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Portals of Tessalindria
A Sword for the Immerland King
Set in the world of Tessalindria with an Arthurian milieu to keep it familiar, this first in a projected several-volume series revolves around the classic struggle between good and evil. Princess Vrengnia embarks on a spiritual journey and is aided by a wise blacksmith and his son. Her father is confliced by his desire to be a good king and father, and his desire for revenge. It becomes quickly apparent that the blacksmith is a deeply spiritual and prophetic man who is in constant communion with MahEladra, the sovereign spirit of Tessalindria. The first in the Portals of Tessalindria series, this book is especially for those who enjoy fantasy and for those who don't particularly. The characterizations and spiritual insight elevate it from fantasy to visionary fiction.
- GenresFantasyChristian Fantasy
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
About the author
F.W. Faller
6 books12 followersAn Engineer to the core, and a devoted Christian teacher and philosopher, Faller began writing books in 1999, publishing his first, "A Sword for the immerland King" in 2002. While still working full time, he finished three other books and has just finished his fifth. Books four and five are awaiting publication.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 2, 2023
I'm a bit torn on this one. There are some things I genuinely liked about this, so I'll start with the positive.
I read a ton of fantasy/sci-fi, and this one is pretty unique. The setting is interesting, and clearly a lot of careful thought went into the world-building. I really like when these settings feel developed, and this one really does (the little quotes and epigraphs before each chapter really add a lot). In some ways, this is a "medieval fantasy," but it really does set itself apart. The focus is most primarily on characterization and moral issues, as opposed to a magic system or monsters or action, which is refreshing. The spiritual ideas also suffuse the storying telling throughout. There are genuinely interesting and unique ideas in the world-building (ie. it's definitely not another "alternate take on medieval Europe"). These are all good things.
The reason I'm a bit torn, though, is because of the general execution in terms of plot, pacing and some of the characterization. The pacing is pretty uneven. Some sections drive forward, but others get bogged down. The culmination of the major plot threads comes together in a somewhat tired trope, when compared to other medieval-era fantasies (avoiding specifics to avoid spoilers). I got pretty excited when the character of Verclan was introduced, as it seemed like we might get a "different perspective" on the entire moral quandary that drives the story (I love when fiction plays with perspectives that way) but unfortunately the "other perspective" didn't really shed much light or complicate the moral questions at play. Probably the most disappointing aspect was that the hatred that drives the main antagonist never felt too strong to me. It's a bit of a "tell instead of show" situation - we are told that he has so much anger or malice, but I never felt it that strongly. This diminishes the impact of the resolution at the end.
Lest I sound too harsh, I did ultimately like this book, hence the 3 stars. The positive aspects above were enough to keep me engaged, and I especially like the overarching premises and the unique aspects of the setting. So it's a mixed bag, but one that generally left me feeling positive.
I read a ton of fantasy/sci-fi, and this one is pretty unique. The setting is interesting, and clearly a lot of careful thought went into the world-building. I really like when these settings feel developed, and this one really does (the little quotes and epigraphs before each chapter really add a lot). In some ways, this is a "medieval fantasy," but it really does set itself apart. The focus is most primarily on characterization and moral issues, as opposed to a magic system or monsters or action, which is refreshing. The spiritual ideas also suffuse the storying telling throughout. There are genuinely interesting and unique ideas in the world-building (ie. it's definitely not another "alternate take on medieval Europe"). These are all good things.
The reason I'm a bit torn, though, is because of the general execution in terms of plot, pacing and some of the characterization. The pacing is pretty uneven. Some sections drive forward, but others get bogged down. The culmination of the major plot threads comes together in a somewhat tired trope, when compared to other medieval-era fantasies (avoiding specifics to avoid spoilers). I got pretty excited when the character of Verclan was introduced, as it seemed like we might get a "different perspective" on the entire moral quandary that drives the story (I love when fiction plays with perspectives that way) but unfortunately the "other perspective" didn't really shed much light or complicate the moral questions at play. Probably the most disappointing aspect was that the hatred that drives the main antagonist never felt too strong to me. It's a bit of a "tell instead of show" situation - we are told that he has so much anger or malice, but I never felt it that strongly. This diminishes the impact of the resolution at the end.
Lest I sound too harsh, I did ultimately like this book, hence the 3 stars. The positive aspects above were enough to keep me engaged, and I especially like the overarching premises and the unique aspects of the setting. So it's a mixed bag, but one that generally left me feeling positive.
December 31, 2019
This isn't my normal read, but I also work with the author. I told him I'd give him an honest review.
Even though I'm used to reading action YA, this book still had me turning pages. I love the way he writes and doesn't stray.
The battle between swallowing your pride and doing what's right is always the struggle. For some, it's easy. For others, it can literally be your own undoing.
If you want a good read about doing the right thing when battling the little demon on your shoulder, then this is a very good read.
Even though I'm used to reading action YA, this book still had me turning pages. I love the way he writes and doesn't stray.
The battle between swallowing your pride and doing what's right is always the struggle. For some, it's easy. For others, it can literally be your own undoing.
If you want a good read about doing the right thing when battling the little demon on your shoulder, then this is a very good read.
March 10, 2024
I enjoyed parts of this but the pacing, some fast chapters and some slow chapters, and the loss of tension took the joy out of it for me. There were some fascinating ideas and use of obvious Christian theology/philosophy/ideology. The book started off very well. I especially enjoyed the tension, especially in the dialogue. But halfway through that tension was lost and made the rest of the book sluggish.
March 29, 2012
I enjoyed the spiritual underpinnings of this fantasy/visionary work. I also thought that the author used the art of blacksmithing as a story hook in a very creative way. My husband enjoyed this even more than I did.
February 19, 2009
I met the author on the dock in New Harbor,Maine. He told me about the books.
February 9, 2011
A great read. The story of two unlikely friends
and the struggle of obsessive jealousy makes for
a gripping plot.
and the struggle of obsessive jealousy makes for
a gripping plot.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews