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Elk Riders #4
The Journey to Karrith: Elk Riders Volume Four
The Journey to Karrith Volume 4 of 5 in the Elk Rider series. The war in Anthor continues. As King Talamar goes south to aid the embattled Karrithians his son, Prince Haille, and his unlikely band of friends brave haunted forests and high seas to try to reach his father before an unknown threat closes in on him. Time is the enemy as much as the past as old grievances come to bear and creatures from darker ages begin to still.
265 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2016
About the author
Ted Neill
96 books78 followersGlobetrotter and writer Ted Neill has worked on five continents as an educator, health professional, and journalist. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Recovery Today, and he has published a number of novels exploring issues related to science, religion, class, and social justice. He is the 2013 winner of the Martin Luther King Jr. Torch of Peace Award. His 2017 novel, The Selah Branch, attempts to confront issues of racism and the divided political environment of the US today and the 1950s. His debut novel, City on a Hill, examines the fault lines of religious conflict in the Middle East. His most novel, Reaper Moon, takes place against the backdrop of a global virus pandemic and how the aftermath unfolds along familiar social divides of race and politics. His most recent young adult novel is, Zombies, Frat Boys, Monster Flash Mobs & Other Terrifying Things I Saw at the Gates of Hell Cotillion, doesn’t need a blurb, the title says it all.
He is also author of two award winning memoirs, Two Years of Wonder which chronicles his time living and working at an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS and Finding St. Lo a combined account of his grandfather Robert Fowler’s WWII experience as well as a decorated medic in his unit, Gordon Cross. Follow Ted on Facebook and Instagram @therealauthortedneill
He is also author of two award winning memoirs, Two Years of Wonder which chronicles his time living and working at an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS and Finding St. Lo a combined account of his grandfather Robert Fowler’s WWII experience as well as a decorated medic in his unit, Gordon Cross. Follow Ted on Facebook and Instagram @therealauthortedneill
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 3, 2018
The Journey To Karrith Elk Riders Volume IV by Ted Neill does not disappoint. Picking up where the last volume left off, the tale begins with the girl previously known as Avenger Red. The absolution of this lost girl, as well as the emotional journey of Prince Haille are the focal points of this entry in the Elk Riders saga. Gail, aka Red is now alone, friendless and defenseless after her attack on Haille’s group at the Font. Her attack on Katlyn forced the Prince to use the gift of the Font to save his friend’s life, rather than his original plan of curing himself of the shaking disease, his original plan. Unfortunately for them all, the attack, and the massive expression of the Font’s magic left it destroyed, and useless to anyone else.
Haille’s group is already gone by the time Red awakes, having been left for dead as they pushed on. Her path is a circular one, and her personality and mission changes as she travels. Her slight form allows her to travel as male, avoiding potentially dangerous encounters along the way. She finds herself reborn as first a mercenary, then squire to a noble young knight in Karrith, fighting the invading enemy forces. The prince faces the dangers of the Sidon forest during his own journey to Karrith, where prophesy dictates that he and his friends will reunite with his father, as his forces travel to defend a political ally. Along the way, he will learn more about his own destiny, magic, and the joy of making true allegiances with valuable allies. A fantastic read in what is turning out to be a very well written saga.
Haille’s group is already gone by the time Red awakes, having been left for dead as they pushed on. Her path is a circular one, and her personality and mission changes as she travels. Her slight form allows her to travel as male, avoiding potentially dangerous encounters along the way. She finds herself reborn as first a mercenary, then squire to a noble young knight in Karrith, fighting the invading enemy forces. The prince faces the dangers of the Sidon forest during his own journey to Karrith, where prophesy dictates that he and his friends will reunite with his father, as his forces travel to defend a political ally. Along the way, he will learn more about his own destiny, magic, and the joy of making true allegiances with valuable allies. A fantastic read in what is turning out to be a very well written saga.
February 1, 2018
The Journey to Karrith takes up where The Font of Jasmeen left off, with Prince Haille and his friends Katlyn, Val, Cody, and the talking magical elk Adamantus on their way to the front lines of the war raging in Karrith. They've been warned that their help will be needed to save Prince Haille's father, but there are any number of obstacles between them and the King, not least Haille's own self-doubt and insecurities. Can they make it in time, and can the armies - and Haille's relationship with his father - be saved?
This installment is the fourth of a five-part series, but since the first two are rather sharply divided in plot and characters from the last three, it feels more like the middle book in a trilogy. It could easily have fallen prey to the normal blahs of a trilogy's middle, but it does an excellent job of avoiding them. Both the external and internal journeys are lively and eventful, with new discoveries, new perspectives, and new characters to bring life to the tale. These aren't random introductions, though - they have purpose in terms both of furthering the plot and furthering Haille's internal growth, and external and internal journeys are neatly mirrored. There are a couple of deus ex machinas and unexpected escapes, but they're not too hard to look past. There's a secondary plot, too, which serves the double purpose of giving us another view of a former villain and letting the reader see what's going on at the front without needing to disturb Haille's journey or introduce any novel communication methods. Neill has not stinted on world-building, and the places our heroes visit feel three-dimensional, as if they had a life of their own apart from their place in the story. The relationship between Haille and Katlyn is also rather refreshing, staying out of the too-easy, well-worn romantic tropes and remaining a solid, caring friendship between two people who know, like, and respect each other, and don't need words to understand each other completely. The ending is a bit sudden, and parts of it are perhaps a bit unsatisfying, but that in and of itself helps to draw the reader into the next book, and its brewing finale.
This installment is the fourth of a five-part series, but since the first two are rather sharply divided in plot and characters from the last three, it feels more like the middle book in a trilogy. It could easily have fallen prey to the normal blahs of a trilogy's middle, but it does an excellent job of avoiding them. Both the external and internal journeys are lively and eventful, with new discoveries, new perspectives, and new characters to bring life to the tale. These aren't random introductions, though - they have purpose in terms both of furthering the plot and furthering Haille's internal growth, and external and internal journeys are neatly mirrored. There are a couple of deus ex machinas and unexpected escapes, but they're not too hard to look past. There's a secondary plot, too, which serves the double purpose of giving us another view of a former villain and letting the reader see what's going on at the front without needing to disturb Haille's journey or introduce any novel communication methods. Neill has not stinted on world-building, and the places our heroes visit feel three-dimensional, as if they had a life of their own apart from their place in the story. The relationship between Haille and Katlyn is also rather refreshing, staying out of the too-easy, well-worn romantic tropes and remaining a solid, caring friendship between two people who know, like, and respect each other, and don't need words to understand each other completely. The ending is a bit sudden, and parts of it are perhaps a bit unsatisfying, but that in and of itself helps to draw the reader into the next book, and its brewing finale.
August 2, 2018
Prince Haille has had his hopes at being healed dashed but has willingly given that choice to save a close friend. Now he is traveling with his friends to the war in Karrith. They have been told that the king will need their help but Haille has some serious doubts about his abilities, is he could really help, and if his father would even accept his help.
At the same time we follow along with Gail, Red, and how she is dealing with the attack on Haille’s group. He size makes it easy to hide as a man. She finds her own path as a squire and heading to the same war Haille’s group is going to.
I really enjoy this series. You have a little bit of everything. A great story, action and adventure, trouble around every bend, and realistic characters. I love how Haille is willing to go fight in the war but has so much self-doubt. He worries so much about what could happen that he finds himself in trouble left and right. Thankfully his friends are there to help.
This is an amazing series and one that I strongly recommend checking out. I do suggest reading the story in order otherwise you miss part of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
At the same time we follow along with Gail, Red, and how she is dealing with the attack on Haille’s group. He size makes it easy to hide as a man. She finds her own path as a squire and heading to the same war Haille’s group is going to.
I really enjoy this series. You have a little bit of everything. A great story, action and adventure, trouble around every bend, and realistic characters. I love how Haille is willing to go fight in the war but has so much self-doubt. He worries so much about what could happen that he finds himself in trouble left and right. Thankfully his friends are there to help.
This is an amazing series and one that I strongly recommend checking out. I do suggest reading the story in order otherwise you miss part of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
February 16, 2018
This fourth volume of the Elk Riders series is a journey in several different senses. It shows off Neill’s talent for drawing a reader into a magical landscape, using details of plants, animals and atmosphere that combine to establish that you are far from everyday reality. Nothing is what it seems: plants can be filled with danger and attack enemies at will, and animals communicate in astonishing ways. The landscape and its inhabitants become equally unpredictable and often equally dangerous. The same changeability applies to human characters. Enemies become allies, and vice versa, as the old king and old ways give way to a new generation. The journey for those who will lead the new kingdom reflect the workings of inner magic, as characters find reasons to change their opinions of each other and reexamine their loyalties and allegiances. They must review and often replace old assumptions about love and long-held values. Mostly, the journey leads everyone into a deeper understanding of the magic of life and the connections among all living species, using a world that resembles that of the Middle Ages to illuminate questions modern humans still wrestle with.
February 19, 2018
The series takes on a far darker tone in this novel of the series. There are many twists. At times the reader will give up hope, faith will be restored, and then it will crash down again. Much like a rollercoaster ride. But with the series approaching its end I don't see the benefit of all the new storylines. Some are inconsequential and unsubstantial to the plot. It almost serves as filler. Others actually garnish my interest but with only one novel left I don't see how their storylines will give a satisfactory ending unless a spinoff series occurs.
Neill has gotten better in his worldbuilding using details of plants, animals and atmosphere that combine to establish that a magical landscape. Plants can be filled with danger and attack enemies at will, and animals communicate in astonishing ways. The landscape and its inhabitants become equally unpredictable and often equally dangerous. I enjoyed the descriptions in the book much more than in the first books.
Overall, this is one of the better books in the series for me. I have enjoyed watching the writer grow and I actually enjoy darker plotlines.
Neill has gotten better in his worldbuilding using details of plants, animals and atmosphere that combine to establish that a magical landscape. Plants can be filled with danger and attack enemies at will, and animals communicate in astonishing ways. The landscape and its inhabitants become equally unpredictable and often equally dangerous. I enjoyed the descriptions in the book much more than in the first books.
Overall, this is one of the better books in the series for me. I have enjoyed watching the writer grow and I actually enjoy darker plotlines.
February 18, 2018
A lack of focus by the end of this series that by now takes away from the story as a whole
With the continuation of Haille's story and the introduction of Gail and Darid, the series is now taking a far darker tone that is clearly signaling the end is drawing near, for better or worse. As a reader, your hope will flounder, become renewed and broken again before the final draw and you'll inevitably be dying to know how it all finally conjoins. My biggest disappointment is as we are rounding out the series and finishing the fourth novel, I'm appreciating less the new addition of storylines and characters. We are introduced to some who never return, some who seem utterly unsubstantial to the plot entirely and others who we are yearning to discover more of and we now know that we never truly will since there is now only one novel left for the series. At times it makes sense, but honestly I wish there were only a few central characters we continuously focused on instead of repetitively introducing more and more.
With the continuation of Haille's story and the introduction of Gail and Darid, the series is now taking a far darker tone that is clearly signaling the end is drawing near, for better or worse. As a reader, your hope will flounder, become renewed and broken again before the final draw and you'll inevitably be dying to know how it all finally conjoins. My biggest disappointment is as we are rounding out the series and finishing the fourth novel, I'm appreciating less the new addition of storylines and characters. We are introduced to some who never return, some who seem utterly unsubstantial to the plot entirely and others who we are yearning to discover more of and we now know that we never truly will since there is now only one novel left for the series. At times it makes sense, but honestly I wish there were only a few central characters we continuously focused on instead of repetitively introducing more and more.
January 16, 2018
A real page-turner! The Journey to Karrith is quite possibly the best of the series so far. In it, Neill has added valuable character development to an already much-loved world. I really enjoyed the overall structure of this book as well, it feels as though this series is really coming into its own - and continues to surprise!
As always, I would highly recommend this novel to any fantasy reader. I would also recommend starting from Volume I, as the story definitely benefits from previous knowledge of the series.
As always, I would highly recommend this novel to any fantasy reader. I would also recommend starting from Volume I, as the story definitely benefits from previous knowledge of the series.
January 28, 2018
Ted Neill knows how to grab and keep the reader’s attention. His skill with words is almost unparalleled, as is evident in his fourth installment of the Elk Riders. This five-book series takes a look at five unique stories of valor, honor, and conflict. He creatively merges traumatic backstory with a new hope and journey to discover one’s true worth. Neill merges action/adventure, science fiction, and fantasy to deliver a unique twist to novel writing. Each book features new characters and new triumphs. I am sad to learn he will only publish one more book in this series.
February 6, 2018
Another exciting adventure. This instalment in the Elk Riders series still boasts well rounded characters and strong worldbuilding but the plot lags at times. There are too many characters being throw into the mix this late in the series and each introduction slows the action. The ending is as abrupt as those of the preceding books but leave the reader wanting to know what will come next. It will be interesting to see how these books are ultimately resolved.
January 24, 2018
Well this story takes a twist in this next installment of the series. It is kind of like the ID Discovery version of a teenager novel series. That is not to say I minded. I liked the more “graphic” more lack of a better word, version of this story within a fantasy environment.
January 20, 2018
Another exciting installment! The Journey to Karrith is a great addition to the Elk Riders canon. It almost feels like Game of Thrones for the tween set. This particular section of the story was a little darker, but as always, very well-written. New characters, new creatures, and new settings kept the story moving along. The author is very imaginative and paints a fantastically detailed picture. Enough imagery to keep things firmly in the realm off fantasy, without being so different as to be difficult to imagine. While the Elk Riders books always feature a good number of characters, I loved how the storylines intersect, split off, and then reunite at the end. It wraps up each volume nicely and keeps the reader intrigued. I'm looking forward to starting the next volume!
February 16, 2018
TED NEILL – THE JOURNEY TO KARRITH
This fourth volume of the Elk Riders series is a journey in several different senses. It shows off Neill’s talent for drawing a reader into a magical landscape, using details of plants, animals and atmosphere that combine to establish that you are far from everyday reality. Nothing is what it seems: plants can be filled with danger and attack enemies at will, and animals communicate in astonishing ways. The landscape and its inhabitants become equally unpredictable and often equally dangerous. The same changeability applies to human characters. Enemies become allies, and vice versa, as the old king and old ways give way to a new generation. The journey for those who will lead the new kingdom reflect the workings of inner magic, as characters find reasons to change their opinions of each other and reexamine their loyalties and allegiances. They must review and often replace old assumptions about love and long-held values. Mostly, the journey leads everyone into a deeper understanding of the magic of life and the connections among all living species, using a world that resembles that of the Middle Ages to illuminate questions modern humans still wrestle with.
This fourth volume of the Elk Riders series is a journey in several different senses. It shows off Neill’s talent for drawing a reader into a magical landscape, using details of plants, animals and atmosphere that combine to establish that you are far from everyday reality. Nothing is what it seems: plants can be filled with danger and attack enemies at will, and animals communicate in astonishing ways. The landscape and its inhabitants become equally unpredictable and often equally dangerous. The same changeability applies to human characters. Enemies become allies, and vice versa, as the old king and old ways give way to a new generation. The journey for those who will lead the new kingdom reflect the workings of inner magic, as characters find reasons to change their opinions of each other and reexamine their loyalties and allegiances. They must review and often replace old assumptions about love and long-held values. Mostly, the journey leads everyone into a deeper understanding of the magic of life and the connections among all living species, using a world that resembles that of the Middle Ages to illuminate questions modern humans still wrestle with.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews