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Guadel Chronicles #1
Frozen Prospects
The invitation to join the secretive Guadel should have been the fulfillment of dreams Va'del didn't even realize he had. When his sponsors are killed in an ambush a short time later, he instead finds his probationary status revoked, and becomes a pawn between various factions inside the Guadel ruling body.
Jain's never known any life but that of a Guadel in training. She'd thought herself reconciled to the idea of a loveless marriage for the good of her people, but meeting Va'del changes everything. Their growing attraction flies against hundreds of years of precedent, but as wide-spread attacks threaten their world, the Guadel have no choice but to use even Jain and Va'del in their fight for survival.
Publisher's Note: Frozen Prospects is followed by Thawed Fortunes.
Jain's never known any life but that of a Guadel in training. She'd thought herself reconciled to the idea of a loveless marriage for the good of her people, but meeting Va'del changes everything. Their growing attraction flies against hundreds of years of precedent, but as wide-spread attacks threaten their world, the Guadel have no choice but to use even Jain and Va'del in their fight for survival.
Publisher's Note: Frozen Prospects is followed by Thawed Fortunes.
316 pages, Nook
First published January 6, 2011
91 people are currently reading
950 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 7, 2013
Murray has stolen ideas from Robert Jordan and George Lucas, but--unfortunately--inherited not their genius but Lucas' script writing ability.
The plot was interesting, but not enough so to get past the horrid style and simple spelling and grammar errors present in the free e-book I received. I can only imagine that the publisher was drunk.
That said, the story is interesting and since this took my all of about 2 hours to read, I might be interested enough to see if he gets better (such as Eragon's author becoming FAR better as the books went on).
The plot was interesting, but not enough so to get past the horrid style and simple spelling and grammar errors present in the free e-book I received. I can only imagine that the publisher was drunk.
That said, the story is interesting and since this took my all of about 2 hours to read, I might be interested enough to see if he gets better (such as Eragon's author becoming FAR better as the books went on).
October 10, 2012
Frozen Prospects, by Dean Murray made me very happy. It was just a great story. I also felt an akinness to the author when I read his about the author and found multiple similarities:
Dean started reading seriously in the second grade due to a competition and has spent most of the subsequent three decades lost in other people's worlds. After reading several local libraries more or less dry of sci-fi and fantasy, he started spending more time wandering around worlds of his own creation to avoid the boredom of the 'real' world.
Things worsened, or improved depending on your point of view, when he first started experimenting with writing while finishing up his accounting degree. These days Dean has a wonderful wife and two lovely daughters to keep him rather more grounded, but the idea of bringing others along with him as he meets interesting new people in universes nobody else has ever seen tends to drag him back to his computer on a fairly regular basis.
Dean Murray crafted a wonderful environment in Frozen Prospects, established without boring the reader to death with direct information in long-winded descriptions. I flowed right through this book, wishing it were longer when I reached the end (though Part 2 is already in the works, I understand). The first chapter of the second book was available in the version I read.
A cold, snow-filled world requires the people to live in caves, many kept warm by the magic gems the secretive Guadel create over decades for this purpose. Va'del, an orphan, and outcast, in his home village, is asked to come to the capital city to learn to become one of these notorious Guadel. There is little choice but to agree to travel through the cold world to this far away city, where this secretive group live and train.
Va'del was a character both believable, and likable, his potential making him someone to reckon with, while his background creates an air of unknown around him. When he meets Jain, I found myself genuinely happy for the character, and wishful that real people might allow their compassion to rule their worlds more often.
The ending was a bit fast. I would have liked to have had the final battle extended a bit more, though in reality, the way it's written is very- well, realistic (from the perspective of the author's universe, etc). Even so, I wanted to see Va'del kick some more butt before the end, just to rub all the snotty elitists noses in it.
I feel the YA genre has taken over this type of fantasy, making this book an even greater find! This is how I remember fantasy to be. Not over the top with the flashy; not beaten down by teen angst, but driven by character and story. Thank you Mr. Murray for this!
I was also brought to ponder the idea (again) of what makes a good story while reading this. This book, by Dean Murray, while very good, still reads a little elementary at times. It was a thing I couldn't quite put my finger on, but did notice every once in awhile. Maybe the flow of the sentence structuring? Maybe the use of particular words? Definitely not enough to take away from anything, but enough that I noticed this... somethingness about the language. Or maybe I'm some kind of weird word snob... either way, great book that I give 4 out of 5 stars to!
The Kindle edition of this book is currently... FREE!
Dean started reading seriously in the second grade due to a competition and has spent most of the subsequent three decades lost in other people's worlds. After reading several local libraries more or less dry of sci-fi and fantasy, he started spending more time wandering around worlds of his own creation to avoid the boredom of the 'real' world.
Things worsened, or improved depending on your point of view, when he first started experimenting with writing while finishing up his accounting degree. These days Dean has a wonderful wife and two lovely daughters to keep him rather more grounded, but the idea of bringing others along with him as he meets interesting new people in universes nobody else has ever seen tends to drag him back to his computer on a fairly regular basis.
Dean Murray crafted a wonderful environment in Frozen Prospects, established without boring the reader to death with direct information in long-winded descriptions. I flowed right through this book, wishing it were longer when I reached the end (though Part 2 is already in the works, I understand). The first chapter of the second book was available in the version I read.
A cold, snow-filled world requires the people to live in caves, many kept warm by the magic gems the secretive Guadel create over decades for this purpose. Va'del, an orphan, and outcast, in his home village, is asked to come to the capital city to learn to become one of these notorious Guadel. There is little choice but to agree to travel through the cold world to this far away city, where this secretive group live and train.
Va'del was a character both believable, and likable, his potential making him someone to reckon with, while his background creates an air of unknown around him. When he meets Jain, I found myself genuinely happy for the character, and wishful that real people might allow their compassion to rule their worlds more often.
The ending was a bit fast. I would have liked to have had the final battle extended a bit more, though in reality, the way it's written is very- well, realistic (from the perspective of the author's universe, etc). Even so, I wanted to see Va'del kick some more butt before the end, just to rub all the snotty elitists noses in it.
I feel the YA genre has taken over this type of fantasy, making this book an even greater find! This is how I remember fantasy to be. Not over the top with the flashy; not beaten down by teen angst, but driven by character and story. Thank you Mr. Murray for this!
I was also brought to ponder the idea (again) of what makes a good story while reading this. This book, by Dean Murray, while very good, still reads a little elementary at times. It was a thing I couldn't quite put my finger on, but did notice every once in awhile. Maybe the flow of the sentence structuring? Maybe the use of particular words? Definitely not enough to take away from anything, but enough that I noticed this... somethingness about the language. Or maybe I'm some kind of weird word snob... either way, great book that I give 4 out of 5 stars to!
The Kindle edition of this book is currently... FREE!
August 7, 2017
Great read !!!
Fast pace d story.makes you really care about the caracters.can not wait to read the next book in the series.
Fast pace d story.makes you really care about the caracters.can not wait to read the next book in the series.
May 30, 2020
loved it !!!
January 11, 2021
Good
I read this as I enjoyed Dean's other series and was pleasantly surprised at how drawn in I became. Can't wait to see how things turn out for Va'del
I read this as I enjoyed Dean's other series and was pleasantly surprised at how drawn in I became. Can't wait to see how things turn out for Va'del
October 19, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
September 10, 2012
I've never read of a male main character who has fainted several times (I stopped counting after his third collapse)... and that's just about 30% into the story. Not that there isn't a valid reason for each fainting spell... but still. It just goes against the grain, to read about someone who faints a lot, and the character in question is not even a female...it's sexist and it's petty, I know.. but hey this is fantasy--I just want to read about a hero who doesn't lose consciousness after a big fight.
Moving on. Frozen Prospects was a fuzzy read for me. The snowy mountain village setting was new, the socio-political structure unique, and the whole business of the Guadel secret society quite confusing. I could not get a hold of the story and was afraid it would be that way till the end. It all started to click into place and marginally made more sense after the the first half of the story. The women recruited into the Guadel have the ability to work magic-- by healing, by using gemstones for heat & light, and by linking minds with their husbands to make them a stronger warrior than normal. On the other hand, the Guadel men become members of this privileged group if they can withstand the mind invasion that's necessary for the augmentation of their fighting skills. This elite group is responsible for keeping the peace among the different villages. But Guadel families are being ambushed and their number diminishing. The main character Va'del, though a new recruit, is caught in the middle of this conflict, while battling his own personal insecurities and darker tendencies.
The characters here take more time to be understood and appreciated, but they are all solid enough to be memorable. My favorite part here is the transformation of Va'del. The outcast orphan finds very few people who supports him, let alone treat him kindly. But eventually he has stepped up to embrace the role of a protector, and his good character and potential earn him a much needed ally in his journey to become a full pledged Guadel. Great training and skirmish scenes abound in this book peppered with thick political parley. The pace turns urgent towards the end, and the closing chapter marks Va'del as one with exceptional and unprecedented ability who is destined to do great things.
Moving on. Frozen Prospects was a fuzzy read for me. The snowy mountain village setting was new, the socio-political structure unique, and the whole business of the Guadel secret society quite confusing. I could not get a hold of the story and was afraid it would be that way till the end. It all started to click into place and marginally made more sense after the the first half of the story. The women recruited into the Guadel have the ability to work magic-- by healing, by using gemstones for heat & light, and by linking minds with their husbands to make them a stronger warrior than normal. On the other hand, the Guadel men become members of this privileged group if they can withstand the mind invasion that's necessary for the augmentation of their fighting skills. This elite group is responsible for keeping the peace among the different villages. But Guadel families are being ambushed and their number diminishing. The main character Va'del, though a new recruit, is caught in the middle of this conflict, while battling his own personal insecurities and darker tendencies.
The characters here take more time to be understood and appreciated, but they are all solid enough to be memorable. My favorite part here is the transformation of Va'del. The outcast orphan finds very few people who supports him, let alone treat him kindly. But eventually he has stepped up to embrace the role of a protector, and his good character and potential earn him a much needed ally in his journey to become a full pledged Guadel. Great training and skirmish scenes abound in this book peppered with thick political parley. The pace turns urgent towards the end, and the closing chapter marks Va'del as one with exceptional and unprecedented ability who is destined to do great things.
May 20, 2017
A unique story.
The young man, Va'del, is an orphan in a frozen landscape. His people are living in highland villages dug deep into the mountainsides. In their society the young are chosen as teenagers by skill masters to learn a craft. Va'del is different, his mother was a dark skinned lowlander, and he has been abused by the people of his village all his life. He has one friend who helps him to not commit suicide.
There are people, the Guadel, who patrol the trails between the villages to protect them from bandits and dangerous creatures. They act as traveling judges and also go to the villages to test young men for an ability to let women magic users join with them mentally.
The Gaudel who come to Va'del's village find that he has an uncommonly strong ability to link. He goes with them to train in martial skills and the law while they sponsor him until he takes the oaths to become a Gaudel. They become the family he has missed having. Then they are killed by bandits and he is orphaned again. With the hope that he will still be able to become a Gaudel he continues on to the capital where his sponsors' branch live. The people there think that he was responsible for his sponsors being killed and treat him harshly. He is again feeling depressed almost to suicide when he makes a new friend in Jain, a young teenage girl. She is studying magic and the law and is a kind, intelligent person. They study together and come to care very much for each other.
The Gaudel are under attack and their numbers are lower than is usual. Their Council members are stressed by infighting and the need to discover a way to stop the bandits. The creatures that are attacking people are also increasing in numbers. All this contributes to the attitudes of the adults Va'del and Jain have to depend on.
The need to supplement their guards and magic users in the villages has the Council send the oldest and most skilled students out onto the trails with the few and oldest Gaudel.
Va'del and Jein are sent with a woman, Cindy, and her husband. When ambushed by bandits Jain is kidnapped and it is up to Va'del and Cindy to save her, but first they have to save themselves.
I really liked this story better the second time I read it. It is worth a second look.
The young man, Va'del, is an orphan in a frozen landscape. His people are living in highland villages dug deep into the mountainsides. In their society the young are chosen as teenagers by skill masters to learn a craft. Va'del is different, his mother was a dark skinned lowlander, and he has been abused by the people of his village all his life. He has one friend who helps him to not commit suicide.
There are people, the Guadel, who patrol the trails between the villages to protect them from bandits and dangerous creatures. They act as traveling judges and also go to the villages to test young men for an ability to let women magic users join with them mentally.
The Gaudel who come to Va'del's village find that he has an uncommonly strong ability to link. He goes with them to train in martial skills and the law while they sponsor him until he takes the oaths to become a Gaudel. They become the family he has missed having. Then they are killed by bandits and he is orphaned again. With the hope that he will still be able to become a Gaudel he continues on to the capital where his sponsors' branch live. The people there think that he was responsible for his sponsors being killed and treat him harshly. He is again feeling depressed almost to suicide when he makes a new friend in Jain, a young teenage girl. She is studying magic and the law and is a kind, intelligent person. They study together and come to care very much for each other.
The Gaudel are under attack and their numbers are lower than is usual. Their Council members are stressed by infighting and the need to discover a way to stop the bandits. The creatures that are attacking people are also increasing in numbers. All this contributes to the attitudes of the adults Va'del and Jain have to depend on.
The need to supplement their guards and magic users in the villages has the Council send the oldest and most skilled students out onto the trails with the few and oldest Gaudel.
Va'del and Jein are sent with a woman, Cindy, and her husband. When ambushed by bandits Jain is kidnapped and it is up to Va'del and Cindy to save her, but first they have to save themselves.
I really liked this story better the second time I read it. It is worth a second look.
September 15, 2016
I was given this book for free from the author to read and leave an honest review. I later purchased the book because I enjoy his writing. This is a wonderful YA fantasy. This is the first in the series. What a good, well-written story. Va'del is an orphan and an outcast that is beaten and bullied by others in the community. Jain lives in a world of ice and snow in the caves. The Guadel are looking for apprentices to learn magic and how to enter minds. Dean Murray has come up with such a different and interesting story. The beginning is a little slower paced, but all development of the story to come, which is exciting and you won't want to put it down, so stick with it. This is another well-written story that will let your mind easily see the characters and become immersed and part of this book.
March 29, 2011
Frozen Prospects follows Va'del in his quest to find acceptance. It is set high in the mountains where all the communities are based in large cave systems and it is death to wander outside unprepared. Born from a lowlander mother and orphaned at a young age is enough to make him an outcast and a target for the bullies in his community. Constantly beaten by the headman's son Jas'per he once again awakens to find himself in the healing area being taken care of by Sara. While in recovery he learns that some of the mysterious Guadel have arrived to test the youngsters of his community to see if they will be taken away to the Capital. When Va'del is tested he is given the choice to stay where he is and continue his miserable existence of getting beaten up and not having anyone willing to take him as an apprentice, or he can accompany the Guadel for training and possibly become one of them.
Getting into anymore of the story would start to give spoilers so I'll just say that when he arrives at the Capital under less than ideal circumstances his life becomes just as miserable as it was and he is constantly thinking about suicide to end it all. There were times that I really was not a big fan of Va'del as a character, but he really grows as the story develops and at the end I was left wanting to see more books about him. I really enjoyed a lot of the support characters, especially I'rone.
I look forward to the next book in the series, but in the meantime I will check out the other work by Dean Murray.
Getting into anymore of the story would start to give spoilers so I'll just say that when he arrives at the Capital under less than ideal circumstances his life becomes just as miserable as it was and he is constantly thinking about suicide to end it all. There were times that I really was not a big fan of Va'del as a character, but he really grows as the story develops and at the end I was left wanting to see more books about him. I really enjoyed a lot of the support characters, especially I'rone.
I look forward to the next book in the series, but in the meantime I will check out the other work by Dean Murray.
July 13, 2014
Dean Murray has done it again. I was entering uncomfortable territory in reading this as I have completely fallen for his Reflections and Dark Reflections series from the Paranormal genre. I was sure that I wouldn't be able to enjoy his Fantasy books with the same relish as I did the others. I really should know better by now than to a) assume ANYTHING where authors and genres are concerned and b) to even consider that this wouldn't be as good. It is!
Va'del is stuck in a world not of his choosing but he has no parents and this isn't the sort of place where you can go a-wandering whenever the mood takes you. There is a lot to learn about the traditions and restrictions of Va'del's world and not a lot of time to do it in as the action pretty much starts straight away.
Even though it is in the synopsis that Va'del's sponsors get killed, I was still upset when it happened because of the emotion that is written about Va'del and how he has to deal not only with the guilt of thinking that he should have been able to prevent it but also with facing what he had to upon arriving at the place he hoped would be his new home.
This is not a light and fluffy book - it is dark and gritty and will keep you turning the pages. I loved every moment of it and my review of Thawed Fortunes (book 2 of the Guadel Chronicles) will follow very shortly.
Va'del is stuck in a world not of his choosing but he has no parents and this isn't the sort of place where you can go a-wandering whenever the mood takes you. There is a lot to learn about the traditions and restrictions of Va'del's world and not a lot of time to do it in as the action pretty much starts straight away.
Even though it is in the synopsis that Va'del's sponsors get killed, I was still upset when it happened because of the emotion that is written about Va'del and how he has to deal not only with the guilt of thinking that he should have been able to prevent it but also with facing what he had to upon arriving at the place he hoped would be his new home.
This is not a light and fluffy book - it is dark and gritty and will keep you turning the pages. I loved every moment of it and my review of Thawed Fortunes (book 2 of the Guadel Chronicles) will follow very shortly.
June 30, 2015
Young adult fantasy it may be, but it has series-worthy appeal for all of us. The otherness of the civilization is hardly insurmountable, and the beings are as people. The rest of the perceptions and struggles are all too familiar. How the outcast feels and reacts to the blows life gives him are all too real. The swordwork is fairly classic, and the high mountain snow issues are familiar. Another review mentioned that there seemed to be more episodes of unconsciousness than one is accustomed to. Not if one has been an ER nurse or the mother of boys. I did not yet view the visual copy, but the audio book had me riveted, followed by gnashing of teeth that the remainder of the series is not yet recorded.
And I certainly hope that the author will tag Chekejian for the rest of the series as his performance truly enhances the characterizations as well as the narratives.
I bought the Whispersync set cheap, probably through Book Gorilla or Book Bub.
And I certainly hope that the author will tag Chekejian for the rest of the series as his performance truly enhances the characterizations as well as the narratives.
I bought the Whispersync set cheap, probably through Book Gorilla or Book Bub.
September 20, 2016
There were a few spots in this story that was hard for me to get through. The first few chapters because of a new world, new language or should I say a different way of assessing some things like the passage of time. But as the story progressed I became more able to follow along and got drawn into the story. Midway things got a little slow for me...especially when talk/conversation turned more so political and was based around the council.
By the time to two upstarts were sent out on their journey with the two Guadel the story picked up for me once again and I was captivated until the end. Turning pages as quickly as I could to see how the story was going to end.
No spoilers here
I think those who enjoy fantasy with a bit of coming of age and the adversities that must be faced will enjoy this book.
By the time to two upstarts were sent out on their journey with the two Guadel the story picked up for me once again and I was captivated until the end. Turning pages as quickly as I could to see how the story was going to end.
No spoilers here
I think those who enjoy fantasy with a bit of coming of age and the adversities that must be faced will enjoy this book.
December 15, 2012
This is a great book about a group of people who live on a cold mountain in the deep caves. They use magic to transform crystals into ways to create heat and light. They grow mushrooms and other plants from them. The men are warriors who fight with swords and daggers.
The story follows Va'dal a young orphan who is mistreated in his village and chosen to become a Guadel trainee by visitors from the Capital. On his way his sponsors are killed and he then continues on to the Capital and works had to still become a Guadel even without a sponsor.
This is a great story for anyone who is middle school age or older. There is no language or sex, but there is violence, as to be expected from a book about warriors with swords.
The story follows Va'dal a young orphan who is mistreated in his village and chosen to become a Guadel trainee by visitors from the Capital. On his way his sponsors are killed and he then continues on to the Capital and works had to still become a Guadel even without a sponsor.
This is a great story for anyone who is middle school age or older. There is no language or sex, but there is violence, as to be expected from a book about warriors with swords.
March 24, 2018
A fast-paced enjoyable fantasy.
A great story that follows young orphan Val'del's often uncomfortable, and always challenging, journey to find somewhere and someone to belong to.
An intriguing world and its inhabitants is buried beneath the mire of ice and snow that covers the countryside through which he travels.
Some intriguing characters who posses some unusual talents emerge. The characters are both complex, relatable and mostly likeable. But even the ones it's enjoyable to hate have depth to them.
There are some great twists, some spectacular fight sequences and plenty of action and suspense.
A fun read and a series worth following if this first book is any indication.
I downloaded my copy from InstaFreebie - a great way to find a new favourite author!
A great story that follows young orphan Val'del's often uncomfortable, and always challenging, journey to find somewhere and someone to belong to.
An intriguing world and its inhabitants is buried beneath the mire of ice and snow that covers the countryside through which he travels.
Some intriguing characters who posses some unusual talents emerge. The characters are both complex, relatable and mostly likeable. But even the ones it's enjoyable to hate have depth to them.
There are some great twists, some spectacular fight sequences and plenty of action and suspense.
A fun read and a series worth following if this first book is any indication.
I downloaded my copy from InstaFreebie - a great way to find a new favourite author!
November 7, 2016
This book is really sad. Va'del is an orphan who has only one friend, a girl named Pa'chi. Va'del is teased by the other boys in his village. He is an outsider. His skin is darker than other people's skin. Va'del finds out that he is special. He is taken away by Guadels I'rone and I'rone's wives Jasmin and Betreec to become a Guadel. The four of them become like a family, which makes Va'del happy. However, the four of them are ambushed and the three Guadels are killed. No wonder Va'del is angry! The closest thing he's had to a family is now gone. He eventually finds a friend in a girl named Jain. Va'del still wants to be a Guadel but he must go through training first. The other boys and girls at the Capital pick on him and don't like him.
February 11, 2013
This is a difficult book for me to rate. On one hand, the basic story and plot is intriguing. Jain lives in a world that is frozen and becoming more and more treacherous. He is mixed-race and bullied and mistreated for that. He is given the chance to join an elite group that help protect the land. I didn't mind how vulnerable the main character was, it seemed real to me.
The downside is that it reads a lot like a first draft. I would have loved more character and setting development. There were also some distracting editing issues that took away from the plot. More than anything, the ending bugged me. It almost felt hurried and unimportant, but it shouldn't have been.
The downside is that it reads a lot like a first draft. I would have loved more character and setting development. There were also some distracting editing issues that took away from the plot. More than anything, the ending bugged me. It almost felt hurried and unimportant, but it shouldn't have been.
November 12, 2015
I first read this back a few years ago when first introduced to Dean Murray and his works.
Its not always easy trying something new but it grew on me quickly. I found it an emotional rollercoaster of a fantasy read that was dark and gritty at times but actually found myself wanting more.
I've re-read it again recently as I want to pick up with this series.
I'm off to find book 2!
Dean Murray
Its not always easy trying something new but it grew on me quickly. I found it an emotional rollercoaster of a fantasy read that was dark and gritty at times but actually found myself wanting more.
I've re-read it again recently as I want to pick up with this series.
I'm off to find book 2!
Dean Murray
Read
July 3, 2015Cold
I liked the description, but the cover didn't really do anything for me. It was on several blogs so I picked it up. Some people loved this book. Me, well I tried. It may get better towards the end, but after starting and stopping several times. Then starting over at least 3 times and still only getting halfway through I give up...at least for now. If you start this I have found you need to dedicate time alone, well distractions such as the dryer bothered me. Also I found you need lots of time to read this.
....
I liked the description, but the cover didn't really do anything for me. It was on several blogs so I picked it up. Some people loved this book. Me, well I tried. It may get better towards the end, but after starting and stopping several times. Then starting over at least 3 times and still only getting halfway through I give up...at least for now. If you start this I have found you need to dedicate time alone, well distractions such as the dryer bothered me. Also I found you need lots of time to read this.
....
September 11, 2016
Wonderful and very enthralling
Such a fresh storyline with a bit of magic and muscle mixed to help those in need. A young man's struggle as an orphan then having sponsors for him to become more. A family for as long as he was with them for the first time in his life. Only to be cut short by a large group of bandits. Then at the capital once again feeling as alone as ever if not more so. This book has a whole set of emotions at play and its of action and adventure. Well written and very entertaining to read.
Such a fresh storyline with a bit of magic and muscle mixed to help those in need. A young man's struggle as an orphan then having sponsors for him to become more. A family for as long as he was with them for the first time in his life. Only to be cut short by a large group of bandits. Then at the capital once again feeling as alone as ever if not more so. This book has a whole set of emotions at play and its of action and adventure. Well written and very entertaining to read.
October 15, 2016
Even though the story was slow in spots, the storyline was interesting enough to want to keep reading. Va'del is the main character and alot of the story is about him, but there are still lots of other characters and themes. I felt sorry for Va'del because of the bullying no matter where he went due to his color and lineage. Bullying is a main topic today in our society. Va'del and Jain become friends and then seem more than friends. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see how Va'del and Jain mature.
August 3, 2012
Enjoyable free e-book. The main character Va'del has had a terrible childhood up to this point but has potential. The description of the characters and the world are excellent. The story is fast-paced, the characters are well developed and you start to care about them quickly. I really liked the fact that the genders complimented each other and both were stronger with the other. Looking forward to the second one.
March 30, 2016
This was my first book from Dean Murray.
This book was rally interesting, it is the complete new world for me. The peace was bothering me, everything goes so slow. At beginning is fast, but then everything slowes down. I liked the story, but the main character seemed sooo depressed,, i mean, a lot have happened to him but still, somethimes i was like..gee...give him a brake. But in the end at least i had some relief.
This book was rally interesting, it is the complete new world for me. The peace was bothering me, everything goes so slow. At beginning is fast, but then everything slowes down. I liked the story, but the main character seemed sooo depressed,, i mean, a lot have happened to him but still, somethimes i was like..gee...give him a brake. But in the end at least i had some relief.
February 21, 2013
This is a very emotional and powerful story. I read it completely without even a short break and really want more. I am not saying the book is perfect--only that its underlying power and quality outweighed those mostly minor things I couldn't help noticing. The book even had tears running down my cheeks a few times. Hope to find more of the series!
February 3, 2016
I enjoyed this story, it has a unique world with interesting characters and politics. However if I could I would give 3.5 stars. Mainly due too a few minor things. The author had a strange way of naming people,things and places similar to each other that at times I actually got confused. Also the story abruptly stops at the end,now I assume it picks up in the second book, which I may read..
January 31, 2012
unique & interesting, i am looking forward to reading book 2. the author did a wonderful job invoking emotion, my heart ached for Va'del. i love R.A. Salvatore's Drizzt novels & this book is vaguely reminiscent of them.(freebie on kindle-at least for now)
August 18, 2013
I was immediately drawn in by the story. I finished the book in 2 days, and have downloaded the next two in The Gaudel Chronicles. I found it hard to follow along in a couple of spots throughout the book, but other than that I thought it was a great read!
January 7, 2013
This was one of my favorite books written by Dean. The fact that I started feeling the sadness and then triumphs along with the main character goes to show that it was written well and had good imagery.
May 9, 2013
I was quite surprised by this book! It caught me off guard and kept me entranced while I finished it in record time. It did not slow down at all as many books do. I look forward to the next book in the series!
February 14, 2015
I like!
I consider the world of the Gaudel to be intriguing and very fascinating. Jain and Va'del form an interesting romance element, but I think the alliance with Cindi will prove quite interesting in future stories.
I consider the world of the Gaudel to be intriguing and very fascinating. Jain and Va'del form an interesting romance element, but I think the alliance with Cindi will prove quite interesting in future stories.
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