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Sojourner Saga #1
Once We Were Kings: Book I of the Sojourner Saga
ONCE WE WERE KINGS
(BOOK I OF THE SOJOURNER TRILOGY)
Joshua Graham writing as Ian Alexander
Two kingdoms, five centuries, one destiny
In a world where the Sojourners, a nearly extinct race with preternatural abilities struggle to preserve their faith and heritage, destiny thrusts two youths from opposing nations into the heart of a centuries-old conflict. Render, an orphan from the outskirts of the culturally enlightened Kingdom of Valdshire Tor, escapes slavery and seeks the truth about his true identity only to discover a web of conspiracies. This quest leads to the revelation of his uncanny ability to wield the destructive forces of nature.
Ahndien, sole survivor of a heinous raid on her peaceful village in the Eastern Kingdom of Tian Kuo, embarks on a journey to find her father, now a captive of Torian troops. What she uncovers surpasses anything she can imagine as she masters the ability to manipulate fire.
Guided by shape-shifting spirits, Render and Ahndien's fates collide when first they meet as mortal enemies. However, to save their people from annihilation, they must unite both kingdoms against a terrifying enemy that threatens to destroy both realms. But how can a young slave and a peasant bring sworn enemies of half a millennium together?
ONCE WE WERE The first book in a saga of destiny and redemption, in a world of dying hope.
(BOOK I OF THE SOJOURNER TRILOGY)
Joshua Graham writing as Ian Alexander
Two kingdoms, five centuries, one destiny
In a world where the Sojourners, a nearly extinct race with preternatural abilities struggle to preserve their faith and heritage, destiny thrusts two youths from opposing nations into the heart of a centuries-old conflict. Render, an orphan from the outskirts of the culturally enlightened Kingdom of Valdshire Tor, escapes slavery and seeks the truth about his true identity only to discover a web of conspiracies. This quest leads to the revelation of his uncanny ability to wield the destructive forces of nature.
Ahndien, sole survivor of a heinous raid on her peaceful village in the Eastern Kingdom of Tian Kuo, embarks on a journey to find her father, now a captive of Torian troops. What she uncovers surpasses anything she can imagine as she masters the ability to manipulate fire.
Guided by shape-shifting spirits, Render and Ahndien's fates collide when first they meet as mortal enemies. However, to save their people from annihilation, they must unite both kingdoms against a terrifying enemy that threatens to destroy both realms. But how can a young slave and a peasant bring sworn enemies of half a millennium together?
ONCE WE WERE The first book in a saga of destiny and redemption, in a world of dying hope.
490 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2011
59 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 14, 2016
I'll give the auther credit for an interesting story . . .
. . . but that's it.
There is ZERO imagination in the writing. I felt like I was reading a high school writing assignment.
The book tries WAY too hard to be allegorically Christian.
There is implication that this is the first book in a series, but I'll never know for sure. I'm not going to be reading any more from this author.
. . . but that's it.
There is ZERO imagination in the writing. I felt like I was reading a high school writing assignment.
The book tries WAY too hard to be allegorically Christian.
There is implication that this is the first book in a series, but I'll never know for sure. I'm not going to be reading any more from this author.
September 12, 2011
I know that many people have probably used this word to describe Once We Were Kings, but I can't think of anything else that would fit it so perfectly: EPIC! Once We Were Kings was bookishly epic! I have to confess that I did stay up late to finish the book in one day instead of going to sleep last weekend, but this book had that kind of an influence on me. Don't worry, I didn't pull an all-nighter, I'm not that crazy, but I sure got close to it reading Once We Were Kings. The fantasy, the...poetic language, and the characters pull you in hook and sinker.
Something that really proved to give the book it's style was Alexander's writing. The book was kind of predictable, but I liked it like that. Though the plot itself lacked complexion, overall the story was incredible. I would love to pull an actual all-nighter and read this book from Page 1 to 1186. Though it seemed a bit long, sometimes books longer just give you a better plot.
The character development was off the top, and the evil, the romance, and everything else was like it actually happened. Render and Ahndien were masterpiece characters that were truly gripping to read about. If I could, I would award them a gold medal. Ian, your novel is another fantastic book that deserves an incredible amount of praise, I would never be able to accomplish!
Cover Thoughts:
The cover is gorgeous and artistically done with immense attention to details.
Rating:
4.5/5 Stars
August 29, 2012
Until about 60% this book was wonderful! The author did a GREAT job of creating the world of the story and characters and it had a very epic feel to it. Everything was great until a mysterious entity named Valhandra shows up, who quotes exactly from the Bible and proceeds to give the entire history of the fall and sin of man and all in a very very long dialogue form. I am a Christian and believe in the Bible. I just had a hard time stomaching this whole plot turn because it seemed like too much preaching was getting in the way of the story (This is a common folly that we as Christians have; we are afraid to not have enough preaching.) I DID like the element of God (as Valhandra and going by other names) working in other worlds and dimensions, such as the one in this story.
I decided to carry on since I liked the first part so well. But a few chapters later, after the heroes battle with his sinful self in the form of a dragon, I reached the end. (around 70%). The chapter ended with: He (the hero) didn't know what the future held, but he knew who held the future.
Obviously talking about Valhandra (God). I have heard this quote a million times in my life and for me it was just the end to hear this trite expression thrown into an epic fantasy.
So great story but I think there was too much obsession with preaching through the story instead of letting the story itself speak the truth.
I decided to carry on since I liked the first part so well. But a few chapters later, after the heroes battle with his sinful self in the form of a dragon, I reached the end. (around 70%). The chapter ended with: He (the hero) didn't know what the future held, but he knew who held the future.
Obviously talking about Valhandra (God). I have heard this quote a million times in my life and for me it was just the end to hear this trite expression thrown into an epic fantasy.
So great story but I think there was too much obsession with preaching through the story instead of letting the story itself speak the truth.
July 4, 2016
Actually a solid 3.5. Seemed like some parts of the plot were out of proportion. Disappointed that there don't seem to be any additional titles out there in the series. Wonder what happened?
May 17, 2011
Once We Were Kings is an amazing epic adventure that will take the reader on an unforgettable journey like no other.
As I settled in with my Kindle and it's newest arrival, Once We Were Kings, I was not truly sure what to expect. I knew it was dubbed an "epic fantasy", and of course the synopsis, which caught my intrigue. Previously, I had found myself in a bit of one of those horrid reading slumps (nasty things), which I was looking to be released from. With that in mind, I clicked to the beginning of Once We Were Kings...
Nasty reading slump... BE GONE... I was immediately sucked into the story, it's words absorbing me and surrounding me with amazing imagery, emotion and distinctiveness like none other I had ever read before. The language that Mr. Alexander uses is truly poetic and beautiful, as well as enduring to the time period for which the dialog and tale is written.
The tale of a young boy, Render, whose life has been one of strife and heartache, as well as a young girl, Ahndien, who finds herself alone, after her family and village has been brutally raided, held me entranced from beginning to end. Once We Were Kings begins by telling the story of Render and Ahndien, each in their own settings, each believing the other's people are evil, vile and bloodthirsty. Circumstances soon bring the two youths together to bring peace to a warring and unforgiving realm. After centuries of battles, it is time for the two kingdoms, the Kingdom of Valdshire Tor and the Eastern Kingdom of Tian Kuo to join and become one Kingdom in peace. It is up to Render and Ahndien to make this peace a reality and overcome the evil that is trying to overcome and prevail.
Once We Were Kings is a story of Heaven vs. Hell, goodness vs. evil. This is a tale that is truly a generation bridging epic fantasy that is sure to span and hold strong through the test of time as well as our ever changing society and circumstances of readers everywhere. In Once We Were Kings, there is no geographic, sex, class, religion or race focus, rather it is a story of focus on belief, forgiveness and redemption to those who truly believe and seek goodness and truth.
Ian Alexander brings before readers a tale of fantasy and humanity. Once We Were Kings will appeal to a vast and endless audience range, from young adult to adult, males and females. Encompassed within these pages is action, adventure, intrigue, romance and even shape-shifting spirits. Beneath the superb story lies the lessons of faith and the battle between God (Valhandra) and the Devil (Malakandor), told in a way that will not put off those who do not enjoy religious-based fiction. Once We Were Kings is the first in a series by Ian Alexander and the ending is the perfect segue into future books.
Last night, I clicked the final page with a smile upon my face and eagerness in my heart for future endeavors with Render and Ahndien. Once We Were Kings is a magical and emotional tale (I often found my heart gripped within sadness, as well as bursting with joy). I was truly blown away by the magnificent of the story and truly cannot recommend it enough. Compared to The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, I found myself agreeing with this likeness. Though Once We Were Kings has a delightful and wonderful uniqueness all its own. A true classic in the making.
As I settled in with my Kindle and it's newest arrival, Once We Were Kings, I was not truly sure what to expect. I knew it was dubbed an "epic fantasy", and of course the synopsis, which caught my intrigue. Previously, I had found myself in a bit of one of those horrid reading slumps (nasty things), which I was looking to be released from. With that in mind, I clicked to the beginning of Once We Were Kings...
Nasty reading slump... BE GONE... I was immediately sucked into the story, it's words absorbing me and surrounding me with amazing imagery, emotion and distinctiveness like none other I had ever read before. The language that Mr. Alexander uses is truly poetic and beautiful, as well as enduring to the time period for which the dialog and tale is written.
The tale of a young boy, Render, whose life has been one of strife and heartache, as well as a young girl, Ahndien, who finds herself alone, after her family and village has been brutally raided, held me entranced from beginning to end. Once We Were Kings begins by telling the story of Render and Ahndien, each in their own settings, each believing the other's people are evil, vile and bloodthirsty. Circumstances soon bring the two youths together to bring peace to a warring and unforgiving realm. After centuries of battles, it is time for the two kingdoms, the Kingdom of Valdshire Tor and the Eastern Kingdom of Tian Kuo to join and become one Kingdom in peace. It is up to Render and Ahndien to make this peace a reality and overcome the evil that is trying to overcome and prevail.
Once We Were Kings is a story of Heaven vs. Hell, goodness vs. evil. This is a tale that is truly a generation bridging epic fantasy that is sure to span and hold strong through the test of time as well as our ever changing society and circumstances of readers everywhere. In Once We Were Kings, there is no geographic, sex, class, religion or race focus, rather it is a story of focus on belief, forgiveness and redemption to those who truly believe and seek goodness and truth.
Ian Alexander brings before readers a tale of fantasy and humanity. Once We Were Kings will appeal to a vast and endless audience range, from young adult to adult, males and females. Encompassed within these pages is action, adventure, intrigue, romance and even shape-shifting spirits. Beneath the superb story lies the lessons of faith and the battle between God (Valhandra) and the Devil (Malakandor), told in a way that will not put off those who do not enjoy religious-based fiction. Once We Were Kings is the first in a series by Ian Alexander and the ending is the perfect segue into future books.
Last night, I clicked the final page with a smile upon my face and eagerness in my heart for future endeavors with Render and Ahndien. Once We Were Kings is a magical and emotional tale (I often found my heart gripped within sadness, as well as bursting with joy). I was truly blown away by the magnificent of the story and truly cannot recommend it enough. Compared to The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, I found myself agreeing with this likeness. Though Once We Were Kings has a delightful and wonderful uniqueness all its own. A true classic in the making.
May 3, 2012
What I Loved:
Other reviews have said it, and I must agree that the imagery in this book is absolutely wonderful. Several times when reading I could practically smell or taste the action that was happening, and many times I cringed in reading a description. I Also really loved the ending. The last 30% or so was absolutely phenomenal. I struggled with the first half, mainly because of it's length, but I read the last 30% without stopping, and barely noticed that about 7 hours had passed.
What I Didn't Like:
The length. It truly is epic- in content and length. Probably this wouldn't have hit me so bad if I had a paper copy, but as I was reading an e-book, it messed with my mind when I'd read 3 chapters, and the corner of my e-book says I've only read 2-3% of the book. Having finished it, I can see what good all those words did for the story, and I think if I'd been warned even that would have helped, but to go in blindly the length of the book was a tad overwhelming.
My Overall Review:
(4 of 5 Stars) Epic- In Many More Ways Than One
Ian Alexander has definitely penned an epic fantasy that fans of The Chronicles of Narnia will absolutely love. The imagery is rich and descriptive, and the story itself takes place in a foreign land with kings and queens and fantastical creatures. If you can think of anything that would make something "epic"- Dragons, phoenixes, fights to the death.. this story has it. Honestly, I would have made it a 5-star, but the length just was too much for me. Again, you have all been warned so it shouldn't be too much of a problem for you.
Disclaimer:
This book was provided for me at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion.
Other reviews have said it, and I must agree that the imagery in this book is absolutely wonderful. Several times when reading I could practically smell or taste the action that was happening, and many times I cringed in reading a description. I Also really loved the ending. The last 30% or so was absolutely phenomenal. I struggled with the first half, mainly because of it's length, but I read the last 30% without stopping, and barely noticed that about 7 hours had passed.
What I Didn't Like:
The length. It truly is epic- in content and length. Probably this wouldn't have hit me so bad if I had a paper copy, but as I was reading an e-book, it messed with my mind when I'd read 3 chapters, and the corner of my e-book says I've only read 2-3% of the book. Having finished it, I can see what good all those words did for the story, and I think if I'd been warned even that would have helped, but to go in blindly the length of the book was a tad overwhelming.
My Overall Review:
(4 of 5 Stars) Epic- In Many More Ways Than One
Ian Alexander has definitely penned an epic fantasy that fans of The Chronicles of Narnia will absolutely love. The imagery is rich and descriptive, and the story itself takes place in a foreign land with kings and queens and fantastical creatures. If you can think of anything that would make something "epic"- Dragons, phoenixes, fights to the death.. this story has it. Honestly, I would have made it a 5-star, but the length just was too much for me. Again, you have all been warned so it shouldn't be too much of a problem for you.
Disclaimer:
This book was provided for me at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion.
May 3, 2012
Once We Were Kings, is an epic fantasy tale of pure delight as we follow the story of two young people from warring kingdoms. When they first meet, it’s as mortal enemies but they find that there’s an even greater evil threatening both realms and that to defeat it, they must join together. But how can a slave and a peasant bring sworn enemies of half a millennium together?
Joshua Graham transitions from writing suspense and thrillers to the fantasy realm as Ian Alexander with flying colors. Once We Were Kings invokes awe in the reader that I’ve only felt with J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings and before them both, C.S. Lewis. The story is a page turner with a very driven plot and the Christian overtones feel like they’re there to spark religious conversation, much like Philip Pullman did with his His Dark Materials trilogy.
What doesn’t this book have? Magic, shapeshifters, powerful deities and characters that you love and love to hate, all of this will stay with you long after you’ve gotten to the end and leave you wanting more. This is one of those books that you cannot miss in 2011 if you’re a fantasy lover.
Thank you to Ian Alexander for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review.
Joshua Graham transitions from writing suspense and thrillers to the fantasy realm as Ian Alexander with flying colors. Once We Were Kings invokes awe in the reader that I’ve only felt with J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings and before them both, C.S. Lewis. The story is a page turner with a very driven plot and the Christian overtones feel like they’re there to spark religious conversation, much like Philip Pullman did with his His Dark Materials trilogy.
What doesn’t this book have? Magic, shapeshifters, powerful deities and characters that you love and love to hate, all of this will stay with you long after you’ve gotten to the end and leave you wanting more. This is one of those books that you cannot miss in 2011 if you’re a fantasy lover.
Thank you to Ian Alexander for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review.
March 26, 2013
great story with hidden agenda's as well as great messages from beyond.
this book will keep you wondering whats going to happen next and will the Orphans find each other again, and a welcoming home to grow and learn from, a good fantasy to fall in love with the sharp minded Characters.
great read!
this book will keep you wondering whats going to happen next and will the Orphans find each other again, and a welcoming home to grow and learn from, a good fantasy to fall in love with the sharp minded Characters.
great read!
October 22, 2013
I had trouble connecting with the characters in this book. I had two problems. The dialogue wasn't very good and the time table for events was hard to accept. After two months of being brought to the capital, the characters are suddenly conversant in literature, art, science, mathematics, and combat. It was an ok book, but I was glad to finish it and move to something else.
August 17, 2011
This was an amazing book. It gripped my attention and I could barely put it down. The only down side to the book was that it was slightly predictable. But other than the predictability it was amazing!
Want to read
May 18, 2011Just added to my Kindle Wish List...sounds like it'll be a good read.
October 1, 2011
Great book, really complex, and I loved the characters being together, all their fights and such that lead to love!!!
April 10, 2012
Great epic novel! The story is well written and the characters are unique and interesting!
June 7, 2012
awesome book - very Lord-of-the-Rings-ish, but got a little sluggish during the battle segment which got a little long
July 28, 2012
This was an awsome book I cant wait for the next one to come out. I recomend this to any one who likes things like harry potter and narnia ext.
January 14, 2013
This one didn't tickle my fancy much. Overdone fantasy...dragons, fire, lightning .....glad it's over.
January 20, 2014
I was sooooo tired of this book and sooooo ready for it to be over! I really don't recommend anyone to read it.
October 23, 2018
2 1/2*, probably.
This fantasy begins well, as other reviewers have mentioned; then around 2/3 of the way through it becomes more tedious for me. Reviews compared it to Tolkien, Eddings, and Lewis's Narnia tales. Well, I didn't enjoy it near as much as Tolkien and Eddings, and I couldn't see the Narnia connection.
Until the last 1/3. It does become much more based on religion and not in a easily read way (other fantasies lean this route, but seem to have done it better.So, I then understood the Narnia comments better); and the battle scene seems to go on and on and on...
The battle scenes might be enjoyable for those that like that sort of stuff, but it's never my favorite parts, especially when it lasts so long! To tell you the truth, during much of it I had the picture in my mind that it sounded exactly like many of the current superhero films where they fight and fight and fight (while demolishing an entire city, it seems). And the fight scenes in those films are the worse part, too!
Pretty strong start, weak finish... I don't think I'm waiting for the sequel.
This fantasy begins well, as other reviewers have mentioned; then around 2/3 of the way through it becomes more tedious for me. Reviews compared it to Tolkien, Eddings, and Lewis's Narnia tales. Well, I didn't enjoy it near as much as Tolkien and Eddings, and I couldn't see the Narnia connection.
Until the last 1/3. It does become much more based on religion and not in a easily read way (other fantasies lean this route, but seem to have done it better.So, I then understood the Narnia comments better); and the battle scene seems to go on and on and on...
The battle scenes might be enjoyable for those that like that sort of stuff, but it's never my favorite parts, especially when it lasts so long! To tell you the truth, during much of it I had the picture in my mind that it sounded exactly like many of the current superhero films where they fight and fight and fight (while demolishing an entire city, it seems). And the fight scenes in those films are the worse part, too!
Pretty strong start, weak finish... I don't think I'm waiting for the sequel.
January 22, 2023
A sometimes engaging, interesting story, but mostly dull and predictable. Riddled with typographical errors that detract from the reading experience. Sometimes the writing seems immature and childish - perhaps that's because of the age of the target audience, which I suspect is middle-grade, though the book description didn't say so when I acquired this. I'd have been impatient with it at that age. Not sure how it's been given so many 4 and 5 stars and rave reviews; I guess this story is just not for me. I trudged through until it became a chore to read and then reluctantly shelved it. I don't like to shelve as DNF but if I'm not enjoying reading it, I'm not going to waste my time on it. I will say, though - FANTASTIC cover. Hence, the two stars.
June 6, 2017
Reminds me of C. S. Lewis
The themes of faith and greed play out in a well-crafted world where the pride of a son of the Creator causes much suffering. The world cries out for deliverance and it comes in a very satisfying form. Aslan, has a worthy descendent.
The themes of faith and greed play out in a well-crafted world where the pride of a son of the Creator causes much suffering. The world cries out for deliverance and it comes in a very satisfying form. Aslan, has a worthy descendent.
August 4, 2019
Great read
Characters are well written and made you care about them.
The final battle that we all face was well described and brought to life in a unique way. Well done.
Characters are well written and made you care about them.
The final battle that we all face was well described and brought to life in a unique way. Well done.
August 16, 2011
Okay book. Enjoyable, but the plot is very transparent... don't go into this one expecting a complex read. Also, apparently no one decided how to spell names. One of the main characters has at least two different spellings... Sometimes, the character development seems very shallow, and you can tell that the only motivation is to move the story forward.
August 24, 2012
In many ways it was good.But, although this may sound very strange, it was too religious for me. It ended up much about god, although he was called something else, and about faith. That part didn't work very well to me. But it was well-written and better edited than the average of much I've read lately.
January 20, 2014
At first I thought Render was a cat until I read further through.
Altho about half way through I predicted the finish, it was a different circumstance of finish yet same result.
Worth the read even if just to try to see how close your Tuesday the finish will be.
Altho about half way through I predicted the finish, it was a different circumstance of finish yet same result.
Worth the read even if just to try to see how close your Tuesday the finish will be.
November 15, 2011
OMG... I absolutely loved this book. And I'll get a better review up soon as I can! LOL
Read
April 27, 2012hmmmmmmmmmmm
June 5, 2012
A very good adventure for YA readers, the audience at whom it is aimed.
September 21, 2012
An excellent fantasy with an end-times bent. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and look forward to others by this author.
December 29, 2013
the story line was different
December 20, 2013
Definitely written for young readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews