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Identity
Sometimes to reach your destiny, you must change. Even if it means the death of a life you dreamed of.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 15, 2018
This is a relaxed fantasy, and while it appears to be Book 2 in a series, it does not appear to be dependent on Book 1. It starts out by identifying some characters, and one of them, Shalini, is a magician who is training young aspiring magicians. She meets two brothers. One is beating up some peasant, and she stops him, and threatens severe harm, but the other brother stops her. This, apparently triggers off a rather bad prophecy. The bully will go away and become an evil tyrant, and there are few options to stop him; that was one of the few used up. That is a good start to a fantasy. A clear problem – stop the tyrant, and a prophecy that seems to say, that is not possible unless, and we don't know "unless what". The young magicians and some others are taken on a tour of the realm to gather support for the oncoming battle, and we find the realm is a number of areas with different races, with elves, dwarfs, giants, and peasants who unfortunately have no magic. Our troop have magic, but each is different. Now the author spends many pages exploring each race, zone, and the characters' abilities, their growing up, their feelings towards each other, and their growing sexual inclinations.
My difficulty with all this is the plot did not really go anywhere. We have a clear problem, and it is fair enough to gather resoures, but to spend ten years doing it and not much else happening is not my sort of book The world building is exceptional, the writing is clear but the dialogue tends to be on long paragraphs and the author declines to use tags where possible, so sometimes I found it difficult to be sure who was saying what to whom. The expression of feelings also gets bit repetitive. Characterization is weak. I say that because for me, character comes from doing something, and much of the time they do not do anything but talk. To summarise, if you want world building and a wide range of characters, this is for you. If you want a plot that moves forward, it is not. The grading given is on the basis you do not want action or plot movement.
My difficulty with all this is the plot did not really go anywhere. We have a clear problem, and it is fair enough to gather resoures, but to spend ten years doing it and not much else happening is not my sort of book The world building is exceptional, the writing is clear but the dialogue tends to be on long paragraphs and the author declines to use tags where possible, so sometimes I found it difficult to be sure who was saying what to whom. The expression of feelings also gets bit repetitive. Characterization is weak. I say that because for me, character comes from doing something, and much of the time they do not do anything but talk. To summarise, if you want world building and a wide range of characters, this is for you. If you want a plot that moves forward, it is not. The grading given is on the basis you do not want action or plot movement.
February 10, 2018
Identity is the second book in the Salinor book series and as exciting as the first. In fact first time readers would not feel anything lacking if they didnt read the first book, but, definitely the first book had much history that is not much repeated here. Identity has new set of characters who are brave, equipped and charismatic. My favorite was Shalini who despite being a gifted fighter chose to start a special school for children so that she could mold them into better human beings who would grow up to be responsible adults and contribute in the unity.
The book is interesting on many levels. First the story line is unique and very refreshing. Secondly the tale has many words of wisdom sewn into its very fabric that teaches people to be selfless, courageous, patient, compassionate, humble and other virtues. Thirdly, there is humor to be found in almost all the chapters. The book therefore makes an ideal read.
The book is interesting on many levels. First the story line is unique and very refreshing. Secondly the tale has many words of wisdom sewn into its very fabric that teaches people to be selfless, courageous, patient, compassionate, humble and other virtues. Thirdly, there is humor to be found in almost all the chapters. The book therefore makes an ideal read.
February 12, 2018
'My magic is faulty. I’m becoming a little obsessive about you. I’m beyond loving you’
Bermuda author Samuel Alexander has published nine books to date. He is also a musician, a poet and a composer. To read his blog posts produces a sense of longing to bolster the aspirations of this obviously gifted artist. He is immersed in his calling to write and it is time for his work to enjoy a wider readership.
Classifying Samuel genre for this new series depends on the entry point in the readers mind. The writing is fluid, richly painted and full of exotic concepts. There is a sense of an epic: the Book 2 further invites us to a strange and fascinating realm that is becoming more familiar with this new entry in the series.
The story soars the imagination, in part because the writing is so lush. Samuel names his many chapters after the characters in the story – Cherann, Shalini, Tree, Cortell, Drak, Lynton, Tilal, Janon, Queen Nafari, and Lela. To taste the flavor of this novel it is best to sample the eloquent writing from the opening page: ‘Another beautiful day in paradise. It feels good to be Atorathian. These were just some of the thoughts going through Cherann’s mind as she walked through the streets of Nera. She was a soldier of good ranking in the Keldonian army and hadn’t been on her home soil in a few months. She was looking forward to the solitude of the main city; maybe going through the garden maze at Leanor’s temple. Just taking in as much of the land in which she was raised as possible. Travelling had been quite an experience. She didn’t want to get stuck in the trap that the provinces were getting into: believing one was better than the other. In her mind, the best way to avoid the rut was to intentionally put her skills to use in another province and travel with people that weren’t her own. Being based with the Keldonians was something she had grown to love tremendously. They were very in touch with nature. It was no wonder that out of all the bad things said about the provinces, none were said about them. Somehow they never lost the understanding of the War of Beginning. As she entered a busy pub, she almost recanted her first thoughts. However, there was an empty table in a far corner where she hoped that she could drink in solitude. If she were lucky, no one in the town would recognise her. As she sat down, she was glad that even though people recognised her, they seemed happy to allow her the comforts of quietness in a noisy bar. In fact, she was so lost in her thoughts that she managed to down three mugs of ale before her peace was crudely destroyed. “Cherann!” She rolled her eyes and pretended not to hear this person. “Cherann. Don’t stare in the mug like you don’t hear me. You come back after months in the early hours and then slip away before morning break. And you’ve had drink without buying me one.” “Without buying you one? You’re a working man.” “But you’re a soldier of high standing. You make much more than a lowly farm assistant.” “An extra strong drought for the boy,” she said as a server approached the table. “So how are you, Dent?” “Just glad to see my sister. How was it this time?” “Great. I love it in Keldon. This is why I live there. Atorath will always be my home, but it calms me there. I feel whole.”
The story rambles a bit – and that is not a problem: it allows the reader to absorb all the elements of this strange place: Salinor is a fantasy land of peasants and magicians, the land of Atorathians, Keldonians and Mironians, populated by sorceresses, spirits, passion, lust, and a fervent desire to overcome the odds that threaten. ‘Sometimes to reach your destiny, you must change. Even if it means the death of a life you dreamed of.’
Recommendation? Read this novel and follow this young author closely. All the seeds are here, waiting to fully bloom.
Bermuda author Samuel Alexander has published nine books to date. He is also a musician, a poet and a composer. To read his blog posts produces a sense of longing to bolster the aspirations of this obviously gifted artist. He is immersed in his calling to write and it is time for his work to enjoy a wider readership.
Classifying Samuel genre for this new series depends on the entry point in the readers mind. The writing is fluid, richly painted and full of exotic concepts. There is a sense of an epic: the Book 2 further invites us to a strange and fascinating realm that is becoming more familiar with this new entry in the series.
The story soars the imagination, in part because the writing is so lush. Samuel names his many chapters after the characters in the story – Cherann, Shalini, Tree, Cortell, Drak, Lynton, Tilal, Janon, Queen Nafari, and Lela. To taste the flavor of this novel it is best to sample the eloquent writing from the opening page: ‘Another beautiful day in paradise. It feels good to be Atorathian. These were just some of the thoughts going through Cherann’s mind as she walked through the streets of Nera. She was a soldier of good ranking in the Keldonian army and hadn’t been on her home soil in a few months. She was looking forward to the solitude of the main city; maybe going through the garden maze at Leanor’s temple. Just taking in as much of the land in which she was raised as possible. Travelling had been quite an experience. She didn’t want to get stuck in the trap that the provinces were getting into: believing one was better than the other. In her mind, the best way to avoid the rut was to intentionally put her skills to use in another province and travel with people that weren’t her own. Being based with the Keldonians was something she had grown to love tremendously. They were very in touch with nature. It was no wonder that out of all the bad things said about the provinces, none were said about them. Somehow they never lost the understanding of the War of Beginning. As she entered a busy pub, she almost recanted her first thoughts. However, there was an empty table in a far corner where she hoped that she could drink in solitude. If she were lucky, no one in the town would recognise her. As she sat down, she was glad that even though people recognised her, they seemed happy to allow her the comforts of quietness in a noisy bar. In fact, she was so lost in her thoughts that she managed to down three mugs of ale before her peace was crudely destroyed. “Cherann!” She rolled her eyes and pretended not to hear this person. “Cherann. Don’t stare in the mug like you don’t hear me. You come back after months in the early hours and then slip away before morning break. And you’ve had drink without buying me one.” “Without buying you one? You’re a working man.” “But you’re a soldier of high standing. You make much more than a lowly farm assistant.” “An extra strong drought for the boy,” she said as a server approached the table. “So how are you, Dent?” “Just glad to see my sister. How was it this time?” “Great. I love it in Keldon. This is why I live there. Atorath will always be my home, but it calms me there. I feel whole.”
The story rambles a bit – and that is not a problem: it allows the reader to absorb all the elements of this strange place: Salinor is a fantasy land of peasants and magicians, the land of Atorathians, Keldonians and Mironians, populated by sorceresses, spirits, passion, lust, and a fervent desire to overcome the odds that threaten. ‘Sometimes to reach your destiny, you must change. Even if it means the death of a life you dreamed of.’
Recommendation? Read this novel and follow this young author closely. All the seeds are here, waiting to fully bloom.
March 10, 2018
I haven't read the first book in this series, but I must say that I managed to do just fine with this one and I didn't feel like I am jumping in the middle of something I don't understand.
We meet the characters, their world and basics of the plot fairly quickly, and from there we have some typical fantasy ingredients, such as magic, creatures, high stakes fights and so on. The pacing and action are on point, and the author packed in a surprising amount of emotion and gravitas on characters. Too bad I didn't really like most of the characters, something didn't quite clicked for me there, but that doesn't have mean anything. Maybe it is just me.
Writing style is really, really good, even excellent. The author obviously has skills and knows what to do with his sentences, how to phrase things and describe something in an imaginative and magnetic way. That is probably my favorite take from this novel, I really enjoyed going through the pages, even when I was not that invested in characters or what is going on.
For fantasy fans, this is a good find, and if the first and third installment are good as this one, it is worth the time and effort.
We meet the characters, their world and basics of the plot fairly quickly, and from there we have some typical fantasy ingredients, such as magic, creatures, high stakes fights and so on. The pacing and action are on point, and the author packed in a surprising amount of emotion and gravitas on characters. Too bad I didn't really like most of the characters, something didn't quite clicked for me there, but that doesn't have mean anything. Maybe it is just me.
Writing style is really, really good, even excellent. The author obviously has skills and knows what to do with his sentences, how to phrase things and describe something in an imaginative and magnetic way. That is probably my favorite take from this novel, I really enjoyed going through the pages, even when I was not that invested in characters or what is going on.
For fantasy fans, this is a good find, and if the first and third installment are good as this one, it is worth the time and effort.
February 16, 2018
Samuel Alexander lead us once again on a magnificente trip around the magical realm he created to serve as the scenary for the Salinor Beginnings series. This book is the second and the title is really well-chosen as it seems that we now have a deeper and better understanding of the identity of the characters, but also of the writing identity of the author. The writing is rich, complex, fluid. Characters and settings are vividly described creating an amazing fantasy world in our mind.
Althou being the second in the series, this is a book you can perfectly read independently. You will understand the story if this is our first contact with the series. There’s some very developments in here (compared to the first book). This is a much more mature writing and one can tell the difference. The pace coould be a bit faster as some passages seem to continue for too long, making the reader get distracted or anxious to get to the point. As in real life, patience is a virtue that will make us win in the end.
Althou being the second in the series, this is a book you can perfectly read independently. You will understand the story if this is our first contact with the series. There’s some very developments in here (compared to the first book). This is a much more mature writing and one can tell the difference. The pace coould be a bit faster as some passages seem to continue for too long, making the reader get distracted or anxious to get to the point. As in real life, patience is a virtue that will make us win in the end.
February 20, 2018
'Sometimes to reach your destiny, you must change. Even if it means the death of a life you dreamed of'
Currently, I’m not having the best time of my life, there are circumstances that are making everything harder than it seems, so just by reading that description I was already touched. However, that does not stop me from reading and of course enjoying this book.
Magic is everywhere and unlike others genres it can still be amazingly portrayed in this kind of stories, is a light story, the plot is clear and understandable, I enjoy it overall, the characters are well developed and this world is exciting from beginning to end.
It’s not perfect, there are noticeable flaws, mostly about the pace of the story and some of the dialogues, some of them don’t really add anything to the story or provide anything useful and are too long, not the point of being tedious but still unnecessary. But still I encourage you to read the first book and then this one to fully comprehend everything, it’s worth your attention, don’t miss this gem.
Currently, I’m not having the best time of my life, there are circumstances that are making everything harder than it seems, so just by reading that description I was already touched. However, that does not stop me from reading and of course enjoying this book.
Magic is everywhere and unlike others genres it can still be amazingly portrayed in this kind of stories, is a light story, the plot is clear and understandable, I enjoy it overall, the characters are well developed and this world is exciting from beginning to end.
It’s not perfect, there are noticeable flaws, mostly about the pace of the story and some of the dialogues, some of them don’t really add anything to the story or provide anything useful and are too long, not the point of being tedious but still unnecessary. But still I encourage you to read the first book and then this one to fully comprehend everything, it’s worth your attention, don’t miss this gem.
February 14, 2018
Identity (Salinor the Beginnings Book 2) by Samuel Alexander is a beautifully written story. Alexander certainly knows how to write and how to pull the reader into the story. While not required, it might be helpful to read the first in this series,though this title stands well on it's own. Each chapter is described by one of the characters in the story, making for an engaging and different approach. We start with CherAnn and it moves on from there. These different perspectives encapsulate the beauty of the book and the surroundings described therein, containing the lushness of Salinor and letting us in on the secret of this magical place. Truly a fantasy based book that fascinates, rambles around a bit, but ultimately is entertaining and enthralling mostly due to the language, the setting, and the emotional pull of the characters. Highly recommend and looking forward to more from this author.
February 23, 2018
Stand alone or 2nd book in a series either way it’s a good read!
Identity is the second book of Samuel Alexander’s Salinor The Beginings series. Though it’s the second book, I started with this book and easily followed it as I would have a stand alone book. Alexander introduced the characters as if we were meeting them for the first time and the time of the book was definitely not dependent on content from the first book which is really nice! It’s a pretty easy going fantasy novel that is built around and interesting new magical world with a romantic feel to it. I can’t decide if I love or hate that each chapter was written from a different characters view point. It made for an interesting twist to the storyline but at the same time it can get confusing especially when you’re just getting into the previous characters chapter! I will definitely check out the rest of the series though, this was an easy read that was relaxing and kept me entertained.
Identity is the second book of Samuel Alexander’s Salinor The Beginings series. Though it’s the second book, I started with this book and easily followed it as I would have a stand alone book. Alexander introduced the characters as if we were meeting them for the first time and the time of the book was definitely not dependent on content from the first book which is really nice! It’s a pretty easy going fantasy novel that is built around and interesting new magical world with a romantic feel to it. I can’t decide if I love or hate that each chapter was written from a different characters view point. It made for an interesting twist to the storyline but at the same time it can get confusing especially when you’re just getting into the previous characters chapter! I will definitely check out the rest of the series though, this was an easy read that was relaxing and kept me entertained.
February 22, 2018
Identity (Salinor the Beginnings Book 2) written by Samuel Alexander is the second book in the series, and is as good, if not better than the first! I absolutely am in love with this series and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good fantasy novel. I do recommend that you read the first book before this one, as it gives a really good background of the story and background to the few characters that made it from the first to the second, as well as those referenced to, but this book would be good as a stand-alone, as it is extremely well written and does go into some detail so the reader will not be lost. This book I found to be more action packed than the first and the new characters were not only believable but well developed. If you like a book involving magic, lore, and a good and evil plot, you’ll love this book. I really enjoyed Identity, and highly recommend it!
February 24, 2018
This book by Samuel Alexander is the second novel in his Salinor the Beginnings Series. It tells the story of many different characters that have to go through quite a few quests and fights to succeed in their kingdom. For instance, one character is required to kill a member of his family, but finds that he can’t do so which causes a major catastrophe for the world of Salinor.
The characters are well-developed and help to make this story even more interesting with their own unique quirks and personalities. At 266 pages it might be a little bit of a long read for some. However, inside you’ll find plenty of interesting characters and incredible imagery thanks to Alexander’s unique writing style. While some parts were a little fast and difficult to understand, if you’re a fantasy fan, definitely check this book out. It’s an interesting novel in this genre and will leave you captivated.
The characters are well-developed and help to make this story even more interesting with their own unique quirks and personalities. At 266 pages it might be a little bit of a long read for some. However, inside you’ll find plenty of interesting characters and incredible imagery thanks to Alexander’s unique writing style. While some parts were a little fast and difficult to understand, if you’re a fantasy fan, definitely check this book out. It’s an interesting novel in this genre and will leave you captivated.
March 18, 2018
Identity does a fascinating job developing a realm of magicians, builders, healers, and peasants. While there are mature characters who have seen much in heir lives such as legendary warrior Cherann and renowned magician Shalili, there are also young characters who play an important role in the fate of Salinor. The idea of Identity can reflect the path that follows their destiny foretold by seers and dreams. It can also reflect the journey into the youths' teens and adulthood as they discover more about their talents, bodies, and emotions. While they are working together to remove evil from leading the realm and bring peace back to Salinor, it seems to take a long time. This makes the reader often question the main plot of the story. It can stand alone from Book 1, but it connects the series well.
February 21, 2018
I purchased the second book thinking it was the first, but no worries! The book starts of with plenty of explanation for anyone to pick up with the second book with ease. The magicians are new concepts to the world of fantasy and there is a lot that is explained throughout the book but not a lot that really pulls you in. For me, it was not as action packed as I would have hoped but it is a good fantasy story you can kind of engulf yourself in.
I do think the author could have used more direction from their editor. There are a few confusing concepts and parts that I kind of get lost in. I think this can often happen with fantasy novels and trying to bring someone else into this world. Often times this is helped with a little bit of history or just simplifying the story a bit.
March 3, 2018
Although this is the second in a series, it can be read as a standalone. I jumped into it with no problem with the characters are introduced and the plot taking off perfectly. The descriptions are marvelous, and you feel transported to another fantasy world. The dialogue is done well too, and there is some erotic language/scenes that surprised me, so be prepared. There are many lovable characters and my personal favorite was Shalini...but there are many to love! The plot is good, and there is lots of action for an easy-going fantasy read. I was not disappointed with the book, and I did enjoy the romance aspect sprinkled throughout, but the erotica seemed a bit too much for me. Otherwise, fantasy lovers will enjoy this book and Alexander created a magical world for all to enjoy.
February 13, 2018
Great follow up to the original story
This is the second book in the series and much like the first, it does not disappoint. This is a fun fantasy based story that finds the new characters that have been introduced blend nicely with our main characters from the first book. I like Cherann and her selfless sacrifice to help others. A real down to earth charachter that is easy to relate to and fun to follow along her journey. I recommend reading the first book in this series but it is not required reading in order to understand what is happening in this story. Check this one out and enjoy the well developed characters and the story as it unfolds.
This is the second book in the series and much like the first, it does not disappoint. This is a fun fantasy based story that finds the new characters that have been introduced blend nicely with our main characters from the first book. I like Cherann and her selfless sacrifice to help others. A real down to earth charachter that is easy to relate to and fun to follow along her journey. I recommend reading the first book in this series but it is not required reading in order to understand what is happening in this story. Check this one out and enjoy the well developed characters and the story as it unfolds.
February 16, 2018
A fantasy imaginative fiction series with theme of finding own’s identity, sacrifice and challenges within own self with a touch of fun humor. I have not read the first book and I did miss the background, though beyond that it felt complete. The characters are well thought and developed and seems to fit the story and represent the theme in their own ways. If you are fan of fantasy fiction this one is good read.
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