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Eye of the Storm
On a research mission in one of the most remote regions of the world, former Navy SEAL Eric Slade and Dr. Anna Fayne are caught in a mysterious storm. Catapulted through a rift in space-time, they are marooned on a lost world.
Struggling to survive and desperate to find a way home, they must confront the dangers of this savage land—a dark wizard and his army of undead—a warrior queen and her horde of fierce Neanderthals that stands against him—and a legendary treasure with the power to open the gateway between worlds, or to destroy them all: the Eye of the Storm.
Struggling to survive and desperate to find a way home, they must confront the dangers of this savage land—a dark wizard and his army of undead—a warrior queen and her horde of fierce Neanderthals that stands against him—and a legendary treasure with the power to open the gateway between worlds, or to destroy them all: the Eye of the Storm.
402 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2016
1 person is currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Frank Cavallo
15 books43 followersFrank Cavallo's dark fantasy "The Rites of Azathoth" has just been given a Second Edition from the Evil Cookie. His weird western "The Hand of Osiris" has also been re-released recently, keeping the dark and twisted legacy of David Barnett's Necro Publications alive and well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 18, 2017
Scientist, Dr Anna Fayne, and ex Navy SEAL, Eric Slade, lead a team on a research exploration to Kyrgyzstan. Dr Fayne is hoping to find some scientific explanation for the disappearance and crashes of planes that occurred in Kyrgyzstan. All Slade is looking for is a few good shots, some mist and spooky music for his latest TV show.
A freak storm pulls them into a portal and they arrive in an alternate world. The two friends soon find themselves on opposite sides of a great war.
As both friend and foe plot to overthrow the throne the city of Tulkoras is attacked by a much darker entity. There are no allegiances or loyalties too strong to break as the new Queen deal with traitors and treachery.
Cavallo paints a colourful picture as we delve into the danger and rebellion of life in this strange world.
The descriptions and scenery are rendered with such clarity I found myself drawn into their world.
The concept of the portal and the history of the world is explained gradually throughout the story so I wasn’t swamped with complicated detail of how this alternate world evolved.
I loved every minute of Tarquin’s struggle to obtain The Eye of the Storm (the ultimate power) and Slade and Threya’s battle to stop him. I enjoyed Slade’s humour which was so in character with who he was and where he was from.
This is a great story, very well written with epic fight scenes and phenomenal world building. The story is well plotted with non-stop action and packed with inventive and original concepts.
A freak storm pulls them into a portal and they arrive in an alternate world. The two friends soon find themselves on opposite sides of a great war.
As both friend and foe plot to overthrow the throne the city of Tulkoras is attacked by a much darker entity. There are no allegiances or loyalties too strong to break as the new Queen deal with traitors and treachery.
Cavallo paints a colourful picture as we delve into the danger and rebellion of life in this strange world.
The descriptions and scenery are rendered with such clarity I found myself drawn into their world.
The concept of the portal and the history of the world is explained gradually throughout the story so I wasn’t swamped with complicated detail of how this alternate world evolved.
I loved every minute of Tarquin’s struggle to obtain The Eye of the Storm (the ultimate power) and Slade and Threya’s battle to stop him. I enjoyed Slade’s humour which was so in character with who he was and where he was from.
This is a great story, very well written with epic fight scenes and phenomenal world building. The story is well plotted with non-stop action and packed with inventive and original concepts.
January 10, 2017
Ok so this was 3.5 stars for me., Come on Goodreads! Give us those halves ;)
Eye of the Storm was unexpected. It was daunting when it arrived at my doorstep, and I was skeptical. Was I ready for this? Well in short, the answer was yes. Yes, I was ready for this. What started off as a rather large and questionable book (ok maybe 400 pages is not large, but it is a hefty paperback), turned into an exciting and somewhat nostalgic journey. Let me share a bit of what the author has cooking up and see if you get where I am going with this.
Read the review here.
Eye of the Storm was unexpected. It was daunting when it arrived at my doorstep, and I was skeptical. Was I ready for this? Well in short, the answer was yes. Yes, I was ready for this. What started off as a rather large and questionable book (ok maybe 400 pages is not large, but it is a hefty paperback), turned into an exciting and somewhat nostalgic journey. Let me share a bit of what the author has cooking up and see if you get where I am going with this.
Read the review here.
February 6, 2017
I received this book free as part of my book club's agreement to read it. Were it not my book club's monthly selection, I would not have finished it. I am sorry to say it...but it is true. This book was an...everything and the kitchen sink book...too much and all over the place. We have the scientist and the former seal flung through a portal into a world of Neanderthals, Dinosaurs and Cyborgs. We have zombies and magic. We have demons. And a plotline that has a lot of movement but no heart. Which, in spite of what I considered to be an overly complicated (and at times illogical) story, was the reason I could not like this book.
Its true failing was in the viewpoint characters...all of whom were drawn in such flat terms that I didn't care at all whether any of them would survive. Slade and Anna should be traumatized by their experiences learning to survive...but not only are those experiences skipped over...Slade and Anna are remarkably cool and collected beginning to end. I never felt I connected with either one and neither one ever felt real to me.
I don't feel Slade's love for Threya...he seems mostly a boy toy till the last couple pages. I don't get Anna's devotion to Tarquin. She's willing to die with him but, until she said that, I figured she couldn't care less about anything that's happened.
Kerr is the most sympathetic of the lot but we're never allowed to feel the self-loathing or pain that must come with his affliction, the desperate want that binds him to Threya, etc. We're told he cares for her, we figure it must suck to be a leper...but I wanted in his head. I wanted to feel his rage and resentment grow until we get to the point where WE want revenge as much as he does. Instead, I was bored.
I could go on but I won't.
2 stars.
Its true failing was in the viewpoint characters...all of whom were drawn in such flat terms that I didn't care at all whether any of them would survive. Slade and Anna should be traumatized by their experiences learning to survive...but not only are those experiences skipped over...Slade and Anna are remarkably cool and collected beginning to end. I never felt I connected with either one and neither one ever felt real to me.
I don't feel Slade's love for Threya...he seems mostly a boy toy till the last couple pages. I don't get Anna's devotion to Tarquin. She's willing to die with him but, until she said that, I figured she couldn't care less about anything that's happened.
Kerr is the most sympathetic of the lot but we're never allowed to feel the self-loathing or pain that must come with his affliction, the desperate want that binds him to Threya, etc. We're told he cares for her, we figure it must suck to be a leper...but I wanted in his head. I wanted to feel his rage and resentment grow until we get to the point where WE want revenge as much as he does. Instead, I was bored.
I could go on but I won't.
2 stars.
August 31, 2016
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
Eye of the Storm is a terrific fantasy from Frank Cavallo. Anthropologist Dr. Anna Fayne and ex-SEAL Eric Slade lead a team on a research mission, but a peculiar storm takes them through a portal to a remote, prehistoric region where they are captured by Neanderthals and sold to Kerr, consultant to a warrior queen, Threya.
Tarquin, a powerful dark sorcerer, plans to invade Threya’s kingdom. He needs three special gems to become more dominant and the warrior queen owns one of them. Anna becomes ill and Kerr sends her to Tarquin who can cure her, but his treatment will have life changing effects she did not expect. Eric attempts to adjust to his new surroundings, unaware that he is to be a significant part of Threya’s sacrificial ceremony.
Imagine being caught in the Eye of the Storm; chased by pterosaurs and other creatures that are supposed to be extinct, in a prehistoric setting that has traces of ancient Roman culture and other significant eras. Frank Cavallo’s novel has an intriguing, ongoing sequence of activities I really liked. He is very imaginative and it shows in his writing, which is descriptive and well defined.
The characters are unique, both in appearances and traits, and most were definitely ones I would not want to encounter at all. The visuals I got from reading were clear, and the book cover is nicely illustrated and complements the story. Eye of the Storm is a fantasy novel readers will find as entertaining as I did.
Eye of the Storm is a terrific fantasy from Frank Cavallo. Anthropologist Dr. Anna Fayne and ex-SEAL Eric Slade lead a team on a research mission, but a peculiar storm takes them through a portal to a remote, prehistoric region where they are captured by Neanderthals and sold to Kerr, consultant to a warrior queen, Threya.
Tarquin, a powerful dark sorcerer, plans to invade Threya’s kingdom. He needs three special gems to become more dominant and the warrior queen owns one of them. Anna becomes ill and Kerr sends her to Tarquin who can cure her, but his treatment will have life changing effects she did not expect. Eric attempts to adjust to his new surroundings, unaware that he is to be a significant part of Threya’s sacrificial ceremony.
Imagine being caught in the Eye of the Storm; chased by pterosaurs and other creatures that are supposed to be extinct, in a prehistoric setting that has traces of ancient Roman culture and other significant eras. Frank Cavallo’s novel has an intriguing, ongoing sequence of activities I really liked. He is very imaginative and it shows in his writing, which is descriptive and well defined.
The characters are unique, both in appearances and traits, and most were definitely ones I would not want to encounter at all. The visuals I got from reading were clear, and the book cover is nicely illustrated and complements the story. Eye of the Storm is a fantasy novel readers will find as entertaining as I did.
June 1, 2017
As any book blogger, I am so excited to receive new books to review, especially if they are a paperback or hard copy. So before going into my review, I would like to issue a big thank you to Book Publicity Services for their effort to send me the copy!
This is a story that evolves gradually and becomes and explosive combination of wizards, queens, multiple worlds and so much more. It all starts with a group of experts in various fields that decide to explore a region where the body of a Neanderthal has been discovered. And from this point, I was expecting a story about getting lost in an unknown territory and trying to survive and so on. But it gets more complicated as the pages turn. Our main character will get involved in the mystery of an ancient treasure, all the while trying to get back home.
There are a lot of things that I enjoyed in this book. Starting with how the strange world was built, the creatures living there, their system, customs and so on, everything was very well described and it felt real! I was very much impressed as how vivid all the images were, I really felt I was part of the expedition. The author did a very good job at increasing the pace of the action – we get from a lost group of experts to a search for a treasure with a different group of beings. It’s mind-blowing!
Eric and Anna are normal people, each focused on the job they have to do and what they have to achieve with this trip. But faced with the unusual, they will evolve and become more focused. Their reaction in some situations was pretty natural as well. But except them, I appreciated the diversity when it comes to other characters.
To conclude, this is indeed a book one will not get bored with. A fantastic universe, a lot of action and with so many characters, each with their own agenda, I am sure everyone will find something to enjoy. I can say I am lucky to own it, thanks to the author and Book Publicity Services.
This is a story that evolves gradually and becomes and explosive combination of wizards, queens, multiple worlds and so much more. It all starts with a group of experts in various fields that decide to explore a region where the body of a Neanderthal has been discovered. And from this point, I was expecting a story about getting lost in an unknown territory and trying to survive and so on. But it gets more complicated as the pages turn. Our main character will get involved in the mystery of an ancient treasure, all the while trying to get back home.
There are a lot of things that I enjoyed in this book. Starting with how the strange world was built, the creatures living there, their system, customs and so on, everything was very well described and it felt real! I was very much impressed as how vivid all the images were, I really felt I was part of the expedition. The author did a very good job at increasing the pace of the action – we get from a lost group of experts to a search for a treasure with a different group of beings. It’s mind-blowing!
Eric and Anna are normal people, each focused on the job they have to do and what they have to achieve with this trip. But faced with the unusual, they will evolve and become more focused. Their reaction in some situations was pretty natural as well. But except them, I appreciated the diversity when it comes to other characters.
To conclude, this is indeed a book one will not get bored with. A fantastic universe, a lot of action and with so many characters, each with their own agenda, I am sure everyone will find something to enjoy. I can say I am lucky to own it, thanks to the author and Book Publicity Services.
September 6, 2020
Adventure, Fantasy, fiction and Mystery ...The story is mixture of all that and much more.
I loved the way how the author move from chapter to another, that's kept me excited to see what will happen next.
I don't want to spoil, but I didn't like how the story was ended... it my opinion, maybe other readers will see it as the pefect END.
I loved the way how the author move from chapter to another, that's kept me excited to see what will happen next.
I don't want to spoil, but I didn't like how the story was ended... it my opinion, maybe other readers will see it as the pefect END.
February 22, 2017
*Now we’ve crossed the line,
Fallen through time
Livin’ in the Land Of The Lost*
Eric Slade, TV personality and ex Navy SEAL, has taken a group of scientists, including Anthropologist Dr. Anna Fayne, on an expedition to investigate the strange finding of a Neanderthal. This might be considered anthropologically normal, that is, if the Neanderthal in question wasn’t alive when originally discovered, much less donning Romanesque style clothing, rather than, what I would have assumed, would be animal skins. During the team’s trek to examine the remains they are mysteriously pulled into a rift where they are projected into another time and realm.
Full Review »
Fallen through time
Livin’ in the Land Of The Lost*
Eric Slade, TV personality and ex Navy SEAL, has taken a group of scientists, including Anthropologist Dr. Anna Fayne, on an expedition to investigate the strange finding of a Neanderthal. This might be considered anthropologically normal, that is, if the Neanderthal in question wasn’t alive when originally discovered, much less donning Romanesque style clothing, rather than, what I would have assumed, would be animal skins. During the team’s trek to examine the remains they are mysteriously pulled into a rift where they are projected into another time and realm.
Full Review »
November 29, 2016
You should read this book while eating a steak and drinking a beer, except you might get the pages greasy.
It is an unapologetic 80s action flick in book form, with a tough dude trapped in a world that has dinosaurs and evil wizards. There is a female costar, and she is a tremendously capable hero, not a sex object. That's going against all the 80s action rules, but I dig it. With not so much kissin', there's more time for fightin'.
The hero's name is ERIC SLADE. Is there a better name for a action hero? The answer is no, there is not.
By just page 6, this book red-lined its 80s-style awesomeness quotient. This review must end with the description of Slade:
"His hair was close-cropped, but a dark beret worn at a cant over gold-rimmed spectacles and a single matching earring announced his artistic bona fides... everything he wore appeared to be a size too small, a deliberate choice that made it seem as though his toned physique was about to burst the seams. An undone red necktie dangled from his collar. A matching silk hankie poked up from his jacket pocket. A gold chain with an Egyptian ankh pendant sparkled across his chest." (review by Joe Crowe, http://www.RevolutionSF.com, http://www.twitter.com/RevolutionSF)
It is an unapologetic 80s action flick in book form, with a tough dude trapped in a world that has dinosaurs and evil wizards. There is a female costar, and she is a tremendously capable hero, not a sex object. That's going against all the 80s action rules, but I dig it. With not so much kissin', there's more time for fightin'.
The hero's name is ERIC SLADE. Is there a better name for a action hero? The answer is no, there is not.
By just page 6, this book red-lined its 80s-style awesomeness quotient. This review must end with the description of Slade:
"His hair was close-cropped, but a dark beret worn at a cant over gold-rimmed spectacles and a single matching earring announced his artistic bona fides... everything he wore appeared to be a size too small, a deliberate choice that made it seem as though his toned physique was about to burst the seams. An undone red necktie dangled from his collar. A matching silk hankie poked up from his jacket pocket. A gold chain with an Egyptian ankh pendant sparkled across his chest." (review by Joe Crowe, http://www.RevolutionSF.com, http://www.twitter.com/RevolutionSF)
September 5, 2016
Synapses of this fantasy drew me to request it from publisher via net galley to offer an honest review. The plot was different and was well thought out by Cavallo. The black fire transports a plane of researchers to an alternate universe inhabited by prehistoric creatures. Neanderthal beings rule this strange land. Cavallo describes the alternate environment in great detail. But... the characters were not developed in a fashion that made me care what happened to them. Some will love the path this book takes but for me it fell short.
November 14, 2017
¡Received the book in a Giveaway!
RATINGS : 3.0
Although I was a bit skeptical about wanting to delve into the cheesy-cliched story that was shown on the back. I quickly regretted my actions and was pissed for not starting it earlier!
The story starts of a bit slow paced but as it progresses through,more and more is revealed till it reaches a point where we just can't keep the book down..
All in all this book was a Great entertainer but it is only a one time read..
Bit disappointed with the ending, but a great effort nonetheless!!
Good job mate.
RATINGS : 3.0
Although I was a bit skeptical about wanting to delve into the cheesy-cliched story that was shown on the back. I quickly regretted my actions and was pissed for not starting it earlier!
The story starts of a bit slow paced but as it progresses through,more and more is revealed till it reaches a point where we just can't keep the book down..
All in all this book was a Great entertainer but it is only a one time read..
Bit disappointed with the ending, but a great effort nonetheless!!
Good job mate.
April 4, 2017
If you would like to see all my thoughts on this book, be sure to check out the review on my blog:
www.abooktropolis01.blogspot.co.za
But here is a snippet and overview of what I thought:
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I am extremely thankful for Kelsey who sent me this book. I really loved this book and would definitely recommend this book to Sci-Fi lovers and those who wish to read something out of the norm.
www.abooktropolis01.blogspot.co.za
But here is a snippet and overview of what I thought:
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I am extremely thankful for Kelsey who sent me this book. I really loved this book and would definitely recommend this book to Sci-Fi lovers and those who wish to read something out of the norm.
February 4, 2017
Reading this book was such a battle. It drained me out of all energy and I need a couple thousand contemporaries to re-energize.
Don't get me wrong, it's a good book, the world building is complex and unlike anything I've ever read before. But it is so damn dense that I couldn't fully enjoy it. It was just a lot.
Full review coming soon.
Don't get me wrong, it's a good book, the world building is complex and unlike anything I've ever read before. But it is so damn dense that I couldn't fully enjoy it. It was just a lot.
Full review coming soon.
May 28, 2017
I received a print copy of Eye of the Storm by Frank Cavallo for review.
Eye of the Storm is a difficult book to pigeon hole genre wise. One of those books where explaining details about the book would certainly involve spoilers (and you know how feel about that). Although basically it is a sword and sorcery fantasy, it also has elements of history, political intrigue, the quest, science, technology, horror, romance and military action/adventure. It is your true roller coaster ride. As such, it is highly unpredictable most of the time, not unusual for me since I rarely anticipate correctly the next move in any story, but Eye of the Storm highlighted this inability on my part (thanks Mr. Cavallo).
We start the story in current times with a scientific expedition, which of course goes wildly off track. We travel through a storm which sends us through a space-time portal (no spoiler, it's on the back cover), and the roller coaster has begun.
We follow two heroes (or at least main characters) as they encounter the bizarre inhabitants of this world, each more exotic and unbelievable than the last. There are different factions/species/entities? vying for control. None of whom seem particularly benign or benevolent. As reader/participants we find ourselves forced to choose sides, or at least sympathize with viewpoints that change as the story progresses.
My only real complaint is that the story jumps in time months to years at a time rather abruptly. The way we wind up with the two main characters is a little rocky.
On the plus side, there is a lot going on, the story does not lag even though it moves from straight out physical action to more cerebral pursuits. Eye of the Storm contains graphic violence, some language (unnecessary in my opinion), political double dealing (is there any other kind?), secret loyalties, romance, sexual innuendo (as opposed to graphic portrayal) and an absolutely colossal three way battle at the climax.
Frank Cavallo has created an interesting, if not terrifying, world for us to explore in Eye of the Storm. I recommend it to readers looking for that "little something different" in a fantasy read. Enjoy!
Mike
Eye of the Storm is a difficult book to pigeon hole genre wise. One of those books where explaining details about the book would certainly involve spoilers (and you know how feel about that). Although basically it is a sword and sorcery fantasy, it also has elements of history, political intrigue, the quest, science, technology, horror, romance and military action/adventure. It is your true roller coaster ride. As such, it is highly unpredictable most of the time, not unusual for me since I rarely anticipate correctly the next move in any story, but Eye of the Storm highlighted this inability on my part (thanks Mr. Cavallo).
We start the story in current times with a scientific expedition, which of course goes wildly off track. We travel through a storm which sends us through a space-time portal (no spoiler, it's on the back cover), and the roller coaster has begun.
We follow two heroes (or at least main characters) as they encounter the bizarre inhabitants of this world, each more exotic and unbelievable than the last. There are different factions/species/entities? vying for control. None of whom seem particularly benign or benevolent. As reader/participants we find ourselves forced to choose sides, or at least sympathize with viewpoints that change as the story progresses.
My only real complaint is that the story jumps in time months to years at a time rather abruptly. The way we wind up with the two main characters is a little rocky.
On the plus side, there is a lot going on, the story does not lag even though it moves from straight out physical action to more cerebral pursuits. Eye of the Storm contains graphic violence, some language (unnecessary in my opinion), political double dealing (is there any other kind?), secret loyalties, romance, sexual innuendo (as opposed to graphic portrayal) and an absolutely colossal three way battle at the climax.
Frank Cavallo has created an interesting, if not terrifying, world for us to explore in Eye of the Storm. I recommend it to readers looking for that "little something different" in a fantasy read. Enjoy!
Mike
June 29, 2017
Gathered in the wake of a series of reports of odd weather and odder events in one of the most remote areas of Kyrgyzstan, a group of scientists, TV personalities, and mercenaries hope to establish the truth – or the lie – behind the stories of Neanderthals in armour attacking army and air force detachments in the area. On the other hand, no matter how prepared, no team is ready for chasing a flight of pterosaurs into the eye of the storm in a helicopter – and that’s not even the strangest thing Dr. Fayne and Eric Slade will face in their adventure.
Frank Cavallo’s Eye of the Storm offers an adventure of peoples and creatures caught out of their times and worlds; a fantasy take, if you will, on Arthur C. Clarke’s Time’s Eye. Anna Fayne’s ill-fated group is merely the latest of a series of unfortunates and adventurers who have been caught up by the storm, and now they share a world with everything from completely alien species to mammoths, ancient Etruscans, and pterosaurs. I found this was by and large an enjoyable read; some of the characters and interactions felt to me as if they would have benefited from a little more polishing, and the overarching aim of the plot took a little while to come clear, but generally the story hung together well. Definitely worth the read.
Reviewed for By Rite of Word.
Frank Cavallo’s Eye of the Storm offers an adventure of peoples and creatures caught out of their times and worlds; a fantasy take, if you will, on Arthur C. Clarke’s Time’s Eye. Anna Fayne’s ill-fated group is merely the latest of a series of unfortunates and adventurers who have been caught up by the storm, and now they share a world with everything from completely alien species to mammoths, ancient Etruscans, and pterosaurs. I found this was by and large an enjoyable read; some of the characters and interactions felt to me as if they would have benefited from a little more polishing, and the overarching aim of the plot took a little while to come clear, but generally the story hung together well. Definitely worth the read.
Reviewed for By Rite of Word.
May 6, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. The way Frank describes his characters and the places they have been and where they are is really amazing. I really liked the adventure I went on as I read this book each page was just as exciting as the next. I also wanted to say that I enjoyed the part where Slade is fighting the amphibians and he was doing a hell of a job if you ask me. But at the end of this battle he says “Looks like they weren’t interested in our counter-offer.” I laughed for a really long time at this. Thank you to Frank Cavallo for a free copy of his book in return for an honest review of his book.
March 18, 2017
Conan-esque pulp fantasy adventure set in a land that time forgot.
Ex-Navy SEAL Eric Slade and shy academic Anna Fayne are transported to a strange land, populated by Neanderthals, mammoths, dragons, newt-men etc. Unfortunately, the only guy who can speak English wants them as a human sacrifice to celebrate his new queen’s coronation.
The first two chapters of this one didn’t do a lot for me. Thankfully, once past that the action switches to the fantasy world, we’re obviously in over-the-top pulp fantasy territory, and the writing is full of confidence and verve. The lead characters remain cardboard, but it hardly matters when the plot’s jam-packed with invention and action.
The writing is extremely good in places and always very readable, with few editing errors.
Highly entertaining stuff, as long as you like the pulpy style. Expect violence, death, and gore.
Ex-Navy SEAL Eric Slade and shy academic Anna Fayne are transported to a strange land, populated by Neanderthals, mammoths, dragons, newt-men etc. Unfortunately, the only guy who can speak English wants them as a human sacrifice to celebrate his new queen’s coronation.
The first two chapters of this one didn’t do a lot for me. Thankfully, once past that the action switches to the fantasy world, we’re obviously in over-the-top pulp fantasy territory, and the writing is full of confidence and verve. The lead characters remain cardboard, but it hardly matters when the plot’s jam-packed with invention and action.
The writing is extremely good in places and always very readable, with few editing errors.
Highly entertaining stuff, as long as you like the pulpy style. Expect violence, death, and gore.
January 30, 2017
Pros: Had the bones of a good story, good descriptions (although on the wrong things)
Cons: Not enough character development, the story felt disjointed, the best elements of the book were pushed to the side
I did read the entire book, however I struggled through the end. I feel like it had the bones of a great story, however it was presented in a way that made me uninterested in the characters, confused during parts of the story and bored. This is not a book I would recommend.
***SPOILERS AFTER THIS***
Main issues with the story:
Characters: I feel like there was not much in way of character development. Anna Faye didn't really seem to play any major role except to go along with whatever was happening at that time. Slade, the ex-seal as you will be constantly reminded, seemed rebellious and headstrong, but more than willing followed Threya after she tried to sacrifice him. Kerr ended up seeming like a love stalker in regards to Threya. Other than saying that they knew each other since they were young and she touched his hand once, there was no indication of any reciprocation of his feeling towards her, yet at the end it feels like he is obsessed with her in an oddly creepy way. I can't even really name any other characters because their roles seemed so small and you didn't really get to know anything about them.
Story: I like the basic premise of this story, very interesting idea. What I didn't like was how disjointed it all felt, and how it seems like really interesting parts were not even written. You have Slade and Anna stuck in the wilderness for 2 years doing....what? There is all of this really cool technology laying around from the Founders...that no one uses? Once an event happened in the story, it seemed like at the end of that a character found it the best time to say "Oh, I just remembered this thing, lets go do that!"
And no one ever argued or questioned anything! In particular for me was when Azreth comes up with Kerr's pendant after just telling Threya and Slade he fell off the pyramid and he couldn't get to him in time to help him. Total sense he should have that pendant then!
Other items that bugged me, cause I'm picky and stuff:
1. The dragon in this story ate a few sacrificed people, made a really cool backdrop for Azreth after he got all of his power and sat on a necklace. Thats it. It did nothing else. You have a dragon, make it do something! Throw it at the undead army! Ride it to the city thing that had the Eye! Eat Threya for a real twist ending!
2. I am not a paleontologist. I am not well versed on my dinosaurs. Don't throw out a really obscure dinosaur name and assume I saw one walking down the street the other day, so I know exactly what you are talking about.
3.You mention the Founders, show off a nice temple that has neat floating bridges, have this cool armor/suit on Tarquin, but none of this is ever really explained. This seems almost like it would have been a better story than what we are given.
I wish this was a better book than it was. If it was rewritten, I might give it another chance. How it is, I would not recommend reading this.
Cons: Not enough character development, the story felt disjointed, the best elements of the book were pushed to the side
I did read the entire book, however I struggled through the end. I feel like it had the bones of a great story, however it was presented in a way that made me uninterested in the characters, confused during parts of the story and bored. This is not a book I would recommend.
***SPOILERS AFTER THIS***
Main issues with the story:
Characters: I feel like there was not much in way of character development. Anna Faye didn't really seem to play any major role except to go along with whatever was happening at that time. Slade, the ex-seal as you will be constantly reminded, seemed rebellious and headstrong, but more than willing followed Threya after she tried to sacrifice him. Kerr ended up seeming like a love stalker in regards to Threya. Other than saying that they knew each other since they were young and she touched his hand once, there was no indication of any reciprocation of his feeling towards her, yet at the end it feels like he is obsessed with her in an oddly creepy way. I can't even really name any other characters because their roles seemed so small and you didn't really get to know anything about them.
Story: I like the basic premise of this story, very interesting idea. What I didn't like was how disjointed it all felt, and how it seems like really interesting parts were not even written. You have Slade and Anna stuck in the wilderness for 2 years doing....what? There is all of this really cool technology laying around from the Founders...that no one uses? Once an event happened in the story, it seemed like at the end of that a character found it the best time to say "Oh, I just remembered this thing, lets go do that!"
And no one ever argued or questioned anything! In particular for me was when Azreth comes up with Kerr's pendant after just telling Threya and Slade he fell off the pyramid and he couldn't get to him in time to help him. Total sense he should have that pendant then!
Other items that bugged me, cause I'm picky and stuff:
1. The dragon in this story ate a few sacrificed people, made a really cool backdrop for Azreth after he got all of his power and sat on a necklace. Thats it. It did nothing else. You have a dragon, make it do something! Throw it at the undead army! Ride it to the city thing that had the Eye! Eat Threya for a real twist ending!
2. I am not a paleontologist. I am not well versed on my dinosaurs. Don't throw out a really obscure dinosaur name and assume I saw one walking down the street the other day, so I know exactly what you are talking about.
3.You mention the Founders, show off a nice temple that has neat floating bridges, have this cool armor/suit on Tarquin, but none of this is ever really explained. This seems almost like it would have been a better story than what we are given.
I wish this was a better book than it was. If it was rewritten, I might give it another chance. How it is, I would not recommend reading this.
February 2, 2017
Frank Cavallo's 'Eye of the Storm' is an enjoyable, entertaining book that covers fantasy and horror with some Sci-fi mixed in. Two + years ago I wouldn't have cared for this type of book....but my book club has broadened my horizons and I love the mix and quest-type storyline of 'Eye of the Storm'! It started a little slow and I had some trouble with the time periods and passage of time. But that cleared up and off on a wild adventure we go!
I loved the hero and villain aspect, although there were times I wasn't sure who was hero and who was villain. The story transports our "travelers" to another dimension in time with characters from many different time periods. However, the players in the world, while from a mixture of time periods (dragons, Neanderthals, Sorcerers, wizards) all seem to fit. The two main characters, Slade - an ex-Navy Seal, and Dr. Anna Fayne, start the quest in modern day times and find themselves transported to this other world/dimension within a storm while flying to their expedition base. That is when it became a bit muddy for me, as we don't have a lot of information during the passage of a two year time period. The two main characters take different courses in the new world...each finding different aspects of life in this dimension. A leper, Kerr, befriends them as they attempt to find a way back home. I loved the way Cavallo weaved the two storylines and reconnected them at the end. Very well done!
The character development is good, and I found myself totally engrossed in their lives and mission. The chapters are short and fast paced which keeps you engaged and turning pages! The conclusion was epic! Wizard and sorcery, sword fighting, and a blood thirsty dragon. Add the element of "pestilence" as a life form that is vividly described and you have it all. A descriptive battle of good versus evil that keeps you glued to the book to its finale! Fun read! Enjoy!
I loved the hero and villain aspect, although there were times I wasn't sure who was hero and who was villain. The story transports our "travelers" to another dimension in time with characters from many different time periods. However, the players in the world, while from a mixture of time periods (dragons, Neanderthals, Sorcerers, wizards) all seem to fit. The two main characters, Slade - an ex-Navy Seal, and Dr. Anna Fayne, start the quest in modern day times and find themselves transported to this other world/dimension within a storm while flying to their expedition base. That is when it became a bit muddy for me, as we don't have a lot of information during the passage of a two year time period. The two main characters take different courses in the new world...each finding different aspects of life in this dimension. A leper, Kerr, befriends them as they attempt to find a way back home. I loved the way Cavallo weaved the two storylines and reconnected them at the end. Very well done!
The character development is good, and I found myself totally engrossed in their lives and mission. The chapters are short and fast paced which keeps you engaged and turning pages! The conclusion was epic! Wizard and sorcery, sword fighting, and a blood thirsty dragon. Add the element of "pestilence" as a life form that is vividly described and you have it all. A descriptive battle of good versus evil that keeps you glued to the book to its finale! Fun read! Enjoy!
February 2, 2017
This was intriguing story about a modern-day Navy Seal and an archeologist getting lost in an alternate world where dinosaurs still roam and the predominate humanoids are the Neanderthal in a bronze age era. (Think ancient Rome.)
Eric and Anna are the only survivors after being catapulted into an alternate dimension. There are captured, taken as slaves and sold to be the property of a warrior queen. She is the first queen, it seems, for her people and there are those who are disgruntled by being led by a female, no matter how formable on the battlefield. But there is an enemy rising and if the Neanderthals don’t pull their stuff together no one will survive the plans of a dark wizard and an army of undead.
This was right up my alley! The action and adventure, new world, and a unique set of circumstances that kept me on my toes. I wasn’t a fan of Eric in the beginning and Anna was a bit of a pushover. But they both grew over the course of the story and they had me holding my breath. This has a great cast of characters and a plot that has inspired me to continue with the series. I would definitely recommend this to those who like reading dimension/time travel fantasy stories.
Reviewed by Rachelle for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
Eric and Anna are the only survivors after being catapulted into an alternate dimension. There are captured, taken as slaves and sold to be the property of a warrior queen. She is the first queen, it seems, for her people and there are those who are disgruntled by being led by a female, no matter how formable on the battlefield. But there is an enemy rising and if the Neanderthals don’t pull their stuff together no one will survive the plans of a dark wizard and an army of undead.
This was right up my alley! The action and adventure, new world, and a unique set of circumstances that kept me on my toes. I wasn’t a fan of Eric in the beginning and Anna was a bit of a pushover. But they both grew over the course of the story and they had me holding my breath. This has a great cast of characters and a plot that has inspired me to continue with the series. I would definitely recommend this to those who like reading dimension/time travel fantasy stories.
Reviewed by Rachelle for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
April 16, 2017
This reminded me a lot of one of those old movies that takes a lot of different elements and smashed them into a story that worked. You are plucked from modern day and sucked into the eye of the storm and are off on a adventure where you encounter dinosaurs, neanderthals, and wizards of all things. You encounter people who speak languages you never heard of and miraculously you come across someone who does and they are descended from some else who sucked through to this whole wild version of earth. It took a while to get into the story but if you like stories that really reach to give you an exciting story this one might just be what you need.
October 10, 2019
Lately, I have struggled to fall into a book straight from the beginning and that it takes me slowly reading through the first few chapters to become lost in the book. This story has a fantasy and action filled story line that will keep the reader hooked at hours at a time. This book just keeps you wanting to read more and more and you just can't wait to see what is going to happen next. This was an excellent read and I was hooked on the story line. The way that this book is written makes the reader feel like they are a part of the story line and are stood in the shadows watching the narrative play out. This novel had a lot of action throughout and that made it almost impossible for me to put the book down and stop reading. The only slight negative for me was that the last few chapters were a little slow for my liking; I was expecting there to be more action in the final chapters of this book. However, this is still an excellent book that I would highly recommend to fans of the fantasy genre.
January 31, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! There was a good development of characters and plot. It was an easy read. I felt like I couldn't put the book down. The minuses about the book: (1) There were too many typos so it threw me off sometimes in my reading. (2) Reading from Chapter 29 to 30 was a rocky transition. I had to re-read as I thought that I missed something. (3) Lastly, I wouldn't read Chapter 28 before bed. These were minor compared to the enjoyment of this book. I hope that the author writes more books using this setting and characters. A trilogy would be great!!!
November 3, 2016
Full Review here: https://fantasiareviews.com/2016/11/0...
If you are looking for something different to read, Eye of the Storm is for you. Eye of the Storm is a well-written romp through an imaginative world that has dragons, dinosaurs, troglodytes and even a dark wizard. As strange as that may sound to some, Mister Cavallo has brought it all together and delivered a story that exceeds expectations and is well worth the read.
If you are looking for something different to read, Eye of the Storm is for you. Eye of the Storm is a well-written romp through an imaginative world that has dragons, dinosaurs, troglodytes and even a dark wizard. As strange as that may sound to some, Mister Cavallo has brought it all together and delivered a story that exceeds expectations and is well worth the read.
November 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read an other-worldly sci-fi since the Ender Series. The author did a great job describing the other worlds and the characters so you could picture yourself right there next to them. It was great read, I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys otherworldly sci-fi.
March 8, 2017
That was the most meh book I've read in a very long time. The ideas were great and the magic was there, literally, but I was so confused at many parts and the timeline was basically nonexistent in when they were especially at the beginning...full review to come. I wish I could do half stars, 2.5 stars, it was a great idea but I did not enjoy the story.
May 14, 2017
This may contain spoilers
Author: Frank Cavallo.
Title: Eye Of The Storm.
Genre: science fiction & fantasy, fantasy, low fantasy, literature & fiction, horror, dark fantasy, fiction, literature.
I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The author or somebody on behalf of the author contacted my sister through her book reviewing blog asking her to review this book. She said to the person send me two copies and l will pass one on to my sister who reviews books.
First of all l would like to say a big thank you to Frank Cavallo for sending me this book and giving me the chance to read it.
I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this.
I normally do not read books of this genre but l stepped outside my comfort zone l am so glad l did because l have read so many great books and come across some great authors.
I highly recommend this book.
This book has 404 pages and 64 chapters in it and this book also has 6 parts in it.
Book Dedication: as always, deepest thanks to my family and friends, for your unwaving support. Special thanks to PD coffee gang, for keeping me sane all these years and to Kitty, for giving me this idea a chance to grow and place to settle.
Lastly, I owe a debt to everyone in mongolia crew, especially Suvdaa for showing me your wonderful, wild, beautiful country and Kitty, who made me tell her this entire story in a Russian UAZ-452 on a very long drive through the gobi desert. This one is for all of you – my fellow wanderers of the steppe.
Synopsis: on a research mssion in one of the most remote regions of the world, former navy seal Eric slade and Dr Anna fayne are caught in a mysterious storm. Catapulted through a rift in space – time, they are marooned on a lost world. Struggling to survive and desperate to find a way home, they must confront the dangers of this savage land – a dark wizard and his army of undead – a warrior queen and her horde of fierce neanderthals that stands against him – and a legendary treasure with power to open the gateway between worlds, or to destroy them all: the eye of the storm.
Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and harder to put down once l started reading it. I was hooked on this book after reading the first page. When l was reading this book l would put some essential oils in my humidifier and put the lights on my humidifier on and chill on my bed and listening to magic or spotify, or something on television or netflix. I sometimes light a candle when l was reading this book. It is good to chill reading a good book when you are not well or in pain. It did not take me long to read this book. I like that the author dedicated to all his family and friends and all the other people who helped him and showed him around different countries. I was sad to read about all the people who lost their lives in this story. I was sad to read that threya's father Chernos passed away. I was sad to read that Dr Anna fayne was hurt, I was also sad to read that all the people on the plane with Dr Anna fayne, Mark vaughn and Eric R slade all died and I was sad that Mark vaughn passed away. It was nice that Kerr helped Anna and Eric and saved them from being sold as slaves. I hope Dr Anna fayne survives being shot with arrows. I can not put in to words how great this book is I would tell people to read it for themselves to know how great it really is. This book is a great read and this book will take you away when you are reading it. It is nice that Threya's father wanted her to take over for him because he knew he was dying. Some people were happy about it and some were very upset about having a woman as a boss. I was very sad to read that Kerr's father passed away but was happy to read that Threya's father took him in and looked after him until he passed away even though they was enemy. I was sad that Dr Anna fayne passed away due to her injuries and slade was the only survivor. I am wondering what's going to happen to slade when they get to the place where they are going and what Kerr going to do and if he saves slade. Dr Anna fayne had all her blood drained out of her body and some sort of liquid put back in her body so she become undead. Threya sounds like a strong girl still going on with things after the passing of her father. I wondered what happened to her mother. I was really sad to read both Kerr's mother and father passed away at the same time. It was nice that slade tried to return something to Threya after it fell off her wagon. Kerr sounds like a strong guy after losing both his parents at the same time. I am wondering if Anna and slade see each other again or get back to their own world. I was sad to finish reading this book l would happily read this book again. I wish this book would not finish. I also wish there was a follow on from this book. I would love to read more from this author. I was sad to read that Eric slade was going to be killed and Kerr was going to lose the friend he made. I understand why he was angry about it and I understand why Kerr could not tell him. I was sad that Threya's guard was not going to protect her and that he was going to kill her. I hope slade helps Kerr save her and then she asks slade to become her guard because he was strong and he did take on her guard and toad-men who attacked them and sadly killed Dr Anna fayne. I reviewed this book on goodreads, my blog and amazon UK and US and l also took a picture of this book and shared it on my Instagram that l made just for pictures of my books it is called donnareviewsbooks. I was sad to read that all the slaves was stabbed and cut from the neck down when they was still alive and it was horrible that their hearts were ripped out and their bodies was eaten by some sort of animal it also ate their bones. I wonder what happened to their hearts and l wonder if slade helps Kerr and saves Threya and stops her being killed. It sounds like they want to kill threya because they do not want a women to be their queen and her bodyguard is suppose to protect her not kill her. I really enjoyed reading this book I could not get enough of this book and story I wish there was a follow on to this storyline I would happily read this book again. I have this book in paperback but it is also available in kindle edition. I can not put in to words how great this book is l would tell people to read it for themselves to know how great it really is. I was happy that slade saved threya life and l was sad to read that they was going to war after loads of people died. I am glad threya has slade and Kerr by her side. I think threya has fallen in love with slade but I think Kerr likes threya more than just a boss. I hope threya, Kerr and slade win the battle. This book will leave you wanting more this book is really addicting. This book has lots of pages I would tell people to give this book a go. Do not judge the book by it cover ( I love the cover). My sister has also read and reviewed this book and she loved it too. I was sad to read that loads of people was dying. It was weird that tarquin come to by the black storm like everybody else that ended up there. Everybody who arrived with tarquin died and now tarquin is half human and half cyborg he can not remove the framework as it would kill him. I hope Kerr and slade stay friends because they sound like great friends they should not let threya come between them. I have honestly really enjoyed reading this book and how tarquin drains the blood from people's bodies to make them undead when the undead went to war with threya's people they just turned in to dust or bones but l found it sad that some of the people will never make it home to their loved ones or to be buried by their loved ones. I was really sad to read that Azreth turned against threya and pushed Kerr off a cliff I hope he survives and they can stop Azreth before he does too much damage. I wonder why tarquin thought threya, Azreth, slade and Kerr was died. It was nice of tarquin to help threya and slade after Dr Anna fayne took them to the place she had been staying since she was injured by the toad-men when she was helping Kerr get the ghost stone after threya's father told him to get it before he passed away. I hope Azreth can be stopped. This book is really a great read and I was sad that tarquin died and Dr Anna fayne took over the machine / robot to help with the fight against Azreth. I was glad Kerr won the war against Azreth but l was sad he had to be sent away. I was happy slade stayed with Threya and Dr Anna fayne because he could not face leaving them.
About The Author: Frank Cavallo is the author of the hand of osiris and the lucifer messiah. His short stories have appeared in a variety of publications, including every day fiction, Ray gun revival, and lost souls. He has also written for the black library's warhammer property, including several short stories in their monthly fiction magazine hammer & bolter, as well as a novella featured in the collection gotrek & Felix: lost tales.
About A Book: I really like this book cover and the colours used on it and l like the font that the title of the book is wrote in and the colour of the font makes the writing stand out.
Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars.
I wish I could rate this book more then five stars because it is worth more than the five stars I rated it.
Author: Frank Cavallo.
Title: Eye Of The Storm.
Genre: science fiction & fantasy, fantasy, low fantasy, literature & fiction, horror, dark fantasy, fiction, literature.
I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The author or somebody on behalf of the author contacted my sister through her book reviewing blog asking her to review this book. She said to the person send me two copies and l will pass one on to my sister who reviews books.
First of all l would like to say a big thank you to Frank Cavallo for sending me this book and giving me the chance to read it.
I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this.
I normally do not read books of this genre but l stepped outside my comfort zone l am so glad l did because l have read so many great books and come across some great authors.
I highly recommend this book.
This book has 404 pages and 64 chapters in it and this book also has 6 parts in it.
Book Dedication: as always, deepest thanks to my family and friends, for your unwaving support. Special thanks to PD coffee gang, for keeping me sane all these years and to Kitty, for giving me this idea a chance to grow and place to settle.
Lastly, I owe a debt to everyone in mongolia crew, especially Suvdaa for showing me your wonderful, wild, beautiful country and Kitty, who made me tell her this entire story in a Russian UAZ-452 on a very long drive through the gobi desert. This one is for all of you – my fellow wanderers of the steppe.
Synopsis: on a research mssion in one of the most remote regions of the world, former navy seal Eric slade and Dr Anna fayne are caught in a mysterious storm. Catapulted through a rift in space – time, they are marooned on a lost world. Struggling to survive and desperate to find a way home, they must confront the dangers of this savage land – a dark wizard and his army of undead – a warrior queen and her horde of fierce neanderthals that stands against him – and a legendary treasure with power to open the gateway between worlds, or to destroy them all: the eye of the storm.
Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and harder to put down once l started reading it. I was hooked on this book after reading the first page. When l was reading this book l would put some essential oils in my humidifier and put the lights on my humidifier on and chill on my bed and listening to magic or spotify, or something on television or netflix. I sometimes light a candle when l was reading this book. It is good to chill reading a good book when you are not well or in pain. It did not take me long to read this book. I like that the author dedicated to all his family and friends and all the other people who helped him and showed him around different countries. I was sad to read about all the people who lost their lives in this story. I was sad to read that threya's father Chernos passed away. I was sad to read that Dr Anna fayne was hurt, I was also sad to read that all the people on the plane with Dr Anna fayne, Mark vaughn and Eric R slade all died and I was sad that Mark vaughn passed away. It was nice that Kerr helped Anna and Eric and saved them from being sold as slaves. I hope Dr Anna fayne survives being shot with arrows. I can not put in to words how great this book is I would tell people to read it for themselves to know how great it really is. This book is a great read and this book will take you away when you are reading it. It is nice that Threya's father wanted her to take over for him because he knew he was dying. Some people were happy about it and some were very upset about having a woman as a boss. I was very sad to read that Kerr's father passed away but was happy to read that Threya's father took him in and looked after him until he passed away even though they was enemy. I was sad that Dr Anna fayne passed away due to her injuries and slade was the only survivor. I am wondering what's going to happen to slade when they get to the place where they are going and what Kerr going to do and if he saves slade. Dr Anna fayne had all her blood drained out of her body and some sort of liquid put back in her body so she become undead. Threya sounds like a strong girl still going on with things after the passing of her father. I wondered what happened to her mother. I was really sad to read both Kerr's mother and father passed away at the same time. It was nice that slade tried to return something to Threya after it fell off her wagon. Kerr sounds like a strong guy after losing both his parents at the same time. I am wondering if Anna and slade see each other again or get back to their own world. I was sad to finish reading this book l would happily read this book again. I wish this book would not finish. I also wish there was a follow on from this book. I would love to read more from this author. I was sad to read that Eric slade was going to be killed and Kerr was going to lose the friend he made. I understand why he was angry about it and I understand why Kerr could not tell him. I was sad that Threya's guard was not going to protect her and that he was going to kill her. I hope slade helps Kerr save her and then she asks slade to become her guard because he was strong and he did take on her guard and toad-men who attacked them and sadly killed Dr Anna fayne. I reviewed this book on goodreads, my blog and amazon UK and US and l also took a picture of this book and shared it on my Instagram that l made just for pictures of my books it is called donnareviewsbooks. I was sad to read that all the slaves was stabbed and cut from the neck down when they was still alive and it was horrible that their hearts were ripped out and their bodies was eaten by some sort of animal it also ate their bones. I wonder what happened to their hearts and l wonder if slade helps Kerr and saves Threya and stops her being killed. It sounds like they want to kill threya because they do not want a women to be their queen and her bodyguard is suppose to protect her not kill her. I really enjoyed reading this book I could not get enough of this book and story I wish there was a follow on to this storyline I would happily read this book again. I have this book in paperback but it is also available in kindle edition. I can not put in to words how great this book is l would tell people to read it for themselves to know how great it really is. I was happy that slade saved threya life and l was sad to read that they was going to war after loads of people died. I am glad threya has slade and Kerr by her side. I think threya has fallen in love with slade but I think Kerr likes threya more than just a boss. I hope threya, Kerr and slade win the battle. This book will leave you wanting more this book is really addicting. This book has lots of pages I would tell people to give this book a go. Do not judge the book by it cover ( I love the cover). My sister has also read and reviewed this book and she loved it too. I was sad to read that loads of people was dying. It was weird that tarquin come to by the black storm like everybody else that ended up there. Everybody who arrived with tarquin died and now tarquin is half human and half cyborg he can not remove the framework as it would kill him. I hope Kerr and slade stay friends because they sound like great friends they should not let threya come between them. I have honestly really enjoyed reading this book and how tarquin drains the blood from people's bodies to make them undead when the undead went to war with threya's people they just turned in to dust or bones but l found it sad that some of the people will never make it home to their loved ones or to be buried by their loved ones. I was really sad to read that Azreth turned against threya and pushed Kerr off a cliff I hope he survives and they can stop Azreth before he does too much damage. I wonder why tarquin thought threya, Azreth, slade and Kerr was died. It was nice of tarquin to help threya and slade after Dr Anna fayne took them to the place she had been staying since she was injured by the toad-men when she was helping Kerr get the ghost stone after threya's father told him to get it before he passed away. I hope Azreth can be stopped. This book is really a great read and I was sad that tarquin died and Dr Anna fayne took over the machine / robot to help with the fight against Azreth. I was glad Kerr won the war against Azreth but l was sad he had to be sent away. I was happy slade stayed with Threya and Dr Anna fayne because he could not face leaving them.
About The Author: Frank Cavallo is the author of the hand of osiris and the lucifer messiah. His short stories have appeared in a variety of publications, including every day fiction, Ray gun revival, and lost souls. He has also written for the black library's warhammer property, including several short stories in their monthly fiction magazine hammer & bolter, as well as a novella featured in the collection gotrek & Felix: lost tales.
About A Book: I really like this book cover and the colours used on it and l like the font that the title of the book is wrote in and the colour of the font makes the writing stand out.
Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars.
I wish I could rate this book more then five stars because it is worth more than the five stars I rated it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2018
I received a free copy for review, but I ended up DNFing after the first several chapters. I think it will still be helpful to explain why I put this one down in case it sounds like something any of y'all might like. I've crossposted the highlights from my blog review: [http://lauraplusthevoices.blogspot.co...].
Eye of the Storm is a portal fantasy about a group of scientists, documentary filmmakers, and mercenaries who set out to film alleged Neanderthals but are transported through a storm of black flame to a terrifying prehistoric world. In this world, there's a struggle as the reins of power change hand against the backdrop of some kind of sorcerous threat.
That's approximately as far as I got, because this book takes forever to start and can't seem to decide on where it starts. First, there's a chapter that begins with a bunch of scientists watching a PowerPoint presentation. In real life, I don't find PowerPoints particularly riveting. They somehow become even more boring if you have to sit through one secondhand as a reader.
A recently deceased Neanderthal has been found in modern times, and an entertainment company wants to fund a scientific research expedition and documentary film. They head out into the middle of nowhere to look for more signs of what they believe to be a surviving Neanderthal community.
Just as you begin to become intrigued, the book jumps forward in time to where they've been searching for weeks with no sign of homo neanderthalensis. Several of the characters in a chopper get sucked into a mysterious hellstorm. They crash on the other side.
We then jump to a different world with a dying king. We have enough clues to assume he's the king of the Neanderthal world, I guess. There's some intrigue and then the chapter is over with dire threats of a returning evil sorcerer.
The book makes another leap forward TWO YEARS in time with the expedition characters who got sucked into the storm. Two years after crash landing, they're spending their last bullets hunting triceratops for food.
What finally made me put this down in frustration was how the story didn't seem to start anywhere. I still know essentially nothing of the characters beyond their basic roles -- scientist, soldier dude, virtuous princess, magical adviser -- and there didn't seem to be much sense to the time skips. It was almost like starting a new book every time the plot skipped.
Overall, I don't recommend it. That's not to say I could do any better! Who knows -- I might return to it sometime if I feel like it. Also, plenty of other people might have no problem at all with it. If you read like I do, though, you'll want to skip the first 30-ish pages.
Eye of the Storm is a portal fantasy about a group of scientists, documentary filmmakers, and mercenaries who set out to film alleged Neanderthals but are transported through a storm of black flame to a terrifying prehistoric world. In this world, there's a struggle as the reins of power change hand against the backdrop of some kind of sorcerous threat.
That's approximately as far as I got, because this book takes forever to start and can't seem to decide on where it starts. First, there's a chapter that begins with a bunch of scientists watching a PowerPoint presentation. In real life, I don't find PowerPoints particularly riveting. They somehow become even more boring if you have to sit through one secondhand as a reader.
A recently deceased Neanderthal has been found in modern times, and an entertainment company wants to fund a scientific research expedition and documentary film. They head out into the middle of nowhere to look for more signs of what they believe to be a surviving Neanderthal community.
Just as you begin to become intrigued, the book jumps forward in time to where they've been searching for weeks with no sign of homo neanderthalensis. Several of the characters in a chopper get sucked into a mysterious hellstorm. They crash on the other side.
We then jump to a different world with a dying king. We have enough clues to assume he's the king of the Neanderthal world, I guess. There's some intrigue and then the chapter is over with dire threats of a returning evil sorcerer.
The book makes another leap forward TWO YEARS in time with the expedition characters who got sucked into the storm. Two years after crash landing, they're spending their last bullets hunting triceratops for food.
What finally made me put this down in frustration was how the story didn't seem to start anywhere. I still know essentially nothing of the characters beyond their basic roles -- scientist, soldier dude, virtuous princess, magical adviser -- and there didn't seem to be much sense to the time skips. It was almost like starting a new book every time the plot skipped.
Overall, I don't recommend it. That's not to say I could do any better! Who knows -- I might return to it sometime if I feel like it. Also, plenty of other people might have no problem at all with it. If you read like I do, though, you'll want to skip the first 30-ish pages.
March 6, 2017
This is an intriguing science fiction / fantasy story. I really enjoyed it.
Dr. Anna Fayne is an intriguing character and I did like her. However, I felt she was under-utilised in the story and was not as developed as she could have been. She is an anthropologist working for a non-profit research and natural history organisation. When the body of a neanderthal is found in a remote area of Kyrgyzstan whilst the rescuers were searching for a plane that crashed/disappeared in the area, she finds herself on a dangerous adventure into an unknown world, along with an ex-Navy Seal and a group of other scientists.
Eric Slade is also an intriguing character. However, I didn't like him much at first. He is a typical alpha male, with a tendency towards arrogance. An ex-Navy SEAL, he is now a paranormal investigator on TV. Sent to cover the expedition into the mountains to investigate where the neanderthal came from, he finds himself trapped in a strange world where danger threatens in every corner.
I received a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review.
I love reading fantasy novels, so when I was contacted about reading this book, I jumped at the chance. This story is told through the eyes of several characters. And what intriguing characters they are. Threya is the new queen of the land of Tulkoras. Kerr is a servant to Threya and is afflicted with leprosy; I really liked this character and I felt sorry for him for several reasons. Azreth is Threya's priest/dragon keeper and has his sights set on ruling Tulkoras himself. Tarquin is known as the wizard of the black sun and has the ability to control the black fire/flames that create the storm anomalies on Earth. He is an enemy of the Tulkoras people. He also has the ability to use the flames to bring the dying back to life. However, they are more like vampires (though they don't drink blood), or reanimated corpses, and become immortal.
I found this story to be an intriguing mix of science fiction and fantasy. So why the three stars? As I was reading the story, I found similarities to Jules Verne's 'Journey To The Centre Of The Earth', though there were differences too. The world building was interesting and it had a mish-mash of different elements, from prehistoric animals to sword-wielding warriors and futuristic-though-long-abandoned buildings filled with technology created by the 'founders'. The black sun seems to be a portal to/from various different worlds and transports animals and people from either different worlds or dimensions, and they end up trapped on the planet. The 'founders' either abandoned the planet or were killed millennia ago, so the buildings are all that remain of them. At one point, I wasn't sure where the story was heading. However, I found myself intrigued enough to keep reading. The plot has several twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and I was taken on a roller coaster ride of emotion. There is action, adventure, danger and romance within the pages. Some of the scenes felt a little 'dry' though, especially the ones with Anna and Tarquin. I don't know if this is because they were both scientists (of a sort), so I didn't feel any connection to them. In fact, the only characters that seemed to have a connection that sparked any emotion in me was the friendship between Eric and Kerr. Eric and Threya's relationship didn't seem to have the romantic spark or even any heated passion either. I didn't feel it, even though they obviously were in lust. The ending seemed a little anti-climatic after a huge battle between Azreth and Kerr, and it left me wondering if there will be another book or not, as it concluded in a vague manner that had me feeling rather let down. Having said that, if there is another book, I would consider reading it.
Frank Cavallo has written an interesting and intriguing science fiction story. I love his fast paced writing style, and the flow was wonderful. However, I felt that his characters needed more depth to them. Some of the dialogue was a little clunky in places too. Nevertheless, I would consider reading more of his books in the future.
Although there are scenes of a sexual nature, they are not explicit and fade out. Nevertheless, I do not recommend this book to younger readers or those of a nervous disposition due to the use of violence and bloodshed that may affect some readers. I do, however, recommend this book if you love science fiction/epic fantasy. - Lynn Worton
Dr. Anna Fayne is an intriguing character and I did like her. However, I felt she was under-utilised in the story and was not as developed as she could have been. She is an anthropologist working for a non-profit research and natural history organisation. When the body of a neanderthal is found in a remote area of Kyrgyzstan whilst the rescuers were searching for a plane that crashed/disappeared in the area, she finds herself on a dangerous adventure into an unknown world, along with an ex-Navy Seal and a group of other scientists.
Eric Slade is also an intriguing character. However, I didn't like him much at first. He is a typical alpha male, with a tendency towards arrogance. An ex-Navy SEAL, he is now a paranormal investigator on TV. Sent to cover the expedition into the mountains to investigate where the neanderthal came from, he finds himself trapped in a strange world where danger threatens in every corner.
I received a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review.
I love reading fantasy novels, so when I was contacted about reading this book, I jumped at the chance. This story is told through the eyes of several characters. And what intriguing characters they are. Threya is the new queen of the land of Tulkoras. Kerr is a servant to Threya and is afflicted with leprosy; I really liked this character and I felt sorry for him for several reasons. Azreth is Threya's priest/dragon keeper and has his sights set on ruling Tulkoras himself. Tarquin is known as the wizard of the black sun and has the ability to control the black fire/flames that create the storm anomalies on Earth. He is an enemy of the Tulkoras people. He also has the ability to use the flames to bring the dying back to life. However, they are more like vampires (though they don't drink blood), or reanimated corpses, and become immortal.
I found this story to be an intriguing mix of science fiction and fantasy. So why the three stars? As I was reading the story, I found similarities to Jules Verne's 'Journey To The Centre Of The Earth', though there were differences too. The world building was interesting and it had a mish-mash of different elements, from prehistoric animals to sword-wielding warriors and futuristic-though-long-abandoned buildings filled with technology created by the 'founders'. The black sun seems to be a portal to/from various different worlds and transports animals and people from either different worlds or dimensions, and they end up trapped on the planet. The 'founders' either abandoned the planet or were killed millennia ago, so the buildings are all that remain of them. At one point, I wasn't sure where the story was heading. However, I found myself intrigued enough to keep reading. The plot has several twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and I was taken on a roller coaster ride of emotion. There is action, adventure, danger and romance within the pages. Some of the scenes felt a little 'dry' though, especially the ones with Anna and Tarquin. I don't know if this is because they were both scientists (of a sort), so I didn't feel any connection to them. In fact, the only characters that seemed to have a connection that sparked any emotion in me was the friendship between Eric and Kerr. Eric and Threya's relationship didn't seem to have the romantic spark or even any heated passion either. I didn't feel it, even though they obviously were in lust. The ending seemed a little anti-climatic after a huge battle between Azreth and Kerr, and it left me wondering if there will be another book or not, as it concluded in a vague manner that had me feeling rather let down. Having said that, if there is another book, I would consider reading it.
Frank Cavallo has written an interesting and intriguing science fiction story. I love his fast paced writing style, and the flow was wonderful. However, I felt that his characters needed more depth to them. Some of the dialogue was a little clunky in places too. Nevertheless, I would consider reading more of his books in the future.
Although there are scenes of a sexual nature, they are not explicit and fade out. Nevertheless, I do not recommend this book to younger readers or those of a nervous disposition due to the use of violence and bloodshed that may affect some readers. I do, however, recommend this book if you love science fiction/epic fantasy. - Lynn Worton
August 4, 2017
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. *
I have to say that Eye of the Storm by Frank Cavallo took me on a ride. When I first started the novel I thought it was going to be a military/science book with top-secret mission, then as I read I thought it was a book about something similar to the Bermuda triangle. Then it ended up turning into something very different in a wonderful way.Before I jump more into the review I wanted to share the synopsis with you.
“On a research mission in one of the most remote regions of the world, former Navy SEAL Eric Slade and Dr. Anna Fayne are caught in a mysterious storm. Catapulted through a rift in space-time, they are marooned on a lost world.
Struggling to survive and desperate to find a way home, they must confront the dangers of this savage land—a dark wizard and his army of undead—a warrior queen and her horde of fierce Neanderthals that stands against him—and a legendary treasure with the power to open the gateway between worlds, or to destroy them all: the Eye of the Storm.“
via goodreads.com
One of the things I loved most about this book is that it avoids unnecessary information, which keeps the book fast paced and interesting. For me nothing ruins a good book like unnecessary information that causes the book to drag. While reading Eye of the Storm there was never a dull moment so I read through this quickly. I ended up reading this 402 page book in four sittings. Also, the world Cavallo created is nothing short of magical. You can see the thought he put into the word his characters lived in as well as the characters themselves. His characters have attitude and determination, but they are also caring. Between Kerr, Slade, Dr. Fayne, Azreth and Threya there is not one character who is not well defined in their personality. Even characters other than this are well defined.
Overall, I have to say I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys epic adventures, science fiction or fantasy, or just enjoy reading about strong characters. I am giving this fast paced read 4 stars without a hint of hesitation. If any part of my review or the synopsis intrigues you, I think you will end you really enjoying this book.
I have to say that Eye of the Storm by Frank Cavallo took me on a ride. When I first started the novel I thought it was going to be a military/science book with top-secret mission, then as I read I thought it was a book about something similar to the Bermuda triangle. Then it ended up turning into something very different in a wonderful way.Before I jump more into the review I wanted to share the synopsis with you.
“On a research mission in one of the most remote regions of the world, former Navy SEAL Eric Slade and Dr. Anna Fayne are caught in a mysterious storm. Catapulted through a rift in space-time, they are marooned on a lost world.
Struggling to survive and desperate to find a way home, they must confront the dangers of this savage land—a dark wizard and his army of undead—a warrior queen and her horde of fierce Neanderthals that stands against him—and a legendary treasure with the power to open the gateway between worlds, or to destroy them all: the Eye of the Storm.“
via goodreads.com
One of the things I loved most about this book is that it avoids unnecessary information, which keeps the book fast paced and interesting. For me nothing ruins a good book like unnecessary information that causes the book to drag. While reading Eye of the Storm there was never a dull moment so I read through this quickly. I ended up reading this 402 page book in four sittings. Also, the world Cavallo created is nothing short of magical. You can see the thought he put into the word his characters lived in as well as the characters themselves. His characters have attitude and determination, but they are also caring. Between Kerr, Slade, Dr. Fayne, Azreth and Threya there is not one character who is not well defined in their personality. Even characters other than this are well defined.
Overall, I have to say I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys epic adventures, science fiction or fantasy, or just enjoy reading about strong characters. I am giving this fast paced read 4 stars without a hint of hesitation. If any part of my review or the synopsis intrigues you, I think you will end you really enjoying this book.
March 20, 2017
Review originally posted on thatcozybooknook
Disclaimer: **I received an e-copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own, and this review has an extremely mild spoiler!**
Eye of the Storm reminded me of an old-school fantasy novel in a good way. From the first fifteen to twenty pages, the plot is intriguing and the intent is clear. The reader knows what’s going on, as well as the obstacles that have presented themselves early on, and it was that intrigue that pulled me in right away. Dr. Anna Fayne is an anthropologist and along with former SEAL Eric Slade, they lead a research expedition to investigate the appearance of a Neanderthal. From there ,the anomalies begin piling up, and the research team find themselves in a new world that has its own share (many, many shares!) of problems. Dr. Fayne and Slade are soon caught on opposite sides of a war that has been brewing, as well as a plot to overthrow the city of Tulkoras.
The fight to survive in this alternate world drives the first half of the book, and there is no shortage of action and humor as Fayne and Slade get themselves into some less than desirable situations. The whole book is in third person and told in multiple points of view. In one, we are getting incredibly rich world building from Cavallo and learning about the slow burning plot involving the warrior queen, Threya, as well as learning more about the Eye of the Storm. In the other, we are with Fayne and Slade as they attempt to grow more accustomed to this new world. The more familiar they became with their surroundings and comfortable with survival, the more the reader does as well, which is something I particularly enjoyed; And lastly, we get the story from both Fayne and Slade’s perspectives once they are separated and become involved in the budding war in their own ways.
Cavallo really took his time painting each region of the this world, from Tulkoras to Tvath (the City of the Black Sun), it was all believable and so well-imagined, with enough history and depth to keep me turning to the page. The connections to our own modern world were woven in so expertly into the lore of Tulkoras and Tvath.
Unfortunately, what lacked depth were the two main characters, Anna and Slade. They experience tragedy along the way, which they react to in very nonchalant manners that had me raising my eyebrow. Slade reacts like this more than once, and though he delivers most of the humor throughout the book, that didn’t excuse his flat actions and reactions over the course of the story.
When we start getting the bits of story from Anna’s side, it becomes even more dry. I couldn’t help but feel that she was underdeveloped as her perspective dragged on. While Fayne and Slade’s separation played really well into the end-goal of the book, I will say that they were much stronger and a hundred times more interesting when they were together.
This book has everything- alternate worlds, magic, dragons, wizards, queens, technology- I mean, the list goes on. It’s for that reason that also I started getting turned off a little as I neared the middle of the book. It was still a great read overall, but there came a moment where I felt like having so many fantastical elements in one book was a bit too much, and it just became cluttered, as though I was trying to parse out those aspects of the story to keep track of what was really going on.
Eye of the Storm was a solid, entertaining read and one that I would recommend to folks who already love fantasy. The world is imaginative and the story itself is sure to have you intrigued if you decide to give it a chance, though I personally was not a huge fan of the main characters or the overabundance of multiple fantastical elements. While this is sure to sit well with core-fantasy fans, I wouldn’t say this is the best book to pick up if you want to dive right into the genre for the first time.
Disclaimer: **I received an e-copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own, and this review has an extremely mild spoiler!**
Eye of the Storm reminded me of an old-school fantasy novel in a good way. From the first fifteen to twenty pages, the plot is intriguing and the intent is clear. The reader knows what’s going on, as well as the obstacles that have presented themselves early on, and it was that intrigue that pulled me in right away. Dr. Anna Fayne is an anthropologist and along with former SEAL Eric Slade, they lead a research expedition to investigate the appearance of a Neanderthal. From there ,the anomalies begin piling up, and the research team find themselves in a new world that has its own share (many, many shares!) of problems. Dr. Fayne and Slade are soon caught on opposite sides of a war that has been brewing, as well as a plot to overthrow the city of Tulkoras.
The fight to survive in this alternate world drives the first half of the book, and there is no shortage of action and humor as Fayne and Slade get themselves into some less than desirable situations. The whole book is in third person and told in multiple points of view. In one, we are getting incredibly rich world building from Cavallo and learning about the slow burning plot involving the warrior queen, Threya, as well as learning more about the Eye of the Storm. In the other, we are with Fayne and Slade as they attempt to grow more accustomed to this new world. The more familiar they became with their surroundings and comfortable with survival, the more the reader does as well, which is something I particularly enjoyed; And lastly, we get the story from both Fayne and Slade’s perspectives once they are separated and become involved in the budding war in their own ways.
Cavallo really took his time painting each region of the this world, from Tulkoras to Tvath (the City of the Black Sun), it was all believable and so well-imagined, with enough history and depth to keep me turning to the page. The connections to our own modern world were woven in so expertly into the lore of Tulkoras and Tvath.
Unfortunately, what lacked depth were the two main characters, Anna and Slade. They experience tragedy along the way, which they react to in very nonchalant manners that had me raising my eyebrow. Slade reacts like this more than once, and though he delivers most of the humor throughout the book, that didn’t excuse his flat actions and reactions over the course of the story.
When we start getting the bits of story from Anna’s side, it becomes even more dry. I couldn’t help but feel that she was underdeveloped as her perspective dragged on. While Fayne and Slade’s separation played really well into the end-goal of the book, I will say that they were much stronger and a hundred times more interesting when they were together.
This book has everything- alternate worlds, magic, dragons, wizards, queens, technology- I mean, the list goes on. It’s for that reason that also I started getting turned off a little as I neared the middle of the book. It was still a great read overall, but there came a moment where I felt like having so many fantastical elements in one book was a bit too much, and it just became cluttered, as though I was trying to parse out those aspects of the story to keep track of what was really going on.
Eye of the Storm was a solid, entertaining read and one that I would recommend to folks who already love fantasy. The world is imaginative and the story itself is sure to have you intrigued if you decide to give it a chance, though I personally was not a huge fan of the main characters or the overabundance of multiple fantastical elements. While this is sure to sit well with core-fantasy fans, I wouldn’t say this is the best book to pick up if you want to dive right into the genre for the first time.
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