Bellum

by Kathy Liu

When Princess Lian ran away from the Imperial Palace, she went looking for the old wizard who taught men to fly. When Helios Tamka was taken by the water sellers from his home in Natir, he did not mourn the loss of his family, for they had traded him for a barrel of water. When Valorn of the House of Antenor was admitted to the War Academie of the Palarian Empire, he was confident that he was its most promising pupil, thus fulfilling his duty to his family’s name and legacy. Set in an age that has long passed from this world, the saga of Princess Lian, Helios Tamka and Valorn Antenor is a tale of adventure, conflict, friendship and hope.

Genres: Fantasy

516 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2016

About the author

@mskathynj.bsky.social

Reviews

[Kimberly R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't typically read saga-type novels or fantasy, but this book captivated me from beginning to end. I could not put it down. It's suspenseful and unpredictable. Most amazingly, the story manages to be both plot-driven and character-driven. The battle scenes are epic, but you never lose sight of the hearts and minds behind the might and swords. I loved that the character who eventually brings together all three key stories is a complexly drawn female. Princess Lian is intelligent, courageous, driven, loyal, determined, and really, really patient (it's a long journey!). There is something in here for everyone: adventure, magic, love, loss, life-ling friendship, and the sense that justice will prevail. And every detail of the tale, which winds through foreign landscapes and across seas, is brought back again full circle by the end. You feel you are in the hands of a master storyteller the whole way through. Bravo!

[Lenard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could only be done as a limited series. The first three episodes would introduce the four characters. First, Lian's story up until she is exiled. Second, Valorn and his Hunta's journey from young boys into military commanders. Third would be Helios and his episode would end with him on the rocks as Lian's ship arrives.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I downloaded Bellum - it took me a chapter or two to get into it, but soon I was hooked. I'm a bit of writing snob - this was a pleasure to read. It's a deftly written adventure epic that centers on 3 main characters from vastly different circumstances - a princess who knows she's meant for more than a life at court, a warrior who doesn't know life without war, and a boy with nothing who learns to make his own luck.

Hits all the best notes of fantasy with a strong female protagonist to boot! I couldn't put it down - an epic adventure for anyone who loves a good story.