E.S. Barrison's Blog, page 26
August 14, 2020
The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice – 99 cent sale!
Have you been waiting to purchase a copy of The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice?
From August 14th to August 28th, the eBook copy will be on sale for $0.99!
Why not grab it before it’s too late?
Buy now
Dark Irregular – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 / 5 stars)
Kanna never thought of herself as important. An orphan, often teased as a child, and forced to hide her emotions. After her guardian, Morgana, gives her approval, she is escorted to the Palace by Kenneth and Neel to become a knight. But there is a lot hidden in Kanna’s past that she doesn’t know about, and as she forms a friendship with Kenneth as her friend and mentor, she soon learns their paths are more entwined that she realized.
A fast paced adventure, Dark Irregular introduces us to a world where shadows run rampant and the people look to the knights for defense. Kanna is strong, talented, and fearless; slowly, she opens up to the reader…and to her friends as well. Kaitlyn Legaspi does a fantastic job in defining the main characters: between Kanna’s blunt timidness, Kenneth’s focused callousness, and Neel’s joyful playfulness. In such a short novel, you get a feel for who they are and their emotions.
The concept of an Irregular is a unique take on a “demon” type of creature as well. Born out of intense emotion, they haunt the landscape, leaving a void of emptiness that the reader not only feels in Kanna but in the world as a whole. Even as emotions run high, the feeling remains, making the reader wonder themselves if they’ll become a host for an irregular as well.
While I enjoyed the overall plot of Dark Irregular, and at times couldn’t put it down, the story moved a little too fast. I would have liked to spend more time watching the friendships between characters develop, as well as see Kanna face struggles in her training, and not just her ability to master it. The plot itself moves almost too fast, with world building elements mentioned only when they become relevant, rather than leaving clues along the way. Kanna is often thrown into the plot, moved about like a pawn rather than influencing most of the decisions. While this is understandable for a 14-year-old girl without much authority, I hope in future books that she will be able to guide the plot rather than be moved through it like a game piece.
Despite it’s flaws, Dark Irregular is a unique, fast paced fantasy that I think many people would enjoy. I full intend to pick up the sequel, White Blossom, in the near future.
Because with an ending like THAT…who wouldn’t want to read the next book?
What’s it about?
A world consists of two planes of existence. There is the world of the living, where humans, elves, and every whole-spirited creature breathe. Then there is the Void, where demons and beings made of pure darkness, shadows, live.
Almost fifteen years ago, these shadows brought the deaths of the Kingdom of Sylenia’s beloved king and queen and the disappearance of their newborn baby. In the present day, the kingdom remains in the capable hands of a young queen, her major generals, and their knights but is constantly threatened by the growing number of shadows that enter the living world.
A secluded young orphan named Kanna is one of the new apprentices that have been chosen to be trained for the purpose of defeating these shadows. Suddenly called upon to become a knight’s understudy, she is escorted to the palace by two older apprentices. Along the way, she is attacked by the shadows, much to the apprentices’, knights’, and even the major generals’ confusion.
While Kanna is figuring out why the shadows are targeting her, something else occupies her mind. Every time she is knocked unconscious by a shadow, she has familiar visions about a little boy she vaguely recognizes. Kanna eventually finds the boy that keeps appearing in her dreams. However, she meets him at a price due to the presence of a darker, more powerful entity: the Dark Irregular.
Dark Irregular on Goodreads
August 11, 2020
Pushing Through – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 stars)
“Some souls just aren’t meant to be contained.”
Rex Patrick never thought he was destined for greatness. A drug addict and a paraplegic, the chances of him living past the age of thirty weren’t in his favor. But, eventually he finds his way into accepting the 12-step program, finding faith and guidance in not just God, but in cycling as well. He climbs above adversaries and doubts to become not just an Olympian, not just a champion, but also an inspiration.
In this compelling debut novel by Lori Yerxa, we are taken on a journey through Rex’s life. The compelling narrative wraps us in not just his story, but his emotions, his desires, and his unrelenting wish to compete. He does not let his disability define him, and despite all his struggles to compete, he comes to deny his addiction as well.
But while Rex is an inspiration in what he accomplished, from climbing out of homelessness and into the world stage, his story also heeds a warning. It shows the way addiction claws into someone, and no matter how long they are sober, no matter how hard they try, one misstep will send them back into the abyss. Yerxa does an amazing job planting the reader in Rex’s struggles, and through all his missteps and fortunes, there is a message: never give up…and most importantly, keep coming back.
Unfortunately due how and when this book was written, we are left with some holes in Rex’s story. It is impossible to write a biography accurately, even if the person is heavily involved. Yerxa did a fantastic job in telling us Rex’s story though. I don’t think it will be forgotten.
For anyone out there struggling against addiction, self-doubt, or uncertainty, read Rex Patrick’s story. Perhaps you can accomplish something fantastic just the same.
What’s it about?
When Rex’s father gave him a shot of whiskey to numb a toothache, the young boy had no idea the trajectory of his life became even darker. Years later, hopeless and alone, Rex was faced with the choice to continue and die or change and live.
This raw and gritty page-turner follows the life of Paralympic champion Rex Patrick, who endures unthinkable and horrific tragedies. Deep in his addiction, and nowhere to turn, Rex spends his days homeless, hobbling around on crutches, in a park with no trees. One day a police officer pours out Rex’s “wino” wine and he finally hits rock bottom. Hopeless, Rex tries sobriety one more time.
This captivating story takes you on a journey of adventure, courage, and insight into the power of new beliefs, and what happens when you stop listening.
Pushing Through on Goodreads
August 10, 2020
Echoes of the Gidat – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 / 5 stars)
“Memories make those experiences softer, and knowledge makes the problems you had then seem simpler.”
Etevun has brought darkness as he has risen to power. The Evil One, as he is rightly named, has eliminated the Gidat and forced one of the last ones, known as the Lady, into hiding. She is on a question to find the last of the Gidat, a boy named T’Gan, and deliver him to safety. But to gain his trust, she also must teach him about the first Gidat, Minkos. Through the Telling and through their journey, T’Gan begins to grow and accept the prophecy lain before him.
Echoes of the Gidat is a neolithic fantasy reminiscent of a legend combined with adventure. It goes back and forth between Minkos and T’Gan’s story, paralleling each other’s voyages. Emé Savage has created an amazing world, with echoes of our own world, as well as elements from other stories and her own imagination. You will learn about a world at it’s birth and how those events impact T’Gan’s life today. The amount of details and effort that went into this is unimaginable, and to that I have to give a big kudos.
While the story itself is compelling, it does take a bit to get going. There are many unusual phrases (which made the glossary helpful), and I’d say it took me about 35% of the way through to start to piece together all the details. As well, it also took a bit to start identifying the character’s personalities. Minko’s was the most defined, and with T’Gan as his parallel, I began to see their similarities. But these problems it was an initial hurdle that I had to cross in order to really dive into the story
But, once the pieces fall into place, the story is quite compelling. The second half of my book, as T’Gan and the Lady begin their journey, drew me in, and once Kay joined their party, I couldn’t put the book down. Kay is probably my favorite character, and that is only after her brief appearance, and I am excited to see how her story unfolds.
That being said, the Echoes of the Gidat is creative and unique and I cannot wait to see where the story will go in Tetarul Parallel.
What’s it about?
The Gidat have existed since the First One, who was the Hearer of the Voice and defender of his People. His journey revealed a malevolent entity more powerful than anything that came before.
Thousands of years in the future, the Gidat are all but extinct due to a genocide perpetrated by a King who has acquired unnatural powers. The Lady must find and deliver a boy out of the hands of the King. This boy is the Last Gidat, and the best hope for a ravaged Sadatian people.
Through The Telling, the First Gidat reveals a malevolent entity that can take any form… including a King. Can the echoes of a long-forgotten story help a boy who has lost everything?
Echoes of the Gidat on Goodreads
All A Part of The Chaos – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.75 / 5 stars)
“The secret to selling is to suspend the disbelief of the audience.”
Ryder Blakemore, A.K.A. Thunderbolt Ryder, is a master and suspending disbelief. Raised in a pro wrestling family, he needs to live up to his father’s name while also defining himself within the sport. But, sometimes being Thunderbolt Ryder takes a tole on the real Ryder, and when he goes back home to help his friend with a divorce, he begins to wonder what else there is beyond the art of the sell.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I wasn’t sure what I would think at first; I’m not one to read a lot of sports fiction, but All A Part of the Chaos is beautifully written examination of self-hatred and growth. One could say that Ryder is so talented at suspending disbelief and selling himself on the stage, that he even has himself fooled. He righteously follows his friends, his loyalty worn on his sleeve, that he ignores their toxic behavior. Some days, he puffs out his chest and pretends like he is always that wrestler in the ring.
But deep down, Ryder is struggling. When he forms a friendship with Amira at the local supermarket, it helps him explore the depths behind some of his emotions. Griggs does a fantastic job letting Ryder’s emotions and revelations come organically, and throughout the narrative the reader can see him growing from an expected, stuck up, somewhat sexist wrestler, to a man with a big heart…who is still a wrestler!
I do wish we could have explored Ryder’s relationship with his father more. Amid all the drama with his friend and with Amira, some of the other relationships that were equally important were sidelined. His father was one of them. Perhaps Griggs will be exploring that in another novel though.
My hesitancy for this book also initially due to the trope of boy-meets-girl…but the girl has a boyfriend. Part of me worried we would be spending the novel watching Ryder try to woo Amira. But to my satisfaction, that wasn’t the case.
This book is not just a sports book; this is a book about friendship and romance. Ryder is an endearing character to read, and I enjoyed getting in his head. I cannot wait to see what Bubba Griggs puts out there next.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What’s it about?
Everyone thinks that Pro Wrestling is fake, but to Ryder Blakemore, being fake gets him paid.
Born into a tight-knit wrestling family, Ryder is ecstatic when he gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at a shot at the FAW Title. As a wrestler, Ryder lives and dies by the sell, the act of making wrestling look believable to the audience. Armed with his wrestling persona of “Thunderbolt Ryder” and his blue tights, he sets out to cement his legacy as the best wrestler in the world. But not if chaos has anything to say about it. Not the wrestler, but the unexpected and unpredictable changes in life.
With the title match fast approaching, Ryder meets and quickly forms a bond with Amira which causes Ryder to become the man that everyone expects him to be. Because being fake doesn’t get you anywhere with love and Ryder soon finds out that even in wrestling, you can’t sell the way of the heart.
All A part of the Chaos on Goodreads
August 7, 2020
The Jester – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 Stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.25/5 Stars)
It should have been a simple job: follow the map, find the treasure, and get out. But, with a clumsy pig farmer and a conniving candle maker, the job has become anything put simple. Now Royce and Hadrian have to figure out a way out of a riddle-filled trap…before it’s too late.
This is my first introduction into the Riyria Chronicles, and while the story was a great stand alone tale that focuses on the choices between greed, cowardice, and foolishness, I wonder if knowing more about the characters would have helped. The short story starts with a punch: they’re falling to what seemingly might be their deaths. Starting in the middle of the action immediately pulls the reader into the story, and between the constant bickering with their comrades and their own indecisiveness, the story is exciting from start to finish.
But it probably took me a good 40% of the short story to get a grip of what was actually going on. This is no fault of Michael J. Sullivan’s writing; to this, I blame the narrator of the audio book. I picked this up since it was free on audible and it piqued my interest. The narrator does have a way with words, but at least in the beginning my mind began to wander.
Still, often times short stories are written in a way leaving the reader wanting more. In this case, more is available in the Riyria Chronicles, and I have since listening to this book added the first of the Riyria Chronicles to my To-Read List. If the author’s goal was to get me interested, he definitely succeeded. I am also positive those who love the Riyria Chronicles will enjoy this tale as well.
So if you’ve been thinking of dabbling with Riyria, check out this short story. I think it’s a great introduction as well as a fun, quick read. Plus, wouldn’t you be a fool for not checking it out?
What’s it about?
WHO WILL HAVE THE LAST LAUGH?
Stop me if you’ve heard this one. A thief, a candlemaker, an ex-mercenary, and a pig farmer walk into a trap…and what happens to them is no joke. When Riyria is hired to retrieve a jester’s treasure, Royce and Hadrian must match wits with a dwarf who proves to be anything but a fool. Difficult choices will need to be made, and in the end those who laugh last do so because they are the only ones to survive.
This is a standalone short story of 7,200 words, originally published in the Unfettered anthology. No prior knowledge of The Riyria Revelations or The Riyria Chronicles is required to enjoy it to its fullest, making this a perfect introduction for new readers or a chance for Riyria veterans to spend a little more time with old friends. The Jester is a story of adventure, bonds of friendship, and a recognition that the choices we make dictates the future we find.
The Jester on Goodreads
August 6, 2020
Crimson Minds – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 stars)
After the supposed murder of his father and sister, Daniel Cavanough is thrown back into the fray of the Minds. With three competing gangs, crowned by Kings, and an obscure individual known as “Rose” vying for power, Daniel soon realizes that finding out who murdered his family is going to be much bloodier than he anticipated.
A compelling first book in the trilogy, the reader is taken into the streets of Chicago, where three psychics gangs – Reds, Blues, and Diamonds – vie for power. It is interesting climbing into Daniel’s mind here; he’s a very powerful Mind, the Black Dog if you will, who can combat searchers, breakers, and puppeteers while holding to his convictions. But what also makes him interesting is the fact the novel is written in verse. Each word is chosen with care, meaning something, sometimes literally and sometimes figuratively. In away, writing it like this gives us insight into the maze of Daniel’s mind.
I wasn’t sure at first if I would like a verse thriller. I had never read one before but Patrick Kaiser’s book interested me, so I decided to pick it up. While verse might not work for everything, it definitely worked for this story. I could still picture everything happening and I got a feel for each of the characters, especially Daniel, as the story played out.
The downside, of course, of a story in verse, is sometimes you do not get the same amount of character exploration, description, or world building. Often times, this has to be left to the imagination. While I do wish there was more to give us insight into Daniel, his family, and his relationships, I know that this being a verse novel, some of that had to be sacrificed.
Yet, despite these “holes”, if you can call them that, Kaiser does a fantastic job painting the story in poetry. Whenever I picked it up to read, I could hardly put it down, and I kept thinking in rhymes for hour after I finished. Plus…what an ending! I cannot wait to go and pick up the remaining two books in this series, because I absolutely have to know what Rose will do next and if Daniel can stop further chaos from ensuing.
If you are interested in a different type of thriller novel, written in verse, that is action packed from start to finish, I definitely recommend checking out Crimson Minds! You won’t be disappointed.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What’s it about?
It’s said humans use only 10% of our minds. But what if there are some who can use more? In modern day Chicago three gangs of psychic youth vie for power. Led by their Kings, each one seeking to control the city. Unfortunately for them, Daniel Cavanough has no interest in such matters. His only concern is to find the truth of his father and sister’s murder. With The Black Dog sniffing around, and the mysterious Rose throwing her own hat in the ring, it may not be the wind blowing things about.
Is it possible to change Crimson Minds?
Crimson Minds on Goodreads
August 5, 2020
Stellar Eclipse: Dark Lightning – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
A year after Selkess threatened to upend their family, Eureka, Baltan, Azzie, and Llewellyn are trying to make the best of their new lives. But, trauma and fear have left the small family shaken, with an unrelenting fear that danger is on the horizon. That fear is justified when Eureka’s brother, Keida, arrives with news that the Easterners have attacked Kwoltan Gera, and now their tribe is missing.
In a leap for duty to his people, Eureka and his family set out on a journey to help Keida, his wife Shaeda, his daughter Naesa, and young warrior Beialk to find Kwoltan Gera. Along the way though, they get wrapped into the dramas of another tribe deep in the forest, that places their own life at risk.
Avalon Roselin paints a wonderful story, creating a unique world filled with inspirations from both our world and her own imagination. The reader is transported immediately back into the lives of Eureka, Baltan, Azzie, and Lleuwellyn, picking up the pieces after the slaughterhouse incident. The plot moves at just the right pace, giving the reader enough time to reconnect with these characters, as well as make new friends.
I initially said in my review for Cloudless Rain, how I was initially unsure about the story, due to its mix of human and non-human creatures. Once again, I am so glad I was wrong. The Azures are the charm of the Stellar Eclipse series; not only do we see more of them in this book, but we are introduced to the Azures of Morit Gera, who have a genetic trait that allows them to fly. These traits play into their culture, and turn the Azures not into just one type of people, but many types, just like humanity.
And like humanity, they have suffered at the hands of greedy individuals: both Azure and Easterner in kind. While the Easterners take land, once again the Azures are faced with conflict within their tribes, all of which they are forced to over come.
While these ideas of colonialism and internal societal struggles are the heart of Dark Lightning, fundamentally, this is Azzie’s story. We once again delve into Azzie’s point-of-view, where we are not just told a coming of age tale that explores Azzie’s first love and his slowly mounting powers, but also one of a teenager working his way through trauma after years of abuse. Roselin does a fantastic job exploring this, creating a character that is not just defined by his abuse, but also has attributes that define him: a hero-complex similar to his father, an innate curiosity, and a rebellious side. .
That being said, Dark Lightning is quite different from Cloudless Rain, but for all the right reasons. While Cloudless Rain introduces itself as a detective novel, Dark Lightning is much more about family and personal growth in face of adversaries. While the books each come to their own conclusion and can be read on their own, I highly recommend picking up Cloudless Rain first to get a feel for the characters. Also, if you enjoyed Cloudless Rain for its investigative side, be aware that Dark Lightning does take a twist. While I think it is for the best, some may not.
It’s not often you can say that a sequel is better than the original, but in this case, I think I can say that I love Dark Lightning more than Cloudless Rain (and I loved that book too)!
So please, go pick up a copy of Cloudless Rain. And while you’re at it, pre-order a copy of Dark Lightning. It is worth it!
Note: I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
What’s it about?
An unexpected journey into the wilderness can test even the strongest bonds…
Nearly a year has passed since the slaughterhouse raid. Eureka should be happy now that he and Baltan are Azzie and Lleuwellyn’s legal guardians, but he can’t shake the feeling that a storm waits on the horizon.
When Eureka’s brother arrives with news that Kwoltan Gera was attacked and asks for help, Eureka knows he can’t turn away–especially after the search for their missing tribe leads them to a reclusive Azure village where trust is hard to come by and war looms overhead.
Old grudges and past failures follow close, and they may have deadly consequences for Eureka’s family.
Dark Lightning on Goodreads
July 31, 2020
Our Bloody Pearl – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 / 5 stars)
Humanity is often scared of things they do not understand. Sirens are no exception. After Captain Kian captures one for her own collection, her blood lust reigns and she yearns to continue exploiting her newfound talent. That is, until Captain Dejean Gayle claims her ship for his own…and discovers her prize: a pearl-white siren. Through an unlikely friendship and companionship, Dejean and Perle build a deep trust and together agree to take down Kian.
Our Bloody Pearl is a beautiful written tale that takes the reader on a journey of friendship, romance, trust, and understanding. It’s fast pace will keep the reader on their toes the whole time, saying to themselves “just one more chapter” before they are finished.
Probably what makes Our Bloody Pearl so endearing is the characters. Perle is an endearing blood thirsty siren, who grows throughout the narrative, while still retaining a sense of individuality. They call beds “sponges”, elevators “clam shells”, and Dejean, well, “idiot.” Bryn highlights unique aspects with Perle. They communicate with Dejean through sign language and face a unique disability that hinders their ability to swim. They’re set a part from the human characters by their quirks and mannerisms. But, that doesn’t mean the humans aren’t uninteresting. Where Dejean is kind and sympathetic, you have Murielle who is clumsy and outspoken. The cast is diverse and well thought out, which makes the entire story endearing.
That being said, while the cast shines, I personally had a few problems with the plot. The story as a whole is wonderful, but to an extent I needed more. What I mean but that is iffy but I have a few examples. For instance, I would have liked to see more of Kian and her interactions with Perle to obtain a better understanding of that relationship. I also would have liked to see Perle explore coping without the use of their tail and adapting to the mechanism Murielle built for them. These little things would have helped add more depth to the overall plot, at least in my opinion.
I think though the biggest issue I had was Dejean and Perle’s relationship. While I adore them together, the way the relationship formalized seemed a little off to me. I am not a big fan of the trope where someone’s “savior” become their partner, no matter the situation.
That being said though, these small issues did not detract too much from the overall story and Our Bloody Pearl was still an enjoyable read! And I definitely cannot wait to see what Bryn puts out into the world next!
So if you want a story with strong characters with pirates and steampunk elements, definitely check out Our Bloody Pearl! But…make sure you bring some fish for Perle so they don’t try to take a bite out of you.
What’s it about?
The ocean is uncontrollable and dangerous. But to the sirens who swim the warm island waters, it’s a home more than worth protecting from the humans and their steam-propelled ships. Between their hypnotic voices and the strength of their powerful tails, sirens have little to fear.
That is, until the ruthless pirate captain, Kian, creates a device to cancel out their songs.
Perle was the first siren captured, and while all since have either been sold or killed, Kian still keeps them prisoner. Though their song is muted and their tail paralyzed, Perle’s hope for escape rekindles as another pirating vessel seizes Kian’s ship. This new captain seems different, with his brilliant smile and his promises that Kian will never again be Perle’s master. But he’s still a human, and a captor in his own way. The compassion he and his rag-tag human family show can’t be sincere… or can it?
Soon it becomes clear that Kian will hunt Perle relentlessly, taking down any siren in her path. As the tides turn, Perle must decide whether to run from Kian forever, or ride the forming wave into battle, hoping their newfound human companions will fight with them.
Our Bloody Pearl on Goodreads
July 27, 2020
Goblinprince – Book Review
Book Rating (Middle Grade Rating): ★★★☆☆ (3 / 5 stars)
Book Rating (YA Rating): ★★☆☆☆ (2 / 5 stars)
Overall Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5 / 5 stars)
Heavy is the head who wears the crown.
Alastair certainly knows this, and with his coronation date fast approaching, he is worrying that he may not be able to wake the Veldstone Crown. But does he even want to be king? Wouldn’t someone with a stronger head, such as Brudak, make a better leader? When Alastair is transported to Kentucky via a portal, he ponders never returning, but sometimes the call of duty is too strong.
Goblinprince is the second book in Abbigayle Grace’s Pizza Shop Chronicles. It is a fun book that takes a unique approach on portal fantasy, opening a door to both the real and the fantastical worlds. Alastair represent the conflict any young adult feels between duty and desire, and with multiple kingdoms on his shoulder and an uncertainty over his own abilities, his accidental escape to Kentucky provides a valuable opportunity to avoid his problems.
Like Alastair’s conflict, my review for this book is…conflicted. It teeters on how to classify this story: Middle-Grade or Young Adult. On one hand, the simplistic nature and story-telling elements makes me consider it a Middle-Grade novel, but the age of the characters and some of the death and pain Alastair experiences pushes it more towards Young Adult. For all intents-and-purposes though, I will continue this review assuming it is meant for a younger audience.
The story is quite straight forward, which is not a bad thing, and its writing is simplistic but well written. There are some formatting errors in the eBook version that the author could fix, but that does not deter from the story itself. The idea of a magical portal that leads to a Pizza Shop in Kentucky is a unique twist on the portal fantasy, and I would have loved to touch on this more. I am sure this is in the first book of the series, which I may delve into, Elfboy. Plus, the idea of a half-elf, half-fairy goblin-bitten prince making pizza is a scene that will make anyone laugh in amusement.
That being said, some of the pacing in the book felt odd. I would loved to see Alastair’s development in Kentucky for a longer period of time before going back to the craziness of his life at home. It went from a lull to high speed action that never really seemed to stop. I can see the appeal in this for kids though; constant battles, no long winded conversation usually seen in fantasy, and jammed pack with action. There are a lot of characters though, often with very similar characteristics, and possibly if I had read Elfboy first these characters would be less confusing. Possibly if the book was longer, giving more time to world and relationship building, these characters would have had more chances to shine.
There were a few fantastic characters though: Dragon, the dragon who’s name is Dragon but not actually, is a sarcastic, wise, protective beast of Alastair’s friend Bryssa. Then there’s Marden. I loved Marden. She was spunky and funny, a nice foil to Alastair’s very poised and conflicted nature. Marden gave a nice breath of fresh air, especially towards the end of the novel, where Alastair’s brooding and personal confliction came to the largest front. Without Marden, well, Alastair might have succumbed to the bitterness implanted in him by the goblins, and she was the light he needed to keep moving forward.
Goblinprince is a fast, action-packed read that you can sit down and read in an afternoon. So if you’re looking for something quick, definitely check it out. I know I’ll be taking a look at Elfboy sometime in the near future.
What’s it about?
Wake the crown. Take the throne. Rule the kingdoms.
Alastair’s life seems all planned out. Well, if he can get the first part right. The obnoxious Veldstone Crown has been dormant for the past twelve years and won’t wake up for anything. Except for showing Alastair cryptic goblin visions, of course.
Then the goblins themselves show up and Alastair accidentally opens a portal to Benny’s Pizza shop in the magical world of Kentucky.
Surrounded by new friends and experiences, like attending the homecoming dance of Orangeboro High School as a guest of the legendary principal Snyder, Alastair’s not sure he wants to go back. Besides, wouldn’t the overbearing elf lord Brudak make a better king anyhow?
GoblinPrince on Goodreads
