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War of the Staffs #1
War of the Staffs: Quest for the Staff of Adaman
War of the Quest for the Staff of Adaman takes place on a world called Muira, where a powerful vampire wizard named Taza is brought through the void by a vengeful goddess named Adois, who lends him her powerful staff so that he can take over the planet and turn it from good to evil. Passing himself off as a god, Taza slowly convinces the Illanni, a race of dark elves, to take on the cloak of vampirism.
Nearly two thousand years pass before the scheming vampire makes his move. But his careful planning is jeopardized when Prince Tarquin is born to fulfill a prophecy and confront the most evil creature Muira has ever known. The Prince, however, cannot succeed alone, and when Morganna, an Illanni noble woman, threatens Taza’s plans by starting an underground movement against him, she strikes her severest blow when she saves Tarquin’s life.
He is also championed by the great wizard Celedant, and the young man is sent to the dwarvan militia to learn combat and survival skills by joining an elite group of soldiers known as the Borderers, while the wizard begins his search for the Staff of Adaman – the only object capable of defeating the Staff of Adois.
Tarquin and Celedant’s epic journey spans the continent where they face not only a vampire wizard, but orcs, demons, and other monstrosities, including a lich, dravens, and an elemental creature the planet has not witnessed since its fiery formation. Book one of the trilogy, The Quest for the Staff of Adaman, begins the search for the first of two pieces of ancient staff as Taza’s assassins hunt the Prince to thwart the prophecy. Tarquin, however, is not the only target. Celedant must confront not only assassins, but powerful and dangerous creatures that Taza brings through the void to destroy the wizard as well as the growing resistance among the dwarves, Wood Elves, and High Elves.
Nearly two thousand years pass before the scheming vampire makes his move. But his careful planning is jeopardized when Prince Tarquin is born to fulfill a prophecy and confront the most evil creature Muira has ever known. The Prince, however, cannot succeed alone, and when Morganna, an Illanni noble woman, threatens Taza’s plans by starting an underground movement against him, she strikes her severest blow when she saves Tarquin’s life.
He is also championed by the great wizard Celedant, and the young man is sent to the dwarvan militia to learn combat and survival skills by joining an elite group of soldiers known as the Borderers, while the wizard begins his search for the Staff of Adaman – the only object capable of defeating the Staff of Adois.
Tarquin and Celedant’s epic journey spans the continent where they face not only a vampire wizard, but orcs, demons, and other monstrosities, including a lich, dravens, and an elemental creature the planet has not witnessed since its fiery formation. Book one of the trilogy, The Quest for the Staff of Adaman, begins the search for the first of two pieces of ancient staff as Taza’s assassins hunt the Prince to thwart the prophecy. Tarquin, however, is not the only target. Celedant must confront not only assassins, but powerful and dangerous creatures that Taza brings through the void to destroy the wizard as well as the growing resistance among the dwarves, Wood Elves, and High Elves.
- GenresFantasy
ebook
First published March 31, 2013
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May 30, 2018I don't read too many books at once. What are you talking about?
So excited for this one!
So excited for this one!
April 2, 2018
DNF @30%
I was really excited for this story. I mean dragons ?! orcs, wizards etc.
But unfortunatly it did not catch my attention. Therefore I was really quickly confussed with all the characters, like who was who and who was what..
Also the different storylines were confussing for me, I was not sure if everything was already connected or if it were different different storylines.
I think this book is for fans of magical creatures, who like slow starts with a lot of character introductions!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this e-arc!
I was really excited for this story. I mean dragons ?! orcs, wizards etc.
But unfortunatly it did not catch my attention. Therefore I was really quickly confussed with all the characters, like who was who and who was what..
Also the different storylines were confussing for me, I was not sure if everything was already connected or if it were different different storylines.
I think this book is for fans of magical creatures, who like slow starts with a lot of character introductions!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this e-arc!
January 4, 2022
War of the Staffs is an epic fantasy story. The story is set in a world called Muiria. A powerful vampire wizard, Taza has brought a vengeful goddess, Adois, through the void, a space between the planets, and lends him a powerful staff, simply intended to take over the planet and turn it from good to evil.
This is the first book of its series, and therefore you expect many character introductions. The story is filled with many villains. The imaginative setting is a treasure for those who love fantasy elements. If you're looking for dangerous, all-out battles including dragons, wizards, and more, then this book would be a gem for you.
The story's pace is slow, and the author has made sure there are enough sideline stories to expand on in the following books. The descriptive scenes and enjoyable tale keep you intrigued to read the story and want to know what will happen next.
I recommend this book to fantasy readers and those who like such world settings.
This is the first book of its series, and therefore you expect many character introductions. The story is filled with many villains. The imaginative setting is a treasure for those who love fantasy elements. If you're looking for dangerous, all-out battles including dragons, wizards, and more, then this book would be a gem for you.
The story's pace is slow, and the author has made sure there are enough sideline stories to expand on in the following books. The descriptive scenes and enjoyable tale keep you intrigued to read the story and want to know what will happen next.
I recommend this book to fantasy readers and those who like such world settings.
April 3, 2019
War of the Staffs
Book #1 of 2
Steve Stephenson & K.M. Tedrick
Black Rose Writing, Jul 2016
367 pages, Kindle, paperback
Fantasy, YA
Provided, NetGalley
My apologies for this long-overdue review. The fact that this book was provided by the publisher and that I am apologizing for its tardy review have absolutely no impact on my review. My review is an honest one based on my reading of the manuscript provided and the total enjoyment I got out of the experience.
✮✮✮✮✮
The cover is almost comic book art like in its dramatic confrontation between the dragon and the man with the staff below him. The colors of the background lend to the drama making it all seem rather otherworldly. I’m not sure if this would draw my attention or not. Typically, I am drawn to more polished covers, but this will certainly catch the attention of young fantasy readers. Besides, there is a lovely golden dragon and a wizard with an evil red fire that shoots from his staff in the story.
The story has lots of elements of Tolkein’s The Hobbit and LOTR. We have dwarves and elves as well as wizards and orcs. There are nasty things that live down in the deep dark underworld and things that come from other worlds. There are gods loose in these worlds as well. We’ve got it all here. And almost everyone has a little or a lot of magic, except the humans. Well, even they do if they have a magical sword or something like that.
It seems like about half of the characters are of some royal family or other, but no one seems too puffed up about being royal. They just go about their lives doing the jobs they’ve been assigned and getting along with people for the most part. There’s the Parthian royal family with three sons. The father, the King, thinks he’s in charge. He’s sent Prince Kaleb, his oldest, to the Parthian lancers and he’s now a captain. Prince Timmons, his middle son, he sent off to become a master trader and he’s done very well. Now, he has plans for his youngest, Prince Tarquin, to become the ambassador to the Elven Court. Not exactly the life his weapons-crazy youngest son has in mind. Nor is it the life others need him to take up. Tarquin’s cousin and childhood buddy, Alonz, is abruptly killed. He’s killed because Taza, a vampire warlock expelled from another world wants to create peace on Muiria by making everyone a vampire. However, there is a prophecy about the young royal stopping him. He sends an assassin, Despres, to kill Prince Tarquin, but Alonz is killed in a case of mistaken identity. Despres is the nephew of the King of illannan elves, cousin to the King’s daughter, Morganna. The King is a staunch follower of Taza, but his daughter is rebelling against Taza’s plan to convert her people to vampirism. The King has put a price on Morganna’s head and Despres is the assassin determined to bring her down. He comes close to being successful. However, Morganna has a watchful god looking out for her and with his help and much effort on her own part, eventually, she and Prince Tarquin connect and realize that they should be working together to stop this evil. Throughout this all is our hero wizard, Celedant. Celedant is a very powerful wizard with friends in many high and low places who is determined to beat this evil.
The characters are developed as needed. The primary characters are, of course, more well-rounded than the minor characters. But the authors have done great things with characters as well as action and description. You see everything and get to know everyone in this book. It’s great. It’s the type of book I really enjoy with its description of everyone so that I can see them all. You know what color hair everyone has and who has a beard or mustache or is bald. You know who is skinny or fat, and in this story, it makes a big difference. Certain races just aren’t skinny. Only slaves are skinny, so skinny assistants are suspect. They could be spies rather than real countrymen.
I found the pace and the tension worked well for the story. There were times when I wanted to meander along and it did. But there were most times when the story charged on into the next crisis or the next battle. Getting through the underworld about had me skipping pages to cheat and find out what happened when they got to the gate, but I stuck it out and stayed patient. Not because it wasn’t interesting, but because I was dying to get there and I almost couldn’t take another problem in the dark tunnels! And they were creepy! Lots of description to creep you out!
But this is a really fun fantasy with lots of great types of “people” and creatures and magic. Lots of wonderful artifacts from long ago. A prophecy to keep safe or break, a handsome young prince, and a valiant young princess. No, no romance in this book. But I’m ready for book 2, Wraith Lords of Zeiglon 295 pages.
Highly recommended to YA or Adult Fantasy readers.
Book #1 of 2
Steve Stephenson & K.M. Tedrick
Black Rose Writing, Jul 2016
367 pages, Kindle, paperback
Fantasy, YA
Provided, NetGalley
My apologies for this long-overdue review. The fact that this book was provided by the publisher and that I am apologizing for its tardy review have absolutely no impact on my review. My review is an honest one based on my reading of the manuscript provided and the total enjoyment I got out of the experience.
✮✮✮✮✮
The cover is almost comic book art like in its dramatic confrontation between the dragon and the man with the staff below him. The colors of the background lend to the drama making it all seem rather otherworldly. I’m not sure if this would draw my attention or not. Typically, I am drawn to more polished covers, but this will certainly catch the attention of young fantasy readers. Besides, there is a lovely golden dragon and a wizard with an evil red fire that shoots from his staff in the story.
The story has lots of elements of Tolkein’s The Hobbit and LOTR. We have dwarves and elves as well as wizards and orcs. There are nasty things that live down in the deep dark underworld and things that come from other worlds. There are gods loose in these worlds as well. We’ve got it all here. And almost everyone has a little or a lot of magic, except the humans. Well, even they do if they have a magical sword or something like that.
It seems like about half of the characters are of some royal family or other, but no one seems too puffed up about being royal. They just go about their lives doing the jobs they’ve been assigned and getting along with people for the most part. There’s the Parthian royal family with three sons. The father, the King, thinks he’s in charge. He’s sent Prince Kaleb, his oldest, to the Parthian lancers and he’s now a captain. Prince Timmons, his middle son, he sent off to become a master trader and he’s done very well. Now, he has plans for his youngest, Prince Tarquin, to become the ambassador to the Elven Court. Not exactly the life his weapons-crazy youngest son has in mind. Nor is it the life others need him to take up. Tarquin’s cousin and childhood buddy, Alonz, is abruptly killed. He’s killed because Taza, a vampire warlock expelled from another world wants to create peace on Muiria by making everyone a vampire. However, there is a prophecy about the young royal stopping him. He sends an assassin, Despres, to kill Prince Tarquin, but Alonz is killed in a case of mistaken identity. Despres is the nephew of the King of illannan elves, cousin to the King’s daughter, Morganna. The King is a staunch follower of Taza, but his daughter is rebelling against Taza’s plan to convert her people to vampirism. The King has put a price on Morganna’s head and Despres is the assassin determined to bring her down. He comes close to being successful. However, Morganna has a watchful god looking out for her and with his help and much effort on her own part, eventually, she and Prince Tarquin connect and realize that they should be working together to stop this evil. Throughout this all is our hero wizard, Celedant. Celedant is a very powerful wizard with friends in many high and low places who is determined to beat this evil.
The characters are developed as needed. The primary characters are, of course, more well-rounded than the minor characters. But the authors have done great things with characters as well as action and description. You see everything and get to know everyone in this book. It’s great. It’s the type of book I really enjoy with its description of everyone so that I can see them all. You know what color hair everyone has and who has a beard or mustache or is bald. You know who is skinny or fat, and in this story, it makes a big difference. Certain races just aren’t skinny. Only slaves are skinny, so skinny assistants are suspect. They could be spies rather than real countrymen.
I found the pace and the tension worked well for the story. There were times when I wanted to meander along and it did. But there were most times when the story charged on into the next crisis or the next battle. Getting through the underworld about had me skipping pages to cheat and find out what happened when they got to the gate, but I stuck it out and stayed patient. Not because it wasn’t interesting, but because I was dying to get there and I almost couldn’t take another problem in the dark tunnels! And they were creepy! Lots of description to creep you out!
But this is a really fun fantasy with lots of great types of “people” and creatures and magic. Lots of wonderful artifacts from long ago. A prophecy to keep safe or break, a handsome young prince, and a valiant young princess. No, no romance in this book. But I’m ready for book 2, Wraith Lords of Zeiglon 295 pages.
Highly recommended to YA or Adult Fantasy readers.
January 19, 2023
War of the Staffs is your typical fantasy story with the hero journey formula. There are wizards, dragons, dwarves, and elves, along with vampires. Yes, you read that right, vampires. It sounded odd, but I tried it. I am still not sure how I feel about it. It kept throwing me off till the end of the book. But this will not stop me from finishing the trilogy. I enjoyed this story and would like to see how it finishes.
Tarquin is a young prince who was prophesied long ago to bring down the evil taking over the homeland. This character has a long way to go. He seemed to grow a little as a character, as in maybe more confident with himself and the choice he made. But I still feel he is a little flat. I am hoping in the sequels we see the character grow into the character they need in the prophecy.
While Tarquin is learning to prepare for the prophecy, the Wizard Celedant begins his research and part. I think Celedant was better written than Tarquin. I love his personality and growth. He seemed to always be understanding while teaching at the same time. I am looking froward to seeing his development in the next two books.
The villain of the story is a vampire warlock named Taza. I am still wrapping my head around him. When I think of vampires, I think of paranormal fantasy. Which kudos on throwing that element into this particular fantasy. He is an interesting character, but I am not sure if he was as well-rounded as he could have been. It makes me wonder if he is just the villain and the true antagonist is the goddess Adois whom brought Taza into this world. I will have to wait and see in the next two books.
World building is somewhat like building a character itself. In this story, the author did this very well. The society of the different races was understandable, and the author described the locations of the cities and lands well. It felt like you were there.
This story was good for the first book in a trilogy. There were some slow parts, but it had a decent pace most of the time. If you like sword and sorcery and vampires, then I recommend this story to you.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
You can find this and other reviews on my website:
https://www.charliadamswriter.com
Tarquin is a young prince who was prophesied long ago to bring down the evil taking over the homeland. This character has a long way to go. He seemed to grow a little as a character, as in maybe more confident with himself and the choice he made. But I still feel he is a little flat. I am hoping in the sequels we see the character grow into the character they need in the prophecy.
While Tarquin is learning to prepare for the prophecy, the Wizard Celedant begins his research and part. I think Celedant was better written than Tarquin. I love his personality and growth. He seemed to always be understanding while teaching at the same time. I am looking froward to seeing his development in the next two books.
The villain of the story is a vampire warlock named Taza. I am still wrapping my head around him. When I think of vampires, I think of paranormal fantasy. Which kudos on throwing that element into this particular fantasy. He is an interesting character, but I am not sure if he was as well-rounded as he could have been. It makes me wonder if he is just the villain and the true antagonist is the goddess Adois whom brought Taza into this world. I will have to wait and see in the next two books.
World building is somewhat like building a character itself. In this story, the author did this very well. The society of the different races was understandable, and the author described the locations of the cities and lands well. It felt like you were there.
This story was good for the first book in a trilogy. There were some slow parts, but it had a decent pace most of the time. If you like sword and sorcery and vampires, then I recommend this story to you.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
You can find this and other reviews on my website:
https://www.charliadamswriter.com
June 7, 2019
So I rate this book 4.5 stars. The book was filled with battles, bloodshed, and magic. Not to mention awesome characterization, 3 demensional villains, and a very imaginative setting.
So the battles of this book were ferocious, dangerous, and killed off alot of characters. It definitely gave me a major Lord of the Rings feel with Dwarves, Dragons, and magical swords and warlocks.
I think the characters were all very strong willed and intelligent, and I actually enjoyed the lack of romance in this book. It kept the reader more focused on the plot wondering what would happen next. It also personally kept me more interested in the progressions of the individual characters. And it's definetly a tie between Prince Tarquin and Morganna on who my favorite character is as both are very intelligent, loyal, and good natured.
Now for this book all the characters have the capacity for great good or great evil, but what's so interesting about this book is the major baddy actually believes he's cleansing and helping the world. In actuality all he's doing is creating more chaos and danger.
Now the setting is very Middle Earth feel to it and the magic and warlocks give me a combo feeling of Gandalph The White and Merlin from King Arthur. Both very powerful but battle savy in weapons as well as magic.
The book as a whole was a terrific read but I had to cut off half a star only because of the strange formatting of the book.
So the battles of this book were ferocious, dangerous, and killed off alot of characters. It definitely gave me a major Lord of the Rings feel with Dwarves, Dragons, and magical swords and warlocks.
I think the characters were all very strong willed and intelligent, and I actually enjoyed the lack of romance in this book. It kept the reader more focused on the plot wondering what would happen next. It also personally kept me more interested in the progressions of the individual characters. And it's definetly a tie between Prince Tarquin and Morganna on who my favorite character is as both are very intelligent, loyal, and good natured.
Now for this book all the characters have the capacity for great good or great evil, but what's so interesting about this book is the major baddy actually believes he's cleansing and helping the world. In actuality all he's doing is creating more chaos and danger.
Now the setting is very Middle Earth feel to it and the magic and warlocks give me a combo feeling of Gandalph The White and Merlin from King Arthur. Both very powerful but battle savy in weapons as well as magic.
The book as a whole was a terrific read but I had to cut off half a star only because of the strange formatting of the book.
November 10, 2021
3.5 stars (review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
There were quite a few elements in War of the Staffs that reminded me of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. However, War of Staffs differed from the popular series (mentioned in the opening sentence) by incorporating vampires and unique magic abilities. Taza (warlock and vamp) used his specially acquired magical skills to infiltrate his enemies and summon beasts of all sizes. The creatures he controlled led us into some pretty epic battle scenes. You’ll witness clashes between dwarves and orcs, wizard versus wizard, powerful beasts descending from above, and those awaiting the heroes in dark caves. There were numerous entanglements, so you won’t have to wait long for action scenes!
With the number of characters featured in War of the Staffs, this book could have its own trading card set. People would probably love to roleplay the book. However, I would suggest a Glossary of Characters and Terms.
Heads up: War of the Staffs is book one in a series.
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
March 27, 2018
Well it’s not a fantasy adventure without elves, dragons, dwarfs, orcs, wizards and...vampire wizards. That’s a new one. Received from Netgalley so I’m not going to say anything about the formatting issues, despite that its a smooth read with an even pace, although the time lines could be a little better. Celedant felt a bit hit and miss entertainment wise, I didn’t feel anything special from Tarquin. The strongest character I’d say was Morganna, who I was hoping for a bigger part. Every time I read stories with more than one character, I’m always waiting for that point where they all meet. My favourite characters were Botreg and Azimuth, who I felt overshadowed their partners in awesomeness, I hope to see more of them in the second book. I enjoyed the action filled parts but the filler journey didn’t really grip me. For an introduction it was good but I’m expecting a lot more from the second book, with lots of potential for character growth. I want to see Celedant cope without his friends and legacy, I want to see Tarquin become a regal figure of prophecy and Morganna take her father head on. The ending left a lot open. Oh and definitely more dragons.
March 16, 2017
[Note: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.]
*Contains spoilers*
Very classic fantasy book, with the usual setting populated by orcs, dwarves, elves, humans and...vampires. This, and the different planes of existence setting, is the real twist of the novel, which for the rest develops in a fairly straight way. I would not be surprised if the authors are campaign builders for the Planescape Dungeon and Dragons setting.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book very much as it was some time since I read a well built world model and good development of the main characters. And from time to time you just need this!
Some minor typos in the books, which could be due to maybe having received a draft copy for review.
The book leaves you wanting for more, which will probably happen as we would like to know how the war with Taza evolves once the staff of Adaman is fully retrieved.
*Contains spoilers*
Very classic fantasy book, with the usual setting populated by orcs, dwarves, elves, humans and...vampires. This, and the different planes of existence setting, is the real twist of the novel, which for the rest develops in a fairly straight way. I would not be surprised if the authors are campaign builders for the Planescape Dungeon and Dragons setting.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book very much as it was some time since I read a well built world model and good development of the main characters. And from time to time you just need this!
Some minor typos in the books, which could be due to maybe having received a draft copy for review.
The book leaves you wanting for more, which will probably happen as we would like to know how the war with Taza evolves once the staff of Adaman is fully retrieved.
July 14, 2022
Wizards, vampires, and warlocks, oh my! War of Staffs, written by Steve Stephenson and K.M. Tedrick, involves the goddess Adois, a vampire warlock, and an army of dark elves turned vampires. Yes, you read that right!
One of the things I love about so many fantasy novels is how they tend to go above and beyond when it comes to world-building. This is undoubtedly true of War of Staffs. In fact, I would say that their world-building is perhaps my favorite thing about this entire novel.
A lot is happening in these pages, as one might expect when a magical war is on the horizon (actually, it's quite a bit closer than that). It sometimes gets a little confusing, but things usually clear up after a page or two.
War of Staffs is a brilliant epic fantasy novel, perfect for anybody that has been craving an intense plot set in a fantastical (and carefully crafted) world.
Read more reviews over at The Book Review Crew
One of the things I love about so many fantasy novels is how they tend to go above and beyond when it comes to world-building. This is undoubtedly true of War of Staffs. In fact, I would say that their world-building is perhaps my favorite thing about this entire novel.
A lot is happening in these pages, as one might expect when a magical war is on the horizon (actually, it's quite a bit closer than that). It sometimes gets a little confusing, but things usually clear up after a page or two.
War of Staffs is a brilliant epic fantasy novel, perfect for anybody that has been craving an intense plot set in a fantastical (and carefully crafted) world.
Read more reviews over at The Book Review Crew
January 22, 2018
I've got this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
It was a though adventure for me. There werr easy parts to read, there we moments of struggle and I had to put the book aside for a while. After all I finished it and I may say I kind of enjoyed it mainly the second part of it when everything started to come in actuon. I may say it's class fantasy - elves, humans, dwarfs, prophecy, hero, evil, wizards. But there is also something additional to make it a bit different.
It's a bit slow pace but after the middle it paced up. Give it a go you may enjoy it if you like old fashion fantasy.
It was a though adventure for me. There werr easy parts to read, there we moments of struggle and I had to put the book aside for a while. After all I finished it and I may say I kind of enjoyed it mainly the second part of it when everything started to come in actuon. I may say it's class fantasy - elves, humans, dwarfs, prophecy, hero, evil, wizards. But there is also something additional to make it a bit different.
It's a bit slow pace but after the middle it paced up. Give it a go you may enjoy it if you like old fashion fantasy.
June 19, 2018
I received this for free from netgalley, for a honest review.
This was a pretty good fantasy book with a few new elements. One that intrigued me was the vampiric elves. I've never saw this concept and wish the book had spent more time with them. There's lot going on and it's easy to get overwhelmed. The timeline is pretty fuzzy, I'd like to see the passage of time be mentioned. Pretty basic fantasy boy wizard and a quest. If it had been more clear with the time and hadn't had so much going on I'd have given a higher rating.
This was a pretty good fantasy book with a few new elements. One that intrigued me was the vampiric elves. I've never saw this concept and wish the book had spent more time with them. There's lot going on and it's easy to get overwhelmed. The timeline is pretty fuzzy, I'd like to see the passage of time be mentioned. Pretty basic fantasy boy wizard and a quest. If it had been more clear with the time and hadn't had so much going on I'd have given a higher rating.
February 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. I read a great deal of fantasy and this story still feels new and fresh. My favorite character is Prince Tarquin, who works hard and doesn't just try to find a quick answer. All the "good guys" are well written. I'm not as convinced by the villains, but I don't like villains anyway.
May 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this book the plot, the characters, magic, and setting was truly a work of art. It's total Lord of the Rings meets Merlin. For my full review check it out on my blog link in my profile.
October 3, 2019
Enjoyable Reading
Good action and character development. Was a bit formulated at times with sudden help from one time characters but definitely enjoyable to read.
Good action and character development. Was a bit formulated at times with sudden help from one time characters but definitely enjoyable to read.
February 12, 2018
There comes a point when I just say I give up. This book is where it happens by the middle of it. The story was not all that interesting by all means. It certainly could be improved on if you ask me. Seriously improved on.
I really tried to like the characters here, but I felt almost nothing about them. Or even of them. They fell flat and well, I didn’t care enough about any one of their motives at all.
The beginning did intrigue me slightly, just a little bit. As it was rather interesting although read like a lot of books here. But afterwards, it really didn’t interest me. I had problems even telling who was the main character amidst this.
The plot was rather okay, I liked where it was heading for a while until it went downhill and even the plot failed to keep my attention.
But I guess there was just too little interesting things happening, and it contained what almost every epic fantasy contained without anything changing them.
And to me, character distinction is important. As I’m a reader with a lot of books and well for lack of better word, I drop when I don’t find anything interesting. It just isn’t worth my time, as much as I want to finish mist books.
But overall, I guess this really wasn’t for me. Maybe it is for you, but it really isn’t for me.
I really tried to like the characters here, but I felt almost nothing about them. Or even of them. They fell flat and well, I didn’t care enough about any one of their motives at all.
The beginning did intrigue me slightly, just a little bit. As it was rather interesting although read like a lot of books here. But afterwards, it really didn’t interest me. I had problems even telling who was the main character amidst this.
The plot was rather okay, I liked where it was heading for a while until it went downhill and even the plot failed to keep my attention.
But I guess there was just too little interesting things happening, and it contained what almost every epic fantasy contained without anything changing them.
And to me, character distinction is important. As I’m a reader with a lot of books and well for lack of better word, I drop when I don’t find anything interesting. It just isn’t worth my time, as much as I want to finish mist books.
But overall, I guess this really wasn’t for me. Maybe it is for you, but it really isn’t for me.
September 21, 2016
Worth reading.
I thought this book was well written and while I noticed some errors they did not distract or cause me to not enjoy this book. The flow to the story was steady and actions were almost believable unlike a lot of fantasy stories I have read.
I thought this book was well written and while I noticed some errors they did not distract or cause me to not enjoy this book. The flow to the story was steady and actions were almost believable unlike a lot of fantasy stories I have read.
May 10, 2018
I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.While most of the book was centered on classic fantasy elements such as wizards, elves, heroes, prophecies, and good versus evil, there are a few elements that make it original. I don’t think of vampires as a fantasy element but they play a central role in this novel. So does the alternate planes of existence and other planets. These elements put a unique spin on this novel.
I really enjoyed the young Prince Tarquin’s storyline. I like that he must prove himself in the Dwarven army and gains their respect. Along with Tarquin is the Wizard Celedant who must thwart attack after attack from the Warlock Taza and get Tarquin where he needs to be. Although the vicious attacks can get a little repetitive.
There were parts in this novel that were easy to read and I could make it through. However, there were parts that were slow and I struggled to get through. I had to set it aside a couple of times and come back to it. For this reason, I give this novel 3 dark elves. I am not sure if I am up for reading the second installment, but if it sounds like something up your alley then go for it!
I really enjoyed the young Prince Tarquin’s storyline. I like that he must prove himself in the Dwarven army and gains their respect. Along with Tarquin is the Wizard Celedant who must thwart attack after attack from the Warlock Taza and get Tarquin where he needs to be. Although the vicious attacks can get a little repetitive.
There were parts in this novel that were easy to read and I could make it through. However, there were parts that were slow and I struggled to get through. I had to set it aside a couple of times and come back to it. For this reason, I give this novel 3 dark elves. I am not sure if I am up for reading the second installment, but if it sounds like something up your alley then go for it!
January 10, 2017
Epic fantasy tale of good versus evil that included dragons, warlocks, wizards and warring factions. Taza, a vampire, ruled the city, Dormin on the planet, Muiria. His goal was to create a world of vampires using the evil power of the Staff of Adonis. Melgor, a warlock was Taza's lackey and charged with killing a Parthian prince, Tarquin and Celedant, his wizard guide. Their goal was to find the two pieces of the Staff of Adaman and use the good power of that staff to defeat Taza. The story ends with Celedant finding one piece of the staff, the amber crystal and the battle to regain control of the fortress, Brackus. The authors went into great detail describing history, places and the clashing factions, but not so much on fabricating the main characters.
September 28, 2016
Amazing reading experience!
This book was amazing. The story pulled me in Completely. As good an Author as Stephen Donaldson, Terry Brooks, and Ann Rice
This book was amazing. The story pulled me in Completely. As good an Author as Stephen Donaldson, Terry Brooks, and Ann Rice
February 6, 2018
A great sword and sorcery fantasy book.
February 13, 2018
A very good fantasy book. Really enjoyable and interesting.
March 5, 2018
Interesting and fun new series about an evil vampire trying to take over the world. It is up to some adventures including Prince Tarquin to fight against the evil that faces the land. This is an enjoyable book that will pull those who love fantasy into a great new world
April 3, 2018
This epic story tells of Tarquin, youngest prince of Partha who would rather be fighting than become an elven diplomat, Celedant, a mage who seeks to fulfil an ancient prophecy to restore balance, Morganna, an Illanni who despises everything her people are turning into: cruel vampires who do the bidding of the evil vampire warlock Taza.
As Tarquin and his friends and allies go out into the world they are met at every turn by assassins, monsters and death. Will they be able to find the two pieces of the Staff of Adaman they so desperately need to overcome Taza's scheming?
My take on the book:
It's been a very long time since I've read high/epic fantasy and how wonderful it was to be portaled in such a world. Orcs, demons, dragons, mages, elves, vampires, magical weapons and so much more!!
The author takes the time to describe the details (environment, characters and the reasoning behind what they do) without it getting boring or too generic, but keeps us readers captivated and craving more.
Character development was good, we got to know all mayor players on a pretty decent level.
The one thing I did notice though (but please, it might have just been me...) was that when reading the point of view from for example Tarquin, Morganna or Taza, we were 'there' in the adventure with the character, while for some others it felt more a recounting of events, I missed the feeling of being part of something. Though as stated, it could well have been me!
That being said, I really liked the different point of views, we got so much more depth to the characters as the story unfolded, well thought of!
A little error here and there but nothing that interrupted the flow of the book. Pacing was good, we got a good amount of action while the story continued to grow in between.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, courtesy of NetGalley and all in all I enjoyed it! Very much looking forward to the next part!
As Tarquin and his friends and allies go out into the world they are met at every turn by assassins, monsters and death. Will they be able to find the two pieces of the Staff of Adaman they so desperately need to overcome Taza's scheming?
My take on the book:
It's been a very long time since I've read high/epic fantasy and how wonderful it was to be portaled in such a world. Orcs, demons, dragons, mages, elves, vampires, magical weapons and so much more!!
The author takes the time to describe the details (environment, characters and the reasoning behind what they do) without it getting boring or too generic, but keeps us readers captivated and craving more.
Character development was good, we got to know all mayor players on a pretty decent level.
The one thing I did notice though (but please, it might have just been me...) was that when reading the point of view from for example Tarquin, Morganna or Taza, we were 'there' in the adventure with the character, while for some others it felt more a recounting of events, I missed the feeling of being part of something. Though as stated, it could well have been me!
That being said, I really liked the different point of views, we got so much more depth to the characters as the story unfolded, well thought of!
A little error here and there but nothing that interrupted the flow of the book. Pacing was good, we got a good amount of action while the story continued to grow in between.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, courtesy of NetGalley and all in all I enjoyed it! Very much looking forward to the next part!
April 8, 2018
A great classic fantasy with a thoroughly modern theme. All the characters you would expect, along with the addition of vampires. I found the book a little slow at first, but the pace picked up and soon had me hooked. A highly enjoyable and imaginative tale. I can't wait for more.
December 10, 2018
I am thrilled to have a new series. This book left me wanting more details, more of the story, and more of this world.
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