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Champion of the Gods #2
The Eye and the Arm
Champion of the Gods: Book Two
After defeating Meglar at Belsport, Farrell returns to Haven to recover from his injuries, but Khron, the god of war, has other ideas. He gives Farrell a new mission: free the survivors of the ancient dwarf realm of Trellham from their three-thousand-year banishment. To fulfill Khron's near impossible task, Farrell will need the help of his distant ancestor, the legendary wizard Kel. But Kel has been dead for a thousand years.
Farrell finds information hinting that Kel is alive, so he moves his search to Dumbarten, Kel's birthplace. To reach Dumbarten unannounced, Farrell and Miceral disguise themselves as mercenaries on board a merchant vessel. Their journey is disrupted when pirates attack their ship. While attempting to subdue the attack, Farrell is struck down by one of Meglar’s minions.
Unconscious and trapped in his own mind, Farrell's only chance for survival rests with Miceral and the peregrine king Rothdin entering his thoughts and helping him sort fact from illusion. To reach Farrell, they will need to rely on an untested spell from one of Kel's spellbooks. If they succeed, Miceral can guide Farrell home safely. If not, Farrell will destroy not only himself, but Miceral, Rothdin, and everyone around him.
After defeating Meglar at Belsport, Farrell returns to Haven to recover from his injuries, but Khron, the god of war, has other ideas. He gives Farrell a new mission: free the survivors of the ancient dwarf realm of Trellham from their three-thousand-year banishment. To fulfill Khron's near impossible task, Farrell will need the help of his distant ancestor, the legendary wizard Kel. But Kel has been dead for a thousand years.
Farrell finds information hinting that Kel is alive, so he moves his search to Dumbarten, Kel's birthplace. To reach Dumbarten unannounced, Farrell and Miceral disguise themselves as mercenaries on board a merchant vessel. Their journey is disrupted when pirates attack their ship. While attempting to subdue the attack, Farrell is struck down by one of Meglar’s minions.
Unconscious and trapped in his own mind, Farrell's only chance for survival rests with Miceral and the peregrine king Rothdin entering his thoughts and helping him sort fact from illusion. To reach Farrell, they will need to rely on an untested spell from one of Kel's spellbooks. If they succeed, Miceral can guide Farrell home safely. If not, Farrell will destroy not only himself, but Miceral, Rothdin, and everyone around him.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2015
15 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Q. Gordon
22 books122 followersAfter a minor in creative writing in college, Andrew Q. Gordon decided to become old and stodgy and went to law school. At the urging of his partner, he returned to creative writing almost two decades later . Still working as a lawyer, he and his husband of seventeen years and their dogs live in the DC area. In 2011 they welcomed their daughter into their family. Andrew still manages to write after the last diaper is changed and he unwraps himself from his daughter's little finger.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 7, 2017
Wow.... I thought book one in this series was pretty awesome. But somehow the author managed to take book two to a whole other level. I am just amazed at how good this series is. I don't just want to read books 3 and 4... I NEED to read them! The author has done such a superb job of creating the characters and the world they exist in, the Gods included, that it all seems immensely real. Gotta say I feel like a fell down a rabbit hole with these books because of how very immersive they are.
April 20, 2015
I'll start off by saying don't attempt to read this without having read The Last Grand Master first. If you haven't run right now to buy it.
This has a bit slower pace than the first one, not as much action, it seems to be a transitional book, setting up the coming quests. To me it was still very enjoyable. In place of different battles we have angst. Plus it puts Farrell's flaws front and center. He's far from perfect. Where his abilities are concerned, he is arrogant and condescending at times. He can be emotional and becomes impatient with others trying to step in, sometimes confusing the ones who are speaking only out of concern for him and his quest with the ones that have their own agendas. His saving grace in these situations is that he is willing to admit his mistakes. All of this makes him human in spite of his extraordinary powers.
It makes him vulnerable.
As in the first book, this can get heavy on the dialogue with the histories and explanations of magic being given. Yet, I think it's necessary to have all of this done so we are prepared as the action moves to the forefront in later books.
The bottom line is if you like fantasy series with well thought out world building and characters that aren't perfect this could be a winner for you.
This has a bit slower pace than the first one, not as much action, it seems to be a transitional book, setting up the coming quests. To me it was still very enjoyable. In place of different battles we have angst. Plus it puts Farrell's flaws front and center. He's far from perfect. Where his abilities are concerned, he is arrogant and condescending at times. He can be emotional and becomes impatient with others trying to step in, sometimes confusing the ones who are speaking only out of concern for him and his quest with the ones that have their own agendas. His saving grace in these situations is that he is willing to admit his mistakes. All of this makes him human in spite of his extraordinary powers.
It makes him vulnerable.
As in the first book, this can get heavy on the dialogue with the histories and explanations of magic being given. Yet, I think it's necessary to have all of this done so we are prepared as the action moves to the forefront in later books.
The bottom line is if you like fantasy series with well thought out world building and characters that aren't perfect this could be a winner for you.
August 9, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars...full review to follow soonish!
If you read 'The Last Grand Master' then...
you're going to want to read this one.
In 'The Last Grand Master' the author introduced us to Farrell, who is not just one of...if not the most powerful wizards of his time...but he is also 'the Champion of the Gods' ...albeit some what unwilling at times but as with any true hero...it's not about how willing you are to do the right thing but doing it whether or not you want to but doing it because it needs to be done.
In 'The Last Grand Master' Farrell defeated the evil wizard Meglar with a little help from his friends, allies and Miceral, an immortal muchari warrior and the man who will become Farrell's partner...and this is only scratching the surface of events that happened in the first book and I highly recommend reading or listening to this series from the beginning.
In 'The Eye and the Arm' Farrell and MIceral find themselves with a new mission from the gods...specifically from Khron the god of war. A mission that requires them to free the survivors of an ancient dwarf civilization, fight pirates and ultimately leaves Farrell trapped within his own mind and his only hope lies with Farrell's mate and the Peregrine King Rothdin and it's more than Farrell's life that's in the balance should they fail.
'Champion of the Gods' is an epic fantasy and one that takes the reader on a grand adventure with each story and while each book so far has held a self contained adventure/mission/quest/thing...it's all part of a bigger...more epic story.
So far only the first 2 stories for this series are available on audio but so far everything that I've heard has drawn me further and further into a world that's filled with epic adventure, amazing creatures...unicorns! peregrins! no dragons but hey, you just can have everything! There are wizards, immortal warriors and an ancient race of dwarves, the 7 gods of Nendor...but one of those gods wants to rule them all...oh and pirates!!! but these aren't the 'Jack Sparrow' kind of pirates,..nope, these are the pirates that you never want to meet on the high seas.
Just like the first book the world building and character development in this book are solid and the author has done a superb job of weaving things into the story.
Ironically my biggest disappointment with this story was the change in narrators. 'The Last Grand Master' was narrated by Joel Leslie and it's with the utmost respect that I say this but Mr. Leslie as a rule is not my first choice of narrators for audiobooks except...very ironically for this series. I very much enjoyed his narration of 'The Last Grand Master' and I was honestly looking forward to a repeat performance from him with this story, however, that was not to be as this book was narrated by Seb Yarrick and for me this was a bit of a disappointment that for me resulted a slightly lower rating of the story...3.5 stars rather than the 4 or possibly higher that I would have given it.
While the narration wasn't quite what I had hoped for with this story...the story itself was every bit as good the first book and while I'm hoping that the next audio book sees a return to the original narrator...I know I'm looking forward to enjoying 'The Kings of Lore and Legend' on audio sometime in the near future...hopefully!
*************************
An audio book of 'The Eye and the Arm' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you read 'The Last Grand Master' then...
you're going to want to read this one.
In 'The Last Grand Master' the author introduced us to Farrell, who is not just one of...if not the most powerful wizards of his time...but he is also 'the Champion of the Gods' ...albeit some what unwilling at times but as with any true hero...it's not about how willing you are to do the right thing but doing it whether or not you want to but doing it because it needs to be done.
In 'The Last Grand Master' Farrell defeated the evil wizard Meglar with a little help from his friends, allies and Miceral, an immortal muchari warrior and the man who will become Farrell's partner...and this is only scratching the surface of events that happened in the first book and I highly recommend reading or listening to this series from the beginning.
In 'The Eye and the Arm' Farrell and MIceral find themselves with a new mission from the gods...specifically from Khron the god of war. A mission that requires them to free the survivors of an ancient dwarf civilization, fight pirates and ultimately leaves Farrell trapped within his own mind and his only hope lies with Farrell's mate and the Peregrine King Rothdin and it's more than Farrell's life that's in the balance should they fail.
'Champion of the Gods' is an epic fantasy and one that takes the reader on a grand adventure with each story and while each book so far has held a self contained adventure/mission/quest/thing...it's all part of a bigger...more epic story.
So far only the first 2 stories for this series are available on audio but so far everything that I've heard has drawn me further and further into a world that's filled with epic adventure, amazing creatures...unicorns! peregrins! no dragons but hey, you just can have everything! There are wizards, immortal warriors and an ancient race of dwarves, the 7 gods of Nendor...but one of those gods wants to rule them all...oh and pirates!!! but these aren't the 'Jack Sparrow' kind of pirates,..nope, these are the pirates that you never want to meet on the high seas.
Just like the first book the world building and character development in this book are solid and the author has done a superb job of weaving things into the story.
Ironically my biggest disappointment with this story was the change in narrators. 'The Last Grand Master' was narrated by Joel Leslie and it's with the utmost respect that I say this but Mr. Leslie as a rule is not my first choice of narrators for audiobooks except...very ironically for this series. I very much enjoyed his narration of 'The Last Grand Master' and I was honestly looking forward to a repeat performance from him with this story, however, that was not to be as this book was narrated by Seb Yarrick and for me this was a bit of a disappointment that for me resulted a slightly lower rating of the story...3.5 stars rather than the 4 or possibly higher that I would have given it.
While the narration wasn't quite what I had hoped for with this story...the story itself was every bit as good the first book and while I'm hoping that the next audio book sees a return to the original narrator...I know I'm looking forward to enjoying 'The Kings of Lore and Legend' on audio sometime in the near future...hopefully!
*************************
An audio book of 'The Eye and the Arm' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2015
I wrote a review for this book with three stars and then promptly deleted it. I contemplated for a few days (rereading the book) on how to write this. I'd like to say here that this review probably won't help if you haven't read Book 1, which I highly recommend.
I was stuck on how to star this book. As a stand alone book it would have gotten a three out of me and that would have been it. However, I believe as a series it deserves a five. Book 1 was written in a very cinematic way. We had battles described with colors and movement. Also in Book 1, the struggles were relatable, violent and very Hollywood. Everything was just big and in your face.
Book two is more like an episode of Star Trek Voyager, where the crew is crossing a great expanse in statis and Seven is slowly going out of her mind. Or perhaps the middle of the Hobbit; things are slower, is my point. In stark contrast to Book 1's battles, it may seem a downer. However, this book plays an integral part of the series (in my opinion). It fleshes out side characters, gives body to our villain (he's not some power trip idiot) and helps us readers realize that the journey/series isn't going to end with two books. It also introduces us to some new characters (though some times they come off as immature).
As for the struggle of our heroes, it's about internal struggle(s). On the one hand, Farrell is all powerful and Miceral is Big and Beautiful. The struggle provides a chance for us to realize that Farrell without Miceral isn't guarded and that Miceral would break in the wind without Farrell.
All in all, Book 2 isn't as cinematic as Book 1. But it plays a part in allowing readers to get to know our characters but even more of the surrounding cast members. The struggle isn't flashy and bolld, but the realizations that emerge keep us wanting more and hooked into a great series, even with the few grammatical errors.
I was stuck on how to star this book. As a stand alone book it would have gotten a three out of me and that would have been it. However, I believe as a series it deserves a five. Book 1 was written in a very cinematic way. We had battles described with colors and movement. Also in Book 1, the struggles were relatable, violent and very Hollywood. Everything was just big and in your face.
Book two is more like an episode of Star Trek Voyager, where the crew is crossing a great expanse in statis and Seven is slowly going out of her mind. Or perhaps the middle of the Hobbit; things are slower, is my point. In stark contrast to Book 1's battles, it may seem a downer. However, this book plays an integral part of the series (in my opinion). It fleshes out side characters, gives body to our villain (he's not some power trip idiot) and helps us readers realize that the journey/series isn't going to end with two books. It also introduces us to some new characters (though some times they come off as immature).
As for the struggle of our heroes, it's about internal struggle(s). On the one hand, Farrell is all powerful and Miceral is Big and Beautiful. The struggle provides a chance for us to realize that Farrell without Miceral isn't guarded and that Miceral would break in the wind without Farrell.
All in all, Book 2 isn't as cinematic as Book 1. But it plays a part in allowing readers to get to know our characters but even more of the surrounding cast members. The struggle isn't flashy and bolld, but the realizations that emerge keep us wanting more and hooked into a great series, even with the few grammatical errors.
August 6, 2019
Was so looking forward to listening to this Audiobook after listening to book 1 narrated by Joel Leslie.
The storyline is great, but the narrator has as much charisma as mould on a damp cloth!
He sounds monotone throughout the whole story, the characters sound exactly the same as each other.
Joel breathed so much life into the first book and couldn’t wait for him to complete the journey in this audiobook - it has to be completely financial reasons as to why you would change narrator for the second book.
I give 5* stars for the storyline, but not even going to rate the narrator - sorry! 😫
Such a disappointment is all I can say!!
Bring back Joel and all maybe forgiven!!! (I cannot be the only person that thinks this surely???!!!!)
***I do hope the author reads these comments and makes the right choice for the next audiobook ***
The storyline is great, but the narrator has as much charisma as mould on a damp cloth!
He sounds monotone throughout the whole story, the characters sound exactly the same as each other.
Joel breathed so much life into the first book and couldn’t wait for him to complete the journey in this audiobook - it has to be completely financial reasons as to why you would change narrator for the second book.
I give 5* stars for the storyline, but not even going to rate the narrator - sorry! 😫
Such a disappointment is all I can say!!
Bring back Joel and all maybe forgiven!!! (I cannot be the only person that thinks this surely???!!!!)
***I do hope the author reads these comments and makes the right choice for the next audiobook ***
February 17, 2017
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
4.5Stars
Andrew Q Gordon redoubled his efforts when writing The Eye and the Arm. If you are a fan of Gordon’s The Last Grand Master (A Prism Recommended Read), I probably don’t need to tell you that The Eye and the Arm is a must read. If you haven’t yet read The Last Grand Master, I highly suggest you do so.
For Complete review see Prism Book Alliance: http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
November 10, 2022
4.5 Stars. Perhaps not quite as high a rating as The Last Grand Master but still a great read.
Cannot wait for the release of "Kings of Lore and Legend". Andrew Q. Gordon has become an auto-buy author for me.
Cannot wait for the release of "Kings of Lore and Legend". Andrew Q. Gordon has become an auto-buy author for me.
January 13, 2019
This is an excellent sequel to The Last Grand Master in the Champion of the God's series. The story is beautifully written, the world building is breathtaking, and the characters are very well developed.
This book continues Farrell's quest as Champion of the Six to prepare himself for the upcoming final battle with Meglar. It gives more details on the history of the war, and sets new challenges for Farrell to complete.
I'm the first book, he was Chosen to assist Lenore, his own patron's (Honorus), sister. In this second installment, both he and Miceral are Chosen by Khron to complete a new task for Him. In order to do this, Farrell and Miceral set off based upon the writings from Kel in a book.
The action starts off fairly quickly, and by the 50% mark, we have already seen a majority of the "action." It is during this time that Farrell also learns of Arritisa's attention. However , there is magic afoot, and all is not well. A huge family secret is revealed to Miceral, but denied to Farrell who needs the knowledge most.
Farrell finds that his ancestor was a trickster and not always pleasant during his hunt for new information. He meets new "family" along the way, and must admit that he is not the only one fighting in this war.
While in Dumbarton, the first stop on the magically hazardous scavenger hunt set up for Farrell by Kel, he also learns that because of his love and devotion to Miceral, he has also been Chosen by Seritia. After much deliberation, when it is known that Farrell must travel next to Her land, he requests permission to travel by door. The answer he gets is not one he expects.
I really enjoyed reading the book, and I am going to start the next book soon. There was not as much emphasis on Farrell and Miceral's love life, but more on the closeness and bond that they share. It is well worth the time!
Happy reading!
This book continues Farrell's quest as Champion of the Six to prepare himself for the upcoming final battle with Meglar. It gives more details on the history of the war, and sets new challenges for Farrell to complete.
I'm the first book, he was Chosen to assist Lenore, his own patron's (Honorus), sister. In this second installment, both he and Miceral are Chosen by Khron to complete a new task for Him. In order to do this, Farrell and Miceral set off based upon the writings from Kel in a book.
The action starts off fairly quickly, and by the 50% mark, we have already seen a majority of the "action." It is during this time that Farrell also learns of Arritisa's attention. However , there is magic afoot, and all is not well. A huge family secret is revealed to Miceral, but denied to Farrell who needs the knowledge most.
Farrell finds that his ancestor was a trickster and not always pleasant during his hunt for new information. He meets new "family" along the way, and must admit that he is not the only one fighting in this war.
While in Dumbarton, the first stop on the magically hazardous scavenger hunt set up for Farrell by Kel, he also learns that because of his love and devotion to Miceral, he has also been Chosen by Seritia. After much deliberation, when it is known that Farrell must travel next to Her land, he requests permission to travel by door. The answer he gets is not one he expects.
I really enjoyed reading the book, and I am going to start the next book soon. There was not as much emphasis on Farrell and Miceral's love life, but more on the closeness and bond that they share. It is well worth the time!
Happy reading!
February 18, 2020
Again this booked was a pleasure to read and journey along the adventures of Farrell and Miceral joined by others along the road. we get further insights tot the characters that are both central to this series and the others such as Rothdin. the encounter the God Khron and set of on an mission to retrieve more of the gifts of the gods, while not knowing whey. the search for Kell starts even if we dont realise it.
As with the first book, a great read, a masterpiece and an amazing love story, without the sex details, which is refreshing in this case. the lack of this detail in a way strengthens the love and bond and you understand more the relationship.
I advise to everyone read it if you can. got this book as a freebie in a promise to write a review.
thank you my Gordon for bringing this world to us.
As with the first book, a great read, a masterpiece and an amazing love story, without the sex details, which is refreshing in this case. the lack of this detail in a way strengthens the love and bond and you understand more the relationship.
I advise to everyone read it if you can. got this book as a freebie in a promise to write a review.
thank you my Gordon for bringing this world to us.
April 28, 2022
Farrell has just recovered from his injuries after saving Belsport, but he is on another mission for the Six. Now he must free the dwarves that have been missing for thousands of years. This quest will send Farrell and Miceral across the ocean to the birthplace of Farrell's ancestors. While they are traveling by ship, they are attacked by pirates, and a spell sent by Melgar strikes down Farrell.
Miceral will do anything to save Farrell, even allowing others to magically take over his mind to guide him on saving Farrell from himself. I love Miceral and Farrell, they are both great characters, and their dynamic is excellent. They would both do anything for the other, and you can see that throughout the book. I enjoy all the secondary characters, and they all interact together.
Miceral will do anything to save Farrell, even allowing others to magically take over his mind to guide him on saving Farrell from himself. I love Miceral and Farrell, they are both great characters, and their dynamic is excellent. They would both do anything for the other, and you can see that throughout the book. I enjoy all the secondary characters, and they all interact together.
August 6, 2015
5 Heart Review by Dan
Hold on tight. I’m about to go all fan boy on you! I loved, loved, loved this book. I thought I loved the first one in the series “The Last Grand Master”, but this one was even better! They say to really enjoy a book you have to understand the author’s voice and what they are saying. I’m definitely feeling Mr. Gordon’s voice. This is a fantastic series!
Prince Farrell of Haven just continues to grow on me as a character, as does his life partner Miceral and their relationship. Mr. Gordon did a great job with Miceral in this installment. At one point I got soooo annoyed at Miceral. I understood why he was protecting Farrell, but I truly wanted to reach in to the book and grab him and start shaking him! It takes a really good author to get me that invested in a story!
In “The Eye and the Arm” Farrell and Miceral continue their journey on the road to battling Farrell’s true father, the evil wizard Meglar.
When Farrell is Chosen by Khron, the god of war, it comes with the task of freeing the Dwarves of Trellham who were banished into the void 3,000 years ago. How does one go about freeing something trapped in the void? Say nothing about an entire dwarf population trapped there? Since he has no clue, Farrell has to set off on a trip to find Kel, his many times great-grandfather…who just might still be alive!
Along with their friends, families and adopted families, they will combat evil, fight fierce pirates, discover an unknown underwater civilization, and learn more about Farrell’s powers and his position as Chosen of a growing number of gods! And along with the being Chosen part, come all those additional tasks that he has to complete.
I could go on and on. I really loved this book, and if we had a rating of more than 5.0, I’d use it on this one. I don’t see a release date yet for book three, but I will be eagerly awaiting word of its arrival! I very highly recommend you read this book if you are into high fantasy series. Take my advice and read “The Last Grand Master” first for character development, background and continuity. Get them both today, so that you’re ready when book three comes out!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Hold on tight. I’m about to go all fan boy on you! I loved, loved, loved this book. I thought I loved the first one in the series “The Last Grand Master”, but this one was even better! They say to really enjoy a book you have to understand the author’s voice and what they are saying. I’m definitely feeling Mr. Gordon’s voice. This is a fantastic series!
Prince Farrell of Haven just continues to grow on me as a character, as does his life partner Miceral and their relationship. Mr. Gordon did a great job with Miceral in this installment. At one point I got soooo annoyed at Miceral. I understood why he was protecting Farrell, but I truly wanted to reach in to the book and grab him and start shaking him! It takes a really good author to get me that invested in a story!
In “The Eye and the Arm” Farrell and Miceral continue their journey on the road to battling Farrell’s true father, the evil wizard Meglar.
When Farrell is Chosen by Khron, the god of war, it comes with the task of freeing the Dwarves of Trellham who were banished into the void 3,000 years ago. How does one go about freeing something trapped in the void? Say nothing about an entire dwarf population trapped there? Since he has no clue, Farrell has to set off on a trip to find Kel, his many times great-grandfather…who just might still be alive!
Along with their friends, families and adopted families, they will combat evil, fight fierce pirates, discover an unknown underwater civilization, and learn more about Farrell’s powers and his position as Chosen of a growing number of gods! And along with the being Chosen part, come all those additional tasks that he has to complete.
I could go on and on. I really loved this book, and if we had a rating of more than 5.0, I’d use it on this one. I don’t see a release date yet for book three, but I will be eagerly awaiting word of its arrival! I very highly recommend you read this book if you are into high fantasy series. Take my advice and read “The Last Grand Master” first for character development, background and continuity. Get them both today, so that you’re ready when book three comes out!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
February 28, 2016
The novel starts out with a bang there is a lengthy explanation of where we are in the story follow it closely. Ferrell is a grand master wizard named chosen by several gods and every time they visit him he is given a new task. Although he feels reverence for The Six he also feels burdened by them. He is already engaged in a war with his father Meglar king of Zargon. At the beginning of this book he is visited by the Great Khron the god of war, The Eternal warrior, and set a task to free Khron's people the dwarfs who were safeguarded in the void, in order to do this, he is set on a quest to locate items that he will need to complete his task. “Holy Khron, you have laid so much at my feet, but I do all I can to be the Champion you need, the Champion you deserve."
His first task is to go to khron's temple where he is to speak to a priest, Aswick. His is given a history of the dwarfs and a book left by a powerful grand master wizard ancestor Kel, that contains the keys to both his tasks and spells he will need to complete his task. With the king’s permission and an unexpected companion, Farell, his life partner Miceral, and Peter the prince, (who is to complete his first sea voyage) then set off to locate the first artifacts by sea to the blocked off kingdom of Dumbarten's capital city Dreth. While at sea Farell comes into contact with messengers of the Goddess of the sea, Arritisa. the servants convey the message that they must take him to under to a place called Rastoria to receive his message. In following them he meets the goddess Arritisa's hidden people the Arlefors.
While he is at Rastoria the ship they are on is attached by pirates, so Farrell has to learn what he needs to know and make it back to help defend the ship. The adventure is only at the start.
There is so much more that happens that I can't say without giving to much away.
First I would like to say that I don't normally read GLBT Literature, but this novel is tasteful and far from overbearing. The author was able to write an adventure that was interesting and left you wanting. Would I refer this novel, Yes! I was left on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next. The lead character is no push over and I'm rooting for him. It was a bit of a cliffhanger and not a standalone, but it's a series so I expected that. Definitely worth the read!
His first task is to go to khron's temple where he is to speak to a priest, Aswick. His is given a history of the dwarfs and a book left by a powerful grand master wizard ancestor Kel, that contains the keys to both his tasks and spells he will need to complete his task. With the king’s permission and an unexpected companion, Farell, his life partner Miceral, and Peter the prince, (who is to complete his first sea voyage) then set off to locate the first artifacts by sea to the blocked off kingdom of Dumbarten's capital city Dreth. While at sea Farell comes into contact with messengers of the Goddess of the sea, Arritisa. the servants convey the message that they must take him to under to a place called Rastoria to receive his message. In following them he meets the goddess Arritisa's hidden people the Arlefors.
While he is at Rastoria the ship they are on is attached by pirates, so Farrell has to learn what he needs to know and make it back to help defend the ship. The adventure is only at the start.
There is so much more that happens that I can't say without giving to much away.
First I would like to say that I don't normally read GLBT Literature, but this novel is tasteful and far from overbearing. The author was able to write an adventure that was interesting and left you wanting. Would I refer this novel, Yes! I was left on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next. The lead character is no push over and I'm rooting for him. It was a bit of a cliffhanger and not a standalone, but it's a series so I expected that. Definitely worth the read!
March 21, 2016
I really enjoyed the first book in this series The Last Grand Master, and my initial reaction to finishing The Eye and The Arm was ‘wow.’ I think Andrew Q. Gordon has surpassed himself with this instalment of Farrell’s journey. I was on the edge of my seat—and stayed up far too late reading—when I got to the part where Miceral has to enter Farrell’s thoughts to save him, and everyone around him.
This series reminds of why I enjoy well written fantasy. The world building is great—there is a real sense of a world with a rich history, and the descriptions make it very easy to visualise the settings. I loved the glimpse into another interesting culture with The Eye and Arm, as Farrell experiences a new place and culture very different to his own. I love the cultures represented by the various characters in this series, and how their different approaches to life because of their different beliefs. As with most cultures, there is also a good sized amount of politics going on, some in the background, some less than subtle. There is also a fair amount of history which is very important to the story but, it is seeded through the narrative so it remains pertinent and interesting.
The emotional scenes are realistic and gripping—I could feel Miceral’s concern, and fear, for Farrell. I love these guys together, the banter is great, their relationship feels very real, and equal, and while Farrell takes magic for granted and uses it for even little things, Miceral’s reaction to it is very different. He’s learning to accept it more readily because of Farrell but I doubt he’ll ever be truly comfortable with it.
It’s not just Miceral and Farrell who are fully formed characters. The supporting cast are very three dimensional and have also grown since The Last Grand Master. Although Farrell and Miceral are the main characters their romance and story is weaved seamlessly through the plot rather than being the plot. Everyone in the story has their own motivations, gods are real, and there are a few curveballs.
I’d highly recommend The Eye And The Arm to readers who enjoy high fantasy with rich characters and world building, and lots of action and drama.
This series reminds of why I enjoy well written fantasy. The world building is great—there is a real sense of a world with a rich history, and the descriptions make it very easy to visualise the settings. I loved the glimpse into another interesting culture with The Eye and Arm, as Farrell experiences a new place and culture very different to his own. I love the cultures represented by the various characters in this series, and how their different approaches to life because of their different beliefs. As with most cultures, there is also a good sized amount of politics going on, some in the background, some less than subtle. There is also a fair amount of history which is very important to the story but, it is seeded through the narrative so it remains pertinent and interesting.
The emotional scenes are realistic and gripping—I could feel Miceral’s concern, and fear, for Farrell. I love these guys together, the banter is great, their relationship feels very real, and equal, and while Farrell takes magic for granted and uses it for even little things, Miceral’s reaction to it is very different. He’s learning to accept it more readily because of Farrell but I doubt he’ll ever be truly comfortable with it.
It’s not just Miceral and Farrell who are fully formed characters. The supporting cast are very three dimensional and have also grown since The Last Grand Master. Although Farrell and Miceral are the main characters their romance and story is weaved seamlessly through the plot rather than being the plot. Everyone in the story has their own motivations, gods are real, and there are a few curveballs.
I’d highly recommend The Eye And The Arm to readers who enjoy high fantasy with rich characters and world building, and lots of action and drama.
April 4, 2016
For this series, I find it's best to say 'stuff' about it once I've done reading the series since so far, each book is a literal continuation of the previous one. Makes me wonder if the showdown between Farrell and Meglar won't happen until the final book.
That said, though it's fantasy, the dispositions of those 7 Gods (siblings all of them) aren't too far off from, 'May the good Lord take a liking to you but not too soon.'
It is quite fascinating how the author thought out, writes and keeps track of Farrell's (and Kel's for that matter) intricate and convoluted spell weaving/construction. Good job.
I dare say I'll have more to say once I've read the entire series. I'm onto book 3 and hope there's a book 4 available soon.
That said, though it's fantasy, the dispositions of those 7 Gods (siblings all of them) aren't too far off from, 'May the good Lord take a liking to you but not too soon.'
It is quite fascinating how the author thought out, writes and keeps track of Farrell's (and Kel's for that matter) intricate and convoluted spell weaving/construction. Good job.
I dare say I'll have more to say once I've read the entire series. I'm onto book 3 and hope there's a book 4 available soon.
March 11, 2016
Great read that you will truly enjoy. But please read book 1 first before venturing on to this one. Farrel just can't seem to get a break planning on taking some time to heal after the battle at Belsport he can't. He is sent on another mission Farrel is needing help from one of his ancestors Kel who he has found out might be alive. But things go astray on the way and Farrel is trapped in his mind. Will they find Kel or his spell book? Will Farrel find his way out of his turmoil now without hurting every one else and himself?
January 5, 2019
Never a Dull Moment
Sometimes you find a book, series or author that just grasps your attention from beginning to end. Andrew Q Gordon is that author and Champion of the Goods are those books!
Sometimes you find a book, series or author that just grasps your attention from beginning to end. Andrew Q Gordon is that author and Champion of the Goods are those books!
July 15, 2019
Excellent
I loved that Farrell was able to surprise even Kel with his unique perspective on how magic works. I'm really enjoying how intricate we are beginning to see the gods' preparation for this war truly is.
I loved that Farrell was able to surprise even Kel with his unique perspective on how magic works. I'm really enjoying how intricate we are beginning to see the gods' preparation for this war truly is.
October 12, 2015
Much I proved. I'm not sure how long this is supposed to go on for though. The two books have just been adding things not resolving much.
March 24, 2016
Excellent continuation!
Book 2 continues the story perfectly! Lots of action and a large battle this time around. Already purchased book 3 and ready to keep going!
Book 2 continues the story perfectly! Lots of action and a large battle this time around. Already purchased book 3 and ready to keep going!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews