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The Eldon Archives #1

Hunt for the Star

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“Victory is not judged by benevolence”

A hero is not forged by the good deeds they commit, but rather by how many bad deeds they do whilst remaining true to the journey.

The Eldon Star is the last remnant power of a long extinct dynasty of Dragon Deities. Tasked with retrieving it is the aging warrior, Artos Hestrom, who utilizes lies and deception just as frequently as blades and glory to procure who and what he wants.

Standing in his way is the evil Sorcerer, Ruehl, who uses his minions to relentlessly scour the land for the crystal. Betrayals, challenges and the ever-lingering threat of death looms over the heroes as entire armies are drawn into the conflict.

The world of Edoria is at war as the hunt for the Star begins…

462 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2013

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Dane Richter

2 books14 followers

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Joshua Clark.
1 review22 followers
March 17, 2014
George RR Martin walks up to Tolkein and pimp-slaps him in the face with a copy of Feist's Magician.
I find this to be an apt way to sum up Dane Richter's style. He brings the familiarity of medieval ambiance, adding a unique flare that will sucker-punch you back to next week the second you try and guess what lays on the next page. It's nigh on impossible to avoid cliche when penning Fantasy, nearly every text I have read I was able to deduce where the author drew inspiration. This somewhat applies to 'Hunt for the Star'.

Similarities begin with the Tolkeinesque orc-like Krokos race, however we quickly appreciate they are rich in detail and culture, rendering them different and dare I say more hard-core than the typical mindless meat-headed hordes that have been done-to-death.
Parallels with Martin's series can be seen with the many factions at war, each with their own nuances, objectives and motives- alliances are made as frequently as promises are broken, keeping the reader on their toes. This brings a sense that there are many hidden cogs, ever-turning, manipulating the machine in way's we can not yet fathom.

Magic is utilized, but not as we have come to know it. There is little wand-waving pomp and ceremony, rather it has a darker and grittier feel to it. Somehow Richter has made it feel almost utilitarian and I may venture as far as saying workman-like. This is a breath of fresh air, gone are the days when you have to be born with specific blood coursing through your veins. Granted, the spell-weavers of this novel are extraordinary, but Richter delivers the scenes in such a way as to lend the feeling that they view their abilities as tools, rather than inexplicable gifts. Needless to say I find this more relate-able, akin to learning how to shoot hoops over being born 7 foot tall having the ability to dunk without leaving terra firma.

The world of Edoria is masterfully created with such vivid imagery that we could be forgiven for feeling as though we had grown up alongside Ethan and his men. The beauty is that Richter is able to do this without being too wordy, every chapter is affluent in both detail and intent. A refreshing change as not once did I want Richter to just get to the point, he has an uncanny nack to satisfy and simultaneously leave us demanding more. The pages practically turned themselves as I resigned to strap myself in for the roller-coaster ride through epic battles, mind-boggling magic, treachery and triumph.

Whether you are a seasoned vet, newbie or 'just trying' the fantasy genre of literature, give Hunt for the Star a go, you will be better off for it. Both the dialogue and narrative are delivered in a polished manner that defies the stereotypical expectations you may have of a debut author.

Book one will be a hard act to follow, however based on the talent displayed, I truly believe Richter can deliver and am eagerly anticipating book two.
Profile Image for James McCormick.
Author 19 books63 followers
April 14, 2014
From the introductory reference to H. P Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard one might expect Conanesque and Bran Mak Morn- like warriors battling under the malign gaze of all powerful cosmic demons. This isn’t however the case. Dane’s novel is a far more sophisticated work, carefully embroidering a layered tale that takes its time to flesh out the world, its politics (magical and otherwise) and introduce the characters we are to follow throughout.
Although there is little action initially the tale is kept fresh and interesting through lively and entertaining conversations in Ferdy’s Tavern which also serve to convey a growing sense of menace with tales of the evil magician Raasha Oul and his hordes of Krokus, orc like creatures who are sweeping in from the East. The growing sense of danger is conveyed powerfully as the people of Corsin begin to construct a protective wall around their town.
Character dynamics are well constructed, a juxtaposition of naïve, foolhardy and somewhat idealistic youth represented by Ethan, Keral and Meran and a cynical, hard bitten and pragmatic maturity represented by Artos Hestrum, a man who unlike the three youths, has “grown up surrounded by war.” Artos is the most fully developed character in the novel, a mass of contradictions, noble yet also a dissembler, honourable yet also deceiving. There is little he won’t do or sacrifice in order to prevent the Eldon Star from falling into Raasha Oul’s grip or to regain it once it does. I must confess that whilst Artos engages me as a character I find it impossible to actually like him as I do his nephew Ethan.
Although not action heavy this first instalment is nevertheless perfectly paced and a compelling read. There are very few clichés in the writing, an impressive accomplishment for a fantasy tale, and the elves, trolls, snake men and giants (I’m thinking of the wonderfully drawn Ko-Jah here) are also believable and well written. Another impressive feature is the lack of any hint of heroic romanticism. Artos and Ethan’s quest in particular is one of cold, mud, rain, hunger and aching bones and muscles, and that is just when they aren’t fighting for their lives.
The novel ends perfectly for a first in a series, a mixture of victory and loss with the stakes significantly higher. At the denouement we possess a new appreciation of the high intelligence, cunning and Machiavellian abilities of Raasha Oul whilst at the same time the limitations and inflexibility of Artos. Ethan and Keral however are now men, no longer “fresh faced” and “nothing like” the youths “who left Corsin.” I suspect these might very well be the dual protagonists of the next instalment. I can’t wait to find out.


Profile Image for Diane.
Author 3 books47 followers
November 27, 2014
Book One of the Eldon Archives promises two things: high fantasy and an ongoing saga. The fantasy piece is promised with cover art of a growling beast man, teeth bared, suited up in armor, while the subtitle clearly outlines that this is the first book in an intended series. So readers are clearly forewarned to expect an ongoing saga of war and fantasy, at the least.

Any good hunt for an important object usually involves elusive quarries and changing goals. And, any good epic fantasy depends on a number of devices to prove successful; while any good work of military science fiction or fantasy rests largely on the solid development of a political and military framework upon which to build events and center characters.

Dane Richter's Hunt for the Star achieves this by placing its action squarely in a political quagmire as an aging warrior tasked with the challenging mission of retrieving a powerful crystal (the Eldon Star) must turn to the younger Ethan for youthful aid.

There's only one major problem: it has been foretold that if Ethan continues on this journey, he will die. And Artos has already used deceitful means to lure Ethan into the undertaking. Would Artos risk and sacrifice even his own family for the greater good of the world?

But this isn't all that's going on: of course, a disparate set of forces are also searching for the Eldon Star. As wizards, politicians, and dangerous soldiers interact in often-fiery conflict, think an intriguing blend of Lovecraft combined with Tolkien's epic journey, mix in a little sword and sorcery action ala Marion Zimmer Bradley, and add smoky taverns and clashing battles, and you have a story that rests on the laurels of friendship and family relationships tested by the trappings of magic and war.

As with any story, it's the characterization that ultimately 'makes it': here, as Ethan matures and becomes well versed not only in the art of battle, but in the nature of uncertain diplomacy, courage, and wry acceptance of life's little (and larger) challenges.

Why would a coming of age process be so clearly defined if a protagonist/hero was doomed to die? Obviously, Ethan is slated for something more: the question is, how will he accomplish his quest and stay alive against the inevitability of prophecy and a devious relative who will do anything to save the world?

Without venturing into a spoiler, let it be said that Ethan's ultimate goal doesn't prove to be what he set out for in the first place; but something greater - and something that demands an ultimate sacrifice.

Any good hunt for an important object usually involves elusive quarries and changing goals. Hunt for the Star's powerful saga is all about transition points, and its strong characterization will hook fantasy readers and leave them longing for the continuation of the story, already promised in Book Two.
Profile Image for Kelly Smith Reviews.
256 reviews51 followers
August 15, 2014
In a time of war and magic, can a hero choose between the love of his family and the fate of the world. . . Edoria is at war. Artos Hestrom retreats back to his home town of Corsin where he is given the task of retrieving a powerful crystal called the Eldon Star. The ageing Artos uses deceit and lies to procure people to help him on the journey and the plight of a halfman, half-elf called Chet, provides the perfect cover. Artos' nephew, Ethan, freely volunteers to accompany him without knowing his true motives, but Ethan's death has been foreseen in a vision. Knowing that Ethan would certainly die if he is included on the journey, Artos must choose between the fate of his family and the fate of the world. Standing in his way is the evil Sorcerer, Ruehl, who has waged war in Edoria with his blood-thirsty hordes of Kròkos. Ruehl uses his minions to relentlessly scour the land for the crystal. Betrayals, challenges and loss set up a final confrontation with the evil Sorcerer where there can be only one victor.

I copied the description of the book from Amazon, because I would've probably been quite long-winded in my description from memory! There's a lot going on in Hunt For The Star!
I loved the characters in this story, which were fully formed and very individualized. My favorite was by far Keral!
The story was very good, an adventure in the tradition of Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings, especially of the latter. Some of it, the dark wizard and the villainous Krokos, seemed taken straight from the pages of The Return of the King.
The story, as I said, was good, but the characters are its best feature by far. I love good character development and Mr. Richter did not disappoint.
I also enjoyed the style of writing, which was grandiose yet not flowery, easy to comprehend and made it seem like a great story to read while curling up by the fire with your favorite hot beverage.
Profile Image for Matt Ely.
57 reviews15 followers
October 3, 2014
original review @ JC's Book Haven.

"'Reassuring? People are dead and you worry about how the town will react? I can't believe you just said that!' Ethan spat, raising his voice to a threatening level, and at the same time hardly believing he had taken that tone with his father."

The Good
I really had an easy time getting into this book. It had a familiar feel to it in that it felt like a Forgotten realm book even though it has nothing to do with Forgotten Realms. Not only did I enjoy the time focused on the main character but I also considered the time spent developing the supporting characters to be just as entertaining. Like most Fantasy Parties they end up having to split up into at least two groups, and I can honestly say I never found myself just wanting to get back to one particular group. The fights are bloody and the creatures are great. I really like the Shenaar (snakepeople).


The Bad
I don't really have any complaints. This really was a solid fantasy novel. I know that sounds like i should maybe rank it higher with that being the case but this feels right.


The Romance
There is no romance worth mentioning in this installment but, I do believe ground work has been set for romance in the next book.

Conclusion
Overall this was a really fun Fantasy novel. If you enjoy Forgotten realm novels, you'll enjoy this one. The characters are great, the fights are action packed and the monsters are plentiful. I'll definitely be ready for book 2 when it comes out.
Profile Image for Mosese Talemaitoga.
1 review
July 10, 2014
I've long been a massive fan of historical fiction, and it's been a fair while since I picked up a fantasy novel. As a re-introduction to the genre, this really hit the spot.

The 'team' of protagonists takes time to develop, but Richter has done this to ensure a multi-faceted approach to his story-telling. You're never left bored or in the dark about what is going on, as he has ensured that the story seamlessly flows from one character's development to another, chapter by chapter.

This has also allowed Richter to build on the world he has created, giving due time to the development of the antagonists as well. The result leaves the reader with a deeper understanding of the environment and forces that are shaping the world as the story progress. It is worth noting that, though I thoroughly enjoyed the Eragon series, one aspect that Christopher Paolini neglected in that series, was the development of emotional connections with his main antagonists, even across several books - something that Richter has succeeded in doing in only his first.

I eagerly await the next instalments in this series.
Profile Image for Clayton Laslett.
1 review
June 3, 2013
For his first publication, Dane Richter delivers a stunning fantasy novel. Great care has obviously been taken in creating this world. Large city's, small towns and strange natural wonders,(the strange river that has neither a source nor an end for example) are prevalent throughout this hand crafted world of Edoria and the reader is treated to all these throughout the journey.

Unique strengths and weaknesses are given to each character giving them depth and history that allows the reader to connect well with them. First chapter until the last you are gripped by intense, heart pounding action mixed with secrets and private agendas. Artos, for example, is a middle aged man completely dedicated to his mission but carries a secret that could undo them all. Can he choose between the fate of the world and that of his family?

Truly an excellent novel, one that I could find nothing to criticize. I eagerly await the next book in this series.
1 review
July 7, 2013
It was a really fantastic book, I was totally locked in. I really enjoyed the character development, especially the role of Keral.
The book starts with a surprising twist that caught me off guard, the stigma of the knight in shining armour goes out the window very quickly. Its very unconventional for typical fantasy genre, which is the real appeal of the story.

Constant twists and turns kept my interest glued in because I didn't want to miss the slight trivial details that later in book you realize the links between storylines within storylines.
The Keral character appealed to me with his steadfast commitment and loyalty to all the people he encounters and to his quest/journey. He doesn't deviate from his morals. It's always interesting to me to have many situations challenge someone's moral beliefs and still hold onto what they believe in.
I won't ruin the ending but I can't wait until the next installment in the series. I hear the series is 5 books!!!!
Profile Image for Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer).
1,466 reviews55 followers
June 11, 2014
True Fantasy lovers are going to like this book. It has all of the elements in it to make a good story. The first few chapters have a slow start as characters and situations are introduced. After that, this novel takes off with a lot of action to move the story along. There is a great plot where the good guys, Ethan, Artos, and Keral are off to locate the Eldon Star, which is very powerful. If it falls into the wrong hands then their world will be doomed. Along the way they meet and travel with very interesting other species companions, like Chet, Oocha and Ryban. As they go along with their search, there are many battles with the Kro'kas and the Shenaar. There are some gruesome scenes, but nothing overly offensive. This quest leads up to a huge battle at the end that leaves you holding your breath as you read.

This book is recommended for upper teens and adults. Fantasy lovers of books like Lord of the Rings will especially like reading Hunt for the Star.

1 review
June 12, 2013
Great read, highly recommend!
Fast paced, gripping, intense, ongoing action and adventure from its first paragraph.
Immediately engulfing your attention with strong emotional content; it hooks and keeps you interested, as you run along with the narrative.
Memorable characters that will enthrall the imagination. Heroes that you can easily relate to and understand their difficulties. Villains that you'll love to hate and appreciate their intellect.
As its the first book in a series, it lays the road traveled as its initial task. Figuratively speaking, it leads you to the top of a mountain, and presents the grand view of the future. This leaves you in high anticipation to continue reading with book 2.
Similar to Game of Thrones crossed with Lord of the Rings, with a writing style akin to Matthew Reilly.
Profile Image for Thomas Keenan.
6 reviews
September 7, 2013
This book was just too good, cant wait for the next book to come out.

Straight from the get go i was hooked into it, couldn't stop reading it, read some in my spare time at work its just that good and i read A LOT of fantasy and this was straight into my top 3, characters are awesome and imaginative, Dane sticks to the good old original style of fantasy where mythical creatures have become myth and parts of Edoria are unexplored leaving things up to the imagination, and the Oocha race just seem so godlike, cant wait to read more about them, hoping they become a major part of the book.. just cant say how good this book is, there are some AWESOME plot twists. Dane Richter did well with it as his first book.

Dont just look at the cover and turn it away, if you love your fantasy then this is a must!
Profile Image for Robert.
1 review
October 27, 2013
This book was fantastic from the very first page until the end. It leaves you on a cliffhanger, eagerly waiting for book 2 to be released. Dane is very clever in his plots and story telling, making the reader constantly guess who is telling the truth and just who is telling lies for their own benefit. There are times where you cannot put the book down because you are eagerly awaiting to see what happens next. This is not something I do often when reading books, so it is a real merit to Dane for keeping me glued to my chair and not putting his book down. The various species of creatures in Hunt for the Star is excellent without bombarding the reader with the typical ones found in fantasy books. This is definitely worth a read if you are a fantasy fan. A big 5 out of 5.
Profile Image for Stuart.
1 review
June 1, 2014
Dane Richter has written some Fantasy books and I've just read the first two (an honour to have read the manuscript to number 2 before being published, thanks Dane!). Cracking sojourn into the world of Fantasy for a new and upcoming Perth author. The first book is a grand read and the quality of ideas is on par with something J.K. Rowling would pen. The second book is well developed with clever and original ideas, a step up from scene set in the first tome and a pleasure to see such talent develop. I could draw some parallels with a certain current book/TV series but I believe this work is worthy of standing on it's own merit. Looking forward to the third installment.
Check it http://danerichter.com/
1 review1 follower
November 11, 2013
This is a book I was introduced to by a friend as I was studying for TER exams. The book started out as a simple tool for procratination and quickly became something I was rushing through page by page.
All the characters seemed realistic and fun. Good developed characters make a book for me and for this reason I couldn't put the book down. I had to keep reading and find out what was going to happen to characters I had become so intrigued in. Simply put, this book has left me wanting more.

Where's book 2?

I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a distraction, you will quickly find yourself unable to put it down.
Profile Image for Matty Senior.
1 review
April 27, 2015
A grand beginning to what I think will be a fantastic series. Dane Richter's first volume from the Eldon Archives has a rich plot, unexpected twists that keep you guessing and brilliant character portrayal that leaves you anticipating the release of the next book. Influenced by the best fantasy writers of our age, Richter has constructed a confident, yet fresh, reveal into the world of fantasy that we all love.

I have (and will continue to) recommended the Eldon Archives to friends and fellow readers alike. Grab a copy and immerse yourself in Edoria!
4 reviews
August 14, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book so much I didn't want to put it down, it is filled with so much action and excitement! Dane Richter has created the perfect science fiction book and I am very excited to see that this is only the first book of the series. As the title states the hunt for the star is on in this book as Artos is trying to find the crystal but it will not be an easy task with Ruehl, the evil sorcerer, is also in pursuit of the crystal. I couldn't get enough of this book and I can't wait to read book two.
1 review
August 5, 2013
This book is a thrilling read, with just enough of the hallmarks of classic fantasy to satisfy without being too generic, and plenty of new surprises and great action.

The characters are really well-written, and the settings imaginative and I can't wait to see how they develop further in the coming books.

I don't want to mention too much about it in case I ruin it, but I definitely recommend you give it a read. I am looking forward to the release of the next book.
1 review
October 23, 2014
I absolutely loved this read! I had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The character development was fantastic and I still have a very dear place in my heart for Keral. There was never a dull moment throughout the entire book and I was sad for it to end. Can't wait for the next book to continue this gripping story!
Bought it, loved it, and would recommend anyone looking for an adventure of a lifetime to read immediately!

10/10 would recommend and read again
Profile Image for Jamie Voumard.
1 review
June 1, 2014
Hunt for the star was such an amazing book!
I don't get much time for reading and this book just completely took me away from my everyday life, one of those books that you put down and say OMG what do I do with my life now! I need more!
this is definitely a book that I highly recommend to all my friends and family, if you like fantasy, you are going to LOVE this book!
cant wait for the next one!
1 review
November 5, 2015
I love this book, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to read it every day until I finished but now I feel sad as I want to find out what happens next in the next book in the series of five.
Dane is a very talented author, not bad for his first book. In fact it's excellent. I recommend every Science Fiction/Fantasy Reader read this book.
Profile Image for D.C. Daines.
Author 4 books5 followers
July 23, 2014
Dane Richter weaves an intriguing story full of battles and quests, wizards and warriors, dragons and death. His unique vision of monsters and men leaves you wanting more and getting it. His writing style flows and is well thought out and make the tale easy to read and understand. Well worth your time and once you have finished it, you will want the next chapter in The Eldon archives.
Profile Image for Matt Speering.
1 review4 followers
August 28, 2013
I just finished reading this book. It was amazing! Loved the twists and the intertwining and overlapping plot lines, very clever and well executed! And the way it ended was cool too! I can't wait for the second book now!!!
1 review
November 11, 2014
Thrilling tale that is just beginning. If the rest of the books are just as intense as the first one then I can see this series being a hit. Great battle scenes and very descriptive.
The start was a bit hard with all different names being chucked at you but by halfway it all makes sense.
1 review
October 31, 2013
Fantastic book.Fast moving engaging great read.the character delevelopment was insightful.I found myself not beening able to put the book down.Cant want for the adventure to continue.
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