With Ilfedo's beloved wife buried, the Hemmed Land is destined to change, as is he. The sea serpents have again invaded the land and Ilfedo must discover the power behind the sword of the dragon, even as he accepts his people's call to become their Lord Warrior. His daughter grows into a beautiful young woman whose wisdom and love endears her to the people, and sets her on a journey to find a race of unique and powerful creatures. But far to the north an evil long ago stirred, and Letrias's workings soon threaten everything Ilfedo holds dear.
Scott Appleton is the author of the novels The Sword of the Dragon series, and The Neverqueen Saga, which are widely read by adults and younger readers.
Besides these, Scott has also published a collection of short speculative fiction (By Sword By Right) which runs the gamut of science-fiction, fantasy, allegory, romance, poetry, and biblical.
Driven by a love of storytelling and an appreciation for the craft, Scott has spoken extensively at events across the United States. His specialization in fiction editing and writing has garnered praise from some prominent writers.
Scott was born in Connecticut and grew up there. He actively pursued astronomy through his teen years, built ships-in-bottles and, throughout his life, read and wrote extensively. Besides his writing he works in sales.
Currently Scott lives in Greenville, South Carolina with his wife, Kelley, and their five children. His activities of choice are reading with his kids, watching fantasy and science-fiction movies, reading, and playing the occasional Star Wars video game. You can find him at AuthorAppleton.com and facebook.com/scottappleton.fans
I like fantasy a lot and this book had great action and suspense and all the fantasy characters ( Dragons and Magic). I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy
Another great book by Appleton. Each person changes from what they were before to become more experienced and powerful. Greater evil and darkness, meet powerful contender that they cannot face.
Premise; The continuation of the Sword of the Dragon Saga. Book 1 is “Swords of the Six”.
Review
Oddly, the only fantasy books I really seem to find in bookstores are the Narnia books by CS Lewis. Sadly, most other Christian fantasy writers are very hard to find, especially ones that are for older readers such as myself. (When I say older I mean older than the age of 17. ) If you're over the age of 17, and are looking for a more mature Christian fantasy novel, then check out Scott Appleton.
The characters in the novel are deep, unlike with a lot of novels on the market right now. The characters are realistic, and it was as if the author actually interviewed his characters as he was writing the novel. Kind of reminded me of old friends, sitting next to you and telling you their story. The characters are just one of the many things that makes this novel great.
The plot of this novel is a lot more intricate than the first novel. The story is bigger and more epic in scope, whereas the first book was structured more as a fairytale. The action & suspense never lets up. It is a hybrid style between the action packed cinematic writing of R.A Salvatore, and the morality of J.R.R. Tolkien. Perfect for sitting in the living room and reading after a hard day at work. The story may be considered Christian, but the story would appeal to anyone who loves a great fantasy book well told. I don't want to spoil the story!
Overall I believe we have another great fantasy writer in the making. Do yourself a favor and pick up a Scott Appleton book! Overall, I give this book 5 stars out of 5!
Note: This book was sent to me to read by the author Scott Appleton and his publisher AMG. The book is available in print, and for major eReaders.
This is Book 2 of The Sword of the Dragon series, and since I came in late to this one, it took me a few chapters to make sense of all the characters. We meet villains in a battle between good and evil forces on the first page, with traitors complicating the fight. As a result of this treason, a curse is handed down. We go through most of the book before this curse comes into play, so if you're confused by that part, it helped me to go back and read it again after finishing the book. If you read the first book, you'll get this from the start. As the story progressed, enough was explained that I now understand what I missed, but I was a bit lost at first.
The cast of characters is diverse, from the father (Ilfedo) who inadvertently becomes ruler of the Hemmed Lands, to his sisters-in-law who help raise his daughter. The grief of losing his wife is at times too heavy for Ilfedo, but these women and his old friends stand beside him with loyalty befitting the now royal family.
The battles are intense--dark forces oppressing the innocent until the light breaks through. The creatures are original--dark bird-men, a powerful dragon, talking serpents, monstrous megatraths, to name a few. The heroes are truly heroic--selflessly sacrificing for their loved ones and their people. And in the center of it all is a princess who grows into a young woman, proving her capability in battle, her wisdom in decision-making, and her kindness in relationships. This is an epic tale, one that I will definitely be sharing with my teen daughters and recommending for any fantasy lovers.
Offspring Book 2 in The Sword of the Dragon series, is a brilliant continuation in the series. Ilfedo returns home to raise his daughter Oganna. With the help of his departed wife's sisters they help him raise and train Oganna. Ilfedo is swiftly asked for help in ridding The Hemmed Land of the Sea Serpents. Using his gift from the White Dragon, and with the help of friends and his sisters they defeat their enemies. Ilfedo is recognized as a great leader to the people of The Hemmed Land, so they make him Lord Warrior of the Hemmed Land. Oganna grows strong and beautiful. But when The Hemmed Land is threatened by unknown enemies in both the North and South of The Hemmed Lands, Ilfedo and his men head North to take care of the enemies, While Oganna and her Aunts head South to seek out a monster that has destroyed many towns in the South. In so doing they find new friends in the strangest of ways. This story world is brilliantly written. Scott Appleton has definitely put his own mark in the fantasy genre, with new and exciting ideas, worlds, and creatures. He is in his own league, he sets him self apart from authors like Lewis and Tolkien, which is really refreshing because a lot of fantasy christian authors are compared to those two, as well as a lot of Lewis' and Tolkien's ideas and mythologies are used by other authors. Whereas Appleton does not compare, and he has created his own mythology which is absolutely seamless and beautiful. This book has something for everyone, action, adventure, romance, and amazing christian themes. This is a must read series. The adventure continues in Book 3 The Key of Living Fire.
Offspring is packed with action, adventure, and suspense. The author uses rich language to describe the classic struggle of good and evil. His creation of the Megatraths and the mysterious entity trying to control Ilfedo adds to the adventure and suspense.
My twelve year old son was very impressed by the story line, characters, and the action-packed plot. Though we both agree that it would have been a little easier to follow the characters if we had the background from the first book. We plan on going back and reading the first book soon.
I was pleasantly surprised that this book kept my son occupied for at least two full weeks. He usually devours books in a couple of days. But the complicated twists and turns of this novel (we don't want to give away any spoilers) slowed him down and made him really think about what was going on in the story. (It takes mom a lot longer to read a book of that size with a tot at home)
Although this is written with a Christian perspective, it is not preachy and is subtle in its subtext. I recommend this for older kids 12+ due to the vocabulary level.
Definitely a must read for fantasy fans who enjoy a great story with well-described characters that feel like they are right there with you.
Disclaimer: Thank you Scott Appleton for providing me with a copy to review.
Upon the death of his wife, Ilfedo returns to find sea serpents attacking the Hemmed Land. He sets out with his comrades and the dragon’s daughters. Together they slay the creatures. In gratitude, the people deem him ruler of the Hemmed Land. Ilfedo raises his daughter, Oganna, unaware that Specter watches over her in secret. Oganna grows into a compassionate and wise young woman who saves the dragon’s daughters from certain death and forges an alliance with a race of ancient and powerful creatures. But the Hemmed Land is invaded by an unknown enemy and, while Ilfedo readies his army to search out the enemy, Oganna leads her newfound allies ahead of him. Appleton tells stories like no other. His epic story weaves generations of characters in a mystery of good versus evil. Ilfedo is a focused hero, and Oganna is a warrior. Offspring is a tale of wonder that will keep readers daydreaming about its imaginative characters, creatures, storyworld, and mystery long after they close the book.
I read the first and second book back to back so I was ready to find out what happened to my favorite characters by Offspring! This is a clean read full of adventure and a lot of war scenes. What sold me on a five star rating was that the author took a snake (which I hate snakes!) and made it a likable part of the story. If any other author would write a story where the heroine had a pet snake she saved, I would never finish reading the book! But this little snake had a character that I actually enjoyed!
The spiritual parallels in the story really gripped me too. The scene where the Dragon King took Ilfedo's daughters wounds upon himself and restored her beauty reminded me of the verse in Isaiah that says, "By His stripes we are healed." Scott Appleton always does a great job interjecting heart touching scenes when you least expect it. An excellent read that will enrich your walk with God!
Great characters, intriguing creatures and an exciting plot! Offspring would make a great read for young adults or anyone who enjoys fantasy with rich spiritual meaning.
My husband and I read this book together, and enjoyed the discussions it brought up. The core characters are well-crafted and deep, each with their own desires and emotions to drive them. I enjoyed the inclusion of a race invented by the author. My very favourite scene comes near the end... but I suppose I shouldn't spoil it! My husband and I read the first book in this series as well, and I'm looking forward to continuing with the third!
A very steady offering from Appleton. It's the 2nd in what is rapidly becoming an epic. He is patient with his storytelling, but gives you a fun ride along the way. Apparently this is going to be a 7 book series so there is a long way to go yet.
But yet.....I checking out the 1st and 2nd books together at the library, so I dragged myself through this one too. Again, some imaginative characters. And good vs bad stuff works out. Just didn't float my boat.
This is the second book of the series and picks up where the first left off. This is more of an epic adventure good vs evil and deals with mercy, kindness, vengence, repentance, and sorrow.