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The Chronicles of Zanthora #1
Ghostwalker
Kendril is a Ghostwalker, a man who is dead to his former life and bound by a solemn vow to seek penance for some mysterious dark sin in his past. When a chance encounter in the forest leads him to inadvertently rescue a woman named Jade, a woman who claims not to remember anything about who she is or what has happened to her, Kendril becomes her reluctant guardian.
But after a gang of ruthless bounty hunters comes after Jade, Kendril finds himself thrown into a deadly game of cat and mouse where one wrong step will be his last. Now he must use every ounce of daring and cunning he has to escape with his life and to protect the woman he is growing to love, a woman with no past.
But can he trust Jade, or will her secrets lead to his undoing?
Ghostwalker is an action-packed novel of suspense set in the fantasy world of Zanthora. Filled with dark humor and a cast of diverse characters, it is the first book in the Chronicles of Zanthora, the relation of the Fourth War of Despair.
But after a gang of ruthless bounty hunters comes after Jade, Kendril finds himself thrown into a deadly game of cat and mouse where one wrong step will be his last. Now he must use every ounce of daring and cunning he has to escape with his life and to protect the woman he is growing to love, a woman with no past.
But can he trust Jade, or will her secrets lead to his undoing?
Ghostwalker is an action-packed novel of suspense set in the fantasy world of Zanthora. Filled with dark humor and a cast of diverse characters, it is the first book in the Chronicles of Zanthora, the relation of the Fourth War of Despair.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 12, 2017
Ghostwalker (The Chronicles of Zanthora #1) by Ben Cassidy is a book I have had for a while and I forgot about. I found it and dove in. I thought it was a ghost story but it was not. Although I would have normally been disappointed, this story was good too. It is in a world of black powder guns, swords, inns, Dukes, bandits, rescuing girls in distress, and "Ghostwalkers". A "Ghostwalker" is someone that part myth, part man. There were lots of stories about Ghostwalkers and part of those were very crazy and part of them were true. The truth was they were good fighters and normally feared. The guy of the story is hero and a Ghostwalker. It is a fun story with adventure, action, and sprinkled with humor. I enjoyed it and would love to continue the series.
February 1, 2019
So good!
I absolutely could NOT stop reading this! It ate into my sleep. I almost finished it in one sitting. I usually only read to get to sleep, but this book was so exciting. I was entranced!
I absolutely could NOT stop reading this! It ate into my sleep. I almost finished it in one sitting. I usually only read to get to sleep, but this book was so exciting. I was entranced!
January 20, 2019
Unfortunately, while "Ghostwalker" has a lot of potential, the execution just isn't there.
For example, there are plenty of characters that could have been engaging if they had been given the depth to reach that potential, and while I get the sense that the author had plans of revealing more and more throughout the series, what he offered here wasn't enough to make me want to read on. Why would I invest my time and money into a story with only a hint of a promise that later on it might get interesting? I suppose I'm just not the gambling type.
A large part of the reason I had so much trouble investing in the characters was that I felt their actions didn't always align with the kind of person they were supposed to be, which had me questioning who I could trust. This part is tricky to explain without spoilers, so I'll leave it very general, but there was a large portion of the story where I didn't know if I was dealing with an unreliable narrator or just some sloppy handling of information.
Speaking of narrators, I like the way we are shown each scene from multiple perspectives; I think it adds a nice layer to the more action-based scenes and generally adds some much needed depth to the story. However, the handling of the shifts in perspective is abysmal and leads to a lot of confusion, making each of the fight scenes feel uncomfortably disjointed.
My final thought is a remark on how little I actually thought. I read so much because I want to explore new worlds, experience life with interesting characters, and be challenged and/or invited to think differently about my own life and impact on the world, not just to kill time. It took me about three days to get through "Ghostwalker" (it's been a busy weekend), and between reading, I didn't think about the story once. I would even forget the story entirely until I got a line or two back into it.
While it wasn't bad, it was very disappointing, and because of that, it's not something I would recommend.
For example, there are plenty of characters that could have been engaging if they had been given the depth to reach that potential, and while I get the sense that the author had plans of revealing more and more throughout the series, what he offered here wasn't enough to make me want to read on. Why would I invest my time and money into a story with only a hint of a promise that later on it might get interesting? I suppose I'm just not the gambling type.
A large part of the reason I had so much trouble investing in the characters was that I felt their actions didn't always align with the kind of person they were supposed to be, which had me questioning who I could trust. This part is tricky to explain without spoilers, so I'll leave it very general, but there was a large portion of the story where I didn't know if I was dealing with an unreliable narrator or just some sloppy handling of information.
Speaking of narrators, I like the way we are shown each scene from multiple perspectives; I think it adds a nice layer to the more action-based scenes and generally adds some much needed depth to the story. However, the handling of the shifts in perspective is abysmal and leads to a lot of confusion, making each of the fight scenes feel uncomfortably disjointed.
My final thought is a remark on how little I actually thought. I read so much because I want to explore new worlds, experience life with interesting characters, and be challenged and/or invited to think differently about my own life and impact on the world, not just to kill time. It took me about three days to get through "Ghostwalker" (it's been a busy weekend), and between reading, I didn't think about the story once. I would even forget the story entirely until I got a line or two back into it.
While it wasn't bad, it was very disappointing, and because of that, it's not something I would recommend.
May 15, 2014
I had just got my kindle for xmas so what to get for one of my first books, I chose Ghostwalker the first book from the chronicles of Zanthora by Ben Cassidy. I am so glad I did, this whole series is up there with the best and as I understand it this man is still publishing these books himself. The Ghost Walker, has everything you could want from a fantasy novel. There is action, drama,romance,intrigue, and magic what more do you need. It is fast paced, easy to read, and keeps you turning the page. Do not take my word for it read it and see, it is a shame that I can only give it 5 stars it deserves more. I have just finished the sixth book in this series, and can not wait for the seventh. Bob.
May 9, 2014
I really enjoyed this adventure. Good clean action and the promise of romance. I appreciated the willingness of each character to put their life on the line for the strangers they encountered on this journey. Looking forward to the next book. I recommend this book to the young and old alike.
I really enjoyed. this adventure. Good. clean action and the promise of romance. I appreciated the willingness of the characters to risk their lives for the strangers they just met. not a long reading, but kept my interest. I recommend this to the young and old alike. I will read the next sequel.
I really enjoyed. this adventure. Good. clean action and the promise of romance. I appreciated the willingness of the characters to risk their lives for the strangers they just met. not a long reading, but kept my interest. I recommend this to the young and old alike. I will read the next sequel.
July 31, 2014
LOVE LOVE this series!! I discovered Ben Cassidy by downloading Ghostwalker, a free 1st book in the series. Well this free book grabbed me on page one and I continued downloading one after the other and stayed glued through Book 6, Redemption! I'm anxiously awaiting Book 7, The Raven in the Sea.
Mr. Cassidy has richly developed every character to the point of absolute believability. The story is fast paced, exciting, edge of your seat gripping and a great way to forget reality...at least for awhile.
What a great author! I'll be waiting Mr. Cassidy!! Get well...you have years and years of awesome writing to do!!
Mr. Cassidy has richly developed every character to the point of absolute believability. The story is fast paced, exciting, edge of your seat gripping and a great way to forget reality...at least for awhile.
What a great author! I'll be waiting Mr. Cassidy!! Get well...you have years and years of awesome writing to do!!
March 1, 2014
Good clean read
if your looking for a good read with a lot of action then give this a try in a time where it's so hard to find books that are not filled with smut. it was nice to sink into this one I will be reading the rest of the series as soon as I down load them
if your looking for a good read with a lot of action then give this a try in a time where it's so hard to find books that are not filled with smut. it was nice to sink into this one I will be reading the rest of the series as soon as I down load them
July 17, 2021
This is a flintlock fantasy I believe, mixing Wild West vibes with Roundheads and Cavaliers, single shot pistols mixed with swords and crossbows. The setting is a secondary world, but there is nothing in the way of magic to make the story truly fall into the fantasy genre. The little world building there is is done subtly through expressions in dialogue, revealing religious beliefs and geographical lore, rather than any kind of lengthy description. Sadly this leads to the occasional infodump, especially concerning the titular character’s shady past.
The story’s focus is entirely on action, which rattles along at a breathless pace, but nevertheless flows smoothly without being interrupted by explanations. The reader has to hang on tight and the picture emerges bit by bit. The story is nicely done, with sympathetic heroes who step in because that’s what they do, dastardly villains plotting nefarious deeds, stereotypical save-the-abducted-amnesiac-girl type situations, amusing buddy story dialogue, fortunate coincidences, last minute rescues, and hints at mysterious backstories and politics to be developed in due course. The girl in question tends to attract a whole bunch of really nice and resourceful action men with barely a hint of romance. All in all it’s a decent read, if nothing special, a bunch of tropes adroitly handled. Everything feels a little raw and briefly sketched out to keep the focus on the action, which makes the story a little underdeveloped and leaving the reader wanting a bit more detail.
One little complaint with the formatting: there are no spaces separating the sequences. As much of what’s going on is conveyed by dialogue, sudden changes in who’s talking are confusing and interrupt the flow of reading. The faster the action gets, the faster the POV changes are, and the more this issue gets confusing.
Nevertheless, I’ll gladly follow the series if I come across the following volumes.
The story’s focus is entirely on action, which rattles along at a breathless pace, but nevertheless flows smoothly without being interrupted by explanations. The reader has to hang on tight and the picture emerges bit by bit. The story is nicely done, with sympathetic heroes who step in because that’s what they do, dastardly villains plotting nefarious deeds, stereotypical save-the-abducted-amnesiac-girl type situations, amusing buddy story dialogue, fortunate coincidences, last minute rescues, and hints at mysterious backstories and politics to be developed in due course. The girl in question tends to attract a whole bunch of really nice and resourceful action men with barely a hint of romance. All in all it’s a decent read, if nothing special, a bunch of tropes adroitly handled. Everything feels a little raw and briefly sketched out to keep the focus on the action, which makes the story a little underdeveloped and leaving the reader wanting a bit more detail.
One little complaint with the formatting: there are no spaces separating the sequences. As much of what’s going on is conveyed by dialogue, sudden changes in who’s talking are confusing and interrupt the flow of reading. The faster the action gets, the faster the POV changes are, and the more this issue gets confusing.
Nevertheless, I’ll gladly follow the series if I come across the following volumes.
July 26, 2018
SENSUALITY RATING: NO Profanity; NO sexual encounter
GENRE: Adult Fiction; YA; Fantasy World
SETTING: Howling Woods forest
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: Jade – suffering from amnesia; attractive young woman; a caring person.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: - Kendril – a man with a secret; a protector and fighter; fearless; an enigma.
SYNOPSIS: She was found tied to a tree and could not remember even her name. He freed her and setoff to get her to the nearest outpost. Problem? The bounty hunter and his gang are going to hunt her down, deliver her and get paid. A great plot of adventure, trust and danger. Swords, arrows and pistols.
WHAT I LIKED: When will Jade find out who she is or will she.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: While the book was fraught with danger and every corner, one could get weary about the escapes from almost impossible situations.
OVERALL RATING: (5) stars because great for YA and Adult. I am an “older” adult that loves a Fantasy World like our world but not quite. Lots of action and adventure. A break from romance
GENRE: Adult Fiction; YA; Fantasy World
SETTING: Howling Woods forest
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: Jade – suffering from amnesia; attractive young woman; a caring person.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: - Kendril – a man with a secret; a protector and fighter; fearless; an enigma.
SYNOPSIS: She was found tied to a tree and could not remember even her name. He freed her and setoff to get her to the nearest outpost. Problem? The bounty hunter and his gang are going to hunt her down, deliver her and get paid. A great plot of adventure, trust and danger. Swords, arrows and pistols.
WHAT I LIKED: When will Jade find out who she is or will she.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: While the book was fraught with danger and every corner, one could get weary about the escapes from almost impossible situations.
OVERALL RATING: (5) stars because great for YA and Adult. I am an “older” adult that loves a Fantasy World like our world but not quite. Lots of action and adventure. A break from romance
September 13, 2019
Tweeny book
This book is simply full of daring-do, nonstop action, harrowing encounters & narrow escapes via deus ex machina. The world in which it takes place is completely undescribed except as the story unfolds. There is no back story to familiarize the reader with this world or its inhabitants. Everything springs into being at the very moment something happens. It reminds me of breathless 3 word or 5 word stories told in turns by a bunch of preteens around a campfire. The editing & layout is nonexistent. There are no transitions between chapters, if there are indeed chapters. (I have the Kindle version) The story switches between characters who are nowhere near the vicinity of each other, again with no transition. This story is almost one long run-on sentence. The storyline is a good one. The main characters are likeable. Too bad this book was botched so horribly.
This book is simply full of daring-do, nonstop action, harrowing encounters & narrow escapes via deus ex machina. The world in which it takes place is completely undescribed except as the story unfolds. There is no back story to familiarize the reader with this world or its inhabitants. Everything springs into being at the very moment something happens. It reminds me of breathless 3 word or 5 word stories told in turns by a bunch of preteens around a campfire. The editing & layout is nonexistent. There are no transitions between chapters, if there are indeed chapters. (I have the Kindle version) The story switches between characters who are nowhere near the vicinity of each other, again with no transition. This story is almost one long run-on sentence. The storyline is a good one. The main characters are likeable. Too bad this book was botched so horribly.
June 29, 2017
When Kendril finds a woman bound & bleeding in the forest, his life is changed forever. Upon rescuing her, he finds his damsel in distress unable to remember who she is. In trying to bring her home, he gains two more travelers who try to help. The whole story is more complicated by the fact he is a ghostwalker, unable to fight with a long blade, back away from a fight, or care for a woman as long as he lives. Definitely a swashbuckling story, fast paced with a heroine who needs protection.
February 4, 2018
You felt like you were there.
Book made you feel like you were right there the whole time with all of them on the journey. I just wish that once the Royal Army came to her rescue that she would have came back and thanked the guys who had risked everything to keep her safe. It just didn't feel right that once she realized who she was she never came back and gave the guys a reward or anything it just left it a weird ending.
Book made you feel like you were right there the whole time with all of them on the journey. I just wish that once the Royal Army came to her rescue that she would have came back and thanked the guys who had risked everything to keep her safe. It just didn't feel right that once she realized who she was she never came back and gave the guys a reward or anything it just left it a weird ending.
September 13, 2022
The author has crafted an excellent story. The plot is woven around the characters as the author slowly pulls out who they are. There was a lot of action in this story, non-stop really. The author used fairly realistic depictions given the time and location of the story. Certainly heroes and a heroine to carry things along well.
If you like action and adventure in the woods give this a read.
If you like action and adventure in the woods give this a read.
April 23, 2023
A gripping tale of...............
This is a well crafted story with a solid plot and exciting action. The story moves at a good pace and I thought the characters were captivating, especially Kendril. I loved the interaction between Kendril, Jade and Maklavir. I became completely immersed from beginning to end and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book!
This is a well crafted story with a solid plot and exciting action. The story moves at a good pace and I thought the characters were captivating, especially Kendril. I loved the interaction between Kendril, Jade and Maklavir. I became completely immersed from beginning to end and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book!
January 3, 2018
A fun read
I really did enjoy this story. I like the character Kendril, the vow, the strictures that puts in place. It is an interesting twist on a familiar road. I'm less enamored with Maklavir, although I see how he fits into the formula.
I think my only criticism is that the story end feels abrupt. I would have liked a more elegant, and perhaps elaborate, ending.
I really did enjoy this story. I like the character Kendril, the vow, the strictures that puts in place. It is an interesting twist on a familiar road. I'm less enamored with Maklavir, although I see how he fits into the formula.
I think my only criticism is that the story end feels abrupt. I would have liked a more elegant, and perhaps elaborate, ending.
July 12, 2017
A woman kidnapped, her savior a magnificent swordsman who took a strange vow, a diplomat in a purple cape, and a mule named Simon. A strange little group, struggling to get away from a band of bounty hunters, but things just keep going south ...
October 14, 2022
Very adventurous from the start to the end.
It was a book that was hard to put down till I read it to the end. Well written with excitement at every turn. Would recommend it to all my book reading friends.
It was a book that was hard to put down till I read it to the end. Well written with excitement at every turn. Would recommend it to all my book reading friends.
December 21, 2017
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series of books. In fact I have struggled to put my kindle down and stop reading! Well written characters, fast paced action and a good plot.
August 13, 2018
Little hard to follow
Packed full of action and excitement. It was a little hard to follow as the point of view changes in the middle of the chapter without any advanced notice.
Packed full of action and excitement. It was a little hard to follow as the point of view changes in the middle of the chapter without any advanced notice.
September 26, 2018
Ghostwalker
An amazing,spectacular adventure into fantasy. A great story and a triumphant journey to be explored and read by all. I Loved It!!!
An amazing,spectacular adventure into fantasy. A great story and a triumphant journey to be explored and read by all. I Loved It!!!
October 4, 2018
4 stars. Good book
October 25, 2018
Good clean book. An excellent author.
January 10, 2019
Enjoyable
The story was exciting and I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment! Loved it.
The story was exciting and I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment! Loved it.
February 16, 2019
It was ok
But I really miss the days of books like those written in the heyday of fantasy. Weiss and Hickman come to mind.
But I really miss the days of books like those written in the heyday of fantasy. Weiss and Hickman come to mind.
July 25, 2019
Eeerrr what was the point exactly?
Well that was LONG! GRIEF! I have up at Chapter 8, and skipped to the last 2 chapters,and I was still baffled. Utterly pointless.
Well that was LONG! GRIEF! I have up at Chapter 8, and skipped to the last 2 chapters,and I was still baffled. Utterly pointless.
June 9, 2024
Good book with a lot of aco
Good story, plenty of action and good world building. Some great characters. I will keep a look out for the author's other novels
Good story, plenty of action and good world building. Some great characters. I will keep a look out for the author's other novels
April 27, 2025
If you're into YA, cool... but it's not my thing. Lots of people love it, so I'll trust their judgment.
March 11, 2017
Great adventure
What a great story! It has heroes and villains and a maiden in need of saving and lots of action. What's else could you ask for? Recommended.
What a great story! It has heroes and villains and a maiden in need of saving and lots of action. What's else could you ask for? Recommended.
March 18, 2015
Ghostwalker, Kendril, is passing through the Howling Woods when he comes across a woman who’s been tied up and is barely conscious. After rescuing the woman, Kendril soon realizes that she is being hunted. The woman he calls Jade doesn’t remember her name, but Kendril feels bound to protect her. With the help of a diplomat named Maklavir, they manage to fend off the band of bounty hunters looking for Jade, but for how long?
Ghostwalker is the first in The Chronicles of Zanthora series and it’s not a bad start. Kendril and Maklavir are interesting characters with a lot of potential. While the story was great on atmosphere, the plot was a bit thin. The book is one long chase scene with ebbs and flows from light humor to suspenseful danger.
Backstory would have added more depth to the story. For example, Jade starts remembering bits and pieces, but they aren’t elaborated upon. Kendril appears to have had quite a past that he refuses to discuss. Maklavir also appears to have led an interesting life, but again too little reference is made to it. By the same token, we learn that bounty hunters have been hired to capture Jade, but why and by whom is never disclosed. Nor is their final destination revealed.
The missed opportunities made the story feel like it was floating along the surface without any anchor. Although some of these questions will likely be answered in the second book, the real question is if there was enough in the first installment to entice readers to buy the second. Some fantasy fans will find this book disappointing. Others might appreciate a quick read rather than a long, drawn out story. Although I wouldn’t want a five-hundred-page book, I definitely wanted more from this one.
Ghostwalker is the first in The Chronicles of Zanthora series and it’s not a bad start. Kendril and Maklavir are interesting characters with a lot of potential. While the story was great on atmosphere, the plot was a bit thin. The book is one long chase scene with ebbs and flows from light humor to suspenseful danger.
Backstory would have added more depth to the story. For example, Jade starts remembering bits and pieces, but they aren’t elaborated upon. Kendril appears to have had quite a past that he refuses to discuss. Maklavir also appears to have led an interesting life, but again too little reference is made to it. By the same token, we learn that bounty hunters have been hired to capture Jade, but why and by whom is never disclosed. Nor is their final destination revealed.
The missed opportunities made the story feel like it was floating along the surface without any anchor. Although some of these questions will likely be answered in the second book, the real question is if there was enough in the first installment to entice readers to buy the second. Some fantasy fans will find this book disappointing. Others might appreciate a quick read rather than a long, drawn out story. Although I wouldn’t want a five-hundred-page book, I definitely wanted more from this one.
September 3, 2015
The cover art does not do justice to the story. It is, though, representative of the setting of the story (Howling Woods) and one of the many weapons that Kendril carries with him. The cover would have been even better had it captured Kendril’s essence.
Kendril, a ghostwalker, takes a shortcut with his mule, Simon, only to be ambushed by a lone bandit. After he disposes of the bandit, he unties the damsel in distress who was kidnapped and injured and wakes up with amnesia. Thus begins the story!
Kendril and Jade (the damsel) embark on a journey to the nearest outpost in the hopes that someone there would know who she was. Once they arrive at the outpost, Maklavir befriends Jade and joins the group as they fight and evade the kidnappers. Their hope is to lose the kidnappers in the forest, but since no one knows how to hide their tracks, they fail miserably. Before the kidnappers can recapture Jade, though, a team of bandits (which reminded me of Robin Hood and his merry men) captures Kendril, Makalvir, and Jade. Fortunately, they are rescued before anything bad happens to them and Jade remembers who she is! Go Jade!
This is an easy read with no bad language or sexual activity and, as of right now, is free to download on Amazon.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Kendril, a ghostwalker, takes a shortcut with his mule, Simon, only to be ambushed by a lone bandit. After he disposes of the bandit, he unties the damsel in distress who was kidnapped and injured and wakes up with amnesia. Thus begins the story!
Kendril and Jade (the damsel) embark on a journey to the nearest outpost in the hopes that someone there would know who she was. Once they arrive at the outpost, Maklavir befriends Jade and joins the group as they fight and evade the kidnappers. Their hope is to lose the kidnappers in the forest, but since no one knows how to hide their tracks, they fail miserably. Before the kidnappers can recapture Jade, though, a team of bandits (which reminded me of Robin Hood and his merry men) captures Kendril, Makalvir, and Jade. Fortunately, they are rescued before anything bad happens to them and Jade remembers who she is! Go Jade!
This is an easy read with no bad language or sexual activity and, as of right now, is free to download on Amazon.
Rating: 3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews