The Power Within: Book One of The Chalsian Chronicles

by Mark Malone

Just a simple schoolmaster, that is all Darian aspired to be. After all, his wife had been abducted by red-eyed demons called the night dwellers and he had been powerless to protect her. His hometown, Stone Grove, was inhabited by hardy men who cut stone for a living, but Darian wasn't strong enough to lug around stone, so his only choice was to teach. At least until his life was turned upside down when two of his students decided to enter the dangerous ruins near Stone Grove, disregarded his warnings. Despite the danger of giant man-eating insects and other deadly residents, his guilt drove him to enter the ruins to rescue the boys. Fighting for his life he stumbles upon a relic of ancient magic. Unable to understand the language of the ancients, he fumbles his way to an imperfect use of the magic, which allows him to save himself and the boys. Learning of Darian's new found powers, the beleaguered King of Chalsia sends his best men to bring Darian to the capital city to face Salimeen, the Pirate Queen and her hordes who have learned of a seemingly magical fire that cannot be extinguished. Physically weak and naturally fearful, Darian believes he is the farthest thing from a hero that a man can be, yet reluctantly he agrees to travel to King's Hold. The journey should be uneventful, but unexpected dangers force him to learn, through trial and error, the secret of the magic. The cohort of men sent to escort him to the King safely dwindles as terrifying creatures and hidden enemies culls their numbers until he is forced to face the pirate hordes alone. What was this ancient magic that he held? Would he learn enough of the magic to save his kingdom or even his life? This epic tale of Darian, schoolmaster turned unwitting mage, explores the true Power Within.

610 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2014

Reviews

[Troy Neenan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main problem was that the lack of paragraphs. I couldn't even get past the second chapter the author just gives you an endless block of text.

[Anthony Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

WeExcellent book!

I would give this book more than 5 stars. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes fantasy. Can't wait for another by this author.