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Recommend this book:
Sentinals Justice
Book Three of the Epic Fantasy Sentinal Series
Helen Garraway
2023 Gold Medal
524 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Sentinals Justice is a work of fiction in the epic fantasy and adventure sub-genres and it serves as the third installment of the Sentinal Series. The work is best suited to the general adult reading audience for its mature themes and moderate sexual and violent content and was penned by author Helen Garraway. Continuing the epic action-packed adventures of the high fantasy world of Remargaren, we follow the events of this particular novel into the intricacies of the court of King Benedict. Diplomatic tensions result in a meeting between Commander Jerrol Haven and Grand Duke Randolf, with an unexpected guest along the way.
Author Helen Garraway holds a lot of information together in this massive fantasy world, and it makes for a truly thrilling setting filled with political and royal intrigue, interpersonal drama, and dangerous games of secrets, warmongering, and missing persons. I really enjoyed getting to know Jerrol and exploring the various pressures he was under in such a tense situation, but the character selection is so large that everyone will find someone they can relate to in the wider ensemble cast. The dialogue was also a big part of the engagement factor in this novel for me, as I felt like I got a lot of plot-relevant information from it which kept the novel pacey and interesting despite the epic nature of the overall story arcs. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Sentinals Justice to fans of epic fantasy and the series so far; you won’t be disappointed.
Sentinals Justice is a work of fiction in the epic fantasy and adventure sub-genres and it serves as the third installment of the Sentinal Series. The work is best suited to the general adult reading audience for its mature themes and moderate sexual and violent content and was penned by author Helen Garraway. Continuing the epic action-packed adventures of the high fantasy world of Remargaren, we follow the events of this particular novel into the intricacies of the court of King Benedict. Diplomatic tensions result in a meeting between Commander Jerrol Haven and Grand Duke Randolf, with an unexpected guest along the way.
Author Helen Garraway holds a lot of information together in this massive fantasy world, and it makes for a truly thrilling setting filled with political and royal intrigue, interpersonal drama, and dangerous games of secrets, warmongering, and missing persons. I really enjoyed getting to know Jerrol and exploring the various pressures he was under in such a tense situation, but the character selection is so large that everyone will find someone they can relate to in the wider ensemble cast. The dialogue was also a big part of the engagement factor in this novel for me, as I felt like I got a lot of plot-relevant information from it which kept the novel pacey and interesting despite the epic nature of the overall story arcs. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Sentinals Justice to fans of epic fantasy and the series so far; you won’t be disappointed.
Recommend this book:
Of Blood And Fire
The Bound and The Broken
Ryan Cahill
2022 Finalist
541 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Of Blood And Fire by Ryan Cahill is high fantasy fiction and the first full-length novel in The Bound and The Broken series, with a prequel companion novella called The Fall, and book two in the series, Of Darkness and Light, already released. A young villager named Calen Bryer embarks on a coming of age quest called The Proving with his two best mates, Dann Pimm and Rist Havel. The outcome is successful but The Hunt is also remarkable in a most unexpected way: an encounter with a beast thought long-gone that re-merges. The three young men are soon unexpectedly ripped from village life and thrust into a rebellion; a journey where the world around them expands and contracts with mystery and magic, a dragon, and the unfolding of Calen's destiny as a Draleid for the sake of all Epheria.
Starting a new fantasy series requires a massive amount of trust from a reader. The components have to be executed to near perfection; what world was built, the backstory, the magic structure, and the ways of its realm. Ryan Cahill accomplishes this in Of Blood And Fire. All of the pieces fit together beautifully and a story emerges that promises a journey of our own. Calen, Dann, and Rist are all fully-fleshed characters with their own arcs, but together they grow and fight and secure some hard-won lessons in a transition from boy-to-man that makes The Proving look awfully pale. There's a dragon! I promised I'd refrain from screaming this in the first two sentences but now: THERE'S A DRAGON! There is also a parallel story with Calen's sister who is coming to terms with her own choices and the danger of her own arc, with nominal point of view shifts that permit a broader spectrum beyond Calen and co. This is a wonderful first read and I am excited to see where we are taken next.
Of Blood And Fire by Ryan Cahill is high fantasy fiction and the first full-length novel in The Bound and The Broken series, with a prequel companion novella called The Fall, and book two in the series, Of Darkness and Light, already released. A young villager named Calen Bryer embarks on a coming of age quest called The Proving with his two best mates, Dann Pimm and Rist Havel. The outcome is successful but The Hunt is also remarkable in a most unexpected way: an encounter with a beast thought long-gone that re-merges. The three young men are soon unexpectedly ripped from village life and thrust into a rebellion; a journey where the world around them expands and contracts with mystery and magic, a dragon, and the unfolding of Calen's destiny as a Draleid for the sake of all Epheria.
Starting a new fantasy series requires a massive amount of trust from a reader. The components have to be executed to near perfection; what world was built, the backstory, the magic structure, and the ways of its realm. Ryan Cahill accomplishes this in Of Blood And Fire. All of the pieces fit together beautifully and a story emerges that promises a journey of our own. Calen, Dann, and Rist are all fully-fleshed characters with their own arcs, but together they grow and fight and secure some hard-won lessons in a transition from boy-to-man that makes The Proving look awfully pale. There's a dragon! I promised I'd refrain from screaming this in the first two sentences but now: THERE'S A DRAGON! There is also a parallel story with Calen's sister who is coming to terms with her own choices and the danger of her own arc, with nominal point of view shifts that permit a broader spectrum beyond Calen and co. This is a wonderful first read and I am excited to see where we are taken next.
Recommend this book:
Sentinals Rising
Book Two of the Epic Fantasy Sentinal Series
Helen Garraway
2022 Honorable Mention
488 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Sentinals Rising by Helen Garraway is the high fantasy sequel in the Epic Fantasy Sentinal Series, preceded by book one, Sentinals Awaken. This installment continues to follow its protagonist, Jerrol Haven of Remargaren, as he identifies an engraving of a Sentinal Tree that happens to be a catalyst for a prophetic vision, one which puts him firmly in the role of Lady’s Captain. Three thousand years prior, the Ascendants fought to enslave Remargaren, and are determined to do so once more by employing the mind-control magic of Mentiserium, piercing the protective veil, and seizing control to topple those who have long fiercely secured it. Jerrol will risk life and limb to shatter the hold of the Mentiserium spell and to save Remargaren once and for all.
There is a moment near the midway point of Sentinals Rising that feels even more prophetic than a vision: “Captain Haven and his guards will ensure our safety.” Yeah. That is the understatement of three millennia. I'm not going to beat around the cauterized fingers too much here and will just come right out and say that Helen Garraway is a wildly gifted writer. There are multiple points of view that define each of the characters we meet and each stands comfortably independent of the other. The action is ripe and the tension is enough to keep a reader furiously turning pages without the usual pitfalls of taking it too far. Even fantasy and magic have their limits when it comes to suspension of disbelief and the mark of a seasoned, skilled author is knowing when to say 'uncle.' The visuals and dialogue are all spectacular and the frailty of good when being pushed by evil is executed well. Overall, this is a book and a series that is likely to be adored by all fortunate enough to read it. Very highly recommended.
Sentinals Rising by Helen Garraway is the high fantasy sequel in the Epic Fantasy Sentinal Series, preceded by book one, Sentinals Awaken. This installment continues to follow its protagonist, Jerrol Haven of Remargaren, as he identifies an engraving of a Sentinal Tree that happens to be a catalyst for a prophetic vision, one which puts him firmly in the role of Lady’s Captain. Three thousand years prior, the Ascendants fought to enslave Remargaren, and are determined to do so once more by employing the mind-control magic of Mentiserium, piercing the protective veil, and seizing control to topple those who have long fiercely secured it. Jerrol will risk life and limb to shatter the hold of the Mentiserium spell and to save Remargaren once and for all.
There is a moment near the midway point of Sentinals Rising that feels even more prophetic than a vision: “Captain Haven and his guards will ensure our safety.” Yeah. That is the understatement of three millennia. I'm not going to beat around the cauterized fingers too much here and will just come right out and say that Helen Garraway is a wildly gifted writer. There are multiple points of view that define each of the characters we meet and each stands comfortably independent of the other. The action is ripe and the tension is enough to keep a reader furiously turning pages without the usual pitfalls of taking it too far. Even fantasy and magic have their limits when it comes to suspension of disbelief and the mark of a seasoned, skilled author is knowing when to say 'uncle.' The visuals and dialogue are all spectacular and the frailty of good when being pushed by evil is executed well. Overall, this is a book and a series that is likely to be adored by all fortunate enough to read it. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Knights, Witches, and Murder
R.M. Schultz
2022 Bronze Medal
314 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
In the Kingdom of Duminborne, the people and witches hated each other, but they coexisted. A sage and a witch birthed twins. The first became the second, and destinies switched. Frallec became a sage while the king knighted Calec as a debt owed to the twins’ father. When the people of Duminborne started dropping dead from an illness that mimicked the Winter Plague, the king asked Sir Calec to investigate the matter. Sir Calec was sucked deep into a web of lies, secrets, and scandals from the lowest serf to the church and royal house. Were they dealing with a plague or mass murder? And when war loomed between his mother’s and father’s sides, where would his loyalty lie? Read Knights, Witches, and Murder by R. M. Schultz for all the details.
Knights, Witches, and Murder by R. M. Schultz is a tale of budding love, royal manipulations, magic, treachery, duty, and honor. I loved the storyline: a thorough blend of fantasy, mystery, and murder. The novel also had a historical flavor to it, and the plot was unique. Calec’s situation was a difficult one. It was like a war between good and evil with him trapped in the middle. But who made these rules of what’s right and wrong? Do we think ourselves superior to others because we practice different religions, cultures, beliefs, or ideologies? Eristin, Father Nicobe, and the likes are examples. Perhaps it’s time we understand that our strengths as living entities lie in our differences. Schultz is a gifted storyteller who wove this story to perfection. Please give us more!
In the Kingdom of Duminborne, the people and witches hated each other, but they coexisted. A sage and a witch birthed twins. The first became the second, and destinies switched. Frallec became a sage while the king knighted Calec as a debt owed to the twins’ father. When the people of Duminborne started dropping dead from an illness that mimicked the Winter Plague, the king asked Sir Calec to investigate the matter. Sir Calec was sucked deep into a web of lies, secrets, and scandals from the lowest serf to the church and royal house. Were they dealing with a plague or mass murder? And when war loomed between his mother’s and father’s sides, where would his loyalty lie? Read Knights, Witches, and Murder by R. M. Schultz for all the details.
Knights, Witches, and Murder by R. M. Schultz is a tale of budding love, royal manipulations, magic, treachery, duty, and honor. I loved the storyline: a thorough blend of fantasy, mystery, and murder. The novel also had a historical flavor to it, and the plot was unique. Calec’s situation was a difficult one. It was like a war between good and evil with him trapped in the middle. But who made these rules of what’s right and wrong? Do we think ourselves superior to others because we practice different religions, cultures, beliefs, or ideologies? Eristin, Father Nicobe, and the likes are examples. Perhaps it’s time we understand that our strengths as living entities lie in our differences. Schultz is a gifted storyteller who wove this story to perfection. Please give us more!
Recommend this book:
Redeem the Knight Trilogy
David V Mammina
2022 Silver Medal
572 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Redeem The Knight is a work of fiction in the dark fantasy horror subgenre. It is best suited to the adult reading audience and was penned by author David V. Mammina. This epic fantasy collection brings three novels together in one to tell the whole trilogy of our protagonist Arl Baelin. In a post-apocalyptic world where the New Vatican sends holy knights out to rid the world of dark and dangerous creatures, Arl is a disgraced paladin looking for redemption. As mysteries and challenges are sent his way on his path to heroism, Arl finds himself on the path toward an unspeakable evil that must be stopped at all costs.
Author David V. Mammina presents a superb fantasy epic that readers could fly through in a flash for its easy-to-read style, or really take their time with to get into the detailed lore and background of the dystopian vision he’s created. I for one loved the concept of the New Vatican and its many proposed holy acts, which were beautifully juxtaposed against the many creatures and supernatural beings of the new world. There was a great balance of good and evil on both sides, and Arl sits neatly in the middle as a damaged and relatable hero that you cannot help but root for. I felt the close narration really enhanced his emotional journey and the exciting and deadly events sent to test him were well balanced against his growth as a redeemed man. Overall, I would highly recommend Redeem the Knight as a must-read for dark fantasy, horror, and dystopia fans everywhere.
Redeem The Knight is a work of fiction in the dark fantasy horror subgenre. It is best suited to the adult reading audience and was penned by author David V. Mammina. This epic fantasy collection brings three novels together in one to tell the whole trilogy of our protagonist Arl Baelin. In a post-apocalyptic world where the New Vatican sends holy knights out to rid the world of dark and dangerous creatures, Arl is a disgraced paladin looking for redemption. As mysteries and challenges are sent his way on his path to heroism, Arl finds himself on the path toward an unspeakable evil that must be stopped at all costs.
Author David V. Mammina presents a superb fantasy epic that readers could fly through in a flash for its easy-to-read style, or really take their time with to get into the detailed lore and background of the dystopian vision he’s created. I for one loved the concept of the New Vatican and its many proposed holy acts, which were beautifully juxtaposed against the many creatures and supernatural beings of the new world. There was a great balance of good and evil on both sides, and Arl sits neatly in the middle as a damaged and relatable hero that you cannot help but root for. I felt the close narration really enhanced his emotional journey and the exciting and deadly events sent to test him were well balanced against his growth as a redeemed man. Overall, I would highly recommend Redeem the Knight as a must-read for dark fantasy, horror, and dystopia fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Last Danann
Titanian Chronicles Book 2
Victoria Saccenti
2022 Silver Medal
366 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
In the Last Danann by Victoria Saccenti, we meet an eons-old Tuatha Dé Warrior, Kailen. We see short memories starting in Thebes, Southern Egypt, 1000BC, when he visits Khnurn, a wizard charged with keeping the universe's balance. Kailen cannot join his people as they leave the earthly plane but has been given orders that occupy him for millennia. Khnurn assures him that he will find someone to fill his heart. In one of the many battles Kailen faces with his Masters, the Westerbergs, his beloved Nadrine is killed. Kailen believes his heart will never again belong to someone. When a shocking kidnapping occurs, Kailen must team up with Khnurn's apprentice Talaith. Neither of them ever thought they would ignite such intense feelings of love and protection for each other. However, her unknown origins still hang over them as the couple joins the other Titanians in a fight against two very evil death sorcerers.
The Last Danann by Victoria Saccenti is an exquisitely written piece of literature with exceptional descriptions and lavishly chosen words to convey the sense of awe inspired by the characters in the novel. The world of the supernaturals - superimposed and woven through the ordinary world - is exquisitely done. It leaves the reader dumb-struck at the beauty of the world seen through supernatural eyes. The diminished use of eroticism substantiates the novel's plot and balances the story as it unfolds. A well-crafted world supports the storyline. This is an excellent book. The language and tone are of the highest standard and add to the powerful characters that walk through the halls of the Chronicles. Enough background detail of previous events is given so that The Last Danann can be read either as a stand-alone or as part of the Titanian Chronicles.
In the Last Danann by Victoria Saccenti, we meet an eons-old Tuatha Dé Warrior, Kailen. We see short memories starting in Thebes, Southern Egypt, 1000BC, when he visits Khnurn, a wizard charged with keeping the universe's balance. Kailen cannot join his people as they leave the earthly plane but has been given orders that occupy him for millennia. Khnurn assures him that he will find someone to fill his heart. In one of the many battles Kailen faces with his Masters, the Westerbergs, his beloved Nadrine is killed. Kailen believes his heart will never again belong to someone. When a shocking kidnapping occurs, Kailen must team up with Khnurn's apprentice Talaith. Neither of them ever thought they would ignite such intense feelings of love and protection for each other. However, her unknown origins still hang over them as the couple joins the other Titanians in a fight against two very evil death sorcerers.
The Last Danann by Victoria Saccenti is an exquisitely written piece of literature with exceptional descriptions and lavishly chosen words to convey the sense of awe inspired by the characters in the novel. The world of the supernaturals - superimposed and woven through the ordinary world - is exquisitely done. It leaves the reader dumb-struck at the beauty of the world seen through supernatural eyes. The diminished use of eroticism substantiates the novel's plot and balances the story as it unfolds. A well-crafted world supports the storyline. This is an excellent book. The language and tone are of the highest standard and add to the powerful characters that walk through the halls of the Chronicles. Enough background detail of previous events is given so that The Last Danann can be read either as a stand-alone or as part of the Titanian Chronicles.
Recommend this book:
The Age of Darkness
Wrak-Wavara
Leigh Roberts
2022 Gold Medal
334 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Age of Darkness: Wrak-Wavara by Leigh Roberts is an epic fantasy tale set in the fictional world of Etera. Moc'Tor, Guardian of Etera and Leader of the Mothoc residing in the cave system of Kthama, finds himself facing the biggest challenge of his life when an unknown pandemic spreads through the population, bringing it almost to the brink of extinction. Determined to preserve the Mothoc bloodline, Moc'Tor allows the females of the Mothoc to mate with the Others, a decision that evokes fierce opposition amongst his critics. As the years pass by, the Mothoc population becomes more and more diverse, leading to splinter groups that seek to undermine Moc'Tor's leadership. His own brother Straf'Tor leads a group of pure-blooded Mothocs to the cave system of Kayerm. Meanwhile, Moc'Tor's daughter Pan inherits her father's Guardian abilities.
A fantasy epic rich in lore, mystery, and political intrigue, The Age of Darkness: Wrak-Wavara takes you on an immersive odyssey you don't want to end. Author Leigh Roberts builds a uniquely imaginative world that feels fleshed-out and lived-in. The narrative focuses on the people of Mothoc, led by the strong-willed Moc'Tor, who has to make some tough decisions to ensure the survival of his species. Only those decisions are not received very well by everyone. This actually mirrors some real-world events of our times. The characters have diverse motives and personas that create plenty of conflict and drama. I thoroughly enjoyed The Age of Darkness: Wrak Wavara, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequels. Recommend to fantasy lovers.
The Age of Darkness: Wrak-Wavara by Leigh Roberts is an epic fantasy tale set in the fictional world of Etera. Moc'Tor, Guardian of Etera and Leader of the Mothoc residing in the cave system of Kthama, finds himself facing the biggest challenge of his life when an unknown pandemic spreads through the population, bringing it almost to the brink of extinction. Determined to preserve the Mothoc bloodline, Moc'Tor allows the females of the Mothoc to mate with the Others, a decision that evokes fierce opposition amongst his critics. As the years pass by, the Mothoc population becomes more and more diverse, leading to splinter groups that seek to undermine Moc'Tor's leadership. His own brother Straf'Tor leads a group of pure-blooded Mothocs to the cave system of Kayerm. Meanwhile, Moc'Tor's daughter Pan inherits her father's Guardian abilities.
A fantasy epic rich in lore, mystery, and political intrigue, The Age of Darkness: Wrak-Wavara takes you on an immersive odyssey you don't want to end. Author Leigh Roberts builds a uniquely imaginative world that feels fleshed-out and lived-in. The narrative focuses on the people of Mothoc, led by the strong-willed Moc'Tor, who has to make some tough decisions to ensure the survival of his species. Only those decisions are not received very well by everyone. This actually mirrors some real-world events of our times. The characters have diverse motives and personas that create plenty of conflict and drama. I thoroughly enjoyed The Age of Darkness: Wrak Wavara, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequels. Recommend to fantasy lovers.
Recommend this book:
Sentinals Awaken
Book One of the Sentinals Series
Helen Garraway
2021 Finalist
388 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.
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