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Torn from Earth and thrown into a parallel fantasy world, Kathryn struggles to maintain her sanity and remain alive long enough to return home.
After a run-in with the local wildlife, she finds herself under the dubious protection of the Knighthood—winged humans with an innate sense of honor, but open hostility toward Earthlings. An unwelcome passenger in her mind drives her to join their ranks. She discovers their angry commander is far from welcoming.
Sir Lanclor, Commander of the Knighthood, lives with the curse of betrayal. While the treachery occurred lifetimes before, few see past his guarded shell to the grim man beneath. Barely holding the Knighthood together, his grip tightens with Kathryn's arrival. Her stubbornness and surprising strength energizes the Knighthood and makes Sir Lanclor question his self-imposed isolation.
With the approach of an invading army, Kathryn and Sir Lanclor must find a way to end centuries of war and save two worlds.
After a run-in with the local wildlife, she finds herself under the dubious protection of the Knighthood—winged humans with an innate sense of honor, but open hostility toward Earthlings. An unwelcome passenger in her mind drives her to join their ranks. She discovers their angry commander is far from welcoming.
Sir Lanclor, Commander of the Knighthood, lives with the curse of betrayal. While the treachery occurred lifetimes before, few see past his guarded shell to the grim man beneath. Barely holding the Knighthood together, his grip tightens with Kathryn's arrival. Her stubbornness and surprising strength energizes the Knighthood and makes Sir Lanclor question his self-imposed isolation.
With the approach of an invading army, Kathryn and Sir Lanclor must find a way to end centuries of war and save two worlds.
370 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2013
17 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
Sam Rook
9 books142 followersSam Rook lives in Vermont with her husband and two children. Her passion for fantasy novels began in high school with her desire to write following shortly thereafter. Software engineer by day, fantasy author by night, she strives to give her readers a chance to enjoy worlds that transport them away from the stress of everyday life.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 17, 2015
Hope is the first book in the Knights of Av'lor series by author Sam Rook. Mythical monsters and winged human protectors clash in this epic fantasy set in a parallel world to earth where life is very medieval. Av'lor has honour, valour and magic at its core.
Sam Rook paints her worlds with just enough detail to let the reader's imagination build up the full picture. You will not find long detailed descriptive passages in this work.
The writing style is mostly simple, flowing and clear. The names used are consistent with fantasy writing but they are not over complicated and I did manage to get used to them fairly quickly. I also liked the language used for the incantations.
The author also builds mystery and suspense very effectively, keeping the reader hooked and wanting more. Events are mainly revealed through the eyes of the main protagonists using third person narration. It is also clear that much will unfold beyond this novel as a complex weave of unresolved sub-plots is introduced within it, in snippets via secondary players. Furthermore, various occurrences are not fully explained here - we know what happened but we have no idea about who was responsible or their motivations.
There is a wide cast of characters, some (Lanclor, Kathryn, Hal, Mikael) are explored more than others and many questions are raised that will hopefully be expanded upon later in the series.
The story moves at a quick pace, with lots of action and epic battles, and I did have to read some sections twice to take everything in. Some romance is present with a couple of steamy sections - definitely for an adult audience. I found some passages towards the end of the book very emotional and moving.
This was overall a very good read and I could not wait to move straight to its sequel.
[ARC received from Author]
BooksChatter
Sam Rook paints her worlds with just enough detail to let the reader's imagination build up the full picture. You will not find long detailed descriptive passages in this work.
The writing style is mostly simple, flowing and clear. The names used are consistent with fantasy writing but they are not over complicated and I did manage to get used to them fairly quickly. I also liked the language used for the incantations.
The author also builds mystery and suspense very effectively, keeping the reader hooked and wanting more. Events are mainly revealed through the eyes of the main protagonists using third person narration. It is also clear that much will unfold beyond this novel as a complex weave of unresolved sub-plots is introduced within it, in snippets via secondary players. Furthermore, various occurrences are not fully explained here - we know what happened but we have no idea about who was responsible or their motivations.
There is a wide cast of characters, some (Lanclor, Kathryn, Hal, Mikael) are explored more than others and many questions are raised that will hopefully be expanded upon later in the series.
The story moves at a quick pace, with lots of action and epic battles, and I did have to read some sections twice to take everything in. Some romance is present with a couple of steamy sections - definitely for an adult audience. I found some passages towards the end of the book very emotional and moving.
This was overall a very good read and I could not wait to move straight to its sequel.
[ARC received from Author]
BooksChatter
October 12, 2015
"Hope" by Sam Rook is the first novel in the ‘Knights of Av’lor’ series and centers around Kathryn Merlangton, who is mysteriously transported to a land called Av’lor, as is a State Trooper named Hal Summers. Amazingly enough, the beings there look like humans but have wings, and are engaged in a desperate struggle against demonic creatures. Despite skepticism, Kathryn and Hal strive to do what they can to assist in the fight while searching for a way to return to Earth. They may have hidden assets to contribute, but whether that will be enough to sway the final result will depend on whether they can utilize their talents and stay alive long enough to do so.
This exciting fantasy story has wonderfully inventive situations, intriguing characters and thrilling battle scenes. The alternate world premise is thought-provoking and the talents that the various characters display provide interesting twists to the story. There are creative things such as the switch between the roles of a mouse and a cat on Av’lor or the process of becoming a Knight and it will be fun to see what else is revealed about Av’lor. The world-building and exposition of facts is a bit erratic and more detail and background would be very useful but this is a nice introduction to an interesting fantasy saga and I found myself anxious to discover how things were going to turn out and needing a tissue occasionally. There are a lot of threads dangling that hopefully will be expounded upon in future stories and one should be forewarned that there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but the nice thing is that there is already a second book in the series available. I look forward to visiting this universe again and hope that there are many more tales in the series.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
October 27, 2013
This is a full-length epic contemporary fantasy novel, with winged demons, winged knights (definitely not angels), telepathic horses, and weapons and armor that shape themselves to their owners. The plotline is solid — I enjoyed the read — but I kept wishing the world-building had been more solid, that there were more background details to keep me "grounded" in the author's universe. There just wasn't the overall flavor of immersion that truly satisfies the dedicated fantasy reader.
However, my major issue with the book is a trick of the author's wordsmithing. She tends to omit certain important details until after the fact, and then spring the detail as a surprise for the reader. As an example, a character might be held at knifepoint, then fight free using a knife the reader knew nothing about. This is just off the top of my head, not a real example from the book, so no spoiler there. But several major plot twists were sprung using this "Gotcha!" technique, and I'm not a fan of it.
I am a fan of the storytelling and the author's universe, even incomplete. There's a rough depth to the characters, a strength to the plotline, that will draw me back for future installments. Hope founds a fantasy world and is clearly intended as the basis for a series, with several questions remaining unanswered, invitingly so. Keep writing, Ms Rook.
Please note that I received a free copy of this novel through the Library Thing Member Giveaway program. The price of the book never dictates the honesty of the review.
However, my major issue with the book is a trick of the author's wordsmithing. She tends to omit certain important details until after the fact, and then spring the detail as a surprise for the reader. As an example, a character might be held at knifepoint, then fight free using a knife the reader knew nothing about. This is just off the top of my head, not a real example from the book, so no spoiler there. But several major plot twists were sprung using this "Gotcha!" technique, and I'm not a fan of it.
I am a fan of the storytelling and the author's universe, even incomplete. There's a rough depth to the characters, a strength to the plotline, that will draw me back for future installments. Hope founds a fantasy world and is clearly intended as the basis for a series, with several questions remaining unanswered, invitingly so. Keep writing, Ms Rook.
Please note that I received a free copy of this novel through the Library Thing Member Giveaway program. The price of the book never dictates the honesty of the review.
August 6, 2022
I should have been asleep when I was aimlessly browsing through the fantasy section and stumbled across this paperback on sale. I knew nothing about the author and it was a risk I took ordering it, but I very much enjoyed this book. I was apprehensive about winged characters and how they would interact within this world, but I was hooked on the book after the first chapter. I enjoyed the main character of Kathryn and her interactions with Lanclor. Lanclor is quite interesting himself. I would say that I would like to see more about the six months at the end of the book, but perhaps that is in the next book. Overall highly enjoyed it and would recommend it. I will be seeking out the next book soon.
September 3, 2018
I wanted to like this book. The premise of the story is good. A fish out of water portal fantasy with flying knights. It started strong, but overall though, the writing needs a lot of polishing. Plot elements are introduced early in the story and then disappear forever. Other plot elements are barely fleshed out and kind of confusing. The dialogue is wooden at times, descriptions are dry and the prose very much of the tell rather show variety. Like I said, the story has a good foundation though, so there's probably enough for some people to enjoy here.
October 12, 2015
This novel opens with a fairly fantastical beginning. One day, a monster decides to show up and eat Kathryn’s house. This horrific and bizarre event leads Kathryn, a software engineer, to be transported to a magical, medieval realm called Av’lor. She finds that she is not the only person transported into this strange realm because Hal, a state trooper, is there. They find that the protectors of the realm are knights with wings who are fighting a war with demons. Kathryn then decides to join the ranks of knights to defeat these evil creatures and save the two worlds.
Even though I am a fan of historical and epic fantasy, there are some fantasy books I will not bother to touch. These are the books that have fantastical creatures of vampires, werewolves, zombies, and demons. However this book caught my attention because it seemed like it was inspired by Christian lore with the battle of angels and demons. So even though the main villains were demons, I was willing to forgo my dislike of these fantasy creatures and enjoyed the plot.
Because the story started out with a monster eating Kathryn’s house, there was not an introduction to the character. As the novel unravels, we find out what Kathryn was like before the event took place. Kathryn was an emotionally damaged woman who had lost her mother and her daughter. She is trying to cope with the loss throughout the novel. I admired Kathryn. She is a strong character that anyone can relate to. I loved her strength and her determination. She never gives up. It is because of her qualities of perseverance that instills hope in all those around her.
Overall, this story is about loss, hope, redemption, and love. It is about a woman trying to find happiness after a tragedy. The love story is pretty cliche, for the love interest is a jerk with a heart of gold. The world-building is also a bit confusing, and I would have liked more information about the world of Av’lor. However, with fun and relatable characters and a fast-paced and action-filled plot, readers will soon immerse themselves in the story. Hope ends in a cliffhanger that had me anxiously anticipating what is next. I am definitely going to read the sequel, Gates. I recommend this story to anyone interested in epic fantasy, or anyone who likes heroines who find their strength through the trials of their lives.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
Even though I am a fan of historical and epic fantasy, there are some fantasy books I will not bother to touch. These are the books that have fantastical creatures of vampires, werewolves, zombies, and demons. However this book caught my attention because it seemed like it was inspired by Christian lore with the battle of angels and demons. So even though the main villains were demons, I was willing to forgo my dislike of these fantasy creatures and enjoyed the plot.
Because the story started out with a monster eating Kathryn’s house, there was not an introduction to the character. As the novel unravels, we find out what Kathryn was like before the event took place. Kathryn was an emotionally damaged woman who had lost her mother and her daughter. She is trying to cope with the loss throughout the novel. I admired Kathryn. She is a strong character that anyone can relate to. I loved her strength and her determination. She never gives up. It is because of her qualities of perseverance that instills hope in all those around her.
Overall, this story is about loss, hope, redemption, and love. It is about a woman trying to find happiness after a tragedy. The love story is pretty cliche, for the love interest is a jerk with a heart of gold. The world-building is also a bit confusing, and I would have liked more information about the world of Av’lor. However, with fun and relatable characters and a fast-paced and action-filled plot, readers will soon immerse themselves in the story. Hope ends in a cliffhanger that had me anxiously anticipating what is next. I am definitely going to read the sequel, Gates. I recommend this story to anyone interested in epic fantasy, or anyone who likes heroines who find their strength through the trials of their lives.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
October 19, 2015
This book was simply amazing. I loved the parallel world intertwining with the myths and legends of Arthur and Lancelot. There is so much more to this book, though, including magic, Soul Bearers, daemons, betrayal - it's all here.
Hope is an epic Fantasy which will draw you in and take you along for a thrilling ride, as you stay with Kathryn as she becomes a knight and learns just where she will place in this strange new world.
With plenty of action, including major battle scenes, a dash of romance, and good solid friendships, complete with a couple of twists and turns to keep your interest, this is a wonderful story that I am excited to read more of. Can't wait for book 2!!!
* I received this book from Goddess Fish Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Hope is an epic Fantasy which will draw you in and take you along for a thrilling ride, as you stay with Kathryn as she becomes a knight and learns just where she will place in this strange new world.
With plenty of action, including major battle scenes, a dash of romance, and good solid friendships, complete with a couple of twists and turns to keep your interest, this is a wonderful story that I am excited to read more of. Can't wait for book 2!!!
* I received this book from Goddess Fish Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
November 9, 2013
This was a fairly decent story. It started with an earth woman having her home sucked through a portal into another world (along with a policeman she had called for help.) It had knights, portals, evil demons and many other fantasy elements. The knights were winged and trained in magic and combat. It also had a bit of drama and romance. It was a good story, but there were some choppy bits where I had to reread to understand what had just happened or was going on. I enjoyed it and will definitely like to read the rest of the books in this series.
January 18, 2015
It was a promising beginning
This was an enjoyable read. Good fantasy. I felt the author needed to slow down and take time to explain some scene more thoroughly. It felt rushed and some real good opportunities were missed to enhance the plot. But it did not deter me from enjoying the book. Like I said, a promising beginning. I did see on his web page book two is coming and I will read it.
This was an enjoyable read. Good fantasy. I felt the author needed to slow down and take time to explain some scene more thoroughly. It felt rushed and some real good opportunities were missed to enhance the plot. But it did not deter me from enjoying the book. Like I said, a promising beginning. I did see on his web page book two is coming and I will read it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews