Son of the Forest

by Jacob Tamlin

In the land of Brucor, an ancient evil has awakened. Of all mortal beings, only the elf priest Daelrath, a servant of the goddess of love, knows. He receives a chilling vision of the world to come, and must take drastic measures to avert the cataclysm, even if it means sacrificing his own morals . . . and soul.

A few years later, in the sleepy town of Nenserlas, the townsfolk begin to hear reports that several nearby communities have been attacked. Before they can make any sense of this news, marauding monsters ravage Nenserlas. This attack kills many, including the elf Finán’s only daughter, and left others critically wounded, including his wife. Having faced many a battle as an elite warrior of the Guardians of the Green, Finán had been desperately trying to live a peaceful life with his little family of three before the devastating attack. Now that is all behind him, and he seeks revenge.

Aided by his closest friends, the dwarven siblings Balrim and Ormyn, and the mysterious half-elf Abjira, Finán sets out on a journey of vengeance and self-discovery. Marauding monsters, evil witches, past trauma, and the elements of nature itself all seek to prevent Finán from avenging his daughter. A warmongering chieftain, a sly shaman, and an evil goddess all complicate Daelrath’s plot to forge heroes in the crucible of battle. What can mere mortals do against the irresistible pull of fate?

Book One in the series Mere Mortals, Son of the Forest is a thrilling epic fantasy full of action, magic, and the power of friendship.

306 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2024

Reviews

[Hjt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful debut novel. The story of friendship and overcoming is heartfelt at times, intense at others. Jacob approaches fantasy writing in a way that is familiar and approachable, but also unique. I love the characters he creates, the way that trauma and healing are approached, and the overall plot.

The epilogue was tantalizing and leaves me so excited for the next books in the series.

My only complaint is I wanted more! At times, I wished for slightly more information and depth to the interesting characters he created.

[Isaac Ginter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The leap from a good book to a great book that authors must make is to write something that leaves their reader changed. Son of the Forest has all the trademarks of a good fantasy read, but keeps you on your toes with an interesting look into the mental burdens and baggage that come with being a hero, a parent, and a friend. Tamlin’s background as a therapist rings through in the pages of this story and on many occasions, I found myself caught up in the thralls of the characters’ emotions and learning more about myself as I read on. He has a way of writing that speaks to the human experience—especially of that of grief, love, and the familial bond found in friendship—and captivates his audience by drawing them in to take the form of the characters themselves.

10/10 read, would recommend!

[Tina Ramen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole time since I've re-discovered reading as an adult I said fantasy is my least favourite genre because I did not enjoy it before however maybe cause I started playing DnD during covid that now I know the lore more about fantasy that I have to say this book made me realize I do enjoy fantasy! The author does a great job world building and make you really root for the characters and their journey. I enjoyed how the party got together and I had to yell at the book every time the party was split cause I knew something bad was going to happen. Really enjoyed this book as my return to fantasy and sad that I have to wait a while for the second book as this first book was just released!

[Matthew Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pros:
- Good story
- Good characters
- Can definitely tell that Sir Tamlin knows a thing or two about working through interpersonal issues
- Epic battle sequences

Cons:
- Sequel isn't out yet so I can't know what happens next