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The Crystal Crux - The First Three Days
Pero de Alava accepts a suicidal quest on Eagles Pass believing his sacrifice will save his people from the evil Fabbro family. Pero, however, underestimated the Fabbro's ambition and civil war ensues. Friends are betraying friends. This edition is an All-Ages friendly version of the original two books in The Crystal Crux series, Betrayal and Blue Grotto. The graphic sex and violence has been omitted without losing the essence of the tale. The Crystal Crux series is an exciting ten day fantasy adventure in August 1198 AD. It is filled with knights, magic, sorcery and a dragon.
344 pages, Paperback
Published February 5, 2017
About the author
Allen M. Werner
28 books21 followersAllen M Werner is the author of THE CRYSTAL CRUX SERIES - epic dark fantasy.
There are five books in the series - Betrayal, Blue Grotto, Cold Knight, Shimmer and Beautiful.
Allen M Werner is also author of the award-winning article The Grand Transition about being at his brother's bedside when he died from complications of Muscular Dystrophy.
Allen M Werner's latest release (12/29/25) is a Greek mythology novella titled Ares In Chains. Because of some sort of glitch in Goodreads system, I am unable to get it listed on my Goodreads profile. Whatever. It's my book. I wrote it and published it. Don't really understand the problem here. Anyways...
Be sure to follow at amwerner,com
There are five books in the series - Betrayal, Blue Grotto, Cold Knight, Shimmer and Beautiful.
Allen M Werner is also author of the award-winning article The Grand Transition about being at his brother's bedside when he died from complications of Muscular Dystrophy.
Allen M Werner's latest release (12/29/25) is a Greek mythology novella titled Ares In Chains. Because of some sort of glitch in Goodreads system, I am unable to get it listed on my Goodreads profile. Whatever. It's my book. I wrote it and published it. Don't really understand the problem here. Anyways...
Be sure to follow at amwerner,com
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 15, 2017
This is an epic fantasy written in the classic style. The author says he has cleaned it up so it’s suitable to a YA audience and I would have to agree that he has succeeded at this task.
Stand out features for me included: the very strongly written dialogue that is highly engaging; the flourishes of almost surreal humor that had me doubling over laughing; and the equally bizarre goings on that follow from the plotting and scheming that echoes folks like Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut—and anyone really specializing in over the top. But the bizarre goings on really go far to enliven and elevate what might others be a fairly stock and trade fantasy, like so many others out there. Which is not to say this is a comedy; it’s more of a comedy-drama with the focus on the drama.
For whatever else was intended, the story succeeds brilliantly at satirizing and lampooning corrupt officials in power and the extremes they will go to in order to hold on to that power. Which is a bit of a bonus as far as I’m concerned because any period piece that oozes in medieval era politics and conspiracies certainly has a lot of fodder to work with, but it’s seldom so well capitalized upon. And these days, it seems like all too telling of a reflection on our times, as well.
De rigueur genre requirements are met: the dragons and magical elements are fun; and there’s a genuine sense of adventure throughout.
Stand out features for me included: the very strongly written dialogue that is highly engaging; the flourishes of almost surreal humor that had me doubling over laughing; and the equally bizarre goings on that follow from the plotting and scheming that echoes folks like Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut—and anyone really specializing in over the top. But the bizarre goings on really go far to enliven and elevate what might others be a fairly stock and trade fantasy, like so many others out there. Which is not to say this is a comedy; it’s more of a comedy-drama with the focus on the drama.
For whatever else was intended, the story succeeds brilliantly at satirizing and lampooning corrupt officials in power and the extremes they will go to in order to hold on to that power. Which is a bit of a bonus as far as I’m concerned because any period piece that oozes in medieval era politics and conspiracies certainly has a lot of fodder to work with, but it’s seldom so well capitalized upon. And these days, it seems like all too telling of a reflection on our times, as well.
De rigueur genre requirements are met: the dragons and magical elements are fun; and there’s a genuine sense of adventure throughout.
May 17, 2017
Great Fantasy! Great Read!
A.M. Werner has created an imaginative world of historical fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural. The Crystal Crux is full of amazing characters that drive this epic adventure. This book's for you if you are a fan of Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones, which I am... I highly recommend. 5stars!
A.M. Werner has created an imaginative world of historical fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural. The Crystal Crux is full of amazing characters that drive this epic adventure. This book's for you if you are a fan of Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones, which I am... I highly recommend. 5stars!
April 1, 2017
As most of you know, I not only write fantasy, but I read it, too. In fact, fantasy is my go to genre, and I’m always on the lookout for new fantasy books. I found this one and the blurb enticed me to read it. Here are my thoughts on The Crystal Crux - The First Three Days by A.M Werner!
Synopsis (from the author): Pero de Alava accepts a suicidal quest on Eagles Pass believing his sacrifice will save his people from the evil Fabbro family. Pero, however, underestimated the Fabbro's ambition and civil war ensues. Friends are betraying friends.
This edition is an All-Ages friendly version of the original two books in The Crystal Crux series, Betrayal and Blue Grotto. The graphic sex and violence has been omitted without losing the essence of the tale.
The Crystal Crux series is an exciting ten day fantasy adventure in August 1198 AD. It is filled with knights, magic, sorcery and a dragon.
What I liked: The Crystal Crux was an interesting fantasy read. It has all the elements I expect in the genre: battles between good and evil, intrigue, a quest, betrayal, romance, and plenty of action and adventure. Sinibaldus is a perfectly evil character and the Fabbros are the epitome of the palace intrigue players in the 12th century. AM Werner did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the historical period. Overall, an entertaining and exciting tale!
What I didn’t like: The Crystal Crux did seem to be repetitive in places. Pero’s repeated recollections of his life events didn’t add to the story for me. In addition, despite cleaning up the story to make it acceptable to older YA readers, it isn’t appropriate for all ages.
Overall impression: The Crystal Crux- The First Three Days is a worthwhile read for fantasy readers. The characters are compelling, the quest is good, and the action and adventure top notch. I recommend this one for older teens and above who enjoy a good fantasy book!
My rating: 4 Stars
Synopsis (from the author): Pero de Alava accepts a suicidal quest on Eagles Pass believing his sacrifice will save his people from the evil Fabbro family. Pero, however, underestimated the Fabbro's ambition and civil war ensues. Friends are betraying friends.
This edition is an All-Ages friendly version of the original two books in The Crystal Crux series, Betrayal and Blue Grotto. The graphic sex and violence has been omitted without losing the essence of the tale.
The Crystal Crux series is an exciting ten day fantasy adventure in August 1198 AD. It is filled with knights, magic, sorcery and a dragon.
What I liked: The Crystal Crux was an interesting fantasy read. It has all the elements I expect in the genre: battles between good and evil, intrigue, a quest, betrayal, romance, and plenty of action and adventure. Sinibaldus is a perfectly evil character and the Fabbros are the epitome of the palace intrigue players in the 12th century. AM Werner did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the historical period. Overall, an entertaining and exciting tale!
What I didn’t like: The Crystal Crux did seem to be repetitive in places. Pero’s repeated recollections of his life events didn’t add to the story for me. In addition, despite cleaning up the story to make it acceptable to older YA readers, it isn’t appropriate for all ages.
Overall impression: The Crystal Crux- The First Three Days is a worthwhile read for fantasy readers. The characters are compelling, the quest is good, and the action and adventure top notch. I recommend this one for older teens and above who enjoy a good fantasy book!
My rating: 4 Stars
February 26, 2017
This is my outreach to a YA audience. The first two books in The Crystal Crux series are +18. I cleaned these two books up and combined them in one volume called The First Three Days. Hope you all enjoy it!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews