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Return of the Dragons #1
Sword Bearer
You swing a staff until you're ready to swing a sword. Then you go on all kinds of adventures - fighting monsters, casting spells and saving damsels in distress. At least that's how it's supposed to work, but I didn't believe a word of it.
BOOK ONE OF THE EPIC FANTASY SERIES RETURN OF THE DRAGONS
Locked in his room in the castle, young Anders yearns for adventure. Until the day he opens a magic portal and a girl bursts into his locked room with a chemical warlock hot on her trail.
And adventure finds him -- an adventure full of danger, full of blood, fire, demons and evil. To face it, he'll need the sword given him by his blademaster, need the ancient words his grandfather gave him on his deathbed. Need the song that runs in his own blood, in his veins.
A sword will be reforged, magic words discovered, battles fought, friends made and lost, secrets revealed. And blood will be spilled. But will blade, word and blood be enough?
BOOK ONE OF THE EPIC FANTASY SERIES RETURN OF THE DRAGONS
Locked in his room in the castle, young Anders yearns for adventure. Until the day he opens a magic portal and a girl bursts into his locked room with a chemical warlock hot on her trail.
And adventure finds him -- an adventure full of danger, full of blood, fire, demons and evil. To face it, he'll need the sword given him by his blademaster, need the ancient words his grandfather gave him on his deathbed. Need the song that runs in his own blood, in his veins.
A sword will be reforged, magic words discovered, battles fought, friends made and lost, secrets revealed. And blood will be spilled. But will blade, word and blood be enough?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
November 5, 2017
5 STARS!
This first book of the series I Loved from the start. Anders is a boy who turns 16 at the start of this novel. He and his father do not get a long. He spent mutch time locked up in his room. He has to study and do a lot of homework. When he turns 16 his sword master takes Him outside and let him chose a sword. The one who Speaks to him. He pick one out because of the light that comes from it. He is able to do magic but his is not traint for it. When his parents have to go away the lock him up again. And than at ones their is a gateway to another place and a beautiful girl needs his help.....
The girl is Kriek and she says he has also Kriek blood.
In this book a word can be power by magic. At what of the Dark Lord, the lost city and much, much more.
While I am Dutch a lot of the spoken words of power and places are familiar to me because the are German words and places. 😀😀😀.
This first book of the series I Loved from the start. Anders is a boy who turns 16 at the start of this novel. He and his father do not get a long. He spent mutch time locked up in his room. He has to study and do a lot of homework. When he turns 16 his sword master takes Him outside and let him chose a sword. The one who Speaks to him. He pick one out because of the light that comes from it. He is able to do magic but his is not traint for it. When his parents have to go away the lock him up again. And than at ones their is a gateway to another place and a beautiful girl needs his help.....
The girl is Kriek and she says he has also Kriek blood.
In this book a word can be power by magic. At what of the Dark Lord, the lost city and much, much more.
While I am Dutch a lot of the spoken words of power and places are familiar to me because the are German words and places. 😀😀😀.
May 17, 2019
Well, that was a fast-moving, chaotic, richly filled fantasy. As the protagonist is 16 it's probably meant to be YA but some sections are rather too nasty or scary for me to just rate it YA, so let's say coming of age tale, for mature teens or adults.
A boy in a castle, son of the baron, is learning swordplay. He is given a magical sword, since it's his birthday, and trains with it, but afterwards still has to go back to his books and study in a tower room, scowling about his pimples (which he does many times) and drinking spice tea. Then a magic portal opens in the wall and he helps an elf thief girl to escape from a magical shop with a book. Life goes downhill and dangerous and demon-infested after that.
I lost count of the deaths, and magic is buttered on thickly with a bread-knife, so to speak. The boy is suddenly of three bloodlines including elvish and merfolks and there is a Dark Lord on the way to invade. Maybe a little much in a short novella. I like the setting in an Italianate town and use of Germanic words as spells. I got a bit fed up with so many names beginning with K. Anyone who wants to try a complex magic action story could give this a try. While the end isn't a cliff hanger this is the first part of a longer story.
I downloaded this ARC from Instafreebie. This is an unbiased review.
A boy in a castle, son of the baron, is learning swordplay. He is given a magical sword, since it's his birthday, and trains with it, but afterwards still has to go back to his books and study in a tower room, scowling about his pimples (which he does many times) and drinking spice tea. Then a magic portal opens in the wall and he helps an elf thief girl to escape from a magical shop with a book. Life goes downhill and dangerous and demon-infested after that.
I lost count of the deaths, and magic is buttered on thickly with a bread-knife, so to speak. The boy is suddenly of three bloodlines including elvish and merfolks and there is a Dark Lord on the way to invade. Maybe a little much in a short novella. I like the setting in an Italianate town and use of Germanic words as spells. I got a bit fed up with so many names beginning with K. Anyone who wants to try a complex magic action story could give this a try. While the end isn't a cliff hanger this is the first part of a longer story.
I downloaded this ARC from Instafreebie. This is an unbiased review.
March 27, 2013
I like reading new YA fiction because you usually find some lovely gems. However, gem this story was not. I kept hoping the story would take off but I felt like I was treading water. I did not feel any real angst for Anders, the pimply-faced teen who just seems to flounder. While the story started off slowly it really did not give me enough information for me to bond with him as a main character. In fact, I could not bond with any of the characters. I felt no loss at the deaths, I felt no relief when Anders and his friends made their way to safety. Nothing. The story did not draw me in. The worst part of the story was the abrupt ending. Actually, it did not "end" at all. The story just stopped in a weird place. The inserted first chapter of book two felt more like the ending of book one.
It also felt as though the author really has no clue as to how modern teens speak or think. Jacobs tried too hard to be a sixteen year old boy. Too many references to pimples and the characters were too flat and unbelievable. I would not suggest reading this book until it has had a couple go-rounds with an editor and serious re-writing to flesh out the characters and storyline.
It also felt as though the author really has no clue as to how modern teens speak or think. Jacobs tried too hard to be a sixteen year old boy. Too many references to pimples and the characters were too flat and unbelievable. I would not suggest reading this book until it has had a couple go-rounds with an editor and serious re-writing to flesh out the characters and storyline.
October 21, 2016
Sword Bearer
Book One: Return of the Dragons
Author: Teddy Jacobs
Publisher: Wicked Evil Press
Date: 2014
Pgs: 156
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
An apprentice swordswift swings a staff until ready for the sword. Adventures await; monsters, spells, damsels...sure if this was a scribe’s story in a book.
Anders looks forward to all this...until the day a magic portal opens in his room and in bursts a young woman with a chemical warlock chasing after her. Danger. Blood. Fire. Demons. Evil.
The gift of the blademaster, the words of a grandfather, the song of the blood.
Wait...did someone say the Dragons were returning?
Genre:
Adventure
Apocalypse
Dragons
End of the World
Fantasy
Film
Fiction
Magic
Sword and sorcery
Wizards
Why this book:
Dragons. Adventure. Away we go.
______________________________________________________________________________
Least Favorite Character:
Anders Tomason is whiny. He’s ungrateful. Yes, he’s supposed to be young. But he’s so much teenage angst stereotype that he’s unlikeable. In the midst of mystic wonder and tragedy, he comes across as all the worst parts of Anakin Skywalker from the Star Wars prequel trilogy...only worse.
The Feel:
There is a bit of Mary Sueishness developing around Anders. What I call the Canis effect. Canis was a story about a barbarian that I read many eyars ago. He was a barbarian in England before England was England, in the time of Boadicea, pre-Viking, Roman era. Everybody LOVED Canis. Despite Anders’ parents and Gerard’s Dark Lord, I’m getting that everybody loves Anders feel.
Favorite Scene / Quote:
When his grandfather’s sword begins singing to Anders Tomason on the practice field as he practices with his blademaster Giancarlo. And for the first time in his life, he is the first one to draw blood signalling the end of practice.
When Anders pulls the girl through the portal from Gerard’s shop amidst magic and counter magic.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
In one instance, Anders accepts and is onboard with what fate has thrown at him. And, in the next, he is whining about it and crying about this person wronging him or that person wronging him.
Hmm Moments:
The concept of the three blooded Prince is cool.
The evil creatures the characters encounter are continually referring to Anders as “Herr”. Wonder what the connection is that they would refer to their enemy as Lord.
WTF Moments:
What could possibly go wrong teaching a powerful immature sword wizard to hide his feelings.
Meh / PFFT Moments:
Kalle and Kara engaging in what would be bad/weak table banter at the RPG table when they come to the road gate leading to the secret city in the woods. Also, how they seemingly, suddenly have known each other for a long time even though when Anders and Kara emerged from the portal with Kalle saving them from the demon wizard, or whatever he really is, Gerard, they didn’t seem to know each other this well.
The circuitous conversation after the feast when the main characters are discussing the Dark Lord, the Book of Id, and Anders training...that just a few pages ago was going to have to be put on hold because of the Dark Lord’s imminent attack...now at least a month or two distant. In 1980s movies, this is where the music video training montage would kick in.
______________________________________________________________________________
Last Page Sound:
There’s not really a climax there.
Author Assessment:
Despite my feelings about the characterization of Anders and the circuitousness of some of the scenes, I love the concept. I’m going to have to consider whether to read more of the series. But I did like the concept and the ideas behind the story.
Editorial Assessment:
Could have benefited from a trip or two under the editor’s pen with a look toward scene and plot structure.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
meh!
Disposition of Book:
e-Book
______________________________________________________________________________
Book One: Return of the Dragons
Author: Teddy Jacobs
Publisher: Wicked Evil Press
Date: 2014
Pgs: 156
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
An apprentice swordswift swings a staff until ready for the sword. Adventures await; monsters, spells, damsels...sure if this was a scribe’s story in a book.
Anders looks forward to all this...until the day a magic portal opens in his room and in bursts a young woman with a chemical warlock chasing after her. Danger. Blood. Fire. Demons. Evil.
The gift of the blademaster, the words of a grandfather, the song of the blood.
Wait...did someone say the Dragons were returning?
Genre:
Adventure
Apocalypse
Dragons
End of the World
Fantasy
Film
Fiction
Magic
Sword and sorcery
Wizards
Why this book:
Dragons. Adventure. Away we go.
______________________________________________________________________________
Least Favorite Character:
Anders Tomason is whiny. He’s ungrateful. Yes, he’s supposed to be young. But he’s so much teenage angst stereotype that he’s unlikeable. In the midst of mystic wonder and tragedy, he comes across as all the worst parts of Anakin Skywalker from the Star Wars prequel trilogy...only worse.
The Feel:
There is a bit of Mary Sueishness developing around Anders. What I call the Canis effect. Canis was a story about a barbarian that I read many eyars ago. He was a barbarian in England before England was England, in the time of Boadicea, pre-Viking, Roman era. Everybody LOVED Canis. Despite Anders’ parents and Gerard’s Dark Lord, I’m getting that everybody loves Anders feel.
Favorite Scene / Quote:
When his grandfather’s sword begins singing to Anders Tomason on the practice field as he practices with his blademaster Giancarlo. And for the first time in his life, he is the first one to draw blood signalling the end of practice.
When Anders pulls the girl through the portal from Gerard’s shop amidst magic and counter magic.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
In one instance, Anders accepts and is onboard with what fate has thrown at him. And, in the next, he is whining about it and crying about this person wronging him or that person wronging him.
Hmm Moments:
The concept of the three blooded Prince is cool.
The evil creatures the characters encounter are continually referring to Anders as “Herr”. Wonder what the connection is that they would refer to their enemy as Lord.
WTF Moments:
What could possibly go wrong teaching a powerful immature sword wizard to hide his feelings.
Meh / PFFT Moments:
Kalle and Kara engaging in what would be bad/weak table banter at the RPG table when they come to the road gate leading to the secret city in the woods. Also, how they seemingly, suddenly have known each other for a long time even though when Anders and Kara emerged from the portal with Kalle saving them from the demon wizard, or whatever he really is, Gerard, they didn’t seem to know each other this well.
The circuitous conversation after the feast when the main characters are discussing the Dark Lord, the Book of Id, and Anders training...that just a few pages ago was going to have to be put on hold because of the Dark Lord’s imminent attack...now at least a month or two distant. In 1980s movies, this is where the music video training montage would kick in.
______________________________________________________________________________
Last Page Sound:
There’s not really a climax there.
Author Assessment:
Despite my feelings about the characterization of Anders and the circuitousness of some of the scenes, I love the concept. I’m going to have to consider whether to read more of the series. But I did like the concept and the ideas behind the story.
Editorial Assessment:
Could have benefited from a trip or two under the editor’s pen with a look toward scene and plot structure.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
meh!
Disposition of Book:
e-Book
______________________________________________________________________________
September 25, 2012
I'm a fan of anything with dragons, peresonally, hints the name that spelled properly means dragon in latin. So naturally I simply had to read this. I must say, I'm not entirely clear on the Return of the Dragons part. I assume its the name of the series. But that little detail does not take away from the story.
This story centers around Anders, apparently an out of shape wizard without much practical knowledge and with bad acne. He's a bit sheltered, and by a bit I mean a lot. He's often locked in his room to do homework and can't be let out until he's done. His tutor apparently sucks so he learns very little magic. He's had no real exercise so he's terribly out of shape. His father is a diplomat and he expects to follow in his father's footsteps. Of course there's always more to things. His father has more power than he shows, and Anders himself has a great deal as well.
As we open the story, Anders is going into his first sword lesson, with a wooden sword. The sword he picks winds up being something of a family heirloom, one that will be much more than it seems. His practice goes surprisingly well, as his sword has magic within that he innately channels to land a blow on his teacher. Yet again that night, he is still locked in his room to do homework, on the eve of his birthday.
Things get a little strange from there. He taps into more magic in a fit of anger and transports himself to a girl about his own age, Kara, who is in a local store stealing back her own heirloom from the owner. Anders unwittingly helps her out and transports her to his room, which causes more trouble than he expected as the shop owner is a dark wizard and comes after his family. He escapes with Kara, who takes him with her to her friend (who's more than a friend apparently) Kalle, and the three flee from the shop owner, right into a forget city of magical beings. Thanks to the magic of his sword, Anders gets them into the ancient city, where Anders true calling comes out.
All in all, this was a great start to series, with a cliff hanger at the end that gave me a bit of a fit. I do thing this should be classified under the young adult category, as it fits best in that genre. But even as an actual adult, I would like to read more of the series
This story centers around Anders, apparently an out of shape wizard without much practical knowledge and with bad acne. He's a bit sheltered, and by a bit I mean a lot. He's often locked in his room to do homework and can't be let out until he's done. His tutor apparently sucks so he learns very little magic. He's had no real exercise so he's terribly out of shape. His father is a diplomat and he expects to follow in his father's footsteps. Of course there's always more to things. His father has more power than he shows, and Anders himself has a great deal as well.
As we open the story, Anders is going into his first sword lesson, with a wooden sword. The sword he picks winds up being something of a family heirloom, one that will be much more than it seems. His practice goes surprisingly well, as his sword has magic within that he innately channels to land a blow on his teacher. Yet again that night, he is still locked in his room to do homework, on the eve of his birthday.
Things get a little strange from there. He taps into more magic in a fit of anger and transports himself to a girl about his own age, Kara, who is in a local store stealing back her own heirloom from the owner. Anders unwittingly helps her out and transports her to his room, which causes more trouble than he expected as the shop owner is a dark wizard and comes after his family. He escapes with Kara, who takes him with her to her friend (who's more than a friend apparently) Kalle, and the three flee from the shop owner, right into a forget city of magical beings. Thanks to the magic of his sword, Anders gets them into the ancient city, where Anders true calling comes out.
All in all, this was a great start to series, with a cliff hanger at the end that gave me a bit of a fit. I do thing this should be classified under the young adult category, as it fits best in that genre. But even as an actual adult, I would like to read more of the series
August 11, 2014
Fat pimply kid is really the three-blood prince. Who knew?
Dislike these plots where everything is given rather than earned. Today's kids already have a feeling of entitlement. They hardly need yet another plot which reinforces that they are right to feel this way. At least Harry Potter had to fight his way up. I much prefer plots where the hero/heroine uses skills, smarts and grit to win the day, rather than discovering their "innate" magical talents and blowing everyone away.
Characters were about what you'd expect in a young YA fantasy story. Cardboard cutout dark lords, magicians and elves. Parents did not ring true, but typical for the genre.
That said, the story moves right along, and the protagonist's ignorance and confusion is well-developed. I especially liked the pixie in the sword, and the first descriptions of the magical hidden city.
Not enough to make me want to read the next book in the series, however.
Dislike these plots where everything is given rather than earned. Today's kids already have a feeling of entitlement. They hardly need yet another plot which reinforces that they are right to feel this way. At least Harry Potter had to fight his way up. I much prefer plots where the hero/heroine uses skills, smarts and grit to win the day, rather than discovering their "innate" magical talents and blowing everyone away.
Characters were about what you'd expect in a young YA fantasy story. Cardboard cutout dark lords, magicians and elves. Parents did not ring true, but typical for the genre.
That said, the story moves right along, and the protagonist's ignorance and confusion is well-developed. I especially liked the pixie in the sword, and the first descriptions of the magical hidden city.
Not enough to make me want to read the next book in the series, however.
April 21, 2013
If I'd known there was a Chosen One and a Dark Lord, I never would have started this.
The worst thing about Chosen One stories is that, at the extreme, the Chosen One doesn't need to have any training or even make any decisions in order for everything to work out for him, because the Prophecy and his Destiny takes care of all that. This is that kind of book. It makes for a completely uninteresting protagonist.
Looks like it has had some editing since some of the reviews were posted, but there are a few errors. There's no such word as "alright" in English. It should be two words, "all right". The expression is "rite of passage", not "right of passage". And a hoard is a collection of valuables. A large number of dangerous beings is a horde.
Stopped halfway through, not much point in continuing.
The worst thing about Chosen One stories is that, at the extreme, the Chosen One doesn't need to have any training or even make any decisions in order for everything to work out for him, because the Prophecy and his Destiny takes care of all that. This is that kind of book. It makes for a completely uninteresting protagonist.
Looks like it has had some editing since some of the reviews were posted, but there are a few errors. There's no such word as "alright" in English. It should be two words, "all right". The expression is "rite of passage", not "right of passage". And a hoard is a collection of valuables. A large number of dangerous beings is a horde.
Stopped halfway through, not much point in continuing.
May 23, 2013
Flat characters. I didn't understand who the main character was, I couldn't connect with him. The love interest was weak- who goes around kissing boys with green clay masks on their faces when they have a boyfriend? I was disappointed that the main character didn't have to work to get anything, it was just in his blood and he didn't even know what he was saying or doing it just magically happened. And he was waaaaaay too trusting and buddy buddy with people he just met. There was no reason for me to believe any of the story or motives or anything. The world building was weak. All in all it was a disappointing read. I kept hoping for a sweet storyline to save the weak characters but it just never happened.
January 30, 2015
While reading this short (125 page) fantasy novel, I debated whether it deserved three stars or four. Then it stopped. It didn’t finished (it’s the first of a series); it didn’t conclude; it just stopped. I really dislike that. Give the reader some sort of closure. Yes, set hooks for the series if you must, but give the reader some satisfaction for having read this book.
Interesting blend of Harry Potter and LOTR-lite set in a medieval Europe analog. Likeable, clueless hero, who says magic words, sings magic songs, does the right things at the right time. Unerringly and usually un-coached. Boring.
Pleasant style. Clean text. Jacobs has talent; his work will get better.
“Okay” at best.
Interesting blend of Harry Potter and LOTR-lite set in a medieval Europe analog. Likeable, clueless hero, who says magic words, sings magic songs, does the right things at the right time. Unerringly and usually un-coached. Boring.
Pleasant style. Clean text. Jacobs has talent; his work will get better.
“Okay” at best.
March 21, 2012
Anders is a wonderful kid, one who will appeal to middle grade students, especially boys. It can be difficult to find books to entertain and hold the imagination of a middle grade boy. (I have one, getting him to read can be difficult at times).
This is a great book. Hopefully the author will write more stories. This book was fun to read and exciting. I give it 5 stars!
This is a great book. Hopefully the author will write more stories. This book was fun to read and exciting. I give it 5 stars!
March 1, 2017
Boring. That's almost all I want to say. Weird? Pointless? Really far-fetched? Unbelievable? Correct. This is a series I definitely will not be continuing. The way that the main character just accepted that Just really retarded. Worst book I've read in a LONG time. I really didn't want to keep reading it, but I did for a challenge. Never again am I reading this book.
September 3, 2018
This was a surprisingly good read after a rather juvenile beginning with a chubby kid locked in his room until he finished his homework.
Anders quickly goes from a self-absorbed teenager with bad skin (he does remain quite obsessed with his pimples throughout) to an unlikely hero all within a 24 hour period. He rescues the fair maiden, passes rites of manhood, discovers he's a prophesied prince of 3 bloodlines, and does so all while be chased by demons and a dark lord.
The story is fast paced with interesting characters. I wish the book had been longer, and hopefully the sequel will be as the story continues.
Anders quickly goes from a self-absorbed teenager with bad skin (he does remain quite obsessed with his pimples throughout) to an unlikely hero all within a 24 hour period. He rescues the fair maiden, passes rites of manhood, discovers he's a prophesied prince of 3 bloodlines, and does so all while be chased by demons and a dark lord.
The story is fast paced with interesting characters. I wish the book had been longer, and hopefully the sequel will be as the story continues.
May 5, 2019
Anders is a teenager who has normal, teenage problems. He's got terrible skin. He's terrible with girls. His parents frequently lock him away in a room and force him to study, and only release him when all of his homework is done.
To be honest, it feels like the author was trying too hard to make a fantasy character relatable to a teenage audience. It sort of defeats the purpose of trying to make the main character a normal teenager when you give him magic blood and a pixie living in his sword that he can talk to with his mind. You don't have to have him whine about his pimples every three pages to make him a relatable character.
There's a scene near the end (don't worry, I don't give spoilers...or actively avoid trying to, anyway!) where he's crying about his parents. He cries because even though his parents locked him inside a room for hours on end, almost never spoke to him, and were terrible parents in general, he still loved them.
Yes! GOOD! THAT is relatable! And you didn't even have to mention his skin condition!
The book started off fairly slow, but by the end, the plot was careening past you. Things definitely got interesting in the last few chapters.
I like the way magic works in this world. Magic can be created from any language that isn't English, apparently. Though that does make it seem that English could have been put together to give names to things, without running a risk of tampering with the object you're naming. Ah, ignore me my short rant on linguistics there...
The way magic works is based on the person saying the word. For instance, a word for fire. Depending on how the speaker intends it, fire could warm someone or something up, cook food, create a light, become a weapon, weld something together...it's all just based on what you mean when you say "fire".
I guess this has turned into a bit of a ramble, hasn't it? It's the magic system. I'm endlessly fascinated by magic systems in fantasy stories.
I suppose to sum up: I would have liked the book more if Anders wasn't constantly whining about his pimples.
To be honest, it feels like the author was trying too hard to make a fantasy character relatable to a teenage audience. It sort of defeats the purpose of trying to make the main character a normal teenager when you give him magic blood and a pixie living in his sword that he can talk to with his mind. You don't have to have him whine about his pimples every three pages to make him a relatable character.
There's a scene near the end (don't worry, I don't give spoilers...or actively avoid trying to, anyway!) where he's crying about his parents. He cries because even though his parents locked him inside a room for hours on end, almost never spoke to him, and were terrible parents in general, he still loved them.
Yes! GOOD! THAT is relatable! And you didn't even have to mention his skin condition!
The book started off fairly slow, but by the end, the plot was careening past you. Things definitely got interesting in the last few chapters.
I like the way magic works in this world. Magic can be created from any language that isn't English, apparently. Though that does make it seem that English could have been put together to give names to things, without running a risk of tampering with the object you're naming. Ah, ignore me my short rant on linguistics there...
The way magic works is based on the person saying the word. For instance, a word for fire. Depending on how the speaker intends it, fire could warm someone or something up, cook food, create a light, become a weapon, weld something together...it's all just based on what you mean when you say "fire".
I guess this has turned into a bit of a ramble, hasn't it? It's the magic system. I'm endlessly fascinated by magic systems in fantasy stories.
I suppose to sum up: I would have liked the book more if Anders wasn't constantly whining about his pimples.
December 2, 2016
I had very mixed feelings about this book.
Anders, 17 year old with a boring life is suddenly pulled into a role that he is unprepared for. In a land where magic spells are words in German and there are 3 primary races, a Dark Lord (evil magician) is amassing an army to battle the forces of good and Anders must help defeat him. The book is written for a young adult audience, so take my 20-some year old reaction with a grain of salt.
The good:
-Story line feels fresh, not just a rehash of an old story
-Many creative elements (German magic)
-Intriguing characters and relationships (girl already has a boyfriend)
The bad:
-The amount of time given to talking about Anders' bad skin on his face is too much, even if he is self-conscious about it. It seems that almost every single supporting character mentions his bad skin more than once.
-Character development seemed inadequate. I had a hard time figuring out what race all of the characters were, but that may have just been me.
-Voice seems to change tenses, sometimes it is narrating in real time, and sometimes it seems to be describing the day as in a journal.
-Some typos, even words missing in a few spots. Needs to be edited.
-Much of the dialog seems very contrived and unnatural; here is an example:
(After Anders has had a stressful and difficult experience involving his parents, his friends try to comfort him. His response is this.)
QUOTE
"...how did you know, that I was upset?"
Kara looked at Kalle, who nodded. She said: "We can see it just looking at you, Anders. In your aura, your emotions are like an open book."
END QUOTE
Anders' friends realize that he is upset, as anyone would be in that situation, but their awareness of his obvious emotion is made to seem strange just so that it can serve the story line. It just feels very unnatural to me, and there are many points of dialog like this.
All of that said, it was still certainly a decent read, and younger readers may appreciate it more, despite its trying too hard sometimes.
Anders, 17 year old with a boring life is suddenly pulled into a role that he is unprepared for. In a land where magic spells are words in German and there are 3 primary races, a Dark Lord (evil magician) is amassing an army to battle the forces of good and Anders must help defeat him. The book is written for a young adult audience, so take my 20-some year old reaction with a grain of salt.
The good:
-Story line feels fresh, not just a rehash of an old story
-Many creative elements (German magic)
-Intriguing characters and relationships (girl already has a boyfriend)
The bad:
-The amount of time given to talking about Anders' bad skin on his face is too much, even if he is self-conscious about it. It seems that almost every single supporting character mentions his bad skin more than once.
-Character development seemed inadequate. I had a hard time figuring out what race all of the characters were, but that may have just been me.
-Voice seems to change tenses, sometimes it is narrating in real time, and sometimes it seems to be describing the day as in a journal.
-Some typos, even words missing in a few spots. Needs to be edited.
-Much of the dialog seems very contrived and unnatural; here is an example:
(After Anders has had a stressful and difficult experience involving his parents, his friends try to comfort him. His response is this.)
QUOTE
"...how did you know, that I was upset?"
Kara looked at Kalle, who nodded. She said: "We can see it just looking at you, Anders. In your aura, your emotions are like an open book."
END QUOTE
Anders' friends realize that he is upset, as anyone would be in that situation, but their awareness of his obvious emotion is made to seem strange just so that it can serve the story line. It just feels very unnatural to me, and there are many points of dialog like this.
All of that said, it was still certainly a decent read, and younger readers may appreciate it more, despite its trying too hard sometimes.
October 24, 2014
At least it was short. And free.
Anders is an okay character, though he gets knocked out any time something exciting happens near him. Gateway? Knock him out. He's tired? Knock him out. And no one cares; they put him in a bed and act like it is taken care of. If he is passing out, something is wrong with him! Why does he lose consciousness half a dozen times in a 150pg book?
Kara is bland, no personality at all. She caters to Anders and kisses him every time they have a conversation. Dumb. The other characters are forgettable. Carolina is neat, but I wish she had a pixie-like name. Carolina is also the only one with decent dialogue. Everyone else's is stiff and unrealistic.
Setting? Skimmed over. There are scenes that go for a couple pages before the reader knows when or where Anders is. Often I wondered if they were inside, outside, if there were many trees, and what season it was. I don't like many details, but give me more than this!
Plot? Bad. Things keep happening to Anders, and his blood makes him sing a song, and this magic solves everything. Except for having bad complexion, Anders is a Mary Sue. He has super magic powers, a prophecy, an evil relative, and everyone likes him for little reason (You sing magical songs! You have the right blood! We love you and will pledge loyalty to you forever!). No. A character should struggle, not get handed everything.
There was also no climax. Anders should have remembered things (like Giancarlo) sooner. I don't think Anders actually DID anything except listen and follow.
I'm not reading any more.
Anders is an okay character, though he gets knocked out any time something exciting happens near him. Gateway? Knock him out. He's tired? Knock him out. And no one cares; they put him in a bed and act like it is taken care of. If he is passing out, something is wrong with him! Why does he lose consciousness half a dozen times in a 150pg book?
Kara is bland, no personality at all. She caters to Anders and kisses him every time they have a conversation. Dumb. The other characters are forgettable. Carolina is neat, but I wish she had a pixie-like name. Carolina is also the only one with decent dialogue. Everyone else's is stiff and unrealistic.
Setting? Skimmed over. There are scenes that go for a couple pages before the reader knows when or where Anders is. Often I wondered if they were inside, outside, if there were many trees, and what season it was. I don't like many details, but give me more than this!
Plot? Bad. Things keep happening to Anders, and his blood makes him sing a song, and this magic solves everything. Except for having bad complexion, Anders is a Mary Sue. He has super magic powers, a prophecy, an evil relative, and everyone likes him for little reason (You sing magical songs! You have the right blood! We love you and will pledge loyalty to you forever!). No. A character should struggle, not get handed everything.
There was also no climax. Anders should have remembered things (like Giancarlo) sooner. I don't think Anders actually DID anything except listen and follow.
I'm not reading any more.
August 13, 2016
I suppose I'm not the obvious target audience for this book (that would be middle-schoolers) but in a way I am, because I am a parent who would love to pass along my most beloved fantasy novels someday. I can see why this book might please the younger crowd, but for the wrong reasons: it's a somewhat generic Chosen One swords-and-magic tale in which the hero is basically a stand-in for any plain teenage boy, who doesn't really have to learn or do much to be the hero, because he is the Chosen One, see? It all happens so fast! And he meets a girl who is beautiful, and beautiful. And also, she's beautiful. Is this what we value in our female characters, still?
Even apart from all that, the book was just underwhelming. I never really connected with anything.
Even apart from all that, the book was just underwhelming. I never really connected with anything.
September 1, 2012
Sword Bearer is the story of a young prince who finds out he's much more than he previously thought. Sitting alone, locked in his room to study, Anders in thrust into the middle of a battle between forces he'd never even known existed. I liked some characters more than others, but felt they all had their own voice. The plot moved fairly rapidly so I never felt it got bogged down with details or side-stories. It is aimed at the younger crowd, but I still enjoyed the read. It was a little short, but I am looking into purchasing the next book to see where Mr Jacobs takes us.
January 13, 2015
This book could have been so much more. I realize that it is the beginning of a series but I felt the author could have developed the main character a bit better. I just felt sorry for him but didn't really connect with him. Maybe the second book will help but I'm not sure I will read it.
January 27, 2013
I liked this a lot. Good characters, little different take on magic. It left me wanting more!
February 17, 2013
great start to a fantasy series. the characters are good and the story line flows well. one of the best new fantasy worlds I have read in a while
April 23, 2013
This book was free for me on my kindle.
Cool, Dragons. OK.
The third star is for the Dragons.
Quick read but definitely geared for 5th or 6th graders
Cool, Dragons. OK.
The third star is for the Dragons.
Quick read but definitely geared for 5th or 6th graders
November 30, 2014
Not bad.
September 9, 2020
Exciting but not too deep
July 1, 2020
I really tried to understand and like this book. It has a good premise and the world seems to be rather awesome. But I got lost in the prose. Literally, I could not figure out where things were going or what was happening. So, I set it aside. Then I picked it up again and started over from the beginning.
The prince seems to be a decent if rather bland kid. The magic in this world is completely and totally unexplained. Full stop. There is magic in some people's blood and it kind of takes over when needed. There is magic in other things. And words of power that just appear. Oh, and magic has odd colors that burst out at rather random times.
At least that's how disjointed it seemed to me. I admit, I am not crazy about first person narrative, but that is not what got me lost. I had to get out a notepad and paper to keep track of where things jumped from idea to idea. There seem to be three realms of human/humanoid magical people. Plus demons, pixies, faeries and more - that come from another dimension or realm or level of being altogether. There are multiple kinds of magic that kind of work together but not really. But maybe?
Seriously, I like the premise. I think it has the start of a good framework. But it also feels like the author took many different kinds of RPG, grabbed the magics and threw them all into the story. What stuck to the world's framework became the basis of the magic of the story. Without a good explanation of how these work together, it makes things a bit disjointed. But the pieces are beautiful and his descriptions of some of the pieces of magic are well done.
Unfortunately, there was not enough there for me to want to continue. I ended up with four pages of notes that contradicted each other. So either the narrator is wicked in being unreliable or there is a lot of stuff that needs to be fixed. And I am not that patient.
The prince seems to be a decent if rather bland kid. The magic in this world is completely and totally unexplained. Full stop. There is magic in some people's blood and it kind of takes over when needed. There is magic in other things. And words of power that just appear. Oh, and magic has odd colors that burst out at rather random times.
At least that's how disjointed it seemed to me. I admit, I am not crazy about first person narrative, but that is not what got me lost. I had to get out a notepad and paper to keep track of where things jumped from idea to idea. There seem to be three realms of human/humanoid magical people. Plus demons, pixies, faeries and more - that come from another dimension or realm or level of being altogether. There are multiple kinds of magic that kind of work together but not really. But maybe?
Seriously, I like the premise. I think it has the start of a good framework. But it also feels like the author took many different kinds of RPG, grabbed the magics and threw them all into the story. What stuck to the world's framework became the basis of the magic of the story. Without a good explanation of how these work together, it makes things a bit disjointed. But the pieces are beautiful and his descriptions of some of the pieces of magic are well done.
Unfortunately, there was not enough there for me to want to continue. I ended up with four pages of notes that contradicted each other. So either the narrator is wicked in being unreliable or there is a lot of stuff that needs to be fixed. And I am not that patient.
August 21, 2017
Anders is a teenager in a medieval magical world facing typical teenager problems (not television adults pretending to be teenagers problems): looks, girls and that love/hate relationship with the parents. Angers finally is able to beat his sword master and able to choose his own sword. It's one of his steps towards becoming a man. Too bad his parents still treat him like a child and lock him in his room to finish his studies while they go out for the evening. Anders is used to it, if annoyed, but tonight is different. Magic happens and Anders sees a girl like none he's ever seen and she's in the process of stealing a book from someone he knows. For some reason Anders feels like he has to help so he pulls her through the portal into his room.
That is how the adventure begins as Anders discovers he has more magic that he ever imagined and a destiny he never would have guessed.
I really enjoyed reading this story. There was plenty of action and a fast pace. So fast that it was over too quick. So why 4 stars? It's supposed to the first book in Return of the Dragons. There are no dragons in this book. There is no dragons mentioned in the book. There is no one nicknamed dragon. Where were the dragons? Book 2?
That is how the adventure begins as Anders discovers he has more magic that he ever imagined and a destiny he never would have guessed.
I really enjoyed reading this story. There was plenty of action and a fast pace. So fast that it was over too quick. So why 4 stars? It's supposed to the first book in Return of the Dragons. There are no dragons in this book. There is no dragons mentioned in the book. There is no one nicknamed dragon. Where were the dragons? Book 2?
June 1, 2020
Another YA book, and "J" in my alphabet. Sword Bearer is a fantasy surrounding a 16 year old boy, Anders, who now gets to train with a real sword.
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. It was quite obvious from the beginning that this book was aimed at teens, but I would allow my preteens to read this (first they'd have to enjoy reading, and then they'd have to enjoy fantasy - unfortunately they seem to have follow after my husband here...).
It was predicted on my kindle that it would take 4 hours to read, but actually took much less than that. The action comes fast and furious and I couldn't put it down. There were a few typos, and if this book was to be aimed at adults I would have expected it to be fleshed out a bit more, but as I said, I did enjoy this book. So much so, I have just bought the second in the series.
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. It was quite obvious from the beginning that this book was aimed at teens, but I would allow my preteens to read this (first they'd have to enjoy reading, and then they'd have to enjoy fantasy - unfortunately they seem to have follow after my husband here...).
It was predicted on my kindle that it would take 4 hours to read, but actually took much less than that. The action comes fast and furious and I couldn't put it down. There were a few typos, and if this book was to be aimed at adults I would have expected it to be fleshed out a bit more, but as I said, I did enjoy this book. So much so, I have just bought the second in the series.
July 27, 2022
This novella is currently free on Kindle. It’s well enough done with a few nice touches, particularly that this is set in an alternative Mitteleuropa with German as a magical language.
Beyond that, we have a stereotypical spotty youth (literally this time) who’s the chosen one and the converging point of, like, every strand of Destiny, dude. And everyone likes him, even the bad guys, and everything is easy for him and everything falls into his lap (except for a girlfriend, duh) and he’s just the very best at everything without trying because he just is.
And yet he’s such a passive whiner. There’s no story here: he’s just got to confront the Dark Lord because he’s the prophesied one. There’s no conflict, no struggle, no problem to solve.
It’s so bland. And no sign of dragons so far. No incentive to read on I’m afraid.
Beyond that, we have a stereotypical spotty youth (literally this time) who’s the chosen one and the converging point of, like, every strand of Destiny, dude. And everyone likes him, even the bad guys, and everything is easy for him and everything falls into his lap (except for a girlfriend, duh) and he’s just the very best at everything without trying because he just is.
And yet he’s such a passive whiner. There’s no story here: he’s just got to confront the Dark Lord because he’s the prophesied one. There’s no conflict, no struggle, no problem to solve.
It’s so bland. And no sign of dragons so far. No incentive to read on I’m afraid.
June 20, 2018
Young adult genre has good collection of stories to read for. But I am thoroughly disappointed with this book. I did not connect with any of the characters.
First, none of the characters were clear all characters were hoping one after another but without any clarification. Our 16year old hero Anders was confuse one start of the book till the end and so was I. Who was he, why was he in confinement I assume all the questions would be answered in next book but attest some insight on his character would have be great.
Story is same Chosen one and dark lord the villain but could have been written better it’s just messy. It was so difficult to complete this book I was dozing off, I am not sure I would read second part or not.
First, none of the characters were clear all characters were hoping one after another but without any clarification. Our 16year old hero Anders was confuse one start of the book till the end and so was I. Who was he, why was he in confinement I assume all the questions would be answered in next book but attest some insight on his character would have be great.
Story is same Chosen one and dark lord the villain but could have been written better it’s just messy. It was so difficult to complete this book I was dozing off, I am not sure I would read second part or not.
October 3, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, and will be looking for the next in the series. It is a slightly new take on a traditional theme, and was well written. The characters are rounded, with foibles and flaws, making them believable and likeable. It's light and easy to read, and I read it in practically one sitting.
July 11, 2019
The story starts with a boy who leads a monotonous life locked up in a study, far from the knowledge of the blood he carries. But then things start happening so fast in this novel, it is bound to grip the reader and take them on a roller coaster ride with the protagonist of the play who is just coming of age.
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