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Recommend this book:
Crown of the Realm
All Things Impossible #1
D. Dalton
2019 Bronze Medal
549 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
In Crown of the Realm, Derora Saxen knew there was more to life than the quiet town she called home. But when the cultists turned up, looking for an outlaw, destiny came calling. When her father sent her on a quest to petition assistance, she had no idea of the danger. No idea that a plea for aid would result in her path crossing with enemies long forgotten, and put her and those who walked beside her in their sights. War is coming, and those already aware of the danger have done nothing but run. The time has come to make a stand, or watch the world burn.
Crown of the Realm is the first book in D. Dalton's All Things Impossible series. From the start, you are drawn straight in. From regicide to pony jousting, from cults to ancient and forgotten threats, it certainly encompasses a fantasy lover's expectations. The third person narrative is engaging, descriptive, and enjoyable, allowing you to breeze through as events unfold and the stakes rise. Loyalties and history are questioned as the choices made for the greater good seem to have consequences beyond those imagined. I enjoyed Derora's character; her moxie really made me smile, as did her persistence, perseverance, and strength of character. More than once I felt a pang of sympathy for those in her path, particularly her reluctant and long-suffering companion, Kelin. Danger, chaos, and questions drive the character-centered plot through an epic adventure fraught with peril. A great start to what promises to be a gripping series.
In Crown of the Realm, Derora Saxen knew there was more to life than the quiet town she called home. But when the cultists turned up, looking for an outlaw, destiny came calling. When her father sent her on a quest to petition assistance, she had no idea of the danger. No idea that a plea for aid would result in her path crossing with enemies long forgotten, and put her and those who walked beside her in their sights. War is coming, and those already aware of the danger have done nothing but run. The time has come to make a stand, or watch the world burn.
Crown of the Realm is the first book in D. Dalton's All Things Impossible series. From the start, you are drawn straight in. From regicide to pony jousting, from cults to ancient and forgotten threats, it certainly encompasses a fantasy lover's expectations. The third person narrative is engaging, descriptive, and enjoyable, allowing you to breeze through as events unfold and the stakes rise. Loyalties and history are questioned as the choices made for the greater good seem to have consequences beyond those imagined. I enjoyed Derora's character; her moxie really made me smile, as did her persistence, perseverance, and strength of character. More than once I felt a pang of sympathy for those in her path, particularly her reluctant and long-suffering companion, Kelin. Danger, chaos, and questions drive the character-centered plot through an epic adventure fraught with peril. A great start to what promises to be a gripping series.
Recommend this book:
The Steel Queen
The Silk & Steel Saga Book 1
Karen Azinger
2019 Honorable Mention
400 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
The Steel Queen is a powerful opening in The Silk & Steel Saga series by Karen Azinger; it’s an explosive beginning for a saga that comprises seven books. In a story set in the medieval kingdoms of Erdhe, readers are plunged in a world of intrigue, stabbings-in-the-back, painful betrayals, greed, love, and many themes of epic tales. The setting is a place where magic has almost completely been eliminated after the great wars of wizards. No one wants magic, but there are remnants of it and Castlegard is its most powerful evocation. With a cast of memorable characters, readers follow an intricately woven story, with dizzying action as a young princess stands up against the domineering strength of an aged evil. It’s a game of power, a fight for the control of the kingdoms of Erdhe.
The action is fast and intense, tantalizing, and cinematic, the kind you find in epic works of fantasy. The characters are exceptional and readers will be seduced by the female characters in the story and the roles they play, including the young Katherine. Karen Azinger has a unique gift for plot, creating a tapestry where different stories intertwine into a bold and daring narrative. The subplots are awesome and it’s impossible to ignore any part of the story. Her characters will haunt you, the plot will keep your heart racing, and the exquisite prose has a magic of its own. This author uses suspense to keep your attention, making the writing atmospheric, and creating worlds that are the best escape for fans of epic fantasy. The Steel Queen is written for mature audiences and it features themes of war, love, magic, and the quest for immortality. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
The Steel Queen is a powerful opening in The Silk & Steel Saga series by Karen Azinger; it’s an explosive beginning for a saga that comprises seven books. In a story set in the medieval kingdoms of Erdhe, readers are plunged in a world of intrigue, stabbings-in-the-back, painful betrayals, greed, love, and many themes of epic tales. The setting is a place where magic has almost completely been eliminated after the great wars of wizards. No one wants magic, but there are remnants of it and Castlegard is its most powerful evocation. With a cast of memorable characters, readers follow an intricately woven story, with dizzying action as a young princess stands up against the domineering strength of an aged evil. It’s a game of power, a fight for the control of the kingdoms of Erdhe.
The action is fast and intense, tantalizing, and cinematic, the kind you find in epic works of fantasy. The characters are exceptional and readers will be seduced by the female characters in the story and the roles they play, including the young Katherine. Karen Azinger has a unique gift for plot, creating a tapestry where different stories intertwine into a bold and daring narrative. The subplots are awesome and it’s impossible to ignore any part of the story. Her characters will haunt you, the plot will keep your heart racing, and the exquisite prose has a magic of its own. This author uses suspense to keep your attention, making the writing atmospheric, and creating worlds that are the best escape for fans of epic fantasy. The Steel Queen is written for mature audiences and it features themes of war, love, magic, and the quest for immortality. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Recommend this book:
The Winter of Swords
A Grimdark Epic (Overthrown Book 1)
Aaron Bunce
2019 Honorable Mention
538 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Maureen Dangarembizi for Readers' Favorite
The Winter of Swords by Aaron Bunce is an epic fantasy set in the land of Denoril. Denoril was once ruled by a monarchy until they were overthrown and replaced by the Council of Lords. When Eisa and her brothers disturb tower ruins they uncover a menace hiding in the shadows. Eisa escapes death but a worse fate awaits her at the hands of her monstrous captor. In Bardstown, evil hiding in the shadows is killing people. Roman, an orphan who has survived two attacks, is blamed for the murder. With only a handful of people believing in his innocence, can he unmask the true killer? Barden’s Reach is under siege by gnarls and it’s only a matter of time before the town is overrun. Julian sets out to save the woman he loves but instead finds a deposed monarch and an ancient evil waiting to shroud the kingdom in darkness.
The Winter of Swords has the makings of a thriller in its pages. From the start, Aaron Bunce takes the reader on a spine-tingling journey. The bad guys were really scary and the near-death scenes kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters are relatable and the reader is quickly drawn into their lives and what drives them in the story. The story is told from multiple characters' points of view and gives the reader a broad understanding of Denoril and its citizens. The Winter of Swords ends on a cliffhanger so the reader has at least one more book to look forward to after reading this novel. I really enjoyed reading this book.
The Winter of Swords by Aaron Bunce is an epic fantasy set in the land of Denoril. Denoril was once ruled by a monarchy until they were overthrown and replaced by the Council of Lords. When Eisa and her brothers disturb tower ruins they uncover a menace hiding in the shadows. Eisa escapes death but a worse fate awaits her at the hands of her monstrous captor. In Bardstown, evil hiding in the shadows is killing people. Roman, an orphan who has survived two attacks, is blamed for the murder. With only a handful of people believing in his innocence, can he unmask the true killer? Barden’s Reach is under siege by gnarls and it’s only a matter of time before the town is overrun. Julian sets out to save the woman he loves but instead finds a deposed monarch and an ancient evil waiting to shroud the kingdom in darkness.
The Winter of Swords has the makings of a thriller in its pages. From the start, Aaron Bunce takes the reader on a spine-tingling journey. The bad guys were really scary and the near-death scenes kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters are relatable and the reader is quickly drawn into their lives and what drives them in the story. The story is told from multiple characters' points of view and gives the reader a broad understanding of Denoril and its citizens. The Winter of Swords ends on a cliffhanger so the reader has at least one more book to look forward to after reading this novel. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Recommend this book:
Shadow of the Overlord
The Calamity Book 1
Kevin Potter
2019 Honorable Mention
679 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
The Free States is on the brink of collapse due to the absence of its king and heir as well as manipulation by a mastermind who works in the shadow. Taliesimon is a farmer's daughter who longs to be the first female Dragoon warrior, despite the discrimination from the commander and his lackeys. William is a traveling mercenary with a secret past. A violent raid by strange humanoid creatures brings the two together, along with an unexpected alliance with a half-elf, a dwarf, and ultimately a peace-loving dragon. Meanwhile, the Dragon Overlord is progressing with his plan to conquer the world and enslave other beings under his reign. Shadow of the Overlord (The Calamity, Book 1) by Kevin Potter is an epic sword and sorcery fantasy adventure for fans of the genre.
This multifaceted plot is filled with detailed, grand fight scenes and creatures galore. Starting with a gritty prologue that's engaging right away, Kevin Potter's Shadow of the Overlord is told through the perspectives of a number of lead characters. The attention given to their backstory is deftly balanced, giving each of them sufficient time and room for vital development and good depth of personality. Divided into three parts, we get to know the protagonists who will cross each other's paths in unexpected circumstances. I gravitated towards the tenacious Taliesimon, who perseveres along with her friend, Okara, to prove that female Dragoons are as good as their counterparts. Overall, this debut for The Calamity series is entertaining and has the classic charm that reminds me of all the fantasy adventure novels that I’ve read in my younger days. I look forward to reading how the characters will survive the next onslaught.
The Free States is on the brink of collapse due to the absence of its king and heir as well as manipulation by a mastermind who works in the shadow. Taliesimon is a farmer's daughter who longs to be the first female Dragoon warrior, despite the discrimination from the commander and his lackeys. William is a traveling mercenary with a secret past. A violent raid by strange humanoid creatures brings the two together, along with an unexpected alliance with a half-elf, a dwarf, and ultimately a peace-loving dragon. Meanwhile, the Dragon Overlord is progressing with his plan to conquer the world and enslave other beings under his reign. Shadow of the Overlord (The Calamity, Book 1) by Kevin Potter is an epic sword and sorcery fantasy adventure for fans of the genre.
This multifaceted plot is filled with detailed, grand fight scenes and creatures galore. Starting with a gritty prologue that's engaging right away, Kevin Potter's Shadow of the Overlord is told through the perspectives of a number of lead characters. The attention given to their backstory is deftly balanced, giving each of them sufficient time and room for vital development and good depth of personality. Divided into three parts, we get to know the protagonists who will cross each other's paths in unexpected circumstances. I gravitated towards the tenacious Taliesimon, who perseveres along with her friend, Okara, to prove that female Dragoons are as good as their counterparts. Overall, this debut for The Calamity series is entertaining and has the classic charm that reminds me of all the fantasy adventure novels that I’ve read in my younger days. I look forward to reading how the characters will survive the next onslaught.
Recommend this book:
Web of Eyes
Buried Goddess Saga Book 1
Rhett C Bruno, Jaime Castle
2019 Finalist
422 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite
King Liam of Pantego is dying and his only heir, Prince Pi, has been cursed, the doll containing a piece of his soul stolen by his warlock uncle. It falls to Torsten, the Wearer of the White, to hunt down the warlock in the Webbed Woods and reclaim the doll for the temperamental queen, despite his belief that the quest is based in heretical nonsense. With the fate of the kingdom at stake, Torsten’s best chance of success is to recruit help from Whitney Fierstown, the greatest thief nobody in Pantego has heard of. Having reached the peak of his career by stealing the glass crown off the king’s head, the bored thief is eager for the challenge Torsten’s quest offers. But the warlock isn’t the only enemy they’re up against as the Webbed Woods are home to Bliss, the spider queen.
Web of Eyes, Book One of the Buried Goddess Saga, by Rhett C Bruno and Jaime Castle, is an epic fantasy nuanced by Whitney’s humour, the darker elements of blood magic, and the creepy malevolence of the Webbed Woods and Bliss. Bruno and Castle’s rich world-building and an intriguing mythology centred on a feud between the gods add depth to this novel while plot momentum and engaging characters make the pages fly. Both Whitney and Torsten have definite personalities and beliefs, which creates entertaining friction in their relationship while their convincing individual internal conflict plays off against the plot. I would’ve liked to see similar scope in the female characters, Queen Oleander especially. Startling plot revelations lead to a thrilling conclusion in this entertaining epic fantasy.
King Liam of Pantego is dying and his only heir, Prince Pi, has been cursed, the doll containing a piece of his soul stolen by his warlock uncle. It falls to Torsten, the Wearer of the White, to hunt down the warlock in the Webbed Woods and reclaim the doll for the temperamental queen, despite his belief that the quest is based in heretical nonsense. With the fate of the kingdom at stake, Torsten’s best chance of success is to recruit help from Whitney Fierstown, the greatest thief nobody in Pantego has heard of. Having reached the peak of his career by stealing the glass crown off the king’s head, the bored thief is eager for the challenge Torsten’s quest offers. But the warlock isn’t the only enemy they’re up against as the Webbed Woods are home to Bliss, the spider queen.
Web of Eyes, Book One of the Buried Goddess Saga, by Rhett C Bruno and Jaime Castle, is an epic fantasy nuanced by Whitney’s humour, the darker elements of blood magic, and the creepy malevolence of the Webbed Woods and Bliss. Bruno and Castle’s rich world-building and an intriguing mythology centred on a feud between the gods add depth to this novel while plot momentum and engaging characters make the pages fly. Both Whitney and Torsten have definite personalities and beliefs, which creates entertaining friction in their relationship while their convincing individual internal conflict plays off against the plot. I would’ve liked to see similar scope in the female characters, Queen Oleander especially. Startling plot revelations lead to a thrilling conclusion in this entertaining epic fantasy.
Recommend this book:
Thief of the Night Guild
Queen of Thieves Book 2
Andy Peloquin
2018 Finalist
434 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite
In Thief of the Night Guild: Queen of Thieves Book 2 by Andy Peloquin, Ilanna is the best thief among all the Hawks of the Night guild. She’s proud of her skills, and proud of her status within the guild, but is determined to raise enough money to buy her freedom. She could never do that on the ten percent she gets to keep of her earnings, so she steals a little extra. It’s a dangerous game, but Ilanna is a dangerous woman and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her son. After Duke Phonnis executes a close friend of hers, Ilanna comes up with a plan that will not only result in a big enough haul to buy her freedom, but will avenge her friend and ruin the Duke. With the Guild Council’s permission, Ilanna puts together a team to pull off a heist that will eclipse her conquest of the Black Spire.
Thief of the Night Guild is a tightly plotted novel that builds momentum from page one. There’s a fair amount of backstory since this is the second book in the Queen of Thieves series, but Andy Peloquin elucidates all essential details as they become necessary. Ilanna is a clever, skilled, and confident character, but she’s also the stereotypical abuse-hardened woman one often encounters in fantasy novels. While I enjoy dark characters, I don't enjoy it when a character’s inability to express so-called weak emotions is categorised as strength. However, I’ll credit Peloquin for revealing the frailty behind this mental state. Apart from this character trope, Thief of the Night Guild is an entertaining, addictive read full of clever twists.
