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Seeds of Destiny #1
Hero Born
It’s in the darkest hour, when all hope is lost, that heroes are born.
After witnessing the deaths of everyone he holds dear, Brann is wrenched from his family home and thrust into a life of slavery. Now he must do everything he can to survive.
Miles away, word is spreading of a growing evil; a deposed and forgotten Emperor is seeking a weapon to use in his bid to rise once again to power. Ruthless and determined, nothing and no one can stand in his way. Especially not a galley slave like Brann.
But heroes can be forged in the most unlikely of ways, and Brann’s journey has only just begun.
After witnessing the deaths of everyone he holds dear, Brann is wrenched from his family home and thrust into a life of slavery. Now he must do everything he can to survive.
Miles away, word is spreading of a growing evil; a deposed and forgotten Emperor is seeking a weapon to use in his bid to rise once again to power. Ruthless and determined, nothing and no one can stand in his way. Especially not a galley slave like Brann.
But heroes can be forged in the most unlikely of ways, and Brann’s journey has only just begun.
497 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
9 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 23, 2016
I received a free digital copy from the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.
Hero Born tells the story of Brann, an ordinary boy who is captured by slave traders and ends up being a rower on a pirate-turned-slaving ship. Under the care of stern but kind Captain, Brann soon ends up discovering that he has skills that better suit the battle field than his father's mill. Brann ends up in lands farther than he could have ever imagined and caught up in battles he could only ever dream of fighting.
This was a really good start to a fantasy series. From the start I was really intrigued and couldn't wait to see what happened.. Brann's time on the ship is very detailed and it's obvious a lot of investigation went in to getting it exactly right. I really enjoyed both the storyline on the ship and on land but I think I preferred how Brann's storyline progressed when they travelled to Lord Raggnar and Lord Sigur, There was nice world-building but not all at once. Brann was pretty good at describing what he was seeing in all its splendor due to his curiosity but I also liked that the reader got an idea of how the kingdom worked through the Captain explaining it to Brann.
Brann was an extremely likable character and it's easy to see how he ended up making so many friends. His friendship with Gerens, Konall and Konall's page (whose name is escaping me right now) was lovely and seemed to help replace the friendship Brann had with his brother. The Captain was very intriguing, he wasn't quite a hero being the captain of a slave ship (even if he was 'forced' into it by his circumstances) but he wasn't an anti-hero either. He certainly had a very interesting background and I'm looking forward to seeing him take Brann under his wing properly in the second book and maybe teach him a bit of fighting. Konall was also an exciting character to read about. He definitely became one of my favourites which is funny as I didn't like him at all when Brann first met him. His character development was great and his affection towards Brann was pretty heart-warming. And then Gerens and Grakk, both slaves but both become fierce friends and defenders of Brann. Both characters were great additions to Brann's friend group (and the original additions).
I did find the overall pace of the book slightly slow at times, in particular when Brann and Konall teamed up for their rescue mission. The build-up to them getting to the village was very long, as was their coming back and it began to bore me and I just wanted a bit more action in those parts. I was also disappointed at the lack of female characters in the book. It would have been great to have actually seen a woman fighting when there had been talk of them being able to do so.
Overall, a great fantasy book and I can't wait for the next one!
Hero Born tells the story of Brann, an ordinary boy who is captured by slave traders and ends up being a rower on a pirate-turned-slaving ship. Under the care of stern but kind Captain, Brann soon ends up discovering that he has skills that better suit the battle field than his father's mill. Brann ends up in lands farther than he could have ever imagined and caught up in battles he could only ever dream of fighting.
This was a really good start to a fantasy series. From the start I was really intrigued and couldn't wait to see what happened.. Brann's time on the ship is very detailed and it's obvious a lot of investigation went in to getting it exactly right. I really enjoyed both the storyline on the ship and on land but I think I preferred how Brann's storyline progressed when they travelled to Lord Raggnar and Lord Sigur, There was nice world-building but not all at once. Brann was pretty good at describing what he was seeing in all its splendor due to his curiosity but I also liked that the reader got an idea of how the kingdom worked through the Captain explaining it to Brann.
Brann was an extremely likable character and it's easy to see how he ended up making so many friends. His friendship with Gerens, Konall and Konall's page (whose name is escaping me right now) was lovely and seemed to help replace the friendship Brann had with his brother. The Captain was very intriguing, he wasn't quite a hero being the captain of a slave ship (even if he was 'forced' into it by his circumstances) but he wasn't an anti-hero either. He certainly had a very interesting background and I'm looking forward to seeing him take Brann under his wing properly in the second book and maybe teach him a bit of fighting. Konall was also an exciting character to read about. He definitely became one of my favourites which is funny as I didn't like him at all when Brann first met him. His character development was great and his affection towards Brann was pretty heart-warming. And then Gerens and Grakk, both slaves but both become fierce friends and defenders of Brann. Both characters were great additions to Brann's friend group (and the original additions).
I did find the overall pace of the book slightly slow at times, in particular when Brann and Konall teamed up for their rescue mission. The build-up to them getting to the village was very long, as was their coming back and it began to bore me and I just wanted a bit more action in those parts. I was also disappointed at the lack of female characters in the book. It would have been great to have actually seen a woman fighting when there had been talk of them being able to do so.
Overall, a great fantasy book and I can't wait for the next one!
July 4, 2015
Hero Born is the first book in the Seeds of Destiny Trilogy by Andy Livingstone which brings to us a young boy, just on the cusp of manhood, who on one horrible day loses everything he holds dear. His family are murdered, his home destroyed and his freedom taken when he is captured and thrown aboard a ship sailing to distant lands where he will be sold into slavery.
Hero Born has a coming of age type of feel to it, plenty of action and is a solid first instalment to the series.
The story starts out with a look at village life. The local boys/young men are competing in a team game (akin to early rugby maybe) with a neighbouring village. This is where we are first introduced to Brann and come to realise that in spite of his diminutive stature he’s a tough little nut who refuses to stay beaten. Meanwhile, a stranger watches the games, well dressed, well armed and relatively unnoticed.
At the conclusion of the games and returning home with his brother the two notice armed men sneaking through the woods obviously planning on attacking the village. From there things spiralled downhill quickly – the village was massacred and Brann, whilst attempting to escape, was captured and thrown aboard a ship heading to distant lands to become a slave.
During the trip Brann’s fortune continually fluctuates – he manages to capture the attention of the ship’s soothsayer or wise woman who provides him with a strange prophecy and thereby draws the attention of the captain and also the anger and jealousy of one of the warriors. Eventually, following pirate attack, he becomes a replacement galley slave thus sealing his future.
In terms of the setting we have a pseudo mediaeval period. People use carts and horses and live fairly basic lives. Bow and arrow and sword are the typical weapons of choice. During boat travel we go from Brann’s home – which has a maybe UK/Scottish type feel to one more akin to Norway with cold temperatures, seasons where the sun barely puts in an appearance and viking type warriors are the order of the day.
The characters. The main one is obviously Brann and over the course of the story we begin to understand that something is different about him, not only does he have a prophecy foretold but he seems to have the luck of the Gods not to mention a tough skull The other main characters are Gerens and Grakk, Brann’s onboard mates and fellow rowers and then two additional friends that he becomes attached to in Hakon and Konall. I quite liked the characters, particularly Konall who starts off as a rather arrogant and generally misunderstood and disliked character but goes on to disprove that first impression. They both go on something of an adventure together where they have to learn to trust each other in order to survive. I also found Grakk very interesting and would definitely like to learn more of his story.
In terms of the writing – let’s just say that Mr Livingstone is very thorough! There is plenty of detail about everything whether that be the life of a slave or paige, fighting, weapons and the like. I actually liked the writing but had a couple of criticisms. Particularly toward the start, there was a little bit of repetition where sometimes I almost felt I was reading the same or very similar sentence twice. This did taper off. I would also say that the dialogue could have been sharpened a little. Plus, I’m not going to deny that in spite of the action it did take me 20/30% of the story to get truly into the novel. In fact it really kicked off for me towards the end of the first journey over water. In fairness I think this could probably have been cut a little, I wouldn’t say that the length put me off reading but it might deter some readers and I feel it could have been shortened without any detriment effect.
Anyway, the upshot is I thought this was an enjoyable first instalment with a good ending. We have a decent plot, savage baddies and an evil scheming snake in the grass living amidst them all. I would say it has a YA feel and is a good start to an action/adventure/hero type story.
Now, do I discuss the elephant in the room?? Yes. I couldn’t help making a rather obvious comparison to Abercrombie’s Half a King and I’m sure that others will make the same connection. There are certainly similarities – both about heros in the making, set in similar types of world, the main characters become galley slaves, make friends where least expected, etc. But, whilst I can’t deny there are similarities in terms of those elements I don’t think it extends to the overall story arc. I think it’s probably just a little unfortunate that this story comes so closely on the back of Half a King so comparisons are probably inevitable. Like I said though, I don’t think this story is going in the same direction.
I received a copy of this from the publishers through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Hero Born has a coming of age type of feel to it, plenty of action and is a solid first instalment to the series.
The story starts out with a look at village life. The local boys/young men are competing in a team game (akin to early rugby maybe) with a neighbouring village. This is where we are first introduced to Brann and come to realise that in spite of his diminutive stature he’s a tough little nut who refuses to stay beaten. Meanwhile, a stranger watches the games, well dressed, well armed and relatively unnoticed.
At the conclusion of the games and returning home with his brother the two notice armed men sneaking through the woods obviously planning on attacking the village. From there things spiralled downhill quickly – the village was massacred and Brann, whilst attempting to escape, was captured and thrown aboard a ship heading to distant lands to become a slave.
During the trip Brann’s fortune continually fluctuates – he manages to capture the attention of the ship’s soothsayer or wise woman who provides him with a strange prophecy and thereby draws the attention of the captain and also the anger and jealousy of one of the warriors. Eventually, following pirate attack, he becomes a replacement galley slave thus sealing his future.
In terms of the setting we have a pseudo mediaeval period. People use carts and horses and live fairly basic lives. Bow and arrow and sword are the typical weapons of choice. During boat travel we go from Brann’s home – which has a maybe UK/Scottish type feel to one more akin to Norway with cold temperatures, seasons where the sun barely puts in an appearance and viking type warriors are the order of the day.
The characters. The main one is obviously Brann and over the course of the story we begin to understand that something is different about him, not only does he have a prophecy foretold but he seems to have the luck of the Gods not to mention a tough skull The other main characters are Gerens and Grakk, Brann’s onboard mates and fellow rowers and then two additional friends that he becomes attached to in Hakon and Konall. I quite liked the characters, particularly Konall who starts off as a rather arrogant and generally misunderstood and disliked character but goes on to disprove that first impression. They both go on something of an adventure together where they have to learn to trust each other in order to survive. I also found Grakk very interesting and would definitely like to learn more of his story.
In terms of the writing – let’s just say that Mr Livingstone is very thorough! There is plenty of detail about everything whether that be the life of a slave or paige, fighting, weapons and the like. I actually liked the writing but had a couple of criticisms. Particularly toward the start, there was a little bit of repetition where sometimes I almost felt I was reading the same or very similar sentence twice. This did taper off. I would also say that the dialogue could have been sharpened a little. Plus, I’m not going to deny that in spite of the action it did take me 20/30% of the story to get truly into the novel. In fact it really kicked off for me towards the end of the first journey over water. In fairness I think this could probably have been cut a little, I wouldn’t say that the length put me off reading but it might deter some readers and I feel it could have been shortened without any detriment effect.
Anyway, the upshot is I thought this was an enjoyable first instalment with a good ending. We have a decent plot, savage baddies and an evil scheming snake in the grass living amidst them all. I would say it has a YA feel and is a good start to an action/adventure/hero type story.
Now, do I discuss the elephant in the room?? Yes. I couldn’t help making a rather obvious comparison to Abercrombie’s Half a King and I’m sure that others will make the same connection. There are certainly similarities – both about heros in the making, set in similar types of world, the main characters become galley slaves, make friends where least expected, etc. But, whilst I can’t deny there are similarities in terms of those elements I don’t think it extends to the overall story arc. I think it’s probably just a little unfortunate that this story comes so closely on the back of Half a King so comparisons are probably inevitable. Like I said though, I don’t think this story is going in the same direction.
I received a copy of this from the publishers through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
February 5, 2017
So I will start by saying that the author is my brother, and I get a small mention in the credits! That being said, he was always the reader in the family and I occupied myself with soccer and creating mischief. So I am not a connoisseur or book critic, and I don't have much time to read these days, so it was to my surprise that I just couldn't put this down. I found myself going to bed early so I could get in a few chapters and find out what was happening to Brann and his colleagues.
The book is the first in the trilogy, and follows the story of Brann, our unwilling hero, in pursuit of survival, revenge, and righting wrongs. He is thrust into a life not of his choosing, but rises in the eyes of those on influence due to his honesty, bravery and protection of others.
I had no choice but to read this book, but I'm so glad I did, and very proud of my big brother. Can't wait until the next one comes out.
The book is the first in the trilogy, and follows the story of Brann, our unwilling hero, in pursuit of survival, revenge, and righting wrongs. He is thrust into a life not of his choosing, but rises in the eyes of those on influence due to his honesty, bravery and protection of others.
I had no choice but to read this book, but I'm so glad I did, and very proud of my big brother. Can't wait until the next one comes out.
August 23, 2015
What a brilliant first novel. I have fallen in love with so many of the characters already. And desperate to see where they go next...The journey has only just begun and I am gripped. Very much looking forward to the next installment.
August 16, 2015
This book is a classic tale of a boy's rise to heroism. Set in a low fantasy world, it tells of the brutal trials he goes through, while still managing to hold onto his humanity. A solid first entry in what promises to be an epic series.
June 2, 2017
Absolutely loved this book!
Adventure, conflict, unexpected friendships and a hero who is not at all stereotypical. Also was very impressed by the Nordic culture and landscape the author described so vividly.
Adventure, conflict, unexpected friendships and a hero who is not at all stereotypical. Also was very impressed by the Nordic culture and landscape the author described so vividly.
April 17, 2019
A Good Tale, Well Told!
An interesting storyline set to a Celtic-Viking backdrop. Although the theme of a young boy earning his spurs is standard fare the plot and characters are original enough to make this a good book.
At this price what's not to enjoy!
An interesting storyline set to a Celtic-Viking backdrop. Although the theme of a young boy earning his spurs is standard fare the plot and characters are original enough to make this a good book.
At this price what's not to enjoy!
October 8, 2019
Brilliant
Reminds me of Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I recommend that anyone who is looking for a satisfying commencement to an engrossing epic, pick up this first book and get started. The great thing is that the trilogy is finished! So on to book 2 for me.
Reminds me of Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I recommend that anyone who is looking for a satisfying commencement to an engrossing epic, pick up this first book and get started. The great thing is that the trilogy is finished! So on to book 2 for me.
June 28, 2017
review to come
June 7, 2015
What does it take to be a hero? Is it something buried deep within, or can a hero be shaped by the events that surround them? This debut novel from Andy Livingstone sets out to explore that very topic.
I warmed to Brann immediately. He has a way of looking at the world that is far more analytical than everyone else. When he finds himself in a dangerous situation, which happens more often than he would like, he has the ability to emotionally detach from events and view things from a more rational viewpoint. Brann is a keen observer of humanity and learns quickly. From farm boy to galley slave and then to page for a warrior Lord, it is fascinating to watch his character begin to evolve.
Initially Brann is filled with anger regarding his predicament, being ripped from the bosom of your family will do that to you, but the more he learns, the more he comes to realise that not everything is quite as black and white as he first assumed. As our hero adjusts to his new life, there are a few suggestions that something far larger is happening. Brann has fallen in with a group who have dangerous enemies and there are plans afoot that have the potential to reshape nations.
The other characters that Livingstone introduces all fit well within the confines of the story. I particularly liked the others slaves that Brann ends up with. There is a slave called Grakk who stands out. Who says you can’t be covered in tattoos and still be eloquent? It’s clear that many underestimate Grakk’s intelligence because of his appearance. I suspect to do so would be an entirely foolish, or even potentially fatal, thing to do.
Each chapter begins with a short scene following a second narrative. An old man ponders the politics of empire building, and considers plans for how he can insert himself back into the cut and thrust of the political game. Watching these two concurrent narratives unfold, and trying to figure at what point they will actually meet, is a welcome addition to the plot. Brann’s adventures are going to tie in with this mysterious old fella at some point, but the question is exactly when and how.
Things aren’t entirely cerebral in Hero Born. There is plenty of action to enjoy as well. There is a swift, efficient brutality to the fight scenes. When characters raise arms, it is to kill not to hurt; this is all about survival of the fittest. Brann is initially shocked at this attitude but the further he travels and the more he experiences understanding blooms. There are reasons why swift decisive action is required.
How best to classify Hero Born then? It’s a fantasy novel with a distinctly historical air. The different clans read like groups you’ll have heard of before. Brann comes from a group that could easily be the ancient Britons. The slavers he falls foul of could be Vikings, and the old emperor could be Roman or Greek. The fantasy elements are all quite subtle. There is some prophecy mentioned but that’s about it. I rather like this approach. It gives proceedings a far more realistic air. To be honest you could probably remove the fantastical elements, rename some of the locations, and still have entirely serviceable historical fiction novel.
In a nutshell, Hero Born is a beginning. These are the first few, faltering steps of a much larger journey. There are flashes of the man that Brann will come to be, but he’s not there yet. He makes mistakes and misjudges situations, but these errors provide valuable experience. It works for me; I’m far more interested in reading about characters that are realistic and fallible.
Unpicking the nature of heroism and the hero’s journey, Livingstone has crafted a compelling debut. I’ll be looking out for more from this author in future. Andy Livingstone has my attention with his first novel. I look forward to discovering where he, and Brann, go next. Hero Born sets things up nicely, contains a host of colourful characters and promises an on-going series that will deliver an absorbing tale.
I warmed to Brann immediately. He has a way of looking at the world that is far more analytical than everyone else. When he finds himself in a dangerous situation, which happens more often than he would like, he has the ability to emotionally detach from events and view things from a more rational viewpoint. Brann is a keen observer of humanity and learns quickly. From farm boy to galley slave and then to page for a warrior Lord, it is fascinating to watch his character begin to evolve.
Initially Brann is filled with anger regarding his predicament, being ripped from the bosom of your family will do that to you, but the more he learns, the more he comes to realise that not everything is quite as black and white as he first assumed. As our hero adjusts to his new life, there are a few suggestions that something far larger is happening. Brann has fallen in with a group who have dangerous enemies and there are plans afoot that have the potential to reshape nations.
The other characters that Livingstone introduces all fit well within the confines of the story. I particularly liked the others slaves that Brann ends up with. There is a slave called Grakk who stands out. Who says you can’t be covered in tattoos and still be eloquent? It’s clear that many underestimate Grakk’s intelligence because of his appearance. I suspect to do so would be an entirely foolish, or even potentially fatal, thing to do.
Each chapter begins with a short scene following a second narrative. An old man ponders the politics of empire building, and considers plans for how he can insert himself back into the cut and thrust of the political game. Watching these two concurrent narratives unfold, and trying to figure at what point they will actually meet, is a welcome addition to the plot. Brann’s adventures are going to tie in with this mysterious old fella at some point, but the question is exactly when and how.
Things aren’t entirely cerebral in Hero Born. There is plenty of action to enjoy as well. There is a swift, efficient brutality to the fight scenes. When characters raise arms, it is to kill not to hurt; this is all about survival of the fittest. Brann is initially shocked at this attitude but the further he travels and the more he experiences understanding blooms. There are reasons why swift decisive action is required.
How best to classify Hero Born then? It’s a fantasy novel with a distinctly historical air. The different clans read like groups you’ll have heard of before. Brann comes from a group that could easily be the ancient Britons. The slavers he falls foul of could be Vikings, and the old emperor could be Roman or Greek. The fantasy elements are all quite subtle. There is some prophecy mentioned but that’s about it. I rather like this approach. It gives proceedings a far more realistic air. To be honest you could probably remove the fantastical elements, rename some of the locations, and still have entirely serviceable historical fiction novel.
In a nutshell, Hero Born is a beginning. These are the first few, faltering steps of a much larger journey. There are flashes of the man that Brann will come to be, but he’s not there yet. He makes mistakes and misjudges situations, but these errors provide valuable experience. It works for me; I’m far more interested in reading about characters that are realistic and fallible.
Unpicking the nature of heroism and the hero’s journey, Livingstone has crafted a compelling debut. I’ll be looking out for more from this author in future. Andy Livingstone has my attention with his first novel. I look forward to discovering where he, and Brann, go next. Hero Born sets things up nicely, contains a host of colourful characters and promises an on-going series that will deliver an absorbing tale.
April 20, 2021
I have both books as e-books on my Kindle app on my iPad which I don't really prefer but I'm so glad and grateful that I've been able to read these books as I don't know if I would have come across them otherwise. I love the covers, they're simple but striking! I instantly loved the writing style, it's so incredibly quick and easy to follow and I also immediately loved most of the characters in this first book, especially Brann, Gerens, Grakk, Einarr and Konall. I think as a basic description, it's a traditional adventure novel with coming of age elements; it features bandits, pirates, kings, fighting and not so nice themes of murder, human mutilation, cults (of a sorts) and slavery. I love the relationships between the main characters, although not Boar! The pace of the book was enough to keep me wanting to read on and on and on; it's such an entertaining and fun read! The friendships and adventures in the novel are a refreshingly positive and I found myself really hoping the main characters would survive. The only minor points I wasn't a massive fan of was the term 'maggot' which I think is a bit cliche; additionally this last negative point is something I really hate and it is when the same character is referenced to by numerous terms/names - for example, Konall is termed, 'the tall boy', then 'the noble boy', then 'the white haired boy' - why can't the characters just be referred to by their names? I find it difficult to know when how much information about a book is too much but I just want to say that this book is one of my favourites of the year so far as well as it's sequel. *gifted for review
July 7, 2016
A swashbuckling epic for anyone who loves historical fantasy. This is the story of Brann, a boy who loses his family after raiders attack his village. What follows is life as a slave on an unusual ship captained by a mysterious man who seems to have engineered the raid that destroyed Brann's life.
Then the ship disembarks at a town where Viking-like warriors warn the captain and crew of horrifying raids and murders in the land. When two of Brann's friends/fellow captives are caught by these brutal raiders, Brann and the town chieftain's arrogant son set out to rescue them.
The story of Brann's life is interspersed with memories of a mysterious man who seems to be a ruler and have a connection to Brann. As Brann learns what it means to be a hero through the people who befriend him, we see how strong he really is, that he's a charismatic hero to route for and his friends are a complex group of men with their own stories. His journey will continue and his destiny might not be a happy one, as we'd hope it to be, which makes it all the more interesting.
Then the ship disembarks at a town where Viking-like warriors warn the captain and crew of horrifying raids and murders in the land. When two of Brann's friends/fellow captives are caught by these brutal raiders, Brann and the town chieftain's arrogant son set out to rescue them.
The story of Brann's life is interspersed with memories of a mysterious man who seems to be a ruler and have a connection to Brann. As Brann learns what it means to be a hero through the people who befriend him, we see how strong he really is, that he's a charismatic hero to route for and his friends are a complex group of men with their own stories. His journey will continue and his destiny might not be a happy one, as we'd hope it to be, which makes it all the more interesting.
June 24, 2015
Overall I liked this story. It reminded me a little of Raymond E. Feist's series as well as John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice. This is a story of a boy who has a pretty ideal life in a small village and a good relationship with his brother and then is thrown into some pretty horrible situations and how he deals with it. The story was good, however, there was a little too much explaining between characters as to why things were being done the way they were. For some reason the main characters would be discussing their reasoning for each step they took rather than just doing it, this was fine in some situations, but started to get on my nerves during more intense moments in the books. When running to save someone from an ambush you wouldn't expect long conversations about why you are going to hit them a certain way, just do it.
June 29, 2015
Excellent read
This is true epic fantasy - the hero's tale. Really enjoyed following Brann in his adventures in this first book of a promising heroic journey. I was drawn in immediately by the excitement of the tale. I enjoyed meeting his new companions and this led from unexciting scene to the next - making it a fun, fast read.
The only reason this is 4 and not 5 star is the lack of women in the book. While I understand the lack on the boat - women were surprising missing from warlords homes and villages - except for the one love interest. I hope the next book in the series will be a bit more balanced gender-wise. And in spite of this, I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is true epic fantasy - the hero's tale. Really enjoyed following Brann in his adventures in this first book of a promising heroic journey. I was drawn in immediately by the excitement of the tale. I enjoyed meeting his new companions and this led from unexciting scene to the next - making it a fun, fast read.
The only reason this is 4 and not 5 star is the lack of women in the book. While I understand the lack on the boat - women were surprising missing from warlords homes and villages - except for the one love interest. I hope the next book in the series will be a bit more balanced gender-wise. And in spite of this, I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 17, 2018
Hero Born is a Young-Adult level fantasy book describing the early adventures of Brann, a poor farm boy, who loses his brother and his family in attacks to his village and is picked up as a slave and smuggled away on a ship. Events unfold to put him as a galley slave but then he joins the captain in his voyage to the Captain's homeland from which he had been exiled.
It is an easy flowing narrative with a lot of swordfights, ambushes, clever tricks, jokes etc. It sets up the rules of the realm and notable is that there seems to be no magic or supernatural events, unlike most of the YA fantasy genre.
It is an enjoyable book and obviously the story will continue in the next book of the series. Is it extraordinary? Not really.
It is an easy flowing narrative with a lot of swordfights, ambushes, clever tricks, jokes etc. It sets up the rules of the realm and notable is that there seems to be no magic or supernatural events, unlike most of the YA fantasy genre.
It is an enjoyable book and obviously the story will continue in the next book of the series. Is it extraordinary? Not really.
January 4, 2017
A classic debut.
A story following a young man who is more than he seems to be. A classic piece of fantasy writing. Can't wait for the sequel and the expansion of what already seems like a fully realised world.
A story following a young man who is more than he seems to be. A classic piece of fantasy writing. Can't wait for the sequel and the expansion of what already seems like a fully realised world.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews