4/5 Stars, A Great Family Friendly Fantasy
I tried this fantasy offering from R E Palmer an Indie author and have to say I found the book enjoyable and easy to read.
It is a family-friendly fantasy with no gratuitous violence, the fight scenes being non too graphic but enough to convey the threat and horror required, there is no profane language and both protagonists are engaging and likeable.
The story centres around Elodi the Lady of Harlyn, whose father died in tragic and dubious circumstances in the capital of the five kingdoms Archonholm, and Toryn, a farmers son who dreams of more, seeing more of being more, who suddenly finds he is more than he thought he was, that his past, his origin, is shrouded in mystery.
Underpinning both Elodi and Toryn’s story is the Archon, ruler and grand protector of the Five Realms, whose word is law, even to the rulers of the Five Kingdoms for he guards against the growing enemy in the south. The Archon makes more and more demands on the people and resources of the Five Kingdoms, his farsight showing him that the enemy attack is imminent. But the Archon is not all he seems and against this threat in the south, Elodi must find a way to counter the Nordruuk clans of the north who threaten the borders of Harlyn.
The premise holds much promise and delivers on most. The story is well-written and constructed, and fast-paced enough that it kept me engaged. It can be tricky sometimes for an author to balance the story with two main characters, often I find one is more engaging than the other but I felt here that both protagonists held their own and I enjoyed each shift in narrative.
Overall, the story built nicely, epic battles were fought and mystery and magic grew with each chapter reaching a suitable finale with the promise that the story had only just begun. I tend to prefer my fantasy a bit grittier and darker than this tale and grander in plot and scope but that doesn’t take away that this story was a good read and it is suitable for young adults and adults alike.
A D Green 