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Tareh Chronicles: King's Promise
The planets Tareh and Earth, connected by a wormhole, share many similar plants, animals, and civilizations. However, just because something is extinct on one, does not mean it has disappeared on the other.
Sam, the King’s second son, after escaping into the wilds across the mighty White River, falls ill and is unable to fend for himself. Lal, a poor girl from the village, runs away from home to avoid an arranged marriage to an old man. Drawn by the smoke from Sam’s smoldering fire, she finds him weak and near death.
The two new friends set about surviving in the unforgiving wilderness. Unfortunately, young and inexperienced Human children are not equipped for life outside. Aid comes in the form of a family of Neanderthals, still in existence on Tareh, and well adapted to living in the forest.
Together they discover a shared history of a time long ago, when Neanderthals helped Humans, and a King made a promise to his Neanderthal friends. Can the two learn from each other now? And can Sam fulfill the ancient promise of his family line?
Sam, the King’s second son, after escaping into the wilds across the mighty White River, falls ill and is unable to fend for himself. Lal, a poor girl from the village, runs away from home to avoid an arranged marriage to an old man. Drawn by the smoke from Sam’s smoldering fire, she finds him weak and near death.
The two new friends set about surviving in the unforgiving wilderness. Unfortunately, young and inexperienced Human children are not equipped for life outside. Aid comes in the form of a family of Neanderthals, still in existence on Tareh, and well adapted to living in the forest.
Together they discover a shared history of a time long ago, when Neanderthals helped Humans, and a King made a promise to his Neanderthal friends. Can the two learn from each other now? And can Sam fulfill the ancient promise of his family line?
488 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2017
33 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 20, 2017
*** Note: I won this book in Goodreads Giveaway. ***
3.5 Stars
Blurb says all about the story. It was revolving around the life on Tareh, King’s younger son Sam and his adventure in the forest, Neanderthal and their ways of living. I have mixed feeling for this book. One part of me thinks it was brilliant plot, unique concept with lot pf potential. While on the other part it was just okaayyy. It was not bad that I’m sure but it was not that impressive.
Characters
Humans (Sam’s group): Sam– Younger son of king, was smart, strong, loyal friend, and was great leader. I liked how this character developed in this book especially he surprised me in the end. Lal– She was lovely and smart girl. Her knowledge in building house, cooking, and her wish to learn like men was admirable in this ancient period of the book. Tyn– was all calculative business minded person who was questioning everything and knew writing and reading among these 5 humans. I never like a third person in the book so in my eyes, he was okay. Lyn – Tyn’s sister, she didn’t have much role in this book. Rask– Lieutenant in king’s army. He was nice, I like how he planned mission after climax.
Numan: I liked Zane and his family. How they helped Sam and Lal, accepted them and learned things from these two humans, their development in the book was tremendous. I simply loved them.
Together they made good story in the book.
Loved world building- creating whole new planet Tareh where species extinct on Earth ages ago are still living, definitely fascinating and was unique thinking. Writing was simple, easy and natural.
At first, I didn’t notice it was third person narrative. As I started reading, I felt like I was reading from character’s POV but after few chapters when it started to change from paragraph to paragraph, I realized my mistake. I liked this style. It showed all characters view point towards others and situation and it made it easy to understand all characters.
Majority of the book was Sam and Lal’s camping in forest, their survival techniques, building a place to live, meeting to Zane and learning the ways of Numans and their culture. If you remember ‘Jules Verne’s Mysterious Island’ – the second part of that book which was mostly about surviving on the island, this was exactly like that but imagining it back to Neanderthal era and in forest. In fact like there were 5 prisoners in Mysterious Island, here there were 5 Humans on the land of Numans. I wonder if author was inspired by this classic while writing this book. I kind of liked all those survival tactics.
The stories about Numans and their ancestors, their ways of living and how they shared a history with Humans, the story of mixed blood of Numans and Humans, was interesting. I liked those story exchanged between Zane and Sam and his group that unraveled what was King’s promise (which was not so drastic). I liked reading all the stories and also about of prehistoric animals- mammoths, long toothed cats that were still living on Tareh. I felt like I was reliving history in this book.
The book also showed the difference between Numans and Humans; how Humans grew in population while very few Numans survived and in fact were on verge of extinction Tareh; what Numans needed to learn from Humans to survive; and also importance of farming. The very base of the story was teaching the importance of ‘change’ that is required for all living creature to survive. And that part, the characters realizing this importance of change and benefit in working together as one species, was best part of the book. I also liked the how author showed smartness of women in patriarchal era and making characters appreciate that.
The hunting part in the book was exciting. I was holding my breath when they encountered long toothed cat. And the events later was horrifying. I was wincing whenever they did stiches and operations in ancient ways in the book.
Did I mention there was a map in the book? It was simpler one showing the journey of Sam and his group but come on that was a MAAPPPP!!! Who doesn’t like maps in books!!
End was predictable but with small twist.
Well the wormhole was mentioned in the prologue and epilogue, in between was all about Tareh. So, don’t miss prologue and epilogue as explains how Earth and Tareh are connected and why the species that were extinct on earth long ago are still living on Tareh and how they reach there. Also it’s important part for the next book of the series. That I’m already guessing what it will be and would like to see if I’m right or not.
Why not 5 stars
Mention of wormhole in the starting of the book. It gave impression of sci-fic, it started so well and so many things could happen, I was kind of expecting alternate events on Earth and Tareh which was obviously not the case, and it lessened the spark.
Too descriptive. Some things felt like not necessary and too dragged. At some points it felt like I was just reading day-to-day activity of characters and even the season-wise.
Not so drastic climax and twist or turning points. It was just OK. I didn’t feel much excitement that I expected.
Overall, as a debut novel and first book in the series, I liked it. I’m expecting more from next books of the series. If you like history, would like to know about Neanderthals and ancient ways, if you enjoy reading surviving techniques, some unique world building, you will like this book.
3.5 Stars
Blurb says all about the story. It was revolving around the life on Tareh, King’s younger son Sam and his adventure in the forest, Neanderthal and their ways of living. I have mixed feeling for this book. One part of me thinks it was brilliant plot, unique concept with lot pf potential. While on the other part it was just okaayyy. It was not bad that I’m sure but it was not that impressive.
Characters
Humans (Sam’s group): Sam– Younger son of king, was smart, strong, loyal friend, and was great leader. I liked how this character developed in this book especially he surprised me in the end. Lal– She was lovely and smart girl. Her knowledge in building house, cooking, and her wish to learn like men was admirable in this ancient period of the book. Tyn– was all calculative business minded person who was questioning everything and knew writing and reading among these 5 humans. I never like a third person in the book so in my eyes, he was okay. Lyn – Tyn’s sister, she didn’t have much role in this book. Rask– Lieutenant in king’s army. He was nice, I like how he planned mission after climax.
Numan: I liked Zane and his family. How they helped Sam and Lal, accepted them and learned things from these two humans, their development in the book was tremendous. I simply loved them.
Together they made good story in the book.
Loved world building- creating whole new planet Tareh where species extinct on Earth ages ago are still living, definitely fascinating and was unique thinking. Writing was simple, easy and natural.
At first, I didn’t notice it was third person narrative. As I started reading, I felt like I was reading from character’s POV but after few chapters when it started to change from paragraph to paragraph, I realized my mistake. I liked this style. It showed all characters view point towards others and situation and it made it easy to understand all characters.
Majority of the book was Sam and Lal’s camping in forest, their survival techniques, building a place to live, meeting to Zane and learning the ways of Numans and their culture. If you remember ‘Jules Verne’s Mysterious Island’ – the second part of that book which was mostly about surviving on the island, this was exactly like that but imagining it back to Neanderthal era and in forest. In fact like there were 5 prisoners in Mysterious Island, here there were 5 Humans on the land of Numans. I wonder if author was inspired by this classic while writing this book. I kind of liked all those survival tactics.
The stories about Numans and their ancestors, their ways of living and how they shared a history with Humans, the story of mixed blood of Numans and Humans, was interesting. I liked those story exchanged between Zane and Sam and his group that unraveled what was King’s promise (which was not so drastic). I liked reading all the stories and also about of prehistoric animals- mammoths, long toothed cats that were still living on Tareh. I felt like I was reliving history in this book.
The book also showed the difference between Numans and Humans; how Humans grew in population while very few Numans survived and in fact were on verge of extinction Tareh; what Numans needed to learn from Humans to survive; and also importance of farming. The very base of the story was teaching the importance of ‘change’ that is required for all living creature to survive. And that part, the characters realizing this importance of change and benefit in working together as one species, was best part of the book. I also liked the how author showed smartness of women in patriarchal era and making characters appreciate that.
The hunting part in the book was exciting. I was holding my breath when they encountered long toothed cat. And the events later was horrifying. I was wincing whenever they did stiches and operations in ancient ways in the book.
Did I mention there was a map in the book? It was simpler one showing the journey of Sam and his group but come on that was a MAAPPPP!!! Who doesn’t like maps in books!!
End was predictable but with small twist.
Well the wormhole was mentioned in the prologue and epilogue, in between was all about Tareh. So, don’t miss prologue and epilogue as explains how Earth and Tareh are connected and why the species that were extinct on earth long ago are still living on Tareh and how they reach there. Also it’s important part for the next book of the series. That I’m already guessing what it will be and would like to see if I’m right or not.
Why not 5 stars
Mention of wormhole in the starting of the book. It gave impression of sci-fic, it started so well and so many things could happen, I was kind of expecting alternate events on Earth and Tareh which was obviously not the case, and it lessened the spark.
Too descriptive. Some things felt like not necessary and too dragged. At some points it felt like I was just reading day-to-day activity of characters and even the season-wise.
Not so drastic climax and twist or turning points. It was just OK. I didn’t feel much excitement that I expected.
Overall, as a debut novel and first book in the series, I liked it. I’m expecting more from next books of the series. If you like history, would like to know about Neanderthals and ancient ways, if you enjoy reading surviving techniques, some unique world building, you will like this book.
December 16, 2017
I won this on first reads and am thankful I did.
We are a household who enjoys many different genres and age levels of books. This is a great one that I found interesting and will be continuing with any and all of the following series. Michael Stott is a great writer and I love that I could picture it as if it were happening right then and I was right there. Thank you Michael for the escape, it was needed. I can not wait to read more of your work.
We are a household who enjoys many different genres and age levels of books. This is a great one that I found interesting and will be continuing with any and all of the following series. Michael Stott is a great writer and I love that I could picture it as if it were happening right then and I was right there. Thank you Michael for the escape, it was needed. I can not wait to read more of your work.
December 6, 2017
Synopsis tells all about the story. It is revolving around the life on Tareh, King’s younger son Sam and his adventure in the forest, Neanderthal and their ways of living. I have mixed feeling for this book. On one I think it was a brilliant plot with a unique concept and a lot of potential. On the other hand it was just okay. It was not that impressive. It was fast paced and I did like the ending. This book has me feeling a bit mixed, I suppose its mostly because there were parts where I couldn't put it down and others where I was bored and ready to put it down. This a GoodReads Giveaway win for me.
March 15, 2018
Epic
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I really enjoyed reading this epic fantasy. I liked how the world was similar to Earth but different. The characters were well developed and evolved over the course of the book. My favorite character is Zane. I liked how patient and understanding he was and how he was willing to learn from Sam. It was cool to read. Overall it was a fun and exciting read for any lover of the fantasy genre. I will be recommending this book.
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I really enjoyed reading this epic fantasy. I liked how the world was similar to Earth but different. The characters were well developed and evolved over the course of the book. My favorite character is Zane. I liked how patient and understanding he was and how he was willing to learn from Sam. It was cool to read. Overall it was a fun and exciting read for any lover of the fantasy genre. I will be recommending this book.
March 14, 2018
I like it. It's a different sci-fi-fantasy that is not so heavy on the sci-fi that I get lost.
January 12, 2018
Tareh's Chronicles is a unique series combining science fiction with the realistic style of survival books such as My Side of the Mountain. Stott explains ideas throughout, such as how medicines work in the body or how to make a certain weapon or a good fire. He includes ancient man and prehistoric creatures in a realistic way.
This first book contains the tale of one of two brothers who escaped when their father, the King was killed. We know a bit about the sci fi end of it, but that's not really what this story is about. I look forward to reading the next book, too. In this story, Sam escapes but finds himself alone and sick. He meets Lal who has just escaped from a terrible fate herself. Together they find a way to survive and eventually meet other friends and Numans. I don't want to give it away, but there really is something for everyone and it is not predictable. Along with everything already mentioned is fighting, hunting, cooking in unique ways, romance and friendship and the strategies involved in a rescue or two. The characters try to make the correct choices to do what is right and seek to be just and honorable.
I would recommend this to any young adult and I enjoyed it myself. It is a clean story, but isn't devoid of romance or the feelings that come with young love. (I received this in a goodreads giveaway.)
This first book contains the tale of one of two brothers who escaped when their father, the King was killed. We know a bit about the sci fi end of it, but that's not really what this story is about. I look forward to reading the next book, too. In this story, Sam escapes but finds himself alone and sick. He meets Lal who has just escaped from a terrible fate herself. Together they find a way to survive and eventually meet other friends and Numans. I don't want to give it away, but there really is something for everyone and it is not predictable. Along with everything already mentioned is fighting, hunting, cooking in unique ways, romance and friendship and the strategies involved in a rescue or two. The characters try to make the correct choices to do what is right and seek to be just and honorable.
I would recommend this to any young adult and I enjoyed it myself. It is a clean story, but isn't devoid of romance or the feelings that come with young love. (I received this in a goodreads giveaway.)
September 16, 2017
I must say what a book! I strongly recommend this one. There was no point where I could keep my book down. It’s a fantasy adventure all the way. The world of Tareh is sure to keep you hooked on. There are rare times when you have a book of this kind come by and author Michael L. Stott has powerful language sense and is brilliant in his writing. The book is an interesting mix of action, drama, fantasy and a hint romance. The best part about the book is it’s concept of Good over Evil which is one of my favourite when it comes to books or movies. It can be read by young adults and adults and people across genres. I mean it is one of those kinds which cater to readers of different genres. Author Michael L. Stott’s plots are so well built that it shows that his inspiration seems to be deep from his visit to the Lascaux Caves in France and a well researched book before being written. I wouldn’t disclose much about the stroryline though briefly it is about two planets-Tareh and Earth and how they share many similarities and are connected by a wormhole. It has characters Sam, King’s youngest son and Lal, a poor village girl who set out to surviving the harsh wilderness and how they come across in their journey to Neanderthals who live in the forest life of Tareh. Both sides unravel a history of promises made and a connection lost in time. I am eagerly waiting for it’s second installment. The Neanderthals are real and very much a part of the European history. So know you now, the book is inspired from reality. I am going for a four stars out of five because it’s an epic journey all the way.
August 1, 2017
This story is excellent! If you are looking for a blow them up shoot them up every three pages you will need another book. Mr. Stott is very good at creating background and characters. He places the reader right in the world of his story with his descriptive details. There is exciting action in this story, but with due time, and the ending is epic! I believe this series has the potential to be amazing! I hope you dig deep Mr Stott!!! Go for Tolkien!!!!
September 14, 2017
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I loved this book. The storytwlling was great and the characters had great depth. Great from start to finish.
August 16, 2017
The world and the characters were beautifully defined.
But the story got mundane by focusing too much on the development a single character.
Given the complex and massive world of Tareh and Earth it would have been more engaging to show multiple characters views.
Received via goodreads giveaway.
But the story got mundane by focusing too much on the development a single character.
Given the complex and massive world of Tareh and Earth it would have been more engaging to show multiple characters views.
Received via goodreads giveaway.
September 18, 2017
I always enjoy a good story with characters who are likeable and show their humanity.
This was a good read with some inventive twists and turns. It's a good tale of overcoming adversity with some timely reminders as to how we can learn from those most different from us.
This was a good read with some inventive twists and turns. It's a good tale of overcoming adversity with some timely reminders as to how we can learn from those most different from us.
November 13, 2017
Trash Chronicles: King's Promise
Very interesting storyline about a wormhole connecting earth with a sister planet trapped in a primitive time. The characters are human and numan, what we call cave people. Enjoyable reading for a quiet afternoon.
Very interesting storyline about a wormhole connecting earth with a sister planet trapped in a primitive time. The characters are human and numan, what we call cave people. Enjoyable reading for a quiet afternoon.
September 10, 2017
Before the review, I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of the book.
As for my thoughts, this is what I think the book is. Imagine a slow car of relatively boring people in a straight highway, almost throughout the entire book. In the last few pages, a truck appears out of thin air and hits the car head on, leaving you to wonder what happened to the people inside. A cliff hanger, to be precise.
Honestly I was super pumped when I read the first few pages of the book. The idea of wormhole, space and time travel and sci fi in general is something that I really enjoy.
Although the book did focus on the life of Sam, I thought it to be okay as the author has done a great job describing the way the group survives in the forest.
Still, the face that I gave the book (At least the first book) a 3 star rating comes down to one simple and brutal truth. Predictability and lack of content :( I strongly felt that the content of the book included tons of unnecessary details and predictable developments.
Although I felt disheartened towards the end of the book, the last few pages pumped my brain with enthusiasm ***Spoiler Alert!**** Particularly Tyn and Lal and The voice recording!! Boy oh boy am I excited to know the rest.
As for my thoughts, this is what I think the book is. Imagine a slow car of relatively boring people in a straight highway, almost throughout the entire book. In the last few pages, a truck appears out of thin air and hits the car head on, leaving you to wonder what happened to the people inside. A cliff hanger, to be precise.
Honestly I was super pumped when I read the first few pages of the book. The idea of wormhole, space and time travel and sci fi in general is something that I really enjoy.
Although the book did focus on the life of Sam, I thought it to be okay as the author has done a great job describing the way the group survives in the forest.
Still, the face that I gave the book (At least the first book) a 3 star rating comes down to one simple and brutal truth. Predictability and lack of content :( I strongly felt that the content of the book included tons of unnecessary details and predictable developments.
Although I felt disheartened towards the end of the book, the last few pages pumped my brain with enthusiasm ***Spoiler Alert!**** Particularly Tyn and Lal and The voice recording!! Boy oh boy am I excited to know the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2017
"The Tareh Chronicles: King’s Promise” is a great book that felt kind of familiar, but still was original and unique in its own way. Author Michael Stott creates a wonderfully fascinating world that once we visit, we don’t want to leave anytime soon! Some of the best characters I’ve encountered in a long time, and I thought the descriptions and characters were wonderful, and could picture them perfect and could see everything happening, almost like I was watching a TV show. I think the story as a whole could have used some tightening, and at times it seemed to lose some focus. But the interaction and dynamics were on point, and it was fascinating to experience this alternate way of life that is still relatable to our own reality on many levels. It was cool watching them all learn from each other and then gets really action-packed and dramatic towards the end and there are some shocking (good and sad) surprises that will catch you off guard. Was satisfied with the ending but wish I had the next one already... kind of a cliffhanger. A worthy addition to the epic fantasy/action genre and a recommend read for teens and adults alike.
March 16, 2018
Interesting premise
*I won this ebook from a Goodreads giveaway.*
2.5 stars. The premise was interesting, Earth connected by wormhole to another planet where Neanderthals exist alongside Humans. Unfortunately, the execution left much to be desired. The characters are flat, the dialogue stilted, and there are inconsistencies and incongruity throughout. The narrator says directly that the humans of Prome are of a level with 13th century England, then makes scientific references far beyond that. I feel like I was given details in all the wrong places. I don't care to read exactly how to build a shelter with saplings and willow branches, I want to know what people are thinking and feeling. Sam spends (I think) two years living in the wild, with passing references to his imprisoned queen mother, but it doesn't seem like he really cares about his family at all. And after over 400 pages of hunting and gathering, suddenly we're off to rescue the queen in the last 20 pages, and we don't even talk to her! I will not be continuing the series.
*I won this ebook from a Goodreads giveaway.*
2.5 stars. The premise was interesting, Earth connected by wormhole to another planet where Neanderthals exist alongside Humans. Unfortunately, the execution left much to be desired. The characters are flat, the dialogue stilted, and there are inconsistencies and incongruity throughout. The narrator says directly that the humans of Prome are of a level with 13th century England, then makes scientific references far beyond that. I feel like I was given details in all the wrong places. I don't care to read exactly how to build a shelter with saplings and willow branches, I want to know what people are thinking and feeling. Sam spends (I think) two years living in the wild, with passing references to his imprisoned queen mother, but it doesn't seem like he really cares about his family at all. And after over 400 pages of hunting and gathering, suddenly we're off to rescue the queen in the last 20 pages, and we don't even talk to her! I will not be continuing the series.
February 25, 2020
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
June 1, 2021
* I won this book on Goodreads! I believe this to be a YA book. It is a slow moving sci-fi/fantasy book about a planet (Tareh) that is similar to Earth. There is a "wormhole" that connects the two planets and though out history things from Earth have fallen through. But Terah is inhabited by mammoths and dinosaurs along with Humans and Numans living in tents and caves. Read to go on an adventure with them.
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