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Imago Chronicles #1
A Warrior's Tale
"Imago Book One, A Warrior's Tale" begins at the height of the turmoil that shall determine if indeed there will be a Third Age of Peace. Besieged by the enemy from the east and now immersed in war with soldiers of the Dark Army from the west, Nayla Treeborn and her people are about to engage in the next great war that will decide the fate of all mankind and Elves in Imago. In a desperate attempt to deliver word to the Elf king of Wyndwood and those of the alliance for a call to arms, she is the last surviving messenger sent forth by her people. Now, trapped in a storm at the top of the world, she fights to survive the deadly elements in a strange land. Despised by Elves and shunned by mortals, she must now find the courage to make a place in this world, and the compassion to save those who keep her at arm's length. This adventure recounts the defining moments in Nayla's life that had forged her into a deadly warrior, a great captain and a legend amongst the people of Imago.
482 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 19, 2014
This was an excellent addition to the genre. The battles were well done, but it became formulaic. I felt like the battles were just repetitions of the same battle. Despite this however, I still enjoyed the book. This looks like a series that I'll follow.
June 6, 2013
I won this book in a giveaway. I don't usually read fantasy but thought it was time I tried a new genre and read an author I'm not familiar with. Spreading my book wings, so to speak. Because of my reading problems from my brain injury, I still don't do well with stories that have grand themes or complex plots or many characters. With those caveats out of the way, here's my review.
I liked this book because of its characters. As I got lost trying to remember who was fighting whom and why (never really did understand the why), I realized I was still reading because the characters were drawing me in, in particular Nayla/Takaro/Little Warrior, the heroine of A Warrior's Tale. The interaction between the characters was relatable -- the irrational dislikes, the hidden attractions, the need to protect a person who has a need to be independent and to prove her prowess. I became interested in her life, in her struggles and her hurts. I began to waffle between which suitor I preferred and liked how she seemed to have chosen the one I liked best, though that was not spelled out for the reader, a plot point I appreciated. Because the characters were so strong, it didn't matter to me that I never really followed the plot.
According to the online Merriam-Webster dictionary, a romance is "a prose narrative treating imaginary characters involved in events remote in time or place and usually heroic, adventurous, or mysterious." This book is this kind of old-fashioned romance. Sure, it is a fantasy with characters who can do supernatural things, but at its heart it is a romance. And best, the author doesn't get lazy and bury this kind of romance under a simple and simplistic love affair.
There are many fighting scenes, and it's clear Suzuki knows her martial arts. The details come across as authentic and make the chaos and gruesomeness of the battles pulse in the imagination. It is also a long book, and it ends where it begins, which fits with the words Nayla recalls at the beginning of her tale. In fact, if it wasn't so difficult to navigate back to the beginning and then back to where I was reading, I would've gone back to reread Imagine, Prologue, and Chapter 1, then finished reading Chapter 18 so as to see that scene more clearly. Since it took me a long time to read this book, the first scene was hazy in my memory. Still, the ending worked for me, the kind of ending that's not really an ending but a beginning into the next book.
I had received the PDF ebook. The PDF is beautifully laid out, but PDF is a format best suited for documents not long books. In short, it's a pain to read. I experimented which platform would work best. When I bought my Kindle Paperwhite, I finished reading it on that, mostly because I had the Kindle with me on my way to appointments. I am sure they could create an ePub with all the software that is out there now for the amateur, one that could include some of the graphic elements that make the PDF a pleasure to look at. Also, within this well-edited book, there were only a couple of editing issues. What is it with editors using semi-colons like commas? Only between independent clauses, people!
Still, the story rose above the format and physical-reading issues to hold me. A Warrior's Tale is the first book in a series, and so the tale continues into the next book. Would I buy the next book? I am curious as to what happens with Nayla. But I have a stack of books I'm supposed to be reading, and that more than anything is what is holding me back right now. If not for my reading issues and for that stack, I probably would.
I liked this book because of its characters. As I got lost trying to remember who was fighting whom and why (never really did understand the why), I realized I was still reading because the characters were drawing me in, in particular Nayla/Takaro/Little Warrior, the heroine of A Warrior's Tale. The interaction between the characters was relatable -- the irrational dislikes, the hidden attractions, the need to protect a person who has a need to be independent and to prove her prowess. I became interested in her life, in her struggles and her hurts. I began to waffle between which suitor I preferred and liked how she seemed to have chosen the one I liked best, though that was not spelled out for the reader, a plot point I appreciated. Because the characters were so strong, it didn't matter to me that I never really followed the plot.
According to the online Merriam-Webster dictionary, a romance is "a prose narrative treating imaginary characters involved in events remote in time or place and usually heroic, adventurous, or mysterious." This book is this kind of old-fashioned romance. Sure, it is a fantasy with characters who can do supernatural things, but at its heart it is a romance. And best, the author doesn't get lazy and bury this kind of romance under a simple and simplistic love affair.
There are many fighting scenes, and it's clear Suzuki knows her martial arts. The details come across as authentic and make the chaos and gruesomeness of the battles pulse in the imagination. It is also a long book, and it ends where it begins, which fits with the words Nayla recalls at the beginning of her tale. In fact, if it wasn't so difficult to navigate back to the beginning and then back to where I was reading, I would've gone back to reread Imagine, Prologue, and Chapter 1, then finished reading Chapter 18 so as to see that scene more clearly. Since it took me a long time to read this book, the first scene was hazy in my memory. Still, the ending worked for me, the kind of ending that's not really an ending but a beginning into the next book.
I had received the PDF ebook. The PDF is beautifully laid out, but PDF is a format best suited for documents not long books. In short, it's a pain to read. I experimented which platform would work best. When I bought my Kindle Paperwhite, I finished reading it on that, mostly because I had the Kindle with me on my way to appointments. I am sure they could create an ePub with all the software that is out there now for the amateur, one that could include some of the graphic elements that make the PDF a pleasure to look at. Also, within this well-edited book, there were only a couple of editing issues. What is it with editors using semi-colons like commas? Only between independent clauses, people!
Still, the story rose above the format and physical-reading issues to hold me. A Warrior's Tale is the first book in a series, and so the tale continues into the next book. Would I buy the next book? I am curious as to what happens with Nayla. But I have a stack of books I'm supposed to be reading, and that more than anything is what is holding me back right now. If not for my reading issues and for that stack, I probably would.
October 18, 2014
Spectacular Battle Scenes
I came to know the author through her blog, and then connected with her through Twitter where I learned that her Imago books had been optioned for a feature-length movie. Intrigued, and a fan of epic fantasy, I read the first book.
“Imago, A Warrior’s Tale,” is a hero’s journey and the coming of age story of Nayla Treeborn, half-elf, half-mortal, who is shunned by both races. After her mother’s death, Nayla is rescued from her abusive father’s clutches and is spirited away to be raised by Master Saibon. Under his tutelage, she learns the art of war and proves herself a formidable warrior. When dangerous foes threaten Nayla’s homeland from both east and west, she is called upon to deliver a message and forge an alliance with forces who are the last hope for the dark elves and mortals Nayla has pledged her life to protect.
As with all epic fantasies set in alternative worlds, the first few chapters require the reader to learn the geography and the basic tenants of the culture. A Warrior’s Tale was no different. The landscape is described in lush detail and the characters come alive with narrative that reveals their flaws and strengths. The pace is fast and spans decades. The training and battle scenes are spectacular and I found myself rooting for Nayla and her companions as I raced through the book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy. It is wonderful story-telling, but it isn’t a child’s tale, so be forewarned. I’m looking forward to the next book in the “Imago Chronicles.”
I came to know the author through her blog, and then connected with her through Twitter where I learned that her Imago books had been optioned for a feature-length movie. Intrigued, and a fan of epic fantasy, I read the first book.
“Imago, A Warrior’s Tale,” is a hero’s journey and the coming of age story of Nayla Treeborn, half-elf, half-mortal, who is shunned by both races. After her mother’s death, Nayla is rescued from her abusive father’s clutches and is spirited away to be raised by Master Saibon. Under his tutelage, she learns the art of war and proves herself a formidable warrior. When dangerous foes threaten Nayla’s homeland from both east and west, she is called upon to deliver a message and forge an alliance with forces who are the last hope for the dark elves and mortals Nayla has pledged her life to protect.
As with all epic fantasies set in alternative worlds, the first few chapters require the reader to learn the geography and the basic tenants of the culture. A Warrior’s Tale was no different. The landscape is described in lush detail and the characters come alive with narrative that reveals their flaws and strengths. The pace is fast and spans decades. The training and battle scenes are spectacular and I found myself rooting for Nayla and her companions as I raced through the book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy. It is wonderful story-telling, but it isn’t a child’s tale, so be forewarned. I’m looking forward to the next book in the “Imago Chronicles.”
April 23, 2012
By creating the character of Nyla Treeborn, the author has introduced us to a woman of incredible strength and determination. Nyla is both human and elf and feels she doesn’t belong in either world. After escaping her abusive father, she is determined to become a warrior. She amazes everyone by her dedication, patience and perfection of the act of war. Nyla is the ultimate warrior but is also a woman with feelings, disappointments and a yearning for love. I loved this book, the first in the series, because of Nyla and her ability to succeed against all odds in a man’s world. Ms. Suzuki has skillfully painted a picture of another world, the world of Imago. Her own skill and knowledge in the martial arts is evident as she depicts colourful battles and realistic training scenes. The writing is rich and powerful. Once you read Imago Chronicles: Book one, a Warriors Tale, you will be hooked. It is not surprising that the book is being made into a movie.
June 10, 2011
A Warrior’s Tale (Imago Chronicles, Book 1) by Lorna T Suzuki. In my opinion, her book is one of the best Fantasy books to come out in a long while.
Fantasy today seems to be caught up in intricate explanations of magic, unpronounceable languages and long descriptive passages. A Warrior’s Tale is a breed apart and takes me back to when it was all about a great story of good battling evil and characters in the tale you want to know and follow. I was thrilled from the very first page of Lorna’s tale.
Lorna Suzuki has created a world that rivals Middle Earth. Elves and Kagai warriors battle alongside each other to save their lands from destruction by the Emperor of East Orient. Imago is a beautiful world and I felt like I was there with the stalwart people in their struggle to decide their own destiny.
Nayla, a half Elf, half mortal is destined to suffer a life of pain and persecution until she is given a second chance while living with the Kagai warriors—the most skilled and feared fighters in all of Imago.
Come along as Nayla trains and is made ready for war and leadership.
Lorna Suzuki is trained in tactics and martial arts and it comes through in this tale.
I would recommend this book and the series to any reader who wants to be captured in words and deeds of a fearless young woman as she searches for acceptance and even love from the Elves and mortals who call her half-cast.
I found Lorna’s writing has an influence of ancient Japan, with Samurai and ninja codes blending in honor and bravery as these great people of Imago battle for their survival. Along with intense battles you will learn about the lives and loves of these wonderful people of Imago.
Fantasy today seems to be caught up in intricate explanations of magic, unpronounceable languages and long descriptive passages. A Warrior’s Tale is a breed apart and takes me back to when it was all about a great story of good battling evil and characters in the tale you want to know and follow. I was thrilled from the very first page of Lorna’s tale.
Lorna Suzuki has created a world that rivals Middle Earth. Elves and Kagai warriors battle alongside each other to save their lands from destruction by the Emperor of East Orient. Imago is a beautiful world and I felt like I was there with the stalwart people in their struggle to decide their own destiny.
Nayla, a half Elf, half mortal is destined to suffer a life of pain and persecution until she is given a second chance while living with the Kagai warriors—the most skilled and feared fighters in all of Imago.
Come along as Nayla trains and is made ready for war and leadership.
Lorna Suzuki is trained in tactics and martial arts and it comes through in this tale.
I would recommend this book and the series to any reader who wants to be captured in words and deeds of a fearless young woman as she searches for acceptance and even love from the Elves and mortals who call her half-cast.
I found Lorna’s writing has an influence of ancient Japan, with Samurai and ninja codes blending in honor and bravery as these great people of Imago battle for their survival. Along with intense battles you will learn about the lives and loves of these wonderful people of Imago.
December 6, 2010
Young Nayla Treeborn doesn’t have it easy. Her mother, a mortal, is dead and her father Dahlon, a high Elf, despises her. When Dahlon nearly beats Nayla to death, the captain of Dahlon’s army rescues Nayla and takes her far away, where she begins a new life and is named Takaro. Under the guidance of Master Saibon, Takaro learns to the ways of the highly regarded and feared Kagai warriors; a long, arduous journey that will change her life forever. And, let me tell you, it’s quite a trip.
I was spellbound from the first and strongly rooting for young Nayla as she embarks on a enthralling, yet difficult quest to not only survive, but to find her place in a world where she’s scorned by mortals and shunned by Elves. At 467 pages, the book isn’t overly long for a fantasy novel, but I read slowly to savor every page. Author L.T. Suzuki has created an amazing world filled with conflict, compassion, and love. The battle scenes are so vividly described I felt I was there, and the pacing was terrific. As a bonus, the author has supplied a map of the world she’s created, and even a glossary of names and pronunciations. Imago: A Warrior’s Tale is the first installment in the series and a stunning debut. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I was spellbound from the first and strongly rooting for young Nayla as she embarks on a enthralling, yet difficult quest to not only survive, but to find her place in a world where she’s scorned by mortals and shunned by Elves. At 467 pages, the book isn’t overly long for a fantasy novel, but I read slowly to savor every page. Author L.T. Suzuki has created an amazing world filled with conflict, compassion, and love. The battle scenes are so vividly described I felt I was there, and the pacing was terrific. As a bonus, the author has supplied a map of the world she’s created, and even a glossary of names and pronunciations. Imago: A Warrior’s Tale is the first installment in the series and a stunning debut. I can’t wait to read the next book!
September 16, 2013
This is the story of a child who struggles to overcome the fact that she is both elf and human, a product of both cultures, but a welcomed member of neither. She uses these difficulties to forge her future as a warrior protecting both of these societies. I found the story to be intriguing. However, the book was frustrating to read. First the story flutters through her upbringing and young adulthood alighting like a butterfly on various moments in time. This allows the narrative to cover an extensive period of time, but it keeps the story from building tension and a climax. Just as the reader settles into a period of time and starts to feel close to the characters, the story lifts and moves forward many years. Also, the book is riddled with grammatical errors - changes of tense within a single sentence, missing words, misspelled words - that make it very difficult to keep your head in the story. The prose is rather awkward and the dialog is often forced. I am curious to see how this story unfolds in subsequent novels and I hope the author grows and learns along with her characters.
July 26, 2012
There's a reason Ms. Suzuki has generated so much buzz with her books, and why her story is being made into a full-feature film.
As someone who rarely reads fantasy, I found the world-building in this book brilliant. The characters jumped off the pages and the details of the battle scenes were so well-written.
Even if you are not a reader of the fantasy genre, A Warrior's Tale explores human themes of friendship and love in a way everyone will be able to relate to.
As someone who rarely reads fantasy, I found the world-building in this book brilliant. The characters jumped off the pages and the details of the battle scenes were so well-written.
Even if you are not a reader of the fantasy genre, A Warrior's Tale explores human themes of friendship and love in a way everyone will be able to relate to.
October 2, 2010
Imago Chronicles Book One: A Warrior’s Tale by Lorna Suzuki is currently under negotiations for film production. This isn’t surprising as the storyline for the book is action-packed and engrossing. The lead character, a half-human, half-elf young woman is strong, yet very vulnerable, but not in ways that are easily discernible, even to the reader’s eye.
The heroine, Nayla Treeborn is taken away by a family friend after her father beats her. Nayla is taken to a hidden colony far to the north of the city where she grew up. Nayla is hidden amongst a fierce band of people who are also spiritual warriors, called the Kagai. It turns out the Kagai knew, and admired Nayla’s mother, Kareda Bansho. Wanting to leave her past behind her, Nayla takes on a mortal name given her by her mother and becomes Takaro Bansho, leaving the identity of Nayla Treeborn behind her as she enters the Kagai warriors’ town of Anshen.
The Kagai are kind people and under their tutelage Takaro flourishes. As time goes by she is taught the ways of the Kagai warrior and her long life allows her to extend her studies through multiple generations of Kagai masters. The down side of this long life is she sees so many friends pass away, but at last, she becomes a Kagai warrior.
The action scenes in Imago Chronicles Book One: A Warrior’s Tale are extremely well written. I believe this is due in large part to Suzuki’s twenty-five years of martial arts experience. She brings realism to the fight scenes that is often lacking in fantasy books.
Imago Chronicles Book One: A Warrior’s Tale is Takaro’s/Nayla’s story. It is of the battles she fights we hear. It is of her love that we are told and like her we long for its fulfillment. It is her passion, for life, for the people she protects, for those she loves and cares for, and even for those whom she despises that we care about. It is her life we wish to see preserved at all costs and throughout the novel we are brought time and again to situations where it is quite conceivable our heroine may not survive, especially since the novel opens with a scene where she is at last, preparing for death.
What follows is a scene from Imago Chronicles Book One: A Warriors Tale:
“…for soon, you shall be asked to take up arms to join your brothers,” said Yaruke. “Your task will be to memorize the areas; the lay of the land Medaru shall be leading our men into. If any of the men become separated, it will be your job to see the warriors to safety. And as you are now trained in the art of healing, your task is to administer to the care of the wounded until they can be delivered back to Anshen.”
“Will I be ready?” asked Takaro. “Will I be leaving any time soon?”
“You are as ready as you will ever be. And yes, you will be leaving soon,” answered her master. “I had received word from the east that the Emperor has sent forth another army to enter our lands. He plans to invade our country before the next full moon.”
“And I shall be going this time?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” answered Yaruke, with a dismal sigh.
“How can that be unfortunate? I have trained for this a good long time, master. I have seen too many of my brothers go off to battle, some never to return. I feel a need to go; to fight by their side.”
“Are you not scared?” queried the warrior priest.
“I cannot deny that deep down, I am scared, but I am more scared of failing than I am of dying,” she responded in a small voice. “I am afraid that I may not have the courage to face the enemy when the time comes. I worry that I may lack the bravery to rise up against our foes to do what you and your forefathers have done.”
“What do you define as courage, Takaro?” questioned Yaruke.
“A warrior who is courageous is one who can boldly charge into battle and willingly slays the enemy, as quickly and as many as possible,” she answered with conviction. “And he can rise up to each occasion to do battle again and again without wavering.”
“No, my child, this is not courage. Any seasoned warrior can enter battle and not think twice about the situation he is about to face.”
“Then what does it mean to be courageous? asked Takaro, curious to learn more.
“The measure of one’s courage is not dependent on the number of heroic feats one undertakes, or the number of foes taken down in battle,” explained Yaruke. “Instead, true courage arises when one is forced to face his absolute worst fears, to be truly frightened, yet still find the courage to rise up and meet the challenge. Now that is true courage.”
Takaro considered her master’s words and with a sigh, responded: “Whether this type of courage is within me, is yet to be seen. I suppose I will not know until the moment of truth.”
“Let it not be said that there is not one of us; my father, his father, or his father’s father who did not question this the first time we were asked to take up arms. It is like a baptism by fire, not until you are tried in the heat of battle will you discover your true courage,” Attested the elderly warrior. “For my part, I have shared with you all that I can of warriorship. I have imparted the wisdom of my forefathers on to you. And through you, I hope to keep our traditions alive for as long as it is need to secure peace and justice in our realm.”
“I will try to do you proud master,” promised Takaro, bowing deeply in respect.
“I know you will, little one. I hold great hope for you,” said Yaruke. His eyes twinkled with pride as a smile creased his aged face. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance.”
Imago Chronicles Book One: A Warrior’s Tale is a fantasy full of touches of realism. It speaks with action, love and wisdom. It draws you deeper into the story and into the fantasy as you continue to read. I highly recommend this book. Remember, if production negotiations go well look for it as film or another type of media.
Imago Chronicles Book One: A Warrior’s Tale By Lorna T. Suzuki, copyright 2003 by Lorna Suzuki, printed by Lightning Source, distributed by Ingrams and also available from the author’s website at http://web.me.com/imagobooks ISBN 978-0-986724-0-2-2
The heroine, Nayla Treeborn is taken away by a family friend after her father beats her. Nayla is taken to a hidden colony far to the north of the city where she grew up. Nayla is hidden amongst a fierce band of people who are also spiritual warriors, called the Kagai. It turns out the Kagai knew, and admired Nayla’s mother, Kareda Bansho. Wanting to leave her past behind her, Nayla takes on a mortal name given her by her mother and becomes Takaro Bansho, leaving the identity of Nayla Treeborn behind her as she enters the Kagai warriors’ town of Anshen.
The Kagai are kind people and under their tutelage Takaro flourishes. As time goes by she is taught the ways of the Kagai warrior and her long life allows her to extend her studies through multiple generations of Kagai masters. The down side of this long life is she sees so many friends pass away, but at last, she becomes a Kagai warrior.
The action scenes in Imago Chronicles Book One: A Warrior’s Tale are extremely well written. I believe this is due in large part to Suzuki’s twenty-five years of martial arts experience. She brings realism to the fight scenes that is often lacking in fantasy books.
Imago Chronicles Book One: A Warrior’s Tale is Takaro’s/Nayla’s story. It is of the battles she fights we hear. It is of her love that we are told and like her we long for its fulfillment. It is her passion, for life, for the people she protects, for those she loves and cares for, and even for those whom she despises that we care about. It is her life we wish to see preserved at all costs and throughout the novel we are brought time and again to situations where it is quite conceivable our heroine may not survive, especially since the novel opens with a scene where she is at last, preparing for death.
What follows is a scene from Imago Chronicles Book One: A Warriors Tale:
“…for soon, you shall be asked to take up arms to join your brothers,” said Yaruke. “Your task will be to memorize the areas; the lay of the land Medaru shall be leading our men into. If any of the men become separated, it will be your job to see the warriors to safety. And as you are now trained in the art of healing, your task is to administer to the care of the wounded until they can be delivered back to Anshen.”
“Will I be ready?” asked Takaro. “Will I be leaving any time soon?”
“You are as ready as you will ever be. And yes, you will be leaving soon,” answered her master. “I had received word from the east that the Emperor has sent forth another army to enter our lands. He plans to invade our country before the next full moon.”
“And I shall be going this time?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” answered Yaruke, with a dismal sigh.
“How can that be unfortunate? I have trained for this a good long time, master. I have seen too many of my brothers go off to battle, some never to return. I feel a need to go; to fight by their side.”
“Are you not scared?” queried the warrior priest.
“I cannot deny that deep down, I am scared, but I am more scared of failing than I am of dying,” she responded in a small voice. “I am afraid that I may not have the courage to face the enemy when the time comes. I worry that I may lack the bravery to rise up against our foes to do what you and your forefathers have done.”
“What do you define as courage, Takaro?” questioned Yaruke.
“A warrior who is courageous is one who can boldly charge into battle and willingly slays the enemy, as quickly and as many as possible,” she answered with conviction. “And he can rise up to each occasion to do battle again and again without wavering.”
“No, my child, this is not courage. Any seasoned warrior can enter battle and not think twice about the situation he is about to face.”
“Then what does it mean to be courageous? asked Takaro, curious to learn more.
“The measure of one’s courage is not dependent on the number of heroic feats one undertakes, or the number of foes taken down in battle,” explained Yaruke. “Instead, true courage arises when one is forced to face his absolute worst fears, to be truly frightened, yet still find the courage to rise up and meet the challenge. Now that is true courage.”
Takaro considered her master’s words and with a sigh, responded: “Whether this type of courage is within me, is yet to be seen. I suppose I will not know until the moment of truth.”
“Let it not be said that there is not one of us; my father, his father, or his father’s father who did not question this the first time we were asked to take up arms. It is like a baptism by fire, not until you are tried in the heat of battle will you discover your true courage,” Attested the elderly warrior. “For my part, I have shared with you all that I can of warriorship. I have imparted the wisdom of my forefathers on to you. And through you, I hope to keep our traditions alive for as long as it is need to secure peace and justice in our realm.”
“I will try to do you proud master,” promised Takaro, bowing deeply in respect.
“I know you will, little one. I hold great hope for you,” said Yaruke. His eyes twinkled with pride as a smile creased his aged face. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance.”
Imago Chronicles Book One: A Warrior’s Tale is a fantasy full of touches of realism. It speaks with action, love and wisdom. It draws you deeper into the story and into the fantasy as you continue to read. I highly recommend this book. Remember, if production negotiations go well look for it as film or another type of media.
Imago Chronicles Book One: A Warrior’s Tale By Lorna T. Suzuki, copyright 2003 by Lorna Suzuki, printed by Lightning Source, distributed by Ingrams and also available from the author’s website at http://web.me.com/imagobooks ISBN 978-0-986724-0-2-2
August 20, 2017
Before reading Ms. Suzuki's, Imago Chronicles - A Warrior's Tale (Book One), I had never read an epic fantasy, especially with sword and sorcery. However, as a new reader to this genre, I was eager to suspend all disbelief and surrender to the author's prowess with words and storytelling. Let me tell you: I was enthralled. Nayla Treeborn, half-elf and half-mortal, and a genius in the art of war, is a tough, vulnerable female lead, whom readers cannot help but cry for and then applaud. She grieves for her mother and her father, Dahlon, scorns her with his incessant cruelty at every turn. On one such occasion, Joval Stonecraft found the young child close to death and saved her by following through with a promise he made to her dying mother; he stole her away in the middle of the night to keep her safe. This tale gripped me from the first page and carried me all the way through this novel and the next two. Much of the detail and description in A Warrior's Tale is sheer poetry and, as such, is exquisite.
April 23, 2020
I wanted to enjoy this novel, although I must admit I'm selective with fantasy. The premise sounded great, especially the martial art descriptions, but the editing let the novel down - and the repetitive scenes. Too many battles were like previous ones. There were some wonderful scenes, some vivid characters, but the tale too long to get anywhere. I wanted to get to the key moment, although I guessed there would be the standard cliffhanger ending. When those are well done, I want to read the next book. Not this time sadly as I appreciate the work that went into this trilogy. Shame it wasn't edited properly.
September 10, 2018
3.5 stars
June 2, 2012
This is an excellent start to a fresh fantasy series of epic proportions, an all-encompassing, deep fantasy world, populated by mortals, Elves, empires, warrior clans, and the armies of an evil sorcerer. This book is a fascinating insight into a war that spans generations. Though its geo-political scale rivals Tolkien, the author's Elves are original and not at all cliched, and the relationship between the immortal Elves and the mortal men is realistic and thought-provoking. The hero herself, Nayla, is a half-caste, a half-elf, and her status is pivotal to the plot, along with her constant sense of not belonging to either race. You'll never think of a half-elf in simplistic terms ever again.
This book spans about 200 years (or so I counted), and Suzuki has done a wonderful job of showing us how even though Nayla only ages from child to late twenties, several generations of her mortal friends grow up and die, and she learns to love their children, and grand children, and still outlives them all. Very well written. All the characters have depth and qualities good and bad, never cardboard, and to me the ongoing, complex relationship between Nayla and Captain Joval is worth reading the book for alone. The author paced this very well, leading up to considerable drama near the end for this couple.
There are numerous battles and combat training scenes in this book, each described in beautiful and realistic detail. The warrior clan of which Nayla becomes a member is very reminiscent of Eastern martial arts and warrior monks, and the author's prowess as a martial arts expert shines through. This is not your traditional western medieval style fantasy. Though each battle brings its own challenges for Nayla, I admit that by the end I felt like I didn't want to read about another battle. Too much of a good thing? This is a really long book, but thankfully one that you can savour, and the careful pacing never made me want to skip ahead.
My only complaint is that it felt hurried at the end, with the author resorting to suddenly telling us large chunks of history and hopping the adventure along too fast. I got the impression that she had a sudden need to set up the next book in the series.
I definitely intend to purchase book 2 in the series and am excited to see what adventures and relationships Nayla will get into next. Check this book out - a great read!
This book spans about 200 years (or so I counted), and Suzuki has done a wonderful job of showing us how even though Nayla only ages from child to late twenties, several generations of her mortal friends grow up and die, and she learns to love their children, and grand children, and still outlives them all. Very well written. All the characters have depth and qualities good and bad, never cardboard, and to me the ongoing, complex relationship between Nayla and Captain Joval is worth reading the book for alone. The author paced this very well, leading up to considerable drama near the end for this couple.
There are numerous battles and combat training scenes in this book, each described in beautiful and realistic detail. The warrior clan of which Nayla becomes a member is very reminiscent of Eastern martial arts and warrior monks, and the author's prowess as a martial arts expert shines through. This is not your traditional western medieval style fantasy. Though each battle brings its own challenges for Nayla, I admit that by the end I felt like I didn't want to read about another battle. Too much of a good thing? This is a really long book, but thankfully one that you can savour, and the careful pacing never made me want to skip ahead.
My only complaint is that it felt hurried at the end, with the author resorting to suddenly telling us large chunks of history and hopping the adventure along too fast. I got the impression that she had a sudden need to set up the next book in the series.
I definitely intend to purchase book 2 in the series and am excited to see what adventures and relationships Nayla will get into next. Check this book out - a great read!
November 18, 2011
Fantastically written first book in the series, I loved it and cannot wait to read the next. Lorna has an amazing talent to create a world that seems so realist and the characters are so varied. This story is just amazing and is coming to film.
A Warriors Tale is exactly that, it follows Nayla from her beginning through to her long journey. Nayla is the only child of the High Elf, Lord Dahlon Treeborn. As soon as Nayla was born her father has not treated her kindly. One dreadful night after being punished, an Elf discoveres Nayla and whisks her away to safety. This first night was the beginning of the rest of her life. Nayla was taken to the infamous Kagai Warriors and she asked to remain there out of reach of her father. As she stayed, she watched the Warriors train and became accustomed to their ways. Nayla is half elf and half mortal, she is neither here nor there and didn’t have the normal abilities of the elf or the short life of a mortal. Over the time she stayed with the Warriors, Nayla began to train and became a Warrior Maiden. She was known throughout the land as an awe-inspiring warrior and all wanted to be by her side during battle.
Her tale continues through the ages from bloody battle to bloody battle. She finds love and wisdom and a brotherhood that lasts for generations. Nayla accepts her fate and journey’s to find her ancestors and ask for the alliance to be renewed as they are all under attack. Will Nayla be able to find Wyndwood in time and alive?
Fantastic story; it is so full of action that anyone would admire all of the detailing. There is love, friendship and hardships all included. I laughed along with Nayla and cried during her heartaches, it seems so real the way Lorna has written the story. I highly recommended this book to all fantasy lovers. ~ Katie Turner (The Kindle Book Review)
A Warriors Tale is exactly that, it follows Nayla from her beginning through to her long journey. Nayla is the only child of the High Elf, Lord Dahlon Treeborn. As soon as Nayla was born her father has not treated her kindly. One dreadful night after being punished, an Elf discoveres Nayla and whisks her away to safety. This first night was the beginning of the rest of her life. Nayla was taken to the infamous Kagai Warriors and she asked to remain there out of reach of her father. As she stayed, she watched the Warriors train and became accustomed to their ways. Nayla is half elf and half mortal, she is neither here nor there and didn’t have the normal abilities of the elf or the short life of a mortal. Over the time she stayed with the Warriors, Nayla began to train and became a Warrior Maiden. She was known throughout the land as an awe-inspiring warrior and all wanted to be by her side during battle.
Her tale continues through the ages from bloody battle to bloody battle. She finds love and wisdom and a brotherhood that lasts for generations. Nayla accepts her fate and journey’s to find her ancestors and ask for the alliance to be renewed as they are all under attack. Will Nayla be able to find Wyndwood in time and alive?
Fantastic story; it is so full of action that anyone would admire all of the detailing. There is love, friendship and hardships all included. I laughed along with Nayla and cried during her heartaches, it seems so real the way Lorna has written the story. I highly recommended this book to all fantasy lovers. ~ Katie Turner (The Kindle Book Review)
January 15, 2013
Having JUST NOW finished this first book on my Kindle, I wanted to post what I like about this book and its characters.
I hate SPOILING anything, so I'll just speak in generalities.
1. The Characters: The author does a brilliant job of making complex, multifaceted characters that you also care about, very deeply, by the end of the book. Actually, by the beginning of the book, to be fair.
The main character, Nayla, struggles with accepting her worth in a situation initially engineered to make her feel worthless. Her bravery and persistence, even while remaining humble is an inspiring accomplishment. I rooted for her, I cried for her, I BECAME her in reading this book.
Oftentimes, fantasy books have mentors and teachers that spout barely useful pseudo philosophy that barely applies to anything.
In "A Warrior's Tale", We are forced to examine deep moral questions and even if we do not agree with fate or the actions of others, it is all based in real, heartfelt understanding of what it is be humane, if not human.
I wish I could discuss it more in detail, but trust me, you'll want to savor reading those details for yourself.
I enjoyed this book, and I found it masterful and entertaining. The author's real life accomplishments in the martial arts shows through in battle scenes and discipline adopted by major characters. This is a book where the metal of each and every character is subjected to the forge of life and is shaped in different ways.
I cannot recommend this enough, I look forward to reading more in this series, and I think if you have read Griffin's Daughter (The Griffin's Daughter Series) by Leslie Ann Moore , and enjoyed that, you will also enjoy this series.
I hate SPOILING anything, so I'll just speak in generalities.
1. The Characters: The author does a brilliant job of making complex, multifaceted characters that you also care about, very deeply, by the end of the book. Actually, by the beginning of the book, to be fair.
The main character, Nayla, struggles with accepting her worth in a situation initially engineered to make her feel worthless. Her bravery and persistence, even while remaining humble is an inspiring accomplishment. I rooted for her, I cried for her, I BECAME her in reading this book.
Oftentimes, fantasy books have mentors and teachers that spout barely useful pseudo philosophy that barely applies to anything.
In "A Warrior's Tale", We are forced to examine deep moral questions and even if we do not agree with fate or the actions of others, it is all based in real, heartfelt understanding of what it is be humane, if not human.
I wish I could discuss it more in detail, but trust me, you'll want to savor reading those details for yourself.
I enjoyed this book, and I found it masterful and entertaining. The author's real life accomplishments in the martial arts shows through in battle scenes and discipline adopted by major characters. This is a book where the metal of each and every character is subjected to the forge of life and is shaped in different ways.
I cannot recommend this enough, I look forward to reading more in this series, and I think if you have read Griffin's Daughter (The Griffin's Daughter Series) by Leslie Ann Moore , and enjoyed that, you will also enjoy this series.
December 12, 2012
First of all I have to say that L.T. Suzuki did an amazing job with the detail in telling the story of Nayla Treeborn the half-human/half-elf female protagonist in this compelling fantasy story. A Warrior's Tale is very long, but well worth the read.
The story starts off a bit slow, but only because the author spends this time building up the main character. There is A LOT that goes on in Book 1 of the Imago Chronicles and spans over many years of Nayla Treeborn's life (she is half-elf after all). I found myself very engaged in the story and I'm pleased to say that the story left me with a smile on my face. I'm also glad I purchased the print edition because it includes maps Eastern and Western Imago, which for me personally is a nice bonus.
A Warrior's Tale is not the typical fantasy that I'm used to reading, but that is definitely a positive note. I think where Suzuki shines the most is in the battle scenes. They were awesome, and there is plenty of it! The descriptive detail of the action scenes was very well done and it is no surprise to me that these books are in production for the big screen. The author did a very good job of placing me right in the middle of the action where I could almost hear the sounds of battle as I read the scenes. I am looking forward to reading Book 2 of this fantasy series and can't wait to see the movie.
Buy this book!
The story starts off a bit slow, but only because the author spends this time building up the main character. There is A LOT that goes on in Book 1 of the Imago Chronicles and spans over many years of Nayla Treeborn's life (she is half-elf after all). I found myself very engaged in the story and I'm pleased to say that the story left me with a smile on my face. I'm also glad I purchased the print edition because it includes maps Eastern and Western Imago, which for me personally is a nice bonus.
A Warrior's Tale is not the typical fantasy that I'm used to reading, but that is definitely a positive note. I think where Suzuki shines the most is in the battle scenes. They were awesome, and there is plenty of it! The descriptive detail of the action scenes was very well done and it is no surprise to me that these books are in production for the big screen. The author did a very good job of placing me right in the middle of the action where I could almost hear the sounds of battle as I read the scenes. I am looking forward to reading Book 2 of this fantasy series and can't wait to see the movie.
Buy this book!
November 4, 2013
The saga of Nayla Treeborn is an epic tale of one woman's fight to find her path and place in a world hostile to her. If you love complex fully-articulated characters, heartbreak, redemption, and intrigue this book (and series) is for you.
I've been reading for about 40 years and in that time I have read thousands of books and I have absolutely no qualms in telling you that this book is in my personal Top 10. As much as I love the world that Lorna Suzuki has created, my real joy lies in finding a female character that is strong and vulnerable and complex.
Without divulging any plot points, the story of Nayla spans generations and sees the heroine grow and accept her outsider status to create a rich and full life. She faces a world that is almost always hostile with dignity and strength born from an inner light and her refusal to be defined by others bigotry and hate. Her story is both uplifting and infuriating but always filled with hope and her desire to see the best in everyone.
I love the world of Imago and I'm eager to read all the books in the series.
I've been reading for about 40 years and in that time I have read thousands of books and I have absolutely no qualms in telling you that this book is in my personal Top 10. As much as I love the world that Lorna Suzuki has created, my real joy lies in finding a female character that is strong and vulnerable and complex.
Without divulging any plot points, the story of Nayla spans generations and sees the heroine grow and accept her outsider status to create a rich and full life. She faces a world that is almost always hostile with dignity and strength born from an inner light and her refusal to be defined by others bigotry and hate. Her story is both uplifting and infuriating but always filled with hope and her desire to see the best in everyone.
I love the world of Imago and I'm eager to read all the books in the series.
September 26, 2013
Wasn't sure if I would like this fantasy book. But after I met the fiesty heroine Nayla, I was hooked. She's a fascinating character that you want to spend all your time with. The half human/half elf quickly captured my heart as a character. Watching her grow and learn about life while becoming this great warrior kept me reading. The book spans a lot of time, yet the author keeps the focus on Nayla and her best friend Joval Stonecroft which helps ground the book and the story. If you enjoy a fantasy series with awesome battles of sword-to-sword combat, girls who can kick-ass, and a book that doesn't forget the human behind the sword and armor, then you will enjoy this first book in the Imago Series.
February 16, 2012
This book is amazing. Such fantastic characterisation. You laugh, cry and everything inbetween with Nayla. The relationship between Joval and Nayla is compelling and I found myself rooting for them.
Lorna Suzuki has created such a realistic world in Imago; it draws you in and captures your imagination totally.
The book has a good balance between serious themes and lighter humorous moments. A great start to this series and I will definitively be reading the rest in the Imago series!
Lorna Suzuki has created such a realistic world in Imago; it draws you in and captures your imagination totally.
The book has a good balance between serious themes and lighter humorous moments. A great start to this series and I will definitively be reading the rest in the Imago series!
June 15, 2014
Heard this was optioned for a movie!! Amazing book!! Strong leads of the female variety are always appreciated. Nayla Treeborn is one of the strongest around! Half-elf, half-mortal she is shunned in both worlds. She ages very slowly and watches those she lives and trains with age and die. Through many wars she proves herself a leader among men. Fierce warrior and cunning spy she champions the people who fear and/or loath her. This is the first of seven. Can't wait to read on...
May 9, 2011
Lorna creates a world where humans and elves live and fight together to defeat a common enemy. The world opens up and swallows the reader, enveloping you in magic, lore, and action. Lorna made me laugh, cry, and scream in frustration as she threw twists and turns throughout the story of the small warrior who overcame her battles both personally and on the field.
December 5, 2014
I enjoyed "A Warrior's Tale" from page one, so much so I wrote a mid-book review. Now that I've read the entire story I can't scream praise loud enough. Ms. Suzuki is an excellent storyteller. Every scene brought something new and exciting. Looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series and the movie!
September 15, 2013
Well written and entertaining. I'm normally not into this genre, but I liked this one. Planning to read the author's other books.
January 6, 2014
it would make a great movie!!
March 27, 2015
Absolutely loved it
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