The Coward (Quest for Heroes #1) by Stephen Aryan - Restarting October 8th 2021

[Dannii]

Who will take up the mantle and slay the evil in the Frozen North, saving all from death and destruction? Not Kell Kressia, he's done his part...

Kell Kressia is a legend, a celebrity, a hero. Aged just seventeen he set out on an epic quest with a band of grizzled fighters to slay the Ice Lich and save the world, but only he returned victorious. The Lich was dead, the ice receded and the Five Kingdoms were safe.

Ten years have passed Kell lives a quiet farmer's life, while stories about his heroism are told in every tavern across the length and breadth of the land. But now a new terror has arisen in the north. Beyond the frozen circle, north of the Frostrunner clans, something has taken up residence in the Lich's abandoned castle. And the ice is beginning to creep south once more.

For the second time, Kell is called upon to take up his famous sword, Slayer, and battle the forces of darkness. But he has a terrible secret that nobody knows. He's not a hero - he was just lucky. Everyone puts their faith in Kell the Legend, but he's a coward who has no intention of risking his life for anyone...

[Dannii]

I'm so late but hoping to start this one, this evening :)

[Dannii]

Sooo I didn't manage to get to this one in time. Is anyone still reading it and wanting to push it back until next month? :)

[Jenn]

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Date changed. Restarting October 8th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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[Dannii]

I'm a little late but hoping to start this one on Monday :)

[Ashley W]

Just now getting to this one. :)

[Dannii]

I've read the first 5% of this and am really loving it already. The title had me super intrigued and I'm glad the story is living up to its synopsis.

[Dannii]

First quarter - (view spoiler)[I'm loving learning more about Kell, slayer of the Ice Lich, and his notoriety. Everyone is eager to learn and hear his stories but he is harbouring secrets about the awful deeds of the other heroes. Now an unknown something is dwelling in the Ice Lich's castle and Kell is venturing to confront it/them. He harbours hopes of using the king's money to flee but I have a feeling he will be drawn to investigate somehow.

Britak was raised in a convent but with dreams of ruling much more that did not come to pass. Now she rules in her religion and teaches the young about her Shepard. King Roebus is a weak man who she seems to be able to dominate. However, she can't convince him that Kell's beliefs in evil are blasphemy. She wishes Kell dead and seems powerful enough to find a way to do so.

I'm eager to see these opposing and every different figures interact, at some point.

Gerren was eager to prove himself as a good squire but Kell quickly dismissed him. I knew it wouldn't be the last we saw of him though. He reminded me a little of Pod, who squired for Tyrion in A Song of Ice and Fire series. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Second quarter - (view spoiler)[Oooh, so Britak has been sending multiple assassins to kill Kell but he has defeated them all! Kell was cursed by the Ice Lich and believes he had used up all his good luck before his return from there. I feel sorry for him, especially as he rarely seems to have time alone and away from those who idolise him or are keen to hear his stories. Gerren has become disenchanted with him. His attempts to out him as a coward to the crowd fail spectacularly and their journey continues, as do the attacks on Kell. I like getting insights from Gerren's perspective. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third quarter - (view spoiler)[I'm loving learning more about Gerren, especially after the attack. He is proving the most interesting character for me as I can't quite understand his intentions. (hide spoiler)]

Fourth quarter - (view spoiler)[This was a fun fantasy adventure story. It was a little more straightforward than anticipated and I never truly felt that Kell was a coward, more of a reluctant hero if anything, but I had a good time regardless. (hide spoiler)]