What do you think?
Rate this book
The Alliance
In the Palace of Rygia
Forgiven. After waging war against a nation of righteous believers for seven years, Justus Corden is told that he is forgiven... by a man who dies at his hands. This launches a series of events that force him to reassess everything he's believed in and worked for his entire life.
Discovering a captive enemy maiden in the palace, he's faced with a struggle between his own deeply ingrained loyalties and his long-dormant heart, finally beginning to awaken. Yet when the two of them discover who had forgiven him in that crucial moment, their newfound hopes are shattered.
When Corden’s realm is threatened by yet another force, the realm of believers must decide who is the real enemy and whether they will risk everything to help those they had warred against.
Only an act of extreme sacrifice can change one man’s heart and save an entire realm.
The seven books of The Alliance series deal with one man’s spiritual journey and his efforts to find the true king. As he attempts to spread the light of God to his people, an ancient evil threatens both his land and Teman, the neighboring realm of righteous believers. The two formerly antagonistic realms must learn to work together to dispel this encroaching evil. Yet a growing number of dissenters believe they might be better off following the stronger, darker power. The race of people who call themselves Rygian become caught in the middle of a struggle between ancient enemies—those who fear God and those who follow this darker power. The Rygians’ own mysterious beginnings may hold the key to their future, if only they can discover who they truly are.
Through the lives of the characters, many Christian traits and spiritual truths are exemplified. The Alliance is marked by epic battles, political intrigue, suspense, mystery, and romance.
Discovering a captive enemy maiden in the palace, he's faced with a struggle between his own deeply ingrained loyalties and his long-dormant heart, finally beginning to awaken. Yet when the two of them discover who had forgiven him in that crucial moment, their newfound hopes are shattered.
When Corden’s realm is threatened by yet another force, the realm of believers must decide who is the real enemy and whether they will risk everything to help those they had warred against.
Only an act of extreme sacrifice can change one man’s heart and save an entire realm.
The seven books of The Alliance series deal with one man’s spiritual journey and his efforts to find the true king. As he attempts to spread the light of God to his people, an ancient evil threatens both his land and Teman, the neighboring realm of righteous believers. The two formerly antagonistic realms must learn to work together to dispel this encroaching evil. Yet a growing number of dissenters believe they might be better off following the stronger, darker power. The race of people who call themselves Rygian become caught in the middle of a struggle between ancient enemies—those who fear God and those who follow this darker power. The Rygians’ own mysterious beginnings may hold the key to their future, if only they can discover who they truly are.
Through the lives of the characters, many Christian traits and spiritual truths are exemplified. The Alliance is marked by epic battles, political intrigue, suspense, mystery, and romance.
- GenresFantasyChristian Fiction
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2012
9 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 4, 2024
4.5 Stars ✨
Clean Fantasy
“The stronger the will, the harder it is to break. And yet a man must be broken before he can allow the peace of Eloah into his heart. Without it, bitterness will rule.”
Medieval Setting- Two warring countries Raygia and Tarman.
Forgiven. That’s the words Captain of the Guard Justus Corban hears, as he thrust a blade into one of his enemies. As he wrestles with what that means, he is thrown into a series of events that will change his life forever. Along his journey he agrees to help an enemy maiden Mari, which forces him to reassess his loyalties to his realm and his own personal beliefs. Though, when the two realize who forgave Corban, hopes of their friendship are shattered. But there is a darkness that is approaching both realms. In order to stop the increasing threat to both, sacrifices will have to be made and an alliance must be born.
What a fantastic beginning to what I’m sure is going to be an exciting series! From the very first chapter, I knew this was going to be just what I had been in the mood for. It points to a rich world with an ever increasing plot, with the series being 7 books long. This will definitely be a binge sesh- No wonder I put it off for so long 😅.
In The Palace of Rygia has all the things I enjoy in a book, medieval vibes, action, adventure, faith, believable romance (though a bit instantaneous- but it works), emotional conflict and lovable characters. Paulus!! I’m talking to YOU ♥️ It’s jammed packed with lots of messages on forgiveness, trust, loyalty and salvation. Lyons does an incredible job adding in faith themes without it feeling forced, which is probably my favorite part about it. The only thing I want more of is a little more character depth and development. While I enjoyed the main characters, I was left wanting to know more about them- to dig a little deeper. I think with time, that will happen. For now, I am excited to continue this series and see what’s in store. Highly recommend!
*Does include some tame blood/gore due to battles and war
Clean Fantasy
“The stronger the will, the harder it is to break. And yet a man must be broken before he can allow the peace of Eloah into his heart. Without it, bitterness will rule.”
Medieval Setting- Two warring countries Raygia and Tarman.
Forgiven. That’s the words Captain of the Guard Justus Corban hears, as he thrust a blade into one of his enemies. As he wrestles with what that means, he is thrown into a series of events that will change his life forever. Along his journey he agrees to help an enemy maiden Mari, which forces him to reassess his loyalties to his realm and his own personal beliefs. Though, when the two realize who forgave Corban, hopes of their friendship are shattered. But there is a darkness that is approaching both realms. In order to stop the increasing threat to both, sacrifices will have to be made and an alliance must be born.
What a fantastic beginning to what I’m sure is going to be an exciting series! From the very first chapter, I knew this was going to be just what I had been in the mood for. It points to a rich world with an ever increasing plot, with the series being 7 books long. This will definitely be a binge sesh- No wonder I put it off for so long 😅.
In The Palace of Rygia has all the things I enjoy in a book, medieval vibes, action, adventure, faith, believable romance (though a bit instantaneous- but it works), emotional conflict and lovable characters. Paulus!! I’m talking to YOU ♥️ It’s jammed packed with lots of messages on forgiveness, trust, loyalty and salvation. Lyons does an incredible job adding in faith themes without it feeling forced, which is probably my favorite part about it. The only thing I want more of is a little more character depth and development. While I enjoyed the main characters, I was left wanting to know more about them- to dig a little deeper. I think with time, that will happen. For now, I am excited to continue this series and see what’s in store. Highly recommend!
*Does include some tame blood/gore due to battles and war
did-not-finish
February 2, 2022I wanted to love this book. I had heard so much good about it but...
1. The characters were flat and felt like they only came to life on page one of the story. The main girl is kidnapped from her homeland and is trying to get home, but she never talks about what she misses about home. She doesn't talk about the people, places, or things that she was taken from. She sounds more like she just has the drive to return home than really cares about it.
2. The general was a confusing character and super inconsistent in his actions and reactions. He felt like he was written to fill whatever the current scene needed to work.
3. The villain was also inconsistent and was bad because...well we needed a villain. Perhaps he is developed more later but I found him a sort of laughable old Disney-type villain.
4. The two main characters suddenly go from a couple of glances to kissing... I mean it might have made sense if we had been let in on more of the emotion each was feeling but as it was, it just felt weird.
5. Several times the book was like "She wondered if he like his horse. 'Do you like your horse?' she asked" While not a real example it was a bit grating to have thought then repeated as a question.
Now for the few things I liked and reasons I wished I could have kept going if I hadn't been so annoyed with the rest of it:
1. The author did have a really, really cool plot idea and world. She obviously has a great imagination and plots.
2. These books were recommended by some people I really like.
3. The story was clean, but also realistic. By that I mean there was sin mentioned, but not in a way that left me feeling dirty for reading it. So that is a plus.
1. The characters were flat and felt like they only came to life on page one of the story. The main girl is kidnapped from her homeland and is trying to get home, but she never talks about what she misses about home. She doesn't talk about the people, places, or things that she was taken from. She sounds more like she just has the drive to return home than really cares about it.
2. The general was a confusing character and super inconsistent in his actions and reactions. He felt like he was written to fill whatever the current scene needed to work.
3. The villain was also inconsistent and was bad because...well we needed a villain. Perhaps he is developed more later but I found him a sort of laughable old Disney-type villain.
4. The two main characters suddenly go from a couple of glances to kissing... I mean it might have made sense if we had been let in on more of the emotion each was feeling but as it was, it just felt weird.
5. Several times the book was like "She wondered if he like his horse. 'Do you like your horse?' she asked" While not a real example it was a bit grating to have thought then repeated as a question.
Now for the few things I liked and reasons I wished I could have kept going if I hadn't been so annoyed with the rest of it:
1. The author did have a really, really cool plot idea and world. She obviously has a great imagination and plots.
2. These books were recommended by some people I really like.
3. The story was clean, but also realistic. By that I mean there was sin mentioned, but not in a way that left me feeling dirty for reading it. So that is a plus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2021
One of those books that surprises you in the best way, this was a riveting read that kept me entertained, guessing, and coming back for more as often as I could!
May 20, 2024
I really wanted to like this story, but it read more like a middle grade reader, but with violence. The biggest problem was the character dialog. The author more often tells rather than shows, making it cumbersome and unimaginative to read.
The characters were inconsistent and unrealistic. The men say all their feelings out loud (not just one character… ALL of them), but after violently killing many enemies will turn around and smile, talking cheerfully. This seemed fake or sociopathic and doesn’t accurately represent the depth of human experience. If they’re so keen on talking about their feelings, why does mowing down other human being have no effect on them? The author seemed in a hurry to get to the end of the story and rather than feeling fast paced it felt rushed.
The random smattering of modern language also seemed misplaced. Phrases such as “hanging out” or “whatever” and several others made the characters seem childish. The characters seem to bleed into each other, being indistinct at times.
I like the idea of the plot, but it just wasn’t told in a way that felt authentic. I will not be reading any further in this series.
The characters were inconsistent and unrealistic. The men say all their feelings out loud (not just one character… ALL of them), but after violently killing many enemies will turn around and smile, talking cheerfully. This seemed fake or sociopathic and doesn’t accurately represent the depth of human experience. If they’re so keen on talking about their feelings, why does mowing down other human being have no effect on them? The author seemed in a hurry to get to the end of the story and rather than feeling fast paced it felt rushed.
The random smattering of modern language also seemed misplaced. Phrases such as “hanging out” or “whatever” and several others made the characters seem childish. The characters seem to bleed into each other, being indistinct at times.
I like the idea of the plot, but it just wasn’t told in a way that felt authentic. I will not be reading any further in this series.
March 4, 2024
"It was a bloodbath..."
This is legitimately the best book I have ever read. Justus Corden is the most complicated hero. Mari Eliada is the purest, most beautiful woman. Paulus Fox is the most courageous peasant. You will cry. You will laugh. You will cheer.
Read this book. It will change your life.
This is legitimately the best book I have ever read. Justus Corden is the most complicated hero. Mari Eliada is the purest, most beautiful woman. Paulus Fox is the most courageous peasant. You will cry. You will laugh. You will cheer.
Read this book. It will change your life.
May 15, 2021
Excellent book!
I loved this book. I devoured it in less than 24 hours and can't wait to read the next one. This is the first book I've read from this author but she is an excellent storyteller! Highly recommended.
I loved this book. I devoured it in less than 24 hours and can't wait to read the next one. This is the first book I've read from this author but she is an excellent storyteller! Highly recommended.
October 16, 2023
I really enjoyed the world building and storyline, but found the quality of writing was lacking.
February 16, 2024
This book was absolutely amazing! I found this book looking for a good, clean fantasy novel(which I'm finding harder and harder to come across). But can I just say, this book delivered on so many things! The plotlines were never dull and the characters were soooooo well written! And can I just say PAULUS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST CHARACTER EVER! I loved the strength that each of the characters had, even when the world was crumbling around them. And I've gotta say, one of the things that I appreciated so much is that L. Nicodemus Lyons was never shy to include religion in her books, I loved seeing a fantasy series that was still rooted in the faith and was shown by all the characters. I loved how the book sent the message that surrendering to God's will ultimately leads to happiness. Overall, this was an amazing book and I can't wait until I finish the second one! :)
February 5, 2016
L. Nicodemus Lyons creates an enthralling tale of two warring countries—Rygia and Teman—within a medieval setting. I especially enjoyed the characters—the conflicted General Corden, the sophisticated and pure Mari, and even the young and determined Paulus. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy medieval fiction, adventure, and romance.
This book captured my attention with the opening line. Once I finished the first chapter, I could hardly put it down. The book is well written and easily comprehendible. It kept my attention throughout the plot, but it was not an exhaustive read. There was a perfect balance between suspense and action.
I also enjoyed reading the rest of series.
This book captured my attention with the opening line. Once I finished the first chapter, I could hardly put it down. The book is well written and easily comprehendible. It kept my attention throughout the plot, but it was not an exhaustive read. There was a perfect balance between suspense and action.
I also enjoyed reading the rest of series.
September 18, 2022
5/5 book that I could not put down. I had never heard of this series so I was definitely hesitant to read this book but I'm so glad I gave it a shot. I instantly fell in love with the characters and the plot had me sucked in until the end. I recommend this book to about anyone looking for an entertaining and somewhat thought provoking novel to fall in love with.
February 7, 2016
Loved it!!!
Awesome book at just the right length, well developed storyline and characters. I also loved the themes of sacrifice and forgiveness
Awesome book at just the right length, well developed storyline and characters. I also loved the themes of sacrifice and forgiveness
April 27, 2017
The perfect mixture of action, believable romance, character development and emotional conflict.
This book entertains while it delivers deeply spiritual lessons in a non preachy way.
This book entertains while it delivers deeply spiritual lessons in a non preachy way.
Read
August 22, 2017It was amazing. Normally with books like this you can see what will happen next from like a mile away. and couldnt with this book it was amazing an i cant wait to finish the whole series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews