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Bethloria #1
Firelight of Heaven
A hundred years ago, Morgran began his conquest of Bethloria. Most of the seven kingdoms have already fallen to his Black Empire. While he searches for the last king to gain total control, two orphaned brothers and an Elf girl begin a quest to locate the seven lost crystals of the Morning Star. This jewel alone holds the key to Morgran's overthrow. Their journey leads them through the perilous land of Gardenia, where their friendship is tested. But one dark secret threatens to tear them apart altogether ...
190 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
15 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 20, 2014
Four and a half stars
I’m not a big reader of the fantasy genre but I really enjoyed this one. It had me interested from the beginning and didn’t let me go. It is filled with action that I’m sure will keep young readers turning the pages as Dourgray and Robbie encounter one danger after another in their quest. I liked the way the relationship between the brothers was explored and also the inclusion of Belle, the elf girl. There were some scenes that tapped into long held fears, especially those with the spiders. Not what I’d have wanted to be reading in the dark? Young people will probably lap it up.
This is the first book in a series about Bethloria and the quest to locate the crystals of the Morning Star. I think it will have readers hanging out for the next one in the series. I have to say the cover didn’t appeal to me. I found the characters are little too cartoony for my taste. No surprise to find the artist is a cartoonist. But I am happy to concede they may well appeal more to young people. This is a great first book of a new fantasy series from an Aussie author exploring the conflict between good and evil.
I’m not a big reader of the fantasy genre but I really enjoyed this one. It had me interested from the beginning and didn’t let me go. It is filled with action that I’m sure will keep young readers turning the pages as Dourgray and Robbie encounter one danger after another in their quest. I liked the way the relationship between the brothers was explored and also the inclusion of Belle, the elf girl. There were some scenes that tapped into long held fears, especially those with the spiders. Not what I’d have wanted to be reading in the dark? Young people will probably lap it up.
This is the first book in a series about Bethloria and the quest to locate the crystals of the Morning Star. I think it will have readers hanging out for the next one in the series. I have to say the cover didn’t appeal to me. I found the characters are little too cartoony for my taste. No surprise to find the artist is a cartoonist. But I am happy to concede they may well appeal more to young people. This is a great first book of a new fantasy series from an Aussie author exploring the conflict between good and evil.
May 9, 2017
Lisbeth Klein's Firelight of Heaven is a thrilling epic fantasy adventure for teens. Robbie and his older brother Dougray must flee their home as the evil King sends soldiers after them. Their land of Wyfen is facing famine due to the blight and the other lands also face the untaming. Unclear of the nature of their quest, a elf warrior Belle helps them face the darkness and horrors they find on their journey.
The story is fast-paced, going from one threat to the next. There are definitely elements of horror probably similar to Deltora's Quest. The interplay between the brothers is interesting. I liked Robbie, Belle and the Toggle Tisser. The ending leads into the next land and the next quest. An enjoyable read.
The story is fast-paced, going from one threat to the next. There are definitely elements of horror probably similar to Deltora's Quest. The interplay between the brothers is interesting. I liked Robbie, Belle and the Toggle Tisser. The ending leads into the next land and the next quest. An enjoyable read.
March 1, 2014
Great story for Teenagers, boys and girls alike. Good fun, good suspense, great characters. Can't wait for the sequel!
September 30, 2014
What a wonderful world that Lizbeth has created. The description and flow were effortless - a pleasure to read. I can't wait to teach this in one of my Secondary English classes.
January 22, 2014
It's great to see new, engrossing, YA fantasies hitting the market, especially those with threads of faith, guidance and care woven through them.
I liked the switching between the two points of view from chapter to chapter, because Robbie and Dougray are such different brothers. Robbie is the younger and seems more introspective, with the feeling that he has a lot to prove. On the surface, Dougray seems to be the stronger and more confident, a natural leader with a special calling. But things are not always as they seem, as the plot draws a lot out of the brothers and delivers several surprises.
It's definitely no easy quest. Those boys have their work cut out for them, with many shocks and unexpected happenings along the way. And the questions that kept driving me were, 'What's their family background, anyway? Who were their parents?'
Bethloria was such a vividly described place, it seemed as if Lizbeth Klein actually visited to do some research there :) I enjoyed the other characters too. Belle, the elf girl, is nobody's fool. Even though she wasn't totally welcomed at first, her addition to the quest brought out more of the highlights of the brothers' characters.
And Queen Shara! I'll just say that, for somebody as squeamish about huntsman spiders, and those big orb spiders, as I am, she is very memorable.
I'll be looking forward to further stories in this series.
I liked the switching between the two points of view from chapter to chapter, because Robbie and Dougray are such different brothers. Robbie is the younger and seems more introspective, with the feeling that he has a lot to prove. On the surface, Dougray seems to be the stronger and more confident, a natural leader with a special calling. But things are not always as they seem, as the plot draws a lot out of the brothers and delivers several surprises.
It's definitely no easy quest. Those boys have their work cut out for them, with many shocks and unexpected happenings along the way. And the questions that kept driving me were, 'What's their family background, anyway? Who were their parents?'
Bethloria was such a vividly described place, it seemed as if Lizbeth Klein actually visited to do some research there :) I enjoyed the other characters too. Belle, the elf girl, is nobody's fool. Even though she wasn't totally welcomed at first, her addition to the quest brought out more of the highlights of the brothers' characters.
And Queen Shara! I'll just say that, for somebody as squeamish about huntsman spiders, and those big orb spiders, as I am, she is very memorable.
I'll be looking forward to further stories in this series.
December 27, 2014
From Eva, age 11 and a half.
I think this is a great book for ages 11-16. It's a bit scary in places, but it definitely keeps you reading. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I think this is a great book for ages 11-16. It's a bit scary in places, but it definitely keeps you reading. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
May 8, 2014
Review by Jacinta - aged 12
I really like fantasy, and this one didn’t disappoint me. In Firelight of Heaven, the evil King Morgan wants to take over Bethloria. Two boys, Robbie and Dougray, climb the forbidden mountain to escape Morgan’s soldiers. Over the other side they meet a strange Elf girl, Belle Shadow-chaser, who joins them on a journey to find the seven crystals hidden in the seven lost lands to destroy King Morgan.
I like the action and adventure because it kept me turning the pages. I also like the characters because they are cool. I didn’t like that I didn’t know it was a series, so now I need to wait for the other books. It was exciting and I can’t wait for the next one. I need it NOW!!!
I would recommend this book to 10+ year old girls and boys who like action, adventure and fantasy.
PS. This book is AWESOME!!!
I really like fantasy, and this one didn’t disappoint me. In Firelight of Heaven, the evil King Morgan wants to take over Bethloria. Two boys, Robbie and Dougray, climb the forbidden mountain to escape Morgan’s soldiers. Over the other side they meet a strange Elf girl, Belle Shadow-chaser, who joins them on a journey to find the seven crystals hidden in the seven lost lands to destroy King Morgan.
I like the action and adventure because it kept me turning the pages. I also like the characters because they are cool. I didn’t like that I didn’t know it was a series, so now I need to wait for the other books. It was exciting and I can’t wait for the next one. I need it NOW!!!
I would recommend this book to 10+ year old girls and boys who like action, adventure and fantasy.
PS. This book is AWESOME!!!
September 30, 2017
(Review by my 13 year old daughter, Merridy)
This book got me hooked straight away. The ideas were very interesting and creative. You can’t get bored reading this story. The cover was very clever the way it matched the story. The longer you look, the more you pick up the details. And the more you think about the story, the more you understand how clever the plot is. My favourite character was Robbie because he’s cool. I felt like I could connect with him because he was described so well. Even my 15 year old brother enjoyed it.
This book got me hooked straight away. The ideas were very interesting and creative. You can’t get bored reading this story. The cover was very clever the way it matched the story. The longer you look, the more you pick up the details. And the more you think about the story, the more you understand how clever the plot is. My favourite character was Robbie because he’s cool. I felt like I could connect with him because he was described so well. Even my 15 year old brother enjoyed it.
August 22, 2014
Three reviews from our CALEB reviewers:
(1)
Young readers who like a classic novel with intrigue, betrayal, murder, suspense, a hint of romance, gruesome monsters and flesh-eating spiders will be enthralled by the first book in Lizbeth Klein’s fantasy series Firelight of Heaven. There are a lot of touches that reminded me of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings before they became uniquely their own.
Robbie and his older brother Dougray are orphans in the care of their grandfather Faolan in the land of Wyfrenvale. All is far from well in Wyfrenvale with people disappearing and young men being sent off to war never to be seen again. King Morgran is the evil ruler who has violently stolen the throne from the rightful king.
Belle, an elf girl with knowledge of the dark forests and the wild beasts that live there joins Robbie and Dougray in their quest for answers.
Firelight of Heaven is not a particularly dark children's fantasy as the genre is today, nor is its Christian worldview very overt. Though I don't recommend the spider scenes just before bedtime! DS
(2)
This is the first book in the Bethloria fantasy series by Lizbeth Klein. A fantasy novel for teens, it introduces the brothers, Robbie and Dougray, and their quest to locate the seven lost crystals of the Morning Star. With the help of an Elf girl and a cute and cuddly toggle called, Tisser, they do battle with the forces of evil that threaten their world. KL
(3)
Not a work that inspired me.
Bookseller's Choice Reviewer in the CALEB Awards 2014
(1)
Young readers who like a classic novel with intrigue, betrayal, murder, suspense, a hint of romance, gruesome monsters and flesh-eating spiders will be enthralled by the first book in Lizbeth Klein’s fantasy series Firelight of Heaven. There are a lot of touches that reminded me of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings before they became uniquely their own.
Robbie and his older brother Dougray are orphans in the care of their grandfather Faolan in the land of Wyfrenvale. All is far from well in Wyfrenvale with people disappearing and young men being sent off to war never to be seen again. King Morgran is the evil ruler who has violently stolen the throne from the rightful king.
Belle, an elf girl with knowledge of the dark forests and the wild beasts that live there joins Robbie and Dougray in their quest for answers.
Firelight of Heaven is not a particularly dark children's fantasy as the genre is today, nor is its Christian worldview very overt. Though I don't recommend the spider scenes just before bedtime! DS
(2)
This is the first book in the Bethloria fantasy series by Lizbeth Klein. A fantasy novel for teens, it introduces the brothers, Robbie and Dougray, and their quest to locate the seven lost crystals of the Morning Star. With the help of an Elf girl and a cute and cuddly toggle called, Tisser, they do battle with the forces of evil that threaten their world. KL
(3)
Not a work that inspired me.
Bookseller's Choice Reviewer in the CALEB Awards 2014
June 27, 2014
Robbie and his brother Dougray are orphaned brothers who are being raised by their grandfather, Faolan. They live in the land of Bethloria, which has been under the evil dynasty of King Morgran for nearly seventeen years. Bethloria, a world populated with dwarves, rock trolls, dragons, and soldiers with enchanted cloaks, is a wildly fantastic place where black magic and powerful jewels are commonplace.
When the boys are forced to leave home, they travel to a forbidden mountain to search for seven lost crystals which they will need in order to put an end to King Morgran's tyranny. There, they are joined in their quest by a charmingly quirky elf girl named Belle.
Author, Lizbeth Klein, has done a terrific job creating a highly engaging story with well-developed characters in an action packed read that is sure to be a hit with young readers. Fans of Firelight of Heaven will most definitely be on the edge of their seats waiting for the release of the next book in the Firelight Series.
Firelight of Heaven is an exciting adventure for both boys and girls. This is a delightful fantasy that comes highly recommended.
When the boys are forced to leave home, they travel to a forbidden mountain to search for seven lost crystals which they will need in order to put an end to King Morgran's tyranny. There, they are joined in their quest by a charmingly quirky elf girl named Belle.
Author, Lizbeth Klein, has done a terrific job creating a highly engaging story with well-developed characters in an action packed read that is sure to be a hit with young readers. Fans of Firelight of Heaven will most definitely be on the edge of their seats waiting for the release of the next book in the Firelight Series.
Firelight of Heaven is an exciting adventure for both boys and girls. This is a delightful fantasy that comes highly recommended.
February 6, 2014
I'm not a big fan of fantasy novels, but this one kept me enthralled right until the very end, including a couple of very late nights!
The story moved at a rapid pace, with lots of unexpected twists and turns, as well as big scary spiders!
Firelight of Heaven reminded me of Prince Caspian, especially with the map in the front of the book, the battle between good and evil, magic and talking animals!
Unlike Prince Caspian, the reader knows very little of Robbie and Dougray's parents, which adds to the mystery and keeps the reader guessing. Who are they? Will we find out more in the next book?
In this story, the two boys are forced to flee from danger and join forces with the Elf girl in their quest to find seven lost crystals to defeat Morgran's evil forces.
I'm looking forward to reading Book 2, Greenheart of the Forest.
The story moved at a rapid pace, with lots of unexpected twists and turns, as well as big scary spiders!
Firelight of Heaven reminded me of Prince Caspian, especially with the map in the front of the book, the battle between good and evil, magic and talking animals!
Unlike Prince Caspian, the reader knows very little of Robbie and Dougray's parents, which adds to the mystery and keeps the reader guessing. Who are they? Will we find out more in the next book?
In this story, the two boys are forced to flee from danger and join forces with the Elf girl in their quest to find seven lost crystals to defeat Morgran's evil forces.
I'm looking forward to reading Book 2, Greenheart of the Forest.
September 16, 2014
Firelight of Heaven - Bethloria Book1 by Lizbeth Klien
A kingdom at peril, a sword, two orphaned boys, an elfin girl on a quest against evil wizards and terrifying beasts, all the ingredients of a really good fantasy and Firelight of Heaven doesn’t disappoint!
From page one there are just enough hints dropped to keep you turning the page. Who is the dark mystery man on the horse at the edge of the forest? Why are all the boys rounded up on their 17th birthday? What happened to their Grandfather? What at the memories about that start to re-surface for Robbie? Where are their parents and were their names really changed? What and where are the seven lost lands?
An excellent read for advanced younger readers and still engrossing enough for older ones.
Reviewed for Creative Kids Tales by Sandra Wigzell
A kingdom at peril, a sword, two orphaned boys, an elfin girl on a quest against evil wizards and terrifying beasts, all the ingredients of a really good fantasy and Firelight of Heaven doesn’t disappoint!
From page one there are just enough hints dropped to keep you turning the page. Who is the dark mystery man on the horse at the edge of the forest? Why are all the boys rounded up on their 17th birthday? What happened to their Grandfather? What at the memories about that start to re-surface for Robbie? Where are their parents and were their names really changed? What and where are the seven lost lands?
An excellent read for advanced younger readers and still engrossing enough for older ones.
Reviewed for Creative Kids Tales by Sandra Wigzell
April 4, 2024
A fast-paced fantasy read that involves action, adventures, clashes with soldiers, supernatural creatures both good and bad and a thrilling tale that
will keep you turning the pages to the very end!
In the kingdom of Bethloria an evil lord has taken over and conquered the land and is ruling it with untamed magic. The land had a light crystal which covered the land with goodness but when the evil Morgran conquered the land he broke the crystal up and hid it in seven lands. This series is about four intrepid souls who journey to find and restore those crystals making it whole once again and destroying the evil Morgran in the end as well!
Two brothers are fleeing for their lives after being pursued by soldiers up and over a forbidden mountain. They encounter strange beasts, escape with the help from of an elf girl but later on one of them gets separated and meets a friendly creature (toggle ) who finds the others when the boy is captured by Queen Shara, the mother of all the spiders in the land.
An exciting battle ensues and a wondrous treasure awaits and a dark secret one of the brothers never knew Is revealed by the treasure they find. This helps shape their resolve and determination to a common cause they all agree to embark on!
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the future books in this series! I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend you get and read this exciting series and follow along with me as we follow the adventures of Dougray, Robbie, Belle Song, Toggle and perhaps others as they journey to find and recover all the shards of the light crystal and restore it back into its original light crystal form once again!
It’s been a great adventure so far and with six more books it can only get better!! So come along with me and enjoy the action and adventure as we experience
It together!
will keep you turning the pages to the very end!
In the kingdom of Bethloria an evil lord has taken over and conquered the land and is ruling it with untamed magic. The land had a light crystal which covered the land with goodness but when the evil Morgran conquered the land he broke the crystal up and hid it in seven lands. This series is about four intrepid souls who journey to find and restore those crystals making it whole once again and destroying the evil Morgran in the end as well!
Two brothers are fleeing for their lives after being pursued by soldiers up and over a forbidden mountain. They encounter strange beasts, escape with the help from of an elf girl but later on one of them gets separated and meets a friendly creature (toggle ) who finds the others when the boy is captured by Queen Shara, the mother of all the spiders in the land.
An exciting battle ensues and a wondrous treasure awaits and a dark secret one of the brothers never knew Is revealed by the treasure they find. This helps shape their resolve and determination to a common cause they all agree to embark on!
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the future books in this series! I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend you get and read this exciting series and follow along with me as we follow the adventures of Dougray, Robbie, Belle Song, Toggle and perhaps others as they journey to find and recover all the shards of the light crystal and restore it back into its original light crystal form once again!
It’s been a great adventure so far and with six more books it can only get better!! So come along with me and enjoy the action and adventure as we experience
It together!
August 20, 2021
A good wholesome quest, not short of a monster or two, with deep truths woven throughout.
What worlds lie beyond the other side of the mountain where dark eerie wraith-like beasts, trolls, and elves roam free beneath protective trees?
Since the king’s mysterious disappearance, the tyrant Morgran, has come to the land of Bethloria with swords and clubs to oppress the people along with the untaming, a magic that strips the land and leaves hunger and desolation in its wake. Once the sons of the Vale reach fighting age, Morgran steals them to fight in his army, never to be heard of again.
Brought up by their grandfather, Dougray the eldest and more cynical of the two brothers, and Robbie, who possesses a bit more faith in the goodness of the Morning Star, have never spoken of, nor been told about, their parents, their past, and their roots.
The brothers sneak out after curfew to join a meeting of the local men fed up with Morgran and seeking a way to save their sons from their brothers’ fates. When the meeting is ambushed, the youths are saved from the ensuing massacre by a member of the Resistance who asks them to join him. They refuse but on reaching home, discover Morgran’s men are seeking out and killing all those who survived the meeting. Their grandfather orders the brothers to flee and climb the forbidden mountain to find their destiny.
And thus, the youths embark on their quest.
Immersed in Klein’s strong descriptive writing, I followed the heroes on their journey, running with them from evil pursuers, freaking out at giant spiders, shivering at dark spirit shapes, gasping in awe at the Magic Sword of Ewarn, and wondering if I could really trust their elf guide.
Believable and likable, the brothers became dear to me as they met and reacted to the cast of intriguing fantastical characters, both good and evil, and struggled with their own individual issues.
Packed with action and tension, magic, sword fights, and brave heroes, this children’s /YA novel is a real adventure and a must read for all young fantasy lovers who yearn for an exciting escape with symbolic truths woven within.
And, thankfully, there’s more novels in this series and I’m sure they are as wonderful as this award winning first instalment.
What worlds lie beyond the other side of the mountain where dark eerie wraith-like beasts, trolls, and elves roam free beneath protective trees?
Since the king’s mysterious disappearance, the tyrant Morgran, has come to the land of Bethloria with swords and clubs to oppress the people along with the untaming, a magic that strips the land and leaves hunger and desolation in its wake. Once the sons of the Vale reach fighting age, Morgran steals them to fight in his army, never to be heard of again.
Brought up by their grandfather, Dougray the eldest and more cynical of the two brothers, and Robbie, who possesses a bit more faith in the goodness of the Morning Star, have never spoken of, nor been told about, their parents, their past, and their roots.
The brothers sneak out after curfew to join a meeting of the local men fed up with Morgran and seeking a way to save their sons from their brothers’ fates. When the meeting is ambushed, the youths are saved from the ensuing massacre by a member of the Resistance who asks them to join him. They refuse but on reaching home, discover Morgran’s men are seeking out and killing all those who survived the meeting. Their grandfather orders the brothers to flee and climb the forbidden mountain to find their destiny.
And thus, the youths embark on their quest.
Immersed in Klein’s strong descriptive writing, I followed the heroes on their journey, running with them from evil pursuers, freaking out at giant spiders, shivering at dark spirit shapes, gasping in awe at the Magic Sword of Ewarn, and wondering if I could really trust their elf guide.
Believable and likable, the brothers became dear to me as they met and reacted to the cast of intriguing fantastical characters, both good and evil, and struggled with their own individual issues.
Packed with action and tension, magic, sword fights, and brave heroes, this children’s /YA novel is a real adventure and a must read for all young fantasy lovers who yearn for an exciting escape with symbolic truths woven within.
And, thankfully, there’s more novels in this series and I’m sure they are as wonderful as this award winning first instalment.
May 24, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
What is it about?
The land is dying due to the untaming. This disease is caused by the dark magic of the evil king Morgran. A prophecy has been told that a young man will have the power to overthrow the king, and so the king kills all of the young men.
Two brothers must escape the soldiers and find themselves discovering worlds that they didn’t even know existed.
Was it good?
This story was enchanting, read quickly, and left me wanting to know what would happen next. It is filled with elves, trolls, huge spiders, and other wondrous creatures. The slow building of trust between the characters and the bond between the brothers really hold the adventure together.
The best part is that the adventure is only just beginning and I feel that the storytelling and the story are only going to get better.
What is it about?
The land is dying due to the untaming. This disease is caused by the dark magic of the evil king Morgran. A prophecy has been told that a young man will have the power to overthrow the king, and so the king kills all of the young men.
Two brothers must escape the soldiers and find themselves discovering worlds that they didn’t even know existed.
Was it good?
This story was enchanting, read quickly, and left me wanting to know what would happen next. It is filled with elves, trolls, huge spiders, and other wondrous creatures. The slow building of trust between the characters and the bond between the brothers really hold the adventure together.
The best part is that the adventure is only just beginning and I feel that the storytelling and the story are only going to get better.
April 4, 2022
Good start to a great fantasy.
I liked this book because it started in such a way that it made me curious to know what could be the quest when I thought I knew where it was going at first. It turned me around quickly but in a way that seemed natural and not forced. Many fantasy books these days just make me want to say "I knew that was going to happen". This is a great fantasy book that isn't like the rest.
I liked this book because it started in such a way that it made me curious to know what could be the quest when I thought I knew where it was going at first. It turned me around quickly but in a way that seemed natural and not forced. Many fantasy books these days just make me want to say "I knew that was going to happen". This is a great fantasy book that isn't like the rest.
November 30, 2025
Two brothers are being calles to find the lost crystals to save their homeland and to destroy evil.
Both brothers are so different from each other but still they are trying the best they can.
It is a great story of faith and temptation and it makes me more than looking forward to the next book.
Both brothers are so different from each other but still they are trying the best they can.
It is a great story of faith and temptation and it makes me more than looking forward to the next book.
November 16, 2021
was good.
April 3, 2024
Enjoyed !!
This book started out kind of slow but then all sorts of action started happening and I was hooked, now I'm gonna start the next book in the series! Recommended!
This book started out kind of slow but then all sorts of action started happening and I was hooked, now I'm gonna start the next book in the series! Recommended!
March 6, 2023
Ms. Klein has done it again. This is one of her best so far and I am sure there will be more. Her work is very desciptive and easy to follow. I do hope she will get a pulizer for her work, its that good.
November 17, 2015
Classic high fantasy, good vs evil writ large but with some subtle overtones, reminiscent of Tolkien (and perhaps that is an unfair comparison, though an inevitable one—Queen Shara is very like Shelob in The Lord of The Rings.) While it is not so epic in its scope, Firelight of Heaven is an easier, more accessible read.
The usual quest ensues when the brothers Dougray and Robbie are forced to flee the evil king Morgran whose untaming has been unleashed on their quiet pastoral village. They are sent over the mountain where they encounter an elf, Belle Shadow-chaser of the Green Woods, and are helped by her to cross Gardenia, the garden land, destroyed by the ruinous untaming.
Touches of allegory are easy to spot but they never get in the way of a good story. Tisser the beautiful Toggle is a great comic character, introduced at just the right time when the story threatened to become a little too bleak.
Morgran has been taking boys as they reach the age of seventeen for service in his far-off wars. None have ever returned – and it becomes apparent that ‘war’ is an excuse to take the young men. There is a prophecy about a seventeen year old that Morgran wants to ensure is never fulfilled.
Dougray and Robbie attend a meeting called by a resistance leader, deep in a hut in the forest. Robbie spots soldiers trying to ambush them. Their lives are in danger and they are sent up the Black Horn to safety with a mountain shepherd. But they find him dead and, hotly pursued, they head on through a snowstorm. Robbie is utterly convinced that Dougray, nearly seventeen, is the one chosen by the Morningstar to defeat Morgran. Dougray finds Robbie’s faith in the Morningstar childish and naïve.
It transpires Morgran’s dark servants have already got to Dougray: unknown to him, he has been programmed as an assassin. Which means, if he’s the Chosen One, all hope is gone.
Disclaimer: I saw the first draft of this story during a writing mentorship - and encouraged Lizbeth to redraft and keep on keeping on. So glad I did. This has become a top story.
The usual quest ensues when the brothers Dougray and Robbie are forced to flee the evil king Morgran whose untaming has been unleashed on their quiet pastoral village. They are sent over the mountain where they encounter an elf, Belle Shadow-chaser of the Green Woods, and are helped by her to cross Gardenia, the garden land, destroyed by the ruinous untaming.
Touches of allegory are easy to spot but they never get in the way of a good story. Tisser the beautiful Toggle is a great comic character, introduced at just the right time when the story threatened to become a little too bleak.
Morgran has been taking boys as they reach the age of seventeen for service in his far-off wars. None have ever returned – and it becomes apparent that ‘war’ is an excuse to take the young men. There is a prophecy about a seventeen year old that Morgran wants to ensure is never fulfilled.
Dougray and Robbie attend a meeting called by a resistance leader, deep in a hut in the forest. Robbie spots soldiers trying to ambush them. Their lives are in danger and they are sent up the Black Horn to safety with a mountain shepherd. But they find him dead and, hotly pursued, they head on through a snowstorm. Robbie is utterly convinced that Dougray, nearly seventeen, is the one chosen by the Morningstar to defeat Morgran. Dougray finds Robbie’s faith in the Morningstar childish and naïve.
It transpires Morgran’s dark servants have already got to Dougray: unknown to him, he has been programmed as an assassin. Which means, if he’s the Chosen One, all hope is gone.
Disclaimer: I saw the first draft of this story during a writing mentorship - and encouraged Lizbeth to redraft and keep on keeping on. So glad I did. This has become a top story.
February 28, 2021
Firelight of Heaven is a fantasy novel set in an alternate world. It follows two brothers, Robbie and Dougray, as they first attend a secret resistance meeting against their land's usurper king and later run for their lives when the king's soldiers arrive.
The part I enjoyed best about this book is the interaction between the brothers. They're very different, and I think siblings are an often overlooked relationship in fantasy. Robbie and Dougray are three-dimensional--basically good-hearted but with plenty of room for growth.
They flee the usurper king's lands, pursued by soldiers, into the neighboring kingdom. They flee trolls, befriend an female elf archer, and battle giant spiders. They're on a quest to collect jewels which will ensure the usurper king's downfall. If that sort of story is your cup of tea, Ms. Klein has crafted an enjoyable tale in the first of a series of the brothers' adventures.
The part I enjoyed best about this book is the interaction between the brothers. They're very different, and I think siblings are an often overlooked relationship in fantasy. Robbie and Dougray are three-dimensional--basically good-hearted but with plenty of room for growth.
They flee the usurper king's lands, pursued by soldiers, into the neighboring kingdom. They flee trolls, befriend an female elf archer, and battle giant spiders. They're on a quest to collect jewels which will ensure the usurper king's downfall. If that sort of story is your cup of tea, Ms. Klein has crafted an enjoyable tale in the first of a series of the brothers' adventures.
October 30, 2021
Derivative, unpolished, the pacing is fucked, and all of the characters are stupid. Like, they're lacking in intelligence not they're unconvincing as people, though that too I suppose. I realise that its tricky writing (for) someone of a different age and that there's a need to temper your own thoughts but seriously these kids should have been dead like six times by the end of the book, and they don't act like teenage boys.
Also was it necessary to switch perspective every chapter it just made Dougray seem incredibly dumb.
Story was alright if a little hackneyed but it could have been written better. If this is a kids' book, aimed at like the sort of 8-13 range then change the age of the characters, and if it's a teen book put more work in, flesh out the story and make the characters more believable.
Also was it necessary to switch perspective every chapter it just made Dougray seem incredibly dumb.
Story was alright if a little hackneyed but it could have been written better. If this is a kids' book, aimed at like the sort of 8-13 range then change the age of the characters, and if it's a teen book put more work in, flesh out the story and make the characters more believable.
July 19, 2023
Robbie and Dougray seem like your average brothers. They help each other on the farm. They support their grandfather. Seems an average family trying to avoid the wrath of an evil king.
Then fate intervenes. Turns out that dark magic was loose in their homeland. They must flee. The reader will be pulled in as more magic is revealed and it becomes clear that this is far bigger than just their survival.
This is a well crafted story to bring you into Belthoria. One which will stick with you.
Then fate intervenes. Turns out that dark magic was loose in their homeland. They must flee. The reader will be pulled in as more magic is revealed and it becomes clear that this is far bigger than just their survival.
This is a well crafted story to bring you into Belthoria. One which will stick with you.
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