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The Stalwart Link #1
Echoes of a Fallen Kingdom
Strong-willed and full of hope, Leo strives to learn more of the magic he has read so much about. He’s heard of invisible links in his world, and hidden rifts to other realms filled with creatures and stones of power. But Leo’s family is stuck in an impoverished city. He performs backbreaking farm work beside his older brother, a rebellious and cunning thief, but nonetheless a brother whom Leo would trust with his life. Their father takes care of them as best he can, but a dangerous secret has weighed heavily on him for years. He won’t be able to keep it hidden much longer.Leo believes everything will change for the better when he begins work as a bookbinder and finally leaves the dreadful farm. He can apply for apprenticeship to the Bookbinding Guild upon his soon-approaching birthday. Everything will change, but in ways their family would never expect. It all begins when Leo’s brother steals something that he should’ve left alone.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2018
718 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 9, 2019
Quality writing but a slow read where nothing really happens till the last 8%.
This story was weird, frustrating, and it's most certainly not a way to start a series much less a book, yet the ending, which felt it should have taken place around the one-third mark of the story, was promising enough where I will end up reading the next book. What I mean by weird and frustrating is it felt as if the first 90% of this long story was simply the beginning of a really long story. The last 8% of the story had all heck breaking loose and a sudden change in circumstances that usually occurs much sooner in a story.
Our first two points of views comes from two ten year olds in a third person limited point of view followed by the father of one call Darren. It was strange because it began like many coming of age, hero journeys, or simply sword-and-sorcery fantasies begins. There was a promise I felt that was made to the reader that we would get to see these young children exposed to magic or something big would happen at the very least that would begin the adventure. Instead we get to see the downtrodden life of our protagonist as they struggle day to day and face what would be subplots in other stories that were made main plot points here.
Something else that was rather weird is that when experiencing the third person points of view of Leo the 10 year old boy and his 10 year old friend who is a girl they refer to their single parent not as father or mother but as Darren and Victoria. It just didn't fit. it was almost like they were referring to a family friend or neighbor rather than family.
The author has the skill to write that surpasses a 3-star rating but unlike other 3-star stories where an author does something to pull me out of the story this one simply didn't do anything to pull me into the story. It was a fight to finish it. I have read and rated many stories at a three-star rating that I will gladly reread again. I have the feeling that the author really wanted to begin story at the end but need an excuse to world build and give background information. Depending upon how long it takes for the next book to come out and how it goes I will end up finishing the series but never rereading it.
This book is appropriate for young adults in above. There is little cursing since there's honestly no action or fighting till the end. there's some graphic content to worry in the last 8% but even that is mild save for one scene that was impactful to say the least.
I have seen this author has written a few other series set in a separate world…I am thinking about checking the first series out but I am a bit skittish.
This story was weird, frustrating, and it's most certainly not a way to start a series much less a book, yet the ending, which felt it should have taken place around the one-third mark of the story, was promising enough where I will end up reading the next book. What I mean by weird and frustrating is it felt as if the first 90% of this long story was simply the beginning of a really long story. The last 8% of the story had all heck breaking loose and a sudden change in circumstances that usually occurs much sooner in a story.
Our first two points of views comes from two ten year olds in a third person limited point of view followed by the father of one call Darren. It was strange because it began like many coming of age, hero journeys, or simply sword-and-sorcery fantasies begins. There was a promise I felt that was made to the reader that we would get to see these young children exposed to magic or something big would happen at the very least that would begin the adventure. Instead we get to see the downtrodden life of our protagonist as they struggle day to day and face what would be subplots in other stories that were made main plot points here.
Something else that was rather weird is that when experiencing the third person points of view of Leo the 10 year old boy and his 10 year old friend who is a girl they refer to their single parent not as father or mother but as Darren and Victoria. It just didn't fit. it was almost like they were referring to a family friend or neighbor rather than family.
The author has the skill to write that surpasses a 3-star rating but unlike other 3-star stories where an author does something to pull me out of the story this one simply didn't do anything to pull me into the story. It was a fight to finish it. I have read and rated many stories at a three-star rating that I will gladly reread again. I have the feeling that the author really wanted to begin story at the end but need an excuse to world build and give background information. Depending upon how long it takes for the next book to come out and how it goes I will end up finishing the series but never rereading it.
This book is appropriate for young adults in above. There is little cursing since there's honestly no action or fighting till the end. there's some graphic content to worry in the last 8% but even that is mild save for one scene that was impactful to say the least.
I have seen this author has written a few other series set in a separate world…I am thinking about checking the first series out but I am a bit skittish.
November 26, 2019
At some point and then onwards, I was only listening to the blessed and incredible performance of Simon Vance! Didn’t really care about the story or the characters.
June 4, 2025
3.5 🌟's rounded down.
This was my first book by this author. It was decent enough to keep my attention all the way through. I enjoyed the characters. But I thought Leo and his neighbor gf were a lot older than they actually were. The way the author told of their feelings for one another made it seem like they were in their later teens and not just 10 years old. Leo, his brother, and his father lived in a very poor neighborhood. They each had to work long, hard days just to be able to have shelter and a little bit of food. I liked how they were a strong and loyal family despite their circumstances. Leo and his brother Andar were so connected in more ways than one. I enjoyed getting to know them and how much they had on their plates at such young ages. I couldn't imagine being in their shoes. I have a soft spot for brothers as my brother Justin and I went through so much together, and our bond is so strong. For most of his life, he's been like my son. He views me as his sister and his mom. He's my heart! So when I come across any siblings that involve a strong bond with their brother, well, that just makes me feel warm n fuzzy! Even if it's in a fictional story. Much of this story was character development, but I think it was a decent start to this series. This story just didn't fit 4 stars for me, though, so I rounded down. But I enjoyed it enough to want to read the 2nd book in the series!
This was my first book by this author. It was decent enough to keep my attention all the way through. I enjoyed the characters. But I thought Leo and his neighbor gf were a lot older than they actually were. The way the author told of their feelings for one another made it seem like they were in their later teens and not just 10 years old. Leo, his brother, and his father lived in a very poor neighborhood. They each had to work long, hard days just to be able to have shelter and a little bit of food. I liked how they were a strong and loyal family despite their circumstances. Leo and his brother Andar were so connected in more ways than one. I enjoyed getting to know them and how much they had on their plates at such young ages. I couldn't imagine being in their shoes. I have a soft spot for brothers as my brother Justin and I went through so much together, and our bond is so strong. For most of his life, he's been like my son. He views me as his sister and his mom. He's my heart! So when I come across any siblings that involve a strong bond with their brother, well, that just makes me feel warm n fuzzy! Even if it's in a fictional story. Much of this story was character development, but I think it was a decent start to this series. This story just didn't fit 4 stars for me, though, so I rounded down. But I enjoyed it enough to want to read the 2nd book in the series!
July 25, 2024
Echoes of a Fallen Kingdom by B.T. Narro is the very slow start to a new series.
It's very much focused on the characters, and their everyday lifes for most of the book, before the story actually gets going in the last 10% or so at a guess.
I enjoyed some of those bits, like the main character starting to train as a book binder, but overall it didn't really grba me nearly as much as it should have. I love a good "apprentice" story, but there's or enough actual training, and learning along with the character to scratch that itch, as the MC is treated very unfairly and doesn't really get to do what he is supposed to learn.
I did like the relationship between the brothers, but found the budding romance between two 10 yea roles a bit off. It's a strong friendship at first, which I love, but there's the few moments that seemed to go past it and just felt off for the age and majority of them.
I didn't really click with the thieving brother, again, I usually enjoy a good rogue or thief, but I simply didn't like him. Not necessarily the authors fault, I don't like all real people either after all.
Overall all the characters just didn't really felt real to me, but definitely stayed slightly removed fiction people.
The world building had some promise, but I would have liked a bit more depth even this early on.
The audio narration was great, which is what kept me going, but I don't think I'll pick up more books on the series.
It's very much focused on the characters, and their everyday lifes for most of the book, before the story actually gets going in the last 10% or so at a guess.
I enjoyed some of those bits, like the main character starting to train as a book binder, but overall it didn't really grba me nearly as much as it should have. I love a good "apprentice" story, but there's or enough actual training, and learning along with the character to scratch that itch, as the MC is treated very unfairly and doesn't really get to do what he is supposed to learn.
I did like the relationship between the brothers, but found the budding romance between two 10 yea roles a bit off. It's a strong friendship at first, which I love, but there's the few moments that seemed to go past it and just felt off for the age and majority of them.
I didn't really click with the thieving brother, again, I usually enjoy a good rogue or thief, but I simply didn't like him. Not necessarily the authors fault, I don't like all real people either after all.
Overall all the characters just didn't really felt real to me, but definitely stayed slightly removed fiction people.
The world building had some promise, but I would have liked a bit more depth even this early on.
The audio narration was great, which is what kept me going, but I don't think I'll pick up more books on the series.
May 28, 2020
"It’s scary how good my liar is at brothering."
3.0/5.0 Echos of a Fallen Kingdom, start of a new series by BT Narro. Quality writing and interesting ideas but dragged terribly down by the slow pace. While I did enjoy the characters, the experience was dampened by the pace, which is truly unfortunate. I have enjoyed Narro's books in the past, Fingers crossed the next in the series picks it up a little bit.
3.0/5.0 Echos of a Fallen Kingdom, start of a new series by BT Narro. Quality writing and interesting ideas but dragged terribly down by the slow pace. While I did enjoy the characters, the experience was dampened by the pace, which is truly unfortunate. I have enjoyed Narro's books in the past, Fingers crossed the next in the series picks it up a little bit.
March 5, 2025
Echoes of the Fallen Kingdom might not have been the book for me. Not all books match all readers, but there were a few things I struggled with. This felt more literary than Fantasy as the focus was almost completely on the interactions of the family until the last bit of the book. Echoes of the Fallen Kingdom felt more like a prequel to an established storyline that comes out later to explain more of how the story started.
With that being said, the characters were well built and the world-building was light but interesting. I think there is a lot of potential in this story, and if you look at a lot of reviews, many people love this book/series. I'm not going to recommend it unless you like this author's writings or if you're looking for a more literary fantasy book.
With that being said, the characters were well built and the world-building was light but interesting. I think there is a lot of potential in this story, and if you look at a lot of reviews, many people love this book/series. I'm not going to recommend it unless you like this author's writings or if you're looking for a more literary fantasy book.
January 10, 2019
52% of the way through and nothing has happened
November 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Was this slow? Yes
Did much happen? No
Did I enjoy it regardless? Yes
Was that because of the narrator (Simon Vance) being great? …Maybe 🤔
I think I will end up reading/listening to the next one of these. The ending picked up, I’m hoping this one was setting things up for EVENTS to happen. I’m intrigued.
Was this slow? Yes
Did much happen? No
Did I enjoy it regardless? Yes
Was that because of the narrator (Simon Vance) being great? …Maybe 🤔
I think I will end up reading/listening to the next one of these. The ending picked up, I’m hoping this one was setting things up for EVENTS to happen. I’m intrigued.
September 23, 2024
If someone was reading this with all their attention, I could imagine it would be maddeningly boring. But I had it on audible and actually liked the characters so was happy to listen to the story while doing other things.
The book feels like an introduction rather than a whole story. I was about halfway done when I realised this wasn't just set up for the book, this was the book. The world also felt very empty. The city felt like it only had maybe 12 people. There was no sense of other workmates, neighbours or friends that aren't pertinent to the story.
I would have kept on with the series if it was free on audible but it wasn't and I'm not invested enough in the story to continue.
The book feels like an introduction rather than a whole story. I was about halfway done when I realised this wasn't just set up for the book, this was the book. The world also felt very empty. The city felt like it only had maybe 12 people. There was no sense of other workmates, neighbours or friends that aren't pertinent to the story.
I would have kept on with the series if it was free on audible but it wasn't and I'm not invested enough in the story to continue.
May 24, 2023
I’m a sucker for character development. Where most people thought this was a slow start, I reveled in getting to know the world and the characters. I know slow high fantasy isn’t everyone’s vibe, and yet, this one is mine. After the last few books I got through I was feeling a bit wanting, but this did not disappoint.
I’m well and truly hooked. Can’t wait for the next one!
I’m well and truly hooked. Can’t wait for the next one!
February 13, 2025
Audiobook narrated by
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was so slow it was boring.
It was droning on, and I zoned out all the time.
The narration was okay, but he could do nothing to save this story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was so slow it was boring.
It was droning on, and I zoned out all the time.
The narration was okay, but he could do nothing to save this story.
May 22, 2020
This is a strong three. I may change it later. I enjoyed the book. The writing is fine and the characters are quite well drawn, which is what the author says he appreciates most. I especially warmed to the close relationship between the two brothers, Leo and Andar. Their personalities are in some ways the opposite of those of my own brother and mine in that the elder is the more brash one and the younger the more sensitive and caring, but I can relate with Andar in wanting to try to provide good for my younger brother and protect him. And Leo is better with the ladies (or lady, rather) given his warmer demeanor. They make a good duo for a fantasy story, although for me there is constantly the underlying dread of Andar going rogue, some suppressed bitterness slowly pickling his soul until there is one wrinkle too many and he goes the way of the oppressor. I'll try to remain hopeful.
The setting is a world with humans and Analytes (I've no idea of spelling for any of these proper nouns as I'm listening to this series), who seem to be basically just humans with purplish hair. I'm thinking elves, but not as cool. The humans are governed by a monarch, but there are powerful guilds that run the economy and heavily influence things in the cities. There is also another realm—think universe or world—that is reached by creating "rifts" allowing strange creatures to enter through. These creatures are summoned by and connected then to Summoners, and the magic on either side is called artistry and essitry or something. It's just magic about creating links between things. Pretty basic-seeming, to be honest, and I feel it's under-explored. There's some attempt to explain it, but I found myself glossing over during those parts, unfortunately.
There was a civil war amongst the humans a decade-plus before in which the ruling family of the most wealthy and powerful guilds in one city—who were a fair family, unlike many of the guild leaders—discovered a rift just outside their city (they constantly employ diggers to mine for such rifts, which apparently appear underground most of the time). The king became greedy and assembled an army to take it over, as it would be a source of great wealth. The guild family allied with the Analytes to fight back, but in the end the Analytes betrayed them and they were grievously defeated. The young, sword-wizard son of the guild family, and his sister, escaped to another city, got false papers, and started a new life.
I'm definitely entering into spoiler territory now if anyone's reading this.
I'm sure I'm missing things and messing things up, but that's the gist.
The setting is a world with humans and Analytes (I've no idea of spelling for any of these proper nouns as I'm listening to this series), who seem to be basically just humans with purplish hair. I'm thinking elves, but not as cool. The humans are governed by a monarch, but there are powerful guilds that run the economy and heavily influence things in the cities. There is also another realm—think universe or world—that is reached by creating "rifts" allowing strange creatures to enter through. These creatures are summoned by and connected then to Summoners, and the magic on either side is called artistry and essitry or something. It's just magic about creating links between things. Pretty basic-seeming, to be honest, and I feel it's under-explored. There's some attempt to explain it, but I found myself glossing over during those parts, unfortunately.
There was a civil war amongst the humans a decade-plus before in which the ruling family of the most wealthy and powerful guilds in one city—who were a fair family, unlike many of the guild leaders—discovered a rift just outside their city (they constantly employ diggers to mine for such rifts, which apparently appear underground most of the time). The king became greedy and assembled an army to take it over, as it would be a source of great wealth. The guild family allied with the Analytes to fight back, but in the end the Analytes betrayed them and they were grievously defeated. The young, sword-wizard son of the guild family, and his sister, escaped to another city, got false papers, and started a new life.
I'm definitely entering into spoiler territory now if anyone's reading this.
I'm sure I'm missing things and messing things up, but that's the gist.
November 18, 2018
An excellent new series by Narro! If you loved his previous books, you’ll find this just as hard to put down.
I became incredibly attached to Leo as he struggled to overcome his family’s situation and become stronger. The relationship between Leo, his father Darren, and his brother Andar was also a strong point of the narrative. It was heartwarming, stressful, and captivating all at once.
The strife throughout the book kept me glued to the pages. As usual, Narro’s cast of characters and plot were well developed and detailed. The magic system introduced was intriguing and unique. I am eager to learn even more about it!
I found the perspective of a poor family particularly well done (and painful to read—you can’t help but fall in love with them). Seeing such a close perspective of poverty was both difficult and enlightening. Of all the narrative’s positive aspects, this was the greatest.
I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy and am happy to offer my honest review. If you’re a fan of Narro’s or looking for a new fantasy series that’ll break your heart and keep you entertained, I highly suggest you give this book a try. 5/5 stars
I became incredibly attached to Leo as he struggled to overcome his family’s situation and become stronger. The relationship between Leo, his father Darren, and his brother Andar was also a strong point of the narrative. It was heartwarming, stressful, and captivating all at once.
The strife throughout the book kept me glued to the pages. As usual, Narro’s cast of characters and plot were well developed and detailed. The magic system introduced was intriguing and unique. I am eager to learn even more about it!
I found the perspective of a poor family particularly well done (and painful to read—you can’t help but fall in love with them). Seeing such a close perspective of poverty was both difficult and enlightening. Of all the narrative’s positive aspects, this was the greatest.
I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy and am happy to offer my honest review. If you’re a fan of Narro’s or looking for a new fantasy series that’ll break your heart and keep you entertained, I highly suggest you give this book a try. 5/5 stars
July 17, 2019
There isn't much stuff going on in this book, but it doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it.
It seems that this first installment is focusing almost in its entirety on introducing and developing characters. We get to know the hardship of living in the world proposed by Narro, with only hints to the presence of a bigger scheme. All that builds an appetite for the next parts of the series and I'm giving this book 4 stars hoping the Stalwart Link delivers on its promise.
One thing I didn't like was the title, which led me to expect something different from this book. Throughout the read, I failed to notice any echo of any fallen kingdom, as the story rarely reached further that 10 years into the past.
It seems that this first installment is focusing almost in its entirety on introducing and developing characters. We get to know the hardship of living in the world proposed by Narro, with only hints to the presence of a bigger scheme. All that builds an appetite for the next parts of the series and I'm giving this book 4 stars hoping the Stalwart Link delivers on its promise.
One thing I didn't like was the title, which led me to expect something different from this book. Throughout the read, I failed to notice any echo of any fallen kingdom, as the story rarely reached further that 10 years into the past.
January 30, 2020
I love stories where you start with a young boy or girl and you travel with them as they grow and become a hero or just a good person. This novel has a ton of character development and young love. It has an interesting magic system but there are better magic systems in other books. What I love about this book is the characters and how they interact with each other and the people around them. The time skips are a bit sudden but I guess the author didn't want to spend time on that and it is OK. Oh and the father and his backstory and the history of the world is great too!
August 11, 2019
Wow, what a complex and also pulling story plot that book gives us. Main characters are a father Darren and his two sons, Ander & Leo. The story plot is to complex to be explained, so I won't. I will just say that I was taken into the plot from the start and hardly could wait for it to end.
It was excellent book.
It was excellent book.
August 9, 2020
The description of this book is incorrect from the publisher. This is an introduction to a series, and not a young hero off on a quest. It is very slow and repetitive. This book was a challenge for me to get through. The book spends the entire time showing how terrible the feudal system is.
January 7, 2023
DNF - nothing happened for way too long, was not engaging enough to continue
January 3, 2024
By the end of the book..... I still had no idea what was actually going on or what the premise was. It felt so incredibly disjointed.
September 3, 2024
First off, I do not want to be someone who rages against the content of a book / series that they could stop reading at any time. Also, it would particularly unconvincing, since I am reading the second instalment right now, to claim that I found it (the first book) absolutely abhorrent.
It is only getting 2.5 stars from me, nonetheless, for being entertaining and relaxing to listen to. What has motivated me to choose that series is, first and foremost, that I had never read anything by that author. (Then, I am favourably biased towards fantasy and can barely pass up a chance to discover sth potentially intriguing.)
To enumerate what I disliked / found less than suitable for a well-rounded concept:
- characters are very clichéd
- stoic, but tight-lipped father who has changed after the avoidable death of his wife
- two loyal sons - one is a troublemaker, the other inhibited
- storyline pursued is super hackneyed à la not all is as it seems, but a great destiny awaits those
two boys, blah blah
- you can see from a mile away what is going to happen - no major spoilers, though, so I'll only
disclose that best friends (a boy and a girl) develop feelings for each other
- sth that is such a major red flag (and a weird needless detail of which I cannot fathom why it was
included) is that children of 14 or considered legal adults (???)
The whole thing strikes me as the brainchild of a very basic writing prop that has been implemented not too creatively.
It is only getting 2.5 stars from me, nonetheless, for being entertaining and relaxing to listen to. What has motivated me to choose that series is, first and foremost, that I had never read anything by that author. (Then, I am favourably biased towards fantasy and can barely pass up a chance to discover sth potentially intriguing.)
To enumerate what I disliked / found less than suitable for a well-rounded concept:
- characters are very clichéd
- stoic, but tight-lipped father who has changed after the avoidable death of his wife
- two loyal sons - one is a troublemaker, the other inhibited
- storyline pursued is super hackneyed à la not all is as it seems, but a great destiny awaits those
two boys, blah blah
- you can see from a mile away what is going to happen - no major spoilers, though, so I'll only
disclose that best friends (a boy and a girl) develop feelings for each other
- sth that is such a major red flag (and a weird needless detail of which I cannot fathom why it was
included) is that children of 14 or considered legal adults (???)
The whole thing strikes me as the brainchild of a very basic writing prop that has been implemented not too creatively.
February 7, 2022
I believe this is the author's first book published. The first few chapters grabbed me instantly, but I kept waiting . . . and waiting . . . for the inciting incident. Past the half-way point of the book, there was still no inciting incident, no discernible "Doorway of No Return." Perhaps, like Brandon Sanderson, the author is viewing the entire series as one story split into separate books. Of course, readers make decisions one book at a time, and I hope the next book in the series picks up the pace. The author is a very good writer with great editorial teams, so it's not hard to read.
Looking at reviews of the author's other work, it seems he has repaired the pacing issues present in this, his first book. I'll give 4 stars trusting that the next books in the series pick up the pace and don't sag so much. If so, I'll come back and place an addendum to this review as an aid to others.
The audiobook, of course with Simon Vance narrating, was a tremendous plus for the book--however the author managed it, I'm certainly going to give any book with Simon Vance narrating a try.
Looking at reviews of the author's other work, it seems he has repaired the pacing issues present in this, his first book. I'll give 4 stars trusting that the next books in the series pick up the pace and don't sag so much. If so, I'll come back and place an addendum to this review as an aid to others.
The audiobook, of course with Simon Vance narrating, was a tremendous plus for the book--however the author managed it, I'm certainly going to give any book with Simon Vance narrating a try.
April 26, 2022
I feel like I'm in the mind of a feminist. Constantly being told of how unfair it is that women aren't treated like men. This in a medieval stylized world. Overall, the book feels goody-goody even though they're supposed to be living this harsh and difficult life. One brother is a thief and the author at once praises and disparages those attributes.
Moments that try to show character and bravery have the opposite results. There's a moment when the girl's mother is concerned enough to send her to hide under her bed and boards the front door (something never having been done before) and what does the girl do? She sticks her head out the window.
This is surely a fairy tale world, because in no way do I believe a child in such a society would so glibly ignore her mother, be so stupid, or lack common sense enough to stay well indoors when there are people screaming on the streets.
These poor characterizations ruin what is actually pretty good writing. But if there's no substance, all the spice in the world will still leave you hungry.
Moments that try to show character and bravery have the opposite results. There's a moment when the girl's mother is concerned enough to send her to hide under her bed and boards the front door (something never having been done before) and what does the girl do? She sticks her head out the window.
This is surely a fairy tale world, because in no way do I believe a child in such a society would so glibly ignore her mother, be so stupid, or lack common sense enough to stay well indoors when there are people screaming on the streets.
These poor characterizations ruin what is actually pretty good writing. But if there's no substance, all the spice in the world will still leave you hungry.
May 7, 2020
Never judge the book by its cover, well I do that each time. I love the cover art work. It drew me in wondering if this will be the best book I will ever read. I love the title so much. I love the add-ons of a character listing or a map or pictures of the characters! What a perfect idea to have. I had high hopes on this book and didn’t expect what I have read. It’s totally not what I expected from reading the title. A different writing style than other authors I have read. It’s unique, I like it though. It’s not bad, it’s detailed. I love detailed stories. But having slight back stories in pieces, is better.
I don’t care what writing style authors have, I just want a good story to read and this one of them. Perfect. I would have changed some parts to the book but overall excellent.
It’s hard not to read the rest of the series books now. I’m excited for the next three books. I have many high hopes on this series and another which I cannot wait for.
March 3, 2024
This was a rich and engrossing novel, slow burning like a waxy candle. However, waxy candles can be quite smoky and so it was difficult to often see where the story was going. This is not a bad thing as the world building is handled well - sparingly but enough to keep it engaging and the reader asking questions - and the writing is quite good. It subverts some expectations of the genre while simultaneously following them like a blueprint and for my personal preferences, this is pure and simple delicious comfort.
The character's relationships are possibly one of the best parts, as Narro handles the nuances of the family's dynamics (a father and his two sons) with a deft grace. I'd possibly go so far as to say that while I enjoyed the overall plot, I'm really just interested in the story of this family and where they'll go (mentally, emotionally - not just physically) throughout the remaining books. Thoroughly enjoyed.
The character's relationships are possibly one of the best parts, as Narro handles the nuances of the family's dynamics (a father and his two sons) with a deft grace. I'd possibly go so far as to say that while I enjoyed the overall plot, I'm really just interested in the story of this family and where they'll go (mentally, emotionally - not just physically) throughout the remaining books. Thoroughly enjoyed.
April 1, 2021
This is an enjoyable book and I liked the premise, the characters, and the plot very much. I'm pretty sure the main character is Leo because the main description is about him, but there is a lot about his older brother and father as well and the POV splits so I'm not sure if there's really just one main character. The world felt real and the way we learn about the characters through the plot and narrative kept intrigued. The reason this lost a few stars for me is because sometimes the narrative became a little too obvious in trying to achieve certain things in the reader leaving it feeling heavy handed and bumping me out of the story. Overall however I'm glad I read it and I look forward to the next book in the series.
February 15, 2019
The writing is good, but the pace is slow
There is very little action. The magic of the world is barely explained at all, though it is hinted about. Most of the story revolves around kids not liking their destitute circumstances. Overall the writing is pretty. The other does a reasonable job of creating tension, but throughout the book he doesn’t capitalize on it. The characters just bite their tongue and ignore or forget about problems.
I’m tempted to read the sequel... but I probably won’t because this book always seemed to promise a lot and then never pay off. Even the final battle and escape we’re short, most of it clipped off.
There is very little action. The magic of the world is barely explained at all, though it is hinted about. Most of the story revolves around kids not liking their destitute circumstances. Overall the writing is pretty. The other does a reasonable job of creating tension, but throughout the book he doesn’t capitalize on it. The characters just bite their tongue and ignore or forget about problems.
I’m tempted to read the sequel... but I probably won’t because this book always seemed to promise a lot and then never pay off. Even the final battle and escape we’re short, most of it clipped off.
June 25, 2025
I picked up this audio because I love the narrator and the plot sounded intriguing. There are different POV in this book, a father, both his young children and a friend of one of the boys (one chapter from a side character). I loved the world building but I was somewhat confused at one point, due to lots of names in the story. I think the audio was not the perfect medium for that.
In any case, this was fun and the plot was really picking up by the end. I'm not entirely sure I will continue with the series, but if I do, I will most likely continue with the audio anyway.
In any case, this was fun and the plot was really picking up by the end. I'm not entirely sure I will continue with the series, but if I do, I will most likely continue with the audio anyway.
June 26, 2025
I picked up this audio because I love the narrator and the plot sounded intriguing. There are different POV in this book, a father, both his young children and a friend of one of the boys (one chapter from a side character). I loved the world building but I was somewhat confused at one point, due to lots of names in the story. I think the audio was not the perfect medium for that.
In any case, this was fun and the plot was really picking up by the end. I'm not entirely sure I will continue with the series, but if I do, I will most likely continue with the audio anyway.
In any case, this was fun and the plot was really picking up by the end. I'm not entirely sure I will continue with the series, but if I do, I will most likely continue with the audio anyway.
June 28, 2019
Intriguing writing
I enjoy reading about imagined times and their reference to a real historical period. The intrigue and drama developed in the book is not only interesting, but extremely captivating. The characters all have traits that moved my imagination and set the story in motion. An extremely satisfying episode that passed by too quickly and left me anxious for the ultimate resolution.
Kudos! Highly recommended.
I enjoy reading about imagined times and their reference to a real historical period. The intrigue and drama developed in the book is not only interesting, but extremely captivating. The characters all have traits that moved my imagination and set the story in motion. An extremely satisfying episode that passed by too quickly and left me anxious for the ultimate resolution.
Kudos! Highly recommended.
July 19, 2025
LOTS of time spent world building and yet it still doesn’t feel like I understand the world very well. Definitely don’t understand the magic system. For a synopsis that talks about Leo exploring the magic of his word, maybe only 20% of the book deals with the magic at all and only a quarter of that has Leo learning about it. Just felt very slow. The beginning was interesting but when day-to-day life went on forever, it started to get boring
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