The Orb of Truth (The Horn King, #1) in The Orb of Truth Fan Group

Jul 23, 2019 Brae Wyckoff rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

Shelves: fantasy-adventure

It's not legal that I review my own book, but I gave it 5 stars none the less. Very proud of it. Please disregard my review and check out some real readers reviews of The Orb of Truth. Time to get back to work on the next book in the series...The Dragon God! ...more

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Jan 31, 2013 Penelope Bartotto rated it it was amazing

Sometimes finding the words to best describe a book are difficult, and before you go thinking this is an issue of me not liking the book... let me remind you of that little issue about making assumptions.
Wyckoff has done something many authors could only dream of accomplishing, he has created a unique story that also encapsulates a myriad of fandoms into one glorious adventure. From Tolkien, to Baum, to C.S. Lewis, to Lewis Carroll. Honestly I was even brought back to this hilarious movie called Sometimes finding the words to best describe a book are difficult, and before you go thinking this is an issue of me not liking the book... let me remind you of that little issue about making assumptions.
Wyckoff has done something many authors could only dream of accomplishing, he has created a unique story that also encapsulates a myriad of fandoms into one glorious adventure. From Tolkien, to Baum, to C.S. Lewis, to Lewis Carroll. Honestly I was even brought back to this hilarious movie called Time Bandits, as our cast of characters traveled. The author who tends to only refer to a couple of them, just may be selling himself short, he can stand with the classics.
The Orb of Truth is an adventure of epic proportions. A cast of motley, but highly intriguing characters come together to answer a riddle. This riddle leads both to a quest, and a race against a danger that they do not truly comprehend. Wyckoff has masterfully crafted a cast of characters that one can develop within their mind, and bond with. From Bridazak, the unlikely hero of the story, who has been captured by artist Mad Scientist, to Spilf his Ordakian sidekick, and the gruff, but lovable Dulgin, you have a starter cast that knocks it out of the fantasy realm within chapter one. This is only the beginning of a powerful cast of creatures and humans that are developed so well, you would think you had known them forever.
Good versus Evil, is ultimately the core of this tale. The one that is meant for you to see clearly and without doubt. Ultimate Good versus the ultimate evil. Like Tolkien and Lewis before him, Wyckoff has crafted an allegory for the beliefs of Christianity.
So, theme of the book = Good vs. Evil, that's the easy one to spot. The other important theme within this book is the power of friendship and love. We start with a trio of characters, two Ordakians and a dwarf. They have a bond that surpasses the fact they travel together as a rogue troop of thieves. They are friends, as unlikely as it may seem. The dynamics with the trio are so strong though, you feel as if you are part of the group. They are only the beginning of many relationships, both friends and foes that you get to experience through the writings of Wyckoff. He has a way with a pen that brings the words to life.
My examples are going to be a trio of characters that I will say stand out as my favorites...
Dulgin the dwarf. He's grumpy, he likes his ale, he is easily irritated, and yet when push comes to shove... get out of his way! He will fight to the ends of the lands as he knows it and beyond to help a friend. He is a loyal friend, and a mighty foe. I was immediately drawn to him, and found his acerbic wit to be completely appealing. Next up are maybe the smallest duo in the entire tale, but they are not to be overlooked at all... Lester and Ross. To most people they are nothing more than a pair of rusty lock-picks, because a magical spell protects their true identities... magical lock-picks able to deal with any spell and any lock placed before them, but only for the one that controls them, their master. Originally owned by Spilf, they become the property of Bridazak after Spilf gifts them to his friend. The delightful banter betwixt these two is hilarious, and their personalities shine beyond the rusty exterior.
Without the finely crafted characters I do not know if the adventure would be as grand as it is, but this is a tale of greatness with the characters. There are no slow spots, no drops in the action, the plot moves with ease to meet the destiny of the tale unfolding. Something that, Tolkien, though a great author, had in his epic adventures. I'll admit it, I know very few people who read Tolkien's works all the way through the first time. Wyckoff, grabbed me in with his characters and then led me on a quest that I could not get enough of, I literally read this book in three hours, with a few breaks to rest my eyes. I guess it is a very good thing that there are books to come in The Horn King Series.
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Dec 06, 2012 Katherine rated it it was amazing

I received The Orb of Truth as a prize from a contest the author held...I was not obligated to review it, but after reading it I wanted to review it and let other people know what a great book it is.
The Orb of Truth is a wonderful fantasy adventure and is appropriate for children and adults. The characters are very likeable and endearing. I like that the characters that were chosen to hold the Orb of Turth (God's voice) were a little flawed but genuinely good people.
Other reviewers have compared ...more

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Feb 23, 2013 Leah rated it it was amazing

This book was funny and adventurous! I adored the love the main characters had for each other and loved the storyline. I really enjoyed the fact that God was a big part of the story. I thought Lester and Ross were a riot! Brea was masterful in creating this exciting story. He sucked me in like a moth to flame! But instead of it devouring me I devoured it!! And I particular loved the Great Oculus' riddle "Rigid but born to perfection"........ beautiful. All I have left to say is; It Is Time, for ...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Justin Melter rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads, fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. **For the FULL REVIEW on this book check out HTTP://WWW.LAZYDAY.CA** This was a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway winner!

Firstly, I must say that Brae was extremely prompt in getting this sent out as I had the book in my hands 2 days after winning the contest. So I was extremely pleased about that! First appearances the book seems a little thin compared to the usual fantasy/sci-fi action adventure novel. This is the beginning of the Horn King series where book #2 is set to release this year (2013) **For the FULL REVIEW on this book check out HTTP://WWW.LAZYDAY.CA** This was a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway winner!

Firstly, I must say that Brae was extremely prompt in getting this sent out as I had the book in my hands 2 days after winning the contest. So I was extremely pleased about that! First appearances the book seems a little thin compared to the usual fantasy/sci-fi action adventure novel. This is the beginning of the Horn King series where book #2 is set to release this year (2013).

Brae seems to have a knack for weaving a good action adventure tale, where at times I felt like I was within a game of D&D with a masterful DM. The scenes are entertaining, humorous and and action filled with both enough gore and emotion to keep the characters and settings real.

One thing I found a little perplexing where plot was concerned dealt with some of the magics, weapons and offenses which apparently were available to these characters the majority of the time yet the first half of the book made you wonder if this was a similar tale to Tolkien's The Hobbit. At first it seemed you had a straight forward adventure quest with pretty unremarkable characters who's repertoire consisted mostly of hiding and basic hack & slash. Yet in the later half suddenly they are equipped with very powerful almost god-like abilities/weapons. Perhaps an odd thing to review but it came across as a drastic flip. What we now would consider generic race form types (Dwarves, Elves, Halflings etc.) and their related jokes are apparent but still well placed. I think overall character development was good, without being overly in-depth or great. My favorite characters would have to be the talking Lock Picks Lester and Ross who are mainly concerned with maintaining their reputation as laid out by them. A nice comic relief.

For an author's first book I don't think you can hope for it to turn out much better then what Brae has done here with the Orb of truth. The story flows, the language is well used, it intrigues enough to keep you reading and even begin to wonder about the future books. I for one am curious to know a little bit more about the politics which are being played out between the remaining Kings. I think that Brae is going to be a new and contending voice in the fantasy/sci-fi genre. Thanks to both Brae and Goodreads for letting me have the chance to be a Goodreads winner and for letting me share in this excellent action adventure story!
**For the FULL REVIEW on this book check out HTTP://WWW.LAZYDAY.CA** ...more

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Mar 21, 2013 Raven Reviewer rated it it was amazing

Bridazak is an Ordakian who has the most vivid recurring dreams about a light. One night, the dream changes and he receives a box. When he wakes up, the box is still there. He endeavors to find a way to open the box and find out what is inside. And so he and his two friends embark on a journey.

What’s an Ordakian, you say? A Halfling. Yes, this book takes place in a world with halflings, dwarves, and elves. Trolls, gnomes, unicorns and even pet dragons also make an appearance. This world is so de ...more

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Feb 16, 2013 Karen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

THE ORB OF TRUTH BRAE WYCKOFF
If you love adventure and a smidgen of spirituality thrown in to the story for good measure this is a fantastic read. Three beings on a quest to deliver a mysterious box to a specific location to find the truth. A fantasy and a lesson in spirituality rolled into one. Mr. Wyckoff really delivers in the series opener. The characters are as likeable as the villains are hateable. You will find yourself rooting for Abawkin, Bridazak and Dulgin along with Lester and Ross. ...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Jill rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. I'm so happy that he is writing a series because I absolutely love the characters and I can't wait to see what happens next! Exciting, action-packed, edge of your seat, deep, and even funny...this book had it all. ...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Tina rated it it was amazing

This book was a great read. It has Friendship,adventure and fantasy. Great book for all ages to read. I recommend it for everyone.

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Dec 08, 2012 Eric Dontigney rated it really liked it

Brae has achieved one of the harder things to do in modern literature. He has written an epic fantasy that is fast paced, action packed and family friendly. The novel unabashedly embraces a Christian ethos without the beating the reader over the head with the message. In short, the story comes first, as it always should in a good novel. Brae excels at a world building and painted a compelling picture in my mind of a land torn apart by ancient powers of darkness and war. Where Brae stumbles a bit ...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Cindy Smith rated it liked it

The prologue to the book about a magical tree grabbed me, I was looking forward to reading an new fantasy. However, I found the story to be too closely based on The Lord of the RIngs. A halfling teams up with a dwarf, another halfling on a quest to save the world. They are joined by a wandering human. Elves and magicians come into play. They get lost in a magical forest,

The writing is good, but the characters are not developed into unique ones. I hope the second book is more original. It should ...more

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