Greystone

by B L Ryan

All Mouse could remember about her father was sitting on his lap while he told her stories. She wished she could remember what he looked like. When she hangs a white pendant that belonged to her father in her bedroom window, this wish becomes the key to great adventure in another world. A gate appears with a dragon twirling in the air above a colourful garden on the other side of the gate. Zeeta, the royal dragon, greets Mouse and invites her into the garden. The garden is part of Sweet Water holding, home to Lady Jane, who is the seer for Prince Ruler Jared.As Mouse and Zeeta struggle to complete a quest, Mouse searches for her father. Their journey takes them across the plains of Norlanda and south to the Border Mountains.The seers have foretold that a far traveller will appear and lead Norlanda against its enemies. This does not seem likely, as Norlanda is prosperous and peaceful at this time. Meanwhile, dark forces gathered in the Border Mountains have recognized the presence of Mouse in the lines of destiny and have started to move towards her.How will the presence of a child, a far traveller from another world, affect the destiny of this world?

518 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2023

Reviews

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret Gracen, whom everyone called Mouse, had gone to live with her uncle, Robert, and her aunt, Livy after her mother died. She had little memory of her father, who left when she was only four. One day, her uncle stumbles upon a white pendant in the attic, which belonged to Mouse’s father, and gives it to her, who in turn hangs it on her bedroom window. To her shock, hanging the pendant in this way creates an iron gate with a garden and a red gravel path. When a friendly dragon appears from the gateway and begins communicating with her, Mouse discovers she has an uncanny ability to communicate with dragons.

The doorway paves the way into an unlikely path that Mouse had not envisioned as the two enter a new land and meet Lady Jane, a seer of the prince ruler, Jared. It turns out that a prophecy had been foretold by the seers of a faraway traveler that would lead the Norlandan people to fight off their enemies. The Etu guardians had allowed Mouse to come through the gate to fulfill her mandate. However, her quest would be marred with danger and challenges as forces who are opposed to her quest and have gotten wind of her arrival, seek to destroy her before she can fulfill her assignment. Will Mouse and her dragon friend, Zeeta succeed?

Great characterization and vivid world-building mark Ryan’s captivating ode. Her descriptions and skillful use of dialogue immerse the reader into a world steeped with power struggles, unlikely alliances, and highly volatile situations. What will really grip a reader’s attention is the -young protagonist’s determination to fulfill her assignment. Her dedication to finding her father is admirable as well, and the various chapters that take up the first-person narrative provide a lens into the young girl’s mind and the reasons for her actions and decisions.

The richly conceptualized systems of magic and fantastical elements present in this big-hearted gem of a novel are admirably crafted and piqued my interest in this genre. Its five-hundred-plus pages should not keep you off reading it, as every chapter has plentiful surprises that you will not see coming. B L Ryan’s superior storytelling will no doubt enthrall fantasy enthusiasts worldwide. Her book, “Greystone” is a worthy addition to its genre.

[Sofi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Greystone" by B. L. Ryan is an exhilarating journey into a dark and intricate world where mystery, danger, and intrigue collide. Ryan crafts a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The plot is intricate, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

What truly sets this book apart is its rich and atmospheric setting. The descriptions are vivid and immersive, drawing you into a world where every shadow holds a secret. The characters are well-developed, each with their own complexities and hidden depths, making it easy to invest in their journeys.

Ryan's writing is masterful, blending suspense, drama, and a touch of the supernatural. "Greystone" is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and thrillers, offering a compelling story that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the final page.