The Traveler

by Brendan Lyons

A wander lost in a strange world cannot remember his past and everyone he encounters has their own idea of his purpose. He emerges from grey, desolate expanses only to find a land as forlorn as the waste he left. There, the Traveler is launched into the heart of an ancient and rising conflict. In the Monastery of Sherushae, the ultimate burden is laid upon his unsteady shoulders, and he much set himself against a dark power bent on the destruction of all things.

The Book of Iden is a new epic fantasy set in a rich and complex world. Readers are treated to a cast of unique characters that are faced with the challenges of life in a harsh and hostile world. What sets the Book of Iden apart above all else is the complexity of its tone. Simultaneously stark and colorful, the land of Iden is a lavish world hanging on the edge of chaos.

Part Two is set for release in early 2015


95,000 words


Also available for Kindle.

Genres: Fantasy

334 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2010

About the author

Brendan's love affair with writing started at a very young age. His earliest series, the original crayon and pencil versions of Nukular Wars in Space (originally entitled Nukular Wars in Spac, the 'e' was added later) sprouted from his early love of science fiction.

Ever the creative type, Brendan found what opportunities he could to put his ideas on paper. Choosing creative options on assignments, jotting down poetry, and making up songs with his friends, Brendan laid the groundwork for what would become his true passion.

Though he had attempted on multiple occasions to begin a novel-length work, he never found the inspiration to stick with it until his freshman year of college. While walking through the snow on an empty field on the Villanova University campus, he conceived the beginnings of The Traveler. The first two installments from the series (The Book of Iden) are available now with parts 3 and 4 in the edit stage.

Oh, and he didn't write 'They Loved Him to Death.' Goodreads has ignored his messages about that.

Reviews

[Marcy Chestnut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy by the author, who seems to be a very pleasant young man, in exchange for an honest review.

I must be honest, I did not finish it (at about the 20% mark). It wasn't badly written, it just wasn't interesting enough to make me want to finish it when I have a whole stack of TBR books sitting here. Of course in a book like this there needs to be a lot of world building, especially in the beginning, but there needs to be action and character development as well. Yes, traveling around provides opportunities to discuss various locations, races and backstory, but I felt like a lot of this (especially traveling with Mehna to the castle - and back again without even meeting the king - was just a wasted journey. I would have liked less ancient history and more humor (there actually is none, except perhaps for the horse).

I have to admit that I was predisposed to dislike because of the protagonist being referred to as "the Traveler." Yes, I get that his memory was gradually returning (again, that could have been expedited instead of dragging it out), and he travels around But it's hard to get invested in a generic character with no name or personality. Even Aragorn had a name (Strider) before his true name and lineage was revealed. I guess I just lacked the patience to wait for the reveal, whatever it was.

I am giving it 4 stars, which I think is generous, because (1) I'm sure there will be people who like this, and it's not badly written; and (2) the author is a former local, and I wish him well.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Altho I encountered a number of ideas that seemed 'borrowed' from other well-known Fantasy books (i.e., Lord of the Rings, etc), "The Traveler" had an interesting take on a main group of characters that seemed 'fresh.'

I would definitely read the next in this 3-book series:

The Traveler awakens and knows not from where he came, nor where he's going. He does have some dreams that appear so real he believes he's gradually recalling his past, but how did he get to where he's at today?

[Zach Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new and welcomed addition to the fantasy narrative by a young undiscovered talent. You know nothing about the world you are about to enter into, and neither does the titular “Travler.” He wonders around the lands of Iden with little purpose from the onset, but as time goes on he learns more about who he was, where he came from, and where he is. Along the way he befriends some talking dog’s, studies ancient quazi-mythical history, and fights in some pretty epic battles. The novel is not all too short, but it succeeds in keeping the reader interested, and at times is impossible to even put down. This is the kind of fantasy where anything might show up, and the myriad twists and turns will keep you guessing and wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next book of Iden.

[Randy Harmelink]

No rating on the book, since I've decided to abandon it at the 7% mark. I'm just not enjoying it, so I'm on to other books.