Merchant of Alyss

Legends of the Realm #2

by Thomas Locke

Life for Hyam is bittersweet. Admired by the citizens of Falmouth for his heroic rescue mission, he cherishes these peaceful days with Joelle by his side. Yet grief over the loss of his magical skills during the great Battle of Emporis threatens to engulf him. Sometimes he even wishes he had never known magic at all.

When Hyam comes into possession of an ancient Milantian scroll, he is thrilled to feel the surge of power that courses through him whenever he touches it. But what he discerns in the text could mean war. He embarks upon another journey to determine its true meaning and forestall any attack. But as Hyam is seeking answers, he is unaware that the merchant of Alyss is seeking him . . .

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Adventure, Magic, Christian Fantasy, Dragons

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2016

About the author

Thomas Locke is an award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies.

His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and his 2014 induction into the Christy Hall of Fame.

Thomas divides his time between Florida and England, where he serves as Writer In Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University. He holds a lifelong passion for epic fantasy, science fiction and techno-thriller stories.

Thomas's screenplay adaption of EMISSARY is under development as a feature film with a British production company.

Contact Thomas at info@tlocke.com

Reviews

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantasy world vibrant with imagination, deep magic, and characters you will cheer for.

I really enjoyed Merchant of Alyss! As Thomas Locke second novel in the Legends of the Realm series, he follows the solid foundation laid in Emissary (book one) and thrills his readers with yet another fantastical tale of magic, quests, and danger.

We see Hyam, the main character, moving on in the aftermath of his heroic sacrifice from the end book one. He's touted as a hero everywhere he goes in Falmouth, yet he's still the burdened, slightly enigmatic character from Emissary. As I noticed in the first book, Hyam isn't (to me at least) an overtly emotional character. Through events I won't mention here (no spoilers my friends) I expect that he should be more emotional than he is, and yet his stoic, burdened nature doesn't bother me. It allows for the plot and supporting characters to take precedence which suits the genre well.

I love the elements of magic and lore that Locke incorporates in this second book and felt that Hyam's quests unfolded just as I would expect from a fantasy, yet not in an "expected" way. The pull toward the end of the story was strong, the battles just as epic (if not more so) as book one, and the many moving parts and colorful character groups created a seamless story world worthy of Tolkien. I also enjoyed Locke's descriptive writing which allowed me to truly visualize everything that was happening. There is one portion (a character really) of the story I'm not quite convinced on (again, no spoilers) but I have faith that Locke will bring it around in book three.

If you enjoy fantasy of any kind you will love this book. I would recommend reading Emissary first, only for the fact that the story will likely make a lot more sense to you and will, in turn, be more satisfying. I'm already looking forward to book three and what Hyam will accompolish there.

...Oh, and of course, the cover is spectacular. Almost as good as the cover for Emissary (in my opinion).

My Rating: 4.5*

Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2016/01...
_______________________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ✨

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my full review and a GIVEAWAY: http://smilingbookreviews.blogspot.co...

I'm loving the Legends of the Realm fantasy series!! It reminds me of Lord of the Rings with it's wizards, different races, and a hidden and enchanted Elvin forest. I loved getting lost in this fantasy world! :)

In Merchant of Alyss we continue reading about Hyam and Joelle as well as the loyal friends they have made along the way. Although one quest has been completed and one enemy vanquished, there is more to come!

As this well developed story unfolds, familiar characters will face their own demons, some face personal loss, new characters become familiar and integral to the story, and they all work to defeat the evil that is trying to take over their world.

There is much to love about this book - romance, humor, adventure, epic battles, dragons, enchanted forests, good vs evil - this is must read fantasy fiction!

*Thanks to the author and Revell for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I were a mage and had an orb, I would point it at Thomas Locke and blast him right now half way across the world!

Not because I am disappointed in the writing of the second book in the series, The Merchant of Alyss, but simply because he hasn’t finished the last one yet and the ending of this one is just not right! I won’t give up the ending, but let me just say that I don’t think you will be happy either for the same reason. The anticipation is too much to endure. The story is too great, we must have the conclusion!

The Merchant of Alyss picks up the story of the hero Hyam after the conclusion of the first book Emissary. In the second book in the series the reader meets some new characters and continues to learn the stories of many of the characters in the debut book. As usual, those characters are well developed and contain complexities that make them lovable and intriguing. The plot is woven delicately through their stories or maybe the intersection of their life stories forms a perfect plot.

There is romance, adventure, magic, and intrigue to be found by the reader in The Merchant of Alyss. If you really engage in good fiction, then I doubt you will be able to put this book down for long. Each chapter leaves the reader longing for the next and to discover what is just around the next ridge or beyond the next vale in the journey.

The thing I like most about the writing style of Thomas Locke is that I don’t read the book, I imagine the story. I see the colors, feel the air, cower in fear, and relish in the life that is described on the pages. I read The Hobbit when I was in high school a long time ago and wondered if they could ever capture that on film. I was not disappointed when it finally was released. I feel the same way about the series being released by Locke. I know how I imagine the characters would look, but I hope one day that I will be able to compare my vision with the realized image on the big screen.

There is no need to read the first book in order to understand the journey the second takes the reader on, but if you haven’t read it, I think you will want to after completing The Merchant of Alyss. I would be willing to bet that if you read this one, you will be pre-ordering the third in the series as soon as you put down The Merchant of Alyss.

Oh, and Thomas if you don’t hurry, there might be more than one orb blast coming your way!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Locke in his new book, “Merchant of Alyss” Book Two in the Legends of the Realm series published by Revell gives us another adventure with Hyam.

From the Back Cover: Beneath the hills of a primeval city, a vanquished enemy is gathering power. As this new threat arises, can Hyam summon his true heritage and overcome the forces of evil?

When Hyam reluctantly returned to the Long Hall, he never imagined how his life would change. Latent powers were honed, chance encounters brought new wisdom, and even love found a way into his heart. With his wife, Joelle, he now makes a home in Falmouth Port.

Hyam is slowly recovering from his battles when a mysterious shipment of Milantian scrolls arrives. Soon he is haunted by dreams of mythic beasts and coming conflicts. When Joelle falls under a sorcerer’s spell, he must venture through the desolate lands to save her–and his community.

One particular scroll seems to hold the promise of new powers, but it also carries a hidden warning about an unfathomable threat. As Hyam sets out on another journey, he is keenly aware that he must rely on all his abilities–and his forbidden past–to succeed. His quest could bring deliverance . . . or devastation.

At the conclusion of “The Emissary”, Book One in this series, Hyam had lost his powers and the enemy was destroyed. Hyam has a new enemy, one that has put Hyam’s wife under a spell. To defeat him Hyman must go on a new journey, a journey that will tax him to the limit. This is an extremely exciting book with complex twists and turns that you probably will not see coming. This book will keep you turning pages while leaving chores unattended and it is so worth it. Mr. Locke is an excellent writer and makes all his characters believable and you care deeply for them as he deftly unfolds the plot before us. It is clear that the final battle still has to be fought and I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Marian Baay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merchant of Alyss is an interesting sequel to The Emissary—book one in the Legends of the Realm series. When I finished The Emissary, I had no clue how the story would continue as the enemy was destroyed and Hyam had lost his powers. Fortunately, the author had more in store; Merchant of Alyss soon proved that the story was NOT over and danger is still right around the corner. In a pleasant pace, the author leads the reader through unexpected twists and turns, showing bit by bit where the story is heading and how it might end.
At the end of this book, it is clear that the final battle still has to be fought—an interesting battle it must be as Hyam has made new, powerful friends and has himself also some surprises in store.
Usually, a book of this amount of pages takes me about a week to read – but Merchant of Alyss was such a captivating read that I could not stop reading. I finished the book in just three short nights. A recommended read for fantasy lovers!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly satisfying story. Locke's use of vocabulary paints such a great picture, I felt as though I was really taking part in this quest. Magic, enchantments, dragons, good vs evil are all in this fantastic book. The story builds slowly and increases in intensity as it moves along. I thoroughly enjoyed this epic tale and can hardly wait for the next in the series. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Emmanuel Boston · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This is an analytical review; for plot overview please read the book description or other reviews. My goal here is to help you understand in which ways you will be influenced by this book (in addition to offering a few suggestions at a literary level).

Merchant of Alyss is the second in Thomas Locke’s “Legends of the Realm” series, and the book picks up right where the first one left off… in fact, it picks up almost too quickly expecting you to remember the names and relationships of half a dozen characters in the first several pages. Perhaps that’s my fault, but having read the first one a year previous, I would like some overlap reminding me of past events and persons. Nonetheless, the book begins with a couple interesting scenes that ‘hook’ and then progresses into a plot structure best described as a ‘journey’ motif. The cohort of primary characters (which features a slight upgrade in diverse characterization from the first book) journeys from one place to another, and another—experiencing new locations and persons everywhere they go.

Evil is on the rise again, and a mysterious dream spurs Hyam into action. In fact one of the major themes revealed through these pages is “Purpose” or “Motivation.” They do something because they must. The impetus shifts in several key moments, but the motivation always boils down to responsibility: I do this because I must do this, and I must do this because I ought to do this. In painting this theme throughout Merchant becomes an interesting narrative of ‘doing’ even if sometimes I don’t understand why I’m ‘doing’, how I’m doing, or even what I’m doing!

Sometimes this works; it provides an interesting compulsion for the characters to do. But other times it sets up the narrative to show its gears—moments when it becomes clear this event happened simply to move the story along, or when there’s a logic gap in the lore (and I’m left wondering with the characters who don’t see the obvious…because it’s not there). And other times it forces the characters to discover certain innate abilities far too easily. This character suddenly finds he can understand and speak a language after hearing it 6 times. That character suddenly discovers they have mage ability to rival the masters of a school and thwart a hag who’s spent decades in practice. And that one is suddenly thrust into rulership when never would an earthly kingdom have been so hasty. All because the plot and the timeline demand this character be so capable.


I think the second primary theme expounded and woven throughout the book is the ’need for newness’ in pursuit of future hope. Time and again the characters proclaim, “Wonder upon wonder,” or “The legends come alive” or “A thousand years of decrees and more have been broken,” and all of them serve to point us to the fact that the times are changing. A new time requires new rules; the traditions were good for the time that is now passed, but they aren’t sufficient to guide us in the new days. This too is an uncommon theme which I found refreshing in the narrative. Unlike the first theme, however, this theme is consistent throughout and doesn’t create plot holes or logic gaps. The world is in tension… the old still exists and to a certain extent binds the world and characters to it, but there is a newness that supersedes the old—in what ways it can. And it sets the stage for a momentous occasion that will color “the Realm” for all time to come.


Other themes play lesser roles, but nonetheless add color to the characters and actions. Themes of temptation, true knowledge of others, love, sacrifice, unification; each affords memorable, surprising scenes and are quick to illuminate similar scenes in my own life. Each serves to engrain the readers with the book’s philosophy of life and the world:

Selfless love for others exceeds all trials and paves new avenues of hope for a better life.

And the broader philosophy of the whole series:

Evil threatens to overtake life and good, but through the bonds of love, friendship, and hope, evil is vanquished.


Both are much needed in our culture. And I think the influence this book will have upon readers of fantasy is “not every temptation is worth the cost; selfless sacrifice achieves more good than selfish indulgence” even while every hopeless romantic is taught “not every desire receives its own happy ending”—truths well worth my time and consideration.

A few final thoughts before I offer my commendation.
1. It’s often hard to track the physical surroundings. Now, I’m a fan of Tolkien’s pages on trees, so I know I’m partly biased, and yet I found myself unable to imagine where the characters were and what things looked like. Oftentimes there would be a quick 1-2 sentence description and the dialogue would move on… then it would refer to some physical aspect I never even realized was there. This was particularly troublesome in battle scenes when something would interact with the landscape and I had to go back three pages to reread the brief sentence describing the area.
2. At the risk of sounding contradictory, I really enjoyed the portion of the book that took place in the desert. I often find desert travel skimmed or avoided completely, and found Locke’s description about desert navigation fantastic! And yet… I still couldn’t quite imagine the whole surrounding area, or the physical trauma the characters experienced.
3. Too often the characters seemed to know all the same information. Page after page characters would finish one another’s sentences. There was hardly any learning from character-character interaction. Everybody already knew it all (the exception being when Hyam would connect the dots and I was left with the characters still ‘not getting it’). Give us a good monologue or two, or five! In fact, there was a distinct lack of long paragraphs, long thoughts started and carried to conclusion, no soliloquys. And again, I recognize my bias: I enjoy Shakespeare. And characters can be left in mystery, uncertainty, and ignorance—it is no flaw or sin.

So, how does this compare to the first? Pretty similar in plot and style, though better in characterization; fresh and exciting in themes; lacking in dialogue; disjointed at times, and yet the ‘big picture’ fits surprisingly well with the mosaics. Most of the book feels like it’s setting us up for something bigger, and so in the way of many sequels: it’s a slight dip in anticipation of something pretty remarkable.

I give it 3.5/5 stars, but I round up (particularly because how credible the temptation element was, and powerful the scenes of self-revelation).

I recommend this book to readers of high fantasy, with an emphasis toward the 15-21 age range.


Despite its flaws, this book helps me evaluate decisions I make in my own life; relationships I have, and what they are built upon. And I with Hyam and the others look forward with hope beyond the evil, where every foe is vanquished and life restored.

I will be raffling off a free copy of Merchant of Alyss on my blog January 25-29. Check it out at http://ejboston.blogspot.com

This review is crosslisted on Amazon, Goodreads, and my blog.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Clay Kallam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hyam is nearly perfect. His only flaw? His devotion to his wife and friends sometimes gets in the way of doing things that need to be done.

His wife, Joelle, is perfect. She's beautiful, wise, powerful and just all-around spectacular.

A young woman who has a crush on Hyam becomes perfect. She matures -- thanks to a stern talking-to from Joelle -- into a leader.

Hyam's friends are all perfect, behind facades that might at first appear to be somewhat sullen, or overbearing, or too clever.

There's a dragon. He's perfect. There are elves. They, not surprisingly, are perfect.

The bad guys? You might have guessed they're perfectly evil. They lust for power, enslave all they can and leave nothing behind but dust.

Nuance? Not in the "Merchant of Alyss," which is the follow-up to the much better "Emissary." And as for future volumes, it's hard to see where Thomas Locke (a pseudonym for a writer who has sold 7 million books and clearly has bigger fish to fry than this series) can go from here. Can the heroes get more perfect? Can they do more ridiculous things than breathe for Hyam for several days in a row, spitting out miniature versions of monsters while doing so? Can the evil ones get more evil? Can the magical monsters they created, which have no basis in physical reality, continue to eat and eat and eat physical things and threaten other life forms?

"Merchant of Alyss" is just the kind of book that gives fantasy-haters ammunition. It's professionally written but otherwise a collection of cliches that inevitably march to a conclusion that's obvious from page one. Easy money for Locke, perhaps, but really a sad pandering to the worst in modern fantasy.

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It came to Hyam like a scent carried on a war-torn wind. But there was no hint of breeze within the city walls. Nor did he actually smell anything. But he knew it nonetheless, the electric potency of a spell not yet cast. He had almost forgotten how tantalising the flavour really was.”

To read Thomas Locke’s Legends of the Realm series is to immerse yourself in another world – one that owes its magic to Mr Locke’s writing as much as it does the mage-force that operates within it. His writing is not just descriptive; it is atmospheric. For this, and many other reasons, Merchant of Alyss was a very engaging read.

When I say it was an engaging read, I do not simply mean it captured and held my attention. I mean that it is the kind of story that meets the reader half-way; the kind of story that does not explain everything to you, but draws you in to discover for yourself as you become immersed in the story. I deliberately slowed down my reading rate in order to give myself the time to absorb everything in the writing, and even then I think there will still be things to take in on a second or third reading.

Hyam is a hero to the citizens of Falmouth following his defeat of the crimson mage (detailed in the first book in this series, “The Emissary”), but while his physical wounds have healed, the loss of his mage-powers has left an ache that not many people can understand. When a dusty wagon full of scrolls arrives in Falmouth he is drawn by a sense of unleashed power emanating from an ancient scroll inscribed “Property of the merchant of Alyss.” As he studies the scrolls he discovers spells of warcraft – though no scroll holds a complete spell, and only two scrolls in the entire collection form a complete spell.

The morning after Hyam finishes sorting the scrolls he begins to be visited in his dreams by a dragon carrying a scroll marked in the same script as the ones in the wagon. Everything points Hyam towards Ellismere, the vale of woe; the place where the wasteland begins. But it is a long and arduous journey; one that will force him to face a heritage he has tried to deny, and may exact a high personal price.

Locke’s characters are well-drawn, and I particularly love the way in which he conveys the depth of Hyam and Joelle’s love for one another (but don’t worry, it’s not a ‘kissing book’!) Shona was the other stand-out character for me – a strong young woman who experiences unrequited love but rises in the face of this to accept her destiny.

Although there is no specific mention of religion in this book, there are still some fine Christian principles woven into the story, most notably the idea that there is a greater good that must be considered outside of our own needs and desires, and that we can and must persevere in the face of hardship in doing what is right.

And just a warning – Hyam’s journey is not finished yet. I have to say I am partly relieved by this, because there were some moments at the climax of the novel’s action where I feared that things had resolved a little too easily. I wouldn’t say this novel left me hanging, but there are definitely some matters that I am keen to see resolved. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the next part of the journey!

If you are looking for a well-written portal to another world, this is your opening.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell in return for my honest review.

[E.F. Buckles · Rating 4 out of 5]

But, but, but...It can't end like that! It can't end like that! Not a cliffhanger! Nooooo!

Oh, fine. At least part of the ending was satisfying.

I've given "Merchant of Alyss" four stars, but it's really more like four-and-a-half stars, which is a half-star improvement over the rating I gave previous book, "Emissary". (I'm withholding that last half-a-star until I know how things work out in the final book.)

While this story was still as quickly paced as "Emissary", I felt like the characters, both old and new, and their relationships were developed better in this story than in "Emissary". I also have fewer complaints about the writing style, particularly in the realm of descriptions (or lack thereof). Mr. Locke's descriptions still tend to be minimalistic, which isn't bad in and of itself, but it's not a style I'm used to reading, and there was still a time or two when I had trouble picturing some things based on the little information given.

As far as the story itself goes, things pick up about a year and a half after the ending of “Emissary”, and after getting a brief glimpse of what everyone has been doing in that time, events are set into motion and never stop. I’m going to pretty vague here because I don’t want to spoil anything, but overall, I liked the story. I liked seeing the main characters grow and change and overcome seemingly impossible challenges. I enjoyed getting to discover new parts of “The Realm” that we didn’t see in “Emissary”, and I thought the new mythological creatures that we meet were pretty cool.

My only complaints are that A) Occasionally it felt like some things happened specifically for the purpose of moving the plot along quickly rather than feeling natural, but it wasn’t often enough to bother me too much. B) Love triangle. Whyyyyyy. It wasn’t the worst love triangle ever, but one of the parties involved annoyed me a little until she matured and finally let it go. Seriously, could the girl not take a hint? He’s obviously not into you like that, not to mention HE’S ALREADY MARRIED! And C) Ciffhanger ending. Whyyyyyyyy? I would have less of a problem with this if the next book was already out, or there was at least a set release date for the next book, but as far as I know, there isn’t, and I wanna know what happens!

In closing, for those thinking about starting this series I suggest that you read "Emissary" and "Merchant of Alyss back-to-back if you can, or at least don't wait so long between them that you forget the plot of "Emissary", because the author very much expects the reader to keep up without having to remind you of everything. Seriously, aside from the occasional allusion to things that happened in the previous story (pretty much only when it's directly relevant to the plot of the current story) you have to remember who the characters are, what they've been through, and how they know each other all on your own. You. Will. Not. Be. Reminded.

This wasn’t a problem for me because I didn’t get around to reading “Emissary” until late last year and have a good memory for literature anyway, but I have a feeling that I'll have to refresh my memory by the time the last book comes out.

So... When's the next book coming out?

[Lonzine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Locke (aka Davis Bunn) is a master at crafting opening scenes. Merchant of Alyss, the second book in the Legends of the Realm series tells of victory, restoration, loss, loyalty, love and duty. It begins with a battle between another crimson mage and a fighting forest.
Once again Hyam, Joelle, the Wizard Trace, Captain Meda and various royalty, wizards and elves are facing the rage of the crimson mages. They are joined by Shona, Corporal Alembord and other new, interesting characters.

I compare this story to that of a really good roller coaster ride. Hyam is still mourning the loss of his powers, sacrificed in order to destroy the evil crimson mage and save the lives of others. Now he discovers Milantian scrolls of war that only he can read, and must embark with his comrades upon a mission to find the Merchant of Alyss and obtain the others.

Destiny requires more offerings from him. They are costly, forcing a goodbye to a beloved companion, resisting an unwanted love, historical secrets unveiled, and a devastating attack that leads to twists and turns and heartbreak. It's both sweet and bitter. Then onto the next upward climb of attacks and twists and turns. Hope is gained, then lost. Alliances are formed, treachery is exposed. Again we descend into a fast loop and another slow descent. It’s kind of emotional if you get into stories like I do, but it is necessary as great destinies are revealed.

I went on this adventure, not realizing it was a sophomore coming of age story. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but I experienced sadness, anger and indignation and the occasional laugh. If you know the secret of The Neverending Story, then you can rest assured that I did a lot of vocal engaging in the story as I went.

Some readers will find this book series controversial and not to their taste. That’s understandable, because there is a great amount of wizardry and spells. I admit, that’s not my favorite scenario either, but there is a story being told here. Hyam’s attitude and actions to the contrary, magic is the vehicle, not the principal thing. It’s a battle between the deceptive thirst for power at any cost versus the strength of truth and humility of love. Lessons are learned. Personal sacrifice is required to attain greatness, and you have to show up for the fight even when you don’t want to. I don’t mean to sound like Yoda. It’s a truth that is greater than fiction.

I did not like everyone in this book, but I grew to respect them. I did not like everything that occurred, but I was compelled to keep reading. Did I like the book? Overall, yes, but I was mad. It ended with unresolved issues, and I have to wait for book three.

I anticipate resolutions in the third book. I expect thrills, heroic actions and powerful retaliation. The roller coaster once again begins to ascend, but we will have to wait, hearts beating rapidly as we go. And sometime before the next book comes out, I will read this one again.
I received a complimentary advanced reader’s copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.Merchant of Alyss

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Worth the Wait!

Merchant of Alyss, the sequel to Emissary, by Thomas Locke, was well worth the wait. Right from the beginning those who are familiar with fantasy lit can sense that something out of the ordinary is about to happen. And boy does it!

At the end of Emissary the main character, Hyam, has been stripped of his power. Because of that one would think that the storyline would come to an end, but Locke manages a fix to the problem and Hyam once again is able to be a useful character and fight the evil that is trying to overtake the land. His is not an immediate cure. This is managed through ancient scrolls written in such a manner as only Hyam can read. The writing on the scroll allows Hyam to use magic in a different manner than before. Once he and his friends are made aware that there are many more such scrolls they set off in search of them. So begins their new adventure. Some of those who accompany Hyam are the same as in Emissary. Some are new to the group. All have their role to play and are vital to the success of their mission.

As with all good storytelling there must be a conflict of some sort. In this case, Shona, new to the group and with powers of her own, reveals to Joelle, Hyam’s wife, that she too loves Hyam. Joelle has already warned Hyam of this. Rather than act in jealousy, Joelle talks lovingly to the young girl and tries to make her understand that Hyam cares for her as well but not in the same way. Unfortunately, rather than Shona accepting her words and trying to move on, she tells Joelle that he could care for her one day. That statement alone clues the reader that trouble may be brewing for the future happiness of Hyam, Joelle, and Shona. It should be interesting to see how the author handles this dilemma in future offerings.

Obstacles are overcome, battles fought, allies made, and enemies defeated but not annihilated as they need to be in order for peace to return to the land. Groups of people who were once enemies and even non-humans come together for a show of solidarity in the quest to rid their land of evil. It was during the ceremony where Shona was made Queen of the realm that Bayard, Earl of Falmouth, made what I thought to be a most interesting speech. It struck me as ironic that it should bring to mind current affairs in our own country as well as abroad. I’d be surprised if bringing me to this thought process is what the author intended. This is when the written word can take on various and possibly hidden meanings for those who read it completely and are able to see beyond what is said to what may be implied and what may be meant to jettison us out of our complacency.

Overall, the happenings throughout the book are told well and completely, giving the reader freedom to interpret and fashion their own visuals. The quest is not finished and another sequel will be written—sooner rather than later, I hope, as waiting to see what happens next will be like trying not to eat your favorite dessert sitting right under your nose.

I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

[Debbie Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: This book was given to me Free in order for me to review it. Regardless of that my review is my own, my feelings about it are true, and they are not influenced by the fact that I got the book for free.

Wow. This series is interesting. It is also way out of my “wheelhouse” as far as my usual reading choices. It took me longer to read than I would have liked. I think it is because of my own laziness. When I would read, I would read in large chunks, getting very involved and interested in the book. It really is good, just not my usual reading choice.

Hyam and company... The characters are fully developed and I felt like I was one of the company, traveling around with them; on their quest; through good times and bad, times of strength and weakness... and the story is not over yet. There are still many things to conquer.

Good guys: Mages (like wizards), warriors, kings and queens, ghost soldiers, dragons, elves and every-day good guys. Bad guys: witches, warriors, evil leaders and more. Good vs. Evil. A classic foundation for a book. It really draws you in. You really root for the good guys and hope the bad guys get what is coming to them.

Also, good vs. evil is a reality of life and so a book like this can give us hope for our own world. And, we as Christians know that ultimately our Savior and Lord will win out over the bad guys…it is just hard, sometimes, to continue fighting while we wait for his coming.

In some portions of the book a beautiful setting and a place you would love to live; terrible in other parts. So well described that you can taste the dryness and feel the uncomfortableness of the wearisome journey across the sand and actually see the strange boat as they travel across the water to see the dragon.

My favorite quote from the book... “There are few actions that bring greater satisfaction than knowing the right choice and taking it.” pg 226.

Yes. So true. So many times I ask the Lord what to do. What do I do now? What do I do next? What do I do in this situation that I find myself in?

When, in those rare times I know what I should do, what God wants me to do and I do it; it is with great gratitude and feelings of accomplishment.

I am caught now, if I wasn't before. I want to read the next book and find out what happens to Hyam and Joelle, Shona, Selim, Meda, Fareed, and Alembord. Will Hyam find Joelle's breath and bring her back to full life? Will the good guys win out over the evil in the land? I sure hope so.
I heartily encourage you to read these books.

[Pam Graber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Locke has done it again! Merchant of Alyss continues Hyam’s adventures and what fantastic adventures they are!
The first book in the series, Emissary, ended with Hyam’s epic battle with the crimson mage. In defeating the crimson enemy, Hyam destroys his orb of power and virtually burns his own magic away. As Merchant of Alyss begins, Hyam is still recovering – leading a life of peace and rest with his wife, Joelle. One afternoon, while Hyam naps, a magical visitor arrives at his home intent on doing him harm. As the grove of trees surrounding his home moves to become an impenetrable fence, the visitor attempts to blast his/her way through. While the blast is heard by everyone in the nearby town, Hyam sleeps through the whole thing. His dreams are undisturbed – until the dragon arrives asking for his help.
Hyam drags his feet. What can he really do without magic anyway? The discovery of a trove of Milantian scrolls which detail various spells of war sparks his interest. It is the witch’s attack on his wife, Joelle, that finally sends him on the quest to help the dragon. In so doing, he hopes to find the means to heal Joelle.
I’ve hesitated to compare these books to C.S. Lewis’ Narnia books but the similarities are there. Hyam is led by a talking eagle and directed by a talking dragon who befriends him. He travels through fantastical worlds with perils never seen by human eyes. He brings together people of many races – Milantian, Ashanta, Elven, dragon and human – and leads them as a general might lead an army. He is able to discern those who would use magic for evil from those who use it for good. And he always uses it for good. In spite of his humble beginnings, Hyam shows greatness in humility and love through sacrifice.
If you haven’t already read Emissary I would encourage you to start there before tackling Merchant of Alyss. While I think Merchant can stand on its own it is much easier to understand Hyam’s thinking when you know where he’s been. I have LOVED this series and I don’t generally read fantasy. Thomas Locke captures the imagination and paints word pictures with the best. I look forward to the third installment in the Legends of the Realm series!
I received this book from the author as part of his launch team!

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book through Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway.

I had high hopes for this book and wasn't really disappointed starting out. While I have not read the first of the three books in this series, this being the second, it was not really a problem. There was enough here to figure it out.

The story is of a quest which ends up including many of the standard fantasy questing elements all at once. There is saving the magic of dragons, finding a cure for a loved one, coming of age and discovering one's magical skills, treasures, epic battles, difficult treks across barren lands, encounters with beasts, elves, and witches, castles, magic orbs, ancient secrets, ancient peoples, basically the whole epic fantasy menu. Hyam, a wizard who defeated a threat to his world in the first book, is led to the discovery of some ancient magic scrolls and is beckoned through dreams by a dragon with a warning of another danger. This starts him on his quest to find out about the source of the scrolls, what the danger might be and how it may be defeated.

The author is very talented and gives good representations of the character's emotions, personality and drives. In general I liked the writing, it felt natural with a pleasing cadence and rhythm. The story brought more complexity into the plot than it needed to, though.

What didn't work for me may be an attraction to others. It is not a simple read, you had better pay attention or you will get lost. With elements of dreams, flashbacks and communications across long distances I was getting confused as to where the questers were, when they were, and who all was with them. More careful reading should help this and if you like getting lost in worlds where you don't mind spending time going back and rereading or carefully proceeding slowly then this may be for you.

While there was a climactic ending, the book left some major plot elements open for the third book in the series. With as many elements that were included here and a well developed world this could be continued indefinitely.

As entertaining as some of the scenes and prose were, I wanted to like this more than I did. A little crisper plot line would have helped for me.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I was definitely fascinated by the unique aspects of the world. Generic high fantasy tropes abounded for sure--but one does not mind the tropes of one's favorite genre! The concepts of magic, the debated existence of dragons (yes! I love it when there are dragons in a story!), the way it is wielded through glass globes, and most of all the varying locations featured in the novel--these were all things I absolutely loved, things that definitely tilted my inclination in favor of this book. I loved the concept of Olom and the golems, of the way the author describes a dragon speaking--strokes of fantasy brilliance, however brief that candle may have been. I also really enjoyed the way the story tied into the title--the character of the Merchant of Alyss was I think one of the best characters in the book.

However, the writing style failed to "grab" me. The author's penchant for emphasizing clauses and phrases with periods felt too much like reading one of my own rambling blog posts--it nearly detracted from the fantasy "mood" at times. The language could have been strong, forceful, as flowing as the magic it tried to describe--and yet it was simplified, cliched. The inclusion of the "Valiant-Yet-Futile Attempted Romantic Triangle" trope was both poorly timed and wholly unnecessary, while multiple opportunities to shore up the sprawling plot, to populate the world just as thoroughly as the descriptions might suggest, to create the inexorable pull on the imagination, and to set the baited hook squarely in the reader so that they cannot possibly rest until they find out what will happen to these figments they have come to recognize as friends--

All this was lost, left unexplored in favor of the developing story I may have just interrupted. On the whole it was fairly decent, in terms of high-fantasy. The dialogue, the fantasy concepts, and the conflict/resolution were all well-done. I just wish it didn't stop just shy of being truly awesome--and it saddens me that this would be the case when the author has already written so many books before this one.

On the whole, a decent read!

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendships That Never Give Up
I could hardly wait for the second Legends of the Realm book to be written. The Emissary characters were already my friends and it was easy to pick up with them where Book #1 concluded. This band of friends face horrific new challenges and battles on their quest for healing of both their friend and their world under siege. They also face their own personal demons and learn how to be vulnerable with each other. Their mutual loyalty and authenticity win through as they struggle with impossible odds. Sometimes they are seduced by evil beings who appear harmless or helpful, but they have each other’s backs and are willing to risk their lives to pull each other out of harms way.

There are enough supernatural creatures, other races, and magic to satisfy any fantasy lover. Their world captured my imagination with its well-conceived multiple cultures. I was drawn into their puzzlement as the band of adventurers tried to understand the customs and languages of the beings they encountered.

This is no light weight adventure with one dimensional bad guys. Evil characters are really frighteningly strong and the odds against the team sometimes seem impossible. I was absorbed and on the edge of my seat throughout the story. There were enough subtleties in the plot that I would not hesitate to read it again. (and I rarely feel that way about any story) There are unanswered questions and unsolved problems, so I was left feeling impatient to read the next book in the series.

I found myself wishing I had a fellowship of friends that were this trustworthy and committed to one another and a common cause. I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys escaping into another world full of adventure and suspense with strong and complex female as well as male characters that display tenderness, despair, fear, weakness, courage, and trust.

I received a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to the author and publisher.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hyam has settled into life as he knows it now. The citizens of Falmouth admire him for his rescue from an evil magician, and Hyam enjoys the peacefulness of having Joelle by his side. But he feels he is missing something big, and he is. The magical abilities he lost during the Battle of Emporis have shown no signs of returning and he often wishes that he never had known magic at all. When a wagon full of ancient artifacts arrives in Falmouth, Hyam soon discovers that the scrolls are Milantian, and that he can read them. Power surges through him as he handles what appears to be blank scrolls, but what he reads is very disturbing and talks of war. With Joelle and several others, Hyam sets out on a journey that will hopefully bring answers, not knowing the danger that the journey will have for all involved or that he will have to face his own troubled past.

This is the second book in the Legend of the Realms series, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. Locke has created a world that is very magical and concrete. Hyam has grown on me from the first book. He's come to grips with his loss of abilities and is struggling to find himself. When he gets an opportunity to be useful again, he takes it.

I enjoyed seeing Hyam's and Joelle's relationship develop further. And when she is captured by an evil sorcerer, he will do anything to get her back. There are other characters that are memorable as well. Shona is one I'm not sure about right now. I think she'll be a good leader, but I don't like her interest in Hyam. But that's just me.

Full of magic and adventure, this is a book that most fantasy lovers will certainly enjoy!

I received a copy of this book for free from Revell for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Narnia, Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time, fantasy, Brandon Sanderson

Rating - 4 stars

[Zoe Schoppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot express the honor and privilege that I feel to be a part of the Thomas Locke advance team. God orchestrates some of the kindest, most gracious, joy filled opportunities for His disciples. I pray that my writing will do justice to this and all of the books that I feel so blessed to read. There are incredibly talented writers, both classic and modern, that are well worth the time to read. Sometimes it takes a little digging but I find that it is always worth it; Thomas Locke stands as one of my favorites.

Merchant of Alyss doesn’t let us down. It is just as engaging as Emissary, the first book in the series, and possibly more so. My favorite characters are taken on dramatically new adventures yet Merchant of Alyss maintains continuity within the series. The introduction of new characters adds so much; Locke makes them genuinely live in the imagination and has them interacting within a believable fantasy landscape.

The Merchant of Alyss is
A fantasy where…
The mind is as engaged as the body.
Mental strength and will are required.
Physical consequences exist to mental images and dreams.

A story filled with…
Adventures
Camaraderie
Commitment
Genuine friendship forged by honest men in the battle against evil.
Journeys
Loyalty
Respect
Servanthood

Merchant of Alyss is…
Action filled
Captivating
Exciting
Fascinating

Merchant of Alyss ends complete yet leaves you craving the next adventure.

I received a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to the author and publisher.

Please see my previous reviews for the books in the Legends of the Realm series:

1. The Captive, prequel
2. Emissary, book 1

For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

THESE CHARACTERS FEEL LIKE FRIENDS – I CARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM
Before reviewing the Merchant of Alyss I went back and re-read Emissary (Book 1 in the Legends of the Realm). This second instalment is just as enthralling and so well written that I am not conscious of the words, just completely engrossed in the world and the story (which for me is a mark of great writing, as too often I become distracted from a good story by the pedestrian writing). The locations in the book are so evocative that I felt as though I was there – looking into desolate valleys, walking in the bazaar or riding a camel in the scorching deserts. The world building is wonderful, and integral to the story, rather than overwhelming the reader with details, and the focus of the story is the people – some we met before such as Hyam and Joelle but there are also newcomers such as Shona, Fareed and Selim (among others).
What I love about the story is that these characters feel like real people – they have real depth and the struggles they face are not only against the evil they are opposing, not just physical battles, but internal struggles with their own emotions – temptation, guilt, disappointment, grief and anger, as well as excitement over success and developing new skills. Hyam gains some surprising new allies as well as experiencing devastating losses and struggling with the need to sacrifice personal desires and feelings (even at great cost) for the greater good and the chance to succeed in the battle against evil.
I have just finished re-reading the “Merchant” for the second time and this series is now definitely ranking very high on my list of favourites. Thanks for a great read, and thanks to Revell for giving me the chance to read this. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

[Kyle Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a realm full of magic, it's the human characters who keep you reading.

From the moment I started reading Merchant of Alyss, I was impressed by how unreserved it was in its use of fantasy elements. Author Thomas Locke doesn’t feel the need to challenge what you know or create something completely new. Instead, he embraces the familiar, and breathes new life into it by telling his own story.

So yes, fantasy enthusiasts, there are elves, mages, kings and queens, warriors, and epic battles and quests! Reading Merchant of Alyss felt just like returning to any number of my favorite fantasy worlds. However, what really stand out are the characters and the relationships they share.

Hyam, the main character, spends much of his time with, or thinking about, his wife Joelle. It is unique to see the continuing adventures of a married couple, since many stories end with a marriage. Another character, Shona, also spends much time thinking about the man that she loves. Both of these characters are involved in an important quest and have many responsibilities, but these seem secondary to their desire to love and to be loved. This is so human! I’m sure everyone can relate to these desires, and all the joys and problems that come with them. Yet, all this time spent on love does not distract from the main quest. In fact, it adds to its urgency. And this, I believe, is the books main strength.

A few final notes. Merchant of Alyss it the second book in the Legends of the Realm series by Thomas Locke. So, if my review has peaked your interest, feel free to read the first book, Emissary, if you haven’t already. Also, if you’re looking to read something without intense violence or strong language, this is a good series for you.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

[Janelle Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often I find a free ebook. I started with Captive by Thomas Locke.

Then after getting hooked myself, and my boys all begging for me to get the next book I knew this was a series we would get pulled into. So next was The Emissary (which is 4.99 for the kindle book) and we all loved it!! A great allegorical fantasy fiction story. We loved the different people groups, the alternative world, and the characters.

Next I was offered The Merchant of Alyss – and I grabbed that book immediately!! We all waited anxiously for it to arrive, knowing there would be a rush for the first to read it!!

I insisted that I get to finish before anyone else can touch it. I loved going back with Hyam and Joelle. I was excited to find out what was going on and what was to come. The characters from The Emissary were there, as well as a few new characters brought into the story. There is a new battle raging and Hyam must figure things out as well as wage war himself. Figuring out who is good and safe and who is a threat is a major part of this story.

These stories are a bit similar to the Lord of the Rings style of storytelling. If you enjoyed Tolkien’s books I suspect you will love these too. The characters are strong and real and deep. The scenery is described in such detail that I can imagine it in my mind right now.

In case you did not know, Thomas Locke is the pen name for Davis Bunn. So if you have enjoyed any books by Davis Bunn I suspect you will enjoy these as well.

My boys have read and reread these books – the really love them. They are safe for young adult readers, but there are some intense situations and there is a clear good vs. evil.

I highly recommend this book : The Merchant of Alyss as well as The Emissary and The Captive!

NOTE: I received The Merchant of Alyss in exchange for an honest review by Revell.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good must triumph or all is lost...

Once again Thomas Locke drew me in and held me hostage with the pages of a book. And just like last time with Emissary I finished Merchant Of Alyss in fairly short order. I just couldn't seem to put it down. The story was enthralling and the writing is top-notch in quality.

Reminiscent of Tolkein, in that, the story gets darker and more desperate as the quest goes on, but still told in Locke's own distinctive voice. Merchant Of Alyss is definitely what I would call epic fantasy. It isn't one of those dauntingly thick paperbacks of years gone by, but it is an all encompassing, all engrossing tale. Complete in 350+ pages and yet with the perfect, almost cliffhanger, ending to draw you onward in anxious anticipation for the next book.

If you like fantasy Merchant Of Alyss has it all. A desperate quest, dragons, magic, mysterious forces of both good and evil, and a small band of companions trying to conquer the darkness before it's too late. For years I kept my fantasy reading to pretty much J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis but in recent years I have discovered some pretty talented current fantasy authors. Thomas Locke is one of those I consider a must-read, if I see his name on the cover I'll definitely pick it up.

A great book that will appeal to teens and adults alike, Merchant Of Alyss, Thomas Locke's latest installment in the Legends Of The Realm series, is a MUST read for fans of fantasy and quality, well-written fiction.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved every moment of "Merchant of Alyss", a book that I devoured in one day because I was so thoroughly immersed in Hyam's quest that I was unable to step away from the pages. In fact, it's not often that I find the follow-up to the first book in a series to be even better than the first. Yet I must say that while I loved "Emissary", I found this second installment to be even more riveting! Perhaps it is simply the fact that I had already become emotionally invested in Hyam and Joelle's journey after reading the first book. But the stakes seemed even higher now as I raced from scene to scene and, together with the characters, joined in the battle against the evil creeping over the land. The writing is breath taking as Locke uses powerful and vivid imagery to bring The Realm to life.

Hyam is the ultimate hero, a man of character and integrity, the type of man that we need more of in our world today. As well, the new characters that are introduced over the course of the plot are wonderfully intriguing and took the story in a direction I hadn't anticipated. And perhaps that is what I am most learning about the author as this series unfolds, that there always seems to be something unexpected waiting for me - unique characters, fascinating supernatural elements, and plenty of twists and turns.

Locke has definitely raised the bar for Christian fantasy fiction, and I am eagerly anticipating the next story to emerge from his talented pen. Book 3 in the "Legends of the Realm" series simply can't come fast enough! I highly recommend this story and award it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Benjamin Liles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Locke has done it again with his new book, Merchant of Alyss. Hyam is thrust into a situation, even though he's still recovering from battle wounds in Emissary. Milantian scrolls appear in Falmouth Port where his help is needed to understanding what they are and why it appears there's no text on the scrolls. Now, he's on a new quest. This force quickly surrounds him, his wife Joelle, and a small band of friends into both unknown territory and onward to the furthest reaches for an unknown enemy.

Why did I love a book where I know nothing of the primary character from the previous book? Simply because I see and feel exactly what Hyam does in this fantastic book. Here's a small taste of Merchant of Alyss on page 22 onto page 23: "Hyam turned away. He waited until a turning hid him from view, and then he scratched the scars that ran from his right wrist to his breastbone. The physical wounds had healed well enough, but defeating the crimson mage had seared away Hyam's arcane talents and shattered his orb of power. The losses left him bereft in a manner that none could see and only a handful even comprehend."

I rate the book at five out five the way I do not just because I enjoy the way Thomas Locke writes. This is my third read of his work. Thomas Locke has also written Trial Run and Double Edge.

Thomas Locke is the pseudonym for Davis Bunn. Davis has received multiple awards for his books. He has also has sales of over seven million worldwide. You can read more of his books at http://www.tlocke.com.

Disclaimer - I received this book from Revell for my honest review.

[Zachary Totah · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fantasy book, Merchant of Alyss was good, but had so much more to offer. Untapped potential that fell by the wayside and led to an interesting but not gripping tale.

This book was a story of missed chances.

A plot that followed a rather ordinary path, void of earth-shattering surprises or heart-pounding moments. More like a stroll through a park than a wild race through a labyrinth. The climax didn’t sparkle as brightly as it could have, though it did set in motion events that promise another book and greater peril for the realm.

A fantasy world that expanded on the depth and breadth revealed in the first book (Emissary), but could have included a few elements to make it dynamic. In particular, the magic system wasn’t as complex, varied, or intriguing as I like to see. On the plus side, I appreciated the creativity shown in a couple of the cultures and locations.

A cast of characters with some relatable problems and realistic qualities, but who didn’t leap off the page and become living, breathing people. Sometimes I cared about their circumstances and rooted for them. Other times the disconnect left me feeling like an outside observer. Another element that didn’t appear nearly often enough for my taste was a sense of humor on the part of the characters.

At the end of the day, Merchant of Alyss provided a journey through a new fantasy world, but one that needed extra spice and more punch to move from merely a good book to an excellent one.

*I received a free advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spoiler-free review.

It is rare that I pick up a fantasy title off the shelf and find myself transported into the realm and its surroundings as easily as I have with Thomas Locke’s “Legends of the Realm” series. For me, only C. S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia” has come anywhere this close.

Locke’s second novel in the series, Merchant of Alyss begins with Hyam still mourning the loss of his abilities as a mage. However, the loss of those abilities does not keep him from answering the call when amphorae containing ancient scrolls are found that lead him on a quest to prevent a war that could destroy the lands. Joining him on this adventure are his wife/lover, Joelle; Meda, captain of the guard who was knighted following the Battle of Emporis. In addition, Locke introduces several new characters, including Corporal Alembord of the guard; Shona, daughter of a scribe and distant cousin to the Earl of Oberon; Fareed, a mage; and Selim, who acts as caravan master and whose past hints at more mystery.

Merchant of Alyss shows Locke’s skill as an author as he weaves action, adventure, and characterization into a fine-tuned narrative that zips along. The author’s gift for story-telling is such that readers will have no trouble feeling the depths of Hyam’s grief in not having his magical ability, nor will they feel like they are on the sidelines when the battle rages.

Once again, Thomas Locke has me eagerly waiting for the next novel in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

[Phillip Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

After losing his abilities while defeating the crimson mage, Hyam must now cope with that loss. However, he is called into action again to fight another evil power, one that has upped the stakes by casting a spell on Hyam's wife, Joelle. Will he succeed? Thomas Locke shares the story in Merchant of Alyss.

As a sequel to Emissary, Merchant of Alyss picks up from where it left off. After having settled into a different, but mostly enjoyable life, Hyam and Joelle are thrust back into danger and a quest to save others from darkness. This is a quest that will change the how people see each other, and relationships of people groups, relationships that have stood for years on end.

Hyam faces many challenges, both internal and external, and he has to reconnect with the fact that he has a purpose. Through following along with his struggles, we can see things that we face. He has to change how he looks at himself; instead of basing his identity on his abilities, he has to base it on who he is. Hyam deals with putting others ahead of himself. He would rather not have to be the hero people call him, but he knows that he has a responsibility.

Locke has written another great book. I had waited for it to come out since I read Emissary, and I was not disappointed. I got lost in the story and wanted to keep reading to get to what came next. The descriptions allow you to picture the events and feel for the characters when they suffer setbacks or see success.

I received a complimentary copy of Merchant of Alyss from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merchant of Alyss
Legends of the Realm #2
by Thomas Locke

Hyam, now known as the Hero of Emporis, has been without his powers since defeating the Crimson Mage. But danger has reawakened and an ancient foe long hidden has been revealed when an unexpected shipment arrives in Falmouth Port.

Milantian scrolls carrying the secrets of this ancient race have been discovered. The power offered in these few scrolls is nothing compared to the potential that is offered in the rest of the collection. But is traveling into the barren desolation of the Yellow Realm worth the risk?

Hyam believes it is. And even more troubling are the dreams that come to Hyam in the early dawn hours. Dreams filled with destruction and beasts of legend. Dreams that call to him, that lead him to an uncertain future. But to grasp the future before him Hyam must first accept that what he has left behind is necessary for the survival of all.

But as with all great quests there is a cost involved and this one could cost them everything they hold dear. Ancient bonds will be revisited. And new bonds - treaties will be forged.

Fans of fantasy will enjoy the journey that is being embarked upon. Though written in his own unique voice there are under currents that will bring remembrances of J.R.R. Tolkien, George MacDonald, and C.S. Lewis and their worlds of wonders both delightful and hideous. Teens and adults alike will be drawn into this world. What will be sacrificed to save what is?

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revel Books in exchange for my honest review.