A Facet for the Gem

The Tale of Eaglefriend #1

by C.L. Murray

When the mightiest eagle finally meets a rider worth carrying, a young man becomes a legend. Join all the readers soaring through this action-packed epic fantasy.

In a land of eagle-riding knights, bloodthirsty beasts, and a ruthless tyrant, young Morlen retreats from thousands of snapping jaws with the stolen Goldshard in his grasp. Its power to bestow strength and invincibility is just a panicked whisper away, and he'd feel naked without it while he fights the sinister forces that follow him at every turn.

Fortunately, he gains a few peculiar allies: a legendary warrior reluctant to leave his sheltered paradise, a wizard tormented by his past, and the untamable bird of prey that kings and heroes have sought for centuries.

A Facet for the Gem is a coming of age fantasy that brings Morlen from distant kingdoms to sprawling aerial battles, into the fiery breath of a stony dragon and side-by-side with a lady knight who is the last person to need rescuing. Fly with him as his epic adventures culminate in a final showdown against swords, fangs, and greatest of all: his own fear.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Fiction, Dragons, Action, Adventure

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2016

About the author

Charles Laurence Murray was born in 1989 and grew up in San Diego, California. He spent many days lost in the humming, spark-scattering clashes between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, caught up in a charge with the Riders of Rohan, and enthralled by the cadence and poise of Doc Holliday emerging from the shadows to face Johnny Ringo. When he was thirteen, he became obsessed with the idea of an eagle-riding, sword-wielding hero and developed it over the years into an epic, four-part fantasy series called The Tale of Eaglefriend.

He published his first novel, A Facet for the Gem (The Tale of Eaglefriend--Book One) at the end of February, 2016, and it has been featured on ten Amazon Top 100 lists, ranking at #2 in Kindle Teen Epic Fantasy, and at #5 in Kindle Adult Epic Fantasy. Podium Publishing, the award-winning audiobook publisher whose first fiction title was Andy Weir's The Martian, picked up the audible rights to The Tale of Eaglefriend five months after its debut, and narrator James Foster brings the first installment to life with a stellar performance.

On November 1, 2018, after weeks of severe illness while beginning the final three chapters of Eaglebreaker, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. The ensuing months of chemotherapy and other treatments were highly effective, and finally in August of 2019, after learning the cancer had spread to his brain and enduring a string of seizures from the hemorrhaging, he completed the book. Thanks to California's remarkable health care and the expertise of his doctors and nurses, he has a long, happy life to look forward to.

The Tale of Eaglefriend will continue with Books Three and Four.

Get the latest updates at authorclmurray.com and facebook.com/AuthorCLMurray

Reviews

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Facet for the Gem

A very well done coming of age tale. Morlen and Roftome become a pair to draw too, Morlen a 17 year old who had lived his life as an outcast. Now Morlen seeks a mysterious island in the mysts where he finds supernatural lions who become his friends. His father a powerful figure, is on the island as well.
I haven't mentioned eagles yet a whole nation of the, humans called Eagle Masters. Morley becomes the first Eaglefriend to the largest eagle ever Roftome. Let the legends unfold as you read, fun.

[Fergus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this one.
Just terrible writing.

The author continually put history lessons in the the mouths of every character. It feels like almost every scene has a character that presents a lesson. It feels like a device to give the reader background while trying to avoid lots of exposition. But it amounts to the same thing and it makes each character seem really artificial.

Basic formula:

Morlen meets stranger.

Stranger greets Morlen with:

Hello Morlen. I am x. Hundreds of years ago I did this and saw that and by the way you are not pathetic and actually are the saviour of the world. Now you need to do x...


Even people that know each other and have grown up together tell each other stories like they have never met.

Weird word choices are common. At one point Morlen finds himself walking through a wood detecting "lifeforms"... in a fantasy novel.
They turn out to be lions that Morlen just knows somehow are friendly.

People that are apparently not morons continually act like idiots.

The King decides to tell his "son", a brutal man, that he is going to deny him the throne while they are alone. Just the sort of thing a king would do.

Gah!

Maybe I should have given only one star. But there were some nice turns of phrase amongst the dross.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm rounding this up to a 3/5 since I enjoyed aspects, but really I'd give the book a 2.5/5. The concept of eagle-riding warriors was neat, but everything about the story itself was simple, cliched fantasy. Good guys vs. bad guys, evil artifact vs. good artifact, kingdom in peril, young outcast protagonist rising to the occasion as a Chosen One type figure, etc. With the hasty romantic tension thrown in at the end, the basic formula is now complete.

The writing didn't wow me with its predictability, irregularities, and underdeveloped concepts. The plot was very straightforward. I just about always knew what was going to happen next when it came to major events. Characters either had inconsistent personalities or weren't developed enough. I still don't know the difference between the one king's sons and I've already forgotten their names. As far as underdeveloped concepts, when our protagonist was introduced to us he seemed to possess hidden powers, but there was only one accompanying scene that explored this concept before it dropped entirely out of the story. You'd think that idea would play a role later during the final battle.

Overall there were just too many inconsistencies and holes preventing me from truly getting absorbed into the story. Even though I also found it predictable and cliche, I did like the scenes with Morlen and Roftome, particularly upon their meeting. I think their relationship positively enhanced the story from that point forward. However, nothing else really jumped out to capture my attention.

[C.M. Skiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

An imaginative coming-of-age tale set in a vivid world rich with lore and fantastical creatures, C.L. Murray's A Facet for the Gem reveals a legendary battle of good versus evil. The desperate lad Morlen uncovers more than he could have ever imagined as he discovers his past and the root of the nefarious evil gripping the land. The Tale of Eaglefriend, Volume 1, is a well-paced, exciting, fantasy adventure.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first chapter of this book I was interested in the story of Morlen as he travelled to the city to sell his wares with an unkind caravan of companions. It was obvious that he had some sort of unique abilities however confidence was not one of them. This story moved rapidly and I found myself very much enjoying the premise of the Eaglemasters and the lore of the Blessed ones. I happen to like a good classic fantasy with good versus evil and this didn't disappoint.

At times there were some sentences I had to read over again to make sense of them, however, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. I look forward to more adventures with our eagle friend.

[Roderick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good solid 1st book. The story was engaging and characters all likable. Although somewhat predictable, I still enjoyed it.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Been a while since I've read a fantasy book. I enjoyed this world and majority of the characters.

[L.E. Doggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I put a three and a half on this one. Remember I hardly ever give a five.


This one is a good read. The plot is followed well even though there was one thing that I wasn't quite sure about. How did the traitor get his people onto the isle? I don't want to say more and turn this into a spoiler. When you get that far you will understand my question.

The rest of it is very good The descriptions are among the good points as are the action scenes. There are twists to the plot which makes it more entertaining. The characters stay in character. The hero does freeze up a time or two which is one thing I don't like a lot of. But that is a personal preference and not about the quality of the writing.

It is good fantasy with some neat twists to fantasy.

I recommend it fully for any and all readers-especially those that like fantasy.

[Kelly Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid fantasy coming-of-age story, this one. I enjoyed the premise, and the writing--for the most part. The book reminds me of an epic cycle in which the forces of good and evil periodically skirmish in the lead up to epic clashes, again and again, and this tale tells just one of these countless stories. It has a Wheel of Time sort of feel to it, though the writer is less prone to over-describe as Robert Jordan was wont to do. I loved how he imagined The Isle, and how he took Morlen through his many trials, how he disposed into the mind of an orphan outcast. Some of the dialogue was burdensome and at times unnecessarily opaque when words of wisdom were spoken. The mysterious Blessed Ones are a thread I hope the author pulls in future books, as it would be interesting to learn more of them. Looking forward to the next book.

[Jans Margevics · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a lighter fantasy read. The story is based in the pretty generic setting (for its genre) where you get gleaming crystal swords, speaking animals, resplendent knights flying atop of giant eagles, dark mountains, you name it. It reads easily and has no issues with pacing. Book is full of action which in my opinion is written really well. My personal highlight would be the Felkoth himself. Dude is intimidating, cunning and fits well into a role of antagonist. All in all a solid 3.5/5. Will definitely check out the sequel once it's out.

[Velma Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think you've read every plot, over and over again. CL Murray is a true storyteller from the times when we sat around the campfire and listened to our oral history. Hero's were grand but not boisterous or arrogant. Ladies fair did there own share of fighting and saving the world. Four-footed friends were always helpful and at our sides. I finished this tale, went to bed for a nap, and dreamed of adventures like these. A well done is not enough ... Awesome is closer.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a good old fashioned good vs evil is just the ticket and this book "" A Facet For The Gem "" by "" C. L . Murray is that ticket . The main characters in this story grows on you the more you read and before you know it your wondering what's going to happen next as the story unfolds and you've lost time reading lol . And I haven't even mentioned riding Eagles . So if your looking for a good vs evil story look no further because you've found it so sit back and enjoy .😁😁😁😁

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now there's the kind of lead up to, and ending, of a fantasy novel that I was looking for when I picked up A Facet for the Gem! The author, C.L. Murray, redeemed himself (regarding my earlier frustration with a predictable outcome of a decision made by one of the characters) by making the last 30% of the book so spellbinding that it was hard to put down. Great buildup and fantastic conclusion!
It makes me want to start reading the second book and continue the saga.

[ReadBecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Facet for the Gem is a lovely all ages epic fantasy and a solid debut novel. It has a little bit of everything: a lifelong outcast who finds his way to becoming a hero, a very peculiar wizard, an awakened ancient evil, a princess who outshines her brothers as a commander, talking eagles, epic named weapons and items of power.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a subtle elegance in the way that Charles writes. I find his style soothing, and I took to it instantly. The tale is captivating, and moves at a good pace. I feel refreshed in the unique elements woven so skillfully into a plush tapestry. I deeply appreciate the investment made in quality editing--great job!

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story. Enjoyed it very much.

Nice story. Enjoyed it very much . Pretty straight forward, good guys are good, bad guys are bad. A good Sunday afternoon read. Especially if you need to take a break from more complex novels.

[Sally Antiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable story-line and believable characters. After the first couple of chapters I became totally absorbed in the book and couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend if you are looking for something new and fresh in the fantasy world.

[Jeffrey Juchau · Rating 5 out of 5]

EagleFriend

This is a classic good versus evil story. It is told very well, with eloquent prose and the ever enticing new discoveries. I recommend it whole heartedly and look forward to the next book in the series.

[Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to stop once you start

The way it flows at the start is a bit of putting (chapters 1- about 4) then you realise that it works

Well written book that I couldn't stop once I started

[Jean C. Frohock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow starting

This story seemed slow while all characters and events were staged but it finally all came together in an exciting story. I nearly put the book aside several times but am so hooked I eagerly am moving on to book 2 Eaglefriend. Highly recommend.

[Rebecca Vann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional

Murray writes beautifully. Also, his characters are very interesting, the story and fighting scenes are great to read. I enjoyed his book very muchos and look forward to the next!

[Kerri Woman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was actually surprised at how good this story was. Most excellent coming of age fantasy. Geared for teenage boys. Who wouldn't want to ride on the back of a giant eagle?

[Tracy Brissette · Rating 5 out of 5]

C L Murray has envisioned a realm where I feel at home

His characters draw you in from the very first page, and make you a companion on their journey. Happy adventuring!

[Shelley]

Fantastic world

Intricately woven tale.Step by step the characters grow to take on their tasks.This story is as brilliant as Lord of the rings.

[Dave Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combining depth of history and nation-spanning threats with a strong focus on character, Murray creates an epic fantasy without epic exposition.

Orphaned then shifted from foster home to foster home, Morlen has grown up an outsider, a position made worse by his exceptional competence as a hunter and forager. Only Nottifer, wizard-adviser to the King, treats him with any respect. When Morlen’s attempt to escape this life is thwarted by bullies, he is rescued by again Nottifer; but the wizard is acting out of more than simple friendship. Bearing the Goldenshard, a mystical artefact of last resort, Morlen must flee not just cruel youths, but a usurper and his army.

From the first scene, Murray reveals his world through people living their lives. While there are moments of exposition, they come as responses to questions and are delivered in the form of natural speech rather than historical lectures. Similarly, characters recalling the past do so in snippets triggered by events. This approach both keeps the story immediate, increasing tension, and gives the past a sense of legend, adding plausible depth to the world.

While the plot is based around classic tropes of fantasy: the orphan with a destiny; the ruler who turns to ancestral evil for power; knights who ride a different animal than a horse (in this instance, the giant eagle); Murray’s reliance on character over world-building both settles them firmly within the story and provides them the layer of nuance that features of the real world possess.

Where Murray’s deviation from classic fantasy might find less universal favour is in his use of certain American English constructions. Although there is no reason the denizens of a fantasy universe would favour British English, those readers who are accustomed to fantasy cast in a pseudo-archaic dialect might find the difference noticeable. However, this is – at worst – a minor disjunction, and in no way indicative of any flaw in the prose.

This novel is the first in a series, and as such leaves a number of matters unresolved. However, the suitably epic main arc is concluded in a plausible manner, allowing the book to stand on its own.

Morlen is a well-crafted protagonist, neither swift to accept his destiny and the competence that comes with it, nor given to overly doubting the evidence of his own eyes. The events of his childhood, and in particular his mistreatment at the hands of foster-parents and peers, have marked him, but not twisted his moral sense, making him a highly sympathetic character.

The supporting cast are equally shaped by the interaction of social roles rather than merely the plot; and thus display the disproportionate focus on minor and immediate matters that limits and distracts most denizens of the real world. However, Murray does not mire them in these matters, instead maintaining a balance between plausible complexity and larger-than-life escapism.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers looking for an engaging and fast-paced fantasy.

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for a fair review.

[Epper Marshall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected a book like The Emperor's Blades, by Brian Staveley, based on the cover but this book turned out to be a disjointed, confusing tangle of a narrative. During scenes all seems to be written well then something will be mentioned that throws you off, that makes you second guess what's going on or where characters are in relation to one another. There were a few times a chapter jumped ahead in time and it took a bit to figure out. There is magic that doesn't have any clear rules except that the one wizard who could probably shorten the whole story doesn't kill the bad guy. The bad guy also is almost too cruel in that he will kill anyone who displeases him and has no trusted human allies. Also, he can survive any crash .... he is in THREE crashes with flying creatures and survives unharmed each time, even when his enemies are right there and should have an obvious advantage. Something else that didn't make sense was the phrase: 'An Eaglemaster is deadlier on the ground than in the sky'. You'd think an eaglemaster would be deadlier in the sky or as deadly on the ground because eagles....and this phrase will be regurgitated numerous times with basically no evidence that they are deadly at all (there are a few cases where they show they are superior warriors but not often enough to have a phrase like the one they do).

[Ron · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only finished this book because I needed a self-published fantasy book to complete a reading challenge, otherwise I would have stopped after the first chapter. I don't recommend it to anyone.

The prose is meandering and loaded with ten cent words, many of them misused, which led to more than a few sentences that didn't make sense. There are also a few typos and punctuation errors. The story is your basic tale of a poor boy with a heritage and power unknown to him who becomes a hero when they are revealed, but the pacing is so quick that there is no build up to make that revelation in any way satisfactory.

[A_MOTUS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop doing everything you were planning to do and rush to order your copy of this fantastic tale. Seriously this book as nothing to envy to some of the most popular fantasy saga. My only warning? You might loose yourself in the story and not pay attention on what's happening around you while you follow Morken into a skydive of bloodline, betrayals, families, royalty, history and feathers. Just add a bit of magic.

[Jazmyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then, I look through my kindle and pick out books I would love to read again. It's been a while since I've read this story and decided it was time for another go at it. Mind you, I've read it three times. I am still amazed by this story! The flow and detail of this story were so amazing I feel as if I'm on the adventure with the characters!

[Amanda Kern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

This is a good book. It is full of adventures and fighting. I really do enjoy it. The reason I gave it three stars was the fact I got lost in the story. I also had some moments that did not flow right with me. Give this book a shot.