The Madness of Hallen

Khalada Stone #1

by Russell Meek

The Khalada Stone fantasy series is a weave of manipulation and double crossing, a mix between T.E. Lawrence's unification of the Arabian desert during WWI, a less romantic view of Saladin, the great Islamic warrior who fought against King Richard in the 12th century crusades, and intrigue akin to that of feudal Japan. It is set in a collapsing world, ranging from high, snowy mountain peaks to vast, arid deserts under constant threat from a crushing sea. It is essentially a quest between three who lay claim over the desert. Na’ilah; blood heir to Husam al-Din, the legendary warrior who united the deserts, and Ohrl and Faerl; two brothers, descendants of Hallen who first discovered al-Din's power. Centuries ago, against the threat of war, six priests of Johsala forged their greatest weapon, a man named as Husam the Sword of the Faith. His will to dominate and control all living souls united the Eastern Tribes against the Kjatmir, an enemy from a barren land devoid of water. After the unification, al-Din was betrayed and murdered by his wife, Maymunah. She sought to claim Husam’s power for herself and their unborn bloodline, and secure the Great Depression for her native Kjat. The priests saw through her ruse, and in a final attempt to save the desert they harnessed al-Din’s strength into six harmonic stones. They fled Johsala, and disappeared far beyond Maymunah’s reach. Since that day, Maymunah’s bloodline has feverishly sought the stones, feeling a pull toward them, but it is not until twenty generations later, when an explorer named Hallen accidentally triggers the Stone of Imad al-Din, that any hint of their existence is revealed. Now it falls to Na’ilah, blood heir to the mind of al-Din, to travel to the Meil’vohllen Mountains and begin reclaiming the stones.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Adult

604 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

I am a commercial photographer from New Zealand. Always looking to fantasy as an escape, I created the Khalada Stone series after spending time in the Middle East, North Africa and Central America. Not having the budgets to satisfy my ideas in a visual sense, I turned to writing, and in 2007 the series began to develop. Since then, with the help of film studios in New Zealand, I have looked to develop the idea as a TV series. This process gave birth to script writing. A development sci-fi screenplay went into production through Tenth Planet in the UK in 2025, and the screenplay for Remember Charlie Willows was written in conjunction with the novel.

When not writing, you'll find me at the beach.

Reviews

[Lemurkat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst I have a lot of respsect for Russell Meek, and admire both his book layout and marketing strategies, I am finding this book something of a slog. This is partly due to the sheer weight, which I admired at the start (with the glossy pages, it has a fair heft to it), but proved to be something of a hassle to lug back and forth to work with me. Also, it is quite a thick book and I seem to be favouring smaller, lighter, quicker reads at present.

The characters are interesting enough, although Meek does occasionally jump point of view within a few short sentences which is somewhat disorientating, and the fact that you are aware that the main character is being manipulated by people he is trusting should be something that should be building the tension, but I'm not sure I am entirely convinced by it. The plot also seems to be drifting along, setting up the story for the following volumes. One thing that I did take note of, it was not until some distance in (maybe the third chapter or so) that the reader becomes aware of which character is the main protagonist - before then we are given short stints with characters that are pretty minor. I believe these are intended to help set the scene, but it did leave me wondering for the first while if there even WAS a main protagonist.

Overall, not a bad book, just rather a slow moving and ponderous one. Meek has obviously put a lot of time and energy in his writing, and now in his promotions of such, and this should be enjoyed by those of you who love a good, chunky, epic read with a good heft and strong development. Unfortunately, it is a little too dense for me of the fickle nature, and I am not sure if I shall persevere with the series.

[Donna Blaber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific. I enjoyed this book and its characters and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Joshua Thoresen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really impressed with this book and would recommend it to anyone!
The plot is kind of slow but as a set up for three more books it is really good! The only issue I had was something I have not really come across in any book before; the story is told from almost every character's perspective at the same time... the point of view kind of jumps around and can sometimes be confusing... HOWEVER there is a reason for this which is alluded to around half way through the story.
Without giving too much away; the 'bad guys' are well developed as characters and their motivation is understandable, they also have a highly interesting influence over the 'good guys'. I say 'bad guys' and 'good guys' because for a while it is not entirely clear who is who, also it is entirely possible that one or two of the 'good guys' could turn, with the pervasive influence the 'bad guys' have over them.
The magic system is very interesting and well developed.
The imagery is on a grand scale with cities perched on the edges of cliffs or deep within hostile mountain ranges.
While this book is by no means 'grimdark' one character has bloody moments that would be a match for anything Abercrombie's Logan ninefingers goes through.

This author has incredible potential and I can definitely see him running in league with the bigs authors of fantasy today: Rothfuss, Sanderson, Hobb, Abercrombie, Brooks et al.

All in all I found this book highly original and very intriguing, needless to say I will be buying the next three books and can't wait for the next one to come out.

[Miriam · Rating 1 out of 5]

My husband bought this series from the author at a GeekFest. My husband purchased the books for me at a ridiculous price, and specifically asked Russell Meek if there was any sex, boobs, butts, ect. Russell said there was none of that. Yeah, he lied. In addition to being very poorly written, just about every page has at least some reference to women's body parts, or "bedding" a woman (or girl!), and finally, midway through the first book, a full-blown, explicit sex scene! I will never know how much trashier it gets, since I'm throwing them all out. It's not worth my time, on so many levels. All of the women, and even 15 year old girls, are sex objects, every interaction is superficial, it reads like a cheap soap opera, and it's not at all the harmless fantasy the author convinced my husband it was. Not cool, Russell. Not cool.

[Gareth Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations Russell, a fantastic novel and an excellent way to start the series. It was great to meet you at the Perth Comicon and I am very glad I purchased this book. I can't wait to continue the story but I assume it will be a while. From one Kiwi to another I wish you all the best, hoping it all works out as you wish.

[Alex Falkner · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best fantasy novels I have read in many a year. Maturely written, with vivid descriptive style. I know I am going to be frustrated waiting for the second!!!!

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book let alone the in depth content, the glossy feel to the cover the thick white pages were enough to make it my read in bed only book.
Can't wait for book 2.

[Lynn K : Grimmedian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SPFBO6 entrant. This epic fantasy, at 600 pages, is a very ambitious tome. The complexity of the story and the magic involved made it a very interesting read. It is well written minus a handful of typos. It has many unexpected twists that kept me rather riveted. The magic system exists within stones of Khalada and their effect upon those attuned to them is amazing and dangerous. Although I was never bored by the prose, I felt the book could have been shortened quite a bit by removing some of the extra exposition involving the private relationships of the characters in a large cast. An editing could give this the polish it deserves. It’s a very slow burn, but the characters really stick with you, your personal feelings for them deepen throughout, and the good world building make it worth it. I finished book one and intend to continue the series. Naturally it ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, and I must find out what happens next.

[Josephine Draper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good concept. Characters fascinating and satisfyingly complex - I do like it when you're not sure if someone is good or bad. I also liked the twists and turns in the plot. The action was a little slow to start, and continues that way throughout, the content and storyline is strong but requires patience - it's a long book and you wait for things to happen. Having said that the world building is good and feels fresh.

[Emma Francois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished it!!!! OMG! I just want to pick up the next book. I am invested in knowing how the series ends! I reckon this series would be such a good TV show! The betrayal and deception is so good! I especially love Faerl as a character and damn Na'ilah is good! I had the privilege of meeting Russell in person and to this day both himself and this series has stayed with me! Can't wait to read the next book

[Ilya M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Now normally I would speed read large books but this one forces you to take your time because if you don't, important things are skipped without notice. I saw this book during Armageddon and purchased the first three books (with autographs) and now I'm waiting for the forth one to come out... This book is a fresh twist on fantasy books. Keep it up Russell!

[Gareth Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to come across a quality fantasy epic from a fellow Kiwi. Russell has beautifully captured the world in this series, sharing glimpses that cling to the mind and inspire further investigation. I cant stand having to wait for each book to be released but they are always worth the wait.

[Zane Prior · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book by chance as I was leaving Armageddon in Wellington.
Best decision ever!!
The story is well written and characters are detailed.
I have an autographed copy can't wait for the next release.

[Heather Graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Shame about the typos and mistakes like getting character's names wrong (one person should be on their death bed but instead are supposedly at the pub..) but guess that's what happens when you do your own editing. Put me off reading the second book for a while but giving it a go now

[Paulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, complicated characters, original setting and a refreshing plot. Worth a read if you like the fantasy genre

[E.A. Golden-Mouton]

I found the world building throughout this novel fantastic and sometime overwhelming. Overall the author thought of every aspect of the cultures living in this world.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I'm an avid Sci-Fi reader, and it's always awesome coming across a new author. The complexity and quality of the story telling is reminiscent of Tolkien.

[Fiona Audain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two brothers, 1 is kidnapped the other is forced to find him after their parents are murdered. So the story begins.

[Douglas Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took too long to draw me in. The first ten chapters were really slow, alot of world building and telling instead of showing (except some scenes).
I wasn't convinced with the relationship and hardship with Ohrl and Keysa. There were a lot of cringe worthy moments with grammar and unnecessary dialogue that could've been deleted.
The reason I changed my review to 3 from 2 was some of the action scenes. He shows them and it made me feel immersed in those particular moments, especially with the kaaldreer.
Overall, read the book but be prepared for a slow beginning, maybe the second book will answer a few questions and cement the history, Meek tells the readers.

[Nicole Magolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty awesome. Took me a long while to get through it, as it is pretty slow with a lot of very intricate world building. When I came to the end I was both disappointed and satisfied.
Disappointed because the story never really went anywhere; I didn't feel like there was much of a climax and the ending was very much just setting up the sequel. All that time was spent building up and introducing you to the world, but we never really got to get into the plot.
Satisfied because I really like whats been set up. I like the direction of the story, I like the characters, and I can just feel the potential for a great series oozing off the pages. I am definitely keen to pick up the sequel, and really hoping all that build up will begin to pay off.

Overall rating: 3.5 stars

[Marie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome tale. Wonderful to meet you at Armageddon and am pleased that your book met up to, no, actually exceeded my expectations. Gripping and well-written with an unique ability to describe the scene in such vivid detail you could be excused for thinking your actually there. The level of detail and depth within the character development builds a bond between reader and character. Outstanding and would recommend to everyone and am looking forward to the second novel which has recently arrived. :-)

[Elizabeth Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only reached 43%…I tried really hard to connect to this book and its characters. No such luck. The idea behind it is good (hence why I started reading it in the first place), but the execution is mind-numbingly tedious. I just can't go any further. Maybe it gets super amazing in just a few more chapters...who knows? I won't. I've gotten to the point where I'm AVOIDING reading because of how much I don't want to be bored to sleep. And the whole Orhl & Keysia thing? What?! It might be different further in the book, but Keysia is already a selfish brat in my mind now. Nice try anyway.

[T. S. Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in all I really enjoyed this book, I love the premise of it and the world is interesting, I like the characters and how they interact. Albeit I find some of their dialogue a little bit too formal for what it is. my only big issue with this book is the pacing, this is why I only give it 3 stars. The pacing is too slow, and then all of a sudden too fast. it just doesn't quite work for me.
However that said I still read book 2 and will most likely read number 3 when it comes out. I want to know what happens I just hope he gets better at pacing

[Adrienne Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best book I have read in years. Totally drawn into the story as if I was there. Bought the book directly from the author at a market setting as I was drawn in by the photography. Viewing the you tube videos of the photography journey was well worth it, adding realism to how I saw the story scape. Can't wait for book 3

[David Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book interesting to read.
It had a very intruging storyline and some moments in the book where I was screaming at either Ohrl or Faerl how they coukdnt see the lies of aome characters and plot twists in the book.
I didn't paticulary like parts of the book as it didn't appeal to my taste or language I respect.
But overall this book was ok for me.

[Debra Buckland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good foundation to the series and it felt that way. A story with some action that concentrates more on relationships between characters - great laughable/loving moments and this is definitely a good read

[Nigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a new fantasy author look no further. Russell delivers a new and interesting take on magic and the struggle for power and love.

[Toni-Maree Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a slow start but the pace picks up enough towards the end that I will read the next book. I think perseverance is the key to this story.

[Haldoor42 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring, hard to read book. The premise was great, but unfortunately it's clumisly written with POVs jumping around all over the place and I couldn't be bothered to finish it.

[Chelsea Parlato · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely amazing book! I cannot wait to start the second one!