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Wycaan Master #1
At the Walls of Galbrieth
The young elf desired only to follow in his mother's footsteps and become a healer. But when the Emperor's army attacks his village to punish traitors and conscript youth, Seanchai flees to the mountains, seeking safe harbor with an uncle he has never met. He is shocked as many people sacrifice their lives to ensure he reaches a Wycaan Master, an enigmatic woman named Mhari, who can teach him to wield a powerful death-and-life magic that might just free the races of Odessiya.
In a world defined by strict racial boundaries, where humans rule, dwarves hide deep underground, and elves are a slave nation, Seanchai must find a way to create friendships and trust, unheard of since the fall of the Wycaan Masters, and reunite the races into an alliance that will bring freedom to all.
But sometimes one must choose between his companions and his destiny. Seanchai abhors his ability to kill and, in the friendships he forges, discovers something potentially more powerful than his magic.
Friendship, however, can be a double-edged sword.
In a world defined by strict racial boundaries, where humans rule, dwarves hide deep underground, and elves are a slave nation, Seanchai must find a way to create friendships and trust, unheard of since the fall of the Wycaan Masters, and reunite the races into an alliance that will bring freedom to all.
But sometimes one must choose between his companions and his destiny. Seanchai abhors his ability to kill and, in the friendships he forges, discovers something potentially more powerful than his magic.
Friendship, however, can be a double-edged sword.
- GenresFantasy
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2012
9 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Alon Shalev
14 books122 followersAlon Shalev lives and writes in two worlds. He is the author of three social justice-themed novels and a series of Young Adult Epic Fantasy. He swears there is a connection.
In 2010, while on a family camping trip in Northern California, Shalev began writing an epic fantasy novel to read to his sons around the campfire. Over the next five years, both sons and the ancient redwood forests bore witness to the summoning of the Wycaan Masters.
His first epic fantasy novel, At The Walls Of Galbrieth, won the 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Award - YA Category and was a Grand Prize Finalist. The sequel, The First Decree, was released in March 2013, and there has been a book every year. In September 2015, From Ashes They Rose - Wycaan Master Book 5, was released and Calhei No More, the final book in the series, was released in November 2016. All books are published by Tourmaline Books.
More details of these novels and future projects can be found at the author's website (www.alonshalev.com) and he blogs at www.elfwriter.com.
Shalev's also explores using fiction as a platform for social justice. In 2012 Unwanted Heroes (pub. Three Clover Press) was released. Unwanted Heroes brings together an old, battle-scarred Chinese American war vet and an idealistic and pretentious young Englishmen, who share a love for San Francisco, coffee and wine. They soon discover they share even more when repressed memories bring them together as they find in each other unlikely allies to set themselves free from the tragic past that binds them both.
Other novels include:
A Gardener's Tale: a story of healing of family, land and community, along with a look at the Pagan religion and its time-honored impact upon rural communities.
The Accidental Activist: a fictional account of the astonishing 'McLibel' trial that captivated Britain in the 1990's, a David .v. Goliath court case that highlights the treachery and ruthlessness of the multinational corporations and how the advent of the Internet can curb them, when a few individuals refuse to back down. It is a defense of Freedom of Speech and the acknowledgment of the Internet as a tool for social change.
In 2010, while on a family camping trip in Northern California, Shalev began writing an epic fantasy novel to read to his sons around the campfire. Over the next five years, both sons and the ancient redwood forests bore witness to the summoning of the Wycaan Masters.
His first epic fantasy novel, At The Walls Of Galbrieth, won the 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Award - YA Category and was a Grand Prize Finalist. The sequel, The First Decree, was released in March 2013, and there has been a book every year. In September 2015, From Ashes They Rose - Wycaan Master Book 5, was released and Calhei No More, the final book in the series, was released in November 2016. All books are published by Tourmaline Books.
More details of these novels and future projects can be found at the author's website (www.alonshalev.com) and he blogs at www.elfwriter.com.
Shalev's also explores using fiction as a platform for social justice. In 2012 Unwanted Heroes (pub. Three Clover Press) was released. Unwanted Heroes brings together an old, battle-scarred Chinese American war vet and an idealistic and pretentious young Englishmen, who share a love for San Francisco, coffee and wine. They soon discover they share even more when repressed memories bring them together as they find in each other unlikely allies to set themselves free from the tragic past that binds them both.
Other novels include:
A Gardener's Tale: a story of healing of family, land and community, along with a look at the Pagan religion and its time-honored impact upon rural communities.
The Accidental Activist: a fictional account of the astonishing 'McLibel' trial that captivated Britain in the 1990's, a David .v. Goliath court case that highlights the treachery and ruthlessness of the multinational corporations and how the advent of the Internet can curb them, when a few individuals refuse to back down. It is a defense of Freedom of Speech and the acknowledgment of the Internet as a tool for social change.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 27, 2014
I suppose this is to be a young adult fiction novel since all the protagonists are underage, but I never got the feel for it. There is no whining for utterly no reason, no angst, and nothing setting my teeth on edge. I certainly did not make a very good teenager, and I am not the biggest fan of reading about them. The creation of the New Adult genre has given me hope of some light-er reading that still has actual substance. Epic fantasy can really stretch the imagination and exhaust it, too. After finishing the incredible Baskerville Affair series and my dose of brain food, I was on the hunt again for the lighter side of fantasy without giving up the depth. So, I checked into the YA fantasy section. I selected this book from Twitter of all places and a sample chapter off Amazon. (Oh and I really couldn't resist the $2.99 Kindle tag.)
All of the leading party behave in a very adult manner and have little (or should I say more) sense that an adolescence would have. The whole story could easily have them being in their twenties and feeling a little more comfortable to me. Although, to play devil's advocate with myself, parents wouldn't have as much hardship with an elder son being conscripted compared to a naive teenager. But truthfully, I kept forgetting they were so young and kind of got shocked on the remembrance. It ultimately did not throw of the balance of the book and maybe even helped make it a little more enjoyable for the adult readers of the world. There is great action, flowering love, and coming-of-age that does fit in with a YA book, though. I was certainly impressed by the little indie find.
There is nothing new or groundbreaking in the Wycaan world dynamics, but it still feels fresh to read. You have elves, humans, dwarves, and some other new fantasy races (which was a nice fresh touch and I hope we get to learn some back story) coming together from centuries of division. They have racism they must deal with and overcome. Very epic fantasy of the author to do. The magic system is complete even if we don't know all the details just yet. All the pieces fit together in the puzzle. We have read the edge pieces and are now zeroing in on the center. I look forward to finding out what the overall image is because my mind keeps coming up with all kinds of endings! I highly recommend this introduction to the series and look forward to purchasing the final two novels.
All of the leading party behave in a very adult manner and have little (or should I say more) sense that an adolescence would have. The whole story could easily have them being in their twenties and feeling a little more comfortable to me. Although, to play devil's advocate with myself, parents wouldn't have as much hardship with an elder son being conscripted compared to a naive teenager. But truthfully, I kept forgetting they were so young and kind of got shocked on the remembrance. It ultimately did not throw of the balance of the book and maybe even helped make it a little more enjoyable for the adult readers of the world. There is great action, flowering love, and coming-of-age that does fit in with a YA book, though. I was certainly impressed by the little indie find.
There is nothing new or groundbreaking in the Wycaan world dynamics, but it still feels fresh to read. You have elves, humans, dwarves, and some other new fantasy races (which was a nice fresh touch and I hope we get to learn some back story) coming together from centuries of division. They have racism they must deal with and overcome. Very epic fantasy of the author to do. The magic system is complete even if we don't know all the details just yet. All the pieces fit together in the puzzle. We have read the edge pieces and are now zeroing in on the center. I look forward to finding out what the overall image is because my mind keeps coming up with all kinds of endings! I highly recommend this introduction to the series and look forward to purchasing the final two novels.
February 9, 2014
In the land of Odessiya, lost is the balance among the ancient races: Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and others long forgotten. Here, a young forest elf is catapulted into a world of secrets where life, death, and honour wage war in land where sacrifice is a daily reality. In a race for his life, young Seanchai learns more than he ever wanted to know about survival and his own special role in re-forging a lost Alliance.
Shalev follows in the tradition of epic fantasy utilizing core races, character traits, and plot lines. His protagonist, Seanchai, is launched on his quest in the first pages of the book, immediately immersing readers in the politics of the world of Odessiya.
His writing style is simple, clean, and direct making it easy to follow the action of the plot – the strength of this book. Young readers will connect with the notion of being out in the wide-world without quite understanding what their role is and muddling through as best as they can to an ultimate destiny they don’t yet comprehend.
However, the very strengths of this work are also its weaknesses. Shalev’s simple, straightforward prose leaves out the important details of all 5 senses. Here, he chooses to tell and not show how the characters experiences affect them. Readers will gloss over these moments and not internalize the true power of what the narration intends. So saying, as an adult reader I was not committed to the story until I was half-way through the book.
The attention to structure in the story makes it easy to see the bones that make up the plot: inciting incident/call to action, wary traveller, helpful guide, older mentor, a transformation, a growing understanding of self, etc. As an English teacher these elements stand out to me more than the average reader and I am able to anticipate character motivation, and tease out secrets well before they are revealed.
In my opinion, a book that will stand the test of time is one where teens and adults alike are able to lose themselves in the story following the enticing flesh and muscle (the details) – good bones are necessary but a skeleton will always be an unfulfilled promise.
Review by M.J. Moores, OCT. Author. Editor. Freelance Writer.
Shalev follows in the tradition of epic fantasy utilizing core races, character traits, and plot lines. His protagonist, Seanchai, is launched on his quest in the first pages of the book, immediately immersing readers in the politics of the world of Odessiya.
His writing style is simple, clean, and direct making it easy to follow the action of the plot – the strength of this book. Young readers will connect with the notion of being out in the wide-world without quite understanding what their role is and muddling through as best as they can to an ultimate destiny they don’t yet comprehend.
However, the very strengths of this work are also its weaknesses. Shalev’s simple, straightforward prose leaves out the important details of all 5 senses. Here, he chooses to tell and not show how the characters experiences affect them. Readers will gloss over these moments and not internalize the true power of what the narration intends. So saying, as an adult reader I was not committed to the story until I was half-way through the book.
The attention to structure in the story makes it easy to see the bones that make up the plot: inciting incident/call to action, wary traveller, helpful guide, older mentor, a transformation, a growing understanding of self, etc. As an English teacher these elements stand out to me more than the average reader and I am able to anticipate character motivation, and tease out secrets well before they are revealed.
In my opinion, a book that will stand the test of time is one where teens and adults alike are able to lose themselves in the story following the enticing flesh and muscle (the details) – good bones are necessary but a skeleton will always be an unfulfilled promise.
Review by M.J. Moores, OCT. Author. Editor. Freelance Writer.
June 30, 2013
The book starts off at a fairly quick pace, with Seanchai fleeing his home in the middle of the night to escape the predations of the Emperor’s troops.
While events continue to move quickly throughout the book, Seanchai is not always at the heart of the action as he trains with his master to unlock his powers. Alon took a bit of a risk here letting Seanchai’s companions take centre stage for the middle third of the book.
Some readers might be tempted to skim the sections of training if not for a few key transformations that make what might otherwise be monotonous passages startling.
Then Seanchai takes the reins firmly in hand leading up to the climax of the novel and the payoff is satisfying.
I liked the play on Irish tradition (a seanchai is an Irish historian and storyteller, akin to a bard) and pagan practice (wycaan is a variation of the word wiccan, the modern tradition of witchcraft). His training with his master is distinctively pagan and I appreciated his angle on magic.
For a first YA epic fantasy, AtWoG is a good read. The novel is well-paced and written in straight-forward language. Alon has room to learn and grow as an author, and I look forward to the next two books in his series.
While events continue to move quickly throughout the book, Seanchai is not always at the heart of the action as he trains with his master to unlock his powers. Alon took a bit of a risk here letting Seanchai’s companions take centre stage for the middle third of the book.
Some readers might be tempted to skim the sections of training if not for a few key transformations that make what might otherwise be monotonous passages startling.
Then Seanchai takes the reins firmly in hand leading up to the climax of the novel and the payoff is satisfying.
I liked the play on Irish tradition (a seanchai is an Irish historian and storyteller, akin to a bard) and pagan practice (wycaan is a variation of the word wiccan, the modern tradition of witchcraft). His training with his master is distinctively pagan and I appreciated his angle on magic.
For a first YA epic fantasy, AtWoG is a good read. The novel is well-paced and written in straight-forward language. Alon has room to learn and grow as an author, and I look forward to the next two books in his series.
December 16, 2016
Great story!
I was given this book as a gift by write Lisa Fender of "Fable" with no expectation of a review. I have discovered that I am a cover snob. Had I seen this book somewhere on my own I probably would not have read it because the cover didn't 'grab me'. That would have been a mistake. This book has everything. Action, adventure, magic, friendship, loyalty, and young love. The races all hate each other with elves being made slaves by humans. Tales have been told of a strong alliance that existed once upon a time between all the races: man, elf, dwarf, and others. However it was so far in the past that no one living remembers it or even thinks it is possible. A young elf has been forced to flee his home for reasons he know not. Along his way he meets and easily befriends others, elf and human alike. He inspires loyalty from this who follow him even though he doesn't really know the way. Read and discover him as he discovers himself and his destiny to unite the world and end tyranny! I highly recommend this book!!!!
I was given this book as a gift by write Lisa Fender of "Fable" with no expectation of a review. I have discovered that I am a cover snob. Had I seen this book somewhere on my own I probably would not have read it because the cover didn't 'grab me'. That would have been a mistake. This book has everything. Action, adventure, magic, friendship, loyalty, and young love. The races all hate each other with elves being made slaves by humans. Tales have been told of a strong alliance that existed once upon a time between all the races: man, elf, dwarf, and others. However it was so far in the past that no one living remembers it or even thinks it is possible. A young elf has been forced to flee his home for reasons he know not. Along his way he meets and easily befriends others, elf and human alike. He inspires loyalty from this who follow him even though he doesn't really know the way. Read and discover him as he discovers himself and his destiny to unite the world and end tyranny! I highly recommend this book!!!!
September 3, 2013
Fast-paced and dynamic, I found this story very exciting! Seanchai is quick to evolve and I can completely understand why Alon won an award for this book - this elf captures the imagination of every day-dreaming teenager. Well, at least the type of teenager I was.
I have to say that I would have liked a bit more meat here and there (the bonds between characters forged a little too quickly for my liking) and I often got lost in regards to the setting.
But all in all, an engaging read. My favorite part (writing wise)? The fact that the characters have these complicated and exotic names... and then there's Uncle. Creative!
If you are looking for action without having to trudge through seventeen chapters to get to it, this is the perfect fantasy book for you. You're thrown right into it on the very first page.
I have to say that I would have liked a bit more meat here and there (the bonds between characters forged a little too quickly for my liking) and I often got lost in regards to the setting.
But all in all, an engaging read. My favorite part (writing wise)? The fact that the characters have these complicated and exotic names... and then there's Uncle. Creative!
If you are looking for action without having to trudge through seventeen chapters to get to it, this is the perfect fantasy book for you. You're thrown right into it on the very first page.
March 8, 2013
This was a great, easy read! The characters were well-rounded and lively. The story has some of the typical elements of classical fantasy, but with fresh twists which keep things interesting. The action is fast-paced, and the author's imagery and descriptive writing is very good! Unlike so many fantasy novels these days, Alon Shalev was able to keep his story brief and to the point. And as a side note I was surprised to find that his book is also very well edited. Good job, Alon!
Without giving too much away, At the Walls is the story of a young elf's rise to power and his struggle with his destiny. There's plenty of action, unexpected plot twists, and even a romance to keep things interesting. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of the genre!
Without giving too much away, At the Walls is the story of a young elf's rise to power and his struggle with his destiny. There's plenty of action, unexpected plot twists, and even a romance to keep things interesting. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of the genre!
May 18, 2013
great fantasy storytelling
I received a a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had checked a preview of the book before requesting the full version, I was then also surprised the rest of the story was even better than the start.
The story has a very fast speed of happening and keeps you interested until the last word.
The persons seem to be real and have feelings, act like you would expect from them, but with unexpected moments, like real life is too!
And then you can't do else than hope the other parts will be published soon.
Thanks a lot for again a great writer to follow
I received a a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had checked a preview of the book before requesting the full version, I was then also surprised the rest of the story was even better than the start.
The story has a very fast speed of happening and keeps you interested until the last word.
The persons seem to be real and have feelings, act like you would expect from them, but with unexpected moments, like real life is too!
And then you can't do else than hope the other parts will be published soon.
Thanks a lot for again a great writer to follow
March 30, 2014
Great start
Along Shalev's first book in the Wycaan Master Series, At The Walls Of Galbrieth is awesome. There's magic, sword fighting, and of course love! It's fast paced and well thought out and a perfect start to his series! I learned lots about all his well developed characters right from the start and the story is now set up to get really juicy!! Well done sir!
Along Shalev's first book in the Wycaan Master Series, At The Walls Of Galbrieth is awesome. There's magic, sword fighting, and of course love! It's fast paced and well thought out and a perfect start to his series! I learned lots about all his well developed characters right from the start and the story is now set up to get really juicy!! Well done sir!
June 3, 2014
A coming of age tale of a young elf with grave responsibilities and a destiny to fulfill. Friends rescued, alliances forged, training by a master Wyccan accentuate his journey. An exciting adventure, well told.
August 18, 2015
Loved it...a lot.
December 27, 2015
At The Walls Of Galbrith
Now this a good story and beginning. The characterization was nicely layed out , liked how they were all individuals but melded together. Oh yeah.
Now this a good story and beginning. The characterization was nicely layed out , liked how they were all individuals but melded together. Oh yeah.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews