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Shadow's Fire #1
A Chance Beginning
Erik Eleodum is a simple man. He doesn’t want to be a hero. He doesn’t need fame or fortune. He is content farming his family’s homestead in northern Háthgolthane and raising a simple family, like his father, for the rest of his life. In fact, adventure is the last thing on his mind.
Befel, Erik’s brother, and Bryon, his cousin, can’t think of anything worse than farming for the rest of their lives. They want to be heroes. They want fame and fortune. They want to leave their families and go east, to the country of Golgolithul, where they are sure to find easy wealth and great adventure.
But when these three young men leave their farmstead, they quickly discover the world is not so simple, not so easy. Most fortune is laden with treachery, fame must be earned with blood, and adventures are rarely grand. Ideas of grandeur are crushed and the road east is hard. To get there, these men must ultimately sell their swords and become friends with thieves, dwarves, soldiers, and mercenaries well past their prime. They battle a band of ruthless slavers, slip past assassins, and experience the deadly consequences of black magic.
Will Erik ever be able to return to the simple life? Will he unwittingly become famous, become rich, become a hero? Or, will he even survive?
Often the deeds of those deemed smaller, either in stature or status, go uncounted by chroniclers of history. Yet, it is these deeds that repeatedly change the course of history. For every hero whose feats minstrels sing, there were fifty men following his stead, giving blood and sweat just as he did; and because they were not the first to return from a long voyage away, or perhaps they did not return at all, their glories are never sung. This is a story about those men who would only be known in the local legends, who would have been forgotten by time save for a small bit of chance. Chance, Fate, Destiny, Dumb Luck; all these and more, and then maybe none of these things, are the reasons a young man can go from a farmer’s son, a boy of lowly birth born with dirt on his face, to a great warrior, a kingly knight, a dragon slayer.
Three young farmers, tired of plowing endless fields from sunrise to sunset, gave up all they knew to pursue fame, pursue riches. Their crying mothers at their backs and the unknown ahead of them, they worked in pigsties, slept in the alleys of outskirt cities, traveled with strangers and shed blood unwillingly. They trusted men they should not have trusted, and did not trust those they should have. These young men who left their way of life for fame and glory would soon learn, as most young men full of grand ideas and just ideals do, the world is not what they thought it to be.
Befel, Erik’s brother, and Bryon, his cousin, can’t think of anything worse than farming for the rest of their lives. They want to be heroes. They want fame and fortune. They want to leave their families and go east, to the country of Golgolithul, where they are sure to find easy wealth and great adventure.
But when these three young men leave their farmstead, they quickly discover the world is not so simple, not so easy. Most fortune is laden with treachery, fame must be earned with blood, and adventures are rarely grand. Ideas of grandeur are crushed and the road east is hard. To get there, these men must ultimately sell their swords and become friends with thieves, dwarves, soldiers, and mercenaries well past their prime. They battle a band of ruthless slavers, slip past assassins, and experience the deadly consequences of black magic.
Will Erik ever be able to return to the simple life? Will he unwittingly become famous, become rich, become a hero? Or, will he even survive?
Often the deeds of those deemed smaller, either in stature or status, go uncounted by chroniclers of history. Yet, it is these deeds that repeatedly change the course of history. For every hero whose feats minstrels sing, there were fifty men following his stead, giving blood and sweat just as he did; and because they were not the first to return from a long voyage away, or perhaps they did not return at all, their glories are never sung. This is a story about those men who would only be known in the local legends, who would have been forgotten by time save for a small bit of chance. Chance, Fate, Destiny, Dumb Luck; all these and more, and then maybe none of these things, are the reasons a young man can go from a farmer’s son, a boy of lowly birth born with dirt on his face, to a great warrior, a kingly knight, a dragon slayer.
Three young farmers, tired of plowing endless fields from sunrise to sunset, gave up all they knew to pursue fame, pursue riches. Their crying mothers at their backs and the unknown ahead of them, they worked in pigsties, slept in the alleys of outskirt cities, traveled with strangers and shed blood unwillingly. They trusted men they should not have trusted, and did not trust those they should have. These young men who left their way of life for fame and glory would soon learn, as most young men full of grand ideas and just ideals do, the world is not what they thought it to be.
- GenresFantasy
334 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2014
620 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Patterson
10 books75 followersChristopher Patterson lives in Tucson, Arizona with his wife and three children. Christopher has a Masters in Education and is a teacher of many subjects, including English, History, Government, Economics, and Health. He is also a football and wrestling coach. Christopher fostered a love of the arts at a very young age, picking up the guitar at 7, the bass at 10, and dabbling in drawing and writing around the same time. His first major at the University of Arizona was, in fact, a BFA in Classical Guitar Performance, although he would eventually earn a BA in Literature and a BFA in Creative Writing.
Christopher Patterson grew up watching Star Wars, Dragon Slayer, and a cartoon version of The Hobbit. He started reading fantasy novels from a young age, took an early interest in early, Medieval Europe, and played Dungeons and Dragons. He has read The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and the Wizard of Earthsea many times and heralds Tolkien, Jordan, and Martin, among others, as major influences in his own writing.
Christopher is also very involved in church, especially music and youth ministries, and is very active, having been a competitive power lifter since high school.
He thanks his grandmother for letting him waste paper on her typewriter while trying to write the "Next Great American Novel" and his parents for always supporting his dreams.
You can follow his blog by visiting his website: www.christopher-patterson.com
You can also sign up for email updates by copying and pasting this url into your search engine: http://eepurl.com/b5AUa1
Christopher Patterson grew up watching Star Wars, Dragon Slayer, and a cartoon version of The Hobbit. He started reading fantasy novels from a young age, took an early interest in early, Medieval Europe, and played Dungeons and Dragons. He has read The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and the Wizard of Earthsea many times and heralds Tolkien, Jordan, and Martin, among others, as major influences in his own writing.
Christopher is also very involved in church, especially music and youth ministries, and is very active, having been a competitive power lifter since high school.
He thanks his grandmother for letting him waste paper on her typewriter while trying to write the "Next Great American Novel" and his parents for always supporting his dreams.
You can follow his blog by visiting his website: www.christopher-patterson.com
You can also sign up for email updates by copying and pasting this url into your search engine: http://eepurl.com/b5AUa1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 15, 2021
A long dragged out tale of brothers that goes no where. I kept waiting, and reading, and waiting...
March 28, 2019
This novel starts with a bang! A very likeable freeholding farmer and his wife—descendants of the hero in the prologue—are murdered by a nobleman who wants to turn them into serfs. It’s a powerfully moving and absolutely shocking beginning that sets the reader up for an exciting tale of justice and vengeance. And that tale is probably going to happen over the course of this new fantasy trilogy, but it isn’t what this novel is about. A Chance Beginning focuses on the two sons and nephew of the murdered couple who have left the farm to seek their fortune only to discover difficulty and poverty greater than they have ever known. The change in pace is striking after the fast-moving opening, but Patterson takes the time to introduce you to these three young men and really bring them to life with distinctive personalities.
Patterson writes a very good action scene—good enough that it makes you wish there was much more of it. He also deals very well with the aftermath of violence as the three young men are forced to begin growing up. This is common feature of fantasy and it’s a strength of the novel.
The other big strength is the slowly developing international political situation. The political powers are searching for something and starting to make military moves. We don’t really understand this situation yet but it’s very clear our three young heroes-to-be are going to be in the middle of it.
Overall, this is a nice start to what promises to be a very good trilogy.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
Patterson writes a very good action scene—good enough that it makes you wish there was much more of it. He also deals very well with the aftermath of violence as the three young men are forced to begin growing up. This is common feature of fantasy and it’s a strength of the novel.
The other big strength is the slowly developing international political situation. The political powers are searching for something and starting to make military moves. We don’t really understand this situation yet but it’s very clear our three young heroes-to-be are going to be in the middle of it.
Overall, this is a nice start to what promises to be a very good trilogy.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
March 19, 2019
I received a free ecopy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A Chance Beginning (Shadow's Fire #1) by Christopher Patterson is an enjoyable epic fantasy adventure story and a promising first in a trilogy. It's a bit slow to start and it took me a little while longer than I would have liked to become invested in the cast. However, once you do take the time to get to know them, they really start to grow on you. That being said, this story realistically meanders so you have to be willing to stick with them. Either way, it works for the story and Patterson's writing style is pretty great. Overall, I have a feeling you'll enjoy this new release if you also liked Fatemarked (The Fatemarked Epic #1) by David Estes. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Dark Winds.
A Chance Beginning (Shadow's Fire #1) by Christopher Patterson is an enjoyable epic fantasy adventure story and a promising first in a trilogy. It's a bit slow to start and it took me a little while longer than I would have liked to become invested in the cast. However, once you do take the time to get to know them, they really start to grow on you. That being said, this story realistically meanders so you have to be willing to stick with them. Either way, it works for the story and Patterson's writing style is pretty great. Overall, I have a feeling you'll enjoy this new release if you also liked Fatemarked (The Fatemarked Epic #1) by David Estes. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Dark Winds.
October 23, 2019
Christopher Patterson builds a great dark fantasy world in A Chance Beginning! Erik Eleodum wants a simple life, but circumstances force him off his farm into a chaotic world of magic, monsters, and intrigue. I really enjoyed the love and depth Patterson put into his world, and I’m really intrigued as to where Erik’s dark journey takes him next! If you’re a fan of classics like A Game of Thrones or the works of Salvador, come give A Chance Beginning a chance!
January 15, 2015
Shadow’s Fire is the story of two brothers and a cousin who leave their farm in search of riches and adventure. Their plan is to travel to the coast and join an army that is fighting in a foreign land. But circumstances lead them on a different path. The story is fantasy, constructed on a different world, replete with dwarves, elves and what I call cat-people. I am sure there are some other races in there as well, and I am eager to meet them–at some point in the story.
Patterson does a good job of world building. It’s easy to do, but hard to do well, and Patterson does it well. The lands are believable, the cities are right out of Robin Hood or some medieval tale, the people are appropriately dirty and often smelly as well. You get to know the three main characters very well and meet a lot of other people in the process.
That’s the good part. On the other side, I had a really hard time getting into the book. Patterson has created a big world, and in the beginning the reader is challenged with numerous stories at the same time. I got to about the 1/3 way mark before I could finally figure out who was who and what was going on. It’s much like the beginning of Game of Thrones, something I also found intimidating.
In addition, the book is in sore need of editing, something I believe the author is planning on doing soon.
Finally, for an adventure book, I found a great deal of talking when what I wanted was action. There are two battle scenes, one about halfway through and another at the end, that I thought were handled well. But I wanted more, and felt that the book would be stronger with them.
Like I said, it’s a rich world, but didn’t strike my fancy as much as I would have liked.
Patterson does a good job of world building. It’s easy to do, but hard to do well, and Patterson does it well. The lands are believable, the cities are right out of Robin Hood or some medieval tale, the people are appropriately dirty and often smelly as well. You get to know the three main characters very well and meet a lot of other people in the process.
That’s the good part. On the other side, I had a really hard time getting into the book. Patterson has created a big world, and in the beginning the reader is challenged with numerous stories at the same time. I got to about the 1/3 way mark before I could finally figure out who was who and what was going on. It’s much like the beginning of Game of Thrones, something I also found intimidating.
In addition, the book is in sore need of editing, something I believe the author is planning on doing soon.
Finally, for an adventure book, I found a great deal of talking when what I wanted was action. There are two battle scenes, one about halfway through and another at the end, that I thought were handled well. But I wanted more, and felt that the book would be stronger with them.
Like I said, it’s a rich world, but didn’t strike my fancy as much as I would have liked.
July 10, 2014
"A beginning, is a very delicate time..." - Dune, written by Frank Herbert.
It is obvious that Mr. Patterson is no novice when it comes to literature. The above quote from the critically, and historically, acclaimed novel "DUNE" by Frank Herbert holds true in all circumstances. In a similar fashion to a few of the greats - J.R.R. Tolkien & Robert Jordan - Mr. Patterson takes both time and due diligence with A Chance Beginning. It is because of this that on the first read, I recognized the obvious stage setting for later events, which often can be considered as slow; however, passed the proverbial 'laying of the land' with the necessary setting, Chris Patterson's story steps up and turns into an epic adventure.
Mr. Patterson's book, A Chance Beginning, is not a tale of nihilism as we have much seen with modern literature. There is a light, there is a dark, and there is a difference between the two.
Mr. Patterson's Novel is a great read for both teenage & adult audiences; however, it is a tale - only - for those set on high adventure in an epic battle between good and evil. I highly recommend it to all and everyone that seek fantasy and adventure in a real concept.
It is obvious that Mr. Patterson is no novice when it comes to literature. The above quote from the critically, and historically, acclaimed novel "DUNE" by Frank Herbert holds true in all circumstances. In a similar fashion to a few of the greats - J.R.R. Tolkien & Robert Jordan - Mr. Patterson takes both time and due diligence with A Chance Beginning. It is because of this that on the first read, I recognized the obvious stage setting for later events, which often can be considered as slow; however, passed the proverbial 'laying of the land' with the necessary setting, Chris Patterson's story steps up and turns into an epic adventure.
Mr. Patterson's book, A Chance Beginning, is not a tale of nihilism as we have much seen with modern literature. There is a light, there is a dark, and there is a difference between the two.
Mr. Patterson's Novel is a great read for both teenage & adult audiences; however, it is a tale - only - for those set on high adventure in an epic battle between good and evil. I highly recommend it to all and everyone that seek fantasy and adventure in a real concept.
July 9, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed, Shadow’s Fire. This book is a tale of three young men and the adventure they encounter when they leave the life they know as farm workers. They travel to beautiful and mysterious places. They meet gypsies and dwarves, they stand next to giants, and they sit next to beings with webbed hands and feet and cat men with orange fur. They fight for their lives against thieves and slave traders and look into the eyes of men on their death bed. During this adventure these three men learn about courage and bravery, sadness and joy, and the importance of life. The author, Christopher Patterson, takes time to develop the characters and settings, making the reader feel they are actually experiencing the events before their eyes. I especially liked the fact that no cussing or sex is used to capture the passion of these young travelers. If you like J.R.R Tolkien or C. S Lewis you will definitely like this book. I can’t wait to read the second book of this trilogy, and see what fate awaits these three men.
February 6, 2021
Fleeing the farm
Three farm boys leave their homes. One is looking for adventures, one for wealth, and the last for a way to save his home. This is the start of what seems to be an interesting new fantasy series, that is part Tolkien and part Exodus. If you've finally finished the Wheel of Time and need something to read between Game of Thrones, you probably will enjoy this book. The only knock is on some of the editing.
Three farm boys leave their homes. One is looking for adventures, one for wealth, and the last for a way to save his home. This is the start of what seems to be an interesting new fantasy series, that is part Tolkien and part Exodus. If you've finally finished the Wheel of Time and need something to read between Game of Thrones, you probably will enjoy this book. The only knock is on some of the editing.
July 19, 2016
** I received a copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway. **
Interesting world and well-developed characters make this book an excellent read. The language tends to be a bit over-descriptive (florid at times) but the action, adventure, magic and characterizations kept me interested enough to overlook that for the most part. A good start to an exciting fantasy series.
Interesting world and well-developed characters make this book an excellent read. The language tends to be a bit over-descriptive (florid at times) but the action, adventure, magic and characterizations kept me interested enough to overlook that for the most part. A good start to an exciting fantasy series.
January 13, 2022
What’s wrong with me??😫 I haven’t enjoyed the last few books I’ve read and they have pretty good reviews from other readers. The MC’s are always some 19-20 year old boy who tears up over everything, has to be protected at all costs… I’m a little tired of it. This MC wasn’t “special” at all to me. I found myself not caring for these characters. I really tried but it never happened. I won’t be continuing this series anytime soon.
August 3, 2016
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads, and am grateful for the opportunity.
A Chance Beginning, the first book of the Shadow’s Fire series, is very interesting to read. There are many interesting characters, and a vivid world. More than that, the book is an interesting twist on the usual conventions of a fantasy quest. There are not many monsters actually fought or magic used, though it is evident in the background. The true focus is on the three protagonists – Erik, Befel, and Bryon – and how they adapt to the world they are exploring. By the end of this first book, they have clearly grown and changed from their original selves.
However, I had a few issues with the book. First of all, the plot just seemed to be missing something. There wasn’t actually much action except for a couple of battles, and even the finale seemed anticlimactic. The book ends with the three relatives defeating the slavers, but it’s unclear where they, or the story, are headed.
Compounding this is the inclusion of many characters who just seem to fill the background without much continual effect on the story. Take for instance the gypsies; after the first slaver attack, they largely disappear from the plot except for one minor reappearance. I get the feeling that the different stories are connected, but they never end up coming together. I understand that this is the first book of the series, but there should be some degree of clarity by the end of the book.
Then there are a few lesser issues. A few times, the author ends up switching between different character viewpoints within a single section, such as in the conversation between Erik and Del Alzon; fortunately, he mostly remembers to keep characters points of view separated. Also, he occasionally used showing instead of telling; the recollection of another conversation with Del Alzon could be made more vivid if it was actually made into a conversation, with specific dialogue. Finally, the large and unique font at the start of the chapters is eye-catching, but it also makes the opening paragraph a little difficult to read. Compounding this, the font is the same size and design as the title, leading to further confusion.
This all said, I don’t think there is anything decidedly wrong with the novel. Some of my concerns, as with the matter of the plot’s direction, become a little less important if you see the story as not so much about a quest, but rather about the growing boys’ journey of discovery. The minor issues that remain only hinder the book slightly. I saw no grammatical issues either. Overall, this is a great fantasy story, and a remarkable achievement for a new author. I am not sure where Patterson plans to lead Shadow’s Fire, but I’m interested in finding out, and look forward to see how he improves in the future.
A Chance Beginning, the first book of the Shadow’s Fire series, is very interesting to read. There are many interesting characters, and a vivid world. More than that, the book is an interesting twist on the usual conventions of a fantasy quest. There are not many monsters actually fought or magic used, though it is evident in the background. The true focus is on the three protagonists – Erik, Befel, and Bryon – and how they adapt to the world they are exploring. By the end of this first book, they have clearly grown and changed from their original selves.
However, I had a few issues with the book. First of all, the plot just seemed to be missing something. There wasn’t actually much action except for a couple of battles, and even the finale seemed anticlimactic. The book ends with the three relatives defeating the slavers, but it’s unclear where they, or the story, are headed.
Compounding this is the inclusion of many characters who just seem to fill the background without much continual effect on the story. Take for instance the gypsies; after the first slaver attack, they largely disappear from the plot except for one minor reappearance. I get the feeling that the different stories are connected, but they never end up coming together. I understand that this is the first book of the series, but there should be some degree of clarity by the end of the book.
Then there are a few lesser issues. A few times, the author ends up switching between different character viewpoints within a single section, such as in the conversation between Erik and Del Alzon; fortunately, he mostly remembers to keep characters points of view separated. Also, he occasionally used showing instead of telling; the recollection of another conversation with Del Alzon could be made more vivid if it was actually made into a conversation, with specific dialogue. Finally, the large and unique font at the start of the chapters is eye-catching, but it also makes the opening paragraph a little difficult to read. Compounding this, the font is the same size and design as the title, leading to further confusion.
This all said, I don’t think there is anything decidedly wrong with the novel. Some of my concerns, as with the matter of the plot’s direction, become a little less important if you see the story as not so much about a quest, but rather about the growing boys’ journey of discovery. The minor issues that remain only hinder the book slightly. I saw no grammatical issues either. Overall, this is a great fantasy story, and a remarkable achievement for a new author. I am not sure where Patterson plans to lead Shadow’s Fire, but I’m interested in finding out, and look forward to see how he improves in the future.
July 9, 2014
I really enjoyed the Character driven aspects of this story. The various characters that are encountered felt like real human beings with various pasts and motives and beliefs. I also liked the lack of nudity and sex. I gave this 5 stars because the majority of Fantasy gets a bad rap for poor characters and cheesy plot lines. This story felt real, and had various intersecting characters and their motivations for doing what they were doing. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Fantasy or enjoys Character driven books.
July 20, 2014
Being a reader who is normally into suspense and murder mystery, James Patterson-type books, I wasn't sure I would like this book. But I found it very easy to get into and found the characters well written and believable. I very much enjoyed A Chance Beginning and thought it was full of good action. I can't wait for the second and third books to come out. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes good fiction of any genre.
May 7, 2015
Great adventure story and beautiful writing! I would love it if a big publisher would pick it up and do some detailed editing with it...then I'd probably read it again and give it five stars! Very impressive for a first novel!
June 28, 2014
Enjoyable read!!
June 7, 2019
When I purchased the book I was immediately drawn to the cover. It looks amazing, a lot of detail but not overwhelming. Instantly I thought, this is going to be an epic fantasy adventure and I cannot wait to dive in.
Although I continued to chomp on a chapter when I could, I found myself placing other reads or things to do before picking up where I left off.
The writing is great, the detail the character development is all there and call me a simpleton if you will but I felt like there was no "Shiny." The story starts off with the boys father settling down, then it skips into the future where the boys are away hoping to encounter and adventure and the parents are losing their farm. Of course the boys don't ever know this has happened through the rest of the 350 pages so it kind of felt like it, why do I know that and they don't, type of feeling.
So the boys are in another city, making meager wages, trying to travel, washing dishes, sleeping in streets. They catch a break and jump on a caravan heading east and they continue to travel. Eventually a small fight ensues and the boys continue on in their story, more of a travel documentary than an adventure at this point. They encounter a black mage that has extraordinary abilities, recognizes every mercenaries face that was invited in a room but does not notice them sitting in the back. The boys join some mercenaries and they continue on traveling.
Every once in a while a Mr. Banana pops up, he's watching things but nothing really develops with his story, he's just kind of doing his own little side quest.
The boys then meet some dwarves that join their troupe and they continue travelling. A group from their past encounter when travelling with the caravan shows up, seeking revenge and another brief battle happens before they continue travelling.
And, that's pretty much the entire book. I did laugh once when Switch was in the Hill Giant Inn, in fact, Switch was my favorite character in the book however, he's only in the last maybe, 80 pages. Overall, there is a lot of development, a lot of building and I feel as though book 2 and/or 3 could be the epic fantasy action story I was hoping to read in this book. It does leave you wanting to read the next book. There has to be something big going to happen, there cannot be all this traveling around without a huge story somewhere. I have not read Tokien, but I did feel as though I was reading about Frodo and Samwise traveling, I just haven't encountered the exciting part yet.
Although I continued to chomp on a chapter when I could, I found myself placing other reads or things to do before picking up where I left off.
The writing is great, the detail the character development is all there and call me a simpleton if you will but I felt like there was no "Shiny." The story starts off with the boys father settling down, then it skips into the future where the boys are away hoping to encounter and adventure and the parents are losing their farm. Of course the boys don't ever know this has happened through the rest of the 350 pages so it kind of felt like it, why do I know that and they don't, type of feeling.
So the boys are in another city, making meager wages, trying to travel, washing dishes, sleeping in streets. They catch a break and jump on a caravan heading east and they continue to travel. Eventually a small fight ensues and the boys continue on in their story, more of a travel documentary than an adventure at this point. They encounter a black mage that has extraordinary abilities, recognizes every mercenaries face that was invited in a room but does not notice them sitting in the back. The boys join some mercenaries and they continue on traveling.
Every once in a while a Mr. Banana pops up, he's watching things but nothing really develops with his story, he's just kind of doing his own little side quest.
The boys then meet some dwarves that join their troupe and they continue travelling. A group from their past encounter when travelling with the caravan shows up, seeking revenge and another brief battle happens before they continue travelling.
And, that's pretty much the entire book. I did laugh once when Switch was in the Hill Giant Inn, in fact, Switch was my favorite character in the book however, he's only in the last maybe, 80 pages. Overall, there is a lot of development, a lot of building and I feel as though book 2 and/or 3 could be the epic fantasy action story I was hoping to read in this book. It does leave you wanting to read the next book. There has to be something big going to happen, there cannot be all this traveling around without a huge story somewhere. I have not read Tokien, but I did feel as though I was reading about Frodo and Samwise traveling, I just haven't encountered the exciting part yet.
May 25, 2021
Brothers Erik and Befel Eleodum decide to travel east to find riches and fortune. They have decided every year their father's farm yields fewer profits and more work. The brothers come to the conclusion it is best to leave their family in the hopes of obtaining enough money to save their family's farm that has belonged to the Eleordums for generations. Befel makes the decision to include their cousin Bryon in the trip to Finlo, which does not sit well with Erik since there was only money for two.
In Finlo the three Eleodum's are forced to stay on the outskirts of town. All accommodations are filled with young men also searching for fame and fortune, by also joining the army for a three-year enlistment. The three men are leery of going off to fight and kill men they have never met. The discover the Agent of Fen-Stevock arrives at the Inn and informs the 40 +invited mercenaries of a quest the Lord of the East has assigned him to locate willing men to search in an obscure dwarf town for a document of lineage hidden in the treasure room of Orvencrest, a location long lost even to the original dwarf dwellers. Their reward after obtaining this document that holds sentimental value for his master (?), they can keep whatever treasure they find in the room. The Eleodums know they are not soldiers or mercenaries but they hope to be hired as porters and therefore maybe being able to obtain enough of the treasure to save their families' farms.
They are hired by Vander Bim, a retired sailor, his fellow traveler Switch, a former thief, drake, and three dwarfs, Nafer, Turk, and Demik who also join Vanders group. From here it is mystical creatures they encounter, many blood-thirsty men who will stop at nothing to obtain the treasure, and Erik's discovery that he has an untapped source of magic and is able to see beyond the veil of what is little known to the common man.
I do agree it was not a smooth-flowing story. But I enjoyed it.
In Finlo the three Eleodum's are forced to stay on the outskirts of town. All accommodations are filled with young men also searching for fame and fortune, by also joining the army for a three-year enlistment. The three men are leery of going off to fight and kill men they have never met. The discover the Agent of Fen-Stevock arrives at the Inn and informs the 40 +invited mercenaries of a quest the Lord of the East has assigned him to locate willing men to search in an obscure dwarf town for a document of lineage hidden in the treasure room of Orvencrest, a location long lost even to the original dwarf dwellers. Their reward after obtaining this document that holds sentimental value for his master (?), they can keep whatever treasure they find in the room. The Eleodums know they are not soldiers or mercenaries but they hope to be hired as porters and therefore maybe being able to obtain enough of the treasure to save their families' farms.
They are hired by Vander Bim, a retired sailor, his fellow traveler Switch, a former thief, drake, and three dwarfs, Nafer, Turk, and Demik who also join Vanders group. From here it is mystical creatures they encounter, many blood-thirsty men who will stop at nothing to obtain the treasure, and Erik's discovery that he has an untapped source of magic and is able to see beyond the veil of what is little known to the common man.
I do agree it was not a smooth-flowing story. But I enjoyed it.
May 10, 2017
A Chance Beginning is the first book in the Shadow's Fire Trilogy. I was pretty intrigued after reading the synopsis. It seemed fairly different than books I have read in the past.
First of all, let's talk about the cover! It is so pretty! It caught my eye immediately!
This isn't your typical fantasy book. There were a several elements that were new to me, but there really wasn't as much focus on the magical things usually found in a fantasy. This book truly is focused on the main characters, which I found to be pleasantly surprising.
Before I go any farther, I do want to say that I did enjoy this book. There were a lot of things I liked, things that kept my attention and kept me interested. Now, this book wasn't without faults. As far as the story itself, it didn't have the wow factor that you expect from fantasies. As a matter of fact, at times it felt like a simple fiction rather than an actual fantasy. The ending was left open, but not the typical 'open' you expect with the first book in a series. It just wasn't clear enough, I guess. I feel like a lot of things could have been fixed with better editing.
With that being said, I really don't think this was a bad book. Actually, it was a pretty good book. There were just a few things that I would fix up. It almost seemed more of a coming of age type book than a fantasy so that may be why I couldn't wrap my head around it as much.
Now, even with the things I pointed out, I would still recommend reading A Chance Beginning. I'm certainly not against reading the next books in the trilogy! I would love to find out what happens next!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, let's talk about the cover! It is so pretty! It caught my eye immediately!
This isn't your typical fantasy book. There were a several elements that were new to me, but there really wasn't as much focus on the magical things usually found in a fantasy. This book truly is focused on the main characters, which I found to be pleasantly surprising.
Before I go any farther, I do want to say that I did enjoy this book. There were a lot of things I liked, things that kept my attention and kept me interested. Now, this book wasn't without faults. As far as the story itself, it didn't have the wow factor that you expect from fantasies. As a matter of fact, at times it felt like a simple fiction rather than an actual fantasy. The ending was left open, but not the typical 'open' you expect with the first book in a series. It just wasn't clear enough, I guess. I feel like a lot of things could have been fixed with better editing.
With that being said, I really don't think this was a bad book. Actually, it was a pretty good book. There were just a few things that I would fix up. It almost seemed more of a coming of age type book than a fantasy so that may be why I couldn't wrap my head around it as much.
Now, even with the things I pointed out, I would still recommend reading A Chance Beginning. I'm certainly not against reading the next books in the trilogy! I would love to find out what happens next!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2019
Sadly, I would have loved to say this was a great book. But it wasn't. I read to the end in hopes it would redeem itself, but unfortunately it remained the same, redundant dialogue, the same, ponderous journey, the same bickering, overly descriptive, unmoving story throughout. It has a lovely protagonist but he spends all his time on the same thoughts, the same arguing with his family, the same inner journey. In the whole book he didn't discover much about himself or the world around him. He met some very interesting characters, but they were short lived. Sometimes the surrounding characters were random and confusing. The story didn't really have a coherent core and it didn't go anywhere except from one location to the next with a few conflicts that posed as storyline. Instead of a trilogy, the author should have concentrated on the story he was telling. This book is perhaps a few chapters worth of story and character development- not a whole book. And unfortunately, I'm not curious enough in what happens to even read the rest of the series. Too bad. It had potential but just didn't get there for me.
September 19, 2022
I like many aspects of this book, enough to finish it, though it didn't quite work for me. I rank it okay; pretty good. The last third was more entertaining, but up to that point the characters had too little to do to really hold my interest. (I might not have persisted that long except my son bought this for me at a convention and got it signed, so I gave it an extra chance or two. I was glad it picked up, at least.)
The difficulty for me is that the main characters, a couple brothers and their cousin, don't have a firm idea of what they want to do or need to do. They're just surviving. So they kinda wander and make things up as they go along, which makes the plot wander with them. Until they create some enemies who start chasing them, requiring them to take decisive action and fight back, they don't really have a purpose in the novel. I wish, from early in the story, they had had a concrete goal they were working toward, one that mattered. It woulda helped.
Anyway, it's an interesting setting with some entertaining scenes, and no doubt others will find it more to their taste than I did.
The difficulty for me is that the main characters, a couple brothers and their cousin, don't have a firm idea of what they want to do or need to do. They're just surviving. So they kinda wander and make things up as they go along, which makes the plot wander with them. Until they create some enemies who start chasing them, requiring them to take decisive action and fight back, they don't really have a purpose in the novel. I wish, from early in the story, they had had a concrete goal they were working toward, one that mattered. It woulda helped.
Anyway, it's an interesting setting with some entertaining scenes, and no doubt others will find it more to their taste than I did.
April 13, 2019
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. As always I jump at the chance to read fantasy, looking for that twist to draw me in. This is a journey of three young men, 2 brothers and a cousin who leave their farm to seek their fortune. Things never go as planned as they encounter treachery, political upheavals, magic and mayhem. At first I was looking for more detail in their education from farm boys to fighters, like Malik’s Outworlder series, then I decided to settle in and just enjoy their story. My enjoyment came from their interactions as family, how they encountered and accepted all types of beings on their quest and the theme of a higher power in charge of all. Since it left me hanging and I had fun , I will continue onto book II of this probable trilogy.
January 13, 2020
Good, but not great
I enjoyed the story. I could have done without some of the language and crude language, but I've read worse. I would describe the story as slightly compelling. One of the most intriguing elements of the story to me is that I don't know who to trust. Outside of the 3 protagonist, I don't know who is the "good guy" and who is the "bad guy". They all have redeeming qualities, but some are a little more vile.
I'll read the second book out of intrigue. Will the magic continue to develop? Will it become clearer who the protagonist can trust? Will they experience the new life they seek? There is enough intrigue to keep me reading, but barely.
I enjoyed the story. I could have done without some of the language and crude language, but I've read worse. I would describe the story as slightly compelling. One of the most intriguing elements of the story to me is that I don't know who to trust. Outside of the 3 protagonist, I don't know who is the "good guy" and who is the "bad guy". They all have redeeming qualities, but some are a little more vile.
I'll read the second book out of intrigue. Will the magic continue to develop? Will it become clearer who the protagonist can trust? Will they experience the new life they seek? There is enough intrigue to keep me reading, but barely.
May 22, 2024
I found this book by chance. The title and cover intrigued me so I wanted to give it a go.
It's the first in a series/triology so this felt disjointed in places, with character view points appearing that don't seem to connect at the moment.
But like I said, it's Book one, so just to make people aware.
I liked the fight scenes and the connections between the characters. Bryon and Switch are my favourite characters. I think because they are the broken ones and I hope they have a chance to be fixed.
It flowed okay, and I hope the gypsies are in it more!
The dagger interests me and I hope we learn more.
I would read the rest of the series as I'm intrigued.
It's the first in a series/triology so this felt disjointed in places, with character view points appearing that don't seem to connect at the moment.
But like I said, it's Book one, so just to make people aware.
I liked the fight scenes and the connections between the characters. Bryon and Switch are my favourite characters. I think because they are the broken ones and I hope they have a chance to be fixed.
It flowed okay, and I hope the gypsies are in it more!
The dagger interests me and I hope we learn more.
I would read the rest of the series as I'm intrigued.
December 6, 2024
It's mostly OK...
Three young men that bicker and whine, but not in an entertaing and humorous way. Mostly irritating to each other and this reader. Not much to like about these characters and everything seems pretty pointless, although the author tries to indicate that there is a point. People keep seeing 'something' in one of the young men who needs to 'follow his heart' but it feels forced and there is nothing in his thoughts or actions as written that supports it. And a lot of pointless death and destruction and killing of men, women and children to make our hero throw up, I finished it, but I'm not feeling like reading any more of this.
Three young men that bicker and whine, but not in an entertaing and humorous way. Mostly irritating to each other and this reader. Not much to like about these characters and everything seems pretty pointless, although the author tries to indicate that there is a point. People keep seeing 'something' in one of the young men who needs to 'follow his heart' but it feels forced and there is nothing in his thoughts or actions as written that supports it. And a lot of pointless death and destruction and killing of men, women and children to make our hero throw up, I finished it, but I'm not feeling like reading any more of this.
June 12, 2019
The first book in this trilogy does a great job of pulling the reader in. The author nicely gives all the background information needed as the story progresses.
What starts as a story of two brothers and a cousin from a farming background who find themselves trying to scratch out a living and exist in a harsh environment rapidly turns. For the first third of the book I kept wondering where the Fantasy was and then like a shadow it slipped into the room and it was as if it had been there all along – very cleverly done.
What starts as a story of two brothers and a cousin from a farming background who find themselves trying to scratch out a living and exist in a harsh environment rapidly turns. For the first third of the book I kept wondering where the Fantasy was and then like a shadow it slipped into the room and it was as if it had been there all along – very cleverly done.
June 13, 2019
It is a terrific read that kept me on the edge of my seat.
This is an adventurous story of three relatives, two brothers and a cousin, that set out to find their riches in the east for they have heard tales of men who made their fortunes there. The three young men are farmers by birth and skill who have never been outside their homeland but the rumor of great Lords overtaking their family lands and killing or placing in servitude family members provides them with the motivation to leave on their journey. Discover the young men’s journey and enjoy the tale!
This is an adventurous story of three relatives, two brothers and a cousin, that set out to find their riches in the east for they have heard tales of men who made their fortunes there. The three young men are farmers by birth and skill who have never been outside their homeland but the rumor of great Lords overtaking their family lands and killing or placing in servitude family members provides them with the motivation to leave on their journey. Discover the young men’s journey and enjoy the tale!
August 24, 2019
I gave this book a fair shot (got to 130 pgs until deciding it wasn't working for me).
For one, the story is well written and it's character drive, i dig that. What I don't dig is the pacing, which is painfully slow!
The first 100 pgs, virtually nothing interesting happens. The story follows 3 siblings essentially on a road trip to the eastern part of a continent, away from their grueling lifestyle as farmhands. Much of the story is a road trip across a medieval landscape. Sounds interesting if only something would happen and the plot will take off... Which it doesn't.
Told from multiple POVs, the narrative does have that "lived-in" factor that is essential in fantasy stories. I did appreciate the diverse cast and the various mythical races interacting with one another, but there still needed to be more meat on the bones for this story to have been more engaging.
For one, the story is well written and it's character drive, i dig that. What I don't dig is the pacing, which is painfully slow!
The first 100 pgs, virtually nothing interesting happens. The story follows 3 siblings essentially on a road trip to the eastern part of a continent, away from their grueling lifestyle as farmhands. Much of the story is a road trip across a medieval landscape. Sounds interesting if only something would happen and the plot will take off... Which it doesn't.
Told from multiple POVs, the narrative does have that "lived-in" factor that is essential in fantasy stories. I did appreciate the diverse cast and the various mythical races interacting with one another, but there still needed to be more meat on the bones for this story to have been more engaging.
February 27, 2020
Solid story. Good world building. Wonderful character arc.
I was nervous at first to read Christopher Patterson's book. Nervous because I read about him and wondered how a practicing Christian would build a world of fantasy and adventure.
I needn't have been nervous! Patterson does a great job hooking you into the story of two brothers and their cousin as they travel seeking fortune, two for themselves, one for his family.
After our 3 heroes join a band of gypsies and fight off slavers, they find themselves traveling with mercenaries and dwarves.
Solid 5 stars.
I was nervous at first to read Christopher Patterson's book. Nervous because I read about him and wondered how a practicing Christian would build a world of fantasy and adventure.
I needn't have been nervous! Patterson does a great job hooking you into the story of two brothers and their cousin as they travel seeking fortune, two for themselves, one for his family.
After our 3 heroes join a band of gypsies and fight off slavers, they find themselves traveling with mercenaries and dwarves.
Solid 5 stars.
March 5, 2020
Well written but not my style
I enjoyed the plot and the characters but there is a religious thread through out the entire book that is not really my choice for fantasy. The three young men leave home to earn gold and glory in war. They end up on a mission to find an artifact and follow a trail of death and destruction then the book ends. One of the young men is totally a non believer, one seems neutral, and the other seems to be an avid believer in prayer.
I enjoyed the plot and the characters but there is a religious thread through out the entire book that is not really my choice for fantasy. The three young men leave home to earn gold and glory in war. They end up on a mission to find an artifact and follow a trail of death and destruction then the book ends. One of the young men is totally a non believer, one seems neutral, and the other seems to be an avid believer in prayer.
December 12, 2020
This is a story of a youth who along with his brother and a cousin are striving to stay alive from one meal to the next, and become swept up into fights and a treasure hunt they are ill equipped to survive. His inherent decency of character and strength of body are recognized by and inspire others who prefer good to evil. The world where this book is set is well described, and the characters are believable. The plot will keep you reading through the book in one setting!
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