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Five Kingdoms #1
Wizard Rising
In the Realm of the Five Kingdoms, magic is strictly controlled by a small group of powerful wizards who call themselves the Torr. Throughout the realm, magic lies dormant, sleeping, almost forgotten until Zollin discovers that he is a wizard. While he revels in his new powers and the realization that his life has purpose, malevolent wizards from the Torr, led by the scheming Branock, tirelessly seek him out. When at last they discover Zollin, a confrontation will ensue that will change the five kingdoms forever. Zollin is forced to flee his home and, with a small group of friends, find a way to survive until he can learn to use his powers to protect the people he cares about. Wizard Rising is a coming of age story that dives headfirst into a realm where magic is about to reawaken. So buckle up and hang on; the action comes fast and you won’t be able to put it down.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2011
304 people are currently reading
1085 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 31, 2017
Wow! This is a really cool fantasy series! I was impressed how the author just pulls you into the story and plops you right down into the world of The Five Kingdoms. I became attached to the characters fairly quickly and I was whisked away into the wizard world of this story.
The story is about a young man that finds out that he has magic powers and he doesn't know how he came to have these powers. Things escalate real quick in the story as there are wizards that call themselves the Torr that find out about the young man as they can feel his powers and they are wanting to capture him.
So then it begins, the adventure of the young man with his father and his friends as they try to flee the wizards. The story picks up pace and keeps moving a lightning speed all the way to the end of the book. Can't wait to read the other books in this series to see what happens next. Five stars for this one.
The story is about a young man that finds out that he has magic powers and he doesn't know how he came to have these powers. Things escalate real quick in the story as there are wizards that call themselves the Torr that find out about the young man as they can feel his powers and they are wanting to capture him.
So then it begins, the adventure of the young man with his father and his friends as they try to flee the wizards. The story picks up pace and keeps moving a lightning speed all the way to the end of the book. Can't wait to read the other books in this series to see what happens next. Five stars for this one.
January 1, 2017
Was fast-paced, repeating everything, super strange thoughts, and I guess you could say had a huge emphasis on fate, there was no complexity on characters, and the reader could see what will happen from miles away.
I'll probably continue the story if I don't find anything else to read and don't want to think on a book.
I'll probably continue the story if I don't find anything else to read and don't want to think on a book.
October 14, 2013
I finally finished this story and the ending was disappointing because... nothing really happened in the last part of the book. There was a battle with some random barbarians that showed up, but nothing with the wizards who were the main villains.
That's after I already more or less hated the characters and the bad similes the book is loaded with. It was far from the worst book I have ever read... the writing wasn't horrendous, just not very good... but it really didn't have any redeeming qualities. The plot was, if anything, worse than the writing. And it was further dragged down by character (lack of) development and setting (what setting?). It felt almost like a "Paint By Numbers" story, possibly written by an automated program, taking a lot of the features of the best epic fantasy and just combining them in a mish-mash. There were some interesting possibilities with the magical system; magic stored in natural, living objects that can be unlocked, sorcerers versus wizards who get their power from others instead of within, etc, but I really just finished this book to write a review ranting about it. I wasn't sure how I was going to rate it because, as I said, aside from the abuse of adverbs and adjectives and overuse of similes and metaphors, it wasn't horrible, just lacking in redeeming value.
That's after I already more or less hated the characters and the bad similes the book is loaded with. It was far from the worst book I have ever read... the writing wasn't horrendous, just not very good... but it really didn't have any redeeming qualities. The plot was, if anything, worse than the writing. And it was further dragged down by character (lack of) development and setting (what setting?). It felt almost like a "Paint By Numbers" story, possibly written by an automated program, taking a lot of the features of the best epic fantasy and just combining them in a mish-mash. There were some interesting possibilities with the magical system; magic stored in natural, living objects that can be unlocked, sorcerers versus wizards who get their power from others instead of within, etc, but I really just finished this book to write a review ranting about it. I wasn't sure how I was going to rate it because, as I said, aside from the abuse of adverbs and adjectives and overuse of similes and metaphors, it wasn't horrible, just lacking in redeeming value.
February 25, 2016
While I've read the entire series and enjoyed them.....enough to read 8 of them =).....the one criticism I have is that the author seems to spend quite a lot of space rehashing past actions for the characters, like every time there is a scene shift.
Whenever someone steps into the spotlight to begin a new scene the reader is subjected to an exhaustive review of what has happened to the character since birth.
I simply began skipping the life synopsis, which can be over a page in length, and as a result I am very happy with the books.
This is a good story with a cast that is very entertaining and I have enjoyed the series, with the adjustment in reading style.
I wonder if maybe once the series is complete there will be an omnibus edition without the constant sit reps, for those of us without memory loss haha
Whenever someone steps into the spotlight to begin a new scene the reader is subjected to an exhaustive review of what has happened to the character since birth.
I simply began skipping the life synopsis, which can be over a page in length, and as a result I am very happy with the books.
This is a good story with a cast that is very entertaining and I have enjoyed the series, with the adjustment in reading style.
I wonder if maybe once the series is complete there will be an omnibus edition without the constant sit reps, for those of us without memory loss haha
January 26, 2025
Zollin finds his identity and vitality when he discovers that he has magic. However, the rural son of a carpenter also discovers he has deadly enemies!
Rather than a grand heroic quest, this is a story of a desperate flight of four people bonded by danger and commitment to one another—except, oddly, the one who caused the flight: Zollin himself.
Throughout his flight, Zollin explores the nature and validity of loyalty—family, friend, marital. Would he be more loyal to part from his companions, as he is their primary source of danger, or would that be the ultimate betrayal? His affection for his best friend’s widow poses a more painful challenge.
Beyond individual fealty comes the question of the community: when do they stand by their individual members, and when do they sacrifice one to save the rest? It’s easy for me to stand back and judge the decisions others make in this story, but Toby Neighbors is inviting us to look more deeply at what motivates both faithfulness and abandonment in our values today.
Rather than a grand heroic quest, this is a story of a desperate flight of four people bonded by danger and commitment to one another—except, oddly, the one who caused the flight: Zollin himself.
Throughout his flight, Zollin explores the nature and validity of loyalty—family, friend, marital. Would he be more loyal to part from his companions, as he is their primary source of danger, or would that be the ultimate betrayal? His affection for his best friend’s widow poses a more painful challenge.
Beyond individual fealty comes the question of the community: when do they stand by their individual members, and when do they sacrifice one to save the rest? It’s easy for me to stand back and judge the decisions others make in this story, but Toby Neighbors is inviting us to look more deeply at what motivates both faithfulness and abandonment in our values today.
June 29, 2021
Dnf 25%
This series starts out somewhat like Eye of the world but worse. The protagonist becomes powerful too quickly, the threat isn't scary enough, and showing the pov of the villains ruins the suspense. There are the bones of a good story and solid prose so I may try a future book by the author.
This series starts out somewhat like Eye of the world but worse. The protagonist becomes powerful too quickly, the threat isn't scary enough, and showing the pov of the villains ruins the suspense. There are the bones of a good story and solid prose so I may try a future book by the author.
March 2, 2022
Favorite author
Toby Neighbors is one of my favorite authors for good reason, he writes well and creates wonderful stories. Wizard Rising is a good example of Toby's talent. This is exciting sword and sorcery and I can't wait to read book 2.
Toby Neighbors is one of my favorite authors for good reason, he writes well and creates wonderful stories. Wizard Rising is a good example of Toby's talent. This is exciting sword and sorcery and I can't wait to read book 2.
March 16, 2022
Very entertaining spin on wizardry and magic in a kind of medieval world. Easy to read, likeable yet frustrating protagonist - given he's a teenager one would expect some growth in subsequent books in the series. Looking forward to the next one.
March 4, 2019
Awesome
Awesome as treachery abounds while lives are intertwined throughout the saga with magic fighting evil to continue with good for safety of the kingdoms.
Awesome as treachery abounds while lives are intertwined throughout the saga with magic fighting evil to continue with good for safety of the kingdoms.
May 11, 2019
All the authors stories are good
Every book I have read from Toby have been really good. Each has good characters and a great plot. Good reads
Every book I have read from Toby have been really good. Each has good characters and a great plot. Good reads
July 29, 2021
Loved it, good simple direct story, easy and relaxing reading.
December 21, 2024
Good Read
I am really enjoying this book. It has an interesting story and characters. I am looking forward to the next.
I am really enjoying this book. It has an interesting story and characters. I am looking forward to the next.
January 24, 2025
Fantastic well written!
Toby Neighbors writes books that make you feel like you are standing right beside everyone in the book! It feels like you are part of the story!!
Toby Neighbors writes books that make you feel like you are standing right beside everyone in the book! It feels like you are part of the story!!
March 23, 2022
Wizard Rising
Loved the book from start to finish, I loved the way that magic was dealt with, it was totally different to the way most Fantasy novels tell the story. I've read a lot of Toby's military space fiction which has always been a great read, so I was not sure what to expect. But didn't disappoint. Fab.
Loved the book from start to finish, I loved the way that magic was dealt with, it was totally different to the way most Fantasy novels tell the story. I've read a lot of Toby's military space fiction which has always been a great read, so I was not sure what to expect. But didn't disappoint. Fab.
March 21, 2017
Great book!
Love the characters! Can't wait for the second book. Plot is easy to follow and flow is good. Zollion is a great character.
Love the characters! Can't wait for the second book. Plot is easy to follow and flow is good. Zollion is a great character.
March 17, 2017
I had trouble focusing on the story, I kept correcting the editing. Words were missing or added when they shouldn't have been.
September 24, 2014
A small group of wizards, called the Torr have killed all other wizards in the Five Kingdoms. The leader Offendorl, has an evil plan to take over the world (which involves controlling all magic by killing all other wizards they discover). The Torr senses Zollin discovering his powers and sends his 3 followers to retrieve him (or kill her, if they discover it’s a girl). When the wizards arrive at Zollins village, they kill his friend, but Zollin escapes with his dad, his dad’s mentee and his dead friends wife (widow). They make their way north to a village to hid out for the winter and end up killing one of the wizards in pursuit, and seriously maiming another. Once they reach the northern village, Torr meets a sorcerer who can help him learn to use his abilities. They also save the village from raiders and bullying miners. Unique book, loved the plot and how it played out. Great read.
October 2, 2016
Started off rather tright to be honest . Evil wizards sense a new power, a gifted child they must find and bend to thier will or kill. Even adding the over used plot that children of one gender are always killed if they weird power.
I honestly nearly didn't continue past the first chapter. it was mainly because I was settled and comfy and couldn't be bothered to change what I was reading that I continued! I'm glad I did I really enjoyed it. The characters grow and it has some interesting elements and it is reasonably paced, fast enough to keep you reading but enough detail to be interesting.
I did find the love conflict of will they won't they and they both think the other doesn't care very frustrating. it grated enough at times to break my suspension of disbelief.
I will be reading the next in the series.
I honestly nearly didn't continue past the first chapter. it was mainly because I was settled and comfy and couldn't be bothered to change what I was reading that I continued! I'm glad I did I really enjoyed it. The characters grow and it has some interesting elements and it is reasonably paced, fast enough to keep you reading but enough detail to be interesting.
I did find the love conflict of will they won't they and they both think the other doesn't care very frustrating. it grated enough at times to break my suspension of disbelief.
I will be reading the next in the series.
November 9, 2013
This book was recommended to me by another author whose work I had enjoyed.
Zollin discovers his magical abilities and so unwittingly finds himself the enemy of the mysterious wizards of the Torr. It seemed that Zollin was able to develop his magical abilities surprisingly easily and this undermined the dramatic tension somewhat early on in the story. Later on it becomes apparent that Zollin is not quite as all-powerful as it first appeared and this was a welcome plot development.
Although I read this as an e-book it is clearly quite a weighty tome and yet it is equally clearly only the beginning of an epic series. At the moment I am undecided as to whether to read the next book. I am tempted but somewhat put off by the scale of the series.
Zollin discovers his magical abilities and so unwittingly finds himself the enemy of the mysterious wizards of the Torr. It seemed that Zollin was able to develop his magical abilities surprisingly easily and this undermined the dramatic tension somewhat early on in the story. Later on it becomes apparent that Zollin is not quite as all-powerful as it first appeared and this was a welcome plot development.
Although I read this as an e-book it is clearly quite a weighty tome and yet it is equally clearly only the beginning of an epic series. At the moment I am undecided as to whether to read the next book. I am tempted but somewhat put off by the scale of the series.
June 5, 2013
**SPOILER ALERT**
My book reviews are written as a discussion of a book, and not as an advertisement. Please be aware that there may be information that some would consider spoilers. Continue on at your own risk!
A young wizard discovers his powers and ventures on a journey to discover himself, and possibly save the world. This describes so many books I’ve read that I struggle to tell them apart. Did Wizards Rising stand apart from the rest? Here is what I thought….
A Wizard Rising
My book reviews are written as a discussion of a book, and not as an advertisement. Please be aware that there may be information that some would consider spoilers. Continue on at your own risk!
A young wizard discovers his powers and ventures on a journey to discover himself, and possibly save the world. This describes so many books I’ve read that I struggle to tell them apart. Did Wizards Rising stand apart from the rest? Here is what I thought….
A Wizard Rising
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2016
Toby Neighbors does a good job in this Y/A Fantasy novel. His world is rich and the story well thought out. So why only 4 stars?
My issue is the repetitiveness and modified present tense verbs to make past tenses. There is another issue with all upcoming powers in stories. The MC became too powerful too fast. This caused the story to lose a little in my eyes.
Do yourself a favour when you write. If a character was sitting at the fire when the MC comes into the room then don't use "was sitting", but use the past tense "sat", it is much easier to read and gets rid of unnecessary words.
Doug
My issue is the repetitiveness and modified present tense verbs to make past tenses. There is another issue with all upcoming powers in stories. The MC became too powerful too fast. This caused the story to lose a little in my eyes.
Do yourself a favour when you write. If a character was sitting at the fire when the MC comes into the room then don't use "was sitting", but use the past tense "sat", it is much easier to read and gets rid of unnecessary words.
Doug
July 27, 2012
Slow start, the "learning phase" was a bit too short, and the ending was.. weird. [spoiler] Suddenly the carpenter's apprentice becomes a master swordsman and defeats a Royal Guard? The same Royal Guard who almost killed the main protagonist, who just discovered his own cache of power? Ugh.[/spoiler] But the interaction between Brianna and Zollin, especially the twist at the end, kept me reading. It was very cute.
All in all, 3/5. I'll get the next book maybe next month..
All in all, 3/5. I'll get the next book maybe next month..
Read
March 3, 2013Great book. It seemed to be well written, at least for a person who did not enjoy English classes growing up. There were a few instances where the descriptions were a lot alike through the book, but a lot better than the last series of books I read. I still feel that the kindle versions of books have a lot more grammatical and spelling error. I wish they would address that. I am already into the next book, and am excited about the twists that are coming. I recommend this book to fantasy lovers.
May 1, 2013
A pretty standard story line for fantasy books, boy matures into manhood and develops his magical skills, fighting evil along the way, with a splattering of boy/girl relationship (star crossed lovers).
That said the character development is good, the relationships between the main characters are well defined and believable. Also, I have been drawn into the story enough to download the next in the series and am looking forward to seeing how the story develops.
That said the character development is good, the relationships between the main characters are well defined and believable. Also, I have been drawn into the story enough to download the next in the series and am looking forward to seeing how the story develops.
May 28, 2013
Zollin finds out accidentally that he has magical powers. If a anyone else knew he was be cast out from his small village so he keeps the secret bursting inside him while he learns more about himself and his abilities. One day a group of three wizards come to his village looking for him and then Zollin, his father and two friends run for their lives.
Great characters, interesting and somewhat different plot. Can't wait to read the next story.
Great characters, interesting and somewhat different plot. Can't wait to read the next story.
May 5, 2017
When I picked out this book for my monthly Kindle lending book I didn’t know I was getting myself into a 7 book series. I trusted this book more than my earlier Kindle picks because it was highly rated and Toby Neighbors had a lot of books under his belt. Well I was swept away into the world of the Torr and the Five Kingdoms, and Zollin the boy who finds himself suddenly a wizard and at the center of unwanted attention.
September 11, 2014
These days I don't really get to say that a book holds my attention well unless the author can provide a well written story with identifiable characters. This story seems to fulfill those desires within and I am happy to say that I am glad to have stumbled upon this series. Pleasantly crafted and molded, the story provides the essence of great fantasy science fiction. It's nice to have a fresh look outside of the Urban Fantasy sector. Refreshingly new and inspiring. On to Book 2.
September 16, 2014
This is a pretty good book. The writing style is to my liking, and it is easy to read. Neighbors occasionally slips into language that is overly modern for the time period of the book, but that is more of a pet peeve than a massive writing flaw. The action sequences and fight scenes are well written and easy to follow. I thought the end could use a little work, it didn't have the pizazz that I like when finishing a book, but all in all a good read.
February 19, 2015
He gets it right every time
This adventure is one that'll keep you reading way past bedtime.
The characters are all superbly described and the writer tries to
keep you up to snuff on all of them.
I'm sure I'll find out more info in the next book, which I have already
downloaded.
I hope everyone enjoys the story and the people you meet in it.
This adventure is one that'll keep you reading way past bedtime.
The characters are all superbly described and the writer tries to
keep you up to snuff on all of them.
I'm sure I'll find out more info in the next book, which I have already
downloaded.
I hope everyone enjoys the story and the people you meet in it.
January 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this one! It was a straightforward hero's journey with a few twists that made the story interesting and fun. One thing I look for in every story that I read is its ability to make me feel something for the characters, and this achieved that. It was a fun, fast read, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews