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Altor #1
Dreams of Ancient Empire
Exiled barbarian Altor swore that he would help his best friend, Kortan, reclaim the crown of the Free Town of Koreba, stolen by treachery and deceit. Their quest leads them to defy one of the most powerful sorcerers in the land, fight mysterious creatures from the forgotten past, and fleeing into the heart of a hundred-year-old-nightmare. Will they succumb to the Dreams of Ancient Empire?
First novella in the 'Altor the Swift' sword-and-sorcery series. (20,590 words)
First novella in the 'Altor the Swift' sword-and-sorcery series. (20,590 words)
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
June 3, 2012
This is classic fantasy writing at it's very best, a page-turner that I wasn't able to put down from beginning to end. The core group of characters are all, of course, larger than life, which is as it should be in a fantasy novel. They don't quite trust one another, but must band together on a quest to reclaim one of their groups rightful heritage. Interestingly, the central POV isn't the 'chosen one' but a thief. There is lots of action, interaction with hostile cultures and environments, and no sooner do the characters get past one scrape than they're thrown into another.
There is lots of battles with sorcery and swords, but no details so gory that a YA audience wouldn't appreciate it as well. And although the protagonist is appreciative of the good looks of one of the strong female characters, there is no element of 'eeew ... kissing stuff' that would turn off young male readers of this genre.
If I were to give one tip of writing advice for the next book in this series (which I will watch for) it is to have an interrugnum scene every few chapters where we get to see the core group of characters 'gell' with one another more, either in their trust (or distrust). Some additional background, perhaps? A few quiet moments around the campfire or surprising personal revelations moments before they think they're about to die?
The verdict ... buy!
There is lots of battles with sorcery and swords, but no details so gory that a YA audience wouldn't appreciate it as well. And although the protagonist is appreciative of the good looks of one of the strong female characters, there is no element of 'eeew ... kissing stuff' that would turn off young male readers of this genre.
If I were to give one tip of writing advice for the next book in this series (which I will watch for) it is to have an interrugnum scene every few chapters where we get to see the core group of characters 'gell' with one another more, either in their trust (or distrust). Some additional background, perhaps? A few quiet moments around the campfire or surprising personal revelations moments before they think they're about to die?
The verdict ... buy!
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review