Tahn

Tahn #1

by L.A. Kelly

In a dark, medieval land, good and evil battle it out. Trapped between his master's evil commands and his persistent conscience that tells him to do otherwise, Tahn Dorn finds himself in a twisting plot that threatens not only his life but also that of the lovely Netta. After kidnapping Netta from the comfort of her home and burning her castle to the ground, Tahn realizes he can't turn her over to Samis, his evil master, as was originally intended. But as Tahn launches a plan to outwit Samis, he realizes he must also face the evils within himself. Here, compelling characters deal with the real-life struggles of redemption and forgiveness. It's good versus evil in a way you've never experienced before. A note from the "I knew as I was writing Tahn that the story could not end until certain choices were made. Love or self-guarded preservation? Forgiveness or bitter hate? It is my hope that readers will think about such choices in their own lives. I hope they remember Tahn and see past the surface of the next person they meet. I hope they see a potential hero in every lost and wayward child and pray accordingly. Then Tahn and I will have done our jobs."

Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Fantasy, Romance

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

A pseudonym used by Leisha Kelly

Reviews

[Michelle Griep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just to be up front, I'll play my honesty card and have to admit this wasn't the first time I've read Tahn. That should be a HUGE clue that I love this story. There are a rare few sets of books that I keep on my shelf to re-read when the fancy strikes, and this is one of them.

Tahn is a hero who captures your heart. Completely. He's the bad boy with a soft heart who makes you cheer for him even when you know he's doing something he ought not.

The novel is set in what seems to be medieval times but it's not actually a historical. It's more of a fantasy. Not there are strange winged creatures or anything like that. If you like sword fights, romance, suspense and a damsel in distress, then you're going to love Tahn as much as I do.

[Jennifer Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally download this book because it was Christian fiction and it was offered for free (a combination I cannot resist). While I normally enjoy books with this type of setting, I really didn't have high expectations. And then I started reading and was completely sucked into the story. In fact, I practically inhaled all three of the books in the series in one week.

Most of the bad reviews are from people who do not like Christian fiction. So let me make sure I'm crystal clear, THIS IS A CHRISTIAN BOOK. The characters actually pray. There are Bible studies in the book. The plan of salvation is presented in this series. IF YOU HATE CHRISTIANS OR ALL THINGS WE REPRESENT, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. Because, inevitably, you will write up a bad review about how much you hate CF and this book for its "propaganda". Although, why with all the reviews letting people know very clearly that this is CF, there are still people confused about this, I'm not sure. Perhaps the lesson should be, do some research of any book you want to buy before you actually purchase it. Even if it's free.

Back to "Tahn". I loved everything about this series. The setting. The characters. The story line. I especially loved the redemption of such a twisted, pained character. Throughout his short life, Tahn had experienced so many atrocities that he truly believed he was Satan's spawn. Unsaveable. Unloveable. Until he met Netta, who helped him to finally understand the mighty scope of God's forgiveness and mercy.

"Tahn", "The Return to Alastair", and "The Scarlet Trefoil" are amazing stories about God's love and mercy and how forgiveness has the power to completely change lives. I loved every minute spent with Tahn and Netta and deeply regret LA Kelly did not write any more stories about them before her death.

[Celestria]

DNF page 63

The plot is interesting, but I can't get into the writing. It feels very stiff.

[C.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. This is one of my biggest old favorites. I have read it and its sequels probably a couple dozen times. I don't know why so many other reviewers trash this book. Though it can be slightly melodramatic at times, it is a beautiful story of pain, healing, redemption, and most importantly, forgiveness.
Though Tahn committed a horrific crime against her, Lady Netta shows an incredible depth of spirit. Not just in forgiving him, but seeing the pain beneath and reaching out to him and offering him the gift of redemption. She sees the darkness and the depth of his struggles (I'm quite certain that his character has severe PTSD), the blood on his hands, but she also sees the man who suffers greatly under the guilt of his past and the fear of what is to come. She sees his incredible care for the children that he didn't have to save, but did, and knows that there is something worth saving.
The last third of the book is a good bit slower than the first, but in no way dull, as it focuses more on the emotions and changes with the characters rather than action.

[Molly Evangeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny I should give this book five stars when it really wasn't the most well written book, but I absolutely LOVED it. The characters completely made up for anything that was lacking. Especially Tahn. From the beginning he made it onto my list of all time favorite fictional characters. I can hardly wait to get into book 2.

[deborah o'carroll (offline during 2026) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book of 2015! Makes it special, dontcha think?

BUT TAHN. TAHNNNNNNNN. *squishes him in a big hug* I can't even do anything right now. Asdlkfjalsdkfjlsdkfjl. Just go away and leave me to the dark broken adorable squishable awesome epicfulness (and perfect example of a dark guy) that is Tahn. I'm going to be contemplating him for a long time, methinks. Definitely one for the favorite-character list. TAHHHHHHN.

So I had grand plans of giving this book four stars through most of reading it, because I had an idea that I might start being more careful with my ratings this year; and it WAS kind of gritty, and mostly I thought I only loved it for a certain character... (Who, in case you didn't notice, is Tahn himself...) But by the end I realized I just liked it a lot. And some of the Christian stuff was pretty cool. And I don't know. I'm just happy. So I couldn't really rate it anything but 5 stars. I just. Liked it. :) And Tahn, of course...

(Speaking of which, I was trying to type the title Tahn in my spreadsheet of books I'm reading this year, and it kept auto-correcting it to Than. Than, people. Seriously. WHY IS TECHNOLOGY SO IDIOTIC WHEN IT'S BEING POMPOUS AND THINKING IT'S SMARTER THAN WE ARE? RAWR.)

And no, this isn't really a review. It's just my excuse for not having a review consisting only of:

TAHN. <3 THAT IS ALL.

Because really that's all that needs saying. Tahn. Tahn Tahn Tahn. ...I LOVE HIM A LOT OKAY. Shush.

[English · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the plus side this is a sweet romance novel with some memorable and original characters, as well as a strong Christian message and a generally good storyline albeit corny in some places.

The first problem is that the 'Medieval' setting of this novel just seemed superficial, unconvincing and in many places weak.

The author seemed to have little or no real sense of the period and simply selected the setting because she 'liked it', or simply wanted to go along with popular expectations of the fantasy genre, but only bothered to do a minimum of research.

There were a lot of anachronisms and the number of modern Americanisms in the 'Medieval' characters' speech made me cringe.
Then were the totally unrealistic scenes, like one in which the Protaganist Tahn scales a castle wall with a long plank of wood which he somehow managed to carry with him.

The secondary villian, Baron Trent leaves much to be desired. His character (and that of his son who comes along soon after his death) both seem to be modelled on the stereotypical American depiction of 'English' aristocrats as seen in many movies, right down to thier 'posh' accents and langauge crammed full of long high-register words. The author attempts to make them as nasty as possible, but most of the time they are simply ludicrous absurd and downrght useless. Thier actions are often totally baseless and without motive, they just do them because they're bad.

I wasn't overly taken with the heroine, who seemed a little too goody-goody, but she was at least palatable in comparison with her father who was a total hypocrite. He was always preaching about the neccesity of 'forgiving and forgetting' to others, yet was totally unwilling to practice what he preached, and forgive others himself.

Considering what was done to his family by these characters this reluctance is perhaps unsurprising, but his constant expectation of the other characters to do what he cannot just makes him seem like an sanctmonious, self-righteous prig.

By far the most annoying aspect was that, as well as imposing some modern values and standards onto the past, the author and the characters displayed what appeared to be outright contempt for certain traditions, customs, conventions, polite social graces that were common during this period.
I rather got the impression that the author was simply disdainful of some of these because she did not understand them, or 'see the point' of them.

The book is a good light read for fun, but it might not entirely satisfy the tastes of those who prefer thier fantasy more historically 'accurate' and plausible.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got all freebie-happy at the Kindle Store and was excited to have some fantasy to supply my never-ending hunger. Well, now I know why it's free... because it's a piece of crap. The writing is plain and nothing of note. I never even realized how good I had it with my normal trashy fantasy. The plot kept me in it for a while, but then one of the main character's driving motivation became preaching about trusting in the Lord, because he will provide, blah blah blah blah kill me now and get on to the good parts about the fighting and the orphans and the killer's inner turmoil. This book would've been 3 stars or so without the Jesus stuff, it wasn't bad. But eventually the Jesus stuff became the majority of the writing and killed whatever hope there ever was for this novel.

[Misty · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't get very far into this book.
It was too Christian for me to handle.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was free on Kindle...but that doesn't excuse me actually finishing the thing. I want my time back.

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife wanted me to read this to see if I would recommend it to her. I certainly enjoyed it, and the author is so talented and has a gift for sharing so many Christian views that can relate to all. Certainly, in this story there is so much to gain from the principal characters and how they deal with the hardships of their lives, especially in the arena of forgiving others and themselves and finding the true love of Christ. It is such a different setting since it is a medieval timeframe which is not one of my favorites. I would not recommend it to my wife, but I can see why people rated in very high and loved the trilogy. I may finish the other two at some point for sure.

[Kaitlyn Krispense · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was hard to be immersed in the story when some of the dialogue seemed a bit stilted, and honestly some parts were just cheesy and/or unrealistic. I did, however, absolutely love the plot line. And Tahn. And Vari. And the chikdren. And Netta, surprisingly.

[Alora Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s books that are the bad kind of good and books that are the good kind of bad. This one is the bad kind of good.
What it lacks in
-continuity(ie king James version in what I’m penciling in as medieval times)
-setting clarity(seems like LA Kelly was thinking about the American west while writing. I think at one point there’s a character named Jed, and what kind of self-respecting english lord would name his daughter Netta? Hate that name, very America of Kelly.)(It would have been cool, though, (excuse my parentheticals) to commit to a medieval/western. I’d read that)
- and interesting characters( Tahn’s pretty cool (especially at first) because of the internal conflict (and because he’s short and still the toughest dude which is a good thing for tall insecure folks and short insecure folks) but Netta is one boring plain vanilla gurl. If my husband of one week had been murdered and bled out in my arms, I’d have some serious ptsd when chilling with his killer and if my whole family got crazy murdered, I think I’d spend more time screaming or standing in shock, or thinking about them in general. I wouldn’t be like “I’m sad my family died but the real emergency here is these kids’ illiteracy.” LA Kelly, in the later books, gets real comfy with the Tahn Shoulders Lots of Physical Injury And Barely Lives For The Sake Of Those He Loves story arc. But you haven’t read those yet probably so it’s ok for now)

It makes up for in earnestness. That’s how I’d describe this book as a whole. Earnest. A lot of people complain it’s a little preachy (which by george, it is) but you know what? A welcome change from the trashy lustful stuff most Christian romance novels push on us, justifying the nasty stuff with a few lines here and there about the plans God has to prosper the beautiful-beyond-words-not-for-lack-of-trying-And-supposedly-powerful-but-pretty-basic heroine and listening to the heart etc.
It’s earnest. It’s pretty evangelistic at times, which can be a little much. It reminds me of when I was that joyously pushy. But dang, it’s still a good book. And Netta’s pretty and all that, and Tahn’s strong and all that. But their physical features aren’t dwelt on too much, which I appreciated. I would also argue that Netta being weak and only loving kind of makes her a Cinderella-esque sidekick. She’s mostly a side character who builds into tahn, she isn’t the main focus—it’s ok for her to be basic. Plus the preservation of kindness or whatever. There’s something there.
There was some Yearning, Emoting, and Feeling Telling, but I don’t know. It was Romantic in the capital r way in addition to the lowercase r way. we think about the powers of humanity. The selflessness and forgiveness and humility and grace and capital L Love for fellow man.
A good book.

[Elizabethw · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I'm always torn with how to rate this book. I love the premise (who doesn't love a dark, angsty male lead seeking redemption?) but the world-building, dialogue, etc. could have used serious work. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book very much and have read it several times, hence the generous rating.

Quick summary:
Netta Trilett is kidnapped from her room one night by the very same man who killed her fiance. Despite his fearsome appearance and murderous record, the Dark Angel Tahn seeks to protect Netta and several young children (Dark Angels in training)from his evil leader Samis.

Pros:
I love Tahn...he is the quintessential dark hero who believes he's past redemption yet still gallantly rescues others. Kelly gives some of his back story--definitely enough to satisfy you in this first installment--but fleshes it out in the next books.

The kids are great: Stuva, Vari, Temas...I haven't read this book in many months but I can still remember most of the names! Kelly does a great job of making each child unique and memorable. I loved the contrast between their innocence/curiosity and the maturity they gained as a result of Samis' training.

The plot also moves well, with a great balance between action and contemplative moments, and both give insight into the characters.

Cons:
The world building could have been done better. I didn't mind it too much in this book since there's enough context for me to grasp the conflict surrounding Tahn, the Dark Angels, the Trilletts, villagers, etc., but it still would have been nice to know more about the time period, setting, etc. There's never an outright statement about time and setting, but the book seems to take place in a medieval-like era.

The dialogue was rather annoying. I didn't mind it too much at first, just thinking it was a bit weird, but it got progressively more irritating, especially after reading the sequels. Characters were always saying, "God's mercy." (I don't actually own a copy of the book, so I can't give examples, but suffice it to say that the dialogue had a lot of repetitive and oddly worded phrases).

Overall:
The book was an enjoyable read and definitely the best of the series. In fact, I thought this was a standalone novel, because it wraps up everything rather nicely. (I actually recommend readers to just stick with this book and not read the sequels).

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly don't know why this book received so many poor reviews. If you like fantasy and Christian fiction with a touch of romance, you've nothing to fear from this book. I picked it up while on vacation and kept it a rather constant companion whenever I had a spare moment. The author's note pulled me in with her to Tahn's world. I could relate to the author being hounded by this character's story which must be told. Tahn Dorn is an assassin, haunted both by his past deeds and the looming threat of a man who raised him up from boyhood to be the monster he has become... and now is trying to reek havoc on a new generation of children. But beneath it all, Tahn desires something better--for the children, for the widow of his victim, and for himself. In a story of grace, he finds all that and more. It is true that the Christian references pop up with a heavy frequency, but again, as I said, it is what it is. One of the reviewers argues that the book simply dies smack dab in the middle. I respectfully disagree. Yes, the action does shift when Tahn seeks to change his life, but it's not that all danger and suspense simply vanishes. He is challenged to be more clever and face the danger without resorting to his old ways. I could respect that in this character and appreciated his efforts to shape a new life. Is it the best fantasy I've ever read? No, but that bar has been set very, very high. I would read this again and am planning to read more in this series as well.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember being in my early teens when my older sister and her group of friends were all reading and talking about Than. I remember wanting to read the book too, but never finding a copy at my disposal to do so. I remember my sister excitedly summing up the plot, enough that I had, 7 years later, still some vivid pictures of scenes I had remembered being described. So when I found one at Goodwill out of the blue, I happily picked it up.

I probably came into this with a lot of high expectations because of my childhood ideas. And it had a great premise and idea. But somewhere in the execution of it there was a bit of flatness for me. I thought it was a bit... preachy. I thought that for a group of assassins, a lot of them really quickly became saved... like, within five minutes of hearing the Gospel Message. And most of the assassins had misgivings about their profession and were actually good at heart? I don't doubt a few, like the main character, but all of them being okay guys actually? Uhh...Okay?

It was a feel good book, one that I think I'll hold onto, because it had a great story behind some of the issues I hold with the execution of it.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up years ago because I thought the cover was pretty :) When I read the blurb, I had no idea that it was Christian fiction, but for me, that was just an added bonus. I have since read this book at LEAST once a year, probably more like 3 times. Having just read it again, and then some of the reviews, I thought I'd add my 2c.
Firstly, I wish LA Kelly hadn't written the other two books. Tahn was totally capable of standing alone and really, the others just go to some dark places that I wasn't really happy with, but that's me. Secondly. Whilst I do like the name Tahn, it irks me that my spellchecker keeps changing it to Than. :)
And for those of you who actually would appreciate something approximating a literary review... Some awkward dialogue like, "already it has been that", not enough back-story on some of the characters, a little too much "everybody gets saved, yay!" and I agree, a little light in the world-building department. But the cover IS pretty, and Tahn will always be one of my favourite books.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

An assassin attempting to "make things right", a young woman who has lost everything, and bunch of children rescued from an "assassin camp". Non-stop action, danger, and heartwarming moments make this a great story. It seemed to be written primarily for young adult, but most people would enjoy it. The redeeming love of God shines through.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story filled with my book friends :) I have reimagined the story and the characters so reading this allows me to relax and watch them interact again. The actual writing isn’t stellar, there are many plot holes. But there are elements that are emotionally grabbing and lend inspiration to imaginative exploration. Overall a 3 but a classic and favorite so a 5 lol

[Cal Katherine Beard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this several times in my teens and picked it up again out of curiosity about how I'd feel now. It turns out I'm still huge sucker for it, though a few of the religious bits rub me the wrong way and Netta annoys me a little.

(Date read estimated)

[Suvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything in one book: drama, action, romance. The main character is a mysterious mercenary with a dreadful childhood who finds redemption through caring about orphans and the Christian faith.

[Luca · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a very bad book if you are looking for a fantasy book. If you are searching for a religion book (christian religion), then you could find it interesting.

[AT Demeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of the most superb stories that so amazingly, powerfully, and beautifully depicts the redeeming power of God’s love upon the lost and the undeserving. First time I read this, it was a copy of one of my sister’s friends who was visiting from another state; she recommended it, so I decided to give it a try.
Am I glad I did!
I hope people who haven’t read Tahn will not pass up opportunity to do so, because this is a very worthwhile and riveting read. Not only has it strong Christian elements and a clearly depicted portrayal of grace and forgiveness (not just of God’s but of his children toward those who wounded them), but it has solid characterization, page-turning action, and characters whom you can’t help sympathizing and rooting for (well, most of them), even aching for them to be transformed by the love of Christ.
I’m not going to give anything away, because there’s so much of it that’s awesome that must not be spoiled. But I will say that I was awed by Netta’s kindness and forgiveness toward Tahn (which, realistically, grew slowly) even when he hurt her so much; I believe it’s an accurate depiction of how God feels toward those who trespass against Him, those that He wants as His own. And I love how protective and caring Tahn was toward the children in his keeping - and all the ways the children, in return, loved him back and even affected him with their innocent affection. (Of course, they had a little help from Netta, but that’s all I’ll say on that.)
I hope to get a copy of my own of this book. Because this is one book I would definitely treasure and read over and over again, leaving me freshly in awe each time of how powerful and life-changing forgiveness, love, and redemption undoubtedly is.
I, too, hope you’ll try to get a chance to read it. If you see it anywhere, in a store or at a friend’s house, don’t turn it down! You can’t miss out on this beautiful work of fiction.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorites. The main reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because it's kind of unbelievable in places. The plot flows pretty well. Tahn Dorn is my favorite character and shows amazing growth in spite of tremendous trials which threaten to hold him back. The way the author depicted drug addiction was something I hadn't seen in a book prior to this one. The problem there was the issue of time. Plus, one has to believe in divine deliverance for this part of the plot to be believed. I happen to know that does happen. My own uncle put down cigarettes one day and never had a desire to pick them up again, and this was after struggling to quit. But it was the things like that which I think will turn some readers away. However, if you stick with this book and read it through, it's a lovely tale of darkness coming to the light, healing, deliverance, and the purest kind of love I believe a human can achieve.

[K.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great, fast-paced, weekend read!
I was drawn to the cover/font and randomly grabbed it from the Library shelf not even looking to see what it was about. (*Always a fun personal challenge). Great find! I'm excited to continue the series. Tahn was a very interesting, frustrating, endearing main character- I am excited to see where the author takes him. I wished for a little more out of the character of Netta... just seemed a bit bland/self-righteous. I'm hoping she is explored further and strengthened as a character in the following books.
Overall, I'd recommend the book for anyone who likes adventure, Christian fiction, bad guy conversion/redemption, unlikely heroes, etc.

[RoseAblaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Not only did the first sentence capture my immediate attention ("Tahn crept up the stone wall like a reptile silent after its prey.") but I fell in love with apmost every character that was introduced; especially Tahn himself, and the lovely Lady Netta. This book is rather political, with the ongoing war and such, but is filled with danger, adventure, romance, and salvation too. I can't wait to read the next book/s.

[Loser · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf.

Felt like a lesser version of a book I've read before felt rushed and yet slow at the same time. I also don't like book were they build up a villain and are like "he's so evil" "he is powerful" and want not and then the main character pretty much like confuses/defeats him with barely any inconvenience.


Anyway, but that's just what I thought before I dnfed it. It might have gotten better. P

[Taylor Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book set in a fictional medieval setting. The main character, Tahn, is a mercenary that feels scorned by God and has determined he will end his life and accept his condemnation. However, before he dies he decides he will do one right thing and save the life of a noble lady, doomed to torture and sexual slavery.

[P.A.M. Borys · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too preachy

The author begins well but character development and plot become burdened by glib and heavy-handed Christian conversion stories. The conversion lacks credibility and the rest of the tale becomes a device to magnify this event.

[Jadzia · Rating 1 out of 5]

27% DNF

The story was interesting, but it came across as more of an attempt to convert you to Christianity than a story in its own right.

If you like heavy-handed Christian/fantasy stuff, you would probably enjoy "Tahn", I just didn't.