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Raven Son #3
The Heart of the World
A land destroyed by war. An army of giants on the rampage. Can a crippled girl heal the world before it dies?
All 16-year-old Khaidu ever wanted was her own hunting eagle. Her ten brothers laugh at her. The rule-bound world of the Gumiren nomads has no place for a girl hunter, much less a crippled one. But Khaidu has a secret. She masters the ancient magic of eagle-binding and captures the largest eagle her tribe has ever seen.
Except her eagle isn’t an eagle at all. She’s a dying queen under an enchantment. Khaidu’s binding unlocks an ancient curse of blood and loss. As the curse turns Khaidu’s people against each other, the bond between eagle and hunter shatters. To find her lost eagle, Khaidu will brave monstrous beasts, face an army of shape-shifting giants, and cross the known world…only to be faced with a terrible truth.
If Khaidu cannot save the queen in time, the world itself may die with her.
The Garden in the Heart of the World is the third book in an epic fantasy series. Inspired by the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Bright Falcon,” it features complex characters, gorgeous magical landscapes, and unexpected plot twists. If you like creative twists on myths and legends and classic fantasy, then you’ll love Nicholas Kotar’s sweeping tale.
All 16-year-old Khaidu ever wanted was her own hunting eagle. Her ten brothers laugh at her. The rule-bound world of the Gumiren nomads has no place for a girl hunter, much less a crippled one. But Khaidu has a secret. She masters the ancient magic of eagle-binding and captures the largest eagle her tribe has ever seen.
Except her eagle isn’t an eagle at all. She’s a dying queen under an enchantment. Khaidu’s binding unlocks an ancient curse of blood and loss. As the curse turns Khaidu’s people against each other, the bond between eagle and hunter shatters. To find her lost eagle, Khaidu will brave monstrous beasts, face an army of shape-shifting giants, and cross the known world…only to be faced with a terrible truth.
If Khaidu cannot save the queen in time, the world itself may die with her.
The Garden in the Heart of the World is the third book in an epic fantasy series. Inspired by the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Bright Falcon,” it features complex characters, gorgeous magical landscapes, and unexpected plot twists. If you like creative twists on myths and legends and classic fantasy, then you’ll love Nicholas Kotar’s sweeping tale.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2018
28 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Kotar
39 books372 followersNicholas Kotar is a writer of epic fantasy inspired by Russian fairy tales, a freelance translator from Russian to English, the resident conductor of the men's choir at a Russian monastery in the middle of nowhere, and a semi-professional vocalist. His one great regret in life is that he was not born in the nineteenth century in St. Petersburg, but he is doing everything he can to remedy that error.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 20, 2023
I read this book when it was first released, after absolutely loving the first two installments in the series. I wanted to write a review right away, but I had to put it aside and stew on it for a while. There was a lot to process. I wish, I really wish I could give this book five stars, but I have extremely mixed feelings about it for reasons which I hope I can make clear.
First of all, Nicholas Kotar is a fantastic writer, and this is an absolute page-turner. He has the gift of writing an incredible story and in many ways this is one of the best books I have ever read. When reading the final chapters, I had to put down the book a couple times just to allow myself to breathe, it was so intense. I am not generally an overly sensitive or impressionable reader, so that is not something I ever remember experiencing before. The ending is world-shattering and heartbreaking beyond what I had thought possible in a novel. As far as plot goes, I think the same criticism goes for this book as for the first one: the book could have been much longer. The plot is complex enough and the cast of characters crowded enough that I think it could have held the weight of a book twice as long. As it was it was a bit head-spinning sometimes to keep up with the pace. On the other hand, that contributed to the breathtaking, thrilling experience, so it is not necessarily a bad thing.
The problems with the book are not, however, with how the plot is written or how exciting it is. The problem is on the spiritual side of the book; I believe in that regard, it slips and loses its footing more than once. This book is dark; in my opinion, too dark. I think it crosses the line, on more than one occasion, into unhealthy fixation on evil; looking on evil, and enjoying a little bit. It is disturbing, and this is all the more unexpected since the author professes to be trying to provide an alternative to what he calls "grimdark" (i.e., Game of Thrones). Yet I suspect this is may be a case of trying so hard not to be something that you end up emulating it rather more than otherwise. I don't think there is any necessity or justification for including the disturbing sexual violence in the book, or the gruesome violence against children. No, it's not graphic or particularly detailed, but you still come away from some scenes feeling vaguely defiled. Yes, there is some measure of redemption later, but somehow it doesn't feel like it heals the wounds of the evil that came before it.
I know it is possible to write books that explores the depths of human depravity without at the same time wallowing in it (Dickens and Hugo managed it, among others), but it seems that nowadays that has become impossible for us collectively. Perhaps a book like this is be best that that can be produced out of a disintegrating society like ours, and that is kind of disheartening. If a Christian author like Kotar, writing from (what was once) a spiritual bastion like Jordanville, cannot manage it nowadays, who can?
First of all, Nicholas Kotar is a fantastic writer, and this is an absolute page-turner. He has the gift of writing an incredible story and in many ways this is one of the best books I have ever read. When reading the final chapters, I had to put down the book a couple times just to allow myself to breathe, it was so intense. I am not generally an overly sensitive or impressionable reader, so that is not something I ever remember experiencing before. The ending is world-shattering and heartbreaking beyond what I had thought possible in a novel. As far as plot goes, I think the same criticism goes for this book as for the first one: the book could have been much longer. The plot is complex enough and the cast of characters crowded enough that I think it could have held the weight of a book twice as long. As it was it was a bit head-spinning sometimes to keep up with the pace. On the other hand, that contributed to the breathtaking, thrilling experience, so it is not necessarily a bad thing.
The problems with the book are not, however, with how the plot is written or how exciting it is. The problem is on the spiritual side of the book; I believe in that regard, it slips and loses its footing more than once. This book is dark; in my opinion, too dark. I think it crosses the line, on more than one occasion, into unhealthy fixation on evil; looking on evil, and enjoying a little bit. It is disturbing, and this is all the more unexpected since the author professes to be trying to provide an alternative to what he calls "grimdark" (i.e., Game of Thrones). Yet I suspect this is may be a case of trying so hard not to be something that you end up emulating it rather more than otherwise. I don't think there is any necessity or justification for including the disturbing sexual violence in the book, or the gruesome violence against children. No, it's not graphic or particularly detailed, but you still come away from some scenes feeling vaguely defiled. Yes, there is some measure of redemption later, but somehow it doesn't feel like it heals the wounds of the evil that came before it.
I know it is possible to write books that explores the depths of human depravity without at the same time wallowing in it (Dickens and Hugo managed it, among others), but it seems that nowadays that has become impossible for us collectively. Perhaps a book like this is be best that that can be produced out of a disintegrating society like ours, and that is kind of disheartening. If a Christian author like Kotar, writing from (what was once) a spiritual bastion like Jordanville, cannot manage it nowadays, who can?
December 30, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better. Quite a few plot twists that I wasn't expecting, with the same engaging writing style that seems to getting more refined with each book.
Khaidu, despite being a new character, is an enjoyable one. I'm also enjoying watching Voran come into his own. The Christ-like parallelism is a bit heavy handed at times, though. He literally takes on everyone's pain at multiple times in the story, causing damage to his own body. And if that wasn't enough, now he's going through something like Hades to get to the bottom of things, and set reality right. The orthodoxy is oozing from the pages. But wait, there's more. Voran's now got The Raven pestering him in his mind now, kind of like the devil continuously tempted a certain someone else for some time.
Again, it doesn't bother me too much, but if I'm thinking about this while I'm reading instead of engrossed in the story itself, it means that the brush used was heavier than it needed to be.
Khaidu, despite being a new character, is an enjoyable one. I'm also enjoying watching Voran come into his own. The Christ-like parallelism is a bit heavy handed at times, though. He literally takes on everyone's pain at multiple times in the story, causing damage to his own body. And if that wasn't enough, now he's going through something like Hades to get to the bottom of things, and set reality right. The orthodoxy is oozing from the pages. But wait, there's more. Voran's now got The Raven pestering him in his mind now, kind of like the devil continuously tempted a certain someone else for some time.
Again, it doesn't bother me too much, but if I'm thinking about this while I'm reading instead of engrossed in the story itself, it means that the brush used was heavier than it needed to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2018
The highly developed writing style I enjoy and have come to expect from Kotar is evident yet again, in this 3rd book of the ‘Raven Son’ series.
While some authors’ follow up books lack the strength, intensity & polish of the first, this is far from the case here. Kotar continues to provide us with a wonderful, complex story. His characters develop and grow. Unique worlds unfold with his magical descriptions - setting detailed scenes with a cleverly worded sentence or two.
If you enjoy the complexity of classic fantasy, (and I do), this book, this series, is definitely worth a read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
While some authors’ follow up books lack the strength, intensity & polish of the first, this is far from the case here. Kotar continues to provide us with a wonderful, complex story. His characters develop and grow. Unique worlds unfold with his magical descriptions - setting detailed scenes with a cleverly worded sentence or two.
If you enjoy the complexity of classic fantasy, (and I do), this book, this series, is definitely worth a read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 3, 2018
While I really liked the book, it was a page turner and I was eager to see how it was going to resolve, I was totally disappointed to discover that this is not a trilogy but a series. Well written and engaging, but I like books to come to an end. I like books that have a resolution to them, hopefully one that I consider good. But i am not a patient reader, so have no intention of reading a series forever.
August 7, 2023
My rating and this review is for the Raven son series as a whole. There are no spoilers.
There’s a principle in authentic Thai cooking. In order for a dish to be what it should be, the five tastes (salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and creamy) must be in balance. It’s that principle that surfaced in my mind when I finished reading the Raven Son series, to which this book belongs.
We’ve likely all read books that were poor mashups of epic fantasy, folk lore, and fairy tales. It’s a kitchen sink, easter eggs galore approach that rewards readers with little dopamine hits every time they find themselves saying ‘Ah! I recognize!’, or ‘Oh! I remember!’, or ‘Hah! Clever me! I caught the subtle allusion!’ and sells books – eminently forgettable books, because they’re not conscientiously crafted balanced dishes, but it does sell them.
This is where Nicholas Kotar’s Raven Son series earned its five stars from me. He incorporated Russian folk lore, fairy tales, and epic fantasy in an intentional and balanced way, and it worked. Further, he incorporated themes worth thinking about, the kinds of themes from the best old fairy tales that can help form the moral imagination. He did that without becoming overbearingly preachy, keeping the story the sort of story that a reader could enjoy sitting in a chair by the stove on a cold Russian night (even if that particular reader was reading in the triple digit temperatures of a central California summer).
Five flavors: folk lore, fairy tales, epic fantasy, fuel for the moral imagination, and genuine good story – Kotar hit his balance, and it’s that balance that earned these five stars. I don’t know if anyone will be reading the Raven Son series in 200 years, but I know that I will read it more than once.
Notes on series structure: Five books, the second and fourth of which are novella length works that serve as passageways of a sort from one part of the series to the next. Passageways are, after all, important in fairy tales. Don’t think of them as skippable, though, the second book was my personal favorite of the series and introduced the character I liked (or maybe just understood) best.
Notes on the audiobooks: I went back and forth between print and audio throughout the series depending on my reading circumstances. At first it was a little jarring to me that the text was so deeply Russian and the narrator was so obviously … not. If I had not been on a long car trip when I was starting the first book, I probably would not have continued with the audio, but the narrator gradually won me over with good characterization and excellent consistency and I ended up going back and forth between the print and audio versions through all five books.
There’s a principle in authentic Thai cooking. In order for a dish to be what it should be, the five tastes (salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and creamy) must be in balance. It’s that principle that surfaced in my mind when I finished reading the Raven Son series, to which this book belongs.
We’ve likely all read books that were poor mashups of epic fantasy, folk lore, and fairy tales. It’s a kitchen sink, easter eggs galore approach that rewards readers with little dopamine hits every time they find themselves saying ‘Ah! I recognize!’, or ‘Oh! I remember!’, or ‘Hah! Clever me! I caught the subtle allusion!’ and sells books – eminently forgettable books, because they’re not conscientiously crafted balanced dishes, but it does sell them.
This is where Nicholas Kotar’s Raven Son series earned its five stars from me. He incorporated Russian folk lore, fairy tales, and epic fantasy in an intentional and balanced way, and it worked. Further, he incorporated themes worth thinking about, the kinds of themes from the best old fairy tales that can help form the moral imagination. He did that without becoming overbearingly preachy, keeping the story the sort of story that a reader could enjoy sitting in a chair by the stove on a cold Russian night (even if that particular reader was reading in the triple digit temperatures of a central California summer).
Five flavors: folk lore, fairy tales, epic fantasy, fuel for the moral imagination, and genuine good story – Kotar hit his balance, and it’s that balance that earned these five stars. I don’t know if anyone will be reading the Raven Son series in 200 years, but I know that I will read it more than once.
Notes on series structure: Five books, the second and fourth of which are novella length works that serve as passageways of a sort from one part of the series to the next. Passageways are, after all, important in fairy tales. Don’t think of them as skippable, though, the second book was my personal favorite of the series and introduced the character I liked (or maybe just understood) best.
Notes on the audiobooks: I went back and forth between print and audio throughout the series depending on my reading circumstances. At first it was a little jarring to me that the text was so deeply Russian and the narrator was so obviously … not. If I had not been on a long car trip when I was starting the first book, I probably would not have continued with the audio, but the narrator gradually won me over with good characterization and excellent consistency and I ended up going back and forth between the print and audio versions through all five books.
May 14, 2025
Phew. Firstly, this book was long! I haven’t read a book this big in a while. With most books my interest starts to slip about half way through (this is a me problem), and this felt a little more drawn out since it is huge. But I made it through and wasn’t disappointed.
I think this is my first dark fantasy epic style series, and my lack of familiarity in Russian myths leaves me feeling a bit culture shocked. Imagining some of these crazy mythical creatures hurts my brain, because they’re so freakishly ugly and weird. I’ll stick to my unicorns and phoenixes— kidding.
But Kotar’s writing is beautiful. He doesn’t shy away from putting his energy into describing the realities of good AND evil. Which I tjimm is important for Christian authors to do.
As an ex Protestant I’m used to reading books from Christian authors that feel forced to be too censored and light (e.g, a blood thirsty serial killer who says, “you big dummy!” What? Lol), in a way that feels dishonest about the reality of evil, and as a result is dishonest about the triumph OVER evil. Sometimes the crushing victory can only be sweet when you understand how bitter the devil is under your boot.
Kotar has a tasteful way of keeping it dark and making the reading feel the weight of that evil, while also teasing us with bits of hope. Eager to move onto the novella, and then the final book!
I think this is my first dark fantasy epic style series, and my lack of familiarity in Russian myths leaves me feeling a bit culture shocked. Imagining some of these crazy mythical creatures hurts my brain, because they’re so freakishly ugly and weird. I’ll stick to my unicorns and phoenixes— kidding.
But Kotar’s writing is beautiful. He doesn’t shy away from putting his energy into describing the realities of good AND evil. Which I tjimm is important for Christian authors to do.
As an ex Protestant I’m used to reading books from Christian authors that feel forced to be too censored and light (e.g, a blood thirsty serial killer who says, “you big dummy!” What? Lol), in a way that feels dishonest about the reality of evil, and as a result is dishonest about the triumph OVER evil. Sometimes the crushing victory can only be sweet when you understand how bitter the devil is under your boot.
Kotar has a tasteful way of keeping it dark and making the reading feel the weight of that evil, while also teasing us with bits of hope. Eager to move onto the novella, and then the final book!
August 11, 2020
More of a 3.5. I was initially frustrated that the book started with an unknown character instead of picking up with one already introduced, but I really enjoyed this and the character Khaidu is awesome!
Once again, I'm a little disappointed that the story is not complete, but that's common in fantasy.
There was a lot of ugliness in this story and I'm excited to see a redemptive ending at the end of this series.
Once again, I'm a little disappointed that the story is not complete, but that's common in fantasy.
There was a lot of ugliness in this story and I'm excited to see a redemptive ending at the end of this series.
August 20, 2020
The enemy of your enemy is not necessarily your friend, even if something is what it seems to be, you're maybe still fail to interpret it right. seemingly trivial ideas, but the author managed to quite skillfully give a unique take on them in this book, giving quite an enjoyable reading experience.
March 12, 2022
Ok ok ok. I enjoyed the first book of this series - but the story really comes alive here in book 3. The first book in hindsight gives lots of setup that in the moment felt a bit slow to me but it really delivers here! I’m really looking forward to seeing this story through!
July 11, 2024
I loved this book! I enjoyed The Song of the Sirin (book 1), was even more engaged with The Curse of the Raven, Llun is an excellent character, but book 3 is when I really was hooked. Khaidu is a superb character, I don't think I've read any book which had a disabled girl as the hero, and I felt like she was ideal to balance out the other main character Antomir, and even the villain, whose psychology is eerily relatable. Yes, it is dark, but Llun's story in Book 2 helped to prepare me for that, and I felt that the tragedy and grimness were appropriate to the tale.
As I got deeper into this book I felt myself falling into sync with the author, as it seemed the author fell more deeply into sync with his story, and the story fell even more deeply into sync with itself. The previous books also fell into place for me. Very excited to start The Forge of the Covenant.
As I got deeper into this book I felt myself falling into sync with the author, as it seemed the author fell more deeply into sync with his story, and the story fell even more deeply into sync with itself. The previous books also fell into place for me. Very excited to start The Forge of the Covenant.
September 21, 2024
Took a while for the plot to really start to move, but once it did, it did not disappoint. Several new and intriguing characters are introduced here, some of whom are quite heinous. Best of the series thus far.
June 27, 2019
Bravo
Excellent writing, of the highest quality. This series only gets better! Amazingly exciting, and truly unique. Best writing I have read in a long time.
Excellent writing, of the highest quality. This series only gets better! Amazingly exciting, and truly unique. Best writing I have read in a long time.
February 25, 2020
Excellent 😀
November 8, 2022
This series continues to surprise (in a good way), the writing has that Silmarillion-esque feel that you are observing ancient legends unfold.
May 1, 2023
A crazy complicated plotline that was tastefully written to allow the reader to see various sides of the story
June 28, 2025
simply amazing
January 3, 2024
A fantasy series with Russian fairy tale influence. But Kotar includes his own wonderful spin!
June 30, 2020
Kotar’s new novel does everything that good fiction should do. The Heart of the World takes the reader out of the real world and shows us all the good and bad that we can do, that actions have consequences, and that what is in our hearts matters. But we also see hope and we leave at the end ready to emerge back into our world as warriors. Kotar has really come into his own with this novel. I was drawn in from the very first chapter and felt like he maintained his momentum and purpose throughout the novel. I was a little thrown off guard by the fact that the events of The Heart of the Wolrd take place 20 years after The Song of the Siren, but Kotar seamlessly weaves all the stories and characters together to create a brilliant narrative. This one of the most impactful novels I have read in recent years and I can’t wait to see what Kotar does next!
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Update from a reread:
I have been going back through the novels so as to get myself into the world again before jumping into book 4. Perhaps because I kept starting and restarting this book, the first third was difficult for me, but once all the characters are really in action, it’s a wild, magical ride and I could not put it down. I love that Kotar is not afraid to weave worldview, mythology, history, and philosophy into his novels: I love the classic slavic folktale characters and the parallels to Soviet history are almost shocking and thought provoking. I also really appreciate Kotar’s willingness to write actual battle scenes, and, combined with the struggles of morals and conscience as the characters struggle against themselves for good, this really is an epic heroic tale.
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Update from a reread:
I have been going back through the novels so as to get myself into the world again before jumping into book 4. Perhaps because I kept starting and restarting this book, the first third was difficult for me, but once all the characters are really in action, it’s a wild, magical ride and I could not put it down. I love that Kotar is not afraid to weave worldview, mythology, history, and philosophy into his novels: I love the classic slavic folktale characters and the parallels to Soviet history are almost shocking and thought provoking. I also really appreciate Kotar’s willingness to write actual battle scenes, and, combined with the struggles of morals and conscience as the characters struggle against themselves for good, this really is an epic heroic tale.
March 24, 2018
The Heart of the World (Raven Son Book 3) is yet another masterpiece by Nicholas Kotar. As a good series should, each book gets better and better. With book three Kotar continues to weave his tapestry filled with heroes mythical characters and a genuine understanding of human beings and the human condition. The many threads in books one and two have been gathered and woven together into one cohesive story along with some new threads and new characters. Kotar explores some of the other races in his world in such a way that each one's nobility is revealed. For those who love lore as I do, this book promises to satiate and tantalize all at once. Enough is revealed, but enough is left a mystery. Kotar's world comes alive in new ways in this volume filled with complex real characters who are unique and beautiful each in their own way. Kotar's understanding of humanity is not only real, but sympathetic and compassionate. This is a book which explores the goodness, nobility, and beauty in humanity even under the most horrendous and grievous conditions and leaves the reader feeling inspired to persevere through the greatest of trials and use them to ones betterment.
April 11, 2018
Absolutely beautifully written story. We are once again thrown into the wars of Vasyllia and the strife's of the main characters we have come to know and love. We meet new characters who have the same internal struggles and must decide for themselves what the best course of action is; whether they follow their heart and what they most desire or what is best for the world around them. Kotar does a masterful job of weaving and fabricating a new story that steals the reader into a world that's never been seen before. You become lost in a realm of beauty and magnificence but also one full of hate and ugliness. In many ways, I think Kotar has hit the nail on the head and shows us what the real world has become. A world where people are power hungry and will do whatever they can to become the most powerful, no matter the consequences. I can't wait to read what book 4 has in store for us. One of the best novels I've ever read. It's one that I wanted to sit with and let permeate within me and not finish. The finish did not disappoint one bit though.
June 4, 2019
This review is for the Raven Son Books 1-3. Kotar has created an epic fantasy that has many layers. In the first layer, it's really just a good story with good and bad characters who do good and bad things. In the next layer religious themes are apparent. A reader with some knowledge of Christianity, Islam, Hindu (and other religions) will recognize story elements. In the another layer, a reader with Orthodox Christianity will recognize characters and other elements that Kotar has taken from Orthodox Christianity and hagiography.
It seems to me that this work has a been a labor of love for Kotar and he clearly gives a nod to Tolkien. I'm not comparing this work to LOTR but some themes are clearly present for LOTR readers.
I'm giving 5 stars because, while the story isn't finished yet, Kotar has created a story with depth which is a testament to his talent. For a story to work on different levels the author is playing several games of 4D chess simultaneously. I'm looking forward to the next book.
It seems to me that this work has a been a labor of love for Kotar and he clearly gives a nod to Tolkien. I'm not comparing this work to LOTR but some themes are clearly present for LOTR readers.
I'm giving 5 stars because, while the story isn't finished yet, Kotar has created a story with depth which is a testament to his talent. For a story to work on different levels the author is playing several games of 4D chess simultaneously. I'm looking forward to the next book.
May 3, 2018
Soon after finishing the second work in the series, I picked up the this, the third, and what I thought was the final work of a trilogy.
Although I really liked the Song of the Sirin and liked Curse of the Raven well enough, I felt like I was slogging through this novel. Unlike the first novel (and to some extent the second), this novel started having lots of characters and story lines. Too many. They do converge at the end, but this so many characters is a detractor for me.
There were some story lines I liked, but overall, it just felt slow and dragging. And then, in the last page or two, the novel decides that it is not the end of the series and I got incredibly annoyed. I'm not sure that there's more story that I care about here for me to continue.
Although I really liked the Song of the Sirin and liked Curse of the Raven well enough, I felt like I was slogging through this novel. Unlike the first novel (and to some extent the second), this novel started having lots of characters and story lines. Too many. They do converge at the end, but this so many characters is a detractor for me.
There were some story lines I liked, but overall, it just felt slow and dragging. And then, in the last page or two, the novel decides that it is not the end of the series and I got incredibly annoyed. I'm not sure that there's more story that I care about here for me to continue.
December 29, 2018
Kotar again writes a compelling tale, rich with action, fascinating characters and full of surprises. He builds a many colored world of Vasyllia and beyond. The characters struggle between good and evil,
humility and pride, selfishness and the claims of family, clan, and nation. Especially strong is the
theme of power made perfect in weakness and repentance, but never in a preachy way.
I read this book with great enjoyment and am anxiously awaiting the next in the series!
The story carried me away except for chapter 4 that just didn’t hold my attention like the rest of the work. I hated to come to the last page!
humility and pride, selfishness and the claims of family, clan, and nation. Especially strong is the
theme of power made perfect in weakness and repentance, but never in a preachy way.
I read this book with great enjoyment and am anxiously awaiting the next in the series!
The story carried me away except for chapter 4 that just didn’t hold my attention like the rest of the work. I hated to come to the last page!
March 13, 2018
This is a good book, a deep book that explores themes of disability, power and healing in a dazzlingly beautiful cosmos. There are some truly wondrous images and scenes but I don’t want to give anything away. The intricate, revelatory story-line at times reminds me of Voyage to Arcturus or even Xenogears (one of the few videogames that is more spiritual gain than loss!) This is probably the best in the series so far yet I give it four stars, because I think the author can improve the distracting narrative structure. Even so, this is a memorable, rare work.
June 7, 2018
The third installment in my new favorite series did not disappoint. Nicholas Kotar absolutely nailed the pacing of the novel as he cycles through several interesting storylines and characters making sure to always keep you on the edge of your seat. I have been waiting for a series like this - a series with all the depth and familiarity of the great world weavers but the longed for appearance and suddenness of different and ancient cultures and belief systems. I can’t wait for the fourth book. I am a Kotar reader for life!
March 30, 2020
Having finished the third book in the Raven Son series, I must say wow. This third book is darker than the first, but not bleak. The story follows through the book into a wonderful conclusion that will satisfy the excitement that you build up as you read. Author Nicholas Kotar illustrates how it is hard to do what is right, physically, emotionally, and mentally, but you have to do what is before you. Even in the darkest of times, they strove to fight for the truth, even when it cost them. Compelling and exciting, fantasy readers will enjoy this read.
March 14, 2018
everyone tells her she cant have a hunting eagle because she was a girl and a cripple. she was going to do it no matter what. she gets the biggest eagle but what she does not know is that her eagle is an enchanted queen. she can use magic but when the bonds break down between them she must go on a journey to find her. if she cant everything may come to an end. will she succeed? find out by reading
i was gifted a copy by the author and i enjoyed it so much that i want to review
i was gifted a copy by the author and i enjoyed it so much that i want to review
May 18, 2018
It's been a while since I first read this, but every time I glance at it and see "Khaidu" I catch my breath at the memory of this beautifully drawn character. The story is intense, with the gorgeous prose I have come to expect from Nicholas Kotar, and the plot held my interest from start to finish. A few segments felt rushed, but the majority of the pacing was on target, and I highly recommend reading this book, as well as the earlier books in the series.
March 2, 2019
The beginning of the three book series is very similar to the author's earlier book Raven Son, but this complete series is now fully fleshed out. Raven Son, in retrospect, feels quite cramped.
Engaging and unpredictable storyline takes the reader on a thrilling adventure, through a terrain of archetypes clothed in images from russian folklore.
Very rich in insight on both the personal and societal level, would recommend this to thoughtful readers seeking to exercise their imagination!
Engaging and unpredictable storyline takes the reader on a thrilling adventure, through a terrain of archetypes clothed in images from russian folklore.
Very rich in insight on both the personal and societal level, would recommend this to thoughtful readers seeking to exercise their imagination!
March 29, 2018
The Heart of the World (Raven Son), had a hard start but once it got going I couldn't put it down. So much happened and the world was so diverse that it is hard to describe it all in a short review.If you love fantasy mixed with some war torn peoples and lands and all the hope of those trying to make things right, then you will love this book. I could not recommend it highly enough.
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