Reader Views

The Wizard’s Legacy

As I began reading "The Wizard’s Legacy," I was immediately drawn into the story. It begins with the birth of the twins Kylea and Dev. Their mother dies while in childbirth, and they are raised by a couple who had taken her in while she was in labor. Kylea and Dev have special gifts. They discover information about their past in a letter that they find when their home is destroyed and their adoptive father is killed by goblins. This letter leads them to their roots and the ghost of their birth father who was a wizard. They journey to a place that teaches them about their ancestry and their gifts. Kylea is a Mindrider who can communicate with dragons. She is given a magical sword that will kill anyone else who touches it. Dev is given the power of wizardry. He is given a magical staff that will also destroy anyone trying to touch it.

At the time of these discoveries a demon, which their father had once imprisoned, has escaped and is wreaking havoc upon the land. Goblins and trolls are destroying the people and their towns. Dev and Kylea side with dwarves, elves and humans to fight this evil. Dev, with his magical wizard abilities is much more accepted than Kylea. People fear Kylea because of her warrior abilities and her abilities to communicate with dragons. Her connection to dragons is seen as evil and greatly feared. Kylea has to work hard to overcome the mistrust of the people. Both she and Dev have experienced tremendous personal growth as people through their learning experiences given to them by their wizard father. Kylea does everything in her power to help the people; however, they still fear her. She has to work with understanding why they fear her and deal with the pain of not being accepted.

I really, truly loved this story. The characters are very special. Kylea and Dev are particularly endearing and so are a very special dragon and a little creature known as Mimic. Ashley Simmons has written a perfect fantasy. She infuses magic into an adventure of a lifetime. If you were to take away all of the magic, you would still have an incredible story about personal growth and redemption. I really, truly hated for "The Wizard’s Legacy" by Ashley Simmons to end.

The Wizard’s Legacy
Ashley Simmons
Outskirts Press (2008)
ISBN 9781432720902
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/08)

Kushiel’s Mercy (Kushiel’s Legacy)

There is only one major problem when you get your hands on a huge book that you can’t put down; your eyes get really, really tired!  This was the case for me with “Kushiel’s Mercy.”  The adventure spans over 650 pages, and I had a hard time taking a break from my reading.  Needless to say, for two days straight, I went to work with very sore, tired eyes.  Someone even asked me if I had been crying!  Well, maybe a little…
        
“Kushiel’s Mercy” tells the story of Imriel and Sidonie.  Having loved each other forever, they are finally in a place where they are ready to announce it to the world. The only problem with that is that Imriel’s birthmother is somewhat of a hated woman.  She betrayed Sidonie’s people which resulted in the death of many loved ones.  Not having heard much good about his mother, and not having known her, Imriel is issued a huge challenge if he wants to marry Sidonie.  He has to find his mother and bring her back for her execution.  He agrees.
      
Before any of this can happen, a treacherous man who wants Sidonie for himself has a spell cast over the land.  The magic causes Sidonie to forget that she loves Imriel.  The people of her land are given false beliefs.  Imriel has to find a way to help Sidonie and stop this magic.  One way to do this is to go to his mother and ask her lover to tell him how he needs to overcome this evil.  This drastically changes his plans.  Imriel will do anything for his love.  So he sets off on his journey.  Along the way, he has many adventures.
      
One of the things that I loved most about reading “Kushiel’s Mercy” is that is shows you that love can conquer all.  I really got caught up in this story.  The people in it were three-dimensional and constantly evolving as individuals.  Even when overcome by evil magic, Imriel sees the good in the people.  No matter how hard it gets for him, he never gives up.  “Kushiel’s Mercy” by Jacqueline Carey is destined to be a classic.

Kushiel’s Mercy
Jacqueline Carey
Grand Central Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780446500043
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/08)

Animalkind

I found this book to be one of the best fantasy stories that I have ever read.  Action-packed and full of mythical creatures, it drew me in immediately and I did not put it down until I was done.  It is written for more than one audience and people from age 12 up will enjoy this book.  

Thane is from a place called Aegea and is part of the Vegan population.  Several years ago, the people from his village followed Thane’s father out of dangerous lands to the safety of their village.  What makes these people different from us is that they each have a human form and an animal form.  Thane’s animal form was originally a horse, but has recently changed into a mythical creature that no one even knew still existed.  With this new form came many magical powers that Thane is just learning about.   
 
Now the carnivores have found Avryndale by accident and have attacked the villagers.  When the carnivores report back to Fatalis, their man/saber-tooth tiger leader, he sends them on a special mission to find out more about the village and to kill Thane.  An oracle that Fatalis has captured has warned him that his rule is threatened by Thane.  The village is hopelessly outnumbered by the carnivores so they reach out to the two other species groups, the Avians and Aquans.  The clash that follows is so full of action that it almost left me breathless.  

The author is enormously talented and I look forward to reading more by him in the future.  The end of the book leaves off where the next adventure begins.  I certainly hope that the author plans to continue his tale about Thane in future books.  “Animalkind” by Sean P. Griffin would also make an excellent movie.

Animalkind
Sean P. Griffin 
PublishAmerica (2008)
ISBN 9781604745535
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (7/08)

Fire-Heart: A Tale of Alterra, The World That Is Book II

I enjoyed the first book in the fantasy trilogy “Elfhunter” so much that I quickly ordered the next two in the series. The second book, “Fire-Heart,” does not disappoint.  Even though the story spans almost 700 pages, I had trouble putting it down and read it very quickly. 

The story continues as Gaelen the wood elf and the rest of her company decide to leave the land of the elves and travel to the desert.  Orogond, Gaelen’s human love who was raised among the elves finds out who he really is and that he has a brother.  His brother, Hallagond, believes that he has disgraced himself and is unworthy of being a ranger and now goes by the name of Al-amand (the forsaken one) and is now traveling with a band of thieves in the desert. 

The Company’s journey leads them through many terrifying adventures as they take on trolls, slave traders, thieves and almost lose their lives more than once while traveling through the desert.  The trip leads them into the path of one of the most despicable groups of people called “The Scourge.”  Once they realize that the evil band’s final destination is a magical city that few know about, the Company hurries to Silver to warn the city about the impending disaster. 

Gorgon, the evil Elfhunter, does not play as a big a role in the second book as the first, but I suspect that he will be one of the primary characters in the third book, “Ravenshade.”  Gaelen does not want to endanger the elves by fighting Gorgon in the land of the elves and calls him to the desert through a strange bond that they now share.  He shows up towards the end of the book and actually helps the Company because he does not want Gaelen killed by anyone but him.  The book ends with Gorgon making himself known by committing an unspeakable act to one of The Company. 

I really enjoyed reading “Fire-Heart” by C. S. Marks and cannot wait to read the third in the series.  The author’s style drew me in so much that I felt like I was with The Company as they encountered one obstacle after another on their journey.  This is the stuff that makes great movies.Fire-Heart

Fire-Heart
C.S. Marks
AuthorHouse (2008)
ISBN 9781425944421
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (7/08)

Eclipsed by Shadow

“Eclipsed by Shadow” centers around a teenager named Meagan Roberts who is a young equestrian.  The story starts out in the present-day of the summer solstice, June 21, 2001, when a very unique horse is born.  Meagan felt that a horse should name itself, so her foal became “Promise.”  Everyone around town seemed to be interested in this special palomino, especially her neighbor Eleanor Bridgestone.  Ms. Bridgestone tells Meagan the tales of “The Great Horse” throughout history and seems to think that her horse is the next in line, but of the dark variety. “The Great Traveler, with mysterious powers to bring darkness to the world.  Of course, we wouldn’t be sure unless the Great Horse was actually ridden.”  Meagan doesn’t understand this because her horse is light in color, but is about to become “Eclipsed by Shadow” as her light winter coat sheds to reveal solid black.  Some crooked horse trainers get wind of this discovery and try to steal Promise.  This invokes Meagan to protect her.  She gets on her horse’s back and tries to jump a fence to get away.  When she does, Promise sprouts wings and turns into “The Great Horse.”   She flies Meagan back in time for her to the see the way horses were used for work, war, sport, spectacle and even food.

Meagan’s adventure in this first book in a three book series goes from 20,000 B.C. (where the cavemen used horses for food) to 100 A.D. Rome (where horses were used for sport in Chariot fights), and 1240 Crusades (where horses were blindfolded and used in Jousting matches).  In each time travel, Meagan uses her 21st century equine insight to try and help people understand the beauty and sole purpose of horses. 

“Eclipsed by Shadow” was a magical horse story that is suitable for both teenagers and adults alike.  The equine and world history aspects were fascinating and well-researched by the author.  Some facts that I did not know were that horses existed back in 20,000 B.C. or when stirrups, saddles, and horseshoes were discovered.  The ending left me breathless wanting to find out what time period Promise was taking Meagan to next.

Eclipsed by Shadow
John Royce
Micron Press (2008)
ISBN 9780972412131
Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (5/08)

Quondam: An Ancient Mirror’s Tale

It was such a pleasure to be able to get my hands on the latest edition in the “Ancient Mirrors Tale” series by Jayel Gibson.  “Quondam” begins when the evil Queen Karid sends a fire-breathing assassin through a magical portal, into another world, to destroy people whom she fears are a danger to her.  Karid’s ordered assassination attempts pull two women through the portal into Quondam. One of them is Cwen.  She holds a special power to link her to the Dragon spawn. This is a half man/half dragon being that has been held in exile on an island for over a thousand years.  Queen Karid’s attempts to fight the prophecy that links Cwen to D’raekn, the dragon spawn, only manage to push them together. 

When Cwen manages to end up on D’raekn’s island of imprisonment, she appears to have been beaten to death.  Followers of the queen have horribly violated her.  Believing her to be dead, she is dumped into the sea and rescued by mere folk.  D’raeken plays a role in her healing.  Having been emotionally broken by her abusers, he also has to gain her trust.  An intimate moment between the two begins awakening the dormant magical powers of the land.  Previously the queen tried to kill off all the magical beings and hold any powers for herself.  Now the land is awakening, and so are many of the magical inhabitants who have kept themselves hidden. 

D’raekn and Cwen must work together to see that the prophecies come true.  Having people that they believe to be their allies, working against them for their own selfish reasons, works against them.  More mysteries surrounding D’raekn must be solved for them to find the answers that they seek.

I really, truly loved this story and hated to see “Quondam” end.  The magical elements add so much to the story.  The feelings between D’raekn and Cwen are tumultuous and in need of some answers.  The history behind the prophecy of the dragon spawn was fascinating and unique.  Ultimately, this being, which was brought about in a unique manner, has to decide whether or not to choose to be a man or a dragon.  Others decide that his love for Cwen must not get in the way of his decision.  They have a lot working against them, yet through it all, their love has to prevail.  Fans of fantasy novels will love “Quondam.”  Readers who have been following the other books in the Ancient Mirrors Tale series will not be disappointed.

Quondam
Jayel Gibson
Synergy Books (2008)
ISBN 9781933538839
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (5/08)

The Balance of Power: The Zone War, Book 2

I am a very big fan of Terry Cloutier’s first book in the Zone War series, and “The Balance of Power: The Zone War, Book 2” did not disappoint me. The Zone is a world that was created by Edward Fox when he was a young boy, to help him cope with the intense horrors in his life. In it he felt respected and in control of what was happening to him. However, a grown-up Edward now finds himself stuck in The Zone and losing that control, leaving his wife and doctor to ponder over his strange physical state. What is decent and right is once again being contested, making this second book just as uncomfortable and mesmerizing to read as the first one.

This novel is more character-driven than the last. There is more intrigue than big battle scenes, even though the war in The Zone continues. Character links between the “real” world and that of The Zone also become clearer as more of Edward’s past is explained. New characters are introduced and old ones elaborated on, and the story lines flow and intertwine as wonderfully as they did in the first novel. This one, however, is definitely not for younger audiences, not only because of a respectful, but graphic sex scene, but the continued incredible violence. Weakness and vulnerability, and the malicious way these are preyed upon; horrific deeds going unpunished; realistic, objective descriptions of gore and tremendous pain; and exquisite word choices and character actions simply suggesting the nastiness of the moment - Edward’s two worlds have been, and are, extremely harsh places.

There are no great, long descriptions of places, people or things in this novel. Everything in Edward’s world and The Zone simply exists, and the reader steps comfortably back into the story where it left off in “The Zone War: The Demon Inside.” Once again, however, the story ended far too soon for me. I am really anxious to discover the kind of man this once sorry child will become, and which world will claim him. This book, “The Balance of Power: The Zone War, Book 2,” is quite simply an incredible follow-up to an all-round, terrific story.

The Balance of Power: The Zone War, Book 2
Terry Cloutier
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595467211
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (4/08)

The Fortress of Darkness

“The Fortress of Darkness,” the second in a series, continues on two-hundred and fifty years after “Quest for the Source of Darkness.” Not having read the first book, I found “The Fortress of Darkness” to stand well on its own. However, I enjoyed this book so much that I want to go back and read the first one by this author.

“In the Fortress of Darkness” a group of mortals including, elves, dwarves, and a demon are each following their own missions. Fate unites them in one mission. That is to fight Emhalla. Emhalla is a demon who is on a mission to gather all the strong magic in the land so that he can rule. He wants to unleash the underworld on the land and destroy all living creatures.

When the mortals unite to try to destroy Emhalla, they each have to overcome their own personal limitations to triumph. In addition to confronting their weaknesses, they also have to learn to trust each other. This is not easy, especially for two dwarves because they have to work with a Rock Lord who has kept themselves and their people in slavery. While each person learns to overcome their animosities and fears that they hold within themselves, they also discover an incredible amount of inner strength. One of the elves on the mission discovers what his true legacy is.

I truly loved reading “The Fortress of Darkness.” I was disappointed that it had to end. I loved the magical elements used in the story. In addition to demons, elves and dwarves, there was also a powerful dragon, an enchanted spider and other magical creatures. Perry gives each character depth. I never thought that I would like a demon, but she managed to convince me that not all demons are bad. At least there is one tries hard to be good. I loved that she incorporated May, a huge spider into the story. Through May, Perry also managed to convince me that a spider can be cute and endearing. I found that Perry has an ability to change my preconceived perceptions about otherworld creatures. This quality added dimension to the story. While reading this book, I was in her world, not mine. I like that, because it makes the story a true escape from the mundane.

I highly, highly recommend “The Fortress of Darkness” to fans of fantasy. I look forward to reading previous and forthcoming books in this series.

The Fortress of Darkness
Patricia Perry
PublishAmerica LLLP (2007)
ISBN 9781424180974
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/08)

Crossover: Krisálys Chronicles of Féyree: Scroll 1

I give a resounding “Wow!” for Claudia Newcorn’s new book, “Crossover: Krisálys Chronicles of Féyree: Scroll 1,” a light fantasy with substance. This intelligently written adventure story involving old grudges, ambition, love, and other dimensions of existence, also speaks to the difficulties of growing up and making independent, responsible choices.

The story follows the personal growth of Danai and her possible importance to the future of her people. Danai and the other young sprytes undergo the rituals of Krisálys in order to obtain their féyree wings. However, it quickly becomes apparent that each of the rites involved is going to be far more dangerous than the sprytes realize, as not everyone wants them to succeed, or notice that a dark time in féyree history is about to return. I have to admit that the abundant descriptions, invented vocabulary, and the thee/ye speech on the first few pages made me wonder if I would have the patience to finish the book, but by mid-chapter I was hooked. The tightly written characters and adventures in this volume were engrossing, and although the story can easily be continued in future books, Scroll 1 is complete and satisfying on its own.

Even though I am not a féyree kingdom enthusiast, the terrific storytelling in this book has certainly made me a fan of its author. “Crossover: Krisálys Chronicles of Féyree: Scroll 1,” by Claudia Newcorn, will appeal to a variety of ages, and is a good choice for those who think, as I did, that féyree -world stories are generally too fluffy. Interesting and unique, this is simply a wonderfully written, action-filled, thoughtful fantasy book.

Crossover: Krisálys Chronicles of Féyree: Scroll 1
Claudia D. Newcorn
Outskirts Press (2007)
ISBN 9781432707798
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (1/08)

The Winds of Wharhalen

Locke Thomason experienced a series of personal tragedies and unexpected misfortunes. As a result of these, Locke left his mountain homeland bound for Killarassee in the south of the kingdom. While there he met a young peasant girl, a slave of a ruthless nobleman. In an effort to buy her freedom, Locke himself was arrested and later sold into slavery.

“Winds of Wharhlen” is a chronicle of Locke’s story woven into a backdrop of medieval warfare, in an exciting adventure, of romance, betrayal, and reprisal.

Nelson has created a plot that includes all the elements of good story telling. Suspense, drama, adventure, and romance draw the reader into a fast-moving plot that includes the gambit of extremes from the gory details of medieval battle scenes to tender romantic interludes of two shy teenagers.

Characters range from evil warlords, courageous Knights, unfortunate peasants, and slaves, to regal rulers seeking the best for their countrymen.

Kaine, Myleia, Queen Engrid, Jocar, Eylese, and Kira are only a few of the cast of characters who rallied together to fight the warlords vying for power. Tom’s heroes are authentic, resourceful and courageous. His characters create emotions of empathy, distrust, admiration, and animosity. The storyline is believable and fast-moving.

Tom’s own passion for horses and his knowledge of training and riding comes through in his writing as he describes Locke’s specialty, training and bonding with his horses like his own Arawae.

I personally enjoyed Tom’s word pictures which create visual depictions of castles, battle fields, and the canopy of the forest. I felt the cold air in the mountains, the warm sun, and hot days working in the quarries, as well as the emotions felt by the characters as they experienced personal hardship, the urgency of battle, and fear of atrocities, the sense hopelessness, and the prospect of triumph.

Readers of fantasy, medieval history, and romantic escapism will all find a wealth of background information, adventure, fast moving entertainment and pleasure in “Winds of Wharhalen.”

The Winds of Wharhalen
Tom Nelson
Crystal Dreams Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781591460909
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (03/08)