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Adam Tideborne and the Greatsword of War
Adam Tideborne grew up on a polluted Earth shattered by the Endless War, but now he’s seventeen nobody can stop him from going through the holy portal into Elysium. A colourful unexplored world where animals both long extinct on Earth and once thought to only be in stories, thrive.
Where Adam can learn magic, where he can train to become a hero, like his parents, whose stories of bravery are known even on Earth. Except, when Adam makes it to Elysium he is devastated to find that his parents are long dead, monsters have power over most of the world, and a greatsword is missing.
A greatsword thought to be owned by the Horseman of War. A weapon powerful enough to destroy Elysium.
Where Adam can learn magic, where he can train to become a hero, like his parents, whose stories of bravery are known even on Earth. Except, when Adam makes it to Elysium he is devastated to find that his parents are long dead, monsters have power over most of the world, and a greatsword is missing.
A greatsword thought to be owned by the Horseman of War. A weapon powerful enough to destroy Elysium.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2023
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 22, 2024
Wonderfully written, beautiful world and a real page turner! Everything about this book made me want to read and read.
August 25, 2024
Josh, you smashed it! I really really enjoyed this book. I think it sets up the new world perfectly and I can’t wait to read the next book!
January 2, 2025
Adam can’t wait to escape the gray and barren landscape of earth to Elysium where he’s heard the world is filled with wild colors, flowers, trees, and grass, and animals that haven’t existed on earth since the endless wars. His life has been a diet of tablets rather than real food, and high school learning about the Great War. The portal to Elysium is opening and Adam plans to join his best friend Kaya as two of the first people to cross the portal that only opens once a year for a brief time. Adam almost misses his chance when two school bullies attempt to murder him.
Thanks to the rapid healing of “nanobees,” Adam heals from his massive injuries and runs to the portal, but makes it just as the gate is closing. Fortunately, a disciple and warrior named Gerard, owner of the Greatsword and most victorious warrior of all, has been tasked with accompanying new members to Elysium. He recognizes that Adam is the son of great warriors who died to establish this wondrous place and Gerard secretly escorts Adam to the other side.
Once there, Adam discovers Kaya has also made it through and the two are paired with Amelia, a bookish leader-wannabe, and Iosefka, a runaway from a religious family. The four are expected to learn magic and weaponry so that they can continue to protect Elysium from Ascenionists, creatures, monsters, and more. They convince Gerard to be their mentor.
Initially Adam and Amelia confront each other in efforts to establish leadership. Although Adam doesn’t want to lead, he doesn’t want anyone to lead him. Amelia only wants to lead and her insatiable need weakens the team in its first challenge. But Iosefka’s praying also slows them down in battle, and Kaya’s inability to decide what he’s good at plays into unlikely success for the team. The frustrated Disciples serving as the team’s mentors continue to try to help the team recognize that each has a useful strength. By working together, this team can lead and protect Elysium.
The worldbuilding in this young adult fantasy novel is considerable and thorough. The characters are likeable and provide engaging dialogue and contentious moments as they navigate to build newfound friendships while building warrior skills. The need to protect Elysium is convincing and the drama keeps readers reading. Although this novel was extremely long and the focus seemed to be on learning to work together to become a team rather than any larger conflict, its strengths lie in the friendship building between the characters and the need to protect Elysium, all part of creating this world for the conflicts that will emerge in the second book in the series.
Reviewed by Ann Angel
Thanks to the rapid healing of “nanobees,” Adam heals from his massive injuries and runs to the portal, but makes it just as the gate is closing. Fortunately, a disciple and warrior named Gerard, owner of the Greatsword and most victorious warrior of all, has been tasked with accompanying new members to Elysium. He recognizes that Adam is the son of great warriors who died to establish this wondrous place and Gerard secretly escorts Adam to the other side.
Once there, Adam discovers Kaya has also made it through and the two are paired with Amelia, a bookish leader-wannabe, and Iosefka, a runaway from a religious family. The four are expected to learn magic and weaponry so that they can continue to protect Elysium from Ascenionists, creatures, monsters, and more. They convince Gerard to be their mentor.
Initially Adam and Amelia confront each other in efforts to establish leadership. Although Adam doesn’t want to lead, he doesn’t want anyone to lead him. Amelia only wants to lead and her insatiable need weakens the team in its first challenge. But Iosefka’s praying also slows them down in battle, and Kaya’s inability to decide what he’s good at plays into unlikely success for the team. The frustrated Disciples serving as the team’s mentors continue to try to help the team recognize that each has a useful strength. By working together, this team can lead and protect Elysium.
The worldbuilding in this young adult fantasy novel is considerable and thorough. The characters are likeable and provide engaging dialogue and contentious moments as they navigate to build newfound friendships while building warrior skills. The need to protect Elysium is convincing and the drama keeps readers reading. Although this novel was extremely long and the focus seemed to be on learning to work together to become a team rather than any larger conflict, its strengths lie in the friendship building between the characters and the need to protect Elysium, all part of creating this world for the conflicts that will emerge in the second book in the series.
Reviewed by Ann Angel
November 6, 2024
"Adam Tideborne and the Greatsword of War" is a thrilling start to what promises to be an epic fantasy series. Joshua Stevens-Shachar weaves a tale that combines classic elements of the genre with fresh twists, creating a world that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
Plot & Pacing: The story follows Adam Tideborne, a reluctant hero thrust into a battle far greater than himself. The pacing is well-balanced, with intense action scenes interspersed with moments of introspection and character development. The narrative keeps you hooked from the first page, making it hard to put down.
Characterisation: Adam is a compelling protagonist—flawed, brave, and deeply human. His journey from a simple life to wielding the Greatsword of War is believable and engaging. The supporting characters, each with their own unique backgrounds and motivations, add depth to the story. The antagonist, though perhaps a bit underdeveloped, still provides a formidable challenge that drives the plot forward.
World-Building: The world of Adam Tideborne is richly detailed, with lore and history that hint at a larger, more complex universe. Stevens-Shachar has a knack for description, painting vivid pictures of battlefields, the fantasy realm and a ravaged Earth. However, at times, the world-building can feel a bit overwhelming, with dense passages that may slow down readers who prefer a faster pace.
Themes & Messages: At its core, this book explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the burdens of power. Adam's internal struggle with his newfound responsibilities and the moral complexities of war are handled thoughtfully, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.
Final Thoughts: Adam Tideborne and the Greatsword of War is a strong debut that will appeal to fans of epic fantasy and character-driven stories. While it may not break entirely new ground, it delivers a satisfying blend of action, emotion, and world-building. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series and the further adventures of Adam Tideborne.
Plot & Pacing: The story follows Adam Tideborne, a reluctant hero thrust into a battle far greater than himself. The pacing is well-balanced, with intense action scenes interspersed with moments of introspection and character development. The narrative keeps you hooked from the first page, making it hard to put down.
Characterisation: Adam is a compelling protagonist—flawed, brave, and deeply human. His journey from a simple life to wielding the Greatsword of War is believable and engaging. The supporting characters, each with their own unique backgrounds and motivations, add depth to the story. The antagonist, though perhaps a bit underdeveloped, still provides a formidable challenge that drives the plot forward.
World-Building: The world of Adam Tideborne is richly detailed, with lore and history that hint at a larger, more complex universe. Stevens-Shachar has a knack for description, painting vivid pictures of battlefields, the fantasy realm and a ravaged Earth. However, at times, the world-building can feel a bit overwhelming, with dense passages that may slow down readers who prefer a faster pace.
Themes & Messages: At its core, this book explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the burdens of power. Adam's internal struggle with his newfound responsibilities and the moral complexities of war are handled thoughtfully, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.
Final Thoughts: Adam Tideborne and the Greatsword of War is a strong debut that will appeal to fans of epic fantasy and character-driven stories. While it may not break entirely new ground, it delivers a satisfying blend of action, emotion, and world-building. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series and the further adventures of Adam Tideborne.
July 5, 2023
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
Sent to a polluted Earth as a baby, now Adam is old enough to go through the portal to Elysium. Where he thinks dreams will be realised only to have to come to terms with heart rending truths.
Elysium where magic and strange creatures abound and Adam works towards becoming a warrior
Sent to a polluted Earth as a baby, now Adam is old enough to go through the portal to Elysium. Where he thinks dreams will be realised only to have to come to terms with heart rending truths.
Elysium where magic and strange creatures abound and Adam works towards becoming a warrior
August 24, 2023
I want Elysium to be real, bring on the monsters I love them- Also shoutout to the chapter titles, love how they tie in and are more than just numbers
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews