Let the battle begin! The vast Tzoladian army clashes with the Karsonian confederation in the valley of Mt. Sarmos. But the stakes are higher than a mere fight for power between countries. As the cruel emperor intensifies his persecution of the “subhumans,” the three chosen youths make tough choices that will decide the fate of the world.
Amanki is a soldier fighting for an empire that wants him dead. After losing her freedom and her seal, Brina faces the ruthless leader of the Sparaggi tribes. Tuka is surrounded by intrigue. Plots of assassination abound.
Thrown into circumstances they never would have chosen or even imagined, the teens must adapt or die. Have they forgotten their true mission?
R.A. Denny is a history buff with a law degree from Duke University. After many years of practicing criminal law, she retired to do what she loves.
She is the author of Pirates and Puritans, a historical fiction series, and Tales of Tzoladia, an epic fantasy series. She enjoys spending time with her family and looking for adventure.
She has traveled to the ancient rock city of Petra on horseback, flown through the jungles of Costa Rica on zip lines, and visited the Great Pyramid on a camel.
In 2018 she toured Morocco as part of her research for her book, The Alchemy Thief.
R.A. lives in Delaware. As a child, she had two pet flying squirrels.
*I received a free copy of this novel, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This is the third book in the Tales of Tzoladia series and you really do need to read books 1 and 2 first, as the characters and plot develop as the series progresses and at this point the plot is very much underway and heading towards a crescendo!
What started as separate story strands with Brina the Glider, Amanki the Webbie, Moshoi the Armoured (and his brother Tuka), and Metlan the Cat Rider is now a complex tapestry in which the main and minor characters weave in and out of each other’s paths with increasing frequency and the seals that the young people are supposed to unite mimic playing pieces in a large-scale shell game – keep your eyes on them at all times as they shuffle round and round!
The story is still split into chapters which follow the different main characters individually; mostly in third-person narrative from the character point of view, but Amanki’s in first-person narrative, which can be a little disruptive to the flow as it switches in and out of his viewpoint.
Other than those characters whose thoughts and feelings we see directly, it is becoming increasingly unclear who can be trusted: as everyone plays their own games, who is acting for the ‘right reasons’ and who is seeking personal gain of some sort. The tension is high and the risks higher, and I don’t envy the heroes as they try to navigate this moral maze.
Whilst all of the books have had a religious bent, with the main characters turning from the gods and beliefs of their race to follow ‘the one, true god’ Adon instead – a clear allegory for Christianity – this aspect is more overt in this third novel. On multiple occasions the characters call to Adon to save them or guide them, or pray for the path they should follow. This develops smoothly and naturally with the characters, as we follow their doubts, struggles and temptations as they face war and intrigue on all sides.
This is a well-written and immersive fantasy series, suitable for teen and young adult readers (and adults, obviously!) who appreciate the underlying moral and spiritual messages as well as the entertaining quest.
Tuka had once warned his brother Moshoi not to get mixed up in Burlem’s plans to avenge his wife’s death. Rhabdom, the wise man of the mountain, had sent the brothers on this mission to Tzoladia. They were to deliver a jug etched with symbols to Amanki, a boy with webbed feet. The fate of the world depended on it. But it was hard for Tuka to focus on the fate of the world with so much going on around him. Getting through each day was hard enough. Like the new star in the sky, the prophecy of a doomed world loomed over him.
‘In Kalpok everyone except toddlers had helped to defend the perimeters of the forest.’
Delaware author R.A. Denny worked as a criminal prosecutor until her passion for writing won her time to create epic fantasy novels. She completed writing her six book epic fantasy series: Mud, Rocks and Trees of which REFUGEES was the first volume, SEEKERS is the second, CAPTIVES is the third volume, and WARRIORS is the fourth volume. A woman of many interests R.A. enjoys ancient history, board games, LEGO, riding horses, raising flying squirrels and living with two cats. She has travelled to the ancient rock city of Petra on horseback, flown through the jungles of Costa Rica on zip lines, and visited the Great Pyramid on a camel.
R.A. has that sensitivity for her readers to supply maps and a glossary of terms at book’s end – something that makes a fine reference guide as we travel through her created space: the names of the Webbies, Gliders, Humans, Animals, Gods and Goddesses are clearly identified for the reader’s enhancement.
The prose is fluid despite the strange names of the locations of the story. The synopsis defines where we are going –: Let the battle begin! The vast Tzoladian army clashes with the Karsonian confederation in the valley of Mt. Sarmos. But the stakes are higher than a mere fight for power between countries. As the cruel emperor intensifies his persecution of the “subhumans,” the three chosen youths make tough choices that will decide the fate of the world. Amanki is a soldier fighting for an empire that wants him dead. After losing her freedom and her seal, Brina faces the ruthless leader of the Sparaggi tribes. Tuka is surrounded by intrigue. Plots of assassination abound. Thrown into circumstances they never would have chosen or even imagined, the teens must adapt or die. Have they forgotten their true mission?’
Clearly this is the continuation of a long science fiction/fantasy that is directed toward young readers more familiar with the video games and new IT trends than most adults. This book continues to set up problems that will be solved throughout the series. This fourth book is longer and yet still accessible once you master the names of places and characters. It appears that R.A. Denny has a successful venture on her hands. At book’s end we note that there are two more volumes to follow in this exciting series!
In this installment of the Mud, Rocks and Trees Series are heroes turn into warriors - coming in to their true potential and powers. It was a thrilling ride from start to finish!
In this novel, we learn of several plans to wipe out the "subs" and even plots of betrayal of supposed friends all over the glory and power of the throne and seals. Our three main characters and their family and teacher are pushed to their physical, emotional and mental limits in this book.
This book finds, Amanki on the front lines fighting for a King who wants him and his people dead. Despite this, they were still dedicated to the cause and it was because of their special abilities and web feet that they escape the betrayal of their own people and any slaughter by their enemies. Amanki emerges as a true leader but with a little bit of hesitance as he is not too sure how he is supposed to lead. Fair enough because not too long ago he was just a young man who was taking care of his family! His people find out that he carries the seal and that he will be their protector and leader (a role he finds difficult like so many would) but that he accepts with grace.
Brina becomes a warrior and is actually part of the people who were fighting against Amanki! I almost believed that she had given up hope for her quest in this novel but instead she had learned to adapt to her surroundings. The once well protected and somewhat naïve Brina, learned how to manipulate others to belief in her and follow her guidance. This allowed her to save Amanki from the warrior tribe and again untie with him later on in the novel.
Our third heroes brother has taken a job in the palace where he is forced to spy and is witness to quite a few horrific acts that make you squirm! They are not too graphic so no worries there for younger readers.
Our once naïve, young heroes have now truly come into their own strengths and have dealt and grown from betrayal, murder and hate. Two have united and the re-appearance of the third brings hope. While there was death, betrayal and lies in this novel, I felt hopeful near the end. I feel like the three young adults can truly accomplish this most difficult path that they are on. This is a well written exciting installment in this series that leaves you feeling hopeful and wanting more.
Warriors takes us into book 4 of the Mud, Rocks, and Trees series and the world is as deep and rich with mysticism and intrigue as it has always been. In fact it's probably my favourite of the series so far, maybe because I have become so connected now with these characters and the transformation they have undergone since starting out. It seems a long time now since that star first appeared. As you would expect from the title, war is upon land and all but Tuka find themselves on the battlefield. Brina has managed to gain freedom and she now fights with the Spraggi, Amanki with his "Duck Corps" and of course Metlan with the Cat Riders. The battles are spectacularly written and you get the feeling of being there jump out of the page at you. Amanki, really comes into his own as a leader, but has something more darker been unleashed in him? Brina's character as well seems to have a new resolve and sense of purpose, I'm loving how she has no qualms about who she speaks to and how when something is close to her heart.
Baskrod gives a handy history of Metlan and his family, which provides a background that was much needed and a new path to tread, which really then makes you wonder who the prophecy is really about. With both Metlan and Amanki seemingly changing roles in the eye of this reader, i'm intrigued as to whether I'm being sent down a beautifully crafted distraction. The prayer to Adon "When the son of a duck, the heir, takes the throne" now has a beautiful ambiguity.
For Tuka, he may not be on the battlefield but that doesn't prevent him being in one of the most dangerous positions of all them. Now working in the palace as an Artisan he is not only close to the Emperor but also close to all the guarded whispers and secrets. The palace is beset with plans to double-cross across one another and the depth of the corruption and greed for power has left Tuka knowing far more than he should. With the lines blurred more than ever, knowing who to trust, not just for Tuka but for all of them, is becoming harder and harder.
Given the title, this is perhaps the most stark of the books for our travellers but it is also quite a hopeful one too, many questions are answered and it feels like a turning point has been reached . As I said at the start, this is my favourite of the series and I will give this one 5*
Warriors is the fourth book of R.A. Denny’s “Mud, Rocks, and Trees” fantasy series.
Five things of note in this book:
A. Burlem is part of the Armored species and has been a companion to Tuka, who also is part of the Armored species. What is intriguing about Burlem is his religion, which differs from the monotheistic faith of Tuka, a believer in the god Adon. Burlem holds to a dualistic creed, which inspires him to join the side of good in an attempt to check the side of evil. Burlem carries around a lot of guilt because he failed to avenge his family, so he hopes not to encounter his family in the afterlife. Tuka and Burlem discuss Adon’s forgiveness.
B. Metlan is now king of the Samalitans, who are cat-riders. He learns from the captured prophet Baskrod about his true lineage: he is part of the royal line of Tzoladia, the greatest empire. Metlan has shown himself to be a friend to Brina, a heroine in the book. A lingering question is whether Brina can trust him, or if he will ultimately look out for himself and his own political interests. Surrounding him is political intrigue. The evil emperor Zoltov of Tzoladia and his general, Zaheil, are at odds, as each has suspicions of the other. Bladar, the ruthless leader of the Sparaggi, would like to exploit this conflict so as to install Metlan as emperor of Tzoladia, hopefully with the assistance of the Karsonians, against whom the Tzoladians are fighting.
C. There is the question of whom Brina can trust, and whether she is wise to make deals with the devil. Bladar is ruthless, and he killed the family of Amanki, a hero in the series. Brina tries to make a deal with Bladar, and one wonders if she knows what she is doing.
D. Emperor Zoltov hates those whom he calls “subs,” yet he uses them for his tasks. The Webbies hope to show themselves valorous in Zoltov’s war so that Zoltov will not annihilate them.
E. Pilezer is a brigadier in Zoltov’s army. He was kind to Tuka after Tuka was injured. Tuka wonders if Pilezer is secretly a worshiper of Adon. Zoltov, for that matter, does not entirely trust Pilezer! Is Pilezer a follower of Adon?
Those were intriguing elements in this book. The book also had a lot of battle scenes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. My review is honest!
Packed with action, danger and tons of character development, this book is just as not more exciting than even the first two in the series. The three (at times four) heroes are now facing the huge war, and things get even tougher in many respects than the adventures before.
First, Amanki is on the front fighting for the king who wants him and his people dead, but Amanki is true to his cause. Not only that, but he's now demonstrating his true strengths and finally merging into the hero and leader that he can and should be. His decisions fit his personality, one that is simply a joy to root for and still fits for the intended age group. I love to see him as the center column of the three heroes and enjoyed following him as he powered through this book.
Brina holds the most character development in this book as she starts to progress from her former naive self and discover she's more. Her position as a warrior gives a side of strength, and she learns to work with the situations and people/creatures around her, bringing them on her side. She's the one I enjoyed following most in this book.
Due to circumstances, the third hero, Moshoi, is slid to the side as his brother gains focus as a spy. This added a wonderful change to the other two characters...but not less gruesome. This isn't a light story, and that truly comes to light in these chapters.
The fight scenes reach a grand level in this book, each of them flowing well, holding tension and bringing across the struggling, harsh emotions worthy of the great war. Still, the characters themselves aren't lost in action's shadows and really make the scenes sit. Each moment grabs, and to help readers from growing confused, the author has added a few maps and diagrams—things I always enjoy in a fantasy like this one.
This was a wonderful read and probably my favorite in the series so far. I do recommend reading these books in order, since the characters and places build on each other from one book to the next. This is one Young Adult fantasy friends will definitely enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed diving into this world so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
This book is the third of five in the Tales of Tzoladia, and I'm still finding it entertaining. This teen and young adult fantasy is worth at least four stars, don't you think?
There are three--no, four--main "chosen" characters with several almost as active co-stars. There are the mud people (or ducks, as some folks call them, for their big webbed feet. The lead in this one is Amanki, a young man with a remarkable resemblance to a human--one of the ones who ride the king-sized lions, called Metlan. The Gliders (or flyers, as some humans called them) can glide from tree to tree much like flying squirrels, and the main character from this bunch is Brina. And then there's the rock people with the hard scales along their backs. They can roll up sort of like armadillos to protect themselves or to hibernate. The chosen one from the rock people is Moshoi, but in this book his little brother Tuka plays a bigger part. What ties the main characters together is a blue seal. When the three of them and their seals get together, something spectacular is supposed to happen. The trouble is that Metlan has stolen Brina's seal (for safekeeping, he says). Brina becomes a slave to the general's wife, Moshoi has been buried under a rockslide, and Amanki is relegated to a doomed bunch of duck people. And the war is about to start.
You can find all these characters in The Emperor's War on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, along with their previous and following books in the Tales of Tzoladia series.
I received a free copy of the book from the author, but my reviews contain only my own opinions.
The battle is NOW! First off, Ms. Denny adds to the story by putting in maps and a glossary. That helps put the scenes into vision and the glossary helps you to understand the terms in the book that may be unfamiliar. To begin with we get an overall picture of what has happened so far in the series. This isn't just a power struggle. It is much more. We have young people, three to be exact, who have to make decisions well beyond their years. These are important decisions. The world's future lies in their hands. These young people have to either fight and learn or they will die. This isn't what they wanted but this is what they have. They must deal or die. I liked that there were decisions to be made for problems presented and you, the reader are left to make those decisions along with the young people. What would you really do if this fantasy world were real and you were there. Could you decide and step up or would you perish? If you haven't read the first three books of the series it will take a bit of time to get used to the names and places. This is a realistic fantasy (if you let your imagination go) that you can be a part of. A part of to defend the world's future. I would definitely recommend starting with Book One of the series and after this fourth book, continue on to the next two books. It's a fantasy world you won't want to miss and an adventure like no other, from a talented and imaginative author.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily decided to review it.
This is a great book – a great series, in fact. It holds your attention from the first and doesn’t let go. There is a lot of action in this one, as the war that has been threatening throughout the previous books has finally begun. And it looks as if Emperor Zoltan means to use the war as an excuse to get rid of those of his subjects he considers subhuman, the Webbies, Gliders, and Armored men whose adventures we have been following.
At the end, things are still mixed up. Amanki and Brina have finally met up, and Baskrod has joined them again. Moshoi has been rescued from the rockslide where he was trapped. With the assistance of Rhabdom and Star the Yakima he rescues Tuka, Burlem, and their new friend Samuel from the Pit where they have been left to die after a failed attempt to assassinate Emperor Zoltan. But only Amanki has his own seal, and things remain very much up in the air regarding the rulership of Tzoladia. So you see there is plenty of room for this story to go forward.
Thanks to the author for a free review copy of this book.
Continuation of a series with battle scenes galore—you can't go wrong!
The Good -The most battle action book of the series thus far. -In books, sometimes battle scenes can become somewhat a drag. But in Warriors battle scenes are needed, and they are put well together so not to become boresome and are integral to the plot. -Development of characters and the consequences of their mistakes. -Especially evident in Brina -Fitting ending to this book, which ends up being the happiest, yet, in this series. -A solid and complex plot -Although pieces of the plot are coming together. -Exciting, deep information throughout this book. -It's so complicated that there are two maps and character charts (for every book in the series, so far).
The Bad -N/A
The Unsure* -N/A *My opinion: what I didn't care for or do not prefer. This will not lower a rating unless it overly distracts from the story.
Book 4 is truly wonderful!! The battle has finally arrived and Ms. Denny has written it to perfection. She has made this series come alive for me. And I find myself caring a great deal for these characters. It matters to me what happens in there lives. I also appreciate the tone of the characters understanding of God in this as well. We all need more faith and hope in this world of ours.
Ms. Denny is truly a gifted writer IMO, because her books never have a dull moment in them. They grip you from the beginning and you definitely don't want the story to end. I'm anxiously awaiting for Dreamers I just know it will be just as great if not better. Rhonda Denny I want to thank you for a wonderful journey you have given me with this series and for sharing your talent and heart~A Faithful Reader
There wasn't a dull moment in this book. The characters have come a long way and grown a lot in 4 books and have made me love them all.
Between the battle, the plotting, the suspense and the miracles the story just flew by and before I knew it the book had ended and I was left wanting more. The maps at the end are very helpful, especially the battle map to help better visualize the action. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
I received a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
I found book one in this series as a freebie on Amazon. I loved it! So when the author saw my review and offered to let me read the remaining books in the series, of course I said yes. This one just kept getting better with each book. The characters are fleshed out, flawed, and feel like friends and family. "Warriors" is the fourth book in the series and did not disappoint. There is a Christian viewpoint in these books, but they don't come across as cheesy or preachy. I give it five stars. Great fantasy!
Warriors (mud, rocks, and trees #4) by R.A. Denny. I have read the previous books which were given to me and I freely made this review. Denny uses the same format, skipping from character to character but keeping a handle on the reader. Her characters are evolving and the reader is given insights into them. It was never boring and I hoped there would be a happy ending.