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Recommend this book:
Blade of the Destroyer
The Last Bucelarii: Book 1
Andy Peloquin
2016 Finalist
298 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Chris Fischer for Readers' Favorite
A bloodthirsty knife that controls a man. A killer with an unknown past, a need for death and destruction, and an underlying desire to protect the most vulnerable. An immortal available for hire, but only at the right price. All of these elements add up to an unbelievably fantastic read. In Blade of the Destroyer: The Last Bucelarii, Book One by author Andy Peloquin, you will find all of these and so much more. Follow the Hunter of Voramis, the above mentioned immortal assassin, as he sets off on a contract to avenge a crime committed against a young girl. It's during this commission that the Hunter realizes it is he who might have become the hunted. But if he gives up his quest, he might also give up the chance to find out who he really is, and that's not something he's willing to leave behind so easily.
This book is fantastic. Drawing the reader in from page one, this page-turning thrill ride of a story is full of excitement, adventure, and suspense. Written from a unique point of view, that of the killer, Blade of the Destroyer has an extremely intriguing premise and storyline. Author Andy Peloquin does a fantastic job of creating a mysterious and enigmatic character in the Hunter, and has also created a world that is at the same time creepy and believable. Blade of the Destroyer would be enjoyed by any reader who likes action, adventure, a dark leading character, or just a plain excellent piece of fiction. I am extremely excited for the next installment in The Last Bucelarii series, and hope that the very promising author, Andy Peloquin, is hard at work on it at this very moment.
A bloodthirsty knife that controls a man. A killer with an unknown past, a need for death and destruction, and an underlying desire to protect the most vulnerable. An immortal available for hire, but only at the right price. All of these elements add up to an unbelievably fantastic read. In Blade of the Destroyer: The Last Bucelarii, Book One by author Andy Peloquin, you will find all of these and so much more. Follow the Hunter of Voramis, the above mentioned immortal assassin, as he sets off on a contract to avenge a crime committed against a young girl. It's during this commission that the Hunter realizes it is he who might have become the hunted. But if he gives up his quest, he might also give up the chance to find out who he really is, and that's not something he's willing to leave behind so easily.
This book is fantastic. Drawing the reader in from page one, this page-turning thrill ride of a story is full of excitement, adventure, and suspense. Written from a unique point of view, that of the killer, Blade of the Destroyer has an extremely intriguing premise and storyline. Author Andy Peloquin does a fantastic job of creating a mysterious and enigmatic character in the Hunter, and has also created a world that is at the same time creepy and believable. Blade of the Destroyer would be enjoyed by any reader who likes action, adventure, a dark leading character, or just a plain excellent piece of fiction. I am extremely excited for the next installment in The Last Bucelarii series, and hope that the very promising author, Andy Peloquin, is hard at work on it at this very moment.
Recommend this book:
The Universe Builders
Bernie and the Putty
Steve LeBel
2015 Gold Medal
396 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty by Steve LeBel is an epic science fiction novel about creation, and a race of shimmering gods that use something called universe putty to help mold worlds, and such. Get it? Kind of like Silly Putty, but on steroids. The story begins with Bernie, growing up in the shadow of his father, Simeon, one of the most renowned universe builders with three best universe awards. After his parents divorce, his father abandons Bernie and his mother. Forced to live in poverty, Bernie grows up with minimal friends. Billy is the bully that plagues Bernie his whole life, especially after Bernie came to his friend Suzie’s rescue. After Bernie graduates from school with a universe building degree, he applies for a builder's job, and lands a probational position with The Business. As an average student the odds are against Bernie from the start, especially when he finds out that his nemesis, Billy, is in the cubicle next to his. Billy’s uncle is the boss. Bernie is given a trial project of building a universe and if he passes, he gets a permanent position. Billy is out for revenge from day one, and sets out to sabotage any chances Bernie has.
Steve LeBel does a magnificent job of creating a race of gods that are, above all else, human, except for being immortal creators that is. Steve’s writing style pulls you into the story with a sense of humor that often occurs in the last line of a chapter. You simply cannot help laughing out loud, while turning the page to start the next chapter. Although this is an epic sci-fi novel, it is a marvelous story that will touch you in more ways than you would ever expect. The Universe Builders is smart, witty, creative, and captivating like nothing I have ever read before. Almost impossible to put down. Awesome!
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty by Steve LeBel is an epic science fiction novel about creation, and a race of shimmering gods that use something called universe putty to help mold worlds, and such. Get it? Kind of like Silly Putty, but on steroids. The story begins with Bernie, growing up in the shadow of his father, Simeon, one of the most renowned universe builders with three best universe awards. After his parents divorce, his father abandons Bernie and his mother. Forced to live in poverty, Bernie grows up with minimal friends. Billy is the bully that plagues Bernie his whole life, especially after Bernie came to his friend Suzie’s rescue. After Bernie graduates from school with a universe building degree, he applies for a builder's job, and lands a probational position with The Business. As an average student the odds are against Bernie from the start, especially when he finds out that his nemesis, Billy, is in the cubicle next to his. Billy’s uncle is the boss. Bernie is given a trial project of building a universe and if he passes, he gets a permanent position. Billy is out for revenge from day one, and sets out to sabotage any chances Bernie has.
Steve LeBel does a magnificent job of creating a race of gods that are, above all else, human, except for being immortal creators that is. Steve’s writing style pulls you into the story with a sense of humor that often occurs in the last line of a chapter. You simply cannot help laughing out loud, while turning the page to start the next chapter. Although this is an epic sci-fi novel, it is a marvelous story that will touch you in more ways than you would ever expect. The Universe Builders is smart, witty, creative, and captivating like nothing I have ever read before. Almost impossible to put down. Awesome!
Recommend this book:
 by Alia Luria, Mia Jayne discovers a book that will change her planet forever. A battle has been waging beneath the crust of her home world and with this new discovery, the battle will be brought to the surface. It's conscience vs heart. Freedom vs captivity. Past vs future. You always have a choice and tha...){kind=link}
Compendium
Artifacts of Lumin Book 1
Alia Luria
2015 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Samantha Coville for Readers' Favorite
In Compendium (Artifacts of Lumin Book 1) by Alia Luria, Mia Jayne discovers a book that will change her planet forever. A battle has been waging beneath the crust of her home world and with this new discovery, the battle will be brought to the surface. It's conscience vs heart. Freedom vs captivity. Past vs future. You always have a choice and that can change everything.
Wow, wow, wow. Talk about unique. This sci-fi fantasy world that Alia Luria has created in Compendium will blow your mind away with its balance between detail and breezy pleasure. There's so much information to absorb here, but you never feel too overly burdened. And the characters could be my next door neighbors; they're so realistic. I really feel that the planet of Lumin exists out there in the galaxy. That is a difficult thing to achieve when the author is talking about fantasy stories.
The society on this planet has its own aura to it. There are little quirks about the way people talk and interact that creates a civilization to rival Tolkien and Lewis in its detail and spread. If you have plans for the next few days, do not pick up this book. I repeat: do not start unless you are willing to read for hours on end, gripped by the racing story line and breathtaking intrigue that fills the pages. I cannot wait for the next book to come out and I hope the series continues for many more books after that. I'm bookmarking this author because I know I will fall in love with every word she writes. Wow.
In Compendium (Artifacts of Lumin Book 1) by Alia Luria, Mia Jayne discovers a book that will change her planet forever. A battle has been waging beneath the crust of her home world and with this new discovery, the battle will be brought to the surface. It's conscience vs heart. Freedom vs captivity. Past vs future. You always have a choice and that can change everything.
Wow, wow, wow. Talk about unique. This sci-fi fantasy world that Alia Luria has created in Compendium will blow your mind away with its balance between detail and breezy pleasure. There's so much information to absorb here, but you never feel too overly burdened. And the characters could be my next door neighbors; they're so realistic. I really feel that the planet of Lumin exists out there in the galaxy. That is a difficult thing to achieve when the author is talking about fantasy stories.
The society on this planet has its own aura to it. There are little quirks about the way people talk and interact that creates a civilization to rival Tolkien and Lewis in its detail and spread. If you have plans for the next few days, do not pick up this book. I repeat: do not start unless you are willing to read for hours on end, gripped by the racing story line and breathtaking intrigue that fills the pages. I cannot wait for the next book to come out and I hope the series continues for many more books after that. I'm bookmarking this author because I know I will fall in love with every word she writes. Wow.
Recommend this book:
Misplaced
SL Hulen
2015 Honorable Mention
367 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite
The universe is full of mysteries and some of the most enduring are the explanation for the building of the pyramids, the disappearance of the Anasazi and the belief that earth has been visited by extra-terrestrial beings in times long past. In Misplaced by S.L. Hulen, all of these questions are dumped at the feet of a very down-to-earth lawyer whose goal is to ease the suffering of immigrants to El Paso, Texas. With the appearance of a young woman who was certainly not the usual client at the Center for Help, Victoria’s world is turned upside down as she struggles to make sense of the situation. Coming to grips with the arrival of a royal visitor from 2181 B.C. Egypt, Victoria works as hard as ever to make the arrangements needed to get Khara back home to fulfill her destiny. Hunted for her priceless jewelry by a discredited Egyptologist, Khara travels to New Mexico with Victoria in hopes of finding the portal through which she can return to take her rightful place as the Queen of the Upper and Lower Kingdoms. Is it possible or are the old tales and legends of the ancient days simply stories?
As unbelievable as the events may seem, S.L. Hulen weaves them together masterfully to create a truly interesting, engaging story full of mystery, love, loss and adventure. The greed of some human hearts is balanced by the self-sacrifice of others so that what is right has the chance to triumph. No one ever said that life is fair – it just takes a different way of looking at things to rise above the disappointment. Misplaced is a story you will be sorry to see end.
The universe is full of mysteries and some of the most enduring are the explanation for the building of the pyramids, the disappearance of the Anasazi and the belief that earth has been visited by extra-terrestrial beings in times long past. In Misplaced by S.L. Hulen, all of these questions are dumped at the feet of a very down-to-earth lawyer whose goal is to ease the suffering of immigrants to El Paso, Texas. With the appearance of a young woman who was certainly not the usual client at the Center for Help, Victoria’s world is turned upside down as she struggles to make sense of the situation. Coming to grips with the arrival of a royal visitor from 2181 B.C. Egypt, Victoria works as hard as ever to make the arrangements needed to get Khara back home to fulfill her destiny. Hunted for her priceless jewelry by a discredited Egyptologist, Khara travels to New Mexico with Victoria in hopes of finding the portal through which she can return to take her rightful place as the Queen of the Upper and Lower Kingdoms. Is it possible or are the old tales and legends of the ancient days simply stories?
As unbelievable as the events may seem, S.L. Hulen weaves them together masterfully to create a truly interesting, engaging story full of mystery, love, loss and adventure. The greed of some human hearts is balanced by the self-sacrifice of others so that what is right has the chance to triumph. No one ever said that life is fair – it just takes a different way of looking at things to rise above the disappointment. Misplaced is a story you will be sorry to see end.
Recommend this book:
Zeus Is Dead
A Monstrously Inconvenient Adventure
Michael G. Munz
2015 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Michelle Randall for Readers' Favorite
The Greek gods have returned to the public eye, prompted by the death of Zeus. What? That's right, the king of the gods, Zeus, is dead and the rest of the gods have come back into view to be worshiped and given their due once again. Only Apollo seems to be troubled by this strange turn of events and he is determined to discover who actually killed Zeus and do something about it. When Apollo has a vision of a human, he feels that this person is key to the answers he needs. So Apollo and the Muses track down out-of-work online gambler Lief Karlson, who ends up paired with TV producer Tracy Wallace. Together with Apollo and the Muses, they must uncover what really happened to Zeus and who was behind it, all while staying one step ahead of Ares and Athena, who are out to get rid of the mortals before they can complete their mission. Zeus Is Dead: A Monstrously Inconvenient Adventure is Michael G. Munz's comic look at the adventure that takes place.
Zeus is Dead may build on the current popular trend of stories about the Greek gods, but it is not what you are expecting. This is a comical and hilarious look at the Greek gods, at mortals, and the adventure they all undertake together and against each other. So many lines in this book will have you literally rolling on the floor with laughter! Michael G. Munz has created a book that, while trending popularly, is different and exciting. It is a great read for pre-teens on up through older adults! Older adults will understand some of the references better than younger readers, which makes it an awesome family fun read! Share it with a kid today!
The Greek gods have returned to the public eye, prompted by the death of Zeus. What? That's right, the king of the gods, Zeus, is dead and the rest of the gods have come back into view to be worshiped and given their due once again. Only Apollo seems to be troubled by this strange turn of events and he is determined to discover who actually killed Zeus and do something about it. When Apollo has a vision of a human, he feels that this person is key to the answers he needs. So Apollo and the Muses track down out-of-work online gambler Lief Karlson, who ends up paired with TV producer Tracy Wallace. Together with Apollo and the Muses, they must uncover what really happened to Zeus and who was behind it, all while staying one step ahead of Ares and Athena, who are out to get rid of the mortals before they can complete their mission. Zeus Is Dead: A Monstrously Inconvenient Adventure is Michael G. Munz's comic look at the adventure that takes place.
Zeus is Dead may build on the current popular trend of stories about the Greek gods, but it is not what you are expecting. This is a comical and hilarious look at the Greek gods, at mortals, and the adventure they all undertake together and against each other. So many lines in this book will have you literally rolling on the floor with laughter! Michael G. Munz has created a book that, while trending popularly, is different and exciting. It is a great read for pre-teens on up through older adults! Older adults will understand some of the references better than younger readers, which makes it an awesome family fun read! Share it with a kid today!
Recommend this book:
A Warrior's Path
The Castes and the OutCastes Book 1
Davis Ashura
2015 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Davis Ashura’s A Warrior's Path series is quite the hidden gem in the fantasy genre, introducing its vast world and multi-dimensional characters through Book One: The Castes and the OutCastes. The demon Suwraith, the Bringer of Sorrows, has been constantly seeking out the absolute extinction of humanity since her arrival. Her Chimeras roam the wilderness, relentlessly threaten and exterminate anyone who is not in the safe protection of the cities’ walls. Rukh Shektan is a young warrior who not only has to live his life in a ruthless caste system, but also survive a never-ending war with the Chimeras. Worst of all, he discovers Suwraith’s plan to raze his home; the city of Ashoka.
The world-building is excellent and the plot is strong. The characters are engaging and well-fleshed out. Actions scenes are written in great detail without superfluous aspects. I also appreciated that Ashura makes some room for humor in the story. On the other hand, the beginning is a slow start for me as there are some descriptions that I think could be trimmed down or simplified. Additionally, the caste system integrated in the story is a double-edged sword. It adds an interesting and gritty element, yet it also brings slight negativity to my reading as it relates to bigotry. However, I don’t necessarily see this as a flaw of the book, but merely how it affects me as a reader. On the whole, A Warrior's Path has all the crucial prerequisites to make it enjoyable to fantasy fans in general while attracting some loyal fans along the way.
Davis Ashura’s A Warrior's Path series is quite the hidden gem in the fantasy genre, introducing its vast world and multi-dimensional characters through Book One: The Castes and the OutCastes. The demon Suwraith, the Bringer of Sorrows, has been constantly seeking out the absolute extinction of humanity since her arrival. Her Chimeras roam the wilderness, relentlessly threaten and exterminate anyone who is not in the safe protection of the cities’ walls. Rukh Shektan is a young warrior who not only has to live his life in a ruthless caste system, but also survive a never-ending war with the Chimeras. Worst of all, he discovers Suwraith’s plan to raze his home; the city of Ashoka.
The world-building is excellent and the plot is strong. The characters are engaging and well-fleshed out. Actions scenes are written in great detail without superfluous aspects. I also appreciated that Ashura makes some room for humor in the story. On the other hand, the beginning is a slow start for me as there are some descriptions that I think could be trimmed down or simplified. Additionally, the caste system integrated in the story is a double-edged sword. It adds an interesting and gritty element, yet it also brings slight negativity to my reading as it relates to bigotry. However, I don’t necessarily see this as a flaw of the book, but merely how it affects me as a reader. On the whole, A Warrior's Path has all the crucial prerequisites to make it enjoyable to fantasy fans in general while attracting some loyal fans along the way.
Recommend this book:
Attrition
The First Act of Penance: Three Acts of Penance
S.G. Night
2014 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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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:
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:
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:
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.
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