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Ardalia #1-3
The Ardalia Trilogy
A hooded silhouette was outlined on an overhanging rock in the blue lunar light of Tinmal and Hamal. Motionless, the individual was tracking his every movement.
Pelmen shivered. He looks more like a protodactyl ready to fall on its prey than anything else. Not wishing to find himself alone in the presence of the unnerving stranger for a moment longer than necessary, with no further thought to what Komel was doing, he hurried back to the relative safety of the hut.
Pelmen hates being a tanner, but that’s all he would ever be, thanks to the rigid caste system amongst his people, the hevelens. Then he meets Master Galn Boisencroix and his family. The master carpenter opens up a world of archery to young Pelmen, who excels at his newfound skill. But Pelmen’s intractable father would have none of it, and tries to force Pelmen to stay in the tannery.
One day, however, Pelmen’s best friend and Master Galn's son, Teleg, disappears. Lured away by the prospect of untold riches through mining amberrock, the most precious substance in the world, Teleg finds himself a prisoner of the Nylevs, fierce fire-wielding worshippers of the god of destruction.
Now Pelmen must leave all he knows behind, overcome his fears and travel across the land, in search of his childhood friend. Along the way, he will ally himself with strange and fantastic beings: a shaman who controls the Breath of Aoles, or the power of the wind, a krongos, a creature of the mineral realm who can become living rock, and a malian, adept at water magic.
This ebook includes the trilogy three books, The Breath of Aoles, Turquoise Water and The Flames of the Immolated, along with A brief History of Ardalia, which will help you go deeper into the universe imagined by the author, a map of Ardalia, and a glossary. You will also find pronunciation suggestions for the peculiar words of Ardalia and the characters' names.
"Forget elves, dwarves, trolls and dragons. In Ardalia, you have all sorts of alien species that fit well into the ecosystem of a low-magic world, which is sort of elemental in its own way. The originality is excellent here." —Awesome Indies
"I absolutely loved this book. It is phenomenal. The power of the author’s imagination and his use of language really make it a brilliant read. It's complex but you get used to it and really start to enjoy it." —Paige
"The story is great. Lots of adventure, action, some romance. The main character's coming of age is great to follow. He is overcoming the arrogance of youth, and realizing other cultures often have much to offer." —Mike
"This story was really good. It drew me in from the first few pages and was packed with adventure, excitement, and danger. The main character, Pelmen, is just an ordinary tanner at the bottom of the “totem pole”, wishing to escape for a better life at the start.
989 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2016
65 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Alan Spade
47 books61 followersAlan Spade worked for eight years for the press, reviewing video games. In his youth, he acquainted himself with the classic French authors, while immersing himself in the works of H. P. Lovecraft, Isaac Asimov, J. R. R. Tolkien and Stephen King.
That wide range of influences is reflected in his style, simultaneously approachable, visually evocative and imaginative.
Alan likes to say that "a good book is like a good old pair of shoes: you feel at ease inside, comfortable."
The Breath of Aoles is his third book: previously, he wrote a fantasy novel for two years, between 2001 and 2003, but after submitting it to publishers, he decided the story wasn't good enough. He didn't try to publish it anymore. Then he wrote a Science Fiction short stories collection, and then, for six years, The Breath of Aoles.
That wide range of influences is reflected in his style, simultaneously approachable, visually evocative and imaginative.
Alan likes to say that "a good book is like a good old pair of shoes: you feel at ease inside, comfortable."
The Breath of Aoles is his third book: previously, he wrote a fantasy novel for two years, between 2001 and 2003, but after submitting it to publishers, he decided the story wasn't good enough. He didn't try to publish it anymore. Then he wrote a Science Fiction short stories collection, and then, for six years, The Breath of Aoles.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 22, 2017
Wow loved ,loved it so much so I had to read the three book well first & second books again and third for the, first time amazing stories as always from the extremely talented author Alan Spade I enjoyed reading these books and now my daughter is reading them now so I will let her do a review as well when she has read the books. A truly exquisite set of books I wish I could give these books more star's but we will have to do with five. With a multitude of characters and creatures these stories will draw you in and keep you always wanting more so yes I would love to read more of these stories these delightful books where a gift from the amazing author my sincere thanks to Alan Spade for allowing me the utmost pleasure & privilege of reading his wonderful books. So my friends go get these books you will love them so happy reading from wee me.
December 25, 2020
‘Trip the light fantastic’ – an irresistible invitation!
French author Alan Spade has served with the press, reviewing video games while gaining a deep understanding and appreciation for the permutations of imagination and passion those favorites of young people initiate. As an author he has written a number of novels and offers them in both English and French editions. His novels and novellas embrace mystery, science fiction, and fantasy fiction. Now the three widely honored novels of The Ardalia Trilogy – THE BREATH OF AOLES, TURQUOISE WATER, and THE FLAMES OF THE IMMOLATED are offered as a boxed set. He lives in Pontoise, France.
Though the three volumes of The Ardalia Trilogy have been individually available for some years now, presenting them as a boxed set provides a beautifully timed opportunity to escape the bizarre year we have been experiencing, and to enter a friendlier fantasy world. There is nothing ‘familiar’ about the characters or place or scenic wonders in these books, and that is the invitation for exploration that solidifies our attention, enters our imagination, and ultimate provides a journey into a fascinating realm.
The books are designed for Young Adult readers, and finding that audience captivated by the wonders Alan Spade has created suggests that the impact of Tolkien’s Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the dramatic series The Game of Thrones, and the multiple video game such as The Witcher, The Elder Scrolls, The Legend of Zelda etc lives on! But these novels are so eloquently written that, particularly at this moment, ‘adult readers’ will find them not only challenging, but also satisfying.
As a gesture to assure familiarity with the casts and locations of the trilogy, a fine glossary of names is provided: after a few chapters in Book One it is likely that referencing the glossary will be unnecessary as the story weaves along. Having the three novels in one set allows an extended journey into a luminous world. Alan Spade is a solid writer, one able to open the door to another world, another fascinating manner of thinking. Very strongly recommended.
French author Alan Spade has served with the press, reviewing video games while gaining a deep understanding and appreciation for the permutations of imagination and passion those favorites of young people initiate. As an author he has written a number of novels and offers them in both English and French editions. His novels and novellas embrace mystery, science fiction, and fantasy fiction. Now the three widely honored novels of The Ardalia Trilogy – THE BREATH OF AOLES, TURQUOISE WATER, and THE FLAMES OF THE IMMOLATED are offered as a boxed set. He lives in Pontoise, France.
Though the three volumes of The Ardalia Trilogy have been individually available for some years now, presenting them as a boxed set provides a beautifully timed opportunity to escape the bizarre year we have been experiencing, and to enter a friendlier fantasy world. There is nothing ‘familiar’ about the characters or place or scenic wonders in these books, and that is the invitation for exploration that solidifies our attention, enters our imagination, and ultimate provides a journey into a fascinating realm.
The books are designed for Young Adult readers, and finding that audience captivated by the wonders Alan Spade has created suggests that the impact of Tolkien’s Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the dramatic series The Game of Thrones, and the multiple video game such as The Witcher, The Elder Scrolls, The Legend of Zelda etc lives on! But these novels are so eloquently written that, particularly at this moment, ‘adult readers’ will find them not only challenging, but also satisfying.
As a gesture to assure familiarity with the casts and locations of the trilogy, a fine glossary of names is provided: after a few chapters in Book One it is likely that referencing the glossary will be unnecessary as the story weaves along. Having the three novels in one set allows an extended journey into a luminous world. Alan Spade is a solid writer, one able to open the door to another world, another fascinating manner of thinking. Very strongly recommended.
November 3, 2016
The Breath of Aoles (Ardalia #1)
I found this to be very difficult to get into at first as it seemed to jump from one thought to the next randomly. Once I wrapped my head round Alan's style of writing it was much easier - indeed it became positively enthralling and will be to many age ranges from teens to adults. This could well grow in stature as a coming of age fantasy adventure that will consume the reader and spawn a whole new generation of fans that will breathe life into the territories and peoples that Alan has created magnificently. The danger will be that it becomes so complex and convoluted a plot that the beauty of the tale will be obscured by mere words.
The story is even better on the second reading!
I was originally given a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review but I have since bought it
Turquoise Water (Ardalia #2)
This is a fantastic continuation of The Ardalia Series. The story flows from the point we rejoin the main characters at the end of the first book and grows magnificently as each page is turned. It is one of those books that cannot willingly be put down and when the end is reached the reader has no choice but reach for the next episode in this powerful tale of might and magic.
Throughout this second part the story grows with the characters who are so real we live each and every happening. As new characters are introduced the story expands and brings the reader along with it - the reader being completely unable to do anything other. We live through events that are totally realistic even though it is a fantastical world, we meet people and witness betrayals, loyalties and more - all of which binds the story together within itself and within the reader.
I have no hesitation in recommending this series of books and this episode within that story to anyone who likes fantasy, high adventure and magic.
The Flames of the Immolated (Ardalia #3)
Oh. My. Word. What a finale!! This is epic fantasy in all its glory and what a conclusion to the Ardalia saga!
Picking up where the Turquoise Water ended this book takes our intrepid adventurers to the end of their world and back again, through more betrayal, loss, complete despair, grief and disbelief to the utter euphoria once they realised what they had ultimately achieved. We see again a story of sacrifice and team work achieve the seemingly impossible to bring each well written character through hardship and deprivation into a new beginning that brings hope to all.
This is definitely a series of books that will appeal to all lovers of epic fantasy and magic and I heartily recommend this book and the whole series to any adventurer of any age!
A brief history of Ardalia
This is a great volume to keep alongside the Ardalia Trilogy, especially if you're a fan of Epic fantasy, as it gives the history of the races involved. It tells the history of how the major cities came about and how the wars first began which all gives an insight into the way the peoples evolved into the beings that we come to know in the trilogy
I found this to be very difficult to get into at first as it seemed to jump from one thought to the next randomly. Once I wrapped my head round Alan's style of writing it was much easier - indeed it became positively enthralling and will be to many age ranges from teens to adults. This could well grow in stature as a coming of age fantasy adventure that will consume the reader and spawn a whole new generation of fans that will breathe life into the territories and peoples that Alan has created magnificently. The danger will be that it becomes so complex and convoluted a plot that the beauty of the tale will be obscured by mere words.
The story is even better on the second reading!
I was originally given a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review but I have since bought it
Turquoise Water (Ardalia #2)
This is a fantastic continuation of The Ardalia Series. The story flows from the point we rejoin the main characters at the end of the first book and grows magnificently as each page is turned. It is one of those books that cannot willingly be put down and when the end is reached the reader has no choice but reach for the next episode in this powerful tale of might and magic.
Throughout this second part the story grows with the characters who are so real we live each and every happening. As new characters are introduced the story expands and brings the reader along with it - the reader being completely unable to do anything other. We live through events that are totally realistic even though it is a fantastical world, we meet people and witness betrayals, loyalties and more - all of which binds the story together within itself and within the reader.
I have no hesitation in recommending this series of books and this episode within that story to anyone who likes fantasy, high adventure and magic.
The Flames of the Immolated (Ardalia #3)
Oh. My. Word. What a finale!! This is epic fantasy in all its glory and what a conclusion to the Ardalia saga!
Picking up where the Turquoise Water ended this book takes our intrepid adventurers to the end of their world and back again, through more betrayal, loss, complete despair, grief and disbelief to the utter euphoria once they realised what they had ultimately achieved. We see again a story of sacrifice and team work achieve the seemingly impossible to bring each well written character through hardship and deprivation into a new beginning that brings hope to all.
This is definitely a series of books that will appeal to all lovers of epic fantasy and magic and I heartily recommend this book and the whole series to any adventurer of any age!
A brief history of Ardalia
This is a great volume to keep alongside the Ardalia Trilogy, especially if you're a fan of Epic fantasy, as it gives the history of the races involved. It tells the history of how the major cities came about and how the wars first began which all gives an insight into the way the peoples evolved into the beings that we come to know in the trilogy
June 27, 2018
I love it when an author does something new and does it well. Alan Spade has achieved precisely that in his The Ardalia Trilogy with its primitive society and low level magic. The complex world he has created, with its different races, creatures and society, is totally imaginative and totally works with the well done story arc that is told over the course of three volumes. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the bookset definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that each of the books is most definitely “one to read”, and it is easy to highly recommend the collection.
July 29, 2018
This is a awesome series. It had me not wanting to stop reading. I have not been so engrossed in a series in so long and this read was well worth it. I highly recommend you purchase the set or yo will be upset when you complete one book and do not have the others on hand and ready to read.
February 7, 2017
A wonderful tale of non-humans for a change! A fantasy story of a young hevelen having to grow up, learn to fight and go out into the wider world where he has to end up saving it with the help of other races and falling in love with a female from another clan who is very demanding of him.
If you're looking for a short read this isn't it! It took me a couple of weeks to finish due to the length of it but I loved reading it!
The author has a weird thing about repeatedly describing what the great birds in it were doing with their beaks and describing it as such with his own made up word but other than that I can't fault it!
Masters of wind, water and earth from different races with totally different cultures, coming together to defeat the lava creatures and an evil god. Couldn't ask for a more unique story.
Suitable for young adults and up, not a great deal of described violence or scenes of an adult nature.
If you're looking for a short read this isn't it! It took me a couple of weeks to finish due to the length of it but I loved reading it!
The author has a weird thing about repeatedly describing what the great birds in it were doing with their beaks and describing it as such with his own made up word but other than that I can't fault it!
Masters of wind, water and earth from different races with totally different cultures, coming together to defeat the lava creatures and an evil god. Couldn't ask for a more unique story.
Suitable for young adults and up, not a great deal of described violence or scenes of an adult nature.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews