What do you think?
Rate this book
Melody & Majesty: Kalleron Book I
The old gods have fallen from favour, their worship relegated to myth. Yet one elemental remains bound to the world, the curious and wandering Earth. Tricked by a devious King, the elemental Queen has become a weapon to wield, and her power threatens all.
Petra, a feisty, hot-headed rogue, lives far from the reach of the Queen. She and her loyal companion, Shadow, enjoy carefree adventures trading and hustling, drinking and fighting. But across the sea, the King has his sights on Arkalla, and Petra’s lover leaves to rescue her family from the destruction of his elemental weapon.
Pushed toward the arms of a mysterious cult, Petra must decide which path to take. Ally herself with the sect and their treasonous plot, or forever turn her back on her lover. The choice she makes will decide the world’s fate, and her own story will become a legend written in stone.
Petra, a feisty, hot-headed rogue, lives far from the reach of the Queen. She and her loyal companion, Shadow, enjoy carefree adventures trading and hustling, drinking and fighting. But across the sea, the King has his sights on Arkalla, and Petra’s lover leaves to rescue her family from the destruction of his elemental weapon.
Pushed toward the arms of a mysterious cult, Petra must decide which path to take. Ally herself with the sect and their treasonous plot, or forever turn her back on her lover. The choice she makes will decide the world’s fate, and her own story will become a legend written in stone.
337 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2023
11 people want to read
About the author
James D. McEwan
6 books1 followerJames D. McEwan won an Easter egg for a poem he wrote about rabbits in primary school. That was 1985, and he has won nothing since. To rectify this grievous oversight, he released his debut fantasy novel, Hammer & Glass: Kalleron Book IV, in November 2022. In January 2023, he doubled his output with M7RRORS, a humorous and dark love story set in contemporary Glasgow. Driven to avoid pop-culture and thoughtless consumerism, he refuses to follow tropes and market trends. He therefore expects to die penniless, but happy. His favourite book of all time is The Time Machine by HG Wells, though he doubts M7RRORS would exist without having first read Chuck Palahniuk.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 19, 2023
Having read Book IV recently, I was hoping it would hold my interest the same (knowing a little about what’s to come), and boy did it.
I found myself utterly immersed in this, Book I, of the series. You immediately feel at home with the group of companions and their adventures. You feel their sorrow and joy at every turn, more so having learned a little more around their respective backgrounds.
Once again, the world which James has created draws you in and you can fully believe you are there experiencing every emotion. All the characters are believable, relatable, some even lovable!
Again, it’s not over the top ‘fantasy’. It’s better.
I found myself utterly immersed in this, Book I, of the series. You immediately feel at home with the group of companions and their adventures. You feel their sorrow and joy at every turn, more so having learned a little more around their respective backgrounds.
Once again, the world which James has created draws you in and you can fully believe you are there experiencing every emotion. All the characters are believable, relatable, some even lovable!
Again, it’s not over the top ‘fantasy’. It’s better.
May 28, 2024
A copy of this book was gifted by the author through Insta Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
While this took me a little while to get into, which is fairly normal when there's a whole new world to understand, the pay-off was so worth it. This has a multi-POV narrative that opens with trauma and destruction to really hook you in. Even from the get-go, my heart was in my mouth for one of the main characters. I didn't know her yet, but the experience was still emotional.
This chaos was interspersed with some delightfully heartfelt and surprising moments as new bonds were formed with supporting characters, Thelia and Thelissa. I adored the relationship between Petra and Shadow, that they could have F/M banter without there being a will they/won't they romantic suggestion. It was great that they were just super close friends.
In a power struggle around elemental magic, the different POVs really helped round out the story, showing the progression from different sides of the battle.
I really enjoyed the premise, it was superb, and I'd definitely read the rest of the series. 5 🌟 recommended epic fantasy
While this took me a little while to get into, which is fairly normal when there's a whole new world to understand, the pay-off was so worth it. This has a multi-POV narrative that opens with trauma and destruction to really hook you in. Even from the get-go, my heart was in my mouth for one of the main characters. I didn't know her yet, but the experience was still emotional.
This chaos was interspersed with some delightfully heartfelt and surprising moments as new bonds were formed with supporting characters, Thelia and Thelissa. I adored the relationship between Petra and Shadow, that they could have F/M banter without there being a will they/won't they romantic suggestion. It was great that they were just super close friends.
In a power struggle around elemental magic, the different POVs really helped round out the story, showing the progression from different sides of the battle.
I really enjoyed the premise, it was superb, and I'd definitely read the rest of the series. 5 🌟 recommended epic fantasy
June 5, 2024
Melody & Majesty was a fantastic ride from start to finish!
McEwan’s world is incredibly immersive, the characters are great, and the story is fascinating.
I loved the relationship between Petra and Shadow and how honest and real they are with each other and their banter is spot on!
The premise is so unique and was brought to life beautifully.
The multiple POV’s really added dimension to the story.
I loved how elemental magic was portrayed.
This was a heartfelt and thrilling and chaotic and wonderful read and I can’t wait to dive into more!
McEwan’s world is incredibly immersive, the characters are great, and the story is fascinating.
I loved the relationship between Petra and Shadow and how honest and real they are with each other and their banter is spot on!
The premise is so unique and was brought to life beautifully.
The multiple POV’s really added dimension to the story.
I loved how elemental magic was portrayed.
This was a heartfelt and thrilling and chaotic and wonderful read and I can’t wait to dive into more!
October 17, 2023
This book is in three words
Loyalty, deception, hope
A not so evil queen is set upon the world by an illusive immortal king to wreck chaos and destruction until he rules all. A fight for the truth and freedom. A tale of loss, grief, and the desire to be close to those we have lost. The importance of found family and letting people become new versions of themselves. This book has so much depth and philosophy disguised as fantasy intrigue and fun. It will leave you questioning life in the best ways whilst feeling like you've had a great big hug and fought some bad guys along the way!
Whilst book 4 is still my favourite, this is another amazing addition to the Kalleron Series. The world building is beautiful yet subtle. The plot keeps you guessing, and even when you think you know everything, you don't.
This book introduces some amazing characters and includes some much loved ones, too. It had me gripped, and despite a lot of bad stuff in real life, it helped me escape when I needed it.
I only dropped a star because they can't all be 5, and this didn't fill me with the joy and love book 4 did. But that's because this book wouldn't have suited the same level of banter and sarcasm. The future of this series looks amazing, and I can't wait to keep falling in love with the amazing world and characters.
Loyalty, deception, hope
A not so evil queen is set upon the world by an illusive immortal king to wreck chaos and destruction until he rules all. A fight for the truth and freedom. A tale of loss, grief, and the desire to be close to those we have lost. The importance of found family and letting people become new versions of themselves. This book has so much depth and philosophy disguised as fantasy intrigue and fun. It will leave you questioning life in the best ways whilst feeling like you've had a great big hug and fought some bad guys along the way!
Whilst book 4 is still my favourite, this is another amazing addition to the Kalleron Series. The world building is beautiful yet subtle. The plot keeps you guessing, and even when you think you know everything, you don't.
This book introduces some amazing characters and includes some much loved ones, too. It had me gripped, and despite a lot of bad stuff in real life, it helped me escape when I needed it.
I only dropped a star because they can't all be 5, and this didn't fill me with the joy and love book 4 did. But that's because this book wouldn't have suited the same level of banter and sarcasm. The future of this series looks amazing, and I can't wait to keep falling in love with the amazing world and characters.
June 11, 2023
Melody & Majesty" is an enchanting journey that captivated my heart from the very beginning. The characters are extraordinary, the world-building is exquisite, and the emotional rollercoaster it takes you on is simply breathtaking.😏
Danger lurks at every turn, secrets beg to be unraveled, and the vivid descriptions transport you to the heart of the action...
Author has the ability to evoke a whirlwind of emotions. Laughter, gasps, and even a few tears - it had it all. 🫣
It's a story that explores profound themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of choice.
In summary, "Melody & Majesty" is an enthralling and unforgettable read. If you're seeking a book that will whisk you away to a world of courage, with characters that will leave a lasting impression, then this is the one for you. 😁
Danger lurks at every turn, secrets beg to be unraveled, and the vivid descriptions transport you to the heart of the action...
Author has the ability to evoke a whirlwind of emotions. Laughter, gasps, and even a few tears - it had it all. 🫣
It's a story that explores profound themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of choice.
In summary, "Melody & Majesty" is an enthralling and unforgettable read. If you're seeking a book that will whisk you away to a world of courage, with characters that will leave a lasting impression, then this is the one for you. 😁
May 31, 2024
thank you so much to Insta Book Tours and James D. McEwan for sending me a copy!
i had a really good time reading this and the moment i went into it, i was easily immersed in the world and simply could not put it down. the world building was so rich and honestly one of my favourite aspects.
the characters were so well written and i am a sucker for multi-pov books so this definitely worked for me, especially when it came to the progression of the story and seeing the different sides of the battle. i really enjoyed the dynamic and banter between Petra and Shadow.
overall, this was a stunning read from beginning to end and it had me emotional for basically all of it. i got easily attached to the characters and just wanted the best for them.
i had a really good time reading this and the moment i went into it, i was easily immersed in the world and simply could not put it down. the world building was so rich and honestly one of my favourite aspects.
the characters were so well written and i am a sucker for multi-pov books so this definitely worked for me, especially when it came to the progression of the story and seeing the different sides of the battle. i really enjoyed the dynamic and banter between Petra and Shadow.
overall, this was a stunning read from beginning to end and it had me emotional for basically all of it. i got easily attached to the characters and just wanted the best for them.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews