Tom's Inheritance

Rise of the King #1

by T.J. Green

King Arthur is destined to return and Tom is destined to wake him.

When the Lady of the Lake summons Tom to the Other, she tells him he has to wake King Arthur from his long sleep on Avalon.

Tom starts a journey that will change his life forever.

He finds a world where magic still exists, and mythical creatures walk among fey. And he finds that the legends he thought were myth are very real.

So are ancient enemies.

If he’s to survive, he must learn to fight, and find courage he never knew he had.

He’s about to become part of a legend.

If you love magic, mystery, and Arthurian legend, you’ll love Tom’s Inheritance.
Buy now for your next fantasy adventure.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Arthurian, Fiction, Historical, Magic

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

About the author

I'm a writer, a pagan, and a witch, and consequently love all things magical. I write fictional books about witchcraft and the paranormal, and they are jam-packed with fabulous characters, colourful settings, plenty of action, and lots of humour.

I was born in England, in the Black Country, but moved to New Zealand in 2006. I lived near Wellington with my partner Jase, and my cats Sacha and Leia. However, in April 2022 we moved again! Yes, I like making my life complicated… I’m now living in the Algarve in Portugal, and loving the fabulous weather and people. When I’m not busy writing I read lots, indulge in gardening and shopping, and I love yoga.

Confession time! I’m a Star Trek geek – old and new – and love urban fantasy and detective shows. Secret passion – Columbo! Favourite Star Trek film is the Wrath of Khan, the original! Other top films – Predator, the original, and Aliens.

In a previous life I was a singer in a band, and used to do some acting with a theatre company. For more on me, check out a couple of my blog posts. I have also written a blog about how I finally became comfortable about calling myself a witch. It's called Leaning into my Witch.

Reviews

[T.J. Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom's Inheritance
I wrote this book while I was doing my English degree, which involved lots of creative writing papers. Initially it was an exercise in trying to write something longer than a short story. In fact it developed out of a short story, which was condensed down to become the prologue. I was curious to see how the story would roll out by following Jack's grandson, to see what he would do to find his grandfather. I also wanted to write something for my nephew, curious to know if writing for someone would encourage me to keep going. Both motivations worked and I became hooked on seeing how the story kept going just by sitting down and seeing where the pen took me!
And I'm also a King Arthur fan. I really wanted to explore the mythical, faerie tale sides of those stories, and I've had a lot of fun doing it. The King Arthur tales are a rich part of English myth and they never seem to lose interest. I've got plenty to play with for the next book.
Anyway, I hope readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

[Tabi Slick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom’s Inheritance is an enchanting tale written by T.J. Green about a boy who finds himself on an adventure to find his granddad in another world filled with sea creatures, wood sprites, oh and don’t forget the Lady of The Lake!


There are some really charming and colorful characters in this book, like Woodsmoke, Finnlugh the faerie, as well as Brenna the girl who can turn into a bird. I also liked Beansprout, Tom’s cousin who finds herself in trouble often including falling basically face first into a whole new world. She is a do now, think later kind of girl and I thought it was a great addition to the story. In addition to being blissfully adventurous, she also is heartwarming and I can tell that her cousin Tom looks up to her in many ways.


Beansprout is probably one of my favorite of the supporting characters and I wish that we could’ve known a bit more about her. This introduction would’ve probably helped the readers answer some of the unknown questions that we are left with. Such as why did she decide to do what she did at the end?
We’re also left wondering why did Tom decide to make the decision he did at the end? These two very different decisions, one reflecting growth and the other reflecting a regression, doesn’t seem to make sense. I wish we could’ve known more about this.


While there are many great characters, I sadly must say that I did not particularly enjoy Tom as a main character. At the beginning he didn’t seem like an insensitive person, but there were several moments in this story where I couldn’t believe he would even consider saying what he had just said. It’s like he didn’t even think about how this would make the other person feel. This is unfortunate because I was really rooting for him as a character and I kept wanting him to grow from this boy who just always has to have his way, to someone a bit more...well, in the words of the Hatter “muchier”.


I also wish King Arthur had been introduced into the story earlier, but instead he almost seemed like a side note. I feel like Tom needed his influence the whole time, to help him grow and mature as a person. However, this story is not complete yet and so I’m interested to see where it goes from here! It is truly a great collection of adventures and I would highly recommend this story for young readers.


Star Rating Report Card:

3.57 Stars out of 5
1) Were the characters believable?
★★★★ - 4 stars
2) Did you like the characters?
★★★ - 3 stars
3) Does the story move at a good pace?
★★ - 2 stars
4) Are there holes in the plot?
★★★★ - 4 stars
5) Is there conflict?
★★★★ - 4 stars
6) Is the point-of-view consistent?
★★★★ - 4 stars
7) Did you enjoy the story overall?
★★★★ - 4 stars

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have always enjoyed Arthurian tales but this beats the lot! Set in today's world we meet the young characters Tom and Beansprout his cousin who go in search of their grandfather who mysteriously vanishes. They encounter some fae people and follow them into the other world! There things take a different turn to what they expected, which was to meet up with granddad jack and make sure that he really was fine. Instead it seems that Tom is meant to take up a challenge set for him by the Lady of the Lake and that was to wake up the king who turns out to be King Arthur! The other world is in trouble as the Wicked queen has turned on even her own people and only the king can save them so Tom sets out on his quest!! The other world is magical and very beautiful but also full of dangers, monsters and evil sorcery! However the strong of heart as always will prevail. Who returns and who decides to stay in the other world is for you to find out!! A light and fun read which i really enjoyed reading, will surely read the rest of the series. For those of you who like me enjoy Arthurian fantasy of myth and legend i think you will love this book too

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Green has given us Arthur the warrior king, recalled by the lady in the lake, not to defend England, but to rescue another realm from an evil usurper. The harpy like queen uses magic to maim and destroy the people in her realm. Tom, Arthur's descendant, has the ability to wake Arthur, and was traveling the Otherworld in search of his missing grandfather when he receives his quest.
Green's Otherworld is unusual, frightful, enchanting, with wolves and witches, monsters, and magic, knights and naiads. I found it a delightful young adult read, fast paced with the unexpected at every turn in the road

[Marjolein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story arc, captures your attention from the beginning. However, the characters seem a bit shallow. In certain situations you miss some logical reactions that teens would have given the events or the information uncovered. At some places the story also feels a bit rushed. It was a nice read, but due to these points I'm only rating it 3/5.

[Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling and magical.

'Tom's Inheritance' is absolutely captivating. I was drawn in by the first scene in the woods, and completely enchanted by The Other.

The characters are delightfully complex and intriguing, and all so different. The way their back-stories play out in the action of this book is marvellous, adding layers of connection and engagement in the story that created wonderful involvement in the story for me.

T.J. Green has created fabulous creatures, worlds and environments, connecting them intricately with secrets, mystery, and myth. This mysterious, enchanting tale weaves magical realism, fantasy, and Arthurian legend together seamlessly in an entirely original and captivating way.

If you loved Harry Potter, you need to read 'Tom's Inheritance'. You will love it just as much! I know that's a big call, but I can't wait to read 'Twice Born', the sequel to 'Tom's Inheritance' now!

Five very well-deserved stars!

[A.M.]

This is kind of... boring. How could it be boring?

The dialogue all sounds the same.

I do not like the hero, and he is really slow to 'get' what's happening. Who is King Arthur? Really? And he does not behave like a 16 yr old.

Plus, I am wrestling with the kobo app that always messes up for me. =⇒ not fun ☹️

I'm at 50% and I cannot. Our hero is Tom and he has been chosen for this quest as he is a descendant of King Arthur. His cousin, Beansprout, who entered the portal first, is not the chosen one for some reason. [is it 'coz she's a girl?]

>

“I think we all have been. But Tom, you’re descended from King Arthur! Has that sunk in? It’s amazing. He exists, and you’re going to wake him up. And look where we are.” She threw her hands wide, an expression of wonder on her face. (p. 110).

They are related through the SAME line; their grandfather is already here in the fae world.

And it is annoying me so much.

did not finish at 50%

[Heidi J. Rosofsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Youth Novel

I don't know whether this book/series was written for the youth audience. If it was, it's a good opener for a series. If it was written for an adult audience it missed the mark. I gave the book 3 stars because I found the book to be too juvenile and its characters too simplistic for adults. I would have given the book 4 stars if I were recommending the book for middle school audiences.

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story line with fantastic opportunities. It is however difficult to read and seems to breeze over everything. Its a 200 page novel that could be written out in a 600 page novel but the author couldn't be bothered to elaborate or detail things.

It is a YA novel so I am being generous and giving it 2 stars just because of the imagination and potential the author gives.

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom's grandfather suddenly goes missing. The only thing that he says is that he's going on a trip. Nobody thinks anything of it until he doesn't return. When Tom starts to worry, a mysterious package shows up from his grandfather stating that he won't be returning. Tom is left with more questions than he had before. He now thinks that his grandfather may be in danger.

While I wished for a bit more with this book, I really enjoyed it. It was very clever and unique. I love how each of the elements are portrayed as worlds in this book. It's brilliant in my eyes! The only issue I had with the book was that it was too short for me. I say that about a lot of books. I love long stories. They are my preference. I do adore short stories as well.

I really loved the wit and wisdom of all the characters in the book. I love that a few of the characters in the book are one of my favorite paranormal creatures. Fairies! I can't get enough of them. I was convinced I was a fairy as a child. I'll leave it at that. The main character was pretty awesome except for a small part of the book where I wanted to smack him. I'm sure we have that issue with a lot of characters we read about.

This book was narrated by Nick Howden-Steenstra. I really enjoyed hearing the accent. I'm not sure if it's his own accent or one that he uses for narrating. I do know that it's very soothing. It made an already enjoyable story that much more enjoyable. I have not listened to anything else by this narrator, but I would definitely be willing to!

While this book was too short for my taste, I really did enjoy it. I am looking forward to picking up the rest of the series and seeing what happens from there. It's unique and intriguing. I should mention that it is a King Author retelling. So to speak. It's still very impressive. I loved the way they spun it.

[Ivy Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Tom and his cousin are thrown from one situation to the other as they explore and accept new realities in search of Tom's grandfather. Tom only seeks his old grand dad but instead is sent on a quest reuniting him with an unexpected and 'royal' family member.

Tom's Inheritance stands out because of the sheer depth of author T J Green's descriptive writing. This is an Arthurian Legend, true, but I used to love reading Enid Blyton's Enchanted Tree, A tree which was a portal to many magical worlds. This book for me was somehow reminiscent of that tale. I loved the feeling of nostalgia it brought. But make no mistake author T J Green's realms are her own unique creation and scripted with infinite patience and a great degree of detail.

She is an accomplished artist who is able to paint entire worlds, realms and magically believable people with words. If you had to ask me a little bit about the author based on what I read, I would say she must be a dreamer, because only one who lives in a world of dreams could have such a vivid imagination.

Overall Tom's Inheritance is a fantasy adventure, a nonstop adventure, which involves and engrosses the reader.

[Kanyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun fantastical escape into another world where there’s action, a little mystery and a fun cast of characters. I already want to know more about many of the characters and wouldn’t mind spin-offs or short stories with more backstory on them. I can’t wait to read the next two books and jump back into this world. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for clean young adult fantasy about King Arthur with a twist.

Call of the King is the first book in the Rise of the King series.

Final Rating: 4 Stars

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Arthur is destined to return and Tom is destined to wake him.
When the Lady of the Lake summons Tom to the Other, she tells him he has to wake King Arthur from his long sleep on Avalon.
Tom starts a journey that will change his life forever.
He finds a world where magic still exists, and mythical creatures walk among fey. And he finds that the legends he thought were myth are very real.
So are ancient enemies.
If he’s to survive, he must learn to fight, and find courage he never knew he had.
He’s about to become part of a legend.
If you love magic, mystery, and Arthurian legend, you’ll love Tom’s Inheritance.

I have always enjoyed Arthurian tales but this beats the lot.
The characters are delightfully complex and intriguing, and all so different.
This is such a fun and magical adventure.
So beautifully written and descriptive.
I really, really enjoyed this story.
I am looking forward to getting started on the next book in the series Twice Born, which is about Merlin.
Can't wait to see where all the series leads.

[Mick Dubois · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant and clean YA story that involves a teenage descendant of 'King Arthur' who is called upon to wake up his ancestor. This plays out in the 'Other' a magical world divided into 4 elements; earth, water, fire and air. Brilliant descriptions of the wonders and monsters that remind me a bit of the various travels undertaken in 'the dragonbone chair'. I love the stories inside the story when Flahey tells legends and stories about the history of his own realm and reality.
The story itself is a bit meagre and even though it is a short book, there's still a bit of work in that department. Also I've got questions about the reason for this wake-up-call as there 's nothing that Arthur does that could not be done by another schooled swordsman. But all in all, I 'm pleased with this book and curious about the next books in the series, more so as Merlin is promised to appear in them.

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting rendition of the legend of King Arthur. It is an adventure to remember.

Tom goes searching for his grandfather who had disappeared. Little does he know that he is embarking on the adventure of a lifetime plus he gets to meet King Arthur himself and the lady of the lake. After having persistent recurring dreams, him and his cousin decide to go exploring in the hope of finding his missing grandfather. He goes on this adventure, not knowing where he is going to end up. He meets some unusual characters along the way and soon finds himself on a quest.

It's an interesting Arthrian tale that grips you from beginning to end.

[David S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy. It seemed the whole world got reacquainted with the world of spirit and fantasy with the Harry Potter books and Game of Thrones. It’s the world our ancestors live in more easily. Today’s fast paced world and it’s technology doesn’t easily allow such thoughts. It’s a large part of us though. Remembering that there is a spirit world is imperative to have any kind of religious experience, and while that’s not the subject of this book at all, it’s a small shot in the arm to remember that God is a Spirit. There is a Spirit world and we must not loose the knowledge of miracles or a mystic way of experiencing our world.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom and Beansprout head off in search for their grandfather and get more than they expected. They meet many characters they thought weren't real, but are.
It was enjoyable because you are caught up in this trip. Wondering what would happen next. I recommend reading this story. Look forward to read the next one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Mully · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this starter book of TJ's and I can see the development of Tom's journey. Tom is a bit sad remembering when his grandad disappeared exactly a year ago and together with his best friend/cousin Beansprout go in search of him. Actually it’s his cousin who is more adventurous, putting her hand into a hole, which swallowed her. Here he chases after her and together they cross into a parallel world. Naturally, they and the friends they gather along the way, they find and free a King Arthur.

[Quilting Tangent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tom and his cousin Beansprout go searching for their Grandfather, Jack. They end up having an adventure in fairy realm. Meeting all sorts of beings, including characters from the King Arthur legend. Interesting story, with a good introduction into the fairy realm. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Paul Madsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another ,Arthurian tale told from a distant relative's point of view

Another Arthurian tale told from a distant relative's point of view. Tom and is cousin fall through a magical portal to a land of fairies and Avalon where The Lady of The Lake informs Tom he has a task to perform that no one else can do. With that intro the adventure begins.

[Janice Goll]

Another King Arthur tale from another realm. A wonderful tale filled with sprites, various creatures, and villains who are trying to take over the other world. A human goes searching for his grandfather and is issued a request to help. Very entertaining, a new twist to King Arthurs tale. Great read.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous tale
This is a wonderful story for any age.
Tom and Beansprout, his cousin are looking for their grandfather, Jack, when they enter a hole with two others, Woodsmoke and Brenna. They end up in a magical world where they find Jack and King Arthur. Tom has a wonderful adventure with his cousin in awakening King Arthur. This is a truly enjoyable story and makes you want more

[dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story is just bland, to put it simply. there isn’t really any struggle or personality given to the characters so there was nothing to actually root for. the climax was way too easily solved, especially when the queen was described as an extremely powerful being. i just expected more and was not met with it.

[Pat Raab · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical fantasy about two earthlings on a quest to find and "save" Tom's grandfather from the Otherworld. Tom does not know that he has been chosen for a special purpose - to wake King Arthur from his centuries-long sleep. Beautifully and expressively written.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definately a different interpretation on King Arthur. It's a really fun read for me. I loved all the "strangness" of the creatures & the adventure. Can't wait to read the next book. I received an ARC from the author. This is my voluntary, honest review.

[Debra H. Wruble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Well written story about the Other world and the journey a teen boy and his friend go on to awaken King Arthur 1500 years after his death so he can save the world from an evil queen. Wonderful reading!

[Virginia Gabrielli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una lettura leggera, ma buona lettura. La storia procede veloce e non è mai pesante nella narrazione.
Tom e Beansprout sono personaggi verosimili.
Essendo una storia che si concentra più sulle azioni, è un libro per chi cerca qualcosa di poco impegnativo, ma che ti porta in un altro mondo.

[MRS C MARSHALL · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome

I have read this book, and giving my honest review.
After the first two pages, I got into the book, could not put this down.
What an adventure, magical creatures, magic it had it all.
You wondered what would happen next.
I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

[Sonia Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This story had all four elements intertwined within the story. I loved the part including King Arthur and his descendents. It was a well planned story full of fey tales and history.

[Mari]

The story was ok, but I’m not partial to any of the characters and it messes with my perception of the Avalon myth. It’s not a bad book, but it doesn’t do anything for me. I’m probably not picking up the second one.