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BlackMyst #1
Eyes of the Enemy
When a rogue band of the dreaded Sorak attacks his village, twelve-year-old Beynn Firehand escapes into the darkness of BlackMyst Forest to find help. During his quest, Beynn discovers his own powerful magic abilities.
The price of his newfound powers, however, may be higher than he ever imagined.
The price of his newfound powers, however, may be higher than he ever imagined.
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2011
9 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 7, 2014
This was such a great read. I hadn't heard of this before but when I saw it up for review I had to request it! The cover and blurb are so mysterious and give nothing away that I didn't know what to expect, well Eyes of the Enemy was such a surprise.
Everyone knows of the Soraks and what they are capable of so when a band of them attack Beynns village, he is extremely lucky to get away alive. He manages to escape with his best friend and the only option they have is to head to Beynns uncle to get help. As they head into BlackMyst forest, Beynn realises they are being followed. He hides and as the pursuers get closer, Beynn suddenly wishes that a tree branch would fall on top of them, when all of a sudden a branch falls on them!! Beynn has no idea what to say or think about what just happened, was it coincidence or something more?
Beynn starts feeling weird after that, he starts getting itchy eyes and has no idea whats happening. When he sees his eyes are starting to change colour, Beynn starts to freak. What is wrong with him?? When he gets to his Uncles house, he gets his answers. He is shocked by what he finds out and even worse, he may have to rely on the his enemies to get help for his village.
I loved Beynn. He is only a boy but when he is told of his legacy, he embraces it and does all he can to save his village. What happens to him is gradual and he doesn't let it change him. He is easily relateable.
Then we have his best friend Fritz. He is also freaked out by what is happening to Beynn but he trusts his friend. Both of them show what a true friend is.
Apart from the characters, the best thing about this book was the world building. Kelly Hess has created a unique and captivating world. I loved learning about the Soraks and I loved finding out Beynns story. Also that twist at the end was a stroke of genius!! I did not see that coming.
Overall, Eyes of the Enemy was a breath of fresh air. It such an easy story to get sucked into and get lost in. With it's easily lovable characters and complex story, Eyes of the Enemy is a must read. Its more than just a story, its a magical, coming of age tale that you will not want to leave! I so can't wait for the next book to see where the story takes us.
Everyone knows of the Soraks and what they are capable of so when a band of them attack Beynns village, he is extremely lucky to get away alive. He manages to escape with his best friend and the only option they have is to head to Beynns uncle to get help. As they head into BlackMyst forest, Beynn realises they are being followed. He hides and as the pursuers get closer, Beynn suddenly wishes that a tree branch would fall on top of them, when all of a sudden a branch falls on them!! Beynn has no idea what to say or think about what just happened, was it coincidence or something more?
Beynn starts feeling weird after that, he starts getting itchy eyes and has no idea whats happening. When he sees his eyes are starting to change colour, Beynn starts to freak. What is wrong with him?? When he gets to his Uncles house, he gets his answers. He is shocked by what he finds out and even worse, he may have to rely on the his enemies to get help for his village.
I loved Beynn. He is only a boy but when he is told of his legacy, he embraces it and does all he can to save his village. What happens to him is gradual and he doesn't let it change him. He is easily relateable.
Then we have his best friend Fritz. He is also freaked out by what is happening to Beynn but he trusts his friend. Both of them show what a true friend is.
Apart from the characters, the best thing about this book was the world building. Kelly Hess has created a unique and captivating world. I loved learning about the Soraks and I loved finding out Beynns story. Also that twist at the end was a stroke of genius!! I did not see that coming.
Overall, Eyes of the Enemy was a breath of fresh air. It such an easy story to get sucked into and get lost in. With it's easily lovable characters and complex story, Eyes of the Enemy is a must read. Its more than just a story, its a magical, coming of age tale that you will not want to leave! I so can't wait for the next book to see where the story takes us.
February 11, 2016
This is a book for true fantasy friends, which means a lot of world building, and the author tackles this nicely.
The main character is a twelve year old who can't wait to reach his manhood at thirteen. His frustration at having to wait for this event was so realistic that it had me smiling. Readers around this age will easily sympathize not only with this, but with Beynn in general. In other words, his character is very realistic and fits perfectly.
To help the reader dive into the world, there are descriptions on the first chapters which offer a little bit of background. I really appreciated this approach since it helped to keep the story itself from growing too heavy. I, personally, did find the first pages a bit slow but the descriptions did make the world and Beynn's situation clear. After this introduction, the story picks up pace and holds nicely the rest of the way through.
The writing and length is something I wouldn't recommend to the younger middle grade audience but is well suited to ages ten and up. The dialogue flows well, and I had no problem diving into the world surrounding Beynn. His struggle with accepting his powers and situation was believable and easy to understand.
Summed up, this is a nice coming of age story set in a rich fantasy world. Although I wouldn't recommend it to more reluctant readers, I believe fantasy friends will enjoy following Beynn's adventures and will look forward to following him through the rest of the series.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2014
Within these pages you will find a tale that will grab you and keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is perfect for all ages. The main character in the book is a thirteen year old boy, so boys younger and older will easily relate to him, yet he is not so all boy that a young girl couldn't likewise relate. It is a coming of age tale about a young boy who upon reaching his 13th year discovers something amazing, something life altering, something that reaches deep into the core of all his beliefs.
Beynn lived in a peaceful village. It was many years since the Sorak wars ended and the town was far from the border, so it was considered safe. Then the horrible happens, the Sorak invade this peaceful town looking for Beynn. But Beynn escaped with the help of his best friend, and in a story much reminiscent of the hobbit, he is sent on a mission of self-discovery and a quest to save his village.
I would highly recommend this book to any mid-grade level child or anyone looking for an old style fantasy story. This book will even peek the interest of the most reluctant of readers.
Beynn lived in a peaceful village. It was many years since the Sorak wars ended and the town was far from the border, so it was considered safe. Then the horrible happens, the Sorak invade this peaceful town looking for Beynn. But Beynn escaped with the help of his best friend, and in a story much reminiscent of the hobbit, he is sent on a mission of self-discovery and a quest to save his village.
I would highly recommend this book to any mid-grade level child or anyone looking for an old style fantasy story. This book will even peek the interest of the most reluctant of readers.
September 19, 2014
This book has great characters and a great setting. The world building is not over done in this book. The main character Beynn Firehand is the twelve-year-old who has set out to save his village. The story is not over the top which is what will draw most of my middle school fantasy readers into the story.
The story is not just one magic spell after another. There is so much to like about this book. For me I believe the fact that I would just get myself to believing something was going to happen a certain way and then the author threw in a twist. I happen to love stories that have more twists than a rollercoaster.
It is this unpredictability that keeps me reading. Beynn develops his powers slowly so it isn’t like the author decided, hey I think I give him powers and just let the character loose with them. I loved his best friend Fritz. It was obvious that he didn’t understand what was happening to his friend Beynn. He also demonstrated what a true friend was. I loved the ending. If you want to know what I am talking about then you most definitely need to read this book.
The story is not just one magic spell after another. There is so much to like about this book. For me I believe the fact that I would just get myself to believing something was going to happen a certain way and then the author threw in a twist. I happen to love stories that have more twists than a rollercoaster.
It is this unpredictability that keeps me reading. Beynn develops his powers slowly so it isn’t like the author decided, hey I think I give him powers and just let the character loose with them. I loved his best friend Fritz. It was obvious that he didn’t understand what was happening to his friend Beynn. He also demonstrated what a true friend was. I loved the ending. If you want to know what I am talking about then you most definitely need to read this book.
September 18, 2014
An altogether wonderful story of discovery and magic. Beynn knew of the Soraks, he was scared of them as were the other villagers. When he started having itchy eyes and allergy type symptoms he has absolutely no clue it was a sign of his magic coming in. As he runs with his friend Fritz from his village after the Sorak attack, he starts to discover the truth about himself but only the tip of it.
This is a well written book that pulls you in and shares as only a good tale can, making you a part of the story. I would recommend this book starting at the age of 10 and definitely older because let’s face it, fantasy is great for everyone! I would like to thank Kelly Hess and Girls Heart Books Tours for making this book available to me to read and review. I am very much looking forward to the next two books. Eyes of the Enemy receives 4 stars from me.
This is a well written book that pulls you in and shares as only a good tale can, making you a part of the story. I would recommend this book starting at the age of 10 and definitely older because let’s face it, fantasy is great for everyone! I would like to thank Kelly Hess and Girls Heart Books Tours for making this book available to me to read and review. I am very much looking forward to the next two books. Eyes of the Enemy receives 4 stars from me.
July 22, 2014
When a rogue band of the dreaded Sorak attacks his village, twelve-year-old Beynn Firehand escapes into the darkness of BlackMyst Forest to find help. During his quest, Beynn discovers his own powerful magic abilities. This is a first novel and I must say bring the rest on - an enjoyable book that although not overally long kept me interested and I read it in two sittings - had to stop to cook dinner. For teens and YA but I am in my fifties and I really enjoyed it. Thank you to netgalley, Kelly Hess and Ruth Silver for my copy.
October 16, 2014
I very much enjoyed this book and can not wait to get into the next..
The fact that there is no swearing and rude bits was excellent as my children can enjoy this wonderful story.
Thank you Kelly for taking me away. Mwah
The fact that there is no swearing and rude bits was excellent as my children can enjoy this wonderful story.
Thank you Kelly for taking me away. Mwah
May 22, 2019
Local author Kelly Hess knocked it out of the park with the first book in the BlackMyst trilogy.
We did this book for our teen bookclub and we had a pretty good discussion about it. But mind you, this book isn't as straight forward as everyone thinks it is.
There is this whole underlying story with the dagger and Fritz that will lead in to the next book. That, alongside the finding of Beyn's mother.
I would definitely rate this book to be on the same level as the Hobbit and it is a fantastic YA fantasy book. So if your middle school teen is looking for a new fantasy book to get in to, this is the one! The action never slows... The character development is incredible... AND THE FINAL BATTLE WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH! Well, at-least it made me laugh.... HA!
I highly suggest picking this book up and reading it.
We did this book for our teen bookclub and we had a pretty good discussion about it. But mind you, this book isn't as straight forward as everyone thinks it is.
There is this whole underlying story with the dagger and Fritz that will lead in to the next book. That, alongside the finding of Beyn's mother.
I would definitely rate this book to be on the same level as the Hobbit and it is a fantastic YA fantasy book. So if your middle school teen is looking for a new fantasy book to get in to, this is the one! The action never slows... The character development is incredible... AND THE FINAL BATTLE WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH! Well, at-least it made me laugh.... HA!
I highly suggest picking this book up and reading it.
November 3, 2014
The Story-
Young Beynn Firehand thinks he is a normal boy, that is until Soraks attack his village and his father sends him off to find help. Soraks look human, but they have opaque eyes and some can work magic. Beynn and his friend Fritz head off into the woods, only to be followed. Then, just by thinking about it, Beynn causes a tree to fall on their pursuers. Stunned, Beynn doesn't understand what is happening or why he has headaches. Fritz has some stunning news! Beynn's eyes have turned white!
The boys find their way to Beynn's uncle's only to have him reveal that Beynn is a Sorak and that his father is not his biological father. Beynn is brought to the land of the Soraks while Fritz heads home with a green dagger to help their village. Beynn's goal is to learn how to control his magic and then return to his village to defeat the rebel Soraks, but someone within the Sorak council wants Beynn dead, and he needs to learn who and fast.
My Thoughts-
This was a nice read. It is straight forward with few side plots and younger readers will be able to follow along nicely for an exciting ride. The character of Beynn if fun, daring and brave. His entire life Sorak's are the enemy, and then to find out he is one and accept it, takes a strong will. Kids will love reading along as they discover clues about who Beynn is, what powers he has, and who his real father and mother are.
The book also takes a look at the prides of men. The village is betrayed by an elder, and throughout the story the reader sees how his greed ruins the lives of others and how he himself begins to feel about his friends. I think the main point of the story is that a race is not just good or evil, people can be anything. Beynn learns that there are good, friendly Soraks and then also that there are rebels. We also see the village councilor betray his people. I love one part of the book where Beynn's father stops his village from killing two Soraks based on the sole fact that they are Sorak. There are great undercurrents of true friendship and honor within this story.
4 Stars!
Young Beynn Firehand thinks he is a normal boy, that is until Soraks attack his village and his father sends him off to find help. Soraks look human, but they have opaque eyes and some can work magic. Beynn and his friend Fritz head off into the woods, only to be followed. Then, just by thinking about it, Beynn causes a tree to fall on their pursuers. Stunned, Beynn doesn't understand what is happening or why he has headaches. Fritz has some stunning news! Beynn's eyes have turned white!
The boys find their way to Beynn's uncle's only to have him reveal that Beynn is a Sorak and that his father is not his biological father. Beynn is brought to the land of the Soraks while Fritz heads home with a green dagger to help their village. Beynn's goal is to learn how to control his magic and then return to his village to defeat the rebel Soraks, but someone within the Sorak council wants Beynn dead, and he needs to learn who and fast.
My Thoughts-
This was a nice read. It is straight forward with few side plots and younger readers will be able to follow along nicely for an exciting ride. The character of Beynn if fun, daring and brave. His entire life Sorak's are the enemy, and then to find out he is one and accept it, takes a strong will. Kids will love reading along as they discover clues about who Beynn is, what powers he has, and who his real father and mother are.
The book also takes a look at the prides of men. The village is betrayed by an elder, and throughout the story the reader sees how his greed ruins the lives of others and how he himself begins to feel about his friends. I think the main point of the story is that a race is not just good or evil, people can be anything. Beynn learns that there are good, friendly Soraks and then also that there are rebels. We also see the village councilor betray his people. I love one part of the book where Beynn's father stops his village from killing two Soraks based on the sole fact that they are Sorak. There are great undercurrents of true friendship and honor within this story.
4 Stars!
December 26, 2014
Eyes Of the Enemy is the first book in the Blackmyst series of books. A Fantasy series suitable for middle grade children or early teenagers. This is a world with humans who live in Delvengard and the Sorak, a race with magical abilities who live underground. In a village in the Blackmyst forest, twelve year old Beynn Firehand lives with his father.
The villagers have just had the summer solstice celebrations when it is attacked by a band of Sorak rebels who seek Beynn. He escapes to his uncles', but discovers he has powers of his own, confused and frightened, he discovers that his life has been a lie. The Sorak are seeking Beynn because he is DanShal, a boy of legend who will have great power for his people.
This is a popular style of storyline and should appeal well to this age group of readers. There are a lot of characters with unusual names to get your head around. The story continues in book two.
The villagers have just had the summer solstice celebrations when it is attacked by a band of Sorak rebels who seek Beynn. He escapes to his uncles', but discovers he has powers of his own, confused and frightened, he discovers that his life has been a lie. The Sorak are seeking Beynn because he is DanShal, a boy of legend who will have great power for his people.
This is a popular style of storyline and should appeal well to this age group of readers. There are a lot of characters with unusual names to get your head around. The story continues in book two.
May 30, 2016
Wonderfully well written novel. I loved the world that this
author created. IT was different and new.
Beynn oh how young and romantic he is.What a sweet kid. I
really felt for him through this book when his best friend
got the girl he wanted to be with. It was so heart wrenching
and sad.
Beynn's father is such a strong supportive character who sees
both sides of the war that has gone on.He is wonderful.I
really admire this character.
If you love the action packed with a lil romance type of
fantasy story this is a must read for you.
Its full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing what
is going to happen next.
author created. IT was different and new.
Beynn oh how young and romantic he is.What a sweet kid. I
really felt for him through this book when his best friend
got the girl he wanted to be with. It was so heart wrenching
and sad.
Beynn's father is such a strong supportive character who sees
both sides of the war that has gone on.He is wonderful.I
really admire this character.
If you love the action packed with a lil romance type of
fantasy story this is a must read for you.
Its full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing what
is going to happen next.
November 7, 2014
*I received the ecopy of the book in exchange of an honest review*
It is about a 12 soon to be 13 year old boy, who have been living with his father in village Veiled Gorge. the journey of him finding out who he truly is, when an attack on his village by rogue Sorak. His identity of who is and what he can do while on the journey to find help for his village and to rescue his people.
The story is good I liked it, and his powers are cool and would love to continue. The end with Fritz showing changes due to the Dagger, mmm would love to know what happens further
It is about a 12 soon to be 13 year old boy, who have been living with his father in village Veiled Gorge. the journey of him finding out who he truly is, when an attack on his village by rogue Sorak. His identity of who is and what he can do while on the journey to find help for his village and to rescue his people.
The story is good I liked it, and his powers are cool and would love to continue. The end with Fritz showing changes due to the Dagger, mmm would love to know what happens further
December 3, 2015
I had never heard of this book or author until I seen one of his books being promoted on social media. I am glad I decided to purchase the first book. It is a great story without a dull moment. I think the characters are developed well and the story does not seem juvenile even though the main character is twelve. I will be purchasing the second book and highly recommend this book to my friends!
January 15, 2016
Loved this book
I loved this book and of course I'm going to buy the next book. I really want to know what happens next.
I loved this book and of course I'm going to buy the next book. I really want to know what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews