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Palace of the Twelve Pillars #1
Palace of the Twelve Pillars
Young Adult Christian Fantasy
The Peace Summit was in shambles, the prince kidnapped.
When the rival king realizes he kidnapped the wrong prince, hostilities escalate. Loyalties to each other and country are tested for the twin princes of Crato, Joachim and Brandan.
Joachim, captive of King Waldrom, faces deception and betrayal as he struggles to find his way home. Brandan, at home with a father focused on rescuing Joachim, wrestles with his own demons as he searches for his place in the world and the favor of his father.
Torn from the safety and peace of their childhood, they are thrust into a world where bonds of family, brotherhood and roles as heirs to Crato are tested. Through war, spiritual journeys, death and marriage, will they choose the path of good or evil? Who can be trusted, as the world they know slips into a whirlpool of chaos?
The Peace Summit was in shambles, the prince kidnapped.
When the rival king realizes he kidnapped the wrong prince, hostilities escalate. Loyalties to each other and country are tested for the twin princes of Crato, Joachim and Brandan.
Joachim, captive of King Waldrom, faces deception and betrayal as he struggles to find his way home. Brandan, at home with a father focused on rescuing Joachim, wrestles with his own demons as he searches for his place in the world and the favor of his father.
Torn from the safety and peace of their childhood, they are thrust into a world where bonds of family, brotherhood and roles as heirs to Crato are tested. Through war, spiritual journeys, death and marriage, will they choose the path of good or evil? Who can be trusted, as the world they know slips into a whirlpool of chaos?
218 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Christina Weigand
15 books128 followersChristina Weigand’s a writer, wife, and mother of four grown children She is also Nana to five grandchildren. She lives with her husband and youngest daughter in Pennsylvania, returning there after a short sabbatical in Washington. Currently, she’s working on fantasy novels and inspirational writing. Through her writing, she strives to share the Word of God and help people young and old to realize the love and mercy He has for everyone.
When she’s not writing, she’s active in her local Church as a, Bible Study, facilitating young people's writing through Outschool. Jesus fills her home with love as she shares Him through her writing.
When she’s not writing, she’s active in her local Church as a, Bible Study, facilitating young people's writing through Outschool. Jesus fills her home with love as she shares Him through her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 3, 2018
This is a sci-fi/fantasy coming of age story about royal twin brothers and the conflicts they face. I felt the writing was okay but the character building could have been stronger. Also everything was too black & white with no middle area. That kinda takes some feeling out for me because it isn't as relatable. The fantasy creatures were interesting and I hope the next book rounds things out better.
Twin brothers Joachim and Brandon are the royal heirs to Crota on another planet. One has strong beliefs in their religion to their god Asha and the other is the black sheep who desperately wants his father's attention. Joachim is mistaken for his brother when he is kidnapped by a rival country at a time of war. Brandon has to find a way to prove himself without his father's disapproval. Both brother take different paths but they both come out stronger from their experiences they endure.
Thank you to the author and Read It & Reap for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Twin brothers Joachim and Brandon are the royal heirs to Crota on another planet. One has strong beliefs in their religion to their god Asha and the other is the black sheep who desperately wants his father's attention. Joachim is mistaken for his brother when he is kidnapped by a rival country at a time of war. Brandon has to find a way to prove himself without his father's disapproval. Both brother take different paths but they both come out stronger from their experiences they endure.
Thank you to the author and Read It & Reap for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 13, 2014
Ms. Weigand has created a wonderfully rich world with well rounded characters in Palace of the Twelve Pillars. My heart broke for Joachim and the trials he endured, while at the same time I rooted for Brandon (Joa's twin brother) to find the right path.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series to see how the brothers, their families, and their kingdoms fare.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series to see how the brothers, their families, and their kingdoms fare.
November 26, 2014
Read more of my reviews at My Full Bookshelf Reviews
A free copy of this book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a pretty good Christian Fantasy. I haven't read anything from this genre in a while, so I thought I'd try this book out, and it was pretty good.
It did take me a bit to get into the story, but that was due to the fact that like other fantasies, some of the character's names are quite unusual. I just had to memorize who was who, and then the story began to take off.
I liked the story. It had some elements that were similar to a lot of Christian fantasies, but also had a lot that were unique. I liked that the 'villains,', with the exception of Sidramah,(I'm not sure I spelled that exactly right)n if you will, were a bit humanized, but not made out to be simply misunderstood. For example, Waldrom was evil, but he also loved Lilia.
I also liked that there were twists to make the story interesting. I was never exactly sure what would happen next!
I liked this story, and would recommend it to fantasy lovers.
A free copy of this book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a pretty good Christian Fantasy. I haven't read anything from this genre in a while, so I thought I'd try this book out, and it was pretty good.
It did take me a bit to get into the story, but that was due to the fact that like other fantasies, some of the character's names are quite unusual. I just had to memorize who was who, and then the story began to take off.
I liked the story. It had some elements that were similar to a lot of Christian fantasies, but also had a lot that were unique. I liked that the 'villains,', with the exception of Sidramah,(I'm not sure I spelled that exactly right)n if you will, were a bit humanized, but not made out to be simply misunderstood. For example, Waldrom was evil, but he also loved Lilia.
I also liked that there were twists to make the story interesting. I was never exactly sure what would happen next!
I liked this story, and would recommend it to fantasy lovers.
October 11, 2013
I wasn't quite sure what to make of this book, as it had a very good, somewhat unique, plot, but was poorly executed. It's a coming-of-age story about twin princes, Joachim and Brandon, who are suddenly faced with decisions beyond their maturity when one of them is kidnapped and the kingdom faces war. (see full synopsis here)
It was a very choppy read. As a Christian allegory, the book focuses on the tension between good and evil, but it paints things as either black or white. There is no guessing as to where any of the characters' allegiances lie, because each of them is either good or bad (with the exception of one sketchy figure who drifts in and out of the story, only revealing his full identity towards the end. He is, perhaps, my favorite character).
Continuing along this line of thought, the characters are woefully underdeveloped. In fact, there is very little detail at all. The author even introduces new races (this is a fantasy, after all), but never describes them. And the text is riddled with grammatical errors, misspellings and other such atrocities. I don't mind if there's only one or two overlooked mistakes, but I found something on nearly every page.
Finally, each major change that occurs (the coming-of-age part) happens very abruptly and as an over-night type deal; nothing in this book happens gradually. Such writing would work for a middle-grade fantasy, but this is a young adult novel. There needs to be more tension.
This book has some great potential; despite all of its shortcomings it still managed to draw me into the story at times. I would just like to see it go back to the editor for some thorough proofreading and a bit of fleshing out, and if that happens, I will gladly re-read it and amend my review. This could be a fantastic young adult novel someday.
This review was originally posted on poetree.
It was a very choppy read. As a Christian allegory, the book focuses on the tension between good and evil, but it paints things as either black or white. There is no guessing as to where any of the characters' allegiances lie, because each of them is either good or bad (with the exception of one sketchy figure who drifts in and out of the story, only revealing his full identity towards the end. He is, perhaps, my favorite character).
Continuing along this line of thought, the characters are woefully underdeveloped. In fact, there is very little detail at all. The author even introduces new races (this is a fantasy, after all), but never describes them. And the text is riddled with grammatical errors, misspellings and other such atrocities. I don't mind if there's only one or two overlooked mistakes, but I found something on nearly every page.
Finally, each major change that occurs (the coming-of-age part) happens very abruptly and as an over-night type deal; nothing in this book happens gradually. Such writing would work for a middle-grade fantasy, but this is a young adult novel. There needs to be more tension.
This book has some great potential; despite all of its shortcomings it still managed to draw me into the story at times. I would just like to see it go back to the editor for some thorough proofreading and a bit of fleshing out, and if that happens, I will gladly re-read it and amend my review. This could be a fantastic young adult novel someday.
This review was originally posted on poetree.
February 7, 2014
This book really drew me in. The characters were very realistic. The struggle between good and evil is the main plot for this book. When two people grow up the same how does one turn to evil with the other turns to good? The twin princes have their own struggles of where they fit into their world. When Waldorms plan does not go to plan because they steal the wrong twin, I was laughing out loud, served him right!! Love, Family, Friendship and Faith all have a place in this book.
May 23, 2014
In this book, Christina Weigand takes you to a land of Magic, Dragons and Demons where twin royal brothers strive to find their destinies. This first book in a series of three sets a captivating plot in play and leaves you wanting more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in love with fantasy stories. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
July 17, 2019
This story started strong and stayed strong. It’s an impressive fantasy set in ancient times that was easy to immerse in. The author did a perfect job of describing the scenery even to the point you could smell the aroma in the places – “Grotesque fish swam lazily through a stagnant scrum covered stream.” The rituals performed are outlined with such detailed and played out so well it truly gives an understanding of the characters’ motives and persona.
It’s an epic story of good vs. evil and depicts the role people play when following the greatest evil or the mightiest good. Even though this story is a fantasy, it appears so believable. I bought the 2nd book and look forward to see how the brothers Brandon and Joachim overcome the losses they endured in this first story and face the next evil attack coming their way.
It’s an epic story of good vs. evil and depicts the role people play when following the greatest evil or the mightiest good. Even though this story is a fantasy, it appears so believable. I bought the 2nd book and look forward to see how the brothers Brandon and Joachim overcome the losses they endured in this first story and face the next evil attack coming their way.
May 10, 2018
Princes Brandan and Joachim travel different paths in life even though the twins seem to be alike. Brandan is frustrated with The Teachings of Asha and his tutors. He doesn't understand why he needs to know how to regenerate the land. To him, it seems so pointless and a waste of his time. On the other hand, Joachim is cheerful, helpful, and eager to learn everything. Meanwhile, Waldrom plots to kidnap Prince Brandan bring him to the side of evil. Instead of getting Brandan like Waldrom planned he got Joachim. What will happen to Joachim? Can Joachim be turned? What will Brandan do? Your answers await you in Palace of the Twelve Pillars.
This new to me author really showcased family dynamics. The characters and story were rich, bold, complicated, mysterious, unique, and flawed. I look forward to my next adventure with this author.
This new to me author really showcased family dynamics. The characters and story were rich, bold, complicated, mysterious, unique, and flawed. I look forward to my next adventure with this author.
July 5, 2013
Palace of the Twelve Pillars by Christina Weigand is a magnificent coming of age adventure. Within the pages you’ll find a fast-paced story about a case of mistaken identity, dragons, kingdoms in turmoil and so much more. Palace of the Twelve Pillars is first book in Christina’s fantasy young adult series. The second book in the series, Palace of Three Crosses, will be released in September, and the third, Sanctuary of Nine Dragons, in February of 2014.
Palace of the Twelve Pillars is based on a distant planet, Ramajadin, and focuses on the countries of Crato and Waldrom. The twin princes of Crato each embark on separate journeys that test their character and their faith in the God of Ramajadin, named Asha. One, Joachim, is mistakenly taken captive by king Waldrom of Mahorg, a servant of Sidramah, the evil one. The other, Brandon, is left behind, longing to earn the approval he so desperately seeks from his father, king Theodric. Christina did wonderful job with making each and every character and their struggles come alive and leap off the pages. Through their trials, Joachim and Brandon each mature, learn the importance of family, and come to trust Asha with his whole self. I hope Joachim and Brandon’s story will be continued in the next novels, as I really enjoyed their characters.
Palace of the Twelve Pillars is the beginning to a great new young adult series. Christina Weigand’s next book in the series is coming out in September and I cannot wait for it! Fantasy fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I have to say, this series is quickly climbing its way up to the top of my favorites list! I highly recommend Palace of the Twelve Pillars, and am greatly looking forward to getting my hands on the rest in the series.
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
Palace of the Twelve Pillars is based on a distant planet, Ramajadin, and focuses on the countries of Crato and Waldrom. The twin princes of Crato each embark on separate journeys that test their character and their faith in the God of Ramajadin, named Asha. One, Joachim, is mistakenly taken captive by king Waldrom of Mahorg, a servant of Sidramah, the evil one. The other, Brandon, is left behind, longing to earn the approval he so desperately seeks from his father, king Theodric. Christina did wonderful job with making each and every character and their struggles come alive and leap off the pages. Through their trials, Joachim and Brandon each mature, learn the importance of family, and come to trust Asha with his whole self. I hope Joachim and Brandon’s story will be continued in the next novels, as I really enjoyed their characters.
Palace of the Twelve Pillars is the beginning to a great new young adult series. Christina Weigand’s next book in the series is coming out in September and I cannot wait for it! Fantasy fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I have to say, this series is quickly climbing its way up to the top of my favorites list! I highly recommend Palace of the Twelve Pillars, and am greatly looking forward to getting my hands on the rest in the series.
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
February 16, 2014
Palace of the Twelve Pillars by Christina Weigand is a Christian fantasy tale about two childhood friends who become King of their own land and fall in love with the same woman. King Theodric follows Asha, the God of love and light. King Waldrom follows Sidramah, the God of destruction and evil. Lilia choose to marry King Theodric and become his queen. Together they rule Crato and raise two twin sons, Jaochim and Brandan. The two boys are opposite in personality but are twins who share that special bond to each other.
King Waldrom spends many years nursing his unrequited love for Lilia and plotting his revenge through dark magic. He is determined to have Queen Lilia as well as one of her son's as his own. Palace of Twelve Pillars begins when Theodric and Lilia's twin sons, Joachim and Brandan, now fifteen, are focusing on their lessons. Kings Waldrom decides to use the peace summit as the time to begin his revenge. The book follows the capture of one of the boys, as well as the hunt and battle that follows in an attempt to reunite the good family of Crato and restore peace and good will to their kingdom.
King Waldrom, ruler of Mahorg, has spent years practicing his dark magic but his plans go awry when he kidnaps the wrong Prince. The book goes on to tell of the journey of the two princes as they struggle to decide which is the right God and which is a false God, as well as their rightful place in the world. They are both thrown into an intense process of growing, maturing and command.
Along the way, they work with adepts, Kningrad, dragons, wizards and manticores as well as others. This is an interesting work of Christian Fiction, with themes of God vs Evil as well as free will to choose one's path as they struggle toward maturity. If you are a lover of fantasy and Christian Ficiton, you will enjoy Weigand's Palace of the Twelve Pillars.
King Waldrom spends many years nursing his unrequited love for Lilia and plotting his revenge through dark magic. He is determined to have Queen Lilia as well as one of her son's as his own. Palace of Twelve Pillars begins when Theodric and Lilia's twin sons, Joachim and Brandan, now fifteen, are focusing on their lessons. Kings Waldrom decides to use the peace summit as the time to begin his revenge. The book follows the capture of one of the boys, as well as the hunt and battle that follows in an attempt to reunite the good family of Crato and restore peace and good will to their kingdom.
King Waldrom, ruler of Mahorg, has spent years practicing his dark magic but his plans go awry when he kidnaps the wrong Prince. The book goes on to tell of the journey of the two princes as they struggle to decide which is the right God and which is a false God, as well as their rightful place in the world. They are both thrown into an intense process of growing, maturing and command.
Along the way, they work with adepts, Kningrad, dragons, wizards and manticores as well as others. This is an interesting work of Christian Fiction, with themes of God vs Evil as well as free will to choose one's path as they struggle toward maturity. If you are a lover of fantasy and Christian Ficiton, you will enjoy Weigand's Palace of the Twelve Pillars.
February 3, 2014
Palace of the Twelve Pillars: Book One is the beginning of a saga, which will lead the reader on an adventure of the coming of age for two young royals. Twin sons of the King of Crato, Joachim and Brandan are polar opposites of each other in behavior and attitude, yet they are two halves of a whole, sharing a special bond within their hearts. The lands of Crato are under attack from the forces of evil, led by a malevolent King who happens to have his heart set on having both an heir, and the princes' mother.
What is presented here is a fantasy novel with Christian allegories created by the God of Good - Asha; and the God of Evil - Sidramah. A battle of good and evil will occur unless peace can be brought to pass from a summit of the three kings, alas one king has other plans. Through the resulting chaos that is created from the summit's horrible results, the author leads us on a journey that involves the boys having to face their beliefs head on and to truly understand the depths of their faith in one god.
Weigand has crafted an intense cast of characters to play out this adventure, from the dynamic twins to the three kings that must attempt to rule and battle at the same time. Additional creatures and characters are delightfully developed and the story opens the doors to more adventures and more challenges. The overall plot is not truly original, as it contains many basic factors...kidnapping, facing your own demons, epic battles, and treachery. However, the author does weave together her own story with her own unique characters that is well written and an enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the second book in the series and the release of the third book coming soon.
**Note - I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What is presented here is a fantasy novel with Christian allegories created by the God of Good - Asha; and the God of Evil - Sidramah. A battle of good and evil will occur unless peace can be brought to pass from a summit of the three kings, alas one king has other plans. Through the resulting chaos that is created from the summit's horrible results, the author leads us on a journey that involves the boys having to face their beliefs head on and to truly understand the depths of their faith in one god.
Weigand has crafted an intense cast of characters to play out this adventure, from the dynamic twins to the three kings that must attempt to rule and battle at the same time. Additional creatures and characters are delightfully developed and the story opens the doors to more adventures and more challenges. The overall plot is not truly original, as it contains many basic factors...kidnapping, facing your own demons, epic battles, and treachery. However, the author does weave together her own story with her own unique characters that is well written and an enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the second book in the series and the release of the third book coming soon.
**Note - I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2014
*I received an ARC for my honest review*
A nice Christian Young Adult novel. Christina Weigand has given us two main characters, a set of twin princes, Joachim and Brandon. Their father is the King of Crato. There are conflicts that these twins face, one is kidnapped and the other fights within himself, wanting to make his father proud of him. Both will grow up very quickly.
Christina does a great job with her descriptive writing. She shows that it is important to have your family and you watch these twins grow up with the decisions that they have to make. Combine great characters with interesting lands in which they travel, makes for a read that you want to know more. While fantasy fiction has never really been my forte, she held my attention to her work. (which is difficult to do, so kudos to Christina for that too.)
A nice Christian Young Adult novel. Christina Weigand has given us two main characters, a set of twin princes, Joachim and Brandon. Their father is the King of Crato. There are conflicts that these twins face, one is kidnapped and the other fights within himself, wanting to make his father proud of him. Both will grow up very quickly.
Christina does a great job with her descriptive writing. She shows that it is important to have your family and you watch these twins grow up with the decisions that they have to make. Combine great characters with interesting lands in which they travel, makes for a read that you want to know more. While fantasy fiction has never really been my forte, she held my attention to her work. (which is difficult to do, so kudos to Christina for that too.)
November 2, 2016
3.5 stars (3 stars here, 4 stars on Amazon) because I like a number of things about this book. And bear in mind that I seldom read fantasy, so 3.5 should be considered good. :-) This is the first work of fiction from this author that I've read, and the description caught my interest.
I am grateful that this author used character and place names that I can pronounce in my head and remember. Many times I've tossed aside a book because the names were too odd, complex, or similar to one another.
I enjoyed the plot. It held just enough action and romance for my tastes.
I appreciate that the language and writing style are simple and straight-forward, and the book is shorter than some in length. I'm always on the lookout for books that teen boys might be interested in reading, and this is one I'd recommend to them. And to girls and adults, too.
I am grateful that this author used character and place names that I can pronounce in my head and remember. Many times I've tossed aside a book because the names were too odd, complex, or similar to one another.
I enjoyed the plot. It held just enough action and romance for my tastes.
I appreciate that the language and writing style are simple and straight-forward, and the book is shorter than some in length. I'm always on the lookout for books that teen boys might be interested in reading, and this is one I'd recommend to them. And to girls and adults, too.
September 21, 2013
Palace of the Twelve Pillars is the first in this genre that I have ever read but I welcomed it with an open mind and begun reading it as soon as I could... the blurb seemed rather intriguing and as I was reading through I loved learning about this far and distant planet Ramajadin... When Joachim is taken captive leaving Brandon on his own and trying to do just about everything to gain the approval from his father that he seeks... These brothers grow and learn in their own ways through these struggles...
The author did a fantastic job showing you inside of each character and making them real for the reader.... I look forward to reading Book two from this series when I can fit it into my schedule!
I give this book 4 out of 5 shields!!
The author did a fantastic job showing you inside of each character and making them real for the reader.... I look forward to reading Book two from this series when I can fit it into my schedule!
I give this book 4 out of 5 shields!!
May 10, 2023
A great beginning to a series that's much more complex than it lets on. At first the plot is almost deceptively simple: Good king versus Evil king, good wants to preserve while evil wants to destroy. But the twist of the wrong kidnapped prince sets everything on its head. A nice touch is how everyone takes part in the conflict, even the normally helpless queen. The morality and struggles are very black and white, mostly because it's meant for younger kids. But the lack of grim darkness and gloom is a welcome change from today's popular books.
March 4, 2017
This novel is a great read. The fight of evil against good, brother against brother.
Twin princes, Joachim and Brandan of Crato are torn apart, one being kidnapped by the evil King,
the other left behind as his father focuses on the rescue on Joachim. Life for these twins will never be the same.
I recommend this book. I great read. I cannot wait to read the second book.
I received this book as a free giveaway form GoodReads.
Twin princes, Joachim and Brandan of Crato are torn apart, one being kidnapped by the evil King,
the other left behind as his father focuses on the rescue on Joachim. Life for these twins will never be the same.
I recommend this book. I great read. I cannot wait to read the second book.
I received this book as a free giveaway form GoodReads.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews