My father and I have for the second time finished Archer's Goon by Diana Wynne Jones

My father and I have for the second time finished Archer's Goon by Diana Wynne Jones.

Diana Wynne Jones: Mistress of the Multiverse and Lady of Endless Surprises – whom I put second only to J.R.R. Tolkien himself. I know this sounds absurd, but her wit, skill, and pure genius can even go beyond Tolkien and J.K. Rowling at times. Read my Hidden Gems page to see my full-blown praise of her, but even this time Dad was - who after so many years had forgotten the key plot points - was raving about how Jones is "Shakespearean in her genius!"

Do NOT let the seeming simplicity of her writing style or plots deceive you. As much as Hexwood, in Archer's Goon nothing is as it appears and Jones is ALWAYS not one but thirteen steps ahead of you, ready with surprises that will leave you flapping your jaw in astonishment as you try to wrap your head around the latest twist.

Back to the Nine Kingdoms!

Romantic Fantasy, or Romantasy as it is called these days, is generally not my cup of tea, so it takes an especially gripping one to bring me aboard. Or in this case, bring me back as I have just started A Tapestry of Spells, Book 4 of Lynn Kurland's Novels of the Nine Kingdoms and the beginnings of its second trilogy that seems to be a sequel/companion to the first.

Two years ago this series caught and pulled me along with its ceaseless, heartfelt action, so while I of course hope to see Morgan and Miach again, I am doubly looking forward to getting to know and journeying with Sarah of Doire and Ruithneadh of Ceangail. A soul-shattering journey no doubt, filled with ruthless revelations and dark magics capable of rending the Nine Kingdoms, as the past will always find a person even as they defend the future. Particularly if the source of the evil is one's own family.

Behold my Dragonkin Legacy!

“The worldbuilding is superb...[and] the characters are just as memorable...an enthralling epic teeming with valor, camaraderie, and searing battles.” – Kirkus Reviews

My full debut Epic Fantasy series, The Dragonkin Legacy, is now available on Amazon. Yes, I know it only shows up as Kindle. Relax. Come June 1st the Paperbacks will be available, books one and two and omnibus, with a third on the way. Come to think of it, Book One, The Last War, is available NOW.

 

Editorial Reviews 

"The Dragonkin Legacy by Ian E.S. Adler is an epic fantasy adventure that blends historical fiction with mythical elements. I loved the world-building and the intense action. The narrative style was perfect to keep the pace of the story, keep the attention of readers on the plot, and complement the development of the characters. Adler’s vivid descriptions bring the world of Cynnahu to life, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story. I loved how the story explored topics like the consequences of war and how it affects countless lives. While the plot is intricate and involves numerous subplots, Adler ties everything together in a satisfying conclusion. The storytelling is both rich and immersive, drawing readers into a world that is as enchanting as it is dangerous. Each member of the Team of Five is well-crafted, with distinct personalities and arcs that evolve as the narrative unfolds. Sakura’s quest for vengeance adds a raw emotional edge, while Myrriden’s struggles with fatherhood and duty provide a clear contrast. Was there ever a moment in the story that felt lacking? Never! The ending was perfect and made me love the story more. Highly recommended!" - Rabia Tanveer (starred review for Readers' Favorite)

"A fantasy novel replete with magic, lore, and epic stakes, The Last War by Ian E.S. Adler is a classic questing adventure in the richly imagined world of Nim-Semalf. The Order of mages and the entire archipelago they protect faces invasion by the naga, catapulting five unlikely companions into the fiery crucible of destiny. Amidst ancient riddles, embattled dragon shrines, fearless storm swords, and the mysterious motives of Archmages, the fast-moving plot is enthralling, as is this new realm taking shape before readers' eyes. Built on an elaborate mythology and supported by a classic fantasy plot of ultimate victory vs. complete annihilation, this first book in The Cynnahu Saga is a knockout start to a new series." - Self-Publishing Review (SPR) (starred review)

"Adler has built a complex and detailed fantasy world full of adventure and excitement that keeps readers turning the pages. The author provides explanations of what people perform in their jobs that go along with their titles, such as Dragon Guardians, Isle Masters, Loremasters, and Mages, to name a few. A strong and ideal cast of characters who are dealing with grief, sacrifice, tricky interactions, and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds populate the story. The characters also undertake risks, whether it is being involved in battles where magic plays a part or in trying to overcome outside forces and internal challenges when it comes to solving the secret code in ancient writings... The Last War is a gripping fantasy story that pulls readers into a magical world with nonstop action and suspense that revolves around an armed confrontation of epic proportions." - Feathered Quill Reviews

"Adler created a rich and imaginative world populated with interesting and well-developed characters encompassing the depth of their history and mythology. Fans of the fantasy genre will be enthralled by the level of detail and visual delights that bring this story to life, pulling the reader right into the action...focus[ing] not only on war and action but the wisdom and strategy the young characters, Emrys and Sakura, must face when solving puzzles and challenges. The author invests much of the narration with dialogue, creating a colorful plot and development throughout the book. This technique gives the characters more dimension so that we understand their motives, while the storyline never falters and will keep you turning one page after the next. While this action-packed, strategic tale follows what many readers may find to be a familiar fantasy storyline, it's a rich, vibrant tale with unique characters and a fantastic world will keep you looking forward to the next installment." - Literary Titan (starred review and winner of the Literary Titan Book Award)

Official Book Review: Orphan's Quest by Terry Ironwood

I have finished Orphan's Quest, the first of Terry Ironwood's The Great Forget Series and, as the author requested, now give it an Official Book Review. (And if it seems like I read it surprisingly swiftly, well, the book being only 99 pages may have had something to do with that.)

Talk about a whirlwind! Epic Fantasy in the classic tradition is my bread and butter, as is said, yet I am used to them being epic in length as well. So while many could reasonably argue Orphan's Quest would benefit from many more words and pages, it did not waste a single one that was there: Instantly drawing one into the life and plight of the young orphan Chip in the Kingdom of Vanalon where all young men are sworn to defend humankind and which happens to be ruled by a fat idiot of a king. Thanks goodness for Queen Charlotte and Princess Eleanor! A very readable book, the pages seemed to turn of their own accord as the weapons master Garth Stone imparted his wisdom – "Everything you want is on the other side of fear" and "self-disciple is freedom" – are my favorites, while watching Grand Wizard Xander handle fools brought instant smiles. Ah yes, and the battle scenes. A reviewer of my own The Last War once said "that every battle-scarred vista becomes cinematically real in the reader’s mind", so I now take great pleasure is saying the same thing of Terry Ironwood's Orphan's Quest. Chip's journey to the Pass of Death and battles against the demons were like watching a film in my head, flowing swift and clear as the Rocky River. In short, if you are looking for Epic Fantasy of the classic tradition that is actually (instead of comparatively) short then you will likely find a home in Terry Ironwood's The Great Forget Series.

(P.S. If you, dear reader, are an author/publisher and reading this review makes you want to ask me for a review too then PLEASE read my Contact Me? page.)

I have started Orphan's Quest, the first of Terry Ironwood's The Great Forget Series

At the author's request I have started Orphan's Quest, the first of Terry Ironwood's The Great Forget Series.

An orphan with untold power. A wise wizard. A princess who is thankfully far brighter than her idiot brother and father, and an ancient evil rising. Sounds like a classic Epic Fantasy in the Tolkien tradition, which, by the way, is exactly what Ironwood says it is (both in the intro to the book and to me personally), which makes it hard to resist. Yet I foresee more than a few surprises since the back cover begins with "Long ago, a mysterious event known as The Great Forget ravaged Earth. Magic was born." The Great Forget. Now if that does not invite mysteries and revelations by the dozen I do not know what does.

(Naturally the Official Book Review will come after I finish the book.)

Quote of the month

"Fantasy can provide us with simple entertainment and escapism, but it goes deeper than that. It provides different perspectives, explores themes such as the power of friendship, love, and honour, evokes a sense of wonder, lets us partake in adventures we can only dream about, and teaches us valuable truths to apply in our own lives. More importantly, it allows us to imagine." - Terry Ironwood

I finished Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White

"It is the duty of those with power to protect those without." - Sòng Méi

I finished Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White, the second book of the Song of the Last Kingdom Duology by Amélie Wen Zhao.

"Yin and yang. Good and evil. Great and terrible. Two sides of the same coin, Lián'ér, and somewhere in the center of it all lies power. The solution is to find the balance between them," once said Dé’zì, grandmaster of School of the White Pines. A balance Lan and Zen, creation and ruin, found on the razor-thin, razor-sharp, path between Demon Gods and Elantian colonizers, past and present, love and hate, morality and necessity, truth and lies, betrayal and reunification. A race along that devastating path to a battle where foes hereditary and foreign clashed that returned the Four to the sky and made the Last Kingdom what it was meant to be all along: A land of Ten Thousand Flowers. Though the price, as I feared, was high.

All marking the end of an absolutely stellar and original Fantasy that has all the breathtaking elegance, beauty, heart, and cultural distinction of Chinese calligraphy. So much so that I felt it ended too quickly, for there was so much more of the Last Kingdom to see, to say nothing of the lands beyond the Emaran Desert and across the Sea of Heavenly Radiance. More to learn about practitioning, metalwork magic, and the Clans and gods and other entities who populate this amazing world. I can only only hope for a sequel someday, for even as gods have endings so does that lead to new beginnings. In the meantime though, for this ending, I can only now offer the same salute as given to the legendary heroes who once walked the lakes and rivers of the Last Kingdom:

Kingdom before live, honor into death Sòng Lián & Xan Temurezen (may the red thread of fate forever bind you), Yeshin Nora Dilaya, Shàn'jūn & Chó Tài, Master Nur, Nameless Master, and all the Clans who fought a won a land where your differing customs and heritages can be celebrated in peace and freedom.

"Blood draws more blood. Power desires more power. A vicious cycle cannot be broken. Unless it is destroyed." - Xan Alatüi, First Shaman of the Eternal Sky and the Great Earth, Classic of Gods and Demons