SYNOPSIS: The Old Empire is gone
But tales still tell of marvels from long ago-flying machines and devices run by the power of lightning. Now grass grows in the streets and rusted hulks are all that remain of the proud machines. A new time of troubles now threatens. The free towns of the rugged mountains and plains are in the path of conquest. The Prophet's armies are coming, filled with hatred and armed with terrible, rediscovered weapons. Donald of Fisher, outcast and alone, is in the path of the march, searching for Rachel, who has been captured by the Raiders-minions of the Prophet. But how can he find and rescue one small captive in a wilderness teeming with enemies? And even if he succeeds, should he wield his sword beside the tiny band of defenders? Is Donald to become yet another victim, or is he, just possibly, the deliverer promised in prophecy? What can one person do in the face of a war that will shape the future of a continent?
MY REVIEW: First, let me apologize for my late post. As much as I tried to complete this book in time for April's showcase, it just didn't happen. I tried to get into this one but anyone who follows my reviews knows that anything with horses and sword fights is just not for me... now that I've gotten that off my chest, here is my review:
“If you want peace, prepare for war.”
This story alternates through the perspectives of Philip, a young farm boy arriving home from school to witness his parents being assaulted by corrupt tax collectors, then flips to the story of Donald Fisher, a survivor of an ambush who is now being accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Both men find themselves in crippling situations at the mercy of the law.
At some point, the alternating perspectives stop and only focus on Don. (The reader almost seems to forget about Philip entirely.) I’m not disappointed with Don’s story, but it almost seemed like Philip was nothing more than an afterthought. I imagine he will come in to play later on in the story, but for the first half of the book, he doesn’t seem to serve a purpose.
Going back to Donald of Fisher, we watch as he slowly transforms from a cowardly lore-man (who doesn’t seem to know much about the world’s history to have such a title... It always seems that his colleagues are reminding him of old fables…) to a strong warrior of the Red Axe army.
What was enjoyable about this book was the fact that Donald lived in a world full of war, deceit, treachery and lies yet in every dire situation, he seemed to find a loyal companion which brought him both aide and hope. However, this is not my preferred genre of book and no matter how hard I tried; I just could not get into it. I decided to abandon the book after 52%, but I still give the author three stars as the writing was perfect and I am sure many fans of Games of Thrones would enjoy this book.
Author's Bio: Born on a ranch in Western Colorado. Now lives in New Mexico. Fond of elk hunting, travel, reading and grandchildren.
Vietnam veteran, retired military. Conservationist and retired natural resource manager. Fond of green chiles and Mexican food. Enjoy walking in the desert and viewing the Organ Mountains. Traveled widely; spent nearly five years in Asia.
Buy Links: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TBOLLPY/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TBOLLPY&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2
But tales still tell of marvels from long ago-flying machines and devices run by the power of lightning. Now grass grows in the streets and rusted hulks are all that remain of the proud machines. A new time of troubles now threatens. The free towns of the rugged mountains and plains are in the path of conquest. The Prophet's armies are coming, filled with hatred and armed with terrible, rediscovered weapons. Donald of Fisher, outcast and alone, is in the path of the march, searching for Rachel, who has been captured by the Raiders-minions of the Prophet. But how can he find and rescue one small captive in a wilderness teeming with enemies? And even if he succeeds, should he wield his sword beside the tiny band of defenders? Is Donald to become yet another victim, or is he, just possibly, the deliverer promised in prophecy? What can one person do in the face of a war that will shape the future of a continent?
MY REVIEW: First, let me apologize for my late post. As much as I tried to complete this book in time for April's showcase, it just didn't happen. I tried to get into this one but anyone who follows my reviews knows that anything with horses and sword fights is just not for me... now that I've gotten that off my chest, here is my review:
“If you want peace, prepare for war.”
This story alternates through the perspectives of Philip, a young farm boy arriving home from school to witness his parents being assaulted by corrupt tax collectors, then flips to the story of Donald Fisher, a survivor of an ambush who is now being accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Both men find themselves in crippling situations at the mercy of the law.
At some point, the alternating perspectives stop and only focus on Don. (The reader almost seems to forget about Philip entirely.) I’m not disappointed with Don’s story, but it almost seemed like Philip was nothing more than an afterthought. I imagine he will come in to play later on in the story, but for the first half of the book, he doesn’t seem to serve a purpose.
Going back to Donald of Fisher, we watch as he slowly transforms from a cowardly lore-man (who doesn’t seem to know much about the world’s history to have such a title... It always seems that his colleagues are reminding him of old fables…) to a strong warrior of the Red Axe army.
What was enjoyable about this book was the fact that Donald lived in a world full of war, deceit, treachery and lies yet in every dire situation, he seemed to find a loyal companion which brought him both aide and hope. However, this is not my preferred genre of book and no matter how hard I tried; I just could not get into it. I decided to abandon the book after 52%, but I still give the author three stars as the writing was perfect and I am sure many fans of Games of Thrones would enjoy this book.
Author's Bio: Born on a ranch in Western Colorado. Now lives in New Mexico. Fond of elk hunting, travel, reading and grandchildren.
Vietnam veteran, retired military. Conservationist and retired natural resource manager. Fond of green chiles and Mexican food. Enjoy walking in the desert and viewing the Organ Mountains. Traveled widely; spent nearly five years in Asia.
Buy Links: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TBOLLPY/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TBOLLPY&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2