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Prophecy of the Kings #1
Legacy of the Eldric
Vastra is a man possessed. Where other men require food to sustain them, his craving is for power. He seeks an Eldric talisman, ensnaring two men to aid him. Fate guides his hand and, unwittingly, he chooses Kaplyn, who is seeking to escape his own destiny and Lars, shipwrecked and friendless, an outcast on the Allund shore. An unlikely trio, they form a fragile alliance but, recklessly ambitious, Vastra will betray them in a heartbeat. Throughout their travels, there are clear signs that demons are active, stealing souls to slake their hunger. Their journey takes them to a mysterious tower, beset by traps, where Kaplyn triggers a chain of events unleashing the full power of a prophecy that could doom them all. Deep in the heart of a mountain lays a power that not even Vastra has the audacity to envision. But who really is guiding Vastra’s destiny? Kaplyn has the talisman and, for all of Vastra’s threats, he is unwilling to part with it.
- GenresFantasy
179 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2008
1 person is currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
David Burrows
6 books43 followersDavid Burrows is the author of the award winning fantasy trilogy the Prophecy of the Kings (Gold Award 2010 Readersfavorite.com) and the prequel Drachar's Demons. Prophecy of the Kings was also Book of the Month on SFbooks.com. Sample chapters and reviews can be found at David's website http://davidburrows.org.uk/.
David has lived in Blackpool, Liverpool, Edinburgh and he now resides in the garden of England, Kent. He was a Captain in the TA (2/52 Lowland), an experienced mountain climber and more recently has taken part in Saxon/Viking re-enactment. David's fantasy writing has benefited from these real life experiences: hours slogging up and down mountains and fighting in a shield wall and although never maimed or killed, David has broken bones on several occasions, so the fighting at times has felt very real.
As with most aspiring authors, David's writing is part time, with the plots progressing in the evenings and holidays and also during his wife’s pregnancies. At times David's tales seemed to naturally take the characters into extreme peril, and for months he was left wondering as to their fate. Refusing to rewrite the tale to rescue them he patiently waited before inspiration struck and the story continued at a fast pace to the next cliff-hanger. Suffice to say David's two sons have now grown up and, as the quill dries, are of an age to read and appreciate this work and to develop their own writing. As to the characters in David's tales, they too have grown older and wiser; as to whether they survived the tale, only reading the novel will tell.
David hopes you take time to check out his works and enjoy them.
David has lived in Blackpool, Liverpool, Edinburgh and he now resides in the garden of England, Kent. He was a Captain in the TA (2/52 Lowland), an experienced mountain climber and more recently has taken part in Saxon/Viking re-enactment. David's fantasy writing has benefited from these real life experiences: hours slogging up and down mountains and fighting in a shield wall and although never maimed or killed, David has broken bones on several occasions, so the fighting at times has felt very real.
As with most aspiring authors, David's writing is part time, with the plots progressing in the evenings and holidays and also during his wife’s pregnancies. At times David's tales seemed to naturally take the characters into extreme peril, and for months he was left wondering as to their fate. Refusing to rewrite the tale to rescue them he patiently waited before inspiration struck and the story continued at a fast pace to the next cliff-hanger. Suffice to say David's two sons have now grown up and, as the quill dries, are of an age to read and appreciate this work and to develop their own writing. As to the characters in David's tales, they too have grown older and wiser; as to whether they survived the tale, only reading the novel will tell.
David hopes you take time to check out his works and enjoy them.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 26, 2011
I have great respect for those who write and publish their own work. It takes more guts than one might think. Some do it because they want to retain total control of their work; some do it because no one will buy their work; and some do it because they know no other way. Whatever the reason, there is a level of bravery that goes into self-publishing that doesn’t go into popular publishing, and I admire those who give it a go.
David Burrows’s Legacy of the Eldric is better than most of the self-published books you’ll read. It has its strengths and weaknesses, like anything else, and it delivers a plot that will keep you going, along with a surprise or two. Here’s what I’m thinking about the first part of the Prophecy of Kings:
Weaknesses -- I hate complaining , but I have to.
Strengths -- And there are some serious strengths.
David Burrows’s Legacy of the Eldric is better than most of the self-published books you’ll read. It has its strengths and weaknesses, like anything else, and it delivers a plot that will keep you going, along with a surprise or two. Here’s what I’m thinking about the first part of the Prophecy of Kings:
Weaknesses -- I hate complaining , but I have to.
Kaplyn & Vastra -- These are two of the most frustrating characters I’ve ever encountered in a Fantasy novel. I hated the former and never really bought the latter. Kaplyn is as arrogant, self-centered, hypocritical (we’re talking about a dishounrable cad who puts the woman he digs up for sexual molestation so he can find adventure) and outrageously moralistic as Jack on Lost, while Vastra is only convincingly evil in the last moments of the story, and his responses to his companions never really ring true.
And Speaking of Cliché -- There was just too much cliché going on in Legacy of the Eldric. There’s a city in the trees. There’s a sickly wizard who makes himself better with bitter herbal concoctions. There’s an icy glacier and a frozen dragon. There’s a big, sweet old gronk with quaint religious beliefs (a rather Viking-like barbarian). And the obligatory outlaw attack and tavern scene.
Prologue and Structure -- This was a problem too. The Prologue really needed redrafting. It could have done with a more impressionistic approach – like China Mieville takes in Perdido Street Station and Iron Council – than the straightforward happenings of Legacy of the Eldric. The prophecy, upon which the whole series is presumably based, is precisely given amidst vivid action, and it is perfectly repeated hundreds of years later, which defies belief.
And then there is the introduction of Lomar, the albino forest dweller. He drops into the story out of nowhere, and I couldn’t help thinking his introduction would have made much better Prologue than what we were given. In my perfect Legacy of the Eldric, the prophecy comes first with no action, and Lomar’s youth forms the introduction to our story. Then, when he finally joins the tale, we’re ready. We’ve been waiting for him. We know who he is, and we are happy to see him.
Strengths -- And there are some serious strengths.
The Conan Moments -- It’s one of the wonderful oddities of Legacy of the Eldric – a book aspiring to high Fantasy – that it spends so much time engaging in Conan-style adventures, yet it does, and those adventures end up being the most memorable moments in the book. Kaplyn’s adventure to uncover the Eldric amulet and sword, the final moments in the glacier, and even Lars’ wrestling matches call to mind the ass-whooping Cimmerian’s modus operandi. Strange, but it works.I’m not going to lie – even with my appreciation of David Burrows as an author -- Legacy of the Eldric didn’t blow my mind, but it was a damn good read (and the ending was a refreshing twist that I would love to have written myself). For all my fellow Fantasy readers, I mean this: Legacy of the Eldric is a good read. Give it a whirl.
Burrows’ Voice -- His voice is familiar even though it is new, but it is a familiarity of comfort. He is channelling some classic Fantasy authors, and he does well. The vocabulary is there. The settings are there. The camaraderie is there. Burrows knows what he is doing, and it is comforting, even when the plot or the characters try to get in the way.
Trajectory -- Burrows knows where he’s going with this, and it is easy to turn ourselves over to his expertise.
The Ending -- Read it and see.
April 12, 2013
Prophesy of the Kings
David Burrows
Freedom often comes at a high price. One man wants to escape his life and his home. Another is shipwrecked, savagely beaten and cannot return home to his family. A third is a sorcerer whose past stays hidden for a long time. Vastra is a man of mystery and while Kaplyn our prince and Lars our shipwrecked man team up and start to bond we learn more about their goals, their pasts and passions. As Lars competes in wrestling matches and literally destroys his opponents, Kaplyn enters a different contest and both come out winners. But, this story does not just center around these three and the quest will lead them into the world of demons, wizards and dragons. As we learn more about a demon whose body might have gone to another world but who will definitely return. Trying to save their world. Can they? Demons are attempting to open a passage to the demon world. Will they succeed? The premise of the story is to find the mysterious Eldric and learn why they disappeared. Finding what they left behind might be the only way to safe the world.
As the story opens in Book One we learn about the Eldric and their disappearance. We also learn about the Krell Wars and a demon named Drachar whose shade was banished from the world. As we hear his pleas, we listen to those present as they hope his spirit or shade will never return. But, although the threat might seem to be gone he took with him when departing the only way to defeat the demons. The world of wizards, dragons and humans as depicted by author David Burrows is really not any different than our world is today. There is always someone vying to rule others. There is someone or a group hoping to take over the world run it their way. Legend of Eldric if Book I in this Trilogy where we meet Prince Kaplyn who is not really into being a prince and decides to spice up his life and leave the sanctity of his kingdom. Kaplyn is a figure you come to admire from the start as he rescues Lars in a creative way from the hands of several who want to beat him to death. Enter Vestra, a wizard looking to retrieve or find the Eldric Talisman setting off a chain of events that would bring both Kaplyn and Lars closer to learning more about the Eldric and dangers they never imagined. As their journey begins they learn more about the demons that can possess animals such as wolves as they assist some farmers they are staying with for a night. The pendant is Vastra’s quarry but when Kaplyn risks it all and finds it why does he decide to have it remain with him and not Vestra? What does he learn about Vastra that would endanger, his father, the King? What would happen if he knew who Kaplyn really was?
Hearing the Prophecy one thing is definitely for sure is that we have not heard or seen the last of Drachar. We have yet to meet one more colorful character named Lomar who is an Alvalah, albino living in the center of a forest in a place called Gilfillan.
Will they find the Eldric who disappeared and left certain valuable items in their wake? How will they neutralize the demons? This coveted pendant is their only hope to ridding the world of the demons who want to overtake their souls. Three separate worlds, many events and one final outcome: Destruction or will they succeed? Friendships are formed but deceit lies in the forefront as the reader realizes when Vastra’s true character shines through and his lust for gold, greed and power overtakes more than just him.
As Kaplyn relates his journey, the rooms that were quite distinctive but were they really there, learning about the Krell Wars in detail and the prophecy we wonder just how far he will go to find the Eldric and why risk his life for Vastra? Enter the Baron his close friend who he relates more about his tale, his hope to find Talin and just whether the prophecy will come to pass.
Dinner with the Baron would prove enlightening as several guests relate their goal to establish a new god and hope that the Baron would fund them. Told no and leaving on the spot Vastra spots the Eldric Sword that Kaplyn had hidden. Summoning his librarian to decipher what is inscribed on it sets forth a dangerous and deadly chain of events as demons rise up and several, including the librarian are killed. We also learn about Trosgarth and the monarchs that are being killed to deny the prophecy from coming true. These religious leaders believe in a Priest of Ryoch are feel they can communicate with this god through their guardian spirits called Shaols. Add in is their belief in the Kalanth or the demigods who they claim guard the world.
Hoping to get a message to his father Kaplyn learns of the discontent of his people. His father seems to favor certain classes of people and not others creating this feeling that some are not being protected possibly explaining why the demons attacked the farm and the farmers. The journey continues as they meet the Alvalah and Prince Lomar.
Lomar proves to be more than just a friend and wants to join Lars and Kaplyn on their journey to search for the Eldric. Along the way we learn more about Vastra, the hidden demon that he controls or imp as he is referred as, the betrayals, lies, deceits as four men search for a way to save the world, their individual people and survive. Lamar feels that he owes it to his people to go on this quest before the Tallin Crown as the prophecy states has risen. Being a constellation of stars it is set to be seen the night sky within 60 years which seems like a lot of time to us but to these men not so.
Author David Burrows takes readers inside the minds of each character hearing their motives, innermost thoughts and along the way his descriptions of the many places visited, passed and seen so vividly depicted you feel like you are there. The greenery, the hills, mountains and the place where the albinos live so amazing and beautiful it mystifies readers. Glaciers, snow filled skies, Krells on patrol, one day to enter the cave to find the answers to what is written on the map on the pendant and 60 years when the Tallin Crown will be whole again.
An ending so startling, so violent and unique you won’t see it coming nor will those present. One man set out to gain what he felt was his. One pendant that has the power plus a kara stone what would store magic and hopefully will protect the holder. Who winds up with the pendant? What about the Kara Stones? Will their power save them? What happens to Kaplyn, Lars and Lomar. What about the threat of the Trosgarth and Aldrace? If Vastra opens the pathway to the other world who will survive? What you learn at the end will caution readers to remember that Vastra is a sorcerer and not to be trusted? The Legacy of the Eldric: Whose lives are risked because they could and would not heed the warnings and turn back? Who stands tall at the end? Who rises up? The answers will come to those who are brave enough to read Book 2: Dragon Rider and learn more. Dragons, wizards, humans, demons, shoals and Krells: Who lives? Who dies? Will they ever find the Eldric?
This is one trilogy that will keep readers glued to the printed page but make you think twice before entering a cave, whether about without the proper light, tools, and definitely beware of demons and sorcerers and dark caverns.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Let’s give Part one: FIVE GOLDEN KARA STONES
David Burrows
Freedom often comes at a high price. One man wants to escape his life and his home. Another is shipwrecked, savagely beaten and cannot return home to his family. A third is a sorcerer whose past stays hidden for a long time. Vastra is a man of mystery and while Kaplyn our prince and Lars our shipwrecked man team up and start to bond we learn more about their goals, their pasts and passions. As Lars competes in wrestling matches and literally destroys his opponents, Kaplyn enters a different contest and both come out winners. But, this story does not just center around these three and the quest will lead them into the world of demons, wizards and dragons. As we learn more about a demon whose body might have gone to another world but who will definitely return. Trying to save their world. Can they? Demons are attempting to open a passage to the demon world. Will they succeed? The premise of the story is to find the mysterious Eldric and learn why they disappeared. Finding what they left behind might be the only way to safe the world.
As the story opens in Book One we learn about the Eldric and their disappearance. We also learn about the Krell Wars and a demon named Drachar whose shade was banished from the world. As we hear his pleas, we listen to those present as they hope his spirit or shade will never return. But, although the threat might seem to be gone he took with him when departing the only way to defeat the demons. The world of wizards, dragons and humans as depicted by author David Burrows is really not any different than our world is today. There is always someone vying to rule others. There is someone or a group hoping to take over the world run it their way. Legend of Eldric if Book I in this Trilogy where we meet Prince Kaplyn who is not really into being a prince and decides to spice up his life and leave the sanctity of his kingdom. Kaplyn is a figure you come to admire from the start as he rescues Lars in a creative way from the hands of several who want to beat him to death. Enter Vestra, a wizard looking to retrieve or find the Eldric Talisman setting off a chain of events that would bring both Kaplyn and Lars closer to learning more about the Eldric and dangers they never imagined. As their journey begins they learn more about the demons that can possess animals such as wolves as they assist some farmers they are staying with for a night. The pendant is Vastra’s quarry but when Kaplyn risks it all and finds it why does he decide to have it remain with him and not Vestra? What does he learn about Vastra that would endanger, his father, the King? What would happen if he knew who Kaplyn really was?
Hearing the Prophecy one thing is definitely for sure is that we have not heard or seen the last of Drachar. We have yet to meet one more colorful character named Lomar who is an Alvalah, albino living in the center of a forest in a place called Gilfillan.
Will they find the Eldric who disappeared and left certain valuable items in their wake? How will they neutralize the demons? This coveted pendant is their only hope to ridding the world of the demons who want to overtake their souls. Three separate worlds, many events and one final outcome: Destruction or will they succeed? Friendships are formed but deceit lies in the forefront as the reader realizes when Vastra’s true character shines through and his lust for gold, greed and power overtakes more than just him.
As Kaplyn relates his journey, the rooms that were quite distinctive but were they really there, learning about the Krell Wars in detail and the prophecy we wonder just how far he will go to find the Eldric and why risk his life for Vastra? Enter the Baron his close friend who he relates more about his tale, his hope to find Talin and just whether the prophecy will come to pass.
Dinner with the Baron would prove enlightening as several guests relate their goal to establish a new god and hope that the Baron would fund them. Told no and leaving on the spot Vastra spots the Eldric Sword that Kaplyn had hidden. Summoning his librarian to decipher what is inscribed on it sets forth a dangerous and deadly chain of events as demons rise up and several, including the librarian are killed. We also learn about Trosgarth and the monarchs that are being killed to deny the prophecy from coming true. These religious leaders believe in a Priest of Ryoch are feel they can communicate with this god through their guardian spirits called Shaols. Add in is their belief in the Kalanth or the demigods who they claim guard the world.
Hoping to get a message to his father Kaplyn learns of the discontent of his people. His father seems to favor certain classes of people and not others creating this feeling that some are not being protected possibly explaining why the demons attacked the farm and the farmers. The journey continues as they meet the Alvalah and Prince Lomar.
Lomar proves to be more than just a friend and wants to join Lars and Kaplyn on their journey to search for the Eldric. Along the way we learn more about Vastra, the hidden demon that he controls or imp as he is referred as, the betrayals, lies, deceits as four men search for a way to save the world, their individual people and survive. Lamar feels that he owes it to his people to go on this quest before the Tallin Crown as the prophecy states has risen. Being a constellation of stars it is set to be seen the night sky within 60 years which seems like a lot of time to us but to these men not so.
Author David Burrows takes readers inside the minds of each character hearing their motives, innermost thoughts and along the way his descriptions of the many places visited, passed and seen so vividly depicted you feel like you are there. The greenery, the hills, mountains and the place where the albinos live so amazing and beautiful it mystifies readers. Glaciers, snow filled skies, Krells on patrol, one day to enter the cave to find the answers to what is written on the map on the pendant and 60 years when the Tallin Crown will be whole again.
An ending so startling, so violent and unique you won’t see it coming nor will those present. One man set out to gain what he felt was his. One pendant that has the power plus a kara stone what would store magic and hopefully will protect the holder. Who winds up with the pendant? What about the Kara Stones? Will their power save them? What happens to Kaplyn, Lars and Lomar. What about the threat of the Trosgarth and Aldrace? If Vastra opens the pathway to the other world who will survive? What you learn at the end will caution readers to remember that Vastra is a sorcerer and not to be trusted? The Legacy of the Eldric: Whose lives are risked because they could and would not heed the warnings and turn back? Who stands tall at the end? Who rises up? The answers will come to those who are brave enough to read Book 2: Dragon Rider and learn more. Dragons, wizards, humans, demons, shoals and Krells: Who lives? Who dies? Will they ever find the Eldric?
This is one trilogy that will keep readers glued to the printed page but make you think twice before entering a cave, whether about without the proper light, tools, and definitely beware of demons and sorcerers and dark caverns.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Let’s give Part one: FIVE GOLDEN KARA STONES
November 14, 2013
What I liked. As a first book in a trilogy, this novel took a traditional route. And boy was there plenty to cover in 170 pages. The major players in this book had to slowly come together, form a group, and set off on a quest. The mythology, various landscapes plus other bits and pieces of worldbuilding needed to take place so the reader could acclimate to this new world. An abundance of familiar tropes were used but unlike some, tropes used intelligently do not bother me in the slightest. But then I still read and reread all of David Eddings' early books and they don't come any tropier. (Is that a word? If not it should be...) All in all I was impressed with how much story took place.
What I did not like. In my opinion, this book suffered a bit from too much "telling". The narrator tells us everything that the protagonist does. We see nothing through the eyes or thoughts of the character himself. Hard to feel anything for him unless we feel what he feels and experience how he sees things.
Now please don't get me wrong. I am not saying there is no showing. I did get a good feel for the individual natures of the characters. I am just saying that I think the story would have been deeper and more personal if there had been less telling and more showing.
My Conclusion. Not bad. Definitely interesting enough to make me want to continue. There was only a hint of dragons but enough of one to lead me to believe there will be much more. Overall a good setup for what I am hoping will be a good old fashioned fantasy romp.
Full Review @Dragons, Heroes and Wizards
What I did not like. In my opinion, this book suffered a bit from too much "telling". The narrator tells us everything that the protagonist does. We see nothing through the eyes or thoughts of the character himself. Hard to feel anything for him unless we feel what he feels and experience how he sees things.
Now please don't get me wrong. I am not saying there is no showing. I did get a good feel for the individual natures of the characters. I am just saying that I think the story would have been deeper and more personal if there had been less telling and more showing.
My Conclusion. Not bad. Definitely interesting enough to make me want to continue. There was only a hint of dragons but enough of one to lead me to believe there will be much more. Overall a good setup for what I am hoping will be a good old fashioned fantasy romp.
Full Review @Dragons, Heroes and Wizards
August 3, 2020
Book struggles with being an epic fantasy with vague story and magic and no real conclusion ... just a tired cliff-hanger that doesn't encourage further reading.
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June 21, 2017I am the author, please check out Prophecyofthekings.com for reviews and sample chapters
August 1, 2017
One of the top fantasy books I have ever read! Do yourself a favor and read this book! It is fast paced, magical, and so captivating!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews