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Rise of Cithria #1
The Chosen
Part one of an epic six-part fantasy adventure!Three kingdoms at war. Three stories of hope, sorrow, and sacrifice. Three groups of heroes, whose personal quests lead them to discover that a fourth kingdom, long forgotten, lies dormant. But no more. Unless these heroes, bitter enemies of each other, can put aside their enmity, then Cithria will rise again, and everyone else will fall into the abyss.An epic fantasy series from Kris Kramer, Alistair McIntyre, and Patrick Underhill, founders of the4threalm.com. Catch the beginning of an innovative new sword and sorcery adventure with elves, dwarves, dragons, and much, much more. Visit the4threalm.com for more details!
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2013
152 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 27, 2016
Despite having fantastical magic that is hardly understandable, lots of weird beings, numerous plot lines and a seemingly cast of thousands, it all hangs together. I think that it is because the characters are well written and the reader engages with them so much that they want to see what happens next. At first, I found it a little hard going, but then found I was really enjoying it. I hope the rest of the series is just as good.
September 30, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review by the Author. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
The Chosen by Kris Kramer has great potential for an ongoing series. The world building is phenomenal. The introduction and set up of not only the characters but also all of the other beings living in their world is flawless.
I find it interesting the way the author(s) wrote this story. It seemed to be almost a collection of short stories. I liked it, very refreshing, however it also gave me a time to pause and put down the book, without a driving desire to pick it back up again. (Though I did pick it back up each time specifically to complete the R2R, and I am very glad for it!)
The characters are very enjoyable. And as I said before the world is amazing. Though, when each new character, new type of being, etc. was introduce - at first I struggled to keep them all straight, to remember who was friend/foe with who, etc. But as I read on, it became easier.
Overall, this was an action packed, fast-paced story, with an intriguing world and engaging characters.
The Chosen by Kris Kramer has great potential for an ongoing series. The world building is phenomenal. The introduction and set up of not only the characters but also all of the other beings living in their world is flawless.
I find it interesting the way the author(s) wrote this story. It seemed to be almost a collection of short stories. I liked it, very refreshing, however it also gave me a time to pause and put down the book, without a driving desire to pick it back up again. (Though I did pick it back up each time specifically to complete the R2R, and I am very glad for it!)
The characters are very enjoyable. And as I said before the world is amazing. Though, when each new character, new type of being, etc. was introduce - at first I struggled to keep them all straight, to remember who was friend/foe with who, etc. But as I read on, it became easier.
Overall, this was an action packed, fast-paced story, with an intriguing world and engaging characters.
December 5, 2017
This book was a mixture of very good and very annoying. The storytelling was excellent, most of the characters were interesting, and the world was fully immersive. That being said, the way the book is written was quite obnoxious.
I knew right form the beginning that this book was going to be one out of a series, but I didn't realize it was going to end in the middle of a chapter. A cliffhanger ending - and not just any cliffhanger, no, you spend the entire first book learning about things, but nothing - and I mean nothing - ever gets finished. Not a single storyline was concluded in this book, they were all just introduced. Again, this was said in the introduction of the book, that the story would take a long time to tell, but this book isn't even that long. So I'm not sure why they felt compelled to stop in the middle of a battle.
The other thing that really bothered me about this book were the points of view. I'm surprised there was a section written in the point of view of the wolf. Or possible the guy running the stall in the marketplace that one time. Every single section was written from a new point of view, from a newly introduced character. I'm exaggerating to some extent, but not by much. I had a lot of difficulty trying to figure where I was, who I was, and who I was with while reading this book. And that's just an unnecessary annoyance.
All of that being said, I am interested in the second book and how this series continues. The story is excellent, I just wish the book was worth reading alone.
I knew right form the beginning that this book was going to be one out of a series, but I didn't realize it was going to end in the middle of a chapter. A cliffhanger ending - and not just any cliffhanger, no, you spend the entire first book learning about things, but nothing - and I mean nothing - ever gets finished. Not a single storyline was concluded in this book, they were all just introduced. Again, this was said in the introduction of the book, that the story would take a long time to tell, but this book isn't even that long. So I'm not sure why they felt compelled to stop in the middle of a battle.
The other thing that really bothered me about this book were the points of view. I'm surprised there was a section written in the point of view of the wolf. Or possible the guy running the stall in the marketplace that one time. Every single section was written from a new point of view, from a newly introduced character. I'm exaggerating to some extent, but not by much. I had a lot of difficulty trying to figure where I was, who I was, and who I was with while reading this book. And that's just an unnecessary annoyance.
All of that being said, I am interested in the second book and how this series continues. The story is excellent, I just wish the book was worth reading alone.
October 22, 2018
Weird
Ok this was kinda weird to read I’ve read lots of books that skip around to fill you in on the plot but this one takes the cake for it jumping around I am still comas to what is happening.
Ok this was kinda weird to read I’ve read lots of books that skip around to fill you in on the plot but this one takes the cake for it jumping around I am still comas to what is happening.
February 13, 2019
I truly enjoyed this book. Very few errors and quite well written. I enjoyed learning about all the different races in the world and seeing a bit different take on some familiar D&D type races. I look forward to reading more of this series!
June 16, 2019
Slow start
The characters and story move slowly at first and jump from group to group and does not grab your attention. It is a different world that is described with different life forms.
The characters and story move slowly at first and jump from group to group and does not grab your attention. It is a different world that is described with different life forms.
August 19, 2017
Better than I expected, might read the next, characters became better developed once I had a sense of who was on what side, but some parts still were confusing for me. More like 3.5 stars.
January 15, 2018
I totally loved this! Kris is an amazing writer (check out Sanctuary), and Underhill and McIntyre are just as talented.
April 15, 2013
This book was... okay. There are many things wrong with it, and I almost gave up on it a few times while reading it. I did finally get through it however because I hate rating / reviewing this without completing them, as I don't feel that to be fair to the creator's of the work.
This book is less of a book, but instead three shorter novellas sandwiched together between the same two covers. Each story is told from three different people groups in the same fantasy world. I will say that the world was seemingly masterfully created, and though the races were nothing extraordinary (basically your standard human, elf, dwarf affair) it drew me in, wanting to know more. I felt that the characters were well crafted and I could relate with their struggles wanting to know more them. With all of this praise, why the 2 star rating you ask? Well, for all it's glory, "The Chosen" is a poorly crafted tale by seemingly great authors.
I cannot speak ill of the writing quality. I felt that whether it be dialogue, world building, or action, the words were crafted well and I did not feel like I was stumbling while I read. The problem comes, however, with the story. This is three shorter tales, seemingly unrelated except by the world they are presented in. Each tale tries to be bigger than it has room for and thus introduces too many concepts / characters too quickly. I felt comfortable with the progression of the first 2 stories up until about the halfway point, where they seemingly fall apart. The characters and world concepts are set-up magnificently, but then everything goes wrong. Suddenly the author(s) start switching perspective in a Game of Thrones type of style, but it is done in a sloppy manner. Though the change in perspective allows for better entering into the characters and the development thereof, it spreads the story too thin. I really wanted to know more about the "coward" in the first story, but instead of being rewarded I was introduced to the inner thoughts and feelings of all other characters (5 in total by the end of a mere 100 pages).
This issue persists in the second story as well. Characters are introduced at the beginning and the reader gets a feel for where the story is going and what makes the character tick, but then the story begins to bounce from character to character, and where there are between 5 and 8 characters (depending on which of the 3 stories you are reading at the time) it makes for the messy flow of a muddy river after the storm instead of the clear flow of a creek on a summer's day.
I must praise these authors for the thought and creativity put into this work, but wish to warn them about the scope of the tale. I also would like to praise the humour of a certain cocky warrior in the second of the stories included in this work. I felt like that character was well fashioned and enjoyed how he foiled some of the other characters. I also found the third story to be better crafted than the others. I felt like it was more coherent and did not bounce between characters as much. The other two started with one or two characters and then continued to add characters until there were too many to handle, all the while trying to keep the reader invested emotionally with the newly introduced as well as the older characters. The third story started with more characters and introduced less over time. Because of this, I felt like it was harder to process at the beginning, but progressed in a smoother fashion as each character in the story was developed at an equal pace.
Another complain I have is that none of the stories really end. I realize that this is supposed to be the first book in a trilogy (according to the4threalm.com) but that doesn't mean that the stories should end so abruptly. I feel like the world could have been crafted better if each tale was taken separately and crafted on its own, thus the trilogy would have the same stories in the end, but instead of writing all three at once, one would be written at a time, thus enhancing the flow of each book. All three of the stories simply end with little explanation and no conclusion. The second story even chooses to introduce a new character in the final two chapters, the final chapter being told from their perspective. It is primarily for this reason that I felt the second tale was the worst of the three, because it was very unfinished.
In conclusion I would say it is worth reading, but I am glad I did not pay any money for it.
Pros:
- Great character development
- Decent world building
- Good writing
Cons:
- Too broad a scope for such a short book
- Should have been three separate books fully fleshed out instead of three book excerpts
- Artificial / non-existent endings
- Too much jumping between character perspectives causes a loss of focus
- Too many "main" characters (sub-point of the previous point)
This book is less of a book, but instead three shorter novellas sandwiched together between the same two covers. Each story is told from three different people groups in the same fantasy world. I will say that the world was seemingly masterfully created, and though the races were nothing extraordinary (basically your standard human, elf, dwarf affair) it drew me in, wanting to know more. I felt that the characters were well crafted and I could relate with their struggles wanting to know more them. With all of this praise, why the 2 star rating you ask? Well, for all it's glory, "The Chosen" is a poorly crafted tale by seemingly great authors.
I cannot speak ill of the writing quality. I felt that whether it be dialogue, world building, or action, the words were crafted well and I did not feel like I was stumbling while I read. The problem comes, however, with the story. This is three shorter tales, seemingly unrelated except by the world they are presented in. Each tale tries to be bigger than it has room for and thus introduces too many concepts / characters too quickly. I felt comfortable with the progression of the first 2 stories up until about the halfway point, where they seemingly fall apart. The characters and world concepts are set-up magnificently, but then everything goes wrong. Suddenly the author(s) start switching perspective in a Game of Thrones type of style, but it is done in a sloppy manner. Though the change in perspective allows for better entering into the characters and the development thereof, it spreads the story too thin. I really wanted to know more about the "coward" in the first story, but instead of being rewarded I was introduced to the inner thoughts and feelings of all other characters (5 in total by the end of a mere 100 pages).
This issue persists in the second story as well. Characters are introduced at the beginning and the reader gets a feel for where the story is going and what makes the character tick, but then the story begins to bounce from character to character, and where there are between 5 and 8 characters (depending on which of the 3 stories you are reading at the time) it makes for the messy flow of a muddy river after the storm instead of the clear flow of a creek on a summer's day.
I must praise these authors for the thought and creativity put into this work, but wish to warn them about the scope of the tale. I also would like to praise the humour of a certain cocky warrior in the second of the stories included in this work. I felt like that character was well fashioned and enjoyed how he foiled some of the other characters. I also found the third story to be better crafted than the others. I felt like it was more coherent and did not bounce between characters as much. The other two started with one or two characters and then continued to add characters until there were too many to handle, all the while trying to keep the reader invested emotionally with the newly introduced as well as the older characters. The third story started with more characters and introduced less over time. Because of this, I felt like it was harder to process at the beginning, but progressed in a smoother fashion as each character in the story was developed at an equal pace.
Another complain I have is that none of the stories really end. I realize that this is supposed to be the first book in a trilogy (according to the4threalm.com) but that doesn't mean that the stories should end so abruptly. I feel like the world could have been crafted better if each tale was taken separately and crafted on its own, thus the trilogy would have the same stories in the end, but instead of writing all three at once, one would be written at a time, thus enhancing the flow of each book. All three of the stories simply end with little explanation and no conclusion. The second story even chooses to introduce a new character in the final two chapters, the final chapter being told from their perspective. It is primarily for this reason that I felt the second tale was the worst of the three, because it was very unfinished.
In conclusion I would say it is worth reading, but I am glad I did not pay any money for it.
Pros:
- Great character development
- Decent world building
- Good writing
Cons:
- Too broad a scope for such a short book
- Should have been three separate books fully fleshed out instead of three book excerpts
- Artificial / non-existent endings
- Too much jumping between character perspectives causes a loss of focus
- Too many "main" characters (sub-point of the previous point)
December 10, 2013
A short story collection might have been an apt name for this medley of stories, except that these were framed to be more episodic. Each tale ends on a deliberate cliff hanger.
Three stories by three different authors in a collective story world. It's difficult to explain how this book delivers because it does it so sporadically. One story struggles a bit with flow and composition as another gets so lost between perspective swapping that the characters, themselves, begin to feel muddled by inconsistent behavior through the perception of their peers.
This book is like a trip to a low quality buffet. You sample a lot of things very quickly in hopes of finding something you like, but even when you do it's supply runs out so quickly that you have to wade back into the search for something palatable.
While the purpose of the book is obviously to hook people into a setting, it's done in a questionable method. Each story is plagued with a bevy of exposition and introductions. Where a normal novel has a sweeping path with well paced character introductions and clumps of information dropping. This book suffers from wave after wave of new character introductions and back stories, new perspective portrayals, new climates, new enemies, new races, new story arcs, new, new, new.... It's overwhelmingly immersion breaking. Each story a reader has to immerse themselves again. Each character a reader has to immerse themselves again. This becomes monotonous and dulls the quality of the details when taken as a whole. The typical human doesn't empathize with every individual they cross paths with. Most of them pass by and are mostly forgotten in a never-ending flow of brief encounters. The characters in this book feel this way. Brief and unmemorable across the sweep of the narrative.
Other problems exist. A book with three authors will either soar upon the combined strength of its creators or plummet under the weight of their weaknesses. This book felt like an odd doddering combination of both. Unfortunately the best leg in the world can only run so fast in a gimped pair. And likewise its easier to remember the stumbling, faltering issues than the wonderful successes within.
There is a lot of potential in here, but it may have been better done as one story done by three authors or three separate books in the same world. The world feels intriguing. Many of the characters are enticing. However, too much exposition with too little substance leaves much of the definition out of the many races and nations which are present within. Which is a disappointment because there is a lot to work with here that could do really well.
The obvious video game inspirations also felt somewhat stretched. Respawn stones, incessant healing that rewards reckless abandon, characters with power up modes, and other oddities break away from the immersion as a reader mulls things over in their mind.
At times I wanted to give this three stars as I enjoyed some character or plot idea, but others I was soundly determined to give it two based on the gravel-road-in-the-back-of-a-truck sort of ride I was on. The two outweighed the three in the end.
Three stories by three different authors in a collective story world. It's difficult to explain how this book delivers because it does it so sporadically. One story struggles a bit with flow and composition as another gets so lost between perspective swapping that the characters, themselves, begin to feel muddled by inconsistent behavior through the perception of their peers.
This book is like a trip to a low quality buffet. You sample a lot of things very quickly in hopes of finding something you like, but even when you do it's supply runs out so quickly that you have to wade back into the search for something palatable.
While the purpose of the book is obviously to hook people into a setting, it's done in a questionable method. Each story is plagued with a bevy of exposition and introductions. Where a normal novel has a sweeping path with well paced character introductions and clumps of information dropping. This book suffers from wave after wave of new character introductions and back stories, new perspective portrayals, new climates, new enemies, new races, new story arcs, new, new, new.... It's overwhelmingly immersion breaking. Each story a reader has to immerse themselves again. Each character a reader has to immerse themselves again. This becomes monotonous and dulls the quality of the details when taken as a whole. The typical human doesn't empathize with every individual they cross paths with. Most of them pass by and are mostly forgotten in a never-ending flow of brief encounters. The characters in this book feel this way. Brief and unmemorable across the sweep of the narrative.
Other problems exist. A book with three authors will either soar upon the combined strength of its creators or plummet under the weight of their weaknesses. This book felt like an odd doddering combination of both. Unfortunately the best leg in the world can only run so fast in a gimped pair. And likewise its easier to remember the stumbling, faltering issues than the wonderful successes within.
There is a lot of potential in here, but it may have been better done as one story done by three authors or three separate books in the same world. The world feels intriguing. Many of the characters are enticing. However, too much exposition with too little substance leaves much of the definition out of the many races and nations which are present within. Which is a disappointment because there is a lot to work with here that could do really well.
The obvious video game inspirations also felt somewhat stretched. Respawn stones, incessant healing that rewards reckless abandon, characters with power up modes, and other oddities break away from the immersion as a reader mulls things over in their mind.
At times I wanted to give this three stars as I enjoyed some character or plot idea, but others I was soundly determined to give it two based on the gravel-road-in-the-back-of-a-truck sort of ride I was on. The two outweighed the three in the end.
October 26, 2014
I absolutely loved this story. I think the authors did a great job setting up an exciting story with this first book in the series. First book for me by these author and I have to say I connected with the writing style. They got into the story right away and kept it moving quickly through the pages. The authors did an amazing job developing each of the 3 story lines. The writing was really easy to follow and laced with creativity and originality, I found myself drifting into the different kingdoms and realms right in the middle of the drama and action. The authors paint a great picture but don’t get bogged down in fanciful fluff, keeping the reading interesting and entertaining.
I see some reviewers complaining that they couldn’t really follow the story line and I can understand that to some degree, but you have to understand what the authors are trying to do here. They are writing an epic, there is not one main character that they are following around, this is the first in a 5 part series that has 20 main characters. Of course it will be a bit to organize the characters but I feel like the Authors did an excellent job managing the characters and the story lines. Even though there are many characters, the authors develop them well. It is a fantasy but these people are relatable and really likeable. You are going to want to follow them around just to know what happens to them next! Something I could compare it to is the show the Wire, you have an incredible number of characters in the show and it takes a bit to get to know them. Then the story that is weaved throughout the seasons with the interactions between all of the characters is really special. Any great epic is not going to be a simple cut and dry single protagonist affair. They are covering a great deal of space and time and I think they do an excellent job.
I also like to always mention my respect for authors that publish full length stories in an era where many split one story into a series to cash in. This is a 5 part story but this is not a 500 page story split up into 100 page bites, the first part of this epic runs 429 pages on its own with each of the others running several hundred pages as well.This story is clearly written out of an inspiration to share imagination and that comes through in the pages. I highly recommend!
I see some reviewers complaining that they couldn’t really follow the story line and I can understand that to some degree, but you have to understand what the authors are trying to do here. They are writing an epic, there is not one main character that they are following around, this is the first in a 5 part series that has 20 main characters. Of course it will be a bit to organize the characters but I feel like the Authors did an excellent job managing the characters and the story lines. Even though there are many characters, the authors develop them well. It is a fantasy but these people are relatable and really likeable. You are going to want to follow them around just to know what happens to them next! Something I could compare it to is the show the Wire, you have an incredible number of characters in the show and it takes a bit to get to know them. Then the story that is weaved throughout the seasons with the interactions between all of the characters is really special. Any great epic is not going to be a simple cut and dry single protagonist affair. They are covering a great deal of space and time and I think they do an excellent job.
I also like to always mention my respect for authors that publish full length stories in an era where many split one story into a series to cash in. This is a 5 part story but this is not a 500 page story split up into 100 page bites, the first part of this epic runs 429 pages on its own with each of the others running several hundred pages as well.This story is clearly written out of an inspiration to share imagination and that comes through in the pages. I highly recommend!
Currently reading
July 3, 2015 This book appears to be spilt up into three different "parts," each part being titled according to which nation is being featured in the story and bringing forth a new set of characters hailing from whichever of the three nations the "part" is following. The first "part" of the story features the nation Caldera.
Caldera:
The story opens on a man named Aiden, who is a scorned former soldier of the Calderon Army. He wears the brand of a Coward (a "C") on his cheek, though he is far from cowardly. His rise to redemption comes to him in the form of a novice bandit named Finias and a Bergsbor Warshield (don't ask, I have NO IDEA just what that might actually be). Aiden teams up with Finias to kill the Warshield and gain a small reward and hopefully some recognition that will be a small step towards the ultimate redemption that Aiden seeks. What the boys receive, however, is far more than they bargained for.
I loved Aiden's determination towards reaching his goals and pursuing his purpose in life, which was to regain his honor and fight for Caldera alongside his countrymen. He was quite the inspirational figure and a born leader of men. I enjoyed his patriotism and loyalty toward his country and friends. I'm totally rooting for this man.
Finias was an interesting figure. He was arrogant, cocky, and utterly confident with himself and his abilities as an archer and seemed nearly unflappable until he had to put those skills to truly deadly use. Never having killed anyone before, he struggles with his desire to not become like his father and brother and his desire to see just what he can really do. He has a checkered past that we didn't really get to delve into very much and I'm eager to find out more about him and his dark upbringings.
Though the beginning was slow-going and hard to get into, I'm eager to find out what happens next with Aiden, Finias, and their band of misfit heroes.
Side note: for those of you who were curious, my first statement on this book may be attributed to the noticeable time gap with reading this book. I have not decided to cease reading, the first 'part' as I mentioned earlier just seemed an acceptable spot to take a break (be it as long as it is). I firmly intend to continue this book at some point. That point is just not RIGHT NOW. Further review to come after reading.
Caldera:
The story opens on a man named Aiden, who is a scorned former soldier of the Calderon Army. He wears the brand of a Coward (a "C") on his cheek, though he is far from cowardly. His rise to redemption comes to him in the form of a novice bandit named Finias and a Bergsbor Warshield (don't ask, I have NO IDEA just what that might actually be). Aiden teams up with Finias to kill the Warshield and gain a small reward and hopefully some recognition that will be a small step towards the ultimate redemption that Aiden seeks. What the boys receive, however, is far more than they bargained for.
I loved Aiden's determination towards reaching his goals and pursuing his purpose in life, which was to regain his honor and fight for Caldera alongside his countrymen. He was quite the inspirational figure and a born leader of men. I enjoyed his patriotism and loyalty toward his country and friends. I'm totally rooting for this man.
Finias was an interesting figure. He was arrogant, cocky, and utterly confident with himself and his abilities as an archer and seemed nearly unflappable until he had to put those skills to truly deadly use. Never having killed anyone before, he struggles with his desire to not become like his father and brother and his desire to see just what he can really do. He has a checkered past that we didn't really get to delve into very much and I'm eager to find out more about him and his dark upbringings.
Though the beginning was slow-going and hard to get into, I'm eager to find out what happens next with Aiden, Finias, and their band of misfit heroes.
Side note: for those of you who were curious, my first statement on this book may be attributed to the noticeable time gap with reading this book. I have not decided to cease reading, the first 'part' as I mentioned earlier just seemed an acceptable spot to take a break (be it as long as it is). I firmly intend to continue this book at some point. That point is just not RIGHT NOW. Further review to come after reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2015
Part 1
The Thandaran Empire founded the Andua (island) & renamed it Caldera. The Anduains PPL moved out/on, as did the Thandarans PPL.
Damhran became the new leader.
Darren (Damhran son, Anduain warrior) observed the Century Star. He became the new King.
Wars & battles raged on for many yrs. with both Andua & Bergmark.
Aiden & Finias had battled it out with Warshield (m, Northman). He had killed 2 Brin merchants & deserved to die.
Aiden & Finias got no glossy & very little reward.
Finias was off for another adventure.
He met Katarina Kat (girl) & Malcolm (boy, Kat brother).
Part 2
The war between Andua & Caldera continued on.
Kearney (giant wolf), Shela (f), Fionn (sister) & Eilidh (f, Liam BFF) were about to battle it out with firbolg’s & dwarf’s. They were also going to save Liam (Thorn of Andua, soldier).
Part 3
Gruesome (claw creature, master, warrior of Clan Beartooth) & Pjodarr (shaman, slave) had killed the frost wyvern.
The 2 next meet Tarac (High Priest of Drogu, Shepherd of the Souls of Durum Tai), & Folik (Necromancer).
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written 3-part fantasy (Ancient lore) book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. I didn’t understand any of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. I’m sure you 3 author/writers know what you are doing. That said I will have to rate this book at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The Thandaran Empire founded the Andua (island) & renamed it Caldera. The Anduains PPL moved out/on, as did the Thandarans PPL.
Damhran became the new leader.
Darren (Damhran son, Anduain warrior) observed the Century Star. He became the new King.
Wars & battles raged on for many yrs. with both Andua & Bergmark.
Aiden & Finias had battled it out with Warshield (m, Northman). He had killed 2 Brin merchants & deserved to die.
Aiden & Finias got no glossy & very little reward.
Finias was off for another adventure.
He met Katarina Kat (girl) & Malcolm (boy, Kat brother).
Part 2
The war between Andua & Caldera continued on.
Kearney (giant wolf), Shela (f), Fionn (sister) & Eilidh (f, Liam BFF) were about to battle it out with firbolg’s & dwarf’s. They were also going to save Liam (Thorn of Andua, soldier).
Part 3
Gruesome (claw creature, master, warrior of Clan Beartooth) & Pjodarr (shaman, slave) had killed the frost wyvern.
The 2 next meet Tarac (High Priest of Drogu, Shepherd of the Souls of Durum Tai), & Folik (Necromancer).
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written 3-part fantasy (Ancient lore) book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. I didn’t understand any of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. I’m sure you 3 author/writers know what you are doing. That said I will have to rate this book at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 8, 2015
The authors begin the book by explaining that their work is different than other books and contains many, many characters and would end in a cliff hanger. If I had heard that before receiving the book, I would have passed on it and thus missed a very exciting book. The first chapter gives the history of all the people, lands and conflicts. Since I hated history class in school, all I heard was blah, blah, blah. Thankfully it was short and the story became interesting to me after that. There are indeed many characters and subplots. At first I tried to remember who was who and where and why but ended up frustrated. After I stopped trying so hard the story began to flow and all the characters and actions began to converge toward a central point. The action was almost constant without any boring lulls. The narrator did an excellent job giving each character a unique voice and personality. It ended in the promised cliff hanger which had me shouting 'Nooo, not now!" I will be purchasing the next book in the series, something I had not planned on doing before listening to this one.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."
March 8, 2018
It looks like I have found a new series to read!
I really enjoy the third person omniscient writing, and how the story is divided between several characters. The story is written clearly, and I needed to look up only a few words. There were a select few times that the story hinted towards material that may be suitable for older teens and adults, but it never came right out and directly mentioned anything too risky.
It's not hard to get me interested in a story that involves a medievalesque timeframe, elves, creatures, magic, quests, battles, and the like; and that's exactly what The Chosen is about. There are several different characters whose point of view are part of the story. These characters come from different parts of the land, and all have different missions, but are all going to lead to the same place. I am very intrigued to see how these people will meet, and if they should decide to join forces, or to battle each other.
I gave this book four stars. I really do like this book so far, and I will be starting the next in the series!
I really enjoy the third person omniscient writing, and how the story is divided between several characters. The story is written clearly, and I needed to look up only a few words. There were a select few times that the story hinted towards material that may be suitable for older teens and adults, but it never came right out and directly mentioned anything too risky.
It's not hard to get me interested in a story that involves a medievalesque timeframe, elves, creatures, magic, quests, battles, and the like; and that's exactly what The Chosen is about. There are several different characters whose point of view are part of the story. These characters come from different parts of the land, and all have different missions, but are all going to lead to the same place. I am very intrigued to see how these people will meet, and if they should decide to join forces, or to battle each other.
I gave this book four stars. I really do like this book so far, and I will be starting the next in the series!
September 23, 2015
Audiobook
Narration - Kevin Clay - Kick A$$!
Really amazing narration. This book has a ton of character's and he really had unique character voices for each one, without any of them sounding like over the top animated critters. Just Really a terrific job!
The story is really three stories in one all heading towards each other. Really creative worlds with really creative characters so there is a lot to take in. If you are a fan of fantasy, I think you will love this start to what I'm sure will be an epic tale. It does end on a cliffy so you'll want to start on the next one right away, and again, I can't say enough about how terrific this narrator is. Such an enjoyable listen!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review.
Narration - Kevin Clay - Kick A$$!
Really amazing narration. This book has a ton of character's and he really had unique character voices for each one, without any of them sounding like over the top animated critters. Just Really a terrific job!
The story is really three stories in one all heading towards each other. Really creative worlds with really creative characters so there is a lot to take in. If you are a fan of fantasy, I think you will love this start to what I'm sure will be an epic tale. It does end on a cliffy so you'll want to start on the next one right away, and again, I can't say enough about how terrific this narrator is. Such an enjoyable listen!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 10, 2015
I was impressed by this- it's a fresh new epic fantasy (It sounds as if this book will be one of five or six!), at least to me. There is a lot of action, but there are also a lot of thought provoking events going on throughout. We have a handful of characters and it's very intriguing to see how they will meet, will they be allies or enemies?
I would definitely consider reading the next installment in the series.
The narrator did a good job differentiating most characters, and I would absolutely listen to more of his work in the future.
I received this book for free from the publisher, authors or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.
I would definitely consider reading the next installment in the series.
The narrator did a good job differentiating most characters, and I would absolutely listen to more of his work in the future.
I received this book for free from the publisher, authors or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 5, 2015
This is going to be a monumental work. If you can keep track of double digit numbers of characters this is going to be great. Well written with an exciting plot. I am already looking for the second book of the series.
September 6, 2016
Three Kingdoms at war with WAY too many characters to keep track of.I enjoyed what I could follow.I gave up in the end because I couldn't keep them straight.Kevin Clay is a great narrator.
I was given this book free for an honest review
I was given this book free for an honest review
December 31, 2014
My part was cool, but Alistair and Patrick really know how to write some epic characters and situations.
January 10, 2026
I wrote one third of this book, but the other two thirds are magnificent.
May 7, 2014
Good
I did not like how it went from one character to the next right as it got to a good part really didn't like the end.
I did not like how it went from one character to the next right as it got to a good part really didn't like the end.
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