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Three Powers #2
The Tower of Bones
Fate has brought together four young people from our world into the enchanted world of Tír. Together Kate, Alan, Mark and Mo present a formidable new force for good in this war-ravaged world: they are Hope for the millions of oppressed peoples that live here.
The four have been split up, with one of their number kidnapped, one lost and one changing almost beyond recognition, and it falls to Alan to unite them once again and restore their strength.
But the Great Witch Olc, scheming in her Tower of Bones, is planning to lure Alan into a trap. And she has resurrected the demigod Fangorath, a dreadful force for malice, for her own evil ends.
The four have been split up, with one of their number kidnapped, one lost and one changing almost beyond recognition, and it falls to Alan to unite them once again and restore their strength.
But the Great Witch Olc, scheming in her Tower of Bones, is planning to lure Alan into a trap. And she has resurrected the demigod Fangorath, a dreadful force for malice, for her own evil ends.
559 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2012
4 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
About the author
Frank P. Ryan
21 books100 followersHi!
I write epic fantasy novels, which began with a series of four books, These were, The Three Powers, which began with The Snowmelt River, and continued with The Tower of Bones, The Sword of Feimhin and ended with The Return of the Arinn.
I was lucky enough for my books to have gathered excellent reviews from various sources including the British Fantasy Society and Starburst Magazine, which helped to push them into the top ten bestseller list of epic fantasy novels on amazon.
More recently I began a new epic fantasy trilogy, which began with epic advantures of Eefa and Magio, who are The Twins of Moon, which got great reviews. It was followed by The Sea of Stars, which will soon be competed with publication of the third and final book, the title of which will be released soon, and which figures dragons in a major and very exciting way. All of these are published in kindle and in paperback.
You can find out more at www.frankpryan.com.
It was wonderful for the Twins of Moon Trilogy to be reviewed on Amazon and available for sales through swiftpublishers. It was wonderful to have it reviewed on Amazon as Tolkein for a younger reader. Though the twins do mature to adult by the end of the series.
Great to have another fabulous wraparound cover by the renowned fantasy artist Mark Salwowski! More at my dedicated websites
www.frankpryan.com and www.swiftpublishers.com.
The final book in the trilogy is likely to be available by late 2023 or early 2024. I'll be sure to keep folks who are interested informed as to when it is coming out.
Do write to me if you want to know anything of what is happening.
Cheers!
Frank
I write epic fantasy novels, which began with a series of four books, These were, The Three Powers, which began with The Snowmelt River, and continued with The Tower of Bones, The Sword of Feimhin and ended with The Return of the Arinn.
I was lucky enough for my books to have gathered excellent reviews from various sources including the British Fantasy Society and Starburst Magazine, which helped to push them into the top ten bestseller list of epic fantasy novels on amazon.
More recently I began a new epic fantasy trilogy, which began with epic advantures of Eefa and Magio, who are The Twins of Moon, which got great reviews. It was followed by The Sea of Stars, which will soon be competed with publication of the third and final book, the title of which will be released soon, and which figures dragons in a major and very exciting way. All of these are published in kindle and in paperback.
You can find out more at www.frankpryan.com.
It was wonderful for the Twins of Moon Trilogy to be reviewed on Amazon and available for sales through swiftpublishers. It was wonderful to have it reviewed on Amazon as Tolkein for a younger reader. Though the twins do mature to adult by the end of the series.
Great to have another fabulous wraparound cover by the renowned fantasy artist Mark Salwowski! More at my dedicated websites
www.frankpryan.com and www.swiftpublishers.com.
The final book in the trilogy is likely to be available by late 2023 or early 2024. I'll be sure to keep folks who are interested informed as to when it is coming out.
Do write to me if you want to know anything of what is happening.
Cheers!
Frank
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 12, 2014
Note: I discovered the author, Frank P. Ryan from a Good Read's Give Away. I read his book, [remember to link this]Doomsday Genie. My review can be found [remember to link]here.
Because I enjoyed Doomsday Genie, I gave a look at the author's profile and found that he wrote an epic fantasy series called Three Powers. I purchased the first book in the series with high hopes.
I. Was. Not. Let. Down.
Frank did a great job writing Snowmelt River , the first in the series. My review can be found [remember to link]here.
During The Tower of Bones, the 2nd in the series, I think I've come to realize that this epic fantasy could be loosely based on Irish Folklore. I say this because I recently read two different books that had Irish Folklore, and I found a few similarities between all. If I am right, this just goes to show that everyone will always learn, despite their age.
I loved Snowmelt River, book 1. Quite frankly, it was badass book. Four young kids trying to make it in a sister world. They start out with a bit of trials and tribulations and their characters grow a bit throughout. I gave the book 4 even stars because it made the epic fantasy a movie in my mind.
However, I give The Tower of Bones 4.5 stars (rounded down). I love, love, love the character development in this series. Alan, the leader grows when put between a rock and a hard spot. Katie, grows in the face of torture. Mo, the youngest who has a mystery is maturing quickly. And Mark, who seemingly defies the impossible in the face of death.
The imagery is fantastic. Why isn't Frank directing a movie?
Because I enjoyed Doomsday Genie, I gave a look at the author's profile and found that he wrote an epic fantasy series called Three Powers. I purchased the first book in the series with high hopes.
I. Was. Not. Let. Down.
Frank did a great job writing Snowmelt River , the first in the series. My review can be found [remember to link]here.
During The Tower of Bones, the 2nd in the series, I think I've come to realize that this epic fantasy could be loosely based on Irish Folklore. I say this because I recently read two different books that had Irish Folklore, and I found a few similarities between all. If I am right, this just goes to show that everyone will always learn, despite their age.
I loved Snowmelt River, book 1. Quite frankly, it was badass book. Four young kids trying to make it in a sister world. They start out with a bit of trials and tribulations and their characters grow a bit throughout. I gave the book 4 even stars because it made the epic fantasy a movie in my mind.
However, I give The Tower of Bones 4.5 stars (rounded down). I love, love, love the character development in this series. Alan, the leader grows when put between a rock and a hard spot. Katie, grows in the face of torture. Mo, the youngest who has a mystery is maturing quickly. And Mark, who seemingly defies the impossible in the face of death.
The imagery is fantastic. Why isn't Frank directing a movie?
March 30, 2013
The Tower of Bones is book two of The Three Powers series and the sequel to The Snowmelt River. The novel continues the adventures of four young people from Earth (Alan, Kate, Mark, and Mo) as they struggle with their destinies in a savage sorcerous world called Tir. The physical action in a brooding romantic landscape that so characterized the first book in this marvellous series is at first replaced by skilfully-presented surreal inner struggles. Tir’s powers of evil psychically probe and test Alan, the oldest of the four and bearer of an immense power he as yet does not know how to use. In this unequal battle, dream worlds predominate and much that happens is mental and subjective in nature. Psychic clashes flash across interior landscapes where humans are vulnerable and alone. The bright lights, vivid colours, and kaleidoscopic patterns suggest a special-effects extravaganza from a Hollywood movie. Visualized, mental, and imagined fireworks dazzle the mind.
The story then shifts to rescuing poor kidnapped Kate and overcoming her captor, the unspeakably wicked witch, Olc. Kate’s fairy-tale-like adventures intertwine with those of a great armada sailing into the wilderness to confront the evil that oppresses all of Tir. Kate, who possesses the power to green the grey wastelands, rides the backs of great wolves and awakens sleeping dragons. Alan battles a sinister star that threatens to annihilate the entire fleet. Mark, in another example of the interiority of this novel, has become one with the magical Temple Ship. Yet he longs to become a physical being once more, so he can touch his true love, Nantosueta, the dead queen of fabled Ossierel, who languishes in Dromenon, the world between worlds. Strange young Mo gathers strength while still seeking to understand her obscure powers. As we alternate between characters, the mood of the story changes delightfully. By turns, it becomes charming, amusing, sinister, exciting, and suspenseful.
The young people are all maturing physically as well as mentally and psychologically. They learn that no one, no matter how strong, can be victorious alone. All must work together, each giving what they can, to overcome the forces of evil. An odd assortment of non-human characters stand ready to help and they beautifully enhance the story. Outstanding among these are Qwenquo the wise dwarf mage; Ainé, the young Kyra (queen) of the Amazon Shee; Siam, who leads a tribe of bearlike fisherfolk; the treacherous Snakoil Kawkaw who wants to supplant Siam; Iyezzz, a gargoyle-like creature who guides a small army through a slimy creepy wilderness; and Shaami the singing Cill, a creature of both sea and land and one of the author's most original creations. Each of these unusual beings has a distinct presence that adds to the novel's powerful sense of magical strangeness.
The Tower of Bones is a classic tale of good and evil. The story’s great villains are always utterly evil. They engage in cruelty, torture, and brutality for the sake of these things. They practice barbarous imprisonment and revel in calculated betrayal. They seek world domination and the crushing of all who stand against them. In the grandest of traditions, those who are good suffer at the hands of these monsters while striving to overturn their immense power.
Like its predecessor, The Snowmelt River, this novel features vividly depicted landscapes. The action ranges across ancient walled cities, a wide stormy sea, an underwater civilization, a voracious wilderness, a war-decimated plain - as well as the inner mindscapes of its primary characters. At the end of their trials and travels, Alan, Kate, and Mo discover that they must face not just the vicious witch, Olc, but a godlike Titan she has foolishly awakened. The struggle reaches cosmic proportions. Bodiless Mark has chosen to walk his own path in search of resurrection into physical life. The portal stands open for the next novel in The Three Powers series.
The story then shifts to rescuing poor kidnapped Kate and overcoming her captor, the unspeakably wicked witch, Olc. Kate’s fairy-tale-like adventures intertwine with those of a great armada sailing into the wilderness to confront the evil that oppresses all of Tir. Kate, who possesses the power to green the grey wastelands, rides the backs of great wolves and awakens sleeping dragons. Alan battles a sinister star that threatens to annihilate the entire fleet. Mark, in another example of the interiority of this novel, has become one with the magical Temple Ship. Yet he longs to become a physical being once more, so he can touch his true love, Nantosueta, the dead queen of fabled Ossierel, who languishes in Dromenon, the world between worlds. Strange young Mo gathers strength while still seeking to understand her obscure powers. As we alternate between characters, the mood of the story changes delightfully. By turns, it becomes charming, amusing, sinister, exciting, and suspenseful.
The young people are all maturing physically as well as mentally and psychologically. They learn that no one, no matter how strong, can be victorious alone. All must work together, each giving what they can, to overcome the forces of evil. An odd assortment of non-human characters stand ready to help and they beautifully enhance the story. Outstanding among these are Qwenquo the wise dwarf mage; Ainé, the young Kyra (queen) of the Amazon Shee; Siam, who leads a tribe of bearlike fisherfolk; the treacherous Snakoil Kawkaw who wants to supplant Siam; Iyezzz, a gargoyle-like creature who guides a small army through a slimy creepy wilderness; and Shaami the singing Cill, a creature of both sea and land and one of the author's most original creations. Each of these unusual beings has a distinct presence that adds to the novel's powerful sense of magical strangeness.
The Tower of Bones is a classic tale of good and evil. The story’s great villains are always utterly evil. They engage in cruelty, torture, and brutality for the sake of these things. They practice barbarous imprisonment and revel in calculated betrayal. They seek world domination and the crushing of all who stand against them. In the grandest of traditions, those who are good suffer at the hands of these monsters while striving to overturn their immense power.
Like its predecessor, The Snowmelt River, this novel features vividly depicted landscapes. The action ranges across ancient walled cities, a wide stormy sea, an underwater civilization, a voracious wilderness, a war-decimated plain - as well as the inner mindscapes of its primary characters. At the end of their trials and travels, Alan, Kate, and Mo discover that they must face not just the vicious witch, Olc, but a godlike Titan she has foolishly awakened. The struggle reaches cosmic proportions. Bodiless Mark has chosen to walk his own path in search of resurrection into physical life. The portal stands open for the next novel in The Three Powers series.
December 22, 2012
This is book 2 of a series. I have not read the first one, although I was under the impression that this works as a standalone story - and it does, up to a point.
The people, titles and concepts in this book I found initially quite confusing. If I had read the first one I am sure I would have been more "up to speed" and enjoyed it a lot more. I was undecided as to whether to award three or four stars, but I've given it the benefit of the doubt and awarded four, with the caveat that I'd recommend reading the first book first. A glossary/appendix at the back would have helped greatly with this niggle. There is some sort of recap of what I assume happens in the first book, at around page 300.
It is very well written, the words flow off the page and there are three story threads that intertwine to some extent, although Mark's doesn't seem to be particularly integral or necessary for the purposes of the story, and it is Kate's tale that is the most intriguing and exciting. Mo is barely present and I'm not entirely sure when she became a physical presence or where she was prior to that (I must have missed something). Alan has the main thread which links the characters together, as he tries to rescue Kate who, at the start of the book, is imprisoned in the titular tower by the witch. Things don't go quite according to plan, resulting in him spending most of the book not heading in Kate's direction at all.
I received this book as part of a GoodReads giveaway.
The people, titles and concepts in this book I found initially quite confusing. If I had read the first one I am sure I would have been more "up to speed" and enjoyed it a lot more. I was undecided as to whether to award three or four stars, but I've given it the benefit of the doubt and awarded four, with the caveat that I'd recommend reading the first book first. A glossary/appendix at the back would have helped greatly with this niggle. There is some sort of recap of what I assume happens in the first book, at around page 300.
It is very well written, the words flow off the page and there are three story threads that intertwine to some extent, although Mark's doesn't seem to be particularly integral or necessary for the purposes of the story, and it is Kate's tale that is the most intriguing and exciting. Mo is barely present and I'm not entirely sure when she became a physical presence or where she was prior to that (I must have missed something). Alan has the main thread which links the characters together, as he tries to rescue Kate who, at the start of the book, is imprisoned in the titular tower by the witch. Things don't go quite according to plan, resulting in him spending most of the book not heading in Kate's direction at all.
I received this book as part of a GoodReads giveaway.
February 25, 2013
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads giveaways.
I thought this book would be a little more stand alone even though it was part of a series. I haven't read the first book and because of this I spent a great deal of the novel being confused. A recap of events, characters, experiences would have been exetremely helpful. Because of this I ended up giving it 2 stars instead of the 3 I had originally decided to give just because it was so confusing for much of the book.
Despite the size of this novel it went by fast. Kate is the most interesting character and also has the most interesting story surrounding her. Alan is a good hero but for some reason I didn't find his story line that intersting. I was confused much of the time because Mark wasn't around too much and Mo isn't either. I spent a great deal of time wondering about their characters and whether they were alright or just not needed as much in the overall story.
The romance between the two main characters was only okay being as they spent much of the novel apart. If I had read the first book I might have been more invested and interested in these characters however the majority of the time I felt like I was playing catch up. I would consider going back and reading the first book though. I felt like this book was enjoyable enough that my opinion of it might grow with going back and reading the first one.
I thought this book would be a little more stand alone even though it was part of a series. I haven't read the first book and because of this I spent a great deal of the novel being confused. A recap of events, characters, experiences would have been exetremely helpful. Because of this I ended up giving it 2 stars instead of the 3 I had originally decided to give just because it was so confusing for much of the book.
Despite the size of this novel it went by fast. Kate is the most interesting character and also has the most interesting story surrounding her. Alan is a good hero but for some reason I didn't find his story line that intersting. I was confused much of the time because Mark wasn't around too much and Mo isn't either. I spent a great deal of time wondering about their characters and whether they were alright or just not needed as much in the overall story.
The romance between the two main characters was only okay being as they spent much of the novel apart. If I had read the first book I might have been more invested and interested in these characters however the majority of the time I felt like I was playing catch up. I would consider going back and reading the first book though. I felt like this book was enjoyable enough that my opinion of it might grow with going back and reading the first one.
December 27, 2012
Received from Goodreads First Reads
Loved it! Fantastic story line, can't wait to read more!
Loved it! Fantastic story line, can't wait to read more!
October 11, 2014
Well again I have been reading as I won the 3rd book as a first reads giveaway. I have struggled on but find it descriptive and well written.
August 11, 2018
I think I enjoyed this more that the first book and have now been totally drawn into the fantasy setting of the book. The characterisation is strong and the key reason for me to get through these long novels is to find out the welfare of the four young companions. The introduction of different types of enemies in this book made the story more exciting and I was entertained by the dragons and the underwater realm of the Momu and her people. I have the third book of the series ready!
October 6, 2014
I received a copy from the author.
The Tower of Bones is a really, really, really thick book. It took me the entire weekend to finish it. It about six hundred pages (and I thought seven hundred before I even checked the page number of the last page). It is partially the reason I was behind on my post. Thank goodness, I'm not too behind. Time to catch up!
The Tower of Bones, the second book that comes right after The Snowmelt River, is a bit difficult to read. Okay, it is difficult. There are so many little details and main details you have to remember to understand The Tower of Bones. I definitely needed a recap, and my previous review of The Snowmelt River certainly helped, but it wouldn't hurt for me to reread The Snowmelt River to fully understand it (I did reread some parts though).
There are four main characters. Kate, Alan, Mark, and Mo. Each one has changed from their journey in the beginning of the series. They... evolved even more by the end of The Tower of Bones. I'm going to point out some honorable mentions of character developments in the next few paragraphs.
Mo always reminds me of the smallest and youngest child of them all. Maybe she is. I never seem to remember age correctly. Anyway, Mo is the farthest from her character in the beginning, and she keeps on changing. Every time I see her, she seems more confident in her own body. She is most definitely unique. The most unique of the four. Even though she appeared the least out of the four. But you know what they say. Quality over quantity.
I think I'm going to mention Mark, too. He seems more ancient and powerful ever since the end of The Snowmelt River. Wiser, too. Then again, he literally merged with a lot of knowledge, practically a whole library of facts.
The book is well-written. However, it seemed to go terribly slow for me. I, a quick reader, usually can pull information out of pages within seconds, but I sometimes have to slow down and reread it. There is something about the pace that annoys me a bit. A little speed would totally help. Full speed ahead, Captain!
The ending saddens me greatly. Without going into spoilers (heavy and detailed spoilers, I mean), I'm going to say that the ending sets the main characters to be better than there were but also fighting a greater threat of pure evil.
I can't say much, can I? Or have I given too much of it away?
Rating: Three out of Five
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
The Tower of Bones is a really, really, really thick book. It took me the entire weekend to finish it. It about six hundred pages (and I thought seven hundred before I even checked the page number of the last page). It is partially the reason I was behind on my post. Thank goodness, I'm not too behind. Time to catch up!
The Tower of Bones, the second book that comes right after The Snowmelt River, is a bit difficult to read. Okay, it is difficult. There are so many little details and main details you have to remember to understand The Tower of Bones. I definitely needed a recap, and my previous review of The Snowmelt River certainly helped, but it wouldn't hurt for me to reread The Snowmelt River to fully understand it (I did reread some parts though).
There are four main characters. Kate, Alan, Mark, and Mo. Each one has changed from their journey in the beginning of the series. They... evolved even more by the end of The Tower of Bones. I'm going to point out some honorable mentions of character developments in the next few paragraphs.
Mo always reminds me of the smallest and youngest child of them all. Maybe she is. I never seem to remember age correctly. Anyway, Mo is the farthest from her character in the beginning, and she keeps on changing. Every time I see her, she seems more confident in her own body. She is most definitely unique. The most unique of the four. Even though she appeared the least out of the four. But you know what they say. Quality over quantity.
I think I'm going to mention Mark, too. He seems more ancient and powerful ever since the end of The Snowmelt River. Wiser, too. Then again, he literally merged with a lot of knowledge, practically a whole library of facts.
The book is well-written. However, it seemed to go terribly slow for me. I, a quick reader, usually can pull information out of pages within seconds, but I sometimes have to slow down and reread it. There is something about the pace that annoys me a bit. A little speed would totally help. Full speed ahead, Captain!
The ending saddens me greatly. Without going into spoilers (heavy and detailed spoilers, I mean), I'm going to say that the ending sets the main characters to be better than there were but also fighting a greater threat of pure evil.
I can't say much, can I? Or have I given too much of it away?
Rating: Three out of Five
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
February 7, 2016
This was a really great book. Frank P. Ryan has increased my interest in this series The Tower of Bones. In most of the series I have read, the second book has always disappointed me. In this series, The Tower of Bones was better than The Snowmelt River.
This trilogy so far has constantly reminded me of the Inheritance Cycle. The manner of speech; the bountiful amount of descriptive words/phrases and the way Frank P. Ryan describes the World of Tir.
I will without a doubt reread this book. Thanks Frank P. Ryan for writing such a great novel.
Love Driftwood and Nan.
This trilogy so far has constantly reminded me of the Inheritance Cycle. The manner of speech; the bountiful amount of descriptive words/phrases and the way Frank P. Ryan describes the World of Tir.
I will without a doubt reread this book. Thanks Frank P. Ryan for writing such a great novel.
Love Driftwood and Nan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2015
Witches, Giant Bats, Dragons Oh My! The Tower of Bones is a follow up to The Snowmelt River in the Three Powers series. This book seemed more fast paced than The Snowmelt River to me for some reason. The book starts out with our 4 main heroes in the enchanted world war ravaged Tir. They have been spilt up and its up to the main hero of the book Alan to reunite them! Millions of lives are depending on them. I'm not one for spoilers but ALOT happens in this book! Kate is being tortured by the Great Witch, Alan and Mo are intent on rescuing Kate, while Mark struggles with his exsistence and ponders if he dies in Tir will he return to Earth.
What impresses me the most Mr. Frank Ryan is how detailed his books are. Your imagination won't be needed as he paints every location, every character and villain so that you feel their emotions and their fear. You also get a sense of the characters motives for their actions and how it will later go on to affect other characters. You can't help but cheer when one of the villains meet their end!It's not an easy read with it being over 500 pages long but well worth it! I can't help be reminded of J.R.R Tolkien when thinking of Frank Ryan.
What impresses me the most Mr. Frank Ryan is how detailed his books are. Your imagination won't be needed as he paints every location, every character and villain so that you feel their emotions and their fear. You also get a sense of the characters motives for their actions and how it will later go on to affect other characters. You can't help but cheer when one of the villains meet their end!It's not an easy read with it being over 500 pages long but well worth it! I can't help be reminded of J.R.R Tolkien when thinking of Frank Ryan.
February 21, 2016
Honestly I haven't yet finished the book. I read the first in the series, Snowmelt River, and I had really enjoyed it, bit I was trying to cram this one in a time period that did't work. I felt that I didn't remember enough detail from the first to follow everything going on. It had been too long a period of time. With some books, that's ok, and you can keep going. But not in this case for me, i let it would be really nice to re-read Snowmelt River and then read Tower of Bones with it fresh in my mind. That isn't a negative reflection on the book, just my memory.
January 29, 2016
A lovely sequel. The suspense is kept up from the first book and even added to. Each event is a mystery and an adventure. The protagonists continue to grow in every way possible as Fate continues to direct their lives on a fierce level. No spoilers, but the end of the book manages to keep the reader hanging on to the last word.
August 30, 2016
Very well written irish fantasy book. Would highly recommend it for teens and up.
It is a series this is the second book. The third book 'feimhins sword' is due out this year. Very good read.
It is a series this is the second book. The third book 'feimhins sword' is due out this year. Very good read.
April 29, 2015
Well written, but just not my cup of tea.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews