Traditional Fantasy as it should be. The story begins with a wizard’s apprentice learning his letters, but the mood soon turns dark as the reader is brought into a world where reading is forbidden and a collusion of renegade magicians is formed.
What I loved about this story is that it drew me in right away, instantly transported into a fantasy world where the parameters were clear even as I learned each detail of the world as I went along. This is a mark of well-written Fantasy fiction. It has all the testosterone-laced marks of the sword & sorcery genre; mercenaries, a runaway slave, renegades who hide their ability to recognise letters and that sort of mock-medieval feeling to the imaginary world.
I noted that it held my interest more than a better-known classic fantasy novel (big 6 published) that I’ve been reading at the same time. There is hope, we do have a new generation of Fantasy writers who can tell a story that is both intriguing and full of action. We just have to sift through the self-published slush pile to find these gems. I will be keeping an eye on Walter Rhein.
Rhein can write a good battle scene. Just enough description to make the movie play in your head. The book finishes on a note that leaves the door open for the inevitable sequel, but with an interesting world established, I may well have to read it. I can see this series developing as it goes along and look forward to reading more from this author.
If you enjoyed this review, why not check out more from Jaq D. Hawkins? See what she likes to read and learn about her own writing. Go ahead and click the images provided to add these books to your Amazon wish lists or purchase.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
They say that the earth shifts on its axis every 200,000 years…
When the planet shifted, most of the surface dwellers were destroyed. The few pockets of survivors were left without technology and little supplies, but they built a simple feudal society on the rubble of the city.
Meanwhile the creatures in the deep places moved closer to the surface, taking over the old underground transport tunnels abandoned by the humans. Their own Shamanic way of life had survived only by staying out of sight of the humans who habitually killed what they did not understand.
Five generations of humans passed and the descendants of survivors settled into a way of life that was simple but satisfying, until one day a man wandered into one of the old tunnels…
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Excerpt
The man alternately fought his bindings and tried to appear aggressive to the goblins, as much as a captive with arms and legs bound might do. He puffed out his chest, shouting threats one moment and in the next he would shrink from the prodding, looking pathetic. Haghuf had little taste for such sport, and had just about decided to retreat quietly and leave them to it when the human suddenly saw him standing in the arch of the cavern opening, quiet and still as the stone.
‘You! Are you the leader here?’ shouted the man with all the authority he could muster. Haghuf didn’t answer right away. Slowly, he strolled towards the man, looking at him curiously as if he had never seen such a creature before. In truth, he had seen very few up close in his lifetime. He preferred to keep it that way.
Everything in the room seemed to stop as Haghuf examined the prisoner, crouching down slowly to look him in the eye as was the custom among goblins when engaging an enemy. The human’s chest heaved with quick, shallow breaths. He licked his lips nervously, caught up in the moment of suspense while he waited for an answer. Haghuf turned his head to look at the creature sideways, first one way then the other. Then at last he spoke in his low, gravely voice, slowly and deliberately in the man’s own tongue.
‘We have no leader. We are all one kind here.’
The human’s eyes darted from one goblin to another. His expression exposed his utter bewilderment at the concept of a leaderless race.
‘But surely someone must be in charge?’ he cried, almost desperately. Haghuf again took his time in answering.
‘We are not like you. We do not glory in having power over our own kind.’ Haghuf turned to walk away. Then as an afterthought added over his shoulder, ‘Or imagining that we do.’
‘What shall we do with him?’ shouted one of the goblins.
‘Kill him,’ Haghuf answered flatly, just as he passed back through the arch.
Haghuf chuckled to himself as he walked out of the side cavern. It didn’t matter to him whether the goblins behind him took his suggestion or not. His amusement came from the knowledge that to the human who could not comprehend non-authority, it would have sounded like an order from a superior.
Click here to see a 5 star consumer review of this book by Diane Rapp.
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The Author
image provided by author
Jaq D Hawkins is a published writer with 10 books in publication in the Mind, Body, Spirit genre published by Capall Bann Publishing, as well as four Fantasy novels in print and E-book; The Wake of the Dragon, Dance of the Goblins,Demoniac Dance, and, Power of the Dance, published by Golbin Publishing.
Award-winning author of 5 published books Lillian Brummet produces and hosts the Conscious Discussions talk radio show, and manages the Brummet’s Conscious Blog in partnership with her husband and business partner – Dave Brummet. In those few stolen moments when she is not in the office she can be found spending time with her husband gardening, indulging in nature, camping and walking the many trails in BC’s (Canada) wilderness. The main focus of everything the Brummets do, whether in their personal life or in business, is to inspire hope in individuals – helping them realize the value of their efforts and encouraging them to become more positive, proactive in life.
The Brummet’s Conscious Blog has new posts published every single day, each with its own inspiring quote. We feature submitted articles and poetry, and regular post topics under the headings of: Positive News, Referral Corner, World of Writing Interviews, Conscious Living Events, Brummets in the Media, and Conscious Discussions Talk Radio Show. Readers will find links and banners on the sidebars, and a section called: Green Tip of the Day. The blog has been recognized by Brighter Planet Organization, Regional District of the Kootenay Boundary, Green Providers, and Versitile Bloggers associations.
This PR3 blog has a highly targeted audience who also want to live a more conscious, green, proactive and positive lifestyle. Advertising and networking options are available; the Brummet’s welcome articles or poetry submissions and people can also query for a World of Writing Q&A interview.
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