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Akrad's Legacy #1
Akrad's Children
Four young lives bound together in friendship, love, rivalry and tragedy. A realm ravaged by civil war, a ruler scarred by betrayal, a legacy that haunts them all.
Caught between two cultures, a pawn in a deadly power struggle, Dinnis longs for the day his father will rescue him and his sister from the sorcerer Akrad’s clutches. But things don’t turn out how Dinnis imagines and his father betrays him.
Does Dinnis have a future among the Tamrin? Will he seek revenge for wrongs like his sister or forge a different destiny?
This is the first book in the Akrad’s Legacy series.
Akrad’s Children is a YA fantasy novel, the first book in the Akrad’s Legacy series. Set in the world of Nardva
Caught between two cultures, a pawn in a deadly power struggle, Dinnis longs for the day his father will rescue him and his sister from the sorcerer Akrad’s clutches. But things don’t turn out how Dinnis imagines and his father betrays him.
Does Dinnis have a future among the Tamrin? Will he seek revenge for wrongs like his sister or forge a different destiny?
This is the first book in the Akrad’s Legacy series.
Akrad’s Children is a YA fantasy novel, the first book in the Akrad’s Legacy series. Set in the world of Nardva
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2017
2 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Jeanette O'Hagan
30 books147 followersJeanette O'Hagan spun tales in the world of Nardva from the age of eight. She enjoys writing fantasy, sci-fi, poetry, and editing.
Her Nardvan stories span continents, millennia and cultures. Some involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations, plasma rifles and cyborgs.
Jeanette is the 2024 Aurealias winner YA short story for "In a League of Her Own" in Rhiza Press' Stepping Sideways Anthology.
She has published over thirty stories and poems including the five books in her YA epic fanasty - Under the Mountain novella series -as well as Ruhanna's Flight and Other Stories, and Akrad's Children and Rasel's Song in the Akrad's Legacy series - a Young Adult secondary world fantasy with adventure, courtly intrigue and romantic elements.
Her stories and poems have also been published in over twenty anthologies - including Gods of Clay, Challenge Accepted and Tales of Magic and Destiny in 2019
Jeanette has practised medicine, studied communication, history, theology and a Master of Arts (Writing). She loves reading, painting, travel, catching up for coffee with friends, pondering the meaning of life and communicating God’s great love. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and children.
Her Nardvan stories span continents, millennia and cultures. Some involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations, plasma rifles and cyborgs.
Jeanette is the 2024 Aurealias winner YA short story for "In a League of Her Own" in Rhiza Press' Stepping Sideways Anthology.
She has published over thirty stories and poems including the five books in her YA epic fanasty - Under the Mountain novella series -as well as Ruhanna's Flight and Other Stories, and Akrad's Children and Rasel's Song in the Akrad's Legacy series - a Young Adult secondary world fantasy with adventure, courtly intrigue and romantic elements.
Her stories and poems have also been published in over twenty anthologies - including Gods of Clay, Challenge Accepted and Tales of Magic and Destiny in 2019
Jeanette has practised medicine, studied communication, history, theology and a Master of Arts (Writing). She loves reading, painting, travel, catching up for coffee with friends, pondering the meaning of life and communicating God’s great love. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 1, 2017
If you like clean fantasy with a dash of shape-shifting, a sprinkle of magic, a heap of betrayal, a servant-princess and a boy with the world against him, then this is for you.
This richly detailed fantasy novel centres around child protagonists for the first half of the book, giving it a very young feel. Thus the weighty themes are given a light treatment. This is fantasy without an emphasis on violence and torture, with chaste kisses not about sex. The primary audience for this does seem to be the tween market if they can cope with the all fantasy language, but can also be enjoyed by those older. I really liked it, especially the plot twists.
The story is about Dinnis who is cruelly betrayed by his father and dragged off to a hostile land to live. Will he choose revenge over forgiveness? Hate over love? Despised by nearly everyone around him because of his half-Nolmec blood, suspected of disloyalty to the crown, scorned even by his sister, it is the words of a magical shapeshifting girl that are his only beacon in a hostile world.
Ista too struggles to find her place in the world as she is torn from her position of princess and forced to be a servant.
As they grow older, the time will come for secrets to be revealed, loyalties tested and forbidden love to be revealed.
I was given a copy of this fantastic book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This richly detailed fantasy novel centres around child protagonists for the first half of the book, giving it a very young feel. Thus the weighty themes are given a light treatment. This is fantasy without an emphasis on violence and torture, with chaste kisses not about sex. The primary audience for this does seem to be the tween market if they can cope with the all fantasy language, but can also be enjoyed by those older. I really liked it, especially the plot twists.
The story is about Dinnis who is cruelly betrayed by his father and dragged off to a hostile land to live. Will he choose revenge over forgiveness? Hate over love? Despised by nearly everyone around him because of his half-Nolmec blood, suspected of disloyalty to the crown, scorned even by his sister, it is the words of a magical shapeshifting girl that are his only beacon in a hostile world.
Ista too struggles to find her place in the world as she is torn from her position of princess and forced to be a servant.
As they grow older, the time will come for secrets to be revealed, loyalties tested and forbidden love to be revealed.
I was given a copy of this fantastic book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2018
What? I get assigned a random book to read and review by an indie author I’ve never heard of, in a genre that often disappoints me and I…actually kind of liked it? What sorcery is this? It’s notoriously hard to entertain me with fiction. I was surprised how much I appreciated this book, even in spite of it’s flaws.
Things I Liked:
• Dinnis The main character grew on me over the course of the book. Though honestly, I knew in the prologue that I was going to like him. Throughout part one, he was rather difficult to connect with, but things really picked up in part two, when his struggled become defined and his personality develops. Dinnis is quiet and has a bit of an edge. He has a lot of emotional reserve, and the author does a great job portraying that without judging it, which I really like. He’s resourceful, independent, and clever at getting what he wants in spite of odds and authorities that oppose him. He’s curious, creative, and intelligent, and loves his sister in spite of how hard she is to deal with and how little she returns his affection most of the time. It’s a rare thing, and a very good thing, when a character can make choices, good or bad, and I find myself saying “Yeah, that’s probably what I would do.” Dinnis was impressively relatable.
• Sensory detail The author doesn’t skimp on detailing and fleshing out her scenes with all five senses. It made for a very immersive experience. All the sights, sounds, and notably smells of this story plunge you into the world like many books fail to. It made the characters and setting all the more vivid. If you want a book to transport you to a whole new world, try this one.
• The story-world The South-American feel of this story-world was refreshingly unique. The settings were sweeping and often very beautiful. I enjoyed the different races and how well they were described. The culture, the costumes, animals, the food—it was all there to explore. I’d like to go there.
• The royal intrigue I didn’t realize I was a fan of royal intrigue, but I’m starting to think I am. I like secret plots and the subtext that it lends relationships in the story. There are some good twists in here—or at least, they are twists for some of the characters involved. This author did a good job making the reader feel the shock of discoveries as they hit the characters, even if the reader already knew.
Things I didn’t like:
• Some boring character tropes Akrad is kind of a moustache-twirler eeevil sorcerer type. (Not that I didn’t kind of like him anyway.) Dinnis’ sister is kind of a typical bossy little sister/proud princess/power-hungry type. There were a couple of side characters who I sort of rolled my eyes at. (Bitjarnan in particular…ugh, I can’t stand those kinds of characters.) But it wasn’t enough to bother me too much. You’re almost bound to have a few of those in high-fantasy.
• Kids don’t always feel their age This was mainly an issue in Part one. Sometimes the children didn’t talk like children at all. It wasn’t constant, but it really stood out to me when it happened. It also felt a little weird for Dinnis to be so fascinated by Rasal at his. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be romantic, but it kind of came across that way, and I think he was eleven…I certainly didn’t have those sorts of feelings at eleven, but maybe I’m weird. This problem disappeared when the children grew into it a bit.
• Presentation There were quiet a few typos throughout this book. I wanted to fix them. Typos aren’t a big problem for me, I know what it’s like to be indie and to read indie, but there was sort of a lot. I think the author could have caught most of them herself had she simply had her computer read it aloud to her. I do that. It really helps. Also, I might never have picked this book up judging by the cover. The writing is much higher quality than the cover art.
Things I thought were weird:
• Yarmas So, most animals were real animals referred to by their English names, but yarmas were a mystery. I think they’re llamas, but they could be sheep, goats, or yacks.
Overall, I recommend this book for YA fantasy fans in the mood for a clean, detailed story of royal intrigue set in a vivid story-world. It’s an experience.
Things I Liked:
• Dinnis The main character grew on me over the course of the book. Though honestly, I knew in the prologue that I was going to like him. Throughout part one, he was rather difficult to connect with, but things really picked up in part two, when his struggled become defined and his personality develops. Dinnis is quiet and has a bit of an edge. He has a lot of emotional reserve, and the author does a great job portraying that without judging it, which I really like. He’s resourceful, independent, and clever at getting what he wants in spite of odds and authorities that oppose him. He’s curious, creative, and intelligent, and loves his sister in spite of how hard she is to deal with and how little she returns his affection most of the time. It’s a rare thing, and a very good thing, when a character can make choices, good or bad, and I find myself saying “Yeah, that’s probably what I would do.” Dinnis was impressively relatable.
• Sensory detail The author doesn’t skimp on detailing and fleshing out her scenes with all five senses. It made for a very immersive experience. All the sights, sounds, and notably smells of this story plunge you into the world like many books fail to. It made the characters and setting all the more vivid. If you want a book to transport you to a whole new world, try this one.
• The story-world The South-American feel of this story-world was refreshingly unique. The settings were sweeping and often very beautiful. I enjoyed the different races and how well they were described. The culture, the costumes, animals, the food—it was all there to explore. I’d like to go there.
• The royal intrigue I didn’t realize I was a fan of royal intrigue, but I’m starting to think I am. I like secret plots and the subtext that it lends relationships in the story. There are some good twists in here—or at least, they are twists for some of the characters involved. This author did a good job making the reader feel the shock of discoveries as they hit the characters, even if the reader already knew.
Things I didn’t like:
• Some boring character tropes Akrad is kind of a moustache-twirler eeevil sorcerer type. (Not that I didn’t kind of like him anyway.) Dinnis’ sister is kind of a typical bossy little sister/proud princess/power-hungry type. There were a couple of side characters who I sort of rolled my eyes at. (Bitjarnan in particular…ugh, I can’t stand those kinds of characters.) But it wasn’t enough to bother me too much. You’re almost bound to have a few of those in high-fantasy.
• Kids don’t always feel their age This was mainly an issue in Part one. Sometimes the children didn’t talk like children at all. It wasn’t constant, but it really stood out to me when it happened. It also felt a little weird for Dinnis to be so fascinated by Rasal at his. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be romantic, but it kind of came across that way, and I think he was eleven…I certainly didn’t have those sorts of feelings at eleven, but maybe I’m weird. This problem disappeared when the children grew into it a bit.
• Presentation There were quiet a few typos throughout this book. I wanted to fix them. Typos aren’t a big problem for me, I know what it’s like to be indie and to read indie, but there was sort of a lot. I think the author could have caught most of them herself had she simply had her computer read it aloud to her. I do that. It really helps. Also, I might never have picked this book up judging by the cover. The writing is much higher quality than the cover art.
Things I thought were weird:
• Yarmas So, most animals were real animals referred to by their English names, but yarmas were a mystery. I think they’re llamas, but they could be sheep, goats, or yacks.
Overall, I recommend this book for YA fantasy fans in the mood for a clean, detailed story of royal intrigue set in a vivid story-world. It’s an experience.
October 12, 2017
Yes, I did love this story! The descriptions of people, situations and surrounds of this historical conquest are well presented. The plot is contagious and keeps you wanting to find out more. There are various cultures of people and tradition within this story that O'Hagan has laid out clearly and distinctively. Her descriptions are very engaging, as if you are there.
There are secrets and suspicions that run rampant as the story progresses around the children (grandchildren) of the wicked Akrad. This magician has tried to twist siblings Dinnis and Ista into his puppets that he hopes to use to bring down the Kapok (King) of the realm. But, his plans thus far have failed. Although, as the years roll on, the seeds of this usurping may still come out and work the magic he intended... or will they?
There are a few mistakes through the story (typos, doubling up of words), but are not detrimental to this gripping tale and easily ignored. This is also part of a series, but can be read just fine on its own. The only trouble is, you will have to wait for the next installment.
There are secrets and suspicions that run rampant as the story progresses around the children (grandchildren) of the wicked Akrad. This magician has tried to twist siblings Dinnis and Ista into his puppets that he hopes to use to bring down the Kapok (King) of the realm. But, his plans thus far have failed. Although, as the years roll on, the seeds of this usurping may still come out and work the magic he intended... or will they?
There are a few mistakes through the story (typos, doubling up of words), but are not detrimental to this gripping tale and easily ignored. This is also part of a series, but can be read just fine on its own. The only trouble is, you will have to wait for the next installment.
December 17, 2017
THIS IS A GOOD BOOK & WORTH THE READ
Akrad’s Children by Jeanette O’Hagan is a richly written and detailed work of fantasy. There is much to see and experience in the world she has created. The main characters who drive the story are children who have been orphaned and become servants in a royal household.
They grow up, adapting to the customs of their new surroundings and befriend a young prince of similar age. Relationships change and the young people become involved in palace intrigue, during which quite a few family secrets are revealed.
While Akrad’s Children is very well written, with excellent world-building and character development, it seemed to get in the way of the story. I was as one dropped down into a well-developed world filled with crowds of people, customs, and names. The glossary, cast of characters, family genealogy and maps are in the back. The novel asks to be read again with these notes at hand. At first, it was hard to sort the main characters from those in the background.
The story moves well and picks up speed in the last half of the book as the young people are caught up in the events happening around them. The conclusion leads the reader to expect and even hope for another novel in the series where the unanswered questions and drama will be resolved.
Akrad’s Children by Jeanette O’Hagan is a richly written and detailed work of fantasy. There is much to see and experience in the world she has created. The main characters who drive the story are children who have been orphaned and become servants in a royal household.
They grow up, adapting to the customs of their new surroundings and befriend a young prince of similar age. Relationships change and the young people become involved in palace intrigue, during which quite a few family secrets are revealed.
While Akrad’s Children is very well written, with excellent world-building and character development, it seemed to get in the way of the story. I was as one dropped down into a well-developed world filled with crowds of people, customs, and names. The glossary, cast of characters, family genealogy and maps are in the back. The novel asks to be read again with these notes at hand. At first, it was hard to sort the main characters from those in the background.
The story moves well and picks up speed in the last half of the book as the young people are caught up in the events happening around them. The conclusion leads the reader to expect and even hope for another novel in the series where the unanswered questions and drama will be resolved.
December 8, 2017
This author is a master world-builder and character developer. If you like fantasy, you'll love getting into the world of Dinnis and Ista as they battle to find their place in their world. The description of the children's world is fantastic, creating beautiful, dark and at times thrilling images in the readers mind.
I really enjoyed the characters, and in particular the siblings Dinnis and Ista, whose different upbringings (by the same grandfather) have created in them different world views which the author uses to show how the way we are treated by the world can effect our outlook and, if we're not careful, our future.
The novel is probably more for younger YA readers, rather than middle years (which may be assumed, as the characters start off quite young) as the concepts and the complexity of the world building may require a slightly older reader. There are also a lot of characters too keep track of I throughout the novel.
If you love fantasy novels, this one is definitely worth your time.
I really enjoyed the characters, and in particular the siblings Dinnis and Ista, whose different upbringings (by the same grandfather) have created in them different world views which the author uses to show how the way we are treated by the world can effect our outlook and, if we're not careful, our future.
The novel is probably more for younger YA readers, rather than middle years (which may be assumed, as the characters start off quite young) as the concepts and the complexity of the world building may require a slightly older reader. There are also a lot of characters too keep track of I throughout the novel.
If you love fantasy novels, this one is definitely worth your time.
May 7, 2018
This is the story of two children that are disowned by their Father because of political expediency. This is set in the backdrop of castles, swords and sorcery. The characters are well-drawn, showing the motivations of each. Even the Father who will not acknowledge his children from his previous marriage has pressing reasons for his actions.
The entire world of this story is detailed, with a dizzying maze of alliances and deep racial hatred. The story covers several years in which the characters grow up, so it is also a coming-of-age tale.
All in all, an excellent read!
The entire world of this story is detailed, with a dizzying maze of alliances and deep racial hatred. The story covers several years in which the characters grow up, so it is also a coming-of-age tale.
All in all, an excellent read!
July 5, 2021
Akrad’s Children is a clean coming-of-age fantasy story. Two of the POV characters, Ista and Dinnis, are great-grandchildren of the villainous Akrad. Ista, the younger, is pampered and favored by the power-hungry Akrad, but Dinnis gets the brunt of the patriarch’s temper, and seeks only to escape and rejoin his father, who has promised to return for them one day.
But when Dinnis’s father does come back, nothing is as it should be. His father now commands a mighty army, as their ruler. His little sister Ista, whom Dinnis has done his best to look after, remains loyal to their slain, wicked grandfather. His father pretends that Dinnis is just another war orphan, and Dinnis must now address him as Your Majesty. Dinnis cannot ever tell anyone that they are even related. Worse, he must now wait on the “real” son of the king, Mannok.
Dinnis must find his way through the convoluted power games on his own, and somehow, find a safe haven for both himself and his sister. But right now he cannot even shake the suspicions of his father’s right hand man, who thinks it would be expedient to simply kill Dinnis and have any future danger done and over with. Somehow, he must find a way to make sense of the confusion and find his own path out of the chaos his life has become.
Akrad's Children contains an impressive amount of world building, which enriches the story overall, but makes for a slow start. It took me the first ten percent of the book to really warm up to the story.
The descriptions of setting are skillful and detailed, as is the author's use of metaphor. I particularly liked: "A soft, warm feeling stirred inside him, like a small animal emerging after a storm."
The characters felt three-dimensional and plausible, particularly the trio of Akrad, Dinnis, and Ista. Those three formed a realistic shapshot of a narcissistic family, with abuser, scapegoat, and golden child, respectively. I felt that Ista seemed too adult for a seven-year-old, but other than that her character rang true.
If you enjoy a clean secondary-world fantasy with complex characters, Akrad's Children might well be a satisfying read.
But when Dinnis’s father does come back, nothing is as it should be. His father now commands a mighty army, as their ruler. His little sister Ista, whom Dinnis has done his best to look after, remains loyal to their slain, wicked grandfather. His father pretends that Dinnis is just another war orphan, and Dinnis must now address him as Your Majesty. Dinnis cannot ever tell anyone that they are even related. Worse, he must now wait on the “real” son of the king, Mannok.
Dinnis must find his way through the convoluted power games on his own, and somehow, find a safe haven for both himself and his sister. But right now he cannot even shake the suspicions of his father’s right hand man, who thinks it would be expedient to simply kill Dinnis and have any future danger done and over with. Somehow, he must find a way to make sense of the confusion and find his own path out of the chaos his life has become.
Akrad's Children contains an impressive amount of world building, which enriches the story overall, but makes for a slow start. It took me the first ten percent of the book to really warm up to the story.
The descriptions of setting are skillful and detailed, as is the author's use of metaphor. I particularly liked: "A soft, warm feeling stirred inside him, like a small animal emerging after a storm."
The characters felt three-dimensional and plausible, particularly the trio of Akrad, Dinnis, and Ista. Those three formed a realistic shapshot of a narcissistic family, with abuser, scapegoat, and golden child, respectively. I felt that Ista seemed too adult for a seven-year-old, but other than that her character rang true.
If you enjoy a clean secondary-world fantasy with complex characters, Akrad's Children might well be a satisfying read.
May 28, 2019
I've enjoyed the short stories of Jeanette O'Hagan previously - but this was the first novel of hers I've read. It won't be the last.
There's a habit many fantasy and sci-fi writers use where they plunge the reader into a battle at the start of the story, introducing the characters in the middle of conflict. It can backfire - after all, who are these characters, and why should we care about them?
Instead, Jeanette sets us a mystery, a fantasy whodunnit that leaves us gripped as to what will happen next - before leaping back in time to the battle that started events tumbling like dominoes towards that ultimate fate.
The story hinges around the character of Dinnis, cast off by his father yet finding himself with an opportunity in battle to draw nearer to him.
The outcome leaves him and his sister given a chance to survive in a seemingly enemy palace - and perhaps find a home for themselves along the way.
It becomes a story of palace intrigue that spans years - though each chapter is short and sharp, zipping us by through the story. The characters find themselves challenged by the circumstances they find themselves in, and the prejudices they encounter, growing along the way.
I enjoyed the book - it is book one, so it is part of a larger whole, so it does feel at the end that there is a lot more to discover, but that's no bad thing.
There's a habit many fantasy and sci-fi writers use where they plunge the reader into a battle at the start of the story, introducing the characters in the middle of conflict. It can backfire - after all, who are these characters, and why should we care about them?
Instead, Jeanette sets us a mystery, a fantasy whodunnit that leaves us gripped as to what will happen next - before leaping back in time to the battle that started events tumbling like dominoes towards that ultimate fate.
The story hinges around the character of Dinnis, cast off by his father yet finding himself with an opportunity in battle to draw nearer to him.
The outcome leaves him and his sister given a chance to survive in a seemingly enemy palace - and perhaps find a home for themselves along the way.
It becomes a story of palace intrigue that spans years - though each chapter is short and sharp, zipping us by through the story. The characters find themselves challenged by the circumstances they find themselves in, and the prejudices they encounter, growing along the way.
I enjoyed the book - it is book one, so it is part of a larger whole, so it does feel at the end that there is a lot more to discover, but that's no bad thing.
September 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this fantasy story and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Dinnis was my favourite character and it was wonderful to watch him grow from a small boy to a young man and see how he overcame adversity and prejudice to become a riveting main character. Can't wait to see what he does next.
February 2, 2018
Akrad's Children, by Jeanette O'Hagan, is a character-driven fantasy that is rich in detail. Though the promise of magic and youth of its main characters make this book decidedly aimed at young adult readers, it will also be enjoyed by adult readers of fantasy, historical fiction and dramatic sagas.
Told in varying points of view, it is a story that sparks to life through the eyes of young Mannok, the realm's prince, Ista, a former princess who is now a servant, and Dinnis, Ista's brother. It is undoubtedly Dinnis who drives the heart of the novel, as he struggles to find his place in a world that doesn't accept him. As the story progresses and the characters experiences deepen, so does the beauty of its language. Even when O'Hagan is writing about war and grief, there are moments of light and romance - with just enough magical action to entice fantasy readers to stay the course for over 400 pages - in what becomes an epic drama.
For readers who find themselves enrapt in the well-imagined world of Akrad's Children, there will be a sequel. As a longtime reader and fan of literary, historical fiction and clean fantasy - I enjoyed the language and depth of characters in this one. I'm hoping the next in the series might be a little bit shorter, and include more magic - but will definitely put it on my to-read list.
Told in varying points of view, it is a story that sparks to life through the eyes of young Mannok, the realm's prince, Ista, a former princess who is now a servant, and Dinnis, Ista's brother. It is undoubtedly Dinnis who drives the heart of the novel, as he struggles to find his place in a world that doesn't accept him. As the story progresses and the characters experiences deepen, so does the beauty of its language. Even when O'Hagan is writing about war and grief, there are moments of light and romance - with just enough magical action to entice fantasy readers to stay the course for over 400 pages - in what becomes an epic drama.
For readers who find themselves enrapt in the well-imagined world of Akrad's Children, there will be a sequel. As a longtime reader and fan of literary, historical fiction and clean fantasy - I enjoyed the language and depth of characters in this one. I'm hoping the next in the series might be a little bit shorter, and include more magic - but will definitely put it on my to-read list.
June 28, 2018
AKRAD'S CHILDREN is perfect for YA readers or anyone who enjoys fantasy novels. Set in an easy-to-understand world with magical elements that are not overwhelming, it didn't take too long before I figured out what was going on and who was who. Four main characters are introduced, but this volume, the first in the series, focuses on Dinnis. The plot is not fast-paced, but the character development is wonderful, and I enjoyed getting to know Dinnis and his world.
I am always hesitant to get into series, often each book ends in unsatisfying cliff-hangers, but Dinnis's story felt complete. That doesn't mean I wasn't curious to know what was going to happen to him and the other characters. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Clean without graphic violence. There is one situation where a couple who does not know they are related find themselves attracted to each other. Parents may want to discuss those scenes with younger teens and preteens, but otherwise appropriate and recommended.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I am always hesitant to get into series, often each book ends in unsatisfying cliff-hangers, but Dinnis's story felt complete. That doesn't mean I wasn't curious to know what was going to happen to him and the other characters. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Clean without graphic violence. There is one situation where a couple who does not know they are related find themselves attracted to each other. Parents may want to discuss those scenes with younger teens and preteens, but otherwise appropriate and recommended.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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December 31, 2017This is more an author's note than a review.
Akrad’s Children is the first published novel in the Akrad’s Legacy series. The series follows the lives of four young people caught up in the unrest and political machinations following a bitter war. Akrad’s Children’s became Dinnis’ tale.
I started writing Akrad’s Children six years ago, though how it came to be my first published novel is rather a convoluted story. In my late teens, I dreamed of a young girl holding at lantern near a fountain and her story continued as into a waking dream. That dream became novel, Adelphi, which I wrote down and revised in my early twenties and connected with my earlier imaginings in the world of Nardva. Life took another turn and it was only when I started postgraduate studies in creative writing that I dusted off the old manuscript, plus the notes I’d written for a sequel. In the process of rewriting these, I found myself writing the prequel to Adelphi (now titled Finding Elene). I had a dilemma. Which should I publish first? In the end, I chose the prequels and I’ve enjoyed exploring the lives, loves and adventures of Rasel, Mannok, Ista and Dinnis. I hope you do too.
The events of this story occur many years after ‘Ruhanna’s Flight’ in Glimpses of Light, the Under the Mountain series (Heart of the Mountain and Blood Crystal
Enjoy.
Akrad’s Children is the first published novel in the Akrad’s Legacy series. The series follows the lives of four young people caught up in the unrest and political machinations following a bitter war. Akrad’s Children’s became Dinnis’ tale.
I started writing Akrad’s Children six years ago, though how it came to be my first published novel is rather a convoluted story. In my late teens, I dreamed of a young girl holding at lantern near a fountain and her story continued as into a waking dream. That dream became novel, Adelphi, which I wrote down and revised in my early twenties and connected with my earlier imaginings in the world of Nardva. Life took another turn and it was only when I started postgraduate studies in creative writing that I dusted off the old manuscript, plus the notes I’d written for a sequel. In the process of rewriting these, I found myself writing the prequel to Adelphi (now titled Finding Elene). I had a dilemma. Which should I publish first? In the end, I chose the prequels and I’ve enjoyed exploring the lives, loves and adventures of Rasel, Mannok, Ista and Dinnis. I hope you do too.
The events of this story occur many years after ‘Ruhanna’s Flight’ in Glimpses of Light, the Under the Mountain series (Heart of the Mountain and Blood Crystal
Enjoy.
February 23, 2018
Akrad’s Children follows siblings Dinnis, who always believed his father would return to save him, and Ista, who embraced the teachings of the cruel sorcerer who held them prisoner. Caught up in their story is Mannok, the siblings’ half-brother, crown prince of Tamra and heir to the throne of Akrad’s enemies.
Jeanette O’Hagan’s writing is a pleasure to read, and she excels at both world building and creating life-like characters. In Nardva she has crafted a unique and exquisitely detailed world bursting with political intrigue, warring factions, magic, and incredibly believable human emotion. Although I don’t generally have much interest in stories about young adults struggling to find their place in the world, this tale is so beautifully written and the characters so adeptly portrayed that I found myself really enjoying their story.
A great Sword & Sorcery tale for young and adult readers alike, Akrad’s Children seems likely to become a classic. I look forward to reading the next installment in the series!
Jeanette O’Hagan’s writing is a pleasure to read, and she excels at both world building and creating life-like characters. In Nardva she has crafted a unique and exquisitely detailed world bursting with political intrigue, warring factions, magic, and incredibly believable human emotion. Although I don’t generally have much interest in stories about young adults struggling to find their place in the world, this tale is so beautifully written and the characters so adeptly portrayed that I found myself really enjoying their story.
A great Sword & Sorcery tale for young and adult readers alike, Akrad’s Children seems likely to become a classic. I look forward to reading the next installment in the series!
May 9, 2018
Dinnis and Ista’s grandfather, Akrad, was an evil sorcerer king. Dennis had a rough time living with him while Ista’s flourished under his magical tutelage. Then a reunion brings a family together, but in ways no one would hope for. Dinnis’s life seems like one let down after the next, until Tilly and her mother take him in. There he finds joy and a knowledge that comes in handy at a certain climactic moment.
I’ve read and put to practice the advice that a writer should create a loveable character, and then run them through the worst situations imaginable. Dennis was my underdog here, for sure! O’Hagan really laid it on thick. It sure kept the pages turning. Figuratively, that is. I listened to this story via text to speech. I live in the future and can get my phone to read me a book in the GPS lady’s voice through the speakers in my car.
Octavia Butler fans would enjoy this book. Harry Potter fans should also give it a read.
I’ve read and put to practice the advice that a writer should create a loveable character, and then run them through the worst situations imaginable. Dennis was my underdog here, for sure! O’Hagan really laid it on thick. It sure kept the pages turning. Figuratively, that is. I listened to this story via text to speech. I live in the future and can get my phone to read me a book in the GPS lady’s voice through the speakers in my car.
Octavia Butler fans would enjoy this book. Harry Potter fans should also give it a read.
November 10, 2017
Fantasy stories don't always gel with me so I was a little worried at the beginning of this book, as I found it difficult to get into. However, once the ball was rolling, I fell in love with the characters, particularly Dinnis, and enjoyed seeing their trials and tribulations. While at first I thought the story might be predictable, it didn't necessarily go the way I thought it would, which was good.
It's definitely a book I'd recommend to fans of fantasy, especially as it includes some great world building.
It's definitely a book I'd recommend to fans of fantasy, especially as it includes some great world building.
June 16, 2018
After the very first engaging scene, I was totally invested in the story. The family dynamics surrounding Dinnis, Ista and Mannok make for an interesting read. I must say that O’Hagan was often times masterful at building tension and suspense.
I generally judge books on three basic factors: readability, substance, and entertainment. In my opinion, the prose really flowed. There was enough depth to be stimulating, and the plot and characters were certainly entertaining.
I would definitely recommend this, and I can honestly say that I’m happy to have visited the Five Lands.
I generally judge books on three basic factors: readability, substance, and entertainment. In my opinion, the prose really flowed. There was enough depth to be stimulating, and the plot and characters were certainly entertaining.
I would definitely recommend this, and I can honestly say that I’m happy to have visited the Five Lands.
April 4, 2018
Looooooooooooove this! Read it. Read it now!!!
July 5, 2019
This fantasy story follows three main protagonists, the first two being Dinnis and Ista, young siblngs who have been sent to live with their great-grandfather, the mysterious and evil Akrad. Akrad rules over the Nolmec people using fear. He is mostly kind to Ista - Dinnis, however, is treated as little more than a slave, though he finds solace in the belief that his father will come to rescue both him and his sister. As the book unfolds, Akrad’s stronghold comes under attack by the Tamrin army, and, after an exciting battle with some surprising twists, Dinnis and Ista find themselves captured and on their way to live in the land of Tamrin. But there’s more afoot than it first seems, and for reasons that become clearer as the book unfolds, the brother and sister find themselves living in the castle of Kopok (King) Rokkan. This brings us to the third main character, Mannok, the son of Rokkan and heir to the throne of Tamrin. Mannok forges in instant friendship with Ista, though his relationship with Dinnis is more complicated.
This is a well-crafted tale from an author who obviously has experience in creating whole worlds. The character Dinnis is well fleshed-out. He’s smart, plotting, and sarcastic - spending his time alternately thinking of escape or simply trying to make the best of a life he didn’t ask for. His sister Ista is equally well-written. She’s shows signs of being power-hungry and conniving (a result of her upbringing), but wants to be a good person. These two conflicted characters are contrasted by Mannok, a simpler (yet not stupid) person who mostly just wants to make his father proud of him.
This book has everything you would want in a book about fantasy kingdoms - assassination attempts, shape-shifting forest folk, jealously, revenge, some magic, and a little romance. It’s appropriate for young teens, though adults will find a lot to like about it as well. It reaches a satisfying conclusion while still leaving a few unanswered questions to be tackled by the following entries in the series.
This is a well-crafted tale from an author who obviously has experience in creating whole worlds. The character Dinnis is well fleshed-out. He’s smart, plotting, and sarcastic - spending his time alternately thinking of escape or simply trying to make the best of a life he didn’t ask for. His sister Ista is equally well-written. She’s shows signs of being power-hungry and conniving (a result of her upbringing), but wants to be a good person. These two conflicted characters are contrasted by Mannok, a simpler (yet not stupid) person who mostly just wants to make his father proud of him.
This book has everything you would want in a book about fantasy kingdoms - assassination attempts, shape-shifting forest folk, jealously, revenge, some magic, and a little romance. It’s appropriate for young teens, though adults will find a lot to like about it as well. It reaches a satisfying conclusion while still leaving a few unanswered questions to be tackled by the following entries in the series.
March 23, 2018
Having read Tales from the Underground, this is the second time I’ve read something by Jeanette O'Hagan. Akrad’s children is a very ambitious book, spanning the formative years of the main character Dinnis and his sister and the trouble they get into surrounding the events that take place in the world around them, and what a world it is with so much culture, politics, and rich history. It wasn’t until I was halfway through the book that I realized there was a glossary at the back showing all of the connecting lineage and measurements and terms that are used, and with so much happening in the background, I feel I would have been more immersed if I’d known about this since the beginning. The betrayals and conflicts were thrilling and the descriptions were thorough, a little too thorough in places, but I felt they were needed to build the palace and world outside it. My only real criticism is a preference thing, where, with the combination of the warring themes with the clean writing style, I couldn't help but feel that more adult situations or language would have made them feel more real, but again, this is my preference and allows the story to have a wider demographic.
June 16, 2021
This book was a delight.
I enjoyed following the central characters across the years, watching them struggle with the expectations that others placed upon them. The decisions to set aside hatred and resentment in favour of love and forgiveness had unexpected consequences for one of them. Highly recommended
I enjoyed following the central characters across the years, watching them struggle with the expectations that others placed upon them. The decisions to set aside hatred and resentment in favour of love and forgiveness had unexpected consequences for one of them. Highly recommended
September 21, 2020
I loved this book, even though I am not a fancy reader. I could relate with Dinnis of not been wanted from anyone even his father. I am glad he had an happy ending. I would recommend this book to anyone
June 26, 2024
I love the way Jeanette weaves her stories; this one is no exception. Her characters are likeable and relatable, well, most of them- there's always an antagonist. I must get the sequel.
May 17, 2018
There is some great intrigue here in terms of family dynamics. The book is full of really wonderful prose – nice physical/environmental descriptors, and the use of smell is great.
That being said, I did have a little difficulty with the layout of the physical environment in the beginning (during the battle), and this was a crucial element in terms of cohesion. I would like to have been more certain of the approximate ages of the characters earlier, because it would have cleared up some confusion in terms of motivation for certain actions. There also could have been a bit more information revealed earlier about why the people look the way they do – it was interesting, but confounding until explained.
The story starts off with quite a bang, but the action is taken over by intrigue, which is fine, but it lagged a bit at times. The beauty of the prose keeps you going, though.
There are, too, enough minor editing issues to warrant comment. Overall the book is very well written, so these distractions should be taken care of. Also, there is an overly liberal use of ellipses, which is distracting.
It’s an interesting narrative with interesting characters and leads to a decent resolution.
That being said, I did have a little difficulty with the layout of the physical environment in the beginning (during the battle), and this was a crucial element in terms of cohesion. I would like to have been more certain of the approximate ages of the characters earlier, because it would have cleared up some confusion in terms of motivation for certain actions. There also could have been a bit more information revealed earlier about why the people look the way they do – it was interesting, but confounding until explained.
The story starts off with quite a bang, but the action is taken over by intrigue, which is fine, but it lagged a bit at times. The beauty of the prose keeps you going, though.
There are, too, enough minor editing issues to warrant comment. Overall the book is very well written, so these distractions should be taken care of. Also, there is an overly liberal use of ellipses, which is distracting.
It’s an interesting narrative with interesting characters and leads to a decent resolution.
July 16, 2018
Fantasy - coming of age
I very much enjoyed reading Akrad's Children, by Jeanette O'Hagan. O'Hagan illustrates a foreign world with two moons in a dark age to middle age setting. She uses some varied terms to distinguish the different races in her world along with differing physical attributes. O'Hagan is very successful in her description of each setting and also in her action scenes. I felt that this world would easily go on screen.
The story begins with a battle and some detailed violence. (Let the reader beware) Each chapter is dedicated to one of the main characters and their point of view as the story moves along. Akrad's Children spans approximately 8 years in the lives of three main characters growing up in the palace of the country of Tamrin. I enjoyed seeing how the characters developed into young men and a lady and I see a sequel being set up.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to fantasy lovers and my own adult children and 9 y.o. granddaughter. I would not describe this novel as swashbuckling. It has some exciting scenes, no doubt, but much of the novel rests on the inward thoughts of the characters and their relationship with their father. I would not regard this as a Christian novel as although the "Maker" is mentioned and a theme of forgiveness is eventually found, there is no dominate theme that portrays that the "Maker" has a central role in any character's life. One character is guided somewhat by a being that works for the Maker, but this theme seems to take a minor role in the novel as a whole.
In summary, I did get hooked enough that I would probably want to read a sequel to find out how these young people continue to develop.
I very much enjoyed reading Akrad's Children, by Jeanette O'Hagan. O'Hagan illustrates a foreign world with two moons in a dark age to middle age setting. She uses some varied terms to distinguish the different races in her world along with differing physical attributes. O'Hagan is very successful in her description of each setting and also in her action scenes. I felt that this world would easily go on screen.
The story begins with a battle and some detailed violence. (Let the reader beware) Each chapter is dedicated to one of the main characters and their point of view as the story moves along. Akrad's Children spans approximately 8 years in the lives of three main characters growing up in the palace of the country of Tamrin. I enjoyed seeing how the characters developed into young men and a lady and I see a sequel being set up.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to fantasy lovers and my own adult children and 9 y.o. granddaughter. I would not describe this novel as swashbuckling. It has some exciting scenes, no doubt, but much of the novel rests on the inward thoughts of the characters and their relationship with their father. I would not regard this as a Christian novel as although the "Maker" is mentioned and a theme of forgiveness is eventually found, there is no dominate theme that portrays that the "Maker" has a central role in any character's life. One character is guided somewhat by a being that works for the Maker, but this theme seems to take a minor role in the novel as a whole.
In summary, I did get hooked enough that I would probably want to read a sequel to find out how these young people continue to develop.
May 24, 2018
Everything I love about the fantasy genre!
Welcome to Narvda, an intriguing land fashioned by the world building savvy of author Jeanette O’Hagan. I was immersed immediately by beautiful descriptions and fine detail. The use of language is immensely thorough, but never flowery.
Although complex at times, the author does a fine job of cementing several different storylines. Point of view is changed often throughout the book, but the author had the foresight to include character names at the beginning of each chapter. Not necessary, but certainly appreciated by me.
Dinnis is by far the heart and soul of this book. He is treated unfairly in part because of his Nolmec Heritage, and because he just can’t catch a break. Of all of Akrad’s great grandchildren, I enjoyed him most.
This is a meaty tome with lots of set up, but the last 30% of the book is absolutely enchanting, and has me looking forward to the next book!
If George R. R. Martin wrote young adult fantasy, it would be in this vein.
I loved it!
Welcome to Narvda, an intriguing land fashioned by the world building savvy of author Jeanette O’Hagan. I was immersed immediately by beautiful descriptions and fine detail. The use of language is immensely thorough, but never flowery.
Although complex at times, the author does a fine job of cementing several different storylines. Point of view is changed often throughout the book, but the author had the foresight to include character names at the beginning of each chapter. Not necessary, but certainly appreciated by me.
Dinnis is by far the heart and soul of this book. He is treated unfairly in part because of his Nolmec Heritage, and because he just can’t catch a break. Of all of Akrad’s great grandchildren, I enjoyed him most.
This is a meaty tome with lots of set up, but the last 30% of the book is absolutely enchanting, and has me looking forward to the next book!
If George R. R. Martin wrote young adult fantasy, it would be in this vein.
I loved it!
September 12, 2019
A little on the long side for my tastes but ultimately quite satisfying. There's a huge cast of characters here (of which Dinnis was my favorite) and a wide range of fantasy races that seem like something right out of the whimsical Legend of Zelda series. I loved the prose (though it seems a little heavy for what felt like an intended YA audience) and, despite quite a few typos, had no issues immersing myself in the author's world.
The story kicks off with a great and very intense cold open before jumping back in time to when Dinnis was a boy and in the middle of an attack on his... well, not his home, but the place where he and his sister live. Things only get bigger and more panned-out from there, including a lot of entertaining palace intrigue.
Overall I enjoyed this trek out of my comfort zone and I'm looking forward to the sequel (though I do hope it's a little shorter).
The story kicks off with a great and very intense cold open before jumping back in time to when Dinnis was a boy and in the middle of an attack on his... well, not his home, but the place where he and his sister live. Things only get bigger and more panned-out from there, including a lot of entertaining palace intrigue.
Overall I enjoyed this trek out of my comfort zone and I'm looking forward to the sequel (though I do hope it's a little shorter).
April 29, 2019
Recap: Dinnis, Ista and Mannock - all children of Akrad, are brought together although only one will be the next Kapok. There's intrigue and plots, latent powers and political ambition - all good ingredients in a fantasy saga!
Review: Excellent world building with a well defined system of governance, established races and a hinted at magical system. The characters are believable right down to their nobility arrogance. Some foreshadowing of possible things to come in the next book so yay, next book!
Review: Excellent world building with a well defined system of governance, established races and a hinted at magical system. The characters are believable right down to their nobility arrogance. Some foreshadowing of possible things to come in the next book so yay, next book!
December 24, 2024
O'Hagan has single-handedly converted me into a fantasy reader! Well, of her books, at least. Having previously enjoyed her 'Under the Mountain' YA novella series, I found the more meaty full novel size offered in Akrad's Children to be a step-up in terms of satisfaction. I enjoyed the opportunity to engage more deeply with the interesting range of characters, and found myself a little bit spoilt indulging in the beauty of O'Hagan's descriptive elements. I look forward to reading more of this series.
February 19, 2018
I WANT TO EAT MAIZE-BREAD!
But seriously, everyone in Akrad’s Children eats it and it sounds delicious. Akrad’s Children is a great story about the the grandchildren of a powerful warlord, Akrad, who must live amongst their rival nation after the war is lost. The perspective shifts every chapter between three main characters, Dinnis, his younger sister Ista, and the prince of their rivals Mannok. The story is well told and kept my interest the entire time. They get into the rules and tensions of royal life, while adjusting to a land after the war is over. The king, or Kapok, travels across the country trying to spread peace, though tensions are still high.
The story has a very Game of Thrones feel to it--switching perspectives between characters, the politics of different royal families on the verge of war--albeit a Young Adult version. There’s no cursing, no sexual content, and minimal violence.
My favorite character is Dinnis and how clever he is at times, though that same cleverness gets him in trouble and under suspicion of plotting against the Kapok. There is one scene where he finally faces off with a rival of his in a wrestling match, and he uses the boy’s own force to lure him into a warrior ants’ nest, causing severe bug bites. Dinnis is a strong character to have put up with the hatred and prejudice against his kind and has had much patience dealing with it. It all comes into play in the finale when the chips are stacked against him and he must use his knowledge and patience to rise above.
The book flashes forward a couple times. Three years here, five years there. The children age pretty quickly. I think I would’ve liked it better if they were one age throughout the book and then the next book in the series shows them in their teens. But it still works well within context.
Now for the negative:
There are a lot of terms that are hard to catch on to. Kapok = king; Kupanna = queen; etc. But next to all the weird names (because they aren’t from our world) it’s easy to get lost and not know what is someone’s name, what is their title, what is a term of endearment or nickname people call them. There were also weird names for units of time and length, and they were hard to catch on. It took a couple chapters to figure out a majority of the language, and it wasn’t until I was halfway through the book that I realized there was a glossary and genealogy of the royal family. Definitely reference those as you read, because it will make it all the easier. I think if these strange terms were introduced slower, clearer, and more spaced out in the beginning, it would have been easier to grasp..
Also, there are grammatical errors here and there that should’ve been caught before it was published. It wasn’t distracting or anything, and even the most famous of authors have mistakes. But sometimes just having an extra pair of eyes look through it can catch a majority of them. One that confused me most was the name of a race of people: Silisean, is sometimes spelled Silesian, and it would jump between the two. For some time, I wasn’t sure which was the intended spelling.
If not for those two things, I think this book deserves 5 Stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
But seriously, everyone in Akrad’s Children eats it and it sounds delicious. Akrad’s Children is a great story about the the grandchildren of a powerful warlord, Akrad, who must live amongst their rival nation after the war is lost. The perspective shifts every chapter between three main characters, Dinnis, his younger sister Ista, and the prince of their rivals Mannok. The story is well told and kept my interest the entire time. They get into the rules and tensions of royal life, while adjusting to a land after the war is over. The king, or Kapok, travels across the country trying to spread peace, though tensions are still high.
The story has a very Game of Thrones feel to it--switching perspectives between characters, the politics of different royal families on the verge of war--albeit a Young Adult version. There’s no cursing, no sexual content, and minimal violence.
My favorite character is Dinnis and how clever he is at times, though that same cleverness gets him in trouble and under suspicion of plotting against the Kapok. There is one scene where he finally faces off with a rival of his in a wrestling match, and he uses the boy’s own force to lure him into a warrior ants’ nest, causing severe bug bites. Dinnis is a strong character to have put up with the hatred and prejudice against his kind and has had much patience dealing with it. It all comes into play in the finale when the chips are stacked against him and he must use his knowledge and patience to rise above.
The book flashes forward a couple times. Three years here, five years there. The children age pretty quickly. I think I would’ve liked it better if they were one age throughout the book and then the next book in the series shows them in their teens. But it still works well within context.
Now for the negative:
There are a lot of terms that are hard to catch on to. Kapok = king; Kupanna = queen; etc. But next to all the weird names (because they aren’t from our world) it’s easy to get lost and not know what is someone’s name, what is their title, what is a term of endearment or nickname people call them. There were also weird names for units of time and length, and they were hard to catch on. It took a couple chapters to figure out a majority of the language, and it wasn’t until I was halfway through the book that I realized there was a glossary and genealogy of the royal family. Definitely reference those as you read, because it will make it all the easier. I think if these strange terms were introduced slower, clearer, and more spaced out in the beginning, it would have been easier to grasp..
Also, there are grammatical errors here and there that should’ve been caught before it was published. It wasn’t distracting or anything, and even the most famous of authors have mistakes. But sometimes just having an extra pair of eyes look through it can catch a majority of them. One that confused me most was the name of a race of people: Silisean, is sometimes spelled Silesian, and it would jump between the two. For some time, I wasn’t sure which was the intended spelling.
If not for those two things, I think this book deserves 5 Stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 10, 2019
Akrad’s Children takes place in a fantasy world loosely based on American pre-Columbian civilizations, replete with chili beans and pot plants. The author has given a lot of thought to the building of this world, right down to made up measures of time and distance, and calling men’s Adam’s apples ‘speech buds,’ because in this world Adam and his apple would never have existed. There is a glossary and genealogies and a map in the back, which all attest to work that has gone into conceiving this world. As I started reading, I was looking forward to spending some time under the two moons of Nardva.
Unfortunately, O’Hagan’s plodding, commonplace prose never gives the reader a feeling this world has been lived in. The action doesn’t come alive. The characters are two-dimensional, and the dialogue is forced and unnatural. Another drawback is that this book does not really have a shape. The first chapter throws the reader into a climactic moment; presumably the author thought she needed to ‘hook’ the reader. Then, after the first chapter, we go back to a time a few years earlier and events are narrated chronologically, ultimately leading to the dramatic scene the book started with. While this moment is something of a turning point, it is not really climactic and I don’t see what was gained by doing it this way. The story doesn’t actually have a climax, because there isn’t actually a story. This is something that so often drives me mad with books that are part of a series: there is no plot, there are only plot lines, with no recognizable beginning or denouement.
I realize I am not the target audience for this book. This is not the sort of thing I would ordinarily read, and perhaps I am hyper-critical. I do my best to recall my younger self, to see if that self would have been happier with this work than the old curmudgeon writing this. I suspect not. I think the author has misjudged her audience, and I would guess the readers this is aimed at will not see themselves in the characters of this book.
There are also more than the allowable number of typos, which speaks to editorial effort. Overall, I was disappointed. However, if some readers more undemanding than myself want to spend a few hours in a colorful fantasy setting, consorting with some amiable young folks, maybe they will find this fits the bill.
Unfortunately, O’Hagan’s plodding, commonplace prose never gives the reader a feeling this world has been lived in. The action doesn’t come alive. The characters are two-dimensional, and the dialogue is forced and unnatural. Another drawback is that this book does not really have a shape. The first chapter throws the reader into a climactic moment; presumably the author thought she needed to ‘hook’ the reader. Then, after the first chapter, we go back to a time a few years earlier and events are narrated chronologically, ultimately leading to the dramatic scene the book started with. While this moment is something of a turning point, it is not really climactic and I don’t see what was gained by doing it this way. The story doesn’t actually have a climax, because there isn’t actually a story. This is something that so often drives me mad with books that are part of a series: there is no plot, there are only plot lines, with no recognizable beginning or denouement.
I realize I am not the target audience for this book. This is not the sort of thing I would ordinarily read, and perhaps I am hyper-critical. I do my best to recall my younger self, to see if that self would have been happier with this work than the old curmudgeon writing this. I suspect not. I think the author has misjudged her audience, and I would guess the readers this is aimed at will not see themselves in the characters of this book.
There are also more than the allowable number of typos, which speaks to editorial effort. Overall, I was disappointed. However, if some readers more undemanding than myself want to spend a few hours in a colorful fantasy setting, consorting with some amiable young folks, maybe they will find this fits the bill.
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