In Thief of the Night Guild: Queen of Thieves Book 2 by Andy Peloquin, Ilanna is the best thief among all the Hawks of the Night guild. She’s proud of her skills, and proud of her status within the guild, but is determined to raise enough money to buy her freedom. She could never do that on the ten percent she gets to keep of her earnings, so she steals a little extra. It’s a dangerous game, but Ilanna is a dangerous woman and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her son. After Duke Phonnis executes a close friend of hers, Ilanna comes up with a plan that will not only result in a big enough haul to buy her freedom, but will avenge her friend and ruin the Duke. With the Guild Council’s permission, Ilanna puts together a team to pull off a heist that will eclipse her conquest of the Black Spire.
Thief of the Night Guild is a tightly plotted novel that builds momentum from page one. There’s a fair amount of backstory since this is the second book in the Queen of Thieves series, but Andy Peloquin elucidates all essential details as they become necessary. Ilanna is a clever, skilled, and confident character, but she’s also the stereotypical abuse-hardened woman one often encounters in fantasy novels. While I enjoy dark characters, I don't enjoy it when a character’s inability to express so-called weak emotions is categorised as strength. However, I’ll credit Peloquin for revealing the frailty behind this mental state. Apart from this character trope, Thief of the Night Guild is an entertaining, addictive read full of clever twists.
Recommend this book:
Panther Across the Stars
Lon Brett Coon
2018 Honorable Mention
315 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Panther Across the Stars by Lon Brett Coon is an epic fantasy with characters that are deeply explored and a culture that is as rich as it is fascinating, a story for readers who are intrigued by war heroes and tightly plotted stories. Readers follow the path of a man who defies everything, rises above himself to fight for his people, a story with a historical setting in 1800s America. With the alien race known as the Jhagir by his side, will this hero be able to win freedom for his people?
The characters are well sculpted and readers will be keen to follow them as they evolve through the story. Lon Brett Coon's gift for storytelling and backstory infuses the tale with a life of its own. The pacing is fast and the story is well-structured with chapters that end with an irresistible invitation to the reader to move to the next one. The prose is characterized by a singular beauty and an economy of word that will please the reader. The overall story is balanced and the scenes are beautifully written and focused. I also enjoyed the fact that the author spares his readers unnecessary dialogues and focuses instead on creating powerful images for his readers. The scenes are action-packed and each of them unveils a layer of character development. This is a gripping story that readers would love to see on the big screen. I enjoyed the writing, the great characters, the immense conflict and the intensity of the action in this epic fantasy.
Panther Across the Stars by Lon Brett Coon is an epic fantasy with characters that are deeply explored and a culture that is as rich as it is fascinating, a story for readers who are intrigued by war heroes and tightly plotted stories. Readers follow the path of a man who defies everything, rises above himself to fight for his people, a story with a historical setting in 1800s America. With the alien race known as the Jhagir by his side, will this hero be able to win freedom for his people?
The characters are well sculpted and readers will be keen to follow them as they evolve through the story. Lon Brett Coon's gift for storytelling and backstory infuses the tale with a life of its own. The pacing is fast and the story is well-structured with chapters that end with an irresistible invitation to the reader to move to the next one. The prose is characterized by a singular beauty and an economy of word that will please the reader. The overall story is balanced and the scenes are beautifully written and focused. I also enjoyed the fact that the author spares his readers unnecessary dialogues and focuses instead on creating powerful images for his readers. The scenes are action-packed and each of them unveils a layer of character development. This is a gripping story that readers would love to see on the big screen. I enjoyed the writing, the great characters, the immense conflict and the intensity of the action in this epic fantasy.
Recommend this book:
The Breathing Sea I
Burning
E.P. Clark
2018 Bronze Medal
493 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Breathing Sea I: Burning by E.P. Clark is the standalone third installment of The Zemnian Series and is preceded by book one, The Midnight Land: The Flight, and book two, The Midnight Land: The Gift. This third part reads perfectly well as a standalone. Dasha will one day rule as Empress over the female-run land of Zem. Dasha has been coddled and advised from within the confines of the royal walls, but inevitably must see and understand those she is destined to rule. She also must come to terms with a bargain made between her mother, the Tsarina, and the gods, as she attempts to understand uncontrolled visions and body function so that she might harness the power of her half human, half god self and finally become the woman she is destined to be.
The Breathing Sea I: Burning is a beautifully told story with an incredible nod toward an alternate world where women run the show. In a story filled with fantasy and plenty of drama, Dasha is on a quest that is unique to her position. This is not a fast-paced read, but it is elegantly written and engrossing in both style and substance. I admit that it took some time for Dasha to endear herself to me, but I suppose one might argue that was her human side stepping forward, with childish antics and a vexatious attitude. Where this book truly shines is in its descriptive elements, where the landscape comes to life and supporting characters are as interesting as their lead. I'd recommend this book to those who love well-written fantasy, and am happy to discover that I will not have to wait to see where the saga ends, as the fourth book in the series, The Breathing Sea: Drowning, has already been released.
The Breathing Sea I: Burning by E.P. Clark is the standalone third installment of The Zemnian Series and is preceded by book one, The Midnight Land: The Flight, and book two, The Midnight Land: The Gift. This third part reads perfectly well as a standalone. Dasha will one day rule as Empress over the female-run land of Zem. Dasha has been coddled and advised from within the confines of the royal walls, but inevitably must see and understand those she is destined to rule. She also must come to terms with a bargain made between her mother, the Tsarina, and the gods, as she attempts to understand uncontrolled visions and body function so that she might harness the power of her half human, half god self and finally become the woman she is destined to be.
The Breathing Sea I: Burning is a beautifully told story with an incredible nod toward an alternate world where women run the show. In a story filled with fantasy and plenty of drama, Dasha is on a quest that is unique to her position. This is not a fast-paced read, but it is elegantly written and engrossing in both style and substance. I admit that it took some time for Dasha to endear herself to me, but I suppose one might argue that was her human side stepping forward, with childish antics and a vexatious attitude. Where this book truly shines is in its descriptive elements, where the landscape comes to life and supporting characters are as interesting as their lead. I'd recommend this book to those who love well-written fantasy, and am happy to discover that I will not have to wait to see where the saga ends, as the fourth book in the series, The Breathing Sea: Drowning, has already been released.
Recommend this book:
City of Shards
Steve Rodgers
2018 Bronze Medal
274 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite
Larin was raised in a temple by his priest uncle, Akul, a former warrior who singlehandedly keeps the largest gang in the Wormpile District away from the four blocks surrounding the temple, making this the safest part of the poorest and most dangerous section of the city. Nowhere is truly safe for Larin, however, who’s plagued by outbursts that compel him to gesticulate and shout in a strange language. Hours in the temple library and chance meetings with a limping mage lead Larin to the startling discovery that these outbursts come from the Lord of Demons, Haraf. The Demon Lord seeks to escape his prison and wreak vengeance on the six-limbed gods who imprisoned him and his kind. The six-legged gods have their own supporters, men who roam through the Wormpile, rounding up converts under the guise of justice and charity, and the Indigens who gather on the borders of the empire, waiting for their moment to invade and enslave everyone.
City of Shards by Steve Rodgers is a unique and exciting dark fantasy. The success of magic depends on a combination of innate ability, correct pronunciation of an ancient language, and the phase of the huge moon, Spellgiver. This system creates a perfect equilibrium between complexity and ease of understanding. There were times, especially in the first half of the book, where I became confused between the different pantheons of gods and the particular societies they’re significant to. This does become clearer when the reader most needs it. City of Shards starts slowly as Rodgers immerses the reader in the rich and unique world before pushing Larin towards an impossible choice between future slavery and human sacrifice under the six-legged gods, or annihilation at the hands of the demons. Rodgers removes any truly good outcome from the premise and the effect is amazing.
Larin was raised in a temple by his priest uncle, Akul, a former warrior who singlehandedly keeps the largest gang in the Wormpile District away from the four blocks surrounding the temple, making this the safest part of the poorest and most dangerous section of the city. Nowhere is truly safe for Larin, however, who’s plagued by outbursts that compel him to gesticulate and shout in a strange language. Hours in the temple library and chance meetings with a limping mage lead Larin to the startling discovery that these outbursts come from the Lord of Demons, Haraf. The Demon Lord seeks to escape his prison and wreak vengeance on the six-limbed gods who imprisoned him and his kind. The six-legged gods have their own supporters, men who roam through the Wormpile, rounding up converts under the guise of justice and charity, and the Indigens who gather on the borders of the empire, waiting for their moment to invade and enslave everyone.
City of Shards by Steve Rodgers is a unique and exciting dark fantasy. The success of magic depends on a combination of innate ability, correct pronunciation of an ancient language, and the phase of the huge moon, Spellgiver. This system creates a perfect equilibrium between complexity and ease of understanding. There were times, especially in the first half of the book, where I became confused between the different pantheons of gods and the particular societies they’re significant to. This does become clearer when the reader most needs it. City of Shards starts slowly as Rodgers immerses the reader in the rich and unique world before pushing Larin towards an impossible choice between future slavery and human sacrifice under the six-legged gods, or annihilation at the hands of the demons. Rodgers removes any truly good outcome from the premise and the effect is amazing.
Recommend this book:
Pawns
The Wielders of Arantha Book 1
Patrick Hodges
2018 Bronze Medal
404 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite
Pawns is the first book and a stunning introduction to The Wielders of Arantha series by Patrick Hodges, a sci-fi set in the future, seven hundred years from now. A story that features aliens, an impossible mission, and a race against time to save an entire planet is surely going to grab the attention of fans of sci-fi. The Jegg is an alien race that invades the earth and they have already destroyed more than half of the Terran Confederation. The future of the earth could depend solely on a few highly skilled scientists; they are working ceaselessly in a hidden corner of the Sahara Desert to find a solution to the invasion. They are working on a technology that would enable them to access the energy source that could help destroy the aliens. But something awful happens and only two members of the crew survive: Maeve, the wife of the captain of the team, and her son, Davin. Now at the destination, can they complete the mission and return in time to save the earth?
Patrick Hodges has won me over as a fan and I can’t help but wait eagerly for the next book in this series. The writing is so exquisitely great that it makes the read an exceptional experience. The reader will love the characters and I enjoyed the fact that they are faced with a serious crisis, working feverishly to find a solution to a deadly invasion. The plot is powerful, fast-paced, and original. Pawns paints a wonderful setting and readers will feel like they are part of the exciting story. Well-crafted with a gripping plot and memorable characters, this novel will have fans of sci-fi enthralled.
Pawns is the first book and a stunning introduction to The Wielders of Arantha series by Patrick Hodges, a sci-fi set in the future, seven hundred years from now. A story that features aliens, an impossible mission, and a race against time to save an entire planet is surely going to grab the attention of fans of sci-fi. The Jegg is an alien race that invades the earth and they have already destroyed more than half of the Terran Confederation. The future of the earth could depend solely on a few highly skilled scientists; they are working ceaselessly in a hidden corner of the Sahara Desert to find a solution to the invasion. They are working on a technology that would enable them to access the energy source that could help destroy the aliens. But something awful happens and only two members of the crew survive: Maeve, the wife of the captain of the team, and her son, Davin. Now at the destination, can they complete the mission and return in time to save the earth?
Patrick Hodges has won me over as a fan and I can’t help but wait eagerly for the next book in this series. The writing is so exquisitely great that it makes the read an exceptional experience. The reader will love the characters and I enjoyed the fact that they are faced with a serious crisis, working feverishly to find a solution to a deadly invasion. The plot is powerful, fast-paced, and original. Pawns paints a wonderful setting and readers will feel like they are part of the exciting story. Well-crafted with a gripping plot and memorable characters, this novel will have fans of sci-fi enthralled.
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