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Recommend this book:
Attrition
The First Act of Penance: Three Acts of Penance
S.G. Night
2014 Gold Medal
584 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Eduardo Aduna for Readers' Favorite
S.G. Night's Attrition: The First Act of Penance is a sweeping tome filled with adventure, history and magic. Io is in turmoil. The Demon Dominion has enslaved humanity, banished the elves and eradicated the Majiski. Racath Thanjel, one of the last surviving Majiskis, has lived in the shadows for most of his life. Trained as an assassin, he must find a way to become more if he ever wishes to remove the Dominion's yoke and free Io. Guided by a girl who can see the future and trained by the best his race has to offer, Racath needs to unlock his Majiski gifts and be the hero he is prophesied to be.
The problem with long books is that if they turn out to be good, I lose an entire night's sleep. S.G. Night's Attrition was well worth it. It was quite difficult to get through the first chapter. But once I was through, the entire world of Io was mine to enjoy. Characters in fantasy settings live in a world with history, science and lore. A fictional world should have all the aspects of the real one. S.G. Night did a marvelous job of making his world come alive. Some of the expositions may seem a bit forced but, all in all, Mr. Night managed to introduce his world to readers without overtly detracting from the narrative.
Racath Thanjel is almost always on the verge of being an over-powered hero, but the author manages to bring in circumstances that challenge his protagonist. I particularly love the novel's supporting cast: Alexis, Toren, Rachel and Notak. It takes a lot of great writing to make the reader like the supporting cast of such a hero-centered saga. S.G. Night's Attrition: The First Act of Penance is the first of three parts. First volumes are supposed to pique reader interest, introduce characters and set up the fantasy world. In all these facets of fantasy, S.G. Night did an amazing job. I, for one, would willingly trade a sleepless night just to enjoy more of his work.
S.G. Night's Attrition: The First Act of Penance is a sweeping tome filled with adventure, history and magic. Io is in turmoil. The Demon Dominion has enslaved humanity, banished the elves and eradicated the Majiski. Racath Thanjel, one of the last surviving Majiskis, has lived in the shadows for most of his life. Trained as an assassin, he must find a way to become more if he ever wishes to remove the Dominion's yoke and free Io. Guided by a girl who can see the future and trained by the best his race has to offer, Racath needs to unlock his Majiski gifts and be the hero he is prophesied to be.
The problem with long books is that if they turn out to be good, I lose an entire night's sleep. S.G. Night's Attrition was well worth it. It was quite difficult to get through the first chapter. But once I was through, the entire world of Io was mine to enjoy. Characters in fantasy settings live in a world with history, science and lore. A fictional world should have all the aspects of the real one. S.G. Night did a marvelous job of making his world come alive. Some of the expositions may seem a bit forced but, all in all, Mr. Night managed to introduce his world to readers without overtly detracting from the narrative.
Racath Thanjel is almost always on the verge of being an over-powered hero, but the author manages to bring in circumstances that challenge his protagonist. I particularly love the novel's supporting cast: Alexis, Toren, Rachel and Notak. It takes a lot of great writing to make the reader like the supporting cast of such a hero-centered saga. S.G. Night's Attrition: The First Act of Penance is the first of three parts. First volumes are supposed to pique reader interest, introduce characters and set up the fantasy world. In all these facets of fantasy, S.G. Night did an amazing job. I, for one, would willingly trade a sleepless night just to enjoy more of his work.
Recommend this book:
Night of the Fae
Ana Martin Series #1
Lyneal Jenkins
2014 Finalist
356 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite
Many of us have strange sensations from time to time but for Ana Martin, there is an amazing explanation – she is connected to a race of special beings through her love for Gabriel, a member of the Siis. Night of the Fae is volume one in the Ana Martin series by Lyneal Jenkins and introduces Ana, as well as Gabriel and other members of his race. Ana has special abilities herself, in addition to a problem with bipolar disorder, but Gabriel’s presence helps her deal with both. As the first human to be affected by the presence of Siis powers, no one knows exactly what will happen. One thing is for certain, though – Ana’s life will never be the same because the evil Fae hunt her as a means to get to Gabriel. Ana tries her best to keep up with her normal life, but will things ever really be the same?
Well-paced and engaging, Night of the Fae by Lyneal Jenkins is the perfect supernatural/fantasy read. Ana, Gabriel and the other characters are carefully developed and realistic in spite of the supernatural nature of some of them. Following their love, hate and trials keeps the pages turning. It is quite easy to get caught up in the swirling emotions that allow you to feel what Ana is feeling. Night of the Fae is a complete book with a conclusion to this part of the story that leads smoothly and naturally into the second volume, Hidden Light. It is certainly well worth the time and is sure to please.
Many of us have strange sensations from time to time but for Ana Martin, there is an amazing explanation – she is connected to a race of special beings through her love for Gabriel, a member of the Siis. Night of the Fae is volume one in the Ana Martin series by Lyneal Jenkins and introduces Ana, as well as Gabriel and other members of his race. Ana has special abilities herself, in addition to a problem with bipolar disorder, but Gabriel’s presence helps her deal with both. As the first human to be affected by the presence of Siis powers, no one knows exactly what will happen. One thing is for certain, though – Ana’s life will never be the same because the evil Fae hunt her as a means to get to Gabriel. Ana tries her best to keep up with her normal life, but will things ever really be the same?
Well-paced and engaging, Night of the Fae by Lyneal Jenkins is the perfect supernatural/fantasy read. Ana, Gabriel and the other characters are carefully developed and realistic in spite of the supernatural nature of some of them. Following their love, hate and trials keeps the pages turning. It is quite easy to get caught up in the swirling emotions that allow you to feel what Ana is feeling. Night of the Fae is a complete book with a conclusion to this part of the story that leads smoothly and naturally into the second volume, Hidden Light. It is certainly well worth the time and is sure to please.
Recommend this book:
Minstrel
Tir Athair Volume 1
Marissa Ames
2014 Finalist
384 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Tania Staley for Readers' Favorite
An unlikely hero becomes the center of royal dispute and intrigue in Marissa Ame’s exciting tale, Minstrel. When Liam and his band of theatrical brothers arrive in the city of Cynegil, they have only the desire to make enough money to buy food and a place to lay their head. But when they see the signs that the city is in mourning they have a difficult decision to make. Do they ignore their empty bellies and move on in the hopes of finding sustenance someplace else, or do they disregard the rules against merriment in a time of mourning and entertain people? The needs of nourishment require them to go against the rules, and this decision lands them in the hands of the new king Riordan’s court. Riordan rules the country in excess, throwing parties and feasts, ignoring the emptying larders and purses of the country. Shamus, his twin brother, realizes that it is imperative that someone knows the truth of events and hires Liam to be his personal historian in order to record the happenings of Riordan’s reckless rule. But, can a simple minstrel right the wrongs of an entire kingdom? Will anyone listen to him if he tries? Find out in Marissa Ame’s Minstrel.
It was with much excitement that I downloaded a copy of Minstrel to review. Having previously read Marissa Ames’s short story, Darrion, which is also a story of Tir Athair, I was expecting the same intrigue and excitement in Minstrel that I had come to associate with Ames’s writing. I was certainly not disappointed. The feudal society that Ames has created, the intrigues involved in the opposing twin royal brothers, and the unlikely heroism of the minstrel, Liam, are wonderfully thought out and beautifully crafted. Rather than the lofty idealism that surrounds many fantasy landscapes, there is a grit and grime that is just as enchanting in the city of Cynegil. The world the author has created lives and breathes amongst the pages of her book. I highly recommend Minstrel, and I can’t wait to read her next book, Vassal.
An unlikely hero becomes the center of royal dispute and intrigue in Marissa Ame’s exciting tale, Minstrel. When Liam and his band of theatrical brothers arrive in the city of Cynegil, they have only the desire to make enough money to buy food and a place to lay their head. But when they see the signs that the city is in mourning they have a difficult decision to make. Do they ignore their empty bellies and move on in the hopes of finding sustenance someplace else, or do they disregard the rules against merriment in a time of mourning and entertain people? The needs of nourishment require them to go against the rules, and this decision lands them in the hands of the new king Riordan’s court. Riordan rules the country in excess, throwing parties and feasts, ignoring the emptying larders and purses of the country. Shamus, his twin brother, realizes that it is imperative that someone knows the truth of events and hires Liam to be his personal historian in order to record the happenings of Riordan’s reckless rule. But, can a simple minstrel right the wrongs of an entire kingdom? Will anyone listen to him if he tries? Find out in Marissa Ame’s Minstrel.
It was with much excitement that I downloaded a copy of Minstrel to review. Having previously read Marissa Ames’s short story, Darrion, which is also a story of Tir Athair, I was expecting the same intrigue and excitement in Minstrel that I had come to associate with Ames’s writing. I was certainly not disappointed. The feudal society that Ames has created, the intrigues involved in the opposing twin royal brothers, and the unlikely heroism of the minstrel, Liam, are wonderfully thought out and beautifully crafted. Rather than the lofty idealism that surrounds many fantasy landscapes, there is a grit and grime that is just as enchanting in the city of Cynegil. The world the author has created lives and breathes amongst the pages of her book. I highly recommend Minstrel, and I can’t wait to read her next book, Vassal.
Recommend this book:
The Crystal Key
T. L. Howard
2014 Honorable Mention
604 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Marissa Tapia for Readers' Favorite
The Crystal Key by T.L. Howard is a captivating story about a young girl named Mirah, whose life was disrupted by a man named Rasmun, a man searching for the girl with the crystal key that will help his Lord come into power. Though he initially failed, Rasmun is determined to get his hands on Mirah. Many years later, after the death of her mother, Mirah is suddenly forced out of her familiar life to spend several months on the road with three knights. Though none of them know Mirah's importance, this much is certain - she's in danger.
T.L. Howard kept me captivated throughout the whole story. The plot was interesting and very different from other books in this genre. The characters, especially Mirah and Roenin, were interesting. Their constant fighting throughout their travels kept their journey somewhat lighthearted, despite the fact Mirah was being targeted repeatedly by Rasmun. Watching the characters grow as people and build new relationships helped with the overall plot. Each character was well thought out and had an in-depth angle to their backgrounds. I don't like books with flat, unrelatable characters, so being able to put yourself in the story is important to me. This book made it easy to do so.
The reader can identify with the personal struggles of the characters, such as being being forced to have something familiar taken away from you and having a huge responsibility placed on your shoulders. The book had some humor, romance, action and suspense, making it interesting for almost anyone. I would reread this book many times over.
The Crystal Key by T.L. Howard is a captivating story about a young girl named Mirah, whose life was disrupted by a man named Rasmun, a man searching for the girl with the crystal key that will help his Lord come into power. Though he initially failed, Rasmun is determined to get his hands on Mirah. Many years later, after the death of her mother, Mirah is suddenly forced out of her familiar life to spend several months on the road with three knights. Though none of them know Mirah's importance, this much is certain - she's in danger.
T.L. Howard kept me captivated throughout the whole story. The plot was interesting and very different from other books in this genre. The characters, especially Mirah and Roenin, were interesting. Their constant fighting throughout their travels kept their journey somewhat lighthearted, despite the fact Mirah was being targeted repeatedly by Rasmun. Watching the characters grow as people and build new relationships helped with the overall plot. Each character was well thought out and had an in-depth angle to their backgrounds. I don't like books with flat, unrelatable characters, so being able to put yourself in the story is important to me. This book made it easy to do so.
The reader can identify with the personal struggles of the characters, such as being being forced to have something familiar taken away from you and having a huge responsibility placed on your shoulders. The book had some humor, romance, action and suspense, making it interesting for almost anyone. I would reread this book many times over.
Recommend this book:
The Chronicles of Heaven's War
Book I: Sisters of the Bloodwind
Ava D Dohn
2014 Bronze Medal
556 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
For ages, the people of the First Realm have lived peacefully. But the selfish and deceitful eldest son wreaks havoc in the hope to control and seize the realm creating a chaotic world. The sisters of the Bloodwind take the courage to fight the Evil and help secure a future for all humankind. Will they succeed in bringing back peace in the realm? Will they be able to finally put an end to this war?
Ava D. Dohn is certainly a wonderful writer. Undoubtedly, she has a unique talent. The first book of "The Chronicles of Heaven’s War" allows us to take a glimpse into how the author’s mind works. It also gives us a glimpse of the world the way she sees it. The story line itself is interesting – an alteration of life. The journey of the characters – the brothers and sisters – in this novel mirrors all the various walks of life in the real world. The wickedness of the eldest son and the courage of his brothers and sisters to fight against him are effective representations in exploring reality. It cannot be denied that this is a wonderful book to read because the characters are just so real. The realm that the author takes us into is an amazing place and this is proof of her rich imagination. This is one of those books that make you stop and think. After reading this book, you will definitely want to buy the next book in the series.
For ages, the people of the First Realm have lived peacefully. But the selfish and deceitful eldest son wreaks havoc in the hope to control and seize the realm creating a chaotic world. The sisters of the Bloodwind take the courage to fight the Evil and help secure a future for all humankind. Will they succeed in bringing back peace in the realm? Will they be able to finally put an end to this war?
Ava D. Dohn is certainly a wonderful writer. Undoubtedly, she has a unique talent. The first book of "The Chronicles of Heaven’s War" allows us to take a glimpse into how the author’s mind works. It also gives us a glimpse of the world the way she sees it. The story line itself is interesting – an alteration of life. The journey of the characters – the brothers and sisters – in this novel mirrors all the various walks of life in the real world. The wickedness of the eldest son and the courage of his brothers and sisters to fight against him are effective representations in exploring reality. It cannot be denied that this is a wonderful book to read because the characters are just so real. The realm that the author takes us into is an amazing place and this is proof of her rich imagination. This is one of those books that make you stop and think. After reading this book, you will definitely want to buy the next book in the series.
Recommend this book:
Unearthed
The Pactem Orbis Legends Volume 1
Karen Seymour
2014 Silver Medal
494 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Katelyn Hensel for Readers' Favorite
Unearthed is the first book of the Pactem Orbis Legends by Karen Seymour. Gemma Alexandra Pointe is not the girl who's going to save the world. She's not a sports goddess, or a 4.0 student. In all senses of the word, she is average, below average in some cases, but for whatever reason, she is also a supernatural. Descended from elementals, she is about to have her world transformed. On her 21st birthday, she isn't going to bars like the rest of the college kids her age; she's going to be gifted with powers beyond her comprehension. Caught between a life of normalcy and one of power, life, and war, Gemma has to make some of the most difficult choices she will ever have to make.
The more time you spend with this book, the more you like it. At first, I'm not going to lie, Gemma kind of rubbed me the wrong way. She's a bit whiny and needy. She's not the kind of girl I would have typically been friends with in high school, and so I felt that clash in our personalities. However, as most people do when you spend time with them, her personality and quirks started to grow on me until I was genuinely concerned with her story. I wanted to know everything about her and her particular mythos and be right there on the ride, experiencing her battles and losses with her. That, my friends, is the mark of a great character. Karen Seymour has a very strong writing style that lends itself to the characterization and personalities of her characters specifically. She is great at plotting and imagery as well, but it was the characters that hooked me and kept me interested. Make sure to check out Unearthed and any other books in the Pactem Orbis Legends if you like interesting characters blended with a paranormal and/or elemental focus!
Unearthed is the first book of the Pactem Orbis Legends by Karen Seymour. Gemma Alexandra Pointe is not the girl who's going to save the world. She's not a sports goddess, or a 4.0 student. In all senses of the word, she is average, below average in some cases, but for whatever reason, she is also a supernatural. Descended from elementals, she is about to have her world transformed. On her 21st birthday, she isn't going to bars like the rest of the college kids her age; she's going to be gifted with powers beyond her comprehension. Caught between a life of normalcy and one of power, life, and war, Gemma has to make some of the most difficult choices she will ever have to make.
The more time you spend with this book, the more you like it. At first, I'm not going to lie, Gemma kind of rubbed me the wrong way. She's a bit whiny and needy. She's not the kind of girl I would have typically been friends with in high school, and so I felt that clash in our personalities. However, as most people do when you spend time with them, her personality and quirks started to grow on me until I was genuinely concerned with her story. I wanted to know everything about her and her particular mythos and be right there on the ride, experiencing her battles and losses with her. That, my friends, is the mark of a great character. Karen Seymour has a very strong writing style that lends itself to the characterization and personalities of her characters specifically. She is great at plotting and imagery as well, but it was the characters that hooked me and kept me interested. Make sure to check out Unearthed and any other books in the Pactem Orbis Legends if you like interesting characters blended with a paranormal and/or elemental focus!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-defence-of-troia&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T1/images/I/41RO7OAgmeL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="The Defence of Troia" is a sweeping alternate history/ fantasy tale set in a world where the history of both elves and men are intertwined. As the second book of Dr. Neil Port's 'Paladin Chronicles', "The Defence of Troia" continues the adventures of Hakeem, Elana and Jacinta as they aid the besieged city of Troia. They must find a way to consolid...){kind=link}
The Defence of Troia
Book 2 The Paladin Chronicles
Neil Port
2013 Honorable Mention
478 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Eduardo Aduna for Readers' Favorite
"The Defence of Troia" is a sweeping alternate history/ fantasy tale set in a world where the history of both elves and men are intertwined. As the second book of Dr. Neil Port's 'Paladin Chronicles', "The Defence of Troia" continues the adventures of Hakeem, Elana and Jacinta as they aid the besieged city of Troia. They must find a way to consolidate the city's defenses against the entire might of the Makedone army while searching for ancient elven artifacts that can aid in their struggle. Set in the cradle of Western civilization, "The Defence of Troia" is a vivid re-telling of the the rise and fall of the Greek and Macedonian cultures.
Historical fantasy really doesn't get better than this. Dr. Neil Port's attention to detail is extraordinary. I think I learned more about ancient warfare from reading this fantasy novel than from all the history books I read during high school. It is a rare author who can mesh fantasy and history into a compelling account, one that leaves the reader utterly unsure when reality stops and fantasy begins. The book is just epic in its scope and brilliant in its delivery. Interesting characters, exotic settings and brilliant military strategies all contrive to keep readers like myself hooked from start to finish. I found myself feeling Hakeem's pain as he watched men die. I found myself shaking with Jacinta as she survived the terror of battle. Writing in such a way to induce such empathy from readers is one of the strengths of this book. Every character, friend and foe alike, is a multifaceted being. No alternate history/fantasy novel is complete without sweeping armies and brutal battles. "The Defence of Troia" delivers a vivid account of ancient warfare with a fantasy twist that can leave readers contemplating military scenarios and tactical positioning hours after finishing the book. The battle scenes are incredibly detailed: gory, gritty and gut wrenching. I found myself rereading several passages and just letting my imagination wander in this wonderful world that Dr. Neil Port has intricately woven.
"The Defence of Troia" is a sweeping alternate history/ fantasy tale set in a world where the history of both elves and men are intertwined. As the second book of Dr. Neil Port's 'Paladin Chronicles', "The Defence of Troia" continues the adventures of Hakeem, Elana and Jacinta as they aid the besieged city of Troia. They must find a way to consolidate the city's defenses against the entire might of the Makedone army while searching for ancient elven artifacts that can aid in their struggle. Set in the cradle of Western civilization, "The Defence of Troia" is a vivid re-telling of the the rise and fall of the Greek and Macedonian cultures.
Historical fantasy really doesn't get better than this. Dr. Neil Port's attention to detail is extraordinary. I think I learned more about ancient warfare from reading this fantasy novel than from all the history books I read during high school. It is a rare author who can mesh fantasy and history into a compelling account, one that leaves the reader utterly unsure when reality stops and fantasy begins. The book is just epic in its scope and brilliant in its delivery. Interesting characters, exotic settings and brilliant military strategies all contrive to keep readers like myself hooked from start to finish. I found myself feeling Hakeem's pain as he watched men die. I found myself shaking with Jacinta as she survived the terror of battle. Writing in such a way to induce such empathy from readers is one of the strengths of this book. Every character, friend and foe alike, is a multifaceted being. No alternate history/fantasy novel is complete without sweeping armies and brutal battles. "The Defence of Troia" delivers a vivid account of ancient warfare with a fantasy twist that can leave readers contemplating military scenarios and tactical positioning hours after finishing the book. The battle scenes are incredibly detailed: gory, gritty and gut wrenching. I found myself rereading several passages and just letting my imagination wander in this wonderful world that Dr. Neil Port has intricately woven.
Recommend this book:
A Mage's Quest
Guardian of the Dragons Series
Gary & Isabel Walbourne
2013 Finalist
308 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Garigard Kirton, or Garig to all, was only two weeks old when his parents were killed by three mages. Raised by his uncle and aunt, Charles and Madge Thompson, Garig was skillfully trained in magic and combat skills. His great-grandfather, Healer McGarkin, a Druid priest and a powerful mage, was supposed to visit Garig later that spring, much to Garig’s delight. But when the Trade Caravans came to the Valley, Garig learned that Healer McGarkin was missing. When his uncle didn't seem to worry about it, Garig decided to seek his great-grandfather on his own, a journey that would put his skills to the ultimate test. Along the way, he also learned about his family history and, most importantly, his great destiny.
A Mage’s Quest is the second installment by Gary and Isabel Walbourne in the series Guardian of the Dragons. Although I haven’t read the first book, I was able to enjoy the story as it is very well-written and there is sufficient background story to the characters for me to make the connection to the first installment. The story engaged me from start to finish. Overall, it is a complete fantasy book; great destiny for the hero, sword fights, magic and dragons! Fantasy fans of all ages will definitely want to give this book (and the series) a go. I, on the other hand, will seek out the first book, A Mage Is Born, to properly complete my reading and I look forward to the third book.
Garigard Kirton, or Garig to all, was only two weeks old when his parents were killed by three mages. Raised by his uncle and aunt, Charles and Madge Thompson, Garig was skillfully trained in magic and combat skills. His great-grandfather, Healer McGarkin, a Druid priest and a powerful mage, was supposed to visit Garig later that spring, much to Garig’s delight. But when the Trade Caravans came to the Valley, Garig learned that Healer McGarkin was missing. When his uncle didn't seem to worry about it, Garig decided to seek his great-grandfather on his own, a journey that would put his skills to the ultimate test. Along the way, he also learned about his family history and, most importantly, his great destiny.
A Mage’s Quest is the second installment by Gary and Isabel Walbourne in the series Guardian of the Dragons. Although I haven’t read the first book, I was able to enjoy the story as it is very well-written and there is sufficient background story to the characters for me to make the connection to the first installment. The story engaged me from start to finish. Overall, it is a complete fantasy book; great destiny for the hero, sword fights, magic and dragons! Fantasy fans of all ages will definitely want to give this book (and the series) a go. I, on the other hand, will seek out the first book, A Mage Is Born, to properly complete my reading and I look forward to the third book.
Recommend this book:
Weeds
F. Whitney Harrington
2013 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
“Weeds” by F. Whitney Harrington is a remarkably entertaining work of science fiction, well worth reading by any and all fans of that genre. The premise is a simple one: an alien ship lands in a field on a remote farm, telepathically requesting permission to approach the farmer. With preliminaries out of the way, the aliens explain that the soil on his farm is rich with an element not yet discovered by human-kind, as it is very rare throughout the universe. The story’s title comes from the fact that the element is particularly potent in a specific weed growing on the farm, as it is taken up by the plants in their normal process of growing. The element, dubbed “Prolifity” by the aliens is, in essence, a fountain of youth, for by refining this element and using it medically, they had learned to conquer the aging process by regularly reinvigorating their bodies. Naturally such a substance is invaluable, attracting unwanted attention from a variety of undesirables, both human and alien. But good wins out over evil, and ultimately the entire universe is the better for it. All Derf, the farmer, has to do is grow weeds.
Derf has got to be the single most laid-back person in the universe. An alien spaceship lands in his field, aliens disembark and communicate telepathically, and he just sits in his rocker on the porch, watches them approach, and offers them a drink! I have never seen that scenario before in any book or movie, but it certainly turns out to be in character for Derf. Throughout this enchanting story, Derf plays well with the aliens, and even comes up with a number of ideas to further their objectives. F. Whitney Harrington has turned out an extraordinary new style of sci-fi that others will soon try to emulate. Keep an eye out for that name; it won’t be going away for a long time.
“Weeds” by F. Whitney Harrington is a remarkably entertaining work of science fiction, well worth reading by any and all fans of that genre. The premise is a simple one: an alien ship lands in a field on a remote farm, telepathically requesting permission to approach the farmer. With preliminaries out of the way, the aliens explain that the soil on his farm is rich with an element not yet discovered by human-kind, as it is very rare throughout the universe. The story’s title comes from the fact that the element is particularly potent in a specific weed growing on the farm, as it is taken up by the plants in their normal process of growing. The element, dubbed “Prolifity” by the aliens is, in essence, a fountain of youth, for by refining this element and using it medically, they had learned to conquer the aging process by regularly reinvigorating their bodies. Naturally such a substance is invaluable, attracting unwanted attention from a variety of undesirables, both human and alien. But good wins out over evil, and ultimately the entire universe is the better for it. All Derf, the farmer, has to do is grow weeds.
Derf has got to be the single most laid-back person in the universe. An alien spaceship lands in his field, aliens disembark and communicate telepathically, and he just sits in his rocker on the porch, watches them approach, and offers them a drink! I have never seen that scenario before in any book or movie, but it certainly turns out to be in character for Derf. Throughout this enchanting story, Derf plays well with the aliens, and even comes up with a number of ideas to further their objectives. F. Whitney Harrington has turned out an extraordinary new style of sci-fi that others will soon try to emulate. Keep an eye out for that name; it won’t be going away for a long time.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/destinys-present&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T2/images/I/51pL2G7o5gL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Destiny's Present" by Patricia C. Lee is the second book of the 'Daughters of the Crescent Moon series'. The sorceress Narena has done a lot of things for Leisos, advised the King, healed a young girl and even sent a Prince forward in time so that he did not die. As if all of that was not enough, she is now being asked to sacrifice even more to pr...){kind=link}
Destiny's Present
Daughters of the Crescent Moon, Book 2
Patricia C. Lee
2013 Finalist
326 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite
"Destiny's Present" by Patricia C. Lee is the second book of the 'Daughters of the Crescent Moon series'. The sorceress Narena has done a lot of things for Leisos, advised the King, healed a young girl and even sent a Prince forward in time so that he did not die. As if all of that was not enough, she is now being asked to sacrifice even more to protect her people: a sacrifice of herself, her lover or her child. It could be that she has to sacrifice all three. Narena is always on the hunt for those who would threaten the royal family of Leisos and also for her daughter who was taken away from her when the little girl was born. The problem with this adventure? Narena finds out a great deal on this quest: love and hate, loyalty and betrayal and the biggest revelation of all.
Patricia C. Lee has created an enthralling story with all the characters in Destiny's present. I was riveted to the pages from the first to the last and trying to untie all the little strands of the story as I tugged along on them. I still have some questions, but I like that feeling. Some characters I love, some I hate and some I am not sure what to think of. Ardis the warrior is perhaps the foremost. I am not sure if I like his character or not, but I do know that I want to learn more. I enjoyed this book a great deal and I highly recommend it.
"Destiny's Present" by Patricia C. Lee is the second book of the 'Daughters of the Crescent Moon series'. The sorceress Narena has done a lot of things for Leisos, advised the King, healed a young girl and even sent a Prince forward in time so that he did not die. As if all of that was not enough, she is now being asked to sacrifice even more to protect her people: a sacrifice of herself, her lover or her child. It could be that she has to sacrifice all three. Narena is always on the hunt for those who would threaten the royal family of Leisos and also for her daughter who was taken away from her when the little girl was born. The problem with this adventure? Narena finds out a great deal on this quest: love and hate, loyalty and betrayal and the biggest revelation of all.
Patricia C. Lee has created an enthralling story with all the characters in Destiny's present. I was riveted to the pages from the first to the last and trying to untie all the little strands of the story as I tugged along on them. I still have some questions, but I like that feeling. Some characters I love, some I hate and some I am not sure what to think of. Ardis the warrior is perhaps the foremost. I am not sure if I like his character or not, but I do know that I want to learn more. I enjoyed this book a great deal and I highly recommend it.
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