Brion of Wexford is drawn into the war he helped to create, but never wanted to fight. When he seeks to unravel Weyland’s secrets and the truth about his own identity, Brion finds himself betrayed at every turn. Now the only way to survive and keep the Kingdom of Coll from falling to the invading Dunkeldi army is to find the lost prince and put him on the throne before it is too late.
But the lost prince may not be who Brion thinks he is, and things spiral out of control as coups and countercoups plunge Coll into chaos just as the Dunkeldi army is poised to destroy the kingdom once and for all.
This is an adventure series perfect for fans of John Flanagan’s Ranger's Apprentice, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, T.H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon series, and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire series.
James is a twenty-nine-year-old stuck in an older man’s body. He loves to paddle his canoe, shoot his handmade longbows in the woods, make knives, study martial arts, and generally enjoys challenging himself. When not teaching or writing about the real past, he is imagining worlds and histories that might have been, should have been, or may yet be.
James has two homes (though only one house)--the mountains of Idaho and the forests of New England--where he canoes, hikes, camps, rock climbs, and shoots the longbows he makes himself. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife.
James is a professional historian whose published works include two histories of the Inquisition, a documentary history of Columbus's first voyage, a transcription of a colonial era account book from Weymouth, Massachusetts, and a global history of piracy. This means that he is a professional teller of stories, both real and imagined.
James's favorite author is J.R.R. Tolkien, though he will never be able to watch the Peter Jackson Hobbit films again. The first viewing nearly gave him a fit. He loves The Giver and The Book Thief. He has read all the Hunger Games novels, but thinks Katniss should have ended up with Gale. (Sorry Peeta fans.) He enjoys Harry Potter and thinks magic should be real--so long as he owns the Elder Wand.
All I could think throughout this book was TPK (total party kill)....
What I love most about Elliot's writing style is that it's real... Skinning a deer is hard smelly work and he incorporates those realistic things in a gently understandable way that gives you an appreciation for what the character is doing. Even though many haven't smelled a dead body or deer carcass Elliot fills the mind with what it might be like.
Man, Brion and his party just can't catch a break! Throughout the book they get second handed and you get turned in so many directions try to figure out who it is that is betraying them... and the theme runs into the entire book. Though Elliot used COUP a thousand or more times it was a whirlwind of trying to figure out who was on whose side. "It’s too easy, Brion thought. This man should not be able to simply ride through both the Dunkeldi and Alamani armies.
If it seems too easy then something is definitely won't... Specially for the luck that Brion had had!
I lost it about halfway through not with tears but with absolute anger! Nealh was gruff but successful and everything had a meaning. I knew it was becoming his time but I didn't want to believe it. I wanted him to ride alongside Redmond and Emyr and Brion the way he should have, but some bastard had other ideas At least it wasn't a wasted death like some of the deaths in this book (yes, I'm talking about Seamus!)
"I was sent to protect you.” Brion opened his mouth to protest the obvious lie, when Tyg appeared behind Hayden and pressed a knife to his throat. Anyone else in love with Tyg right now? Because after the heartbreak halfway through the book Tyg was a great character to keep close. “Convince me,” Tyg said
Brion craned his head around to stare at Tyg. “You know that you are the most frightening person I have ever met?” Tyg grinned. “Better stay on your best behavior then," he said.
I do.” Tyg raised his hand as if he were excited by the prospect. Redmond appraised Tyg. “I’m not going to ask why you have a saw.” “You never know,” Tyg said with a grin.
Oh Tyg.... You're my absolute favorite! So prepared for any circumstance!
“Do you doubt them?” Owen asked. “They risked their lives to bring the prince safely here.” “I doubt anyone associated with my father’s murder,” Cedrick said. “You must be suffering from considerable self-doubt then,” Brion said.
When did Brion become so witty?? Hes hung out with Nealh and Redmond to long and I absolutely LOVE it.
All the tears for this book! Honestly.... Elliot has to stop killing off characters or there won't be any left. Also, my heart just wont take it.
"In less than fifteen minutes, three of his closest friends had been killed, and he had watched them all die."
What have I learned ladies and gentlemen...? NOT TOO GET ATTACHED TO CHARACTERS!!! After this book ended all I could say was "I either need therapy or a cold hard drink!"... and the drink is much cheaper.
This author is AMAZING!!!!! I like J.K Rowling but J.W. Elliot is even better! The way this series is written is also nice as it is funny yet also serious. Also, it shows the characters emotions just right to make it seem like they are real. As I was reading this series, I felt that it was engaging and piqued my curiously. This book series is awesome and when I say it I mean it Highly recommended this book for reads struggling to focus on books.
Elliot doesn't miss a beat while slowly unraveling the secrets hinted at during Deliverance. It is packed with action from first page to last; so much so, I had a difficult time keeping everything straight. It was a great read though, not to be mistaken. Looking forward to Vengeance!
I have a few problems wth reality, how anyone becomes a top notch swordsman archer and tracker in 4 months? How anyone in the same group as the hero, including a 16 year old girl always manage to kill or disable multiple enemy warriors in every encounter. The story is good the characters are strong and I believe they do not need to be defined as having the abilities of Capt Ameriva on a good day. Also the author is very good at painting the picture of his often complexed plots but then goes and spoils it all by actually writing the concludion thay he had already led you too As if he thinks it beyond the reader to step up to hid level. Quite annoying but like I said the story is good
There were some big lags in the book, and I fell asleep while reading some parts. But there were also the parts that didn't let me sleep until I finish it. A wired combination, which made the book neither boarding more super interesting. But a good read.
I had to push myself to read through some portions, while the rest had the pull needed in a fantasy book. I would have given it a 4 star or maybe more by the lack of the pull, in major parts has fored me to reduce 1 star.
High adventure, humor, and beautiful descriptions of the landscape in this fictitious land that appears to be somewhat of a Old World meets New World mixture. Well written and appropriate for all ages.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, with it's plots and sub plots. In the end it leaves you wanting more, so I guess I will read the next book in this series.
This story of mind boggling intrigue has kept me glued to its pages, neglecting the basic necessities of life all so I could understand the underlying plots that have entrapped the main characters... Hoping the sequel holds true.
Read the first two novels in a days helped pass a few days off from work during lockdown .Fast paced all action novel s looking forward to reading rest of the series.
Good follow up to book 1 Don’t get too attached to your favourite character!! Might be a bit long winded however characters and plots Are well crafted ..... If you want to follow this series start at book 1
More twists and turns to go along with the continuing fast pace and action. However, be prepared to be saddened (no spoilers here though!) Luckily there is some justice. Excellent job Mr Elliot. Looking forward to volume 3.
So intricately convoluted as the story in turns hides and then peels back a layer of history, human frailty and then strength, thin layer by thin layer. If you persevere and have the desire, you'll find an entrancing story unfolding. Do you have the willpower?
A great second book in the series. Brion and his friends continue on their quest and things get quite intense. Lots of betrayal and friends are found but some are lost. Not knowing who the true prince is and knowing that Brion and his company is trying to avoid being kill for reason unknown gets pretty intense. Very adventurous and great characters. Surprising how it all turns out and where the adventure will lead them from here. Real page turner and was hard to put down.