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The Alliance #1
Knights of the Alliance
Peace between three mighty empires hangs in the balance, and only the Knights can tip the scale.
Finding herself embroiled in a bloody conflict, Mirari is faced with a decision: make a pact to dedicate herself to a life of servitude to save her childhood friend from the executioner’s sword… or retreat back into hiding, mired in vengeance for a lost brother. Though the decision seems clear, the deal may end up costing more than she is willing to pay.
Finding herself embroiled in a bloody conflict, Mirari is faced with a decision: make a pact to dedicate herself to a life of servitude to save her childhood friend from the executioner’s sword… or retreat back into hiding, mired in vengeance for a lost brother. Though the decision seems clear, the deal may end up costing more than she is willing to pay.
412 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2021
42 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Stefanie Chu
7 books48 followers"The world is not black and white, and neither should be a good fantasy story."
Meet Stefanie Chu, an award-winning New Adult Fantasy author and Seattle-based coffee and tea aficionado. Her diverse passions extend to birds, indie cinema, and the intricate flavors of Japanese cuisine. Stefanie's magnum opus, the Alliance series, weaves tales where found families form amidst emotionally charged odysseys, suspenseful mysteries, and deep character connections. Her debut novel, 'Knights of the Alliance,' has earned nine prestigious awards, including Best Epic Adventure and Finalist for Book of the Year.
Meet Stefanie Chu, an award-winning New Adult Fantasy author and Seattle-based coffee and tea aficionado. Her diverse passions extend to birds, indie cinema, and the intricate flavors of Japanese cuisine. Stefanie's magnum opus, the Alliance series, weaves tales where found families form amidst emotionally charged odysseys, suspenseful mysteries, and deep character connections. Her debut novel, 'Knights of the Alliance,' has earned nine prestigious awards, including Best Epic Adventure and Finalist for Book of the Year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this book but I am very glad I read the prequel Echoes of Enmity first and would recomend everyone reads that book first. Thus book takes place instantly after that book, possibly crosses over just the end is from Fangbane's point of view.
I really enjoy the world Stefanie Chu has created. For me the best part are the martial arts both physical and mystical. A great understanding is shown even in the training sequences in this book.
The siege is over Fangbane is offered a place of leadership in the empire but he opts to lead an unconventional team of elite fighter or knights made up from each of the four parts of the Empire. Everyone has their secrets and reasons for joining. I think I got to know more of the "why" from the side characters than the main characters. Though the book does cover Fangbane's origin story.
A great first book (or second if you include the prequel). I an definitely interest to see where the story goes as well as learn more about Mirari's reason and powers/potential. I like how Tim's us taken for training and to build bonds of respect and loyalty between the characters. Love the action snd training sequences most of all.
I really enjoy the world Stefanie Chu has created. For me the best part are the martial arts both physical and mystical. A great understanding is shown even in the training sequences in this book.
The siege is over Fangbane is offered a place of leadership in the empire but he opts to lead an unconventional team of elite fighter or knights made up from each of the four parts of the Empire. Everyone has their secrets and reasons for joining. I think I got to know more of the "why" from the side characters than the main characters. Though the book does cover Fangbane's origin story.
A great first book (or second if you include the prequel). I an definitely interest to see where the story goes as well as learn more about Mirari's reason and powers/potential. I like how Tim's us taken for training and to build bonds of respect and loyalty between the characters. Love the action snd training sequences most of all.
July 20, 2023
Names, backgrounds, relationships with others and opening in a battle? What a powerful start. I enjoyed this book one and learned so much! My first book by this author but will not be my last!
May 25, 2024
Thanks to the author for the review copy. This is an honest and voluntary review.
This book immediately opens in the middle of an epic battle. The beginning is as unique as it is disorienting, jumping into the action and into the characters' stories without preamble. It is a really interesting way to open a book and I enjoyed it - but it was a little confusing and I also had to check several times that this was the first book. I do wish that I had read the prequel novella before jumping into this.
Despite the somewhat jarring start, the characters are very interesting. While they sometimes come across as caricatures, their intriguing backstories, especially Mirari and Gavin, make them memorable. I really loved the non-European lens of this fantasy world. The cultural nuances and settings evoke classic samurai films to me.
There are some minor things that bothered me while reading, like the tendency to tell and show, the sudden shifts in point of view within the same paragraph, and frequent amnesia. The dialogue also includes some modern nods, which might feel out of place for some, but it did not bother me personally.
This is a unique and engaging read. It stands out for its cultural richness and compelling characters. Readers who appreciate a blend of traditional and modern elements in their fantasy will really enjoy this one.
This book immediately opens in the middle of an epic battle. The beginning is as unique as it is disorienting, jumping into the action and into the characters' stories without preamble. It is a really interesting way to open a book and I enjoyed it - but it was a little confusing and I also had to check several times that this was the first book. I do wish that I had read the prequel novella before jumping into this.
Despite the somewhat jarring start, the characters are very interesting. While they sometimes come across as caricatures, their intriguing backstories, especially Mirari and Gavin, make them memorable. I really loved the non-European lens of this fantasy world. The cultural nuances and settings evoke classic samurai films to me.
There are some minor things that bothered me while reading, like the tendency to tell and show, the sudden shifts in point of view within the same paragraph, and frequent amnesia. The dialogue also includes some modern nods, which might feel out of place for some, but it did not bother me personally.
This is a unique and engaging read. It stands out for its cultural richness and compelling characters. Readers who appreciate a blend of traditional and modern elements in their fantasy will really enjoy this one.
September 24, 2021
4.5 stars!
This was a really interesting and engaging read and for sure an amazing way to set up a start to a series.
3 empires are tipping on the verge of war, and the Knights want to bring them all together to peace. Mirari is trying to protect a friend from punishment and ends up having to make a decision on what side she stands.
This book is full of wonderful world building and the characters are all so different and so special that it’s a joy to read about.
This was a really interesting and engaging read and for sure an amazing way to set up a start to a series.
3 empires are tipping on the verge of war, and the Knights want to bring them all together to peace. Mirari is trying to protect a friend from punishment and ends up having to make a decision on what side she stands.
This book is full of wonderful world building and the characters are all so different and so special that it’s a joy to read about.
June 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this read. Beautiful world-building, well developed characters and amazing writing. The notable strength of this novel lies in its departure from the most common fantasy tropes. Through this work, Stefanie Chu explores the current themes of social injustice and bias.
The story itself is captivating, starting off with a fast-paced and engaging beginning. While the rhythm slows down in the early chapters, it keeps you intrigued about what's going to occur. You find yourself compelled to continue, knowing that the mystery will gradually unfold.
All the main characters are driven by a deep sense of justice, which forms the core of the Knights. However, each character possesses a distinct personality and unique skills that significantly contribute to the team. Among these main characters, Mirari stands out as the protagonist—an ordinary merchant who turns out to be much more than she seems. Mirari has faced a challenging past, but she consistently gives her best with the support of her companions. The unwavering sense of justice and unconditional assistance provided by the Knights might make them seem almost too perfect, bordering on the surreal. Yet, their intricate development allows you to overlook this aspect.
While the story reaches a conclusion, it leaves ample room for exploration. Even though it doesn't end with a cliffhanger, the desire to learn more remains. I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the second book in the series!
There's also a prequel available. The author suggests reading it either before or after Book 1. Even if you choose not to read the prequel before starting Book 1, you can still comprehend the story. Personally, I'm glad I'll be reading the novella afterward. With a deeper understanding of the characters, I'm eager to delve into their pasts. I also may update this review after reading it!
In conclusion, this book stands as a strong debut, highly recommended for all fantasy enthusiasts seeking a series that blends modern style with contemporary themes.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story itself is captivating, starting off with a fast-paced and engaging beginning. While the rhythm slows down in the early chapters, it keeps you intrigued about what's going to occur. You find yourself compelled to continue, knowing that the mystery will gradually unfold.
All the main characters are driven by a deep sense of justice, which forms the core of the Knights. However, each character possesses a distinct personality and unique skills that significantly contribute to the team. Among these main characters, Mirari stands out as the protagonist—an ordinary merchant who turns out to be much more than she seems. Mirari has faced a challenging past, but she consistently gives her best with the support of her companions. The unwavering sense of justice and unconditional assistance provided by the Knights might make them seem almost too perfect, bordering on the surreal. Yet, their intricate development allows you to overlook this aspect.
While the story reaches a conclusion, it leaves ample room for exploration. Even though it doesn't end with a cliffhanger, the desire to learn more remains. I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the second book in the series!
There's also a prequel available. The author suggests reading it either before or after Book 1. Even if you choose not to read the prequel before starting Book 1, you can still comprehend the story. Personally, I'm glad I'll be reading the novella afterward. With a deeper understanding of the characters, I'm eager to delve into their pasts. I also may update this review after reading it!
In conclusion, this book stands as a strong debut, highly recommended for all fantasy enthusiasts seeking a series that blends modern style with contemporary themes.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2022
“Knights of the Alliance” is the first novel of a planned YA fantasy trilogy. Author Stefanie Chu has laid the foundation for a world that has some similarities (as well as significant differences) to “Lord of the Rings” or “A Game of Thrones.”
The novel opens with a map of the various kingdoms and principalities on an imaginary continent, annotated with Gothic-looking calligraphy, the surrounding seas, the harbors, mountains, and forests. There are many characters, and some information about them can be gleaned from the lists associated with the map. Within the pages, we learn the backgrounds of the main actors in piecemeal fashion—their names, origins, “powers,” and sometimes their relationships to other characters. There is also a list of what we call “technologies” in the appendix. These technologies are mostly based on crystals which focus energy that can be controlled with various minerals and gems. There are devastating weapons as well as devices worn on the wrist that are used for worldwide communication. The author also invents a host of slang words, various foods, many religions, and powerful medical techniques, all of which are introduced into the story as they occur. Suffice to say, it is a world fully imagined.
The prologue thrusts the reader directly into a desperate battle fought with spears, swords, axes, and crystal energy weapons that ends in a huge slaughter. It is told from the perspective of “The Valiant Tiger”—the leader defending the establishment against a rebel army. We will learn this is Fangbane. In the prologue, he is directing his army, crushing the rebellion of another famous hero named Gaven. Fangbane’s own champion is a young woman named Mirari. Fangbane introduces her to readers by stating: “I didn’t know precisely what powers or abilities she possessed. But whatever force she had inside her, I could perceive it would be terrible to behold…”
Fangbane describes with lavish self-praise his fearless valor, and the terror that he, himself, evokes upon his enemies on the battlefield. He mixes this opening narration with a self-aware inner dialog that hints at his own great struggle and his own suffering that brought him to this point. In the end, his champion, Mirari, overcomes Gaven, the Rebel leader—a man who will become her close confidant and partner. Neither Mirari nor Gaven have any memory of the epic, legendary battle they just fought, but Gaven is horrified by the pain and suffering his actions caused and is willing to accept execution for it when he discovers what happened. When he is saved from death by Mirari and Fangbane, the three heroes gather other fearsome fighters together and form the Alliance.
The Middle Ages is the backdrop for many fantasy YA stories. As it is in “The Song of Roland”’ or “Beowulf,” the heroes are fearless and true, the villains and monsters are monumentally terrible and seemingly invincible. Some of the secondary characters are teens who provide comic relief or romantic sparks. The prose is over the top, like a Medieval herald praising a great personage, or breathlessly describing a battle, or a Worldwide Wrestling announcer revving up the crowd as a feared challenger enters the ring. The main tale consists of battles (or travelling to battles), along with personal combats, even among allies, who constantly train and prove themselves to one another. There are many oaths thrown about as well; the best of which I personally think is: “…by the sweaty balls of Engelburt the untutored…”
I misspent my youth as a science fiction fan, and re-read “Lord of the Rings” more than once, so I can cast myself into the mindset of a young reader. I liked the book; it is a strong story, solid, sustaining, and there are enough surprises in both plot and character to keep any reader engrossed. The fact that it will be a trilogy promises we will learn more about the characters and this fascinating fantasy world. The author gives the reader a well-paced, 400-page tale, which is both well-written and professionally edited. Ms. Chu is a good writer, and I hope she grows into a great one, by giving more believable humanity to her characters as she allows the next two volumes of her trilogy to unfold.
The novel opens with a map of the various kingdoms and principalities on an imaginary continent, annotated with Gothic-looking calligraphy, the surrounding seas, the harbors, mountains, and forests. There are many characters, and some information about them can be gleaned from the lists associated with the map. Within the pages, we learn the backgrounds of the main actors in piecemeal fashion—their names, origins, “powers,” and sometimes their relationships to other characters. There is also a list of what we call “technologies” in the appendix. These technologies are mostly based on crystals which focus energy that can be controlled with various minerals and gems. There are devastating weapons as well as devices worn on the wrist that are used for worldwide communication. The author also invents a host of slang words, various foods, many religions, and powerful medical techniques, all of which are introduced into the story as they occur. Suffice to say, it is a world fully imagined.
The prologue thrusts the reader directly into a desperate battle fought with spears, swords, axes, and crystal energy weapons that ends in a huge slaughter. It is told from the perspective of “The Valiant Tiger”—the leader defending the establishment against a rebel army. We will learn this is Fangbane. In the prologue, he is directing his army, crushing the rebellion of another famous hero named Gaven. Fangbane’s own champion is a young woman named Mirari. Fangbane introduces her to readers by stating: “I didn’t know precisely what powers or abilities she possessed. But whatever force she had inside her, I could perceive it would be terrible to behold…”
Fangbane describes with lavish self-praise his fearless valor, and the terror that he, himself, evokes upon his enemies on the battlefield. He mixes this opening narration with a self-aware inner dialog that hints at his own great struggle and his own suffering that brought him to this point. In the end, his champion, Mirari, overcomes Gaven, the Rebel leader—a man who will become her close confidant and partner. Neither Mirari nor Gaven have any memory of the epic, legendary battle they just fought, but Gaven is horrified by the pain and suffering his actions caused and is willing to accept execution for it when he discovers what happened. When he is saved from death by Mirari and Fangbane, the three heroes gather other fearsome fighters together and form the Alliance.
The Middle Ages is the backdrop for many fantasy YA stories. As it is in “The Song of Roland”’ or “Beowulf,” the heroes are fearless and true, the villains and monsters are monumentally terrible and seemingly invincible. Some of the secondary characters are teens who provide comic relief or romantic sparks. The prose is over the top, like a Medieval herald praising a great personage, or breathlessly describing a battle, or a Worldwide Wrestling announcer revving up the crowd as a feared challenger enters the ring. The main tale consists of battles (or travelling to battles), along with personal combats, even among allies, who constantly train and prove themselves to one another. There are many oaths thrown about as well; the best of which I personally think is: “…by the sweaty balls of Engelburt the untutored…”
I misspent my youth as a science fiction fan, and re-read “Lord of the Rings” more than once, so I can cast myself into the mindset of a young reader. I liked the book; it is a strong story, solid, sustaining, and there are enough surprises in both plot and character to keep any reader engrossed. The fact that it will be a trilogy promises we will learn more about the characters and this fascinating fantasy world. The author gives the reader a well-paced, 400-page tale, which is both well-written and professionally edited. Ms. Chu is a good writer, and I hope she grows into a great one, by giving more believable humanity to her characters as she allows the next two volumes of her trilogy to unfold.
April 6, 2024
Knights of the Alliance by Stefanie Chu offers an engaging tale set in a vividly constructed world, where magic and camaraderie blend seamlessly to tell a story of loyalty, bravery, and the quest for peace. The narrative follows Mirari, a young woman grappling with her formidable magical abilities, and Gaven, her childhood friend wrongly accused and facing death. Their destinies intertwine with Lord Fangbane's vision of a united world, leading to the formation of the Knights, a group of elite fighters embarking on a mission to ensure peace across their divided lands.
While the book excels in world-building and the development of a diverse cast of characters, it occasionally stumbles in pacing and depth, leaving some parts of the tale feeling less explored or the connections between characters underdeveloped. Despite these moments, the core of the story shines through—highlighting themes of trust, redemption, and the complex nature of justice.
The adventure is punctuated with thrilling action sequences and moments of heartfelt humor, making for an enjoyable read. Knights of the Alliance is a commendable debut, promising enough for those who enjoy stories where the bonds of friendship and the fight for a greater good take center stage. For readers looking for a new fantasy world to get lost in, Stefanie Chu's creation offers a promising escape!
While the book excels in world-building and the development of a diverse cast of characters, it occasionally stumbles in pacing and depth, leaving some parts of the tale feeling less explored or the connections between characters underdeveloped. Despite these moments, the core of the story shines through—highlighting themes of trust, redemption, and the complex nature of justice.
The adventure is punctuated with thrilling action sequences and moments of heartfelt humor, making for an enjoyable read. Knights of the Alliance is a commendable debut, promising enough for those who enjoy stories where the bonds of friendship and the fight for a greater good take center stage. For readers looking for a new fantasy world to get lost in, Stefanie Chu's creation offers a promising escape!
February 2, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Knights of the Alliance is Book 1 of the Alliance Series by Stefanie Chu.
I did really enjoyed this book!
The writing was excellent with a lot of action and fighting and that I like in a book about Knights. The book was organized in 4 parts. But it was all in good Ballance. they way it was written was very well paced not to slow but also not to fast to much! and im looking forward to more!
Knights of the Alliance is Book 1 of the Alliance Series by Stefanie Chu.
I did really enjoyed this book!
The writing was excellent with a lot of action and fighting and that I like in a book about Knights. The book was organized in 4 parts. But it was all in good Ballance. they way it was written was very well paced not to slow but also not to fast to much! and im looking forward to more!
September 28, 2021
*I received a free ARC of this book from Reedsy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own.*
3.5/5 Stars
“Welcome to the Knights of the Alliance.”
Knights of the Alliance by Stefanie Chu is an epic fantasy novel filled with a wide array of unique characters, mystery, humor, political intrigue, and magical abilities. I was intrigued by this book upon reading the synopsis—I mean epic fantasy combined with magic, knights, and interesting character dynamics, I was hooked! And, overall, I really enjoyed this book and, knowing that this book is set up as the first in a trilogy, found it to be a solid introduction to the characters and the world and to set the stage nicely for the rest of the books in the series.
The Plot
Peace between the empires of Althaea, Minetta, and Valenia is fracturing and only a ragtag group of knights may be able to maintain harmony between the empires.
Having spent his entire life attempting to end the social and political conflict between the empires, Fangbane has dedicated himself to creating a group of knights to keep the peace and to solve conflicts amid the empires. In order to truly succeed, however, Fangbane needs the assistance of people from each of the three empires, two of whom could mean the difference between success and failure.
Mirari is a simple Minettan merchant, attempting to keep her head down while she works to discover the truth behind the disappearance of her brother and striving to run from her past and secretive magical abilities. However, after she discovers that her childhood friend, Gaven, has become embroiled in a brutal conflict of his own making, Mirari is determined to save him, even if he no longer remembers her. But in order to save Gaven from the executioner’s sword, Mirari may have no choice but to abandon the life she knows and any chance of vengeance against those behind her brother’s disappearance and to join Fangbane’s cause.
Gaven is a respected region leader and fighter in Althaea, but after an unknown force overtakes him and his memory and brings about a violent battle that is out of his control, his future hangs in the balance. And, much to Gaven’s dismay, his only way forward rests in joining and training Fangbane’s group of knights alongside the merchant Minettan girl who seems to be connected to him in more ways than one.
With the danger of a growing movement of vigilantes bent on overthrowing the system looming ever closer, Fangbane, Mirari, Gaven, and the rest of the Knights must learn to work together and put aside their differences to stop the growing threat before it is too late.
The Worldbuilding & the Writing
Knights of the Alliance promises an epic fantasy world filled with knights and magic and, overall, it delivers. I greatly enjoyed the world of the novel and exploring and traveling through it alongside the characters. In a book filled with various political dynamics based upon the different empires, I liked how Chu made a point of showcasing the similarities and differences between both the land and the people of the world of the novel. I also loved that the book included a map (a must in any epic fantasy book!) as it really helped to ground me in the world and to situate where all of the events were occurring.
In terms of the writing, the story is very easy to read and is written in such a way that it is quite easy to follow despite the epic fantasy world. The descriptions strike a balance between being straightforward and vivid that matches the overall atmosphere of the novel quite nicely and blends nicely with Chu’s fun and engaging dialogue. In this vein, I was greatly surprised by how much humor this book contained, which showed itself strongly through the dialogue between the characters and I really enjoyed it. I liked how Chu managed to balance humor with the heavier and darker political and social aspects of the novel and I definitely found this to be one of the strong suits of both Chu’s writing and the story as a whole.
The one thing that really threw me off with regards to the writing, however, was the shifts in perspective throughout the novel. While I greatly enjoy stories told through multiple perspectives, the various third-person POV switches within the same chapter made it difficult at some points to determine which character we were following, and I feel as though the story would have been more cohesive for me if each chapter was dedicated to a certain character instead of constantly switching several times mid-chapter with no real explanation.
The Characters
If you know anything about me then you know that I am a person who loves strong, character-driven stories with well-developed characters, and overall, this novel did not disappoint in that regard. One of my favorite parts of this novel would have to be the characters. They are all so unique and have their own hidden depths and histories that are slowly explored and unraveled as the story progresses, making them quite complex and realistic. Likewise, I enjoyed all the magical and kore abilities that the characters possessed and learning more about these powers as the story progressed, especially how these abilities seem to serve as an extension of the characters in some way and showcase a lot about the characters’ personalities and how they choose to wield their powers, particularly when it came to Fangbane, Mirari, and Shiba. Additionally, I greatly enjoyed the various relationships and dynamics that were explored throughout the story between the characters, particularly between Mirari and Gaven as well as Gaven and Fangbane, although I really liked all of the bonds that the novel detailed. Although the novel focuses on a wide variety of characters, including various POVs, the main characters would have to be Mirari, Fangbane, and Gaven, all of whom are interesting and dynamic characters in their own right.
Mirari: Of all of the characters that the novel introduces, Mirari would have to be my favorite. She is such a complex character who undergoes such a transformation over the course of the novel, starting as a lowly merchant just trying to keep her head down and to discover more about the disappearance of her brother into a strong, brave, and dedicated fighter working towards a cause greater than herself and I could not help rooting for her. She likewise has such a unique history that I really wanted to see explored and discussed more, something which I hope is done in the next two books in the trilogy because I feel as though knowing more about Mirari’s past will make her into an even more dynamic character and help to develop a fuller sense of how her past has shaped her into the person that we meet in this story. I do kind of wish that Mirari’s mysterious fire abilities were focused on a bit more, just because that is such an interesting aspect of her character, but I am sure that Chu plans on exploring these more in the next two books. As previously mentioned, I really liked the bonds that Mirari formed throughout the novel, particularly with Gaven, Fangbane, and Neo, and the different aspects of her character that these individual relationships showcased. I am really interested to see where Mirari’s story goes next, especially after the epilogue.
Fangbane: Like Mirari, I really enjoyed Fangbane’s character. He is fighting for such a just cause in creating a group of knights to represent all three empires to work together to solve the problems of these various empires and to create a sense of unity between the three when tensions are high. Likewise, Fangbane is so willing to do whatever it takes to see his vision realized and to keep his dream alive, including attempting to recruit Mirari, a girl with no real fighting experience and only unruly powers that she cannot control, and Gaven, a boy from another empire who he helped to defeat and bring to court. I greatly enjoyed his dedication to the group of people that he brought together and his ability to lead them through thick and thin, always standing strong (and stubborn) despite the odds and never giving in to outside pressures. I was also very intrigued by his mindreading ability and found it to fit his overall character and position as well as serving as a means of conveying information about other characters whose thoughts we are not privy to (either in general or at that particular moment).
Gaven: Despite his headstrong and sort of stoic exterior at the beginning of the novel, I eventually began to develop a great liking for Gaven and his overall character. Like Mirari, Gaven has a lot of different sides to him that are slowly unraveled over the course of the story and showcased through the various characters he interacts with; I particularly enjoyed the relationship that he formed with Mirari and how despite not remembering her from childhood, he slowly began to see her as someone he can trust and who will always have his back. I also found Gaven to undergo an interesting transformation over the course of the novel, especially as he slowly began to enjoy his position as being a part of Fangbane’s group of knights and being the one to teach them. Like with Mirari, however, I really wish that we learned more about Gaven’s past, particularly after he left Mirari and his transformation from that boy into the stoic and strong fighter that we are introduced to in this book.
The Mystery
If there is something besides characters and magic that I enjoy in my stories, it is an element of mystery, which Knights of the Alliance has in spades. The story is filled with various mysteries and secrets, only some of which are fully explored and solved by the novel’s end. The story picks up and scatters mysteries like breadcrumbs and I was really interested in following this trail to the end of the story and beyond, especially with regards to the bigger mysteries that were never solved by the novel’s end. In this vein, Chu did an amazing job with regards to setting up the story two big mysteries already in place—Mirari’s fire abilities (and memory loss after using them) as well as Gaven’s memory loss as to starting the Althaean Siege, both of which piqued my interest from the beginning and, in addition to the other mysteries and dynamic characters, kept me dedicated to finishing the story to try to see these mysteries unraveled. While I was slightly disappointed that some of these mysteries were not fully unraveled by the end of the novel, I feel as though Chu did an excellent job in making me want to pick up the next two books to see the mysteries unfold.
Conclusion
Overall, Knights of the Alliance is a solid debut that I would recommend to readers who enjoy epic fantasy novels filled with a dynamic cast of characters, elements of magic, and threads of mystery and I am excited to see what is to come in the upcoming installments, especially after that ending!
3.5/5 Stars
“Welcome to the Knights of the Alliance.”
Knights of the Alliance by Stefanie Chu is an epic fantasy novel filled with a wide array of unique characters, mystery, humor, political intrigue, and magical abilities. I was intrigued by this book upon reading the synopsis—I mean epic fantasy combined with magic, knights, and interesting character dynamics, I was hooked! And, overall, I really enjoyed this book and, knowing that this book is set up as the first in a trilogy, found it to be a solid introduction to the characters and the world and to set the stage nicely for the rest of the books in the series.
The Plot
Peace between the empires of Althaea, Minetta, and Valenia is fracturing and only a ragtag group of knights may be able to maintain harmony between the empires.
Having spent his entire life attempting to end the social and political conflict between the empires, Fangbane has dedicated himself to creating a group of knights to keep the peace and to solve conflicts amid the empires. In order to truly succeed, however, Fangbane needs the assistance of people from each of the three empires, two of whom could mean the difference between success and failure.
Mirari is a simple Minettan merchant, attempting to keep her head down while she works to discover the truth behind the disappearance of her brother and striving to run from her past and secretive magical abilities. However, after she discovers that her childhood friend, Gaven, has become embroiled in a brutal conflict of his own making, Mirari is determined to save him, even if he no longer remembers her. But in order to save Gaven from the executioner’s sword, Mirari may have no choice but to abandon the life she knows and any chance of vengeance against those behind her brother’s disappearance and to join Fangbane’s cause.
Gaven is a respected region leader and fighter in Althaea, but after an unknown force overtakes him and his memory and brings about a violent battle that is out of his control, his future hangs in the balance. And, much to Gaven’s dismay, his only way forward rests in joining and training Fangbane’s group of knights alongside the merchant Minettan girl who seems to be connected to him in more ways than one.
With the danger of a growing movement of vigilantes bent on overthrowing the system looming ever closer, Fangbane, Mirari, Gaven, and the rest of the Knights must learn to work together and put aside their differences to stop the growing threat before it is too late.
The Worldbuilding & the Writing
Knights of the Alliance promises an epic fantasy world filled with knights and magic and, overall, it delivers. I greatly enjoyed the world of the novel and exploring and traveling through it alongside the characters. In a book filled with various political dynamics based upon the different empires, I liked how Chu made a point of showcasing the similarities and differences between both the land and the people of the world of the novel. I also loved that the book included a map (a must in any epic fantasy book!) as it really helped to ground me in the world and to situate where all of the events were occurring.
In terms of the writing, the story is very easy to read and is written in such a way that it is quite easy to follow despite the epic fantasy world. The descriptions strike a balance between being straightforward and vivid that matches the overall atmosphere of the novel quite nicely and blends nicely with Chu’s fun and engaging dialogue. In this vein, I was greatly surprised by how much humor this book contained, which showed itself strongly through the dialogue between the characters and I really enjoyed it. I liked how Chu managed to balance humor with the heavier and darker political and social aspects of the novel and I definitely found this to be one of the strong suits of both Chu’s writing and the story as a whole.
The one thing that really threw me off with regards to the writing, however, was the shifts in perspective throughout the novel. While I greatly enjoy stories told through multiple perspectives, the various third-person POV switches within the same chapter made it difficult at some points to determine which character we were following, and I feel as though the story would have been more cohesive for me if each chapter was dedicated to a certain character instead of constantly switching several times mid-chapter with no real explanation.
The Characters
If you know anything about me then you know that I am a person who loves strong, character-driven stories with well-developed characters, and overall, this novel did not disappoint in that regard. One of my favorite parts of this novel would have to be the characters. They are all so unique and have their own hidden depths and histories that are slowly explored and unraveled as the story progresses, making them quite complex and realistic. Likewise, I enjoyed all the magical and kore abilities that the characters possessed and learning more about these powers as the story progressed, especially how these abilities seem to serve as an extension of the characters in some way and showcase a lot about the characters’ personalities and how they choose to wield their powers, particularly when it came to Fangbane, Mirari, and Shiba. Additionally, I greatly enjoyed the various relationships and dynamics that were explored throughout the story between the characters, particularly between Mirari and Gaven as well as Gaven and Fangbane, although I really liked all of the bonds that the novel detailed. Although the novel focuses on a wide variety of characters, including various POVs, the main characters would have to be Mirari, Fangbane, and Gaven, all of whom are interesting and dynamic characters in their own right.
Mirari: Of all of the characters that the novel introduces, Mirari would have to be my favorite. She is such a complex character who undergoes such a transformation over the course of the novel, starting as a lowly merchant just trying to keep her head down and to discover more about the disappearance of her brother into a strong, brave, and dedicated fighter working towards a cause greater than herself and I could not help rooting for her. She likewise has such a unique history that I really wanted to see explored and discussed more, something which I hope is done in the next two books in the trilogy because I feel as though knowing more about Mirari’s past will make her into an even more dynamic character and help to develop a fuller sense of how her past has shaped her into the person that we meet in this story. I do kind of wish that Mirari’s mysterious fire abilities were focused on a bit more, just because that is such an interesting aspect of her character, but I am sure that Chu plans on exploring these more in the next two books. As previously mentioned, I really liked the bonds that Mirari formed throughout the novel, particularly with Gaven, Fangbane, and Neo, and the different aspects of her character that these individual relationships showcased. I am really interested to see where Mirari’s story goes next, especially after the epilogue.
Fangbane: Like Mirari, I really enjoyed Fangbane’s character. He is fighting for such a just cause in creating a group of knights to represent all three empires to work together to solve the problems of these various empires and to create a sense of unity between the three when tensions are high. Likewise, Fangbane is so willing to do whatever it takes to see his vision realized and to keep his dream alive, including attempting to recruit Mirari, a girl with no real fighting experience and only unruly powers that she cannot control, and Gaven, a boy from another empire who he helped to defeat and bring to court. I greatly enjoyed his dedication to the group of people that he brought together and his ability to lead them through thick and thin, always standing strong (and stubborn) despite the odds and never giving in to outside pressures. I was also very intrigued by his mindreading ability and found it to fit his overall character and position as well as serving as a means of conveying information about other characters whose thoughts we are not privy to (either in general or at that particular moment).
Gaven: Despite his headstrong and sort of stoic exterior at the beginning of the novel, I eventually began to develop a great liking for Gaven and his overall character. Like Mirari, Gaven has a lot of different sides to him that are slowly unraveled over the course of the story and showcased through the various characters he interacts with; I particularly enjoyed the relationship that he formed with Mirari and how despite not remembering her from childhood, he slowly began to see her as someone he can trust and who will always have his back. I also found Gaven to undergo an interesting transformation over the course of the novel, especially as he slowly began to enjoy his position as being a part of Fangbane’s group of knights and being the one to teach them. Like with Mirari, however, I really wish that we learned more about Gaven’s past, particularly after he left Mirari and his transformation from that boy into the stoic and strong fighter that we are introduced to in this book.
The Mystery
If there is something besides characters and magic that I enjoy in my stories, it is an element of mystery, which Knights of the Alliance has in spades. The story is filled with various mysteries and secrets, only some of which are fully explored and solved by the novel’s end. The story picks up and scatters mysteries like breadcrumbs and I was really interested in following this trail to the end of the story and beyond, especially with regards to the bigger mysteries that were never solved by the novel’s end. In this vein, Chu did an amazing job with regards to setting up the story two big mysteries already in place—Mirari’s fire abilities (and memory loss after using them) as well as Gaven’s memory loss as to starting the Althaean Siege, both of which piqued my interest from the beginning and, in addition to the other mysteries and dynamic characters, kept me dedicated to finishing the story to try to see these mysteries unraveled. While I was slightly disappointed that some of these mysteries were not fully unraveled by the end of the novel, I feel as though Chu did an excellent job in making me want to pick up the next two books to see the mysteries unfold.
Conclusion
Overall, Knights of the Alliance is a solid debut that I would recommend to readers who enjoy epic fantasy novels filled with a dynamic cast of characters, elements of magic, and threads of mystery and I am excited to see what is to come in the upcoming installments, especially after that ending!
August 7, 2023
I don't even know where to begin when describing this epic journey! Firstly, I demolished this in 5 days, something I havent done since high school... which was a little while ago now. It was such an easy writing style to read with characters that you began to feel attached to, and I needed to know what happened next. There was a great complex world that was built in trickles throughout the book rather than a large info dump, which I really enjoyed.
I would have loved some more explicit explanations of the magic systems in this world, but you can find it in the glossary. Pity I found this at the end (definitely some user error here)
I would have loved some more explicit explanations of the magic systems in this world, but you can find it in the glossary. Pity I found this at the end (definitely some user error here)
November 16, 2021
If you enjoy stories about found family, Knights of the Alliance is definitely for you. Chu uses an episodic style of writing that gets you acquainted with all the book's interesting characters. Looking forward to book 2, next year!
October 28, 2021
With this debut novel, Stefanie Chu proved that she can create intricate worlds and blistering fight scenes, but that is not all. Each character was well developed and I sped through the pages to discover their secrets and get to know them better. If you love epic fight scenes, fantastic world building, people fighting for justice, and a bit of humor to balance it all, this book is for you.
December 12, 2022
A beautiful book on the outside and inside. A fantasy world full of fighting, political struggles, and friendships. A good storyline and great battle scenes.
October 25, 2023
4.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Finding herself in the midst of a bloody conflict, Mirari is faced with a decision, make a pact to dedicate herself to a life of servitude to save her childhood friend from the executioner's sword, or retreat back into hiding, lost in her quest for vengeance over her lost brother. Fangbane has spent most of his life trying to end centuries of social and political unrest and hostility. But in order to do this, he must have Gaven and Mirari with him, it could mean the difference between success and failure. With the growing threat of a dangerous group known as The Blessed, Fangbane must gather his group of Knights which is made up of the finest warriors of all three empires: Althaea, Minutia, and Valenia, even though the three do not always get along.
Mirari isn’t exactly a top tier warrior, she is still seeking vengeance for the death of her brother. But she has found herself now belonging to Fangbane’s elite group of warriors, the Knights. Fangbane sees something in Mirari that no one else has noticed yet. She has a power lurking inside that has yet to awaken. During a great battle, Fangbane witnesses Mirari harness a magic with a skill that few posses. What’s even more interesting is that after the battle is over, she has no memory of it at all, not of the fighting, or the magic she wielded or the skills she possessed. She only knows that her opponent is someone she hasn’t seen in over 10 years, her childhood friend Gaven, who doesn’t even recognize her. She knows that she would do anything to save him, because the rumors can’t be true that he was involved in the uprising, that would mean that he would be put to death. But he has no memory of the battle, just like Mirari, and even though he shows no recognition and is rude to her, she still decides that she will join Fangbane and his Knights in order to save Gaven from execution..
I loved this book, fantasy at its finest! I love a story with mystery, intrigue, magic, and an unknown enemy lurking in the shadows waiting for a chance to strike. And there were some pretty awesome names in this story: Mirari, Fangbane, Neo, Starlight, Shiba! Our main character is a strong woman with a past that she tries to keep hidden in the past, but she encounters people along the way who know the person she used to be and she must decide if she will tell them the truth or keep hiding who she is. Along with the Knight’s she will learn how to better fight to defend herself and the people of the three empires. Mirari fully embraces her new family and when the enemy finally decides to strike, she will risk her own safety to protect those around her.
It grabbed my attention from the very beginning , because it started out in the middle of a battle, a battle in which we soon learn that not everyone involved had full control of their own actions or their minds, but were simply pawns for the enemy to use to further their plan to push the three empires closer to the brink of war. Fangbane knows there could be peace among everyone if only they are willing to work together to find the real enemy and stop them once and for all.
I would recommend this book to everyone, because who doesn’t love magic and evil secret societies and sword fights! This is a story about finding yourself where you were meant to be all along, finding out your true potential and that you are stronger than you think, and finding out that no matter what lies in your past and how you feel, there is always somewhere that you belong. The author laid the foundation for a truly epic fantasy series with this book, because there is another book in this series and a prequel, and I am eager to come back and learn more about the Knights and their ongoing fight to stop The Blessed and unite the three empires.
Finding herself in the midst of a bloody conflict, Mirari is faced with a decision, make a pact to dedicate herself to a life of servitude to save her childhood friend from the executioner's sword, or retreat back into hiding, lost in her quest for vengeance over her lost brother. Fangbane has spent most of his life trying to end centuries of social and political unrest and hostility. But in order to do this, he must have Gaven and Mirari with him, it could mean the difference between success and failure. With the growing threat of a dangerous group known as The Blessed, Fangbane must gather his group of Knights which is made up of the finest warriors of all three empires: Althaea, Minutia, and Valenia, even though the three do not always get along.
Mirari isn’t exactly a top tier warrior, she is still seeking vengeance for the death of her brother. But she has found herself now belonging to Fangbane’s elite group of warriors, the Knights. Fangbane sees something in Mirari that no one else has noticed yet. She has a power lurking inside that has yet to awaken. During a great battle, Fangbane witnesses Mirari harness a magic with a skill that few posses. What’s even more interesting is that after the battle is over, she has no memory of it at all, not of the fighting, or the magic she wielded or the skills she possessed. She only knows that her opponent is someone she hasn’t seen in over 10 years, her childhood friend Gaven, who doesn’t even recognize her. She knows that she would do anything to save him, because the rumors can’t be true that he was involved in the uprising, that would mean that he would be put to death. But he has no memory of the battle, just like Mirari, and even though he shows no recognition and is rude to her, she still decides that she will join Fangbane and his Knights in order to save Gaven from execution..
I loved this book, fantasy at its finest! I love a story with mystery, intrigue, magic, and an unknown enemy lurking in the shadows waiting for a chance to strike. And there were some pretty awesome names in this story: Mirari, Fangbane, Neo, Starlight, Shiba! Our main character is a strong woman with a past that she tries to keep hidden in the past, but she encounters people along the way who know the person she used to be and she must decide if she will tell them the truth or keep hiding who she is. Along with the Knight’s she will learn how to better fight to defend herself and the people of the three empires. Mirari fully embraces her new family and when the enemy finally decides to strike, she will risk her own safety to protect those around her.
It grabbed my attention from the very beginning , because it started out in the middle of a battle, a battle in which we soon learn that not everyone involved had full control of their own actions or their minds, but were simply pawns for the enemy to use to further their plan to push the three empires closer to the brink of war. Fangbane knows there could be peace among everyone if only they are willing to work together to find the real enemy and stop them once and for all.
I would recommend this book to everyone, because who doesn’t love magic and evil secret societies and sword fights! This is a story about finding yourself where you were meant to be all along, finding out your true potential and that you are stronger than you think, and finding out that no matter what lies in your past and how you feel, there is always somewhere that you belong. The author laid the foundation for a truly epic fantasy series with this book, because there is another book in this series and a prequel, and I am eager to come back and learn more about the Knights and their ongoing fight to stop The Blessed and unite the three empires.
August 27, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars out of 5
*Blurb*
At the end of the Althaean Siege, Mirari and Gaven come face to face in a dangerous battle of magic. However once it is over, neither of them remember the fight. There are other memories lost, and magical abilities shrouded in mystery.
*
Mirari is a girl with a secretive past and a fighting spirit who has joined a crew of people led by Fangbane, a respected fighter and leader who can also read minds. Together, with the approval of the Council, this group of people eventually become known as the Knights.
*
Although we get to know each character, Mirari is the protagonist. She has several good qualities as a main character: her spirit, her loyalty, and her courage. She does have her flaws though, mostly due to not accepting herself for who she is. She also hides important information, reasoning that it will protect those that she cares about.
*
The other Knights include Gaven, a renowned fighter and leader of one of the regions; Neo, a big brawler with a kind heart; Shiba, a sarcastic and hardened shadow-wielding magic user; Starlight, a talented healer with a maternal instinct; Dorain, a magic user who can make a magic bow and arrows and use a companion; and Hime, a young but talented healer and magic user. The members of the group go through training, forming bonds and friendships, and missions that each give a piece to the larger puzzle: Who or what is causing this memory loss?
*
While some parts of the story move a little slower, it is fun to get to know the characters as they train and go on missions. We even get some short flashbacks that give our main group some backstory, which helps us to understand their motivations.
*
Through each mission and tidbit of information we learn that there is a mysterious group of people who may or may not exist. Trying to prove their existence and possible connection to the main conflict leads to various smaller conflicts and altercations, each one leading our heroes closer to the truth and closer to each other. It all snowballs into an epic conclusion that is both satisfying and open ended.
*
*Review*
I really enjoyed this book. It has all of the markings of a good fantasy: interesting characters, good character dynamics, a unique magic system, world building, small conflicts within a larger conflict, and even side quests! The story is told from a third person perspective (mostly omniscient third person), so we get to know each of the characters fairly well as the story goes on. I really liked this method of telling the story, as it also helped us to connect with the characters and understand them.
*
What I liked best was the way the author used what I call “side quests” to tie into the main conflict and also slowly introduce the world and the characters to the reader. It never felt like too much information. I was, however, very grateful for the appendix that was at the end of the book that explained a lot of terms and important information.
*
I also like the way Asian historical elements and martial arts were woven into the story. Within these elements are things like stereotyping, social injustice, classism, and even forms of government. It made me interested to learn more about these topics.
*
I would recommend this book if you like classic fantasy stories with magic, quests, training and bonding, and historical elements. You might like this book if you like reading about found family, enemies to friends, mentor/ mentee, and mysterious magical abilities. You might also like this book if you like dungeons and dragons type scenarios and stories.
*Blurb*
At the end of the Althaean Siege, Mirari and Gaven come face to face in a dangerous battle of magic. However once it is over, neither of them remember the fight. There are other memories lost, and magical abilities shrouded in mystery.
*
Mirari is a girl with a secretive past and a fighting spirit who has joined a crew of people led by Fangbane, a respected fighter and leader who can also read minds. Together, with the approval of the Council, this group of people eventually become known as the Knights.
*
Although we get to know each character, Mirari is the protagonist. She has several good qualities as a main character: her spirit, her loyalty, and her courage. She does have her flaws though, mostly due to not accepting herself for who she is. She also hides important information, reasoning that it will protect those that she cares about.
*
The other Knights include Gaven, a renowned fighter and leader of one of the regions; Neo, a big brawler with a kind heart; Shiba, a sarcastic and hardened shadow-wielding magic user; Starlight, a talented healer with a maternal instinct; Dorain, a magic user who can make a magic bow and arrows and use a companion; and Hime, a young but talented healer and magic user. The members of the group go through training, forming bonds and friendships, and missions that each give a piece to the larger puzzle: Who or what is causing this memory loss?
*
While some parts of the story move a little slower, it is fun to get to know the characters as they train and go on missions. We even get some short flashbacks that give our main group some backstory, which helps us to understand their motivations.
*
Through each mission and tidbit of information we learn that there is a mysterious group of people who may or may not exist. Trying to prove their existence and possible connection to the main conflict leads to various smaller conflicts and altercations, each one leading our heroes closer to the truth and closer to each other. It all snowballs into an epic conclusion that is both satisfying and open ended.
*
*Review*
I really enjoyed this book. It has all of the markings of a good fantasy: interesting characters, good character dynamics, a unique magic system, world building, small conflicts within a larger conflict, and even side quests! The story is told from a third person perspective (mostly omniscient third person), so we get to know each of the characters fairly well as the story goes on. I really liked this method of telling the story, as it also helped us to connect with the characters and understand them.
*
What I liked best was the way the author used what I call “side quests” to tie into the main conflict and also slowly introduce the world and the characters to the reader. It never felt like too much information. I was, however, very grateful for the appendix that was at the end of the book that explained a lot of terms and important information.
*
I also like the way Asian historical elements and martial arts were woven into the story. Within these elements are things like stereotyping, social injustice, classism, and even forms of government. It made me interested to learn more about these topics.
*
I would recommend this book if you like classic fantasy stories with magic, quests, training and bonding, and historical elements. You might like this book if you like reading about found family, enemies to friends, mentor/ mentee, and mysterious magical abilities. You might also like this book if you like dungeons and dragons type scenarios and stories.
February 20, 2024
Review of Knights of Alliance by Stafanie Chu
3.5/5 stars (i put 4 because it's more of a 4 than a 3)
* I received this book for free in exchange for a honest and thoughtful review*
Summary:
A world divided by region and their prospective leaders is riddled with injustice, hatred, and fighting. Determined to improve the current system and find a new sense of equality and peacefulness, Fangbane forms a group of knights. Each knight is unique in their personality and abilities and vow to achieve Fangbane's ambitious goal of improving the society they all live in and, ultimately, the world.
Review:
Pros:
The world the author creates is interesting. It takes a feudal era stance and adds some spice with magic, battles, and snarkiness that I enjoyed. The characters are likable and intriguing. Chu does a great job creating a sense of mystery behind each character that makes you want to dig deeper to find out who they truly are and the past experiences that make them how they are today. I enjoyed the battle scenes and the goriness that the author portrayed.
The character development was great, and you truly get a sense of how the personality of the characters change throughout the novel, and it makes you eager to follow them further into their journey.
Cons:
I found that the novel had both a slow pace and a rather rushed pace at the same time. For instance, there is no "real" excitement at the beginning of the story for me (first 200 pages or so) but once you get to some great plot twists (that I thoroughly enjoyed) and discoveries everything seems so rushed. I would've enjoyed some of these events to have more time to set in. I like being distraught for my characters and I felt that the issues that could've created this suspense and feeling in me were sped up; therefore, for a split second I was worried and then the next page (at times) would relieve that worry almost instantly, but this could be my preference and other readers may love this style.
Lastly, the switch of POV made me rather confused while reading, and I had no idea who the book referred to at some parts. However, it doesn't take away from the story at hand just takes a minute or two to figure out what's going on.
Overall, It was a great first book into a series that leaves you with alot of questions, which I'm sure is intentional, that can be developed and explained in the next books and I would recommend anyone who loves fantasy, magic, and mystery to give it a read!
3.5/5 stars (i put 4 because it's more of a 4 than a 3)
* I received this book for free in exchange for a honest and thoughtful review*
Summary:
A world divided by region and their prospective leaders is riddled with injustice, hatred, and fighting. Determined to improve the current system and find a new sense of equality and peacefulness, Fangbane forms a group of knights. Each knight is unique in their personality and abilities and vow to achieve Fangbane's ambitious goal of improving the society they all live in and, ultimately, the world.
Review:
Pros:
The world the author creates is interesting. It takes a feudal era stance and adds some spice with magic, battles, and snarkiness that I enjoyed. The characters are likable and intriguing. Chu does a great job creating a sense of mystery behind each character that makes you want to dig deeper to find out who they truly are and the past experiences that make them how they are today. I enjoyed the battle scenes and the goriness that the author portrayed.
The character development was great, and you truly get a sense of how the personality of the characters change throughout the novel, and it makes you eager to follow them further into their journey.
Cons:
I found that the novel had both a slow pace and a rather rushed pace at the same time. For instance, there is no "real" excitement at the beginning of the story for me (first 200 pages or so) but once you get to some great plot twists (that I thoroughly enjoyed) and discoveries everything seems so rushed. I would've enjoyed some of these events to have more time to set in. I like being distraught for my characters and I felt that the issues that could've created this suspense and feeling in me were sped up; therefore, for a split second I was worried and then the next page (at times) would relieve that worry almost instantly, but this could be my preference and other readers may love this style.
Lastly, the switch of POV made me rather confused while reading, and I had no idea who the book referred to at some parts. However, it doesn't take away from the story at hand just takes a minute or two to figure out what's going on.
Overall, It was a great first book into a series that leaves you with alot of questions, which I'm sure is intentional, that can be developed and explained in the next books and I would recommend anyone who loves fantasy, magic, and mystery to give it a read!
July 29, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Knights of the Alliance
Author: Stefanie Chu
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 18
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 18 readers:
18 would read another book by this author.
18 thought the cover was good or excellent.
18 felt it was easy to follow.
18 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘understanding what the reader wanted’.
18 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
18 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Cool, magical world, surprisingly political plot, amazing characters. I loved this book!” Girl, aged 14
“Firstly, I thought the cover look cool. When I saw it, I so wanted to check out the story. Secondly, this is a very good fantasy story. I like that there was suspense but also it was funny too. Thirdly, the ending is fab, and now I want to read the next book. I´d recommend this to 13 – 16 year olds who like fast-paced fantasy novels.” Girl, aged 15
“I loved how the hero set up this fighting alliance to protect everybody. That was interesting. The best character is Mirari; I think she has a hidden past and lots of depth. There´s a lot of character development in the story but the second half is faster paced. I would read the next book in the set.” Boy, aged 15
“This novel has an epic fantasy feel to it. The author is a good writer who knows how to keep things exciting. I liked how the characters interacted, and it was often sort of funny too. I thought this was a big, bold fantasy story teenagers will love.” Male reader, aged 16
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced fantasy epic teenagers will thoroughly enjoy! A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Knights of the Alliance
Author: Stefanie Chu
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 18
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 18 readers:
18 would read another book by this author.
18 thought the cover was good or excellent.
18 felt it was easy to follow.
18 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘understanding what the reader wanted’.
18 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
18 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Cool, magical world, surprisingly political plot, amazing characters. I loved this book!” Girl, aged 14
“Firstly, I thought the cover look cool. When I saw it, I so wanted to check out the story. Secondly, this is a very good fantasy story. I like that there was suspense but also it was funny too. Thirdly, the ending is fab, and now I want to read the next book. I´d recommend this to 13 – 16 year olds who like fast-paced fantasy novels.” Girl, aged 15
“I loved how the hero set up this fighting alliance to protect everybody. That was interesting. The best character is Mirari; I think she has a hidden past and lots of depth. There´s a lot of character development in the story but the second half is faster paced. I would read the next book in the set.” Boy, aged 15
“This novel has an epic fantasy feel to it. The author is a good writer who knows how to keep things exciting. I liked how the characters interacted, and it was often sort of funny too. I thought this was a big, bold fantasy story teenagers will love.” Male reader, aged 16
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced fantasy epic teenagers will thoroughly enjoy! A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
February 8, 2022
Knights of the Alliance, by Stefanie Chu, is the story of some of the finest warriors throughout the Empires of Althaea, Minetta, and Valenia. The Empires are divided, but unity and peace may be one step closer with this new alliance. The main female character is Mirari Zanette, and at the beginning of the novel, she is an unknown warrior in combat with the Valiant Tiger. The Valiant Tiger is also known as the Region Leader of Althaea Main, Gaven, who shares a past with Mirari.
Both warriors have been entranced, and after engaging in a duel, Gaven has no recollection of who Mirari is or what he has done. Mirari can’t remember her actions during the fight, but her past memories are intact. Both warriors are asked to be a part of the Knights of the Alliance. Which causes some conflict in the beginning. Gaven still does not know who Mirari really is, but he slowly starts to trust and admire her.
The writing style in this imaginative book is excellent throughout. As a reader, you feel fully immersed in the story. The author uses a slow burn style to introduce the plot and let readers get to know the characters, they are left wanting to read more. The relationships between the characters are intricate, as well as their backstories. The relationship between Mirari and Gaven is my favorite to read. I really connected with their characters, and I wanted to learn more about them. The action in the story is well written, allowing the reader to feel as though they are alongside the characters. There are a lot of questions left unanswered in this exciting novel, readers will be looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.
Knights of the Alliance is a riveting young adult novel that teens will enjoy reading. This epic fantasy novel will also appeal to anyone who enjoys adventure, fantasy, and magic.
Both warriors have been entranced, and after engaging in a duel, Gaven has no recollection of who Mirari is or what he has done. Mirari can’t remember her actions during the fight, but her past memories are intact. Both warriors are asked to be a part of the Knights of the Alliance. Which causes some conflict in the beginning. Gaven still does not know who Mirari really is, but he slowly starts to trust and admire her.
The writing style in this imaginative book is excellent throughout. As a reader, you feel fully immersed in the story. The author uses a slow burn style to introduce the plot and let readers get to know the characters, they are left wanting to read more. The relationships between the characters are intricate, as well as their backstories. The relationship between Mirari and Gaven is my favorite to read. I really connected with their characters, and I wanted to learn more about them. The action in the story is well written, allowing the reader to feel as though they are alongside the characters. There are a lot of questions left unanswered in this exciting novel, readers will be looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.
Knights of the Alliance is a riveting young adult novel that teens will enjoy reading. This epic fantasy novel will also appeal to anyone who enjoys adventure, fantasy, and magic.
October 24, 2023
Believe me when I tell you that you will be blown away and sucked right into this amazing world once you read the prologue. It does an amazing job setting the tone for the rest of the book.
We are thrust right in the aftermath of a battle against a rebellion and only one rebel warrior stands.
This is where we begin our story and our journey into a fascinating world full of mysteries, swords and magic. Stefanie Chu tackles issues that mirror current society in a beautiful way with how she writes. Creating captivating characters that are well developed, each with their strengths, weaknesses, traumas and sense of justice.
The world building was phenomenal! I usually have a hard time picturing descriptions in my head, but everything was written with a grace where I was able to imagine everything clearly. Sometimes it felt like watching an anime or playing a video game. Especially with the fighting classes and magic system. The style of world building felt very Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings like. I can also see why people would get Avatar: The last Airbender and Final Fantasy vibes. I would go into detail but I don't want to spoil anything about this amazing book.
I really enjoyed reading Knights of the Alliance, it has a great rhythm throughout the story with a balance between world building, politics and action. I had to stop myself sometimes late at night because I just wanted to keep turning page after page as the story unfolded.
Very strong debut, I will be recommending this book to others.
Now to continue my journey in the prequel, Echoes of Enmity.
We are thrust right in the aftermath of a battle against a rebellion and only one rebel warrior stands.
This is where we begin our story and our journey into a fascinating world full of mysteries, swords and magic. Stefanie Chu tackles issues that mirror current society in a beautiful way with how she writes. Creating captivating characters that are well developed, each with their strengths, weaknesses, traumas and sense of justice.
The world building was phenomenal! I usually have a hard time picturing descriptions in my head, but everything was written with a grace where I was able to imagine everything clearly. Sometimes it felt like watching an anime or playing a video game. Especially with the fighting classes and magic system. The style of world building felt very Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings like. I can also see why people would get Avatar: The last Airbender and Final Fantasy vibes. I would go into detail but I don't want to spoil anything about this amazing book.
I really enjoyed reading Knights of the Alliance, it has a great rhythm throughout the story with a balance between world building, politics and action. I had to stop myself sometimes late at night because I just wanted to keep turning page after page as the story unfolded.
Very strong debut, I will be recommending this book to others.
Now to continue my journey in the prequel, Echoes of Enmity.
July 5, 2024
Knights of the Alliance by Stefanie Chu is the first installment in the Alliance fantasy series. The world building is detailed, including maps of the regions and an appendix of names or phrases that might need a little more explanation. The main characters are an eclectic mix of flawed, courageous, talented, tenacious, and sometimes ignorant of the world around them. These qualities lead the reader to invest the time to explore this wonderful and magical world and all that it contains.
Fangbane has a vision: to unite the lands of Minetta, Valenia, and Althaea under a new protective force called the Knights of the Alliance. To do this, he must first convince his allies that there is a need of such united front. The leaders of the three lands plan to continue as they have for centuries, defending themselves and their own lands and people.
Enter Mirari, Gaven, Shiba, Neo, Hime, Starlight, Dorain, Lucan, and Kylah: fighters, spellcasters, and healers who join Fangbane on his mission to unite a world full of mistrust, anxiety, and secret societies long held to be myths. Each character adds their talents to strengthen the Knights of the Alliance and to try to bring peace to chaotic lands.
The fast-paced story draws in the reader from the very beginning with a battle. The intriguing writing style and relatable characters keep the reader invested throughout. There are a few areas that could use expanding, but we're lucky that this is just the first book in a series and that there is still time to learn more from Fangbane and his Knights of the Alliance.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this review is honest and voluntary.
Fangbane has a vision: to unite the lands of Minetta, Valenia, and Althaea under a new protective force called the Knights of the Alliance. To do this, he must first convince his allies that there is a need of such united front. The leaders of the three lands plan to continue as they have for centuries, defending themselves and their own lands and people.
Enter Mirari, Gaven, Shiba, Neo, Hime, Starlight, Dorain, Lucan, and Kylah: fighters, spellcasters, and healers who join Fangbane on his mission to unite a world full of mistrust, anxiety, and secret societies long held to be myths. Each character adds their talents to strengthen the Knights of the Alliance and to try to bring peace to chaotic lands.
The fast-paced story draws in the reader from the very beginning with a battle. The intriguing writing style and relatable characters keep the reader invested throughout. There are a few areas that could use expanding, but we're lucky that this is just the first book in a series and that there is still time to learn more from Fangbane and his Knights of the Alliance.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this review is honest and voluntary.
September 25, 2023
I went back and forth on whether to give this story 3 stars or 4. Knights of the Alliance brings you into the action from the very first chapter and while exciting as that is, I also had a hard time appreciating who the characters were and what was happening. It almost felt like I was reading the sequel to a book and it was just picking up where the previous one left off. After pausing two chapters in and finding out there was a prequel book out, I went and read that and then came back to this one and it made so much more sense to me.
Mirari is a Minettan merchant who recently lost her brother and is dealing with that loss in a tough way. When she finds out a friend from her past is in danger of being executed to rushes to save the one person she believe she has left in the world. Not only does she find herself in the middle of a battle but she has her own secrets that she can't let anyone know and must guard them closely while trying to save her friend.
Gaven is a wonderfully flawed character and one I instantly liked and wanted to know more about. He has many different sides to him and we witness his inner turmoil on how to be himself and still get the job done. His transformation throughout he book had me wanting to know more and keep going.
The objective of the Knights and the mystery they come across made this a very interesting and captivating read. I do wish we had been given more detail or background on some things that seem to have a relevance such as hair color and the power over fire but maybe that will come later on.
Mirari is a Minettan merchant who recently lost her brother and is dealing with that loss in a tough way. When she finds out a friend from her past is in danger of being executed to rushes to save the one person she believe she has left in the world. Not only does she find herself in the middle of a battle but she has her own secrets that she can't let anyone know and must guard them closely while trying to save her friend.
Gaven is a wonderfully flawed character and one I instantly liked and wanted to know more about. He has many different sides to him and we witness his inner turmoil on how to be himself and still get the job done. His transformation throughout he book had me wanting to know more and keep going.
The objective of the Knights and the mystery they come across made this a very interesting and captivating read. I do wish we had been given more detail or background on some things that seem to have a relevance such as hair color and the power over fire but maybe that will come later on.
June 6, 2024
This is book 1 of The Alliance series. I have read Echos of Enmity awhile back, so I knew a little background of this series. Reading this sort of filled up the gap, understanding more of the conflict and where it all begins. My utmost gratitude to the author for this copy! Apologies for taking a while to complete it and I'm glad that I can move on to book 2.
Overall, this novel was easy to grasp even though it is thick with plots and revolved around many characters. I liked that it has been indirectly sectioned and arranged in such a way that I don't get confused. Moreover, this novel is about magical abilities that truly reminds me of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse that I liked!
I'm quite enthralled with the world created in this novel as the story progressed. It is fit to be on the big screen too IMO since it is sort of like an epic fantasy. I would think fresh faces would blend in perfectly as when I am reading it, I kept imagining faces I've not seen with handsome Asian-Eurasian features. I know it sounds crazy but that's just me lah!
I especially liked the little intro in the middle about Fangbane and Starlight, how they have met and why Fangbane wore a full-face helmet. It actually gave me goosebumps and made it more humanly, felt more real.
It's quite eventful with a dash of humour and it made the novel not as bland and serious. The chaotic ending definitely would be big screen worthy with all the magic and fighting. I liked how it ended with a little promise of book 2 coming up. If you are into magical epic fantasy novels, you should pick this one up!
Overall, this novel was easy to grasp even though it is thick with plots and revolved around many characters. I liked that it has been indirectly sectioned and arranged in such a way that I don't get confused. Moreover, this novel is about magical abilities that truly reminds me of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse that I liked!
I'm quite enthralled with the world created in this novel as the story progressed. It is fit to be on the big screen too IMO since it is sort of like an epic fantasy. I would think fresh faces would blend in perfectly as when I am reading it, I kept imagining faces I've not seen with handsome Asian-Eurasian features. I know it sounds crazy but that's just me lah!
I especially liked the little intro in the middle about Fangbane and Starlight, how they have met and why Fangbane wore a full-face helmet. It actually gave me goosebumps and made it more humanly, felt more real.
It's quite eventful with a dash of humour and it made the novel not as bland and serious. The chaotic ending definitely would be big screen worthy with all the magic and fighting. I liked how it ended with a little promise of book 2 coming up. If you are into magical epic fantasy novels, you should pick this one up!
Read
September 21, 2023"Knights of the Alliance" shows the beginnings of an elite force of knights from competing kingdoms attempting to provide a neutral force of peace and mutual benefit. Led by the empath Fangbane, the Knights begin as a disparate party of independent men and women, each a warrior in their own right. They are forced to work together as a team in order to battle the insidious forces that seek to drag each kingdom down, forces that may ultimately be related to the nebulous Blessed cult.
The concept behind this story was interesting, with the Knights' cause being fairly noble in intent, but dangerous to the existing political structure. The story hops from one person's experience to another, giving more of an omniscient point of view but not really allowing the reader to get deep into someone's head and connect. Most of the story is written in third person, but the prologue is told from the leader's point of view, and the epilogue from one of the knights' point of view, which really reflected personalities more deeply. Overall, the Knights' missions meandered across the map, seemingly unrelated to each other and with many missteps along the way, but toward the end some connections are made. A number of questions are posed in this book but were not yet answered, likely following the characters into the second book "Birth of Resilience."
The concept behind this story was interesting, with the Knights' cause being fairly noble in intent, but dangerous to the existing political structure. The story hops from one person's experience to another, giving more of an omniscient point of view but not really allowing the reader to get deep into someone's head and connect. Most of the story is written in third person, but the prologue is told from the leader's point of view, and the epilogue from one of the knights' point of view, which really reflected personalities more deeply. Overall, the Knights' missions meandered across the map, seemingly unrelated to each other and with many missteps along the way, but toward the end some connections are made. A number of questions are posed in this book but were not yet answered, likely following the characters into the second book "Birth of Resilience."
August 24, 2023
Fantasy and Politics, while completely different from each other, neither are a topic I lean towards when it comes to reading. That said, Stefanie Chu has created a pleasing premise to combine the two. From battles to adventure, to politics to old friendships & secrets, there’s something for everything.
As you open the novel you are transported to the lands of Althaea, Minetta & Valencia, with a map to guide your travels. Travel across the lands and join in the endless battles of their 13 ‘armies’, as you follow along the journey of Mirari, Gaven and Fangbane. This novel will open a whole new world for you to enjoy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the characters. The map at the beginning of the novel gave me an understanding of the Empires before reading and where I was throughout reading the novel. As I am not one to typically read these type of novels, I did find myself going back and forth between the story and the appendix to get a better understanding at the beginning of the novel as well (that’s not a bad thing).
Would definitely recommend for any fantasy/adventure lovers.
As you open the novel you are transported to the lands of Althaea, Minetta & Valencia, with a map to guide your travels. Travel across the lands and join in the endless battles of their 13 ‘armies’, as you follow along the journey of Mirari, Gaven and Fangbane. This novel will open a whole new world for you to enjoy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the characters. The map at the beginning of the novel gave me an understanding of the Empires before reading and where I was throughout reading the novel. As I am not one to typically read these type of novels, I did find myself going back and forth between the story and the appendix to get a better understanding at the beginning of the novel as well (that’s not a bad thing).
Would definitely recommend for any fantasy/adventure lovers.
October 5, 2024
3,5* rounded up
Read for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely.
I did like Knights of the Alliance by Stefanie Chu enough to finish it, however it just didn't set itself apart enough from other, similar stories.
At times it felt like it was missing something, which might be due to there being a prequel novella, which might have made it easier to start into this new world.
I did really enjoy how the setting felt a bit more mixed up than the same / same western mediaeval standard. It Could have been fleshed out a bit better at times, but overall it was fun to explore this world.
Bits of the writing did throw me out of story though, with way too modern words / phrases here and there. It didn't really fit the rest of the tone in my eyes.
Which leads me to the prose itself could have used another round of tightening up. I prefer to learn through the story, character actions and dialogue, rather than being told things.
The characters had a similar problem for me, where they were good enough to keep me engaged but just a bit too close to the usual tropes to feel fully real.
This has a lot of promise, and I'm curious how future books will shine!
Read for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely.
I did like Knights of the Alliance by Stefanie Chu enough to finish it, however it just didn't set itself apart enough from other, similar stories.
At times it felt like it was missing something, which might be due to there being a prequel novella, which might have made it easier to start into this new world.
I did really enjoy how the setting felt a bit more mixed up than the same / same western mediaeval standard. It Could have been fleshed out a bit better at times, but overall it was fun to explore this world.
Bits of the writing did throw me out of story though, with way too modern words / phrases here and there. It didn't really fit the rest of the tone in my eyes.
Which leads me to the prose itself could have used another round of tightening up. I prefer to learn through the story, character actions and dialogue, rather than being told things.
The characters had a similar problem for me, where they were good enough to keep me engaged but just a bit too close to the usual tropes to feel fully real.
This has a lot of promise, and I'm curious how future books will shine!
Want to read
October 10, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBOX contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
An hour unknown girl launches herself into a deadly, magical dual with a powerful rebel leader in the midst of a battle.
This opens with a long action set piece of a prologue from the 1st person perspective of a psychic onlooker before shifting perspective to our unknown MC in chapter 1. The prose is a bit purple, but the action keeps things moving.
There’s details I’m unsure of here, but it seems full of colorful ideas and magical tid-bits. It’s melodramatic, with broad emotional gestures, but focused on an anime-esque fight.
The narration does a good job of not overwhelming us with exposition, and while I felt the action went a bit long, the surprise at the end of the prologue kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. That’s THE trick of fiction, isn’t it?
This seems fun, active, and unique, with a blend of Avatar the Last Airbender style elemental magic and potentially magical trinkets, psychic powers, and I don’t know what else. I’m in.
An hour unknown girl launches herself into a deadly, magical dual with a powerful rebel leader in the midst of a battle.
This opens with a long action set piece of a prologue from the 1st person perspective of a psychic onlooker before shifting perspective to our unknown MC in chapter 1. The prose is a bit purple, but the action keeps things moving.
There’s details I’m unsure of here, but it seems full of colorful ideas and magical tid-bits. It’s melodramatic, with broad emotional gestures, but focused on an anime-esque fight.
The narration does a good job of not overwhelming us with exposition, and while I felt the action went a bit long, the surprise at the end of the prologue kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. That’s THE trick of fiction, isn’t it?
This seems fun, active, and unique, with a blend of Avatar the Last Airbender style elemental magic and potentially magical trinkets, psychic powers, and I don’t know what else. I’m in.
March 25, 2022
In a world filled with strife, social injustice, and corrupt politics, Fangbane decides to form a group of soldiers who will champion all people. He pulls together warriors from the three different empires, hoping to break new ground. But his experiment faces challenges when the Knights fight amongst themselves. If Fangbane can’t get his team to work together, what does it mean for the future of their people?
Fangbane sees great potential in Mirari, but she’s afraid to use her powers. She’s convinced she’ll lose control and kill everyone around her. Determined to be a warrior, Mirari trains with Gavin, her childhood friend. When Shiba taunts her for being weak, Mirari trains even harder. It isn’t until the Knights are faced by an outside foe that they become a cohesive unit, working together.
The Knights of Alliance is a fun, fast-paced, action adventure story full of interesting, relatable characters. I really loved this book and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Fangbane sees great potential in Mirari, but she’s afraid to use her powers. She’s convinced she’ll lose control and kill everyone around her. Determined to be a warrior, Mirari trains with Gavin, her childhood friend. When Shiba taunts her for being weak, Mirari trains even harder. It isn’t until the Knights are faced by an outside foe that they become a cohesive unit, working together.
The Knights of Alliance is a fun, fast-paced, action adventure story full of interesting, relatable characters. I really loved this book and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
August 7, 2023
Rating 4.5⭐️
Review: "Knights of the Alliance" by Stefanie Chu proved to be an exceptional read that I wholeheartedly rate at 4.5 stars. Chu's skillful narrative design successfully captures an anime-esque essence, a characteristic that resonates particularly well with anime enthusiasts like myself. While the story's overall flow is easily comprehensible, there were moments where I found myself momentarily perplexed. Yet, these instances didn't significantly detract from the engaging plot or the quality of the prose. Amidst the gripping storyline, one element that left me intrigued was the final chapter, written from a perspective that remained shrouded in mystery. I anticipate that this enigmatic aspect might be elaborated upon in the sequel, heightening my curiosity for what lies ahead. Candidly, the book managed to evoke genuine laughter on my part during certain passages. For aficionados of both fantasy and anime, this literary gem is an absolute must-read that guarantees not to disappoint.
March 8, 2022
Stefanie Chu opens Knights of The Alliance, with an action packed prologue that introduces the reader to an epic fantasy battle where super abilities of each character are revealed.
From Fangbane’s mysterious personality, and ability to read minds, to Mirari's “pyrokinetic” ability to shoot fire from her hands, resulting into the end of the battle.
Gaven & Mirari’s childhood love story was quite visible and interesting to follow, despite being at opposite ends in the beginning.
Will Shiba and Mirari ever come to end their rivalry?
The various expeditions insurrections that occurred in the book, leading to a consolidation of the knights of alliance.
Lucan and Mirari, what next about them? How does Fangbane’s reveal at the end affects the Knights Alliance?
These and more are burning questions I believe the next installment brings to light.
From Fangbane’s mysterious personality, and ability to read minds, to Mirari's “pyrokinetic” ability to shoot fire from her hands, resulting into the end of the battle.
Gaven & Mirari’s childhood love story was quite visible and interesting to follow, despite being at opposite ends in the beginning.
Will Shiba and Mirari ever come to end their rivalry?
The various expeditions insurrections that occurred in the book, leading to a consolidation of the knights of alliance.
Lucan and Mirari, what next about them? How does Fangbane’s reveal at the end affects the Knights Alliance?
These and more are burning questions I believe the next installment brings to light.
January 10, 2022
Knights of the Alliance is Book 1 of the Alliance Series by Stefanie Chu. I really enjoyed this book. I have never read a fantasy story that was also a very political story. I thought that Knights of the Alliance was outstanding. The writing was excellent with lots of action and fighting and everything I like in a book about Knights. The book was organized in 4 parts and I really liked that approach with the story. I don't want to spoil the story by telling you to much, but, each of the 4 parts is very important and a logical progression of the story. Knights of the Alliance is very very good and I am really looking forward to reading Book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
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