Light dances with dark, green fire burns in the night, hopes and dreams follow the wind, to fall in black or white.
The prophecy of Thomas Kestrel: outcast, lord, sorcerer, warrior, and perhaps savior of the Kingdoms — if he survives.
In The Claiming of the Highlands, the seventh book in The Sylvan Chronicles, Thomas Kestrel, Lord of the Highlands, finds himself tested yet again as his allies and enemies circle. Struggling with his feelings for the Princess of Fal Carrach, a woman who betrayed him, he tries to remain focused on driving the reivers from his homeland. At the same time the power of the Shadow Lord continues to grow and the High King puts in place a new plan to eliminate the Highland Lord and claim the Highlands for his own.
Can Thomas find a way to bring the Sylvan Warriors back into the Kingdoms before it's too late? Can he protect the people and the Kingdom he has just freed from the High King? How much more must Thomas risk to defeat the Shadow Lord?
Growing up in New York when I was a kid, I used to haunt the science fiction and fantasy bookstore in Yonkers, searching for the epic fantasy stories that I loved to read. When I exhausted all my options, I started writing my own stories, never realizing that one day I would publish them.
As you read my stories, you’ll notice certain themes and I like to carry them over from one book to the next. I always include adventure, humor, a few twists, a bunch of fights (magic and steel), and a little romance, along with a few good monsters. But for me it always starts with engaging characters. Because without characters who grow and change as they seek to overcome the challenges placed before them, as they seek to move forward, the story can’t move forward.
In particular, I like to focus on the reluctant hero, a man or a woman not seeking glory, but rather seeking to help others and challenge the evil plaguing the world – a world that I’ve created, The Realms of the Talent and the Curse. They need to learn how to believe in themselves before they can do what’s demanded of them. A personal journey that all of us experience, often more than once in our lifetimes, from lack of belief to belief in the self.
To learn more, check out the Amazon series pages for my current epic fantasy series -- The Sylvan Chronicles, The Tales of Caledonia, and The Tales of the Territories -- and my first foray into urban fantasy, The Fallen Knight Series. (Many of the books in these series have been or are Amazon #1 Bestsellers in various categories as well as #1 New Releases.)
And to download a free story, or join my newsletter for the latest news and releases, visit https://peterwachtbooks.com
The series first started out feeling as if the author was writing one big book but chopping it up in little pieces. It was fast-paced packed with world building and had an interesting if soft and vague magic system. The seventh book remains a third person point of view story. As with book 6 it is filled with copied and paste reused sections of previous books and a good amount of rehashing and repetitive descriptions and situations. The story is still interesting to a point but the series so far has promised a few different epic battles that have yet to occur. What's worse is that in this book when You're expecting some good action to start you get the summary of action and plans without any of the good details. This mostly takes up a good chunk of the end when armies are supposed to clash and we simply get a plan and then a summary of the plan's success later on. That made it quite boring.
I feel the quality of the book suffers with the repetitiveness in all things. when you have the same characters being described the same way dozens times throughout a fast read series it gets a bit grading. When you have those same characters rehash long info dumping conversations and summations you start to think the author is messing with you. When you have other characters having the same conversations as previous characters as well as the summations then you start to know the author is messing with you lol.
In truth I was tempted to give this a two-star rating but I like the series overall and enjoyed reading it though it's no longer on my must reread mental list. I feel as if the author broke a lot of promises in this book alone and that the last two books which deal with the Highlands in particular are made now to feel bloated and stretched out. The ease in which the climax occurs and the turn of events feel lazy and as if they betray the reader.
Usually a three-star rating is a good rating. It means that I enjoyed the read though I had some parts that pulled me out the story but I also had a lot that pulled me in and the author did good and bad things. I feel that is appropriate for this book and a previous one but also feel as if the quality of the storytelling is going down as it's elongated and stretched out. The interesting aspects have been fast forwarded characters jump around the map and months go by without notice. There's a lot of substance missing and fluff in place of it.
Overall I would recommend this as a one-time read and I'm not sure how long the series can go. The series did start out as exciting and it's not as drawn out as my complaining makes it seem outside of the repetitive parts. I think the author is a good writer and got trapped perhaps trying to figure out how to get through these last three books. In reality they could have made one good book.
Once again I think this is a good series to read for prospective authors. To see how and where he chooses to section the books and how he writes them and paces them out can be instructed to your personal taste and perhaps even inspiring for your future works.
This series started out with all the attributes of a great story to come.
And as the series progressed, more and more stories were just left at the wayside.
Rodric's son's revenge on Thomas? Nothing came of it. Rodric's scheming daughter, nada.
Through 7 books, we're building up to this prophesised final battle. We wait in anticipation for the revenge to be exacted in Rodric and his evil conspirators. And in the last 5 pages of the 1600 page saga , all of this, and none of this is wrapped up.
I recommend starting reading at 70%. The real plot only begins there. Entire scenes are constantly copied and pasted. The author does nothing except try to increase word count. It’s like the reader is meant to forget everything the moment they read it. No, we don’t need character instructions to everyone we’ve known for seven books. No, we don’t need to hear how he’s the chosen one again. No, we don’t need to read eye descriptions in every chapter. No, we don’t need to be told the Talent helps him fight.
My frustration is not just copy and paste writing. It is more that the author only tells personality and events. The best way to increase word count would have been writing scenes to show each personality. However, we are just told person X is honorable while person Y is cunning. It feels flat.
The other problem I saw was the lack of stakes. At one point two people take a Shade while at another an entire army can’t fight one. (Minor spoilers here: A thousand+ year old monster was killed in an instant. It should have been an epic battle but it just ended.) I wish the author actually developed these important events rather than summarizing literally everything.
I love the story, the feel of the highlands and the intrigue. I hate how short the chapters are and how fun side stories rarely go anywhere. No more mention of cleaning pots, no follow up on dancing highlanders, where were the wolves at the end.
This author chose eye color as a way to describe the hero and it is a critical attribute when mentioning his family. His always remain green, however his relatives do not. In the beginning Myra had blue, Rynlin green like his grandson, and Rya blue. By the seventh book, which constantly reuses paragraphs word for word from previous books, Rya has green and so does Myra but Rynlin has blue. While these quirks are annoying, the series is good. For the most part when descriptive paragraphs repeat themselves, skimming is highly encouraged. It will keep the eye rolling!ing to a minimum. I think the author rushed to get to tbe good stuff and used a lot of relative content. It makes a good story border on drivel.
Like the previous instalment the author feels the need to keep reminding the reader about some previous event not just once but every time the same characters meet,! Then at one point Thomas is sat round a camp fire with his Grandparents & we revisit how the met then each one of the repeating “the prophecy” but in each of their viewpoints- it makes no sense! Almost feels like there were only 7 books & the publishers wanted 9! Yet again no baddies disposed of in fact Thomas was only seconds away from killing at least 2 but yet again they escaped. Final critique is that the author needs to decide on how strong people’s magic is & then just stick with it.
Spoiler alert: After reading all 7 books in this series I find I am sorely disappointed in the ending. None of these books are stand alone nove!s. They must be read in succession to understand what is occurring but the author spends at least half of this last novel explaining what occurred in the first six novels. Thomas must fight the Shadow Lord, but the Shadow Lord decides to let loose something that has been locked up for 1000 years. Thomas fights it and wins. Story ends! Yay! Right? But wait, he didnt actually fight the Shadow Lord like he was supposed to, so is there another book? Shouldn't there be?
The king finally reached his level of incompetence
Couldn't put it down! The Kong's strategy of not listening to his advisers finally catches up to him, Even with a 10 to 1 advantage, he blows it by ignoring the advice and current state of the battle. Anything out of his context of the battle strategy dismissed. The hit and run tactics diminished his army along with a trap spells his room by our hero who uses his awareness and brains to overcome the surprise enemy, with a little left to finally kiss the princess.
I was enraptured through the first 3 books and was kept waiting for Thomas to rule again but this last book seemed so rushed. I had no feelings for the characters and was disappointed at the end. Next time you go for a dramatic ending, please include all characters to be rewarded and remembered. Just because you have to have a word count doesn't mean you cut out the feelings. So so good until the end.
I liked the flow of the story. The main characters were likable. They were competent and able to accomplish their tasks. The struggles of the heroes and the way that they handled them made them appear more normal. Although they did very hard tasks, they worked hard and developed the skills they needed to succeed. Not the best story l have ever read but a good and entertaining story.
One of the best series ever written puts the lord of the rings to shame ! Of course Hollywood always picks the wrong books lol! Anyways they are a waste of breath this series on the other hand is great read with a boy who grows into a great man. Has everything evil wizards evil kings and of course a powerful team of good guys who will fight to the end.
I have had many problems reading series of books this long, usually wind up dumping them somewhere in the middle because I get bored. Definitely did NOT happen with this series of books. Exciting and entertaining throughout. Had to stop myself several times from reading long into the night. Hope there is more to come. Looking at more books from this author since I really enjoy how he writes!!!
I really love the story that has been developing over the series. I love the relationships and the characters in this series! This series is for all those who are interested in magic, intrigue, the fight of good and evil, and proper romance stories that develop overtime. This is one of my favorite series even though I could see some of the plot, I still love that I can get lost in the story despite that.
I’ve enjoyed the series so far, but this book has surrendered development for speed. One-page chapters? The writing has become predictable and ‘fiction 101.’ The series has been entertaining, good escapist fantasy; now it’s approaching predictable (all the good guys are simplistic, as are the bad guys - the good guys all miraculously escape, the bad guys fall and die). Yawn.
This is a super fun book that hits the ground running and doesn’t let up. The characters are fun and easy to root for. The bad guys are easy to root against. This book and story doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s a fun romp through a cool world with good characters. If that’s not what you want in a fantasy book, I don’t know what to tell ya.
I enjoyed this series! Pure entertainment and hard to put down! Nine more words required but this is the only 9 more words I will give. With autocratic demands from Amazon like " more words required" in this review I doubt I will submit any more reviews. What arrogance. Good author but lousy Amazon review criteria.
Thomas has a huge burden to bare. Yet a rat and a snake keep distracting him from his ultimate purpose. Fal Carrach, Kenmare, and Benewyn from alliances with the Highlands. Truths are revealed. Thomas must find the key to victory before all is lost. Can Kaylie grow enough in the talent to help Thomas and earn his trust back?
I am at a lost for words . This series is simply spectacular . You want to read a superior story by a brilliant author , read this series , it will be hard to wait for the next book but I am certain it will be worth it .Thanks to the author for allowing me on this journey .
The author once again delivers an outstanding saga of good vs evil. The drama continues in the Highlands, a gorgeouly described backdrop for an intense battle of white and dark magic. The hero, Thomas has the help of his warrior grandparents l, and those clans that stand for good. Can't wait for the next chapter of the continuing story
I was waiting for this book. As I have read all of this series, and love the characters. This one did not disappoint. Kaylies character developed well, and didn't get all romantic. That was terrifying, instead the storyline carried on. There must be more to come! If not, I am disappointed with the end, but only slightly.
I enjoyed the simplicity of the final battle between our high land lord and the darklords supposed trump card of soul ducking darkness. I thought it was a shame the invading army had to be destroyed those numbers would have proved useful in the struggles to come.
I have seldom read a this fast but I had no choice for it is a great book and an amazing story. I have enjoyed the whole series my only bad point is that I have to wait for the next one. I am truly amazed at how much I love this series. I look forward to the next one.
Thomas is nearing his final battle with the Dark Lord. And although he is attacked by enemies from all sides, he struggles not only to out fight but to also out maneuver his multiple foes. A rapid paced and exciting addition to this wonderful series. I can’t wait for the next book!!
Homeland rescued and the Dark Lord put in his place.
The battle discern but the war is still on going. Sides have been set for the future battles. The strength of good is growing while evil reorganized. The hero's strength is almost ready for the final challenge. Great adventure.
I have totally enjoyed this series. The slow development of Thomas from #1 as a young boy to the young man in #7. I would have liked more action between Thomas and the Dark Lord and more of the relationship between Thomas and Kalie (The Princess). Look forward to reading more from Peter Wacht
I could ask myself why I continue to read this series, but I'm more impressed/surprised by the number of people who give these books such high reviews. The writing is not good. I know it's a series, and a new reader might pick up a book without reading the first, but that doesn't mean that the author literally needs to repeat full scenes/paragraphs from previous books.
I've enjoyed this series from the beginning and I'm looking forward to the next. I would like advanced notice of the next book since I read the entire series prior to reading the new one. Thanks for sharing your imagination.
It seems that each book in the series builds on the previous book. The characters are transparent stereotypes but who cares. It’s entertaining and enjoyable to root for simple good over evil.
Excellent writing and story is a great way to describe this volume of this incredible story. I am sad that I have to wait for the next volume. I enjoyed it tremendously. I will read again.
This cant end here. Oh my gosh what a series. Captivating i flew through the series it was so good. This is very well written i would suggest for any reader. Something for everyone.