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Claire-Agon Ranger #1
Ranger Rising
When EVIL rises, GOOD needs a hero. A thousand years ago, on the world of Claire-Agon, a war raged between men and dragons, destroying the creatures and the land's many civilizations. When his family is enslaved, Targon Terrel must battle the sinister Kesh wizards to save them, but a desperate group of refugees from his home country of Ulatha needs his help, too. With the unexpected aid of a Druid of the Arnen, Targon discovers his destiny as a Ranger, but far from solving his problems, this discovery will soon reveal a personal betrayal. Targon's fate brings him closer to long-buried truths about the ancient war between wizards and dragons -- truths that could plunge his world into darkness forever. ***** Author's The Ranger Series takes place a thousand years after the Great Dragon War. Book 1, Ranger May of 2015 Book 2, Dead February of 2016 Book 3, Mad November of 2017 Book 4, Cursed May of 2017 Book 5: Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest release date. The Dragon Book Series consists of five books each highlighting one of the five chromatic dragons found in the world of Claire-Agon. Each book can be read independently of each other and in no particular order, however, they take place during the same time frame and involve many of the same characters and locations of the Claire-Agon world. The Black February of 2015 The Blue November of 2015 The Green May of 2016 The White July of 2016 The Red October of 2016 The Dragon January of 2019 Sign up for Salvador Mercer's newsletter at salvadormercer.com These newsletters will notify you of new releases, special promotions, and exclusive content only for you. Thanks and enjoy your read!
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2015
290 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 18, 2017
Fun read
I bought the book looking for some hack and slash swords and sorcery type of book. Instead, it is a well crafted story that the author does an excellent job of world building with likeable characters. He hooked me in and I was sad when it was over. I want to read the next one.
I bought the book looking for some hack and slash swords and sorcery type of book. Instead, it is a well crafted story that the author does an excellent job of world building with likeable characters. He hooked me in and I was sad when it was over. I want to read the next one.
January 23, 2016
A world that has all the familiar aspects of medieval Europe, yet we are told it is part of another solar system light years from Earth. Kesh and Ulatha are two cultures (and countries?states?) that have been in conflict for centuries. Their cultures are very different and racially they are also easily identified.
Targon has lost his father, grandfather and older brother to the conflict. He is now reaching maturity and responsible as the “man” of the family for putting game on the table and doing the heavy lifting around their cabin in the Blackthorn Forest. Then the Kesh come again and steal all that Targon holds dear.
This book is about Targon’s personal growth in the context of conflict. Mercer provides us with spell-shooting mages, rampaging armies, animals that can talk with druids and a host of friendly and not-so-friendly characters that are given some depth. This book is a set-up for a series where Targon takes on the role of “ranger” (not a spoiler … see the title) and starts thinking about how he can make a difference in this world beyond his immediate family.
Mercer has big plans for the future of this series where the planet Claire Agon has an unusual relationship with other elements in its solar system. Though he mentions in passing that the life forms on this planet are “silicon-based,” there is nothing in the discussion of common flora and fauna that would lead the reader to discern and difference from Earth-based plants and animals. Perhaps this is all to come. Perhaps, when I need a quick read in an airport lounge, I will pick up another volume in this series.
Targon has lost his father, grandfather and older brother to the conflict. He is now reaching maturity and responsible as the “man” of the family for putting game on the table and doing the heavy lifting around their cabin in the Blackthorn Forest. Then the Kesh come again and steal all that Targon holds dear.
This book is about Targon’s personal growth in the context of conflict. Mercer provides us with spell-shooting mages, rampaging armies, animals that can talk with druids and a host of friendly and not-so-friendly characters that are given some depth. This book is a set-up for a series where Targon takes on the role of “ranger” (not a spoiler … see the title) and starts thinking about how he can make a difference in this world beyond his immediate family.
Mercer has big plans for the future of this series where the planet Claire Agon has an unusual relationship with other elements in its solar system. Though he mentions in passing that the life forms on this planet are “silicon-based,” there is nothing in the discussion of common flora and fauna that would lead the reader to discern and difference from Earth-based plants and animals. Perhaps this is all to come. Perhaps, when I need a quick read in an airport lounge, I will pick up another volume in this series.
November 16, 2017
I started this review with a 4 but realized there were quite a few things that made the book not so great. One issue I had is that almost every single character forgot or used alternate names for characters. Core was called Carrot, Khan was called Master, Targon was called lad (so many times by so many people), Elister was called old man, etc. If one character had this flaw of forgetfulness it 'might' be understandable, but everyone does it even when they each remind each other to use their proper names. They might as well go around calling each other you, person, or main character. Why give your characters names if no one uses them? Also Khan, a Kesh invader, once captured talks about a blood feud with his captors and that they don't understand....he invaded their land, killed most of their males, and enslaved the population....I think they have a better and more powerful understanding of a blood feud than an apprentice does with his dissatisfied master. And many wizards think internally they are so great and powerful, and should be the arch-wizard but know that others are more powerful, this was never really explained. And the book description seems wrong. It says:
I didn't see this happen at all. The war was mentioned but Targon does gain any truths about this war, except maybe a sort of not necessarily a secret but an important bit of information at the very end of the book (literally the last paragraph before the epilogue).
Targon's fate brings him closer to long-buried truths about the ancient war between wizards and dragons -- truths that could plunge his world into darkness forever.
I didn't see this happen at all. The war was mentioned but Targon does gain any truths about this war, except maybe a sort of not necessarily a secret but an important bit of information at the very end of the book (literally the last paragraph before the epilogue).
December 3, 2017
The planet is circled that passes close by every two hundred years bring death, destruction, and decay to civilization. Targon's people are invaded by the Kesh who are led by evil wizards seeking certain artifacts that will give them greater power. The Kesh kidnap Targon's mother and sister. As he strives to rescue then he encounters a group of city dwellers seeking escape and a Druid.
January 8, 2018
Good sci-fi fantasy
I choose this rating because even though it has a good storyline, I have the feeling that it will be a long drawn out experience which will then end with a cliff hanger, I do not know if it will be worth the long read as this book has not held me riveted to the storyline, however it has much promise.
I choose this rating because even though it has a good storyline, I have the feeling that it will be a long drawn out experience which will then end with a cliff hanger, I do not know if it will be worth the long read as this book has not held me riveted to the storyline, however it has much promise.
February 22, 2019
Good start for a new series.
I read to escape and this had it. A refreshing plot. A little slow to begin but the build up captured my imagination. Thank you for allowing me to see your vision. On to Book two. Did note some minor spelling and grammar issues but nothing to detract from the story. Thank you again.
I read to escape and this had it. A refreshing plot. A little slow to begin but the build up captured my imagination. Thank you for allowing me to see your vision. On to Book two. Did note some minor spelling and grammar issues but nothing to detract from the story. Thank you again.
October 31, 2023
Help me read more books
This is an interesting start to a series I find to be something like the little brother to the druid of shanara series. There's definitely some paralels, but many things that are different as well, and different enough that I'm probably going to read more in the series, I like this one so far.
This is an interesting start to a series I find to be something like the little brother to the druid of shanara series. There's definitely some paralels, but many things that are different as well, and different enough that I'm probably going to read more in the series, I like this one so far.
July 14, 2017
Review
Everything I like to see and read in a fantasy story, sorcery, sword s and mysterious druids. What more could you possibly ask for, a dragon and we are going to get one. Great read. Keep them coming. thanks.
Everything I like to see and read in a fantasy story, sorcery, sword s and mysterious druids. What more could you possibly ask for, a dragon and we are going to get one. Great read. Keep them coming. thanks.
June 29, 2021
Fast-Paced Action
Set on Claire Agon, a planet in a solar system visible by earth astronomers. Filled with magic, sorcery, as well as the typical lust for power, betrayal and treachery. The Kesh are enslaving the Ulathans, but one group fights back.
Set on Claire Agon, a planet in a solar system visible by earth astronomers. Filled with magic, sorcery, as well as the typical lust for power, betrayal and treachery. The Kesh are enslaving the Ulathans, but one group fights back.
October 4, 2019
DNF the 5 chapters i read was ok but this is just not my cup of tea
October 23, 2020
Enjoyable
Took a moment to get into it but I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Took a moment to get into it but I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
September 7, 2015
This is the coming of age tale of a young man who must risk everything to protect his family and his country. Targon is an extremely likable character, and I could not put this book down until I knew he would be okay. The Lady Salina is a warrior and noble woman willing to die for her sons. Together they are quite formidable!
The plot is complex with some wonderful side plots and characters that sometimes steal the show. From the moment that Targon loses his family, you start to get the idea that there was much more to his family than meets the eye. This story is action packed and very difficult to put down. The world building is excellent!
The magic system was inventive. There are mages with earth magic and others that used dragon fire. The earth Mage had several animals with the ability to communicate.
I would recommend this story to David Eddings fans or anyone looking for a great sword and sorcery read!
The plot is complex with some wonderful side plots and characters that sometimes steal the show. From the moment that Targon loses his family, you start to get the idea that there was much more to his family than meets the eye. This story is action packed and very difficult to put down. The world building is excellent!
The magic system was inventive. There are mages with earth magic and others that used dragon fire. The earth Mage had several animals with the ability to communicate.
I would recommend this story to David Eddings fans or anyone looking for a great sword and sorcery read!
March 4, 2016
If you are a fan of the Shennara Chronicles then you will like this book. The protagonist is authentic, and his journey is surprising and action packed. There are several well written strong female characters. Mercer writes action and dialogue very well.
I needed the next book immediately. I'm so glad this is a series - the world building is fantastic and I want to know more! This is just excellent traditional fantasy!
I needed the next book immediately. I'm so glad this is a series - the world building is fantastic and I want to know more! This is just excellent traditional fantasy!
December 6, 2015
Well written!
Well rounded characters, intricate plot lines, complete story with a hook for the next book in the series, rather than a cliffhanger. I will be buying the next book in the series!
Well rounded characters, intricate plot lines, complete story with a hook for the next book in the series, rather than a cliffhanger. I will be buying the next book in the series!
April 18, 2016
War and Adventure in the Woods
Refreshing! A good read, for most anyone. A growing up adventure about a teenage country boy and a group of city folk refugees. I liked the story, the characters and the ending! Read this story!
Refreshing! A good read, for most anyone. A growing up adventure about a teenage country boy and a group of city folk refugees. I liked the story, the characters and the ending! Read this story!
May 4, 2016
Good story. Some likable characters. Nice surprise at the end.
I enjoyed the story, but the language was somewhat clunky at times. Character depth was inconsistent but overall adequate. The surprise ending was pretty cool, but the first book should have accomplished more.
I enjoyed the story, but the language was somewhat clunky at times. Character depth was inconsistent but overall adequate. The surprise ending was pretty cool, but the first book should have accomplished more.
January 22, 2017
I found this book a little slow at the beginning. Once it got going, it took off! I ended up falling for the main characters in the story and rooting for them. This as all the emotions that you would want from a story. Great Reading Everyone!
November 6, 2015
Excellent
Epic story, well-written, sucked me into its world, no misspellings (which drives me nuts). My only complaint is that there aren't more of them written yet.
Epic story, well-written, sucked me into its world, no misspellings (which drives me nuts). My only complaint is that there aren't more of them written yet.
April 5, 2016
Ranger Rising
I found this book easy to read,yet it kept my interest from beginning to end.I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series
I found this book easy to read,yet it kept my interest from beginning to end.I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series
May 28, 2016
Is a great book to read
Read
October 8, 2018Pretty good start, not my favorite, but I do feel pretty invested in the characters, at least enough to want to finish the series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews