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The Dying Lands Chronicle #0
Altar of Influence: The Orsarian War
Sacrifice. The single act capable of bringing both death and life simultaneously.
Thannuel Kerr is handsome, young and brash, fumbling through childhood toward his inevitable inheritance: the next Lord of the Western Province. He struggles to accept his arranged marriage and to grow into the man he must become. The journey toward that end, however, is fraught with more peril than he could possibly imagine. In the remote reaches of the Realm, an unknown, silent threat is growing. The Thoulden-sha of Mari-shaden is gathering his disciples, those who have relinquished their bloodlines to the Ancients and embraced Those Not Remembered, a forgotten race that inhabited Våleira long before the Age of the Ancients.
As Thannuel learns more about his heritage, he begins to understand why powers that seem greater than anything the world of Våleira has ever seen are targeting him. As a young man, he and his beloved intended, Moira, will face assassination attempts, civil war, and foreign invasions that could tear the Realm—and Våleira itself—apart.
Sacrifice. It is what the Thoulden-sha demands. It is what the world desperately needs. To save all he loves, Thannuel will be called upon to lay himself upon the Altar of Influence.
Thannuel Kerr is handsome, young and brash, fumbling through childhood toward his inevitable inheritance: the next Lord of the Western Province. He struggles to accept his arranged marriage and to grow into the man he must become. The journey toward that end, however, is fraught with more peril than he could possibly imagine. In the remote reaches of the Realm, an unknown, silent threat is growing. The Thoulden-sha of Mari-shaden is gathering his disciples, those who have relinquished their bloodlines to the Ancients and embraced Those Not Remembered, a forgotten race that inhabited Våleira long before the Age of the Ancients.
As Thannuel learns more about his heritage, he begins to understand why powers that seem greater than anything the world of Våleira has ever seen are targeting him. As a young man, he and his beloved intended, Moira, will face assassination attempts, civil war, and foreign invasions that could tear the Realm—and Våleira itself—apart.
Sacrifice. It is what the Thoulden-sha demands. It is what the world desperately needs. To save all he loves, Thannuel will be called upon to lay himself upon the Altar of Influence.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2014
25 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Jacob Cooper
9 books155 followersI'm Jacob Cooper. I write epic fantasy, and, when my wife can convince me, paranormal romance. We team write The Summer Omega Series.
Currently, I'm working on the Dying Lands Chronicle. Altar of Influence (prelude), Circle of Reign (book 1), Song of Night (book 2) and The Vanishing (a short story) are widely available. Book 3, BLADES OF ORWIAN, is underway. I was super stoked to wake up one day in 2015 to find Circle of Reign at #1 on Amazon and Audible in the Epic Fantasy and Sci-fi/Fantasy genres. Later that year, it won Gold for Best Fantasy in the international 2015 IPPY Awards. So there's that, I guess.
I hope one day that writing will become my full time gig, but raising 5 kids takes most of my time. Wouldn't trade it for the world. Aside from all that, you can probably find me at a piano or behind a drum set, possibly in the desert on an ATV, probably in Lake Powell, and maybe at the gym, trying to keep up with the younger athletes. I'm sure someday I'll realize I grew up a while ago.
Thanks for hanging out on my author page. Drop me a line on social media. We'll hang.
To find out more, visit: www.circleofreign.com
facebook.com/jacobcooperCOR
Twitter @authorjacobcoop
Currently, I'm working on the Dying Lands Chronicle. Altar of Influence (prelude), Circle of Reign (book 1), Song of Night (book 2) and The Vanishing (a short story) are widely available. Book 3, BLADES OF ORWIAN, is underway. I was super stoked to wake up one day in 2015 to find Circle of Reign at #1 on Amazon and Audible in the Epic Fantasy and Sci-fi/Fantasy genres. Later that year, it won Gold for Best Fantasy in the international 2015 IPPY Awards. So there's that, I guess.
I hope one day that writing will become my full time gig, but raising 5 kids takes most of my time. Wouldn't trade it for the world. Aside from all that, you can probably find me at a piano or behind a drum set, possibly in the desert on an ATV, probably in Lake Powell, and maybe at the gym, trying to keep up with the younger athletes. I'm sure someday I'll realize I grew up a while ago.
Thanks for hanging out on my author page. Drop me a line on social media. We'll hang.
To find out more, visit: www.circleofreign.com
facebook.com/jacobcooperCOR
Twitter @authorjacobcoop
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 14, 2015
This is definitely one of those series that you should read the prequel first. I don't think I would have understood or enjoyed the official book 1 of the series without the prequel. In fact, I think the prequel is better than book 1.
Either way, it's a great read, interesting topic, characters and world. Well worth delving further into the series. More like a 4.5 stars.
Either way, it's a great read, interesting topic, characters and world. Well worth delving further into the series. More like a 4.5 stars.
November 3, 2014
I have not read the other books in this series. From what I gather, this is something of a prequel (this is book 0). So, having said that, I fully plan to read the rest of the books. I picked this up on a whim and I am glad I did. Writing is good and the story is very intriguing!
January 19, 2019
So I am a bit conflicted on this one. The writing was tighter and more focused than in Circle of Reign. I enjoyed learning about Thanuel and his early life. I also that the villain was well written. I enjoyed the world that Mr. Cooper introduced in the first book, and I enjoyed returning there for this one and learning more about it. The magic of the living light is awesome. The action is well written and intense.
My gripes are that in what should have been the most intense parts of the book, i kind of did an eye roll because I felt that the action scenes between the hero and the villain went overboard and became a touch unbelievable. The same thing happened in the first book. At that moment I became a little detached from the story.
Overall it was a fun read and i look forward to hearing more of what happens in future books. The over the top and unbelievable skill of the characters may need to be toned down though.
My gripes are that in what should have been the most intense parts of the book, i kind of did an eye roll because I felt that the action scenes between the hero and the villain went overboard and became a touch unbelievable. The same thing happened in the first book. At that moment I became a little detached from the story.
Overall it was a fun read and i look forward to hearing more of what happens in future books. The over the top and unbelievable skill of the characters may need to be toned down though.
June 13, 2015
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Sacrifice. The single act capable of bringing both death and life simultaneously.
Thannuel Kerr is handsome, young and brash, fumbling through childhood toward his inevitable inheritance: the next Lord of the Western Province. He struggles to accept his arranged marriage and to grow into the man he must become. The journey toward that end, however, is fraught with more peril than he could possibly imagine. In the remote reaches of the Realm, an unknown, silent threat is growing. The Thoulden-sha of Mari-shaden is gathering his disciples, those who have relinquished their bloodlines to the Ancients and embraced Those Not Remembered, a forgotten race that inhabited Våleira long before the Age of the Ancients.
As Thannuel learns more about his heritage, he begins to understand why powers that seem greater than anything the world of Våleira has ever seen are targeting him. As a young man, he and his beloved intended, Moira, will face assassination attempts, civil war, and foreign invasions that could tear the Realm—and Våleira itself—apart.
Sacrifice. It is what the Thoulden-sha demands. It is what the world desperately needs. To save all he loves, Thannuel will be called upon to lay himself upon the Altar of Influence.
MY TAKE
I first heard about this book at a book signing where the author did a reading. He's got a fabulous voice and could easily have done this book justice. However, the reader (Michael Kramer) is one of my favorites. As always, Kramer brings the story to life with wonderfull voice.
As for the story itself, the beautiful storytelling reminded me of two of my favorite epic fantasy authors: Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. Michael Kramer is the narrator for Jordan's Wheel of Time series and Sanderson's Mistborn series. With Kramer's voice in my ears and Cooper's writing style, I felt very much at home.
Cooper does a wonderful job with his worldbuilding, bringing it to life--both the cultures and the world itself. It's a satisfyingly complex but not too confusing place. The cultures were interesting and diverse.
I loved his characters. Authors can build appealing worlds but if they don't make me care about the people in it, they've lost me. I loved this tale of the forced (in the beginning) friendship of too unlikely people--the future lord and the "mop boy". Thannuel's lord father was a wise man in how he handled it. Growing up with power and prestige can be a tough way to have a character of any substance, and Thannuel's father made a great choice.
The action was interesting to read without being too much, and the villains were wonderfully vile. The way evil in the story consumed societies and their people just gave me shudders. Cooper does a great job in making it clear what terrible things are happening without wallowing in it.
This book is a prequel. I didn't realize that until I was listening and a comment was made by the author. He said he had assumed people would have read the first book, Circle of Reign. I've added that to my wish list for the audiobook. Kramer reads that one too.
Sacrifice. The single act capable of bringing both death and life simultaneously.
Thannuel Kerr is handsome, young and brash, fumbling through childhood toward his inevitable inheritance: the next Lord of the Western Province. He struggles to accept his arranged marriage and to grow into the man he must become. The journey toward that end, however, is fraught with more peril than he could possibly imagine. In the remote reaches of the Realm, an unknown, silent threat is growing. The Thoulden-sha of Mari-shaden is gathering his disciples, those who have relinquished their bloodlines to the Ancients and embraced Those Not Remembered, a forgotten race that inhabited Våleira long before the Age of the Ancients.
As Thannuel learns more about his heritage, he begins to understand why powers that seem greater than anything the world of Våleira has ever seen are targeting him. As a young man, he and his beloved intended, Moira, will face assassination attempts, civil war, and foreign invasions that could tear the Realm—and Våleira itself—apart.
Sacrifice. It is what the Thoulden-sha demands. It is what the world desperately needs. To save all he loves, Thannuel will be called upon to lay himself upon the Altar of Influence.
MY TAKE
I first heard about this book at a book signing where the author did a reading. He's got a fabulous voice and could easily have done this book justice. However, the reader (Michael Kramer) is one of my favorites. As always, Kramer brings the story to life with wonderfull voice.
As for the story itself, the beautiful storytelling reminded me of two of my favorite epic fantasy authors: Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. Michael Kramer is the narrator for Jordan's Wheel of Time series and Sanderson's Mistborn series. With Kramer's voice in my ears and Cooper's writing style, I felt very much at home.
Cooper does a wonderful job with his worldbuilding, bringing it to life--both the cultures and the world itself. It's a satisfyingly complex but not too confusing place. The cultures were interesting and diverse.
I loved his characters. Authors can build appealing worlds but if they don't make me care about the people in it, they've lost me. I loved this tale of the forced (in the beginning) friendship of too unlikely people--the future lord and the "mop boy". Thannuel's lord father was a wise man in how he handled it. Growing up with power and prestige can be a tough way to have a character of any substance, and Thannuel's father made a great choice.
The action was interesting to read without being too much, and the villains were wonderfully vile. The way evil in the story consumed societies and their people just gave me shudders. Cooper does a great job in making it clear what terrible things are happening without wallowing in it.
This book is a prequel. I didn't realize that until I was listening and a comment was made by the author. He said he had assumed people would have read the first book, Circle of Reign. I've added that to my wish list for the audiobook. Kramer reads that one too.
November 3, 2014
Circle of Reign, the author's first book, was deep and engaging. Altar of Influence is a prequel that functions as a flashback for the dying lands chronicle as a series. It's a little strange to have a prequel released before the series is finished, but Cooper explains it in the book's forward.
This book is shorter than Circle of Reign, but is still a full length book. For me, I actually liked this one better (I loved Circle of Reign, don't get me wrong). The plot is more linear with less points of view, probably making the read easier for most people. Fans of GRRM and WOT may miss the largess POV structure, but I don't think anyone will be disappointed with the story.
MAIN PLOT POINTS (MILD SPOILERS):
We get to see Thannuel Kerr as a young man, first coming into the story as a 12 year old boy. From Circle of Reign, we only know that he is a just and fearless leader and very loving a protective father. Well, apparently that wasn't always his character and it took several hard lessons to mold him into the man he is described as in COR. We also get a good dose of Antious Roan, the general of the Arlethian Army in COR. The banter between these two friends is genuine and natural. In fact, I think Antious might actually be my favorite character from the book. He's someone that had humble beginnings and had to forge his own path, contrasting with Thannuel who was born to nobility. Both paths have their hardships, however.
As the story moves on (pretty quickly, pay attention to the timeline at the beginning of the chapters), we get a LOT more development of the world of Våleira. I can see the set up for books 2 and 3 of the dying lands chronicle, and that AOI really helped in that regard.
The antagonist, The Thoulden-sha of Mari-shaden, is a mystery. We don't ever really see his beginnings too much, but his growth as he learns about his powers is very well done. On the multiple confrontations that he and the protagonists have, the outcomes are expected but the winding and weaving to those ends are very interesting and sometimes very unique. As usual, Cooper's battle scenes and action sequences are superb.
Does this book have the depth that Circle of Reign has? Not quite (I don't think that was its purpose), but as I said, I did like it slightly better. The writing is strong, characterization a bit better, and conflicts believable. I can see the progress Cooper is making as an author. Avid readers will easily devour this book in a day or two and be satisfied but eagerly awaiting more.
This book is shorter than Circle of Reign, but is still a full length book. For me, I actually liked this one better (I loved Circle of Reign, don't get me wrong). The plot is more linear with less points of view, probably making the read easier for most people. Fans of GRRM and WOT may miss the largess POV structure, but I don't think anyone will be disappointed with the story.
MAIN PLOT POINTS (MILD SPOILERS):
We get to see Thannuel Kerr as a young man, first coming into the story as a 12 year old boy. From Circle of Reign, we only know that he is a just and fearless leader and very loving a protective father. Well, apparently that wasn't always his character and it took several hard lessons to mold him into the man he is described as in COR. We also get a good dose of Antious Roan, the general of the Arlethian Army in COR. The banter between these two friends is genuine and natural. In fact, I think Antious might actually be my favorite character from the book. He's someone that had humble beginnings and had to forge his own path, contrasting with Thannuel who was born to nobility. Both paths have their hardships, however.
As the story moves on (pretty quickly, pay attention to the timeline at the beginning of the chapters), we get a LOT more development of the world of Våleira. I can see the set up for books 2 and 3 of the dying lands chronicle, and that AOI really helped in that regard.
The antagonist, The Thoulden-sha of Mari-shaden, is a mystery. We don't ever really see his beginnings too much, but his growth as he learns about his powers is very well done. On the multiple confrontations that he and the protagonists have, the outcomes are expected but the winding and weaving to those ends are very interesting and sometimes very unique. As usual, Cooper's battle scenes and action sequences are superb.
Does this book have the depth that Circle of Reign has? Not quite (I don't think that was its purpose), but as I said, I did like it slightly better. The writing is strong, characterization a bit better, and conflicts believable. I can see the progress Cooper is making as an author. Avid readers will easily devour this book in a day or two and be satisfied but eagerly awaiting more.
February 14, 2016
I think it's always interesting how your views on a series can change depending on the order you read the books. If an author wrote a trilogy and then wrote a prequel novel, when you choose to begin the series do you read it in publication order, or do you read it chronologically? I like trying it different ways with different series; however I think I've found that for the most part more enjoyment is achieved by reading it in the original publication order. Why? It's simply because most authors do a better job of introducing their world in the first book they publish, and in the prequels they leave a lot out, assuming that the reader knows what's going on already.
So, for this series, I don't think this book would be the best one to start with. There isn't a whole lot of worldbuilding in this book, and following all the characters can be a bit confusing. Also, without any real context for what's going on, the book just kind of feels like a generic fantasy. There's the typical plot, typical bad guys, and typical battle scenes and fantasy tropes.
Nothing much stands out here. The first part of the book is pretty good, following the characters from an early age. Then it skips ahead and loses a lot of its momentum as the story kind of stagnates. The author uses the same old kinds of themes to keep the story going, which by now are painfully boring.
How do you stretch out a book's length without adding meaningful content? Have the villain get away time after time after getting beaten, only to come back another day (cartoon syndrome). Have all the main characters constantly getting kidnapped or captured and then rescued (lost count of how many times this happens). Add action for the sake of action instead of taking the time and effort to write a complex plot line. These are the age-old problems that this book suffers from in an attempt to create tension - threat of capture, heroes horribly outnumbered, families in danger, and of course the ever present fantasy trope of women being raped. Nothing really stands out here and it all feels horribly dated by now.
I already bought "Circle of Reign" so I will probably give this series another shot with that one, but I think this book could probably be skipped either way.
So, for this series, I don't think this book would be the best one to start with. There isn't a whole lot of worldbuilding in this book, and following all the characters can be a bit confusing. Also, without any real context for what's going on, the book just kind of feels like a generic fantasy. There's the typical plot, typical bad guys, and typical battle scenes and fantasy tropes.
Nothing much stands out here. The first part of the book is pretty good, following the characters from an early age. Then it skips ahead and loses a lot of its momentum as the story kind of stagnates. The author uses the same old kinds of themes to keep the story going, which by now are painfully boring.
How do you stretch out a book's length without adding meaningful content? Have the villain get away time after time after getting beaten, only to come back another day (cartoon syndrome). Have all the main characters constantly getting kidnapped or captured and then rescued (lost count of how many times this happens). Add action for the sake of action instead of taking the time and effort to write a complex plot line. These are the age-old problems that this book suffers from in an attempt to create tension - threat of capture, heroes horribly outnumbered, families in danger, and of course the ever present fantasy trope of women being raped. Nothing really stands out here and it all feels horribly dated by now.
I already bought "Circle of Reign" so I will probably give this series another shot with that one, but I think this book could probably be skipped either way.
January 19, 2017
I usually take notes while I read or listen to a book that I plan on reviewing. I didn’t with this one not because I didn’t like it. No I was so engrossed in the story I completely forgot. Actually that’s a lie I did write one note and for the first and only time I will post my unedited notes in a review. Well that’s a lie too, I am a bad speller so that has been fixed But you know what I mean.
” I loved the forward. Very insightful look into why this prequel was written. As Kramer started to read I actually got chills”
11 hours and 37 min later all I can say is wow good book sleep now.
After 12 hours of sleep I might be able to articulate that sentiment better. ……Wow Great book? No I can do better…..
It was excellent I loved getting to know Thannuel more. He is such a awesome character and he was hardly in Circle of Reign (The Dying Lands Chronicle #1). The scene of a guy retrieving the pearl! Oh my god that guy is my favorite fisherman ever!
Altar of Influence follows Thannuel through early teens into manhood. But don’t let that put you off even in the beginning there is a lot of action. This story is about Sacrifice at its heart, and it found a place in mine. It also filled in some of the world building that was never explained in CoR. There are still tons of questions I have mostly about the Big Bad of the world called the Ancient Dark.
I thoroughly enjoyed Altar of Influence I really can’t wait until Circle of Reign is rereleased. It has been well over a year since I listened to COR. I thought it was great, especially good for a first time author. But it has been gone over and changed quite a bit I hear with help from David Farland and it will be rereleased soon. Jacob told me the other day that Michael Kramer started recording it on November 1st. So definitely keep your eyes open for that one.
As for Altar of Influence I give it 4.50 out of 5 stars This is one series you should read now. If for no other reason than so you can tell your grandkids that you have been reading that series since it came out.
” I loved the forward. Very insightful look into why this prequel was written. As Kramer started to read I actually got chills”
11 hours and 37 min later all I can say is wow good book sleep now.
After 12 hours of sleep I might be able to articulate that sentiment better. ……Wow Great book? No I can do better…..
It was excellent I loved getting to know Thannuel more. He is such a awesome character and he was hardly in Circle of Reign (The Dying Lands Chronicle #1). The scene of a guy retrieving the pearl! Oh my god that guy is my favorite fisherman ever!
Altar of Influence follows Thannuel through early teens into manhood. But don’t let that put you off even in the beginning there is a lot of action. This story is about Sacrifice at its heart, and it found a place in mine. It also filled in some of the world building that was never explained in CoR. There are still tons of questions I have mostly about the Big Bad of the world called the Ancient Dark.
I thoroughly enjoyed Altar of Influence I really can’t wait until Circle of Reign is rereleased. It has been well over a year since I listened to COR. I thought it was great, especially good for a first time author. But it has been gone over and changed quite a bit I hear with help from David Farland and it will be rereleased soon. Jacob told me the other day that Michael Kramer started recording it on November 1st. So definitely keep your eyes open for that one.
As for Altar of Influence I give it 4.50 out of 5 stars This is one series you should read now. If for no other reason than so you can tell your grandkids that you have been reading that series since it came out.
September 13, 2015
There is a touch of everything in this fantasy story, youth, love, war, battles - on sea and land, magic, and strange creatures. The world feels strong and large. I enjoyed the creation of the world and characters here. I did have a feel of what would happen in the story, but this is set with a classic fantasy feel and one I grew attached to the characters of. I do hope to continue with this series and see where next they will go, what the dark trouble is that is brewing in the forest of light.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review, at my request.
A darkness is coming to the world. The Thoulden-sha is also working to bring the Mari-shaden back to the world with his sacrifices upon his altar. The Thoulden-sha needs the blood of one clan to bring the Mari-shaden back to the world, however the young man who should be easy to catch is growing stronger and fighting Thoulden-sha's advancements. Thannuel doesn't know he's special and learns slowly over the years of what he can do, and his ancestry. Moving to save the islands that have been invaded by the Dark Marauders, Thannuel and the Arlethian army will face things they never thought possible and destroy the darkness that is present.
I really enjoyed Michael's narration of this story. His voice is strong and easy to listen to. Michael has a way of drawing out a few words with a roll of his voice. They are the perfect words in the right moments. It draws you into his voice. Michael performs slight character voices and grows with the characters age and attitude changes, Thadduel is a perfect example of this growth vocally. He also has accents for different locations in this world. I do think I could listen to Michael tell stories for ever. I can see why he's popular with fantasy stories.
The one thing with audio that I still struggle to get are chapter headings. In this book they feel important as there are years between some. It would be easier to catch these if I was reading. But, thank you Jacob, in the chapters you learn the age of Thannuel and Artious or the years that have passed as you go, so you are caught up with the years easily.
Jacob writes the story as the world is solid and known. There are hints and details of the world given in the way the people live along with the reason Thoulden-sha is after Thannuel. I appreciate this as a read because I do not feel there are major information dumps and the world is as it should be and unwavering in its ways and cycling. But there were a few details I didn't realize until later in the book, but it was added when it fits and explains things a bit more gradually. This story is a prequel to the first novel, so many people probably knew what the world was like in starting this book.
There is a touch of magic here. (Well with Thoulden-sha, more than a touch.) I love that the people we focus on here are of a wood land. They have their connection with the land, Valeira particularly as that's where the Light resides, and can feel vibrations through the land where they stand or feel. There is also a magic for healing from the Luminates, but the Light seems to be fading. The trees can even talk to them, though not in the same sense as we think of talking. The Thoulden-sha is a dark magic as his is granted to him from Mari-shaden and strengthened with the spilling of blood. There are hints of others touched with special talents here as well.
The story starts when Thannuel and Artious are young boys and grows as they age along with the troubles in the world. It has a Young Adult feel to it at first, but it grows with each character and chapter. I liked the set up in the beginning and had an inkling of a feeling of who will become good friends and help each other. Also that one is of a clan that will be in danger and need to be the person he can be. I was anxiously waiting for it to all come together, then fall apart for the characters.
I found I was taken with the people in this world. Thannuel's father is a good man and tries to teach his son well of the kind ways. Thannuel represents his father's ways well as he grows. Oh the secret that Thannuel didn't know of. And I'm guessing his family didn't know of! It's interesting what he can do, and it grows in the story as well. Then we have Antious. He's a wonderful friend and cohort for Thannuel. I get a kick out of their friendship. Antious is strong in his own ways.
The chapters are long chapters. Even in audio form, they are long. But we get a few POV sections in those long chapters.
There is a touch of everything in this fantasy story, youth, love, war, battles - on sea and land, magic, and strange creatures. The world feels strong and large. I enjoyed the creation of the world and characters here. I did have a feel of what would happen in the story, but this is set with a classic fantasy feel and one I grew attached to the characters of. I do hope to continue with this series and see where next they will go, what the dark trouble is that is brewing in the forest of light.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review, at my request.
A darkness is coming to the world. The Thoulden-sha is also working to bring the Mari-shaden back to the world with his sacrifices upon his altar. The Thoulden-sha needs the blood of one clan to bring the Mari-shaden back to the world, however the young man who should be easy to catch is growing stronger and fighting Thoulden-sha's advancements. Thannuel doesn't know he's special and learns slowly over the years of what he can do, and his ancestry. Moving to save the islands that have been invaded by the Dark Marauders, Thannuel and the Arlethian army will face things they never thought possible and destroy the darkness that is present.
I really enjoyed Michael's narration of this story. His voice is strong and easy to listen to. Michael has a way of drawing out a few words with a roll of his voice. They are the perfect words in the right moments. It draws you into his voice. Michael performs slight character voices and grows with the characters age and attitude changes, Thadduel is a perfect example of this growth vocally. He also has accents for different locations in this world. I do think I could listen to Michael tell stories for ever. I can see why he's popular with fantasy stories.
The one thing with audio that I still struggle to get are chapter headings. In this book they feel important as there are years between some. It would be easier to catch these if I was reading. But, thank you Jacob, in the chapters you learn the age of Thannuel and Artious or the years that have passed as you go, so you are caught up with the years easily.
Jacob writes the story as the world is solid and known. There are hints and details of the world given in the way the people live along with the reason Thoulden-sha is after Thannuel. I appreciate this as a read because I do not feel there are major information dumps and the world is as it should be and unwavering in its ways and cycling. But there were a few details I didn't realize until later in the book, but it was added when it fits and explains things a bit more gradually. This story is a prequel to the first novel, so many people probably knew what the world was like in starting this book.
There is a touch of magic here. (Well with Thoulden-sha, more than a touch.) I love that the people we focus on here are of a wood land. They have their connection with the land, Valeira particularly as that's where the Light resides, and can feel vibrations through the land where they stand or feel. There is also a magic for healing from the Luminates, but the Light seems to be fading. The trees can even talk to them, though not in the same sense as we think of talking. The Thoulden-sha is a dark magic as his is granted to him from Mari-shaden and strengthened with the spilling of blood. There are hints of others touched with special talents here as well.
The story starts when Thannuel and Artious are young boys and grows as they age along with the troubles in the world. It has a Young Adult feel to it at first, but it grows with each character and chapter. I liked the set up in the beginning and had an inkling of a feeling of who will become good friends and help each other. Also that one is of a clan that will be in danger and need to be the person he can be. I was anxiously waiting for it to all come together, then fall apart for the characters.
I found I was taken with the people in this world. Thannuel's father is a good man and tries to teach his son well of the kind ways. Thannuel represents his father's ways well as he grows. Oh the secret that Thannuel didn't know of. And I'm guessing his family didn't know of! It's interesting what he can do, and it grows in the story as well. Then we have Antious. He's a wonderful friend and cohort for Thannuel. I get a kick out of their friendship. Antious is strong in his own ways.
The chapters are long chapters. Even in audio form, they are long. But we get a few POV sections in those long chapters.
There is a touch of everything in this fantasy story, youth, love, war, battles - on sea and land, magic, and strange creatures. The world feels strong and large. I enjoyed the creation of the world and characters here. I did have a feel of what would happen in the story, but this is set with a classic fantasy feel and one I grew attached to the characters of. I do hope to continue with this series and see where next they will go, what the dark trouble is that is brewing in the forest of light.
November 3, 2014
Bravo, again, Mr Cooper!!
So I've been anxiously awaiting Jacob's second book and I have to say, he did not disappoint!! His writing style is suburb and his characters are truly incredibly in depth and you either love or hate everything about them!! Such a drastic line is drawn in the sand between the good and the bed in this world and I love the emotional response it gives me. Jacob is a wordsmith, truly gifted in painting a detailed picture of his world and his character's places, actions and lives within it. I honestly and wholeheartedly will be reading everything this man EVER writes!! Thank you for letting us see into the lives of our beloved characters from Circle of Reign before we knew them then (did that make any sense?). I loved this book and would highly recommend it to any Fantasy lover I know! Bravo, again, Mr. Cooper!!
So I've been anxiously awaiting Jacob's second book and I have to say, he did not disappoint!! His writing style is suburb and his characters are truly incredibly in depth and you either love or hate everything about them!! Such a drastic line is drawn in the sand between the good and the bed in this world and I love the emotional response it gives me. Jacob is a wordsmith, truly gifted in painting a detailed picture of his world and his character's places, actions and lives within it. I honestly and wholeheartedly will be reading everything this man EVER writes!! Thank you for letting us see into the lives of our beloved characters from Circle of Reign before we knew them then (did that make any sense?). I loved this book and would highly recommend it to any Fantasy lover I know! Bravo, again, Mr. Cooper!!
March 30, 2015
I picked up this audiobook after listening to Circle of Reign from the same series and it was an excellent complement, though Altar of Influence can be listened to on its own. Overall it has helped provide more background for the interesting characters in CoR, as well as the world of Valeira with its lore.
Personally I love Jacob Cooper's fresh and complex take on fantasy stories, especially the subtle touch of scientific realism.
It was also a pleasure to hear Michael Kramer bring the story to life, he's one of my favorite readers.
Looking forward to more books in this series.
Personally I love Jacob Cooper's fresh and complex take on fantasy stories, especially the subtle touch of scientific realism.
It was also a pleasure to hear Michael Kramer bring the story to life, he's one of my favorite readers.
Looking forward to more books in this series.
December 9, 2014
Altar of Influence was a great book. Although it is not for the faint of heart, the story just comes to life in my mind just like Cooper's 'Circle of Reign' did. The subplots are very detailed and build up nicely to the end of the book where it all cohesively ends. Now I've started rereading 'Circle of Reign' because I now see the story with a much better understanding of it.
December 27, 2014
I think I am the kind of person who likes the prequel first...great book and the background story with Thanniel, Antious and Aiden is exactly what I needed. For me having this so called "trip back in time" ties me to the characters and helps me understand their current motivations and mind set. It also nicely fills in the holes in the current story line. Well done!
March 29, 2015
I don't know which one I enjoyed more, but this series for sure has the potential to be one of my absolute favorites. I personally would recommend reading "Circle of Reign" first, but honestly once you start on either one of these you aren't going to stop until you've devoured all you can of this world that you can get your hands on. Don't forget to get "The Red Grove" also!
May 28, 2015
I enjoyed the order that I read it. I made it the second in the series (this prequel) however you could read in either order still I think the author made if fun if you read it in the order it was written. I won't say much more as I wouldn't want to give anything away. I'll just say I really enjoyed it.
November 10, 2015
I think I enjoyed this one even more than I did Circle of Reign. Already, Cooper has grown as an author. He's certainly a name to watch in the fantasy field. The action in this one was great, and I love the depth it adds to some of the characters' backstories. Great read.
December 9, 2014
Another excellent book by Jacob Cooper! I enjoyed it immensely. I look forward to reading the other books in the series. I definitely recommend picking up this one and Circle of Reign.
August 31, 2015
This is a case of buying a book for it's cover. However, the story was fantastic! I have to read more in this world.
August 4, 2015
Freaking rocking story. Next!
January 6, 2023
It's been ages since I read Circle of Reign, which I really loved, so I was baffled to see I totally missed book 0 and 2 being out as well!
I really enjoyed this prequel, which you can read either before or after the first book. If you read it first you learn bout the backstory and know more once you start book one. If you read it after, you have some nice "aha moments" along the way, so both work fine.
This story is epic and big, and I had to backtrack here and there when I didn't pay attention to a POV switch. It's not overly hard, but it does have a couple of POVs and the cast was at times a bit hard to separate as some are just a tad too similar. As I have horrendous name recognition, I mostly orient myself by tone of voice and scenes, which didn't always work here.
I did enjoy my time with them though, and the action was fast and fun, so it was an engaging and entertaining read! I listened to it all in just two days.
There's quite some tropes in here, and the evil villain who is just unbelievable vile also has his place. So does the way overpowered fight scenes that just borders on ridiculous.
I do like my classic fantasy though, so for me that is no problem. Some way crazy fight scenes are actually a plus for me, as it keeps things fun. If you want to avoid that sort of thing however, this might not be your ideal read.
I already bought book two and am very much looking forward to more!
I really enjoyed this prequel, which you can read either before or after the first book. If you read it first you learn bout the backstory and know more once you start book one. If you read it after, you have some nice "aha moments" along the way, so both work fine.
This story is epic and big, and I had to backtrack here and there when I didn't pay attention to a POV switch. It's not overly hard, but it does have a couple of POVs and the cast was at times a bit hard to separate as some are just a tad too similar. As I have horrendous name recognition, I mostly orient myself by tone of voice and scenes, which didn't always work here.
I did enjoy my time with them though, and the action was fast and fun, so it was an engaging and entertaining read! I listened to it all in just two days.
There's quite some tropes in here, and the evil villain who is just unbelievable vile also has his place. So does the way overpowered fight scenes that just borders on ridiculous.
I do like my classic fantasy though, so for me that is no problem. Some way crazy fight scenes are actually a plus for me, as it keeps things fun. If you want to avoid that sort of thing however, this might not be your ideal read.
I already bought book two and am very much looking forward to more!
October 31, 2021
Fantasy is hard. Much respect to the author of his book for all the effort he clearly put into it. I think the my major hangups with it can mostly be chalked up to a lack of experience. Cooper might hone his craft in future works. But for now, here are my pros and cons:
(Note: i have only read this book in the series.)
Pros:
Cool concepts and world building
Flashy action scenes and spectacles
Creative set pieces
Unique magic
Excellent narration in audiobook by legendary Michael Kramer
Cons:
Stilted and overly modern-sounding dialogue
Generally weak characterization
Overpowered heroes who feel invincible throughout much of the story
Uneven pacing
Too many characters, many underdeveloped and without strong motivations
I did not dislike the book, but am choosing not to continue the series for now. Good luck honing your craft Mr. Cooper!
(Note: i have only read this book in the series.)
Pros:
Cool concepts and world building
Flashy action scenes and spectacles
Creative set pieces
Unique magic
Excellent narration in audiobook by legendary Michael Kramer
Cons:
Stilted and overly modern-sounding dialogue
Generally weak characterization
Overpowered heroes who feel invincible throughout much of the story
Uneven pacing
Too many characters, many underdeveloped and without strong motivations
I did not dislike the book, but am choosing not to continue the series for now. Good luck honing your craft Mr. Cooper!
December 6, 2018
For being self-published this wasn't bad. It also wasn't good.
Had some cool concepts (which were probably introduced in the first book written) but everything else was pretty cliche. The dialogue was painful, and it went on and on. The "Love" scenes were ridiculous. Every other scene seemed predictable, static, and melodramatic.
This author obviously has some talent and good ideas. But he sorely needs a professional editor and about six or seven more revisions to make this palatable.
Not even Michael Kramer's voice could salvage it.
Had some cool concepts (which were probably introduced in the first book written) but everything else was pretty cliche. The dialogue was painful, and it went on and on. The "Love" scenes were ridiculous. Every other scene seemed predictable, static, and melodramatic.
This author obviously has some talent and good ideas. But he sorely needs a professional editor and about six or seven more revisions to make this palatable.
Not even Michael Kramer's voice could salvage it.
February 19, 2019
Excellent prequel. I listened to this book after listing to Circle of Reign but the characters and story stand on their own. It provided good backstory to the Dying Lands Chronicle. Worth reading before or after Circle of Reign.
December 28, 2017
Went in not expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. Good writing.
February 25, 2018
Love this book. If you are looking for a really good story with a little of everything. This is your book.
June 29, 2018
Awesome Story
Full of action, suspense and intrigue throughout the story. I couldn’t put it down once I had started it. I can’t wait to get the next book in the series.
Full of action, suspense and intrigue throughout the story. I couldn’t put it down once I had started it. I can’t wait to get the next book in the series.
March 12, 2019
4/5 stars
March 23, 2021
Enjoyed this looking forward to more by this writer
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
December 20, 2016
If this is the prelude, I'm strapping in for the ride!! In the fantasy genre, one of the things I really value is character development and growth. I want to feel I could be in the story, that my friends could grow into heroes with me. Halfway through Altar of Influence I was convinced that, if I were born on Våleira, I too, could have been Thannuel Kerr!
The world building is fantastic, the history of the world is woven in expertly, and the magic system feels so real!
I can't wait for the series to continue. This story, although self-contained and perfect as a stand-alone book, seems to set up a bigger story that feels like it has epic potential.
Jacob Cooper has joined the ranks of my favorite fantasy authors - Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Michael J. Sullivan
And the reader (for the audio version of the book) is one of my favorite readers. Michael Kramer is by far one of the most talented fantasy readers out there!
The world building is fantastic, the history of the world is woven in expertly, and the magic system feels so real!
I can't wait for the series to continue. This story, although self-contained and perfect as a stand-alone book, seems to set up a bigger story that feels like it has epic potential.
Jacob Cooper has joined the ranks of my favorite fantasy authors - Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Michael J. Sullivan
And the reader (for the audio version of the book) is one of my favorite readers. Michael Kramer is by far one of the most talented fantasy readers out there!
February 20, 2017
insanely good, I think that I will read it again after Circle of Reign. Just because of all that action, love and loyalty mixed together. Love this style of writing.
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