intrigued me. STAZR The World of Z is transporting, featuring well-developed and interesting characters, and is a world that has its unique rules and language.
STAZR The World of Z is the first book in The Dawn of Athir series by Dr. Anay Ayarovu, and it is an epic fantasy that features Lael, the unusual protagonist who finds himself caught up in a mystery that is about to blow his mind. Lael is an aspiring author. In fact, he has written some short stories and is now contemplating his next big book, a novel that he thinks will become a masterpiece. But how he finds himself at the center of a prophecy is what makes things even more exciting. He lives in a world where class distinction is very strong and where the ruling class takes advantage of those they lord over. Someone has stumbled upon a prophecy from beyond the Roum. The message contains the coordinates of Lael’s residence, which is how he gets embroiled in unraveling the prophecy.
This novel is filled with humor. The narrative voice in the first person captures the sentiments and worldview of Lael in an absorbing manner. When readers encounter the protagonist, they get the impression of someone who is full of himself, confident, and even vain in his knowledge, but from the moment that the shwine messenger delivers a message to him, his world is turned upside-down. He has to put his feet on the ground and shun the delights of reveling in books to avoid the crude realities of life. The adventure is wonderful and the story suspenseful. The reader will want to know what happens to Lael’s world and if the strong and privileged class can use him to acquire a power that has been hidden for ages. It is his transformation and growth that intrigued me. STAZR The World of Z is transporting, featuring well-developed and interesting characters, and is a world that has its unique rules and language.
Recommend this book:
Chains of Blood
The Chaos Cycle Book 1
ML Spencer
2020 Silver Medal
480 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Chains of Blood is a work of fiction in the fantasy, action and adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author M. L. Spencer. Written as the first novel in The Chaos Cycle series, this deeply engrossing epic work takes the traditional trope of good versus evil and turns the whole concept on its head for a fresh spin on fantasy. Rylan Marshall discovers the truth about his birth when his family is attacked, leaving him with a demonic heritage and an incredible gift of power. When the son of a legendary hero, Gil Archer, is sent to recover Rylan, the weight of the legend on his back sends him down a very different path. So begins an unlikely bond as a far greater and more terrifying evil invades their land.
Author M. L. Spencer has crafted a highly engrossing, imaginative, and original work of fantasy that fans of the genre and newcomers alike will surely be captivated by. One of the things which I found most impressive was Spencer’s commitment to the worldbuilding of this incredible landscape, filled with thrilling legends, coherent magical lore systems, and the haunting threat of assimilation rather than death. The character development is also fantastic, portraying realistic figures that avoid tropes and stereotypes but are driven by real emotions, family ties and their connection to their homeland. Overall, I would highly recommend Chains of Blood as an accomplished fantasy work, and a truly thrilling opener to a trilogy that promises high-quality adventure from the start.
Chains of Blood is a work of fiction in the fantasy, action and adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author M. L. Spencer. Written as the first novel in The Chaos Cycle series, this deeply engrossing epic work takes the traditional trope of good versus evil and turns the whole concept on its head for a fresh spin on fantasy. Rylan Marshall discovers the truth about his birth when his family is attacked, leaving him with a demonic heritage and an incredible gift of power. When the son of a legendary hero, Gil Archer, is sent to recover Rylan, the weight of the legend on his back sends him down a very different path. So begins an unlikely bond as a far greater and more terrifying evil invades their land.
Author M. L. Spencer has crafted a highly engrossing, imaginative, and original work of fantasy that fans of the genre and newcomers alike will surely be captivated by. One of the things which I found most impressive was Spencer’s commitment to the worldbuilding of this incredible landscape, filled with thrilling legends, coherent magical lore systems, and the haunting threat of assimilation rather than death. The character development is also fantastic, portraying realistic figures that avoid tropes and stereotypes but are driven by real emotions, family ties and their connection to their homeland. Overall, I would highly recommend Chains of Blood as an accomplished fantasy work, and a truly thrilling opener to a trilogy that promises high-quality adventure from the start.
Recommend this book:
A Testament of Steel
An Anchored Worlds Novel, Instrument of Omens
Davis Ashura
2020 Gold Medal
609 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Maureen Dangarembizi for Readers' Favorite
A Testament of Steel is an epic fantasy by Davis Ashura. The story opens in a small village where Cinder Shade and his parents work as farmers. His parents are killed by an aether-crazed snow tiger. During the attack, he escapes death but loses his memory, family, and finally his home. Due to the nature of their world which does not make allowances for the idle, Cinder finds himself placed in an orphanage in Swift Sword City to earn his keep. Not long after that, he distinguishes himself as a fighter. His dream to join the most elite force in the land, the Third Directorate, is much closer if only he can beat the young men who have spent most of their lives training for the same honor. But Cinder has a secret. Ever since his near-death experience, he’s been plagued by the memories of an older man. A warrior.
Davis Ashura is a talented writer and A Testament of Steel is a masterpiece. I loved the characters in this book, most especially Cinder. He goes on the hero's journey but it’s filled with unexpected twists and turns that leave you wanting to know what happens next. Davis Ashura takes a young man who seemed to have a bleak future and turns his life into an epic adventure. I felt like I was a part of Cinder’s every victory. For someone looking for an Eragon-type hero minus the dragons, this is the book for you. There are some super scary giant spiders that can open a man’s gut in one blow. Not to mention the other horrors the good guys have to vanquish. This book is a romantic, blood and gore, sword fighting fantasy buffet. I can’t wait to read more of Cinder’s story in the next installment. The Memory of Prophecies is on my to-read list.
A Testament of Steel is an epic fantasy by Davis Ashura. The story opens in a small village where Cinder Shade and his parents work as farmers. His parents are killed by an aether-crazed snow tiger. During the attack, he escapes death but loses his memory, family, and finally his home. Due to the nature of their world which does not make allowances for the idle, Cinder finds himself placed in an orphanage in Swift Sword City to earn his keep. Not long after that, he distinguishes himself as a fighter. His dream to join the most elite force in the land, the Third Directorate, is much closer if only he can beat the young men who have spent most of their lives training for the same honor. But Cinder has a secret. Ever since his near-death experience, he’s been plagued by the memories of an older man. A warrior.
Davis Ashura is a talented writer and A Testament of Steel is a masterpiece. I loved the characters in this book, most especially Cinder. He goes on the hero's journey but it’s filled with unexpected twists and turns that leave you wanting to know what happens next. Davis Ashura takes a young man who seemed to have a bleak future and turns his life into an epic adventure. I felt like I was a part of Cinder’s every victory. For someone looking for an Eragon-type hero minus the dragons, this is the book for you. There are some super scary giant spiders that can open a man’s gut in one blow. Not to mention the other horrors the good guys have to vanquish. This book is a romantic, blood and gore, sword fighting fantasy buffet. I can’t wait to read more of Cinder’s story in the next installment. The Memory of Prophecies is on my to-read list.
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