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Far Forest Scrolls #1
Na Cearcaill
Decades after invaders led by the White Wizard stormed across the Dark Sea and ravaged Verngaurd, the world is once again on the brink of war. Yet, this time intruders sling treachery as handily as weapons. Evil leaches its way across the land whispering of the destructive time of Na Cearcaill precisely as magic is waning and time-honored alliances are fracturing. Do the battered Knights have enough strength left in them to fight the treachery swirling within the coming storm?
- GenresFantasy
292 pages, ebook
Published August 20, 2018
10 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Alpha Four
5 books210 followersAlpha Four, or A4, is an enigmatic figure from the turn of the first millennium of the Common Era (C.E.). Although the formality of his education is uncertain, we know he studied military history, martial skills, languages, history, philosophy, mathematics, religion, and wrote extensively. Evidence suggests he was a ranking courtier and military advisor in the turbulent environment that was England one thousand years ago. He likely served in Æthelred II’s court (and possibly Sweyn I, the Danish sovereign who briefly sat on the English throne in 1013 C.E.).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 8, 2026
The world is on the brink of war. Again.
"Her words were cut off as a colossal creature rose out of the water, its massive jaws chomping, and rows of sharp teeth just missing Finn."
Bellae is seven years old and is able to communicate with animals. Her brother poorly suppresses his jealously and her best friend is a sweet but clumsy fellow.
And on the horizon? Evil.
Evil is quickly spreading across the land and only one, small chosen one stands in its way.
"Something vile approaches."
Every so often, I get absolutely blown away by the level of detail and devotion that goes into a book.
This is one of those times.
I really liked Bellae and her chattering with various animals. I quite liked learning about her and her perspective life.
Her best friend was a sweet character and the brother was a bit of a jerk (but it rounded out the group nicely).
I do feel like this book was too short for its plot. There was a lot of detail and characters and lore in this book that gets thrown a bit quickly at the audience.
And I struggled to follow at first but about halfway through I got the hang of it (mostly).
There were still areas that tripped me up - and I feel like if the book was given double the page space then things would have been introduced slower and I could've caught on quite better.
I absolutely adored the full-color illustrations - particularly the scenery and the large group illustrations of the characters. They were beautiful and gorgeous and really lifted the book to 4-stars for me.
It's not often that there's so many illustrations in one book and I was constantly drawn to such attractive images.
All in all, this was quite a lovely little fantasy. Just make sure you pay close attention as you're reading it so you don't miss any of the details!
A huge thank you to the author sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
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July 8, 2020
Thank you so much to We Read Fantasy giveaways, Presstinely, and Far Forest Scrolls for my copy of Na Cearcaill! I have been spamming these books all over Instagram and it’s way, way past overdue to make it to goodreads!
This is an interesting take on the Chosen One theme with a heroic young girl that can talk to animals. The full description confused me a bit because I didn’t really see much by way of a search for any source of magic, but there was a solid introduction to the Knights and their squares and the political machinations in play in the empire. Once a quest does take off it is absolutely action packed…..with an abrupt ending that made me glad I had book 2 on standby!
There are all the proper fantasy elements like elves, knights, dwarves, dragons, and all sorts of other monsters, ghosts, and wights, all with the author’s twist. The book has funny bits like an insane fat guy eating belly button treasure and a corpse falling down stairs, managing to carry a lighter tone throughout despite heavier subject content and a ton of sage wisdom. There are some darker themes too like orphans, splitting alliances, deaths and devastation, with the overwhelming evil threatening to start another cycle. I think older readers will enjoy the philosophical parts. There is really a little bit of something for every fantasy fan too.
One of my favorite parts are the illustrations – there are so many hand drawn pictures by the author, plus tons of the more traditional kind. The printed images are absolutely stunning too, I spent so much time staring at them! One can tell how much love and thought was put into the visual presentation of the book.
There are quite a few characters that once again, hold a little bit of something for everyone. The young chosen one is (probably) Bellae, a seven year old with the ability to communicate with animals. Her brother is a bit of a jealous twit, and her best friend is a bullied oaf that everyone in the group loves. There are a lot of characters with some funny, some stern, some wise, and it was a little hard for me to keep them all apart but the pictures helped a lot. The teamwork is awesome.
Battles, intrigue, tons of magic creatures, friendship and one epic quest are found in this book and it ended way too soon. The book is pretty entirely appropriate for middle grade and young adult as well – there is one scene where a brain was sucked out Starship Trooper style but otherwise the entire book was extremely benign. Would highly recommend for fantasy fans!
This is an interesting take on the Chosen One theme with a heroic young girl that can talk to animals. The full description confused me a bit because I didn’t really see much by way of a search for any source of magic, but there was a solid introduction to the Knights and their squares and the political machinations in play in the empire. Once a quest does take off it is absolutely action packed…..with an abrupt ending that made me glad I had book 2 on standby!
There are all the proper fantasy elements like elves, knights, dwarves, dragons, and all sorts of other monsters, ghosts, and wights, all with the author’s twist. The book has funny bits like an insane fat guy eating belly button treasure and a corpse falling down stairs, managing to carry a lighter tone throughout despite heavier subject content and a ton of sage wisdom. There are some darker themes too like orphans, splitting alliances, deaths and devastation, with the overwhelming evil threatening to start another cycle. I think older readers will enjoy the philosophical parts. There is really a little bit of something for every fantasy fan too.
One of my favorite parts are the illustrations – there are so many hand drawn pictures by the author, plus tons of the more traditional kind. The printed images are absolutely stunning too, I spent so much time staring at them! One can tell how much love and thought was put into the visual presentation of the book.
There are quite a few characters that once again, hold a little bit of something for everyone. The young chosen one is (probably) Bellae, a seven year old with the ability to communicate with animals. Her brother is a bit of a jealous twit, and her best friend is a bullied oaf that everyone in the group loves. There are a lot of characters with some funny, some stern, some wise, and it was a little hard for me to keep them all apart but the pictures helped a lot. The teamwork is awesome.
Battles, intrigue, tons of magic creatures, friendship and one epic quest are found in this book and it ended way too soon. The book is pretty entirely appropriate for middle grade and young adult as well – there is one scene where a brain was sucked out Starship Trooper style but otherwise the entire book was extremely benign. Would highly recommend for fantasy fans!
June 6, 2024
I received an AD PR copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
The Far Forest Scrolls: Na Cearcaill is a must-read for all fantasy lovers filled with magical creatures, battles, friendship, and intrigue from the very first page. I loved the illustrations spotted through the book and found they enhanced the read of the story.
The time and effort put into this book is evident from the first chapter alone. I loved Ballae and her ability to talk to animals and found her an endeering, sweet, and lovable character. I felt this book set much of the scene and plot for the series and felt it ended too soon. I can't wait to read book two to find out where the story will lead me, especially after the cliffhanger of an ending in this book!
The Far Forest Scrolls: Na Cearcaill is a must-read for all fantasy lovers filled with magical creatures, battles, friendship, and intrigue from the very first page. I loved the illustrations spotted through the book and found they enhanced the read of the story.
The time and effort put into this book is evident from the first chapter alone. I loved Ballae and her ability to talk to animals and found her an endeering, sweet, and lovable character. I felt this book set much of the scene and plot for the series and felt it ended too soon. I can't wait to read book two to find out where the story will lead me, especially after the cliffhanger of an ending in this book!
October 18, 2018
A great first part to a fantasy series. Enjoyed it but you should know this is book one and it ends on a cliff hanger-I wish it was longer/more of the story in this first book! I love Bellae, the young squire who can talk to animals. She reminds me of my daughter-precocious and wise beyond her years. I am a huge fan of Greek and Roman mythology and history and this book is littered with references to both. The illustrations were appreciated. I enjoyed having them there, some are fantastic. Loved the intrigue and excited to see what happens as the Knights find themselves battling Dark Warriors and are not sure where they stand with the other major player in their world the very religious proliate warriors.
September 30, 2018
I liked this book because I enjoyed the pearls of wisdom stuck within the fantasy pages. The illustrations were good and the story kept my attention. I enjoyed the battle scenes and the various magical creatures.
October 6, 2018
Loved the magical creatures, the mythology, the cool sayings/sagacity! Well written and enjoyed the illustrations! Good fantasy novel!
June 7, 2024
This YA epic fantasy tale has exquisite world-building and tons of creativity. It's told from multiple perspectives, both adult and child, in the same timeline. Throughout the book, there are beautiful illustrations to maintain interest for younger readers who are growing up with graphic novels. My favorite character is sweet and brave young Bellae, and her best friend Lontas is a close runner-up, but really all the characters are so much fun. Fans of Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter would definitely enjoy this series.
September 30, 2018
Loved it! Great fantasy novel with a ton of mythological creatures and great characters. Three recently orphans make their way to Castle Liberum to train to be squires. The Knights are under attack from the rising red army of Proliate and Dark Warriors from across the sea as well. The Knights are not at full strength and now are battling a series of strange and magical creatures as they make their way to a Tournament. I do wish it was longer and it ended on a cliff hanger! I appreciated the illustrations and the fast pace, humor and characters. I need book two!
October 6, 2018
Enjoyed this fantasy novel. Good battles. Good quotes and characters. Illustrations were good. Wish it were longer! Ended on a cliffhanger! I want book two!
October 30, 2018
As a fantasy fan I really enjoyed this book, as an artist I enjoyed the representation of the characters. It is a lot harder to include illustrations in books and I think this works. I am an ardent Buddhist and some of the life lessons included within the book remind me of such teachings. What I like most is the fact that it is an exciting fantasy book with lots of magical creatures but also a lot of life lessons, if you are open to receiving them! Where is book two!!!
May 18, 2024
Thank you to the author for this copy.
I enjoyed the first part of this fantasy series. The illustrations throughout were beautiful!
Lots of references to Greek mythology which I loved. I cannot wait to read the next book!!
I enjoyed the first part of this fantasy series. The illustrations throughout were beautiful!
Lots of references to Greek mythology which I loved. I cannot wait to read the next book!!
December 22, 2019
Anyone who has gone through "Game of Thrones" withdrawal would find this book a fantastic reading experience! But it has even more to offer, I think. There are knights, wizards, elves, squires, Master Magicians - all set in a magical placed named Verngaurd. Ancient scrolls have been found there, deep in the Far Forest region of England. The land has been through Na Cearcaill, a destructive cycle that seems to have no end. For the moment things are peaceful but it's hinted that Dark Warriors are planning to invade once again, with more Knights poised to fight them.
This is also the story of some young squires who are training to assume their places in the world. There is a search for the Chosen One and one candidate is young Bellae, a very young girl with the ability to talk to and be understood by animals of the forest.
Though the story is certainly exciting, what adds to it is the author's deeply philosophical comments on life. There are "Aha!" moments everywhere. I loved "Living in your dreams at night changes nothing, but living your dreams in daylight reshapes your soul and the world." Another favorite: "A negative emotion or preconception about an activity tends to become a self-fulfilling prophecy." Don't worry - there are many more deeply meaningful moments and comments throughout the book. It's appropriate for teens but great for adults seeking inspiration, too. And it's the first one in a series - can't wait to read the next one!
This is also the story of some young squires who are training to assume their places in the world. There is a search for the Chosen One and one candidate is young Bellae, a very young girl with the ability to talk to and be understood by animals of the forest.
Though the story is certainly exciting, what adds to it is the author's deeply philosophical comments on life. There are "Aha!" moments everywhere. I loved "Living in your dreams at night changes nothing, but living your dreams in daylight reshapes your soul and the world." Another favorite: "A negative emotion or preconception about an activity tends to become a self-fulfilling prophecy." Don't worry - there are many more deeply meaningful moments and comments throughout the book. It's appropriate for teens but great for adults seeking inspiration, too. And it's the first one in a series - can't wait to read the next one!
August 3, 2022
Very brief synopsis: "Decades after invaders led by the White Wizard stormed across the Dark Sea and ravaged Verngaurd, the world is once again on the brink of war."
Favorite quote: "Don't let what happens to you in life become so heavy that it prevents you from living. Learn something from the experience, then let the bad memories fall aside. Let your mind do what your body does ... walk away. If you hold on to bad experiences, you give them power to disrupt your mind and weigh down your life."
This book has all the best elements of a fantasy story: Knights, squires, wizards, a quest, and a Chosen One - but also so much more! The world building was phenomenal, and the illustrations (I was lucky enough to receive a hard copy from the author) added so much to an already compelling story. This book is marketed for a young adult audience, so I had my 16 year old son read it as well, and he is already fighting me for our copy of book 2, Hourglass of Destruction. I would recommend having a copy of book 2 ready to go when you finish Na Cearcaill because it does end on a cliffhanger and you won't want to wait to continue the story!
In summary, I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars and an enthusiastic recommendation to other readers of YA fantasy.
5 out of 5 stars.
*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Far Forest Scrolls LLC, and Alpha Four for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Favorite quote: "Don't let what happens to you in life become so heavy that it prevents you from living. Learn something from the experience, then let the bad memories fall aside. Let your mind do what your body does ... walk away. If you hold on to bad experiences, you give them power to disrupt your mind and weigh down your life."
This book has all the best elements of a fantasy story: Knights, squires, wizards, a quest, and a Chosen One - but also so much more! The world building was phenomenal, and the illustrations (I was lucky enough to receive a hard copy from the author) added so much to an already compelling story. This book is marketed for a young adult audience, so I had my 16 year old son read it as well, and he is already fighting me for our copy of book 2, Hourglass of Destruction. I would recommend having a copy of book 2 ready to go when you finish Na Cearcaill because it does end on a cliffhanger and you won't want to wait to continue the story!
In summary, I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars and an enthusiastic recommendation to other readers of YA fantasy.
5 out of 5 stars.
*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Far Forest Scrolls LLC, and Alpha Four for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 11, 2019
an interesting read, starting out with a group of orphaned sibs, fostered out to an order of knights...1 is thought to be the chosen one and one is the possible adversary. the book has a bit of everything, an intriguing take on elves, magic, dragons, evil knights and a dark order...betrayals and unlooked for friendships...do your self a favor and give it a read...comes with some beautiful artwork inside
October 18, 2018
Don't skip through the beginning section of this fantasy book. It is quite profound. I also found many bits of inspiration throughout the story. The illustrations are nice, some better than others. I love the story and my one critic is that it ends too quickly! Love the dragons, minotaurs, watchers and other mythological creatures and great characters.
January 23, 2020
Enjoyed the first book, characters were relatable, wish it were longer. There were some fairly deep quotes and pearls in the book. Looking forward to book two.
December 16, 2018
This is a must read for any fantasy lovers. The characters and world building in this is truly amazing! It reminded me of Tolkien because of the elvish characters. The end will leave you dying for more!!
December 18, 2018
A very creative fantasy novel replete with a range of interesting characters/creatures. The story accelerates toward a dramatic climax and contains many thought-provoking "pearls of wisdom" and an overarching philosophy of life. The illustrations are outstanding. Ready for Book Two.
October 22, 2018
A fantasy adventure full of vivid characters and imagination. This is the kind of book that makes this genre worth reading.
January 12, 2020
Fast paced and lots of cool magical creatures. Love the illustrations-to few books have them! Love the characters.
February 24, 2019
Great fantasy story. Really enjoyed the characters. Lots of cool creatures and yet funny, sometime poignant writing.
February 24, 2019
Loved the story. Great to see illustrations as well. Loved the mythological creatures
March 9, 2019
Looks good
April 8, 2019
Excited, my partner got it for me. Can't wait to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
April 9, 2019This is definitely a thing for my daughter Hazel Rothschild
April 22, 2026
The Review
The sheer volume of world-building and character development is staggering and compelling. The history of this narrative takes readers back to the days of magic and knights in the mysterious far forest of England, which is fantastic, and incorporating fantasy-driven creatures like elves and other creatures makes the world feel both magical and ancient at the same time. The imagery in the author’s writing brought this land to life in vivid detail, and the balance of political alliances and rivalries found in the larger world made this narrative feel alive on the page.
The heart of this story was the character arcs and relationships it delved into. The siblings the story starts with, and their unique dynamic together, provided a strong emotional core for the initial and inciting incidents, and the development of Bellae as a hero in training and with great abilities kept readers invested in the overall story. The evil that rises and the creatures that follow it, including the introduction of Watchers and their battle with the heroes in the book’s latter half, will stay with readers as the story evolves.
The Verdict
Richly developed, compelling, and entertaining, author Alpha Four’s “Far Forest Scrolls Na Cearcaill” is a must-read epic fantasy novel and a great introduction chapter into the Far Forest Scrolls series. The inclusion of artwork depicting characters and creatures alike, along with the history behind this narrative, made the story feel like a lost tome found in the depths of England, depicting a history long forgotten, making this a phenomenal story filled with twists and turns that promise a thrilling sequel.
The sheer volume of world-building and character development is staggering and compelling. The history of this narrative takes readers back to the days of magic and knights in the mysterious far forest of England, which is fantastic, and incorporating fantasy-driven creatures like elves and other creatures makes the world feel both magical and ancient at the same time. The imagery in the author’s writing brought this land to life in vivid detail, and the balance of political alliances and rivalries found in the larger world made this narrative feel alive on the page.
The heart of this story was the character arcs and relationships it delved into. The siblings the story starts with, and their unique dynamic together, provided a strong emotional core for the initial and inciting incidents, and the development of Bellae as a hero in training and with great abilities kept readers invested in the overall story. The evil that rises and the creatures that follow it, including the introduction of Watchers and their battle with the heroes in the book’s latter half, will stay with readers as the story evolves.
The Verdict
Richly developed, compelling, and entertaining, author Alpha Four’s “Far Forest Scrolls Na Cearcaill” is a must-read epic fantasy novel and a great introduction chapter into the Far Forest Scrolls series. The inclusion of artwork depicting characters and creatures alike, along with the history behind this narrative, made the story feel like a lost tome found in the depths of England, depicting a history long forgotten, making this a phenomenal story filled with twists and turns that promise a thrilling sequel.
August 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It’s the first in a trilogy and I will definitely be continuing on with the series. I can’t wait to find out what’s next. This book reminded me of a mixture of Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings. Typically I don’t enjoy lengthy chapters, but the author broke down each chapter into many parts which I appreciated. It was really easy to get sucked into this storyline. And sooo amazing that there’s art throughout the novel to show how the author imagined the characters to look like. Very vivid imagery!
My favourite quote was: “Living in your dreams at night changes nothing, but living your dreams in daylight reshapes your soul and the world. Start living your dreams out in the day and let sleep be a time of rest for living rather than an escape from life.”
My favourite quote was: “Living in your dreams at night changes nothing, but living your dreams in daylight reshapes your soul and the world. Start living your dreams out in the day and let sleep be a time of rest for living rather than an escape from life.”
September 5, 2021
Thanks Netgalley and Publisher for the opportunity to read and review!
Literally spent few hours and devoured this in one go. Amazing book! We have all fantasy elements and creatures that we love. It has enough action and character development in order to feel balanced - especially when it comes to dark themes the story explores along with the adventure part. It's amazing that it's illustrated! Nowadays a book feels even more polished and complete if it has beautiful illustrations inside. It does feel a little creepy at certain parts, when it comes to the actual age of the main characters, but the story just sucks you in and you can't tear your eyes off. Amazing read.....and now on to book 2. ^^
Literally spent few hours and devoured this in one go. Amazing book! We have all fantasy elements and creatures that we love. It has enough action and character development in order to feel balanced - especially when it comes to dark themes the story explores along with the adventure part. It's amazing that it's illustrated! Nowadays a book feels even more polished and complete if it has beautiful illustrations inside. It does feel a little creepy at certain parts, when it comes to the actual age of the main characters, but the story just sucks you in and you can't tear your eyes off. Amazing read.....and now on to book 2. ^^
June 15, 2024
I am obsessed with this book. I love the cover image. It depicts the story well. The writing was perfect for the storyline. The plot made me obsessed. I also love the illustrations. They are beautiful and help you visualize. The animals were a huge favorite. I love the found family and working as a team. There was so much action and adventure.
I loved all the characters. Lontas and Bellae make a great duo. They are so much alike despite the age difference. I also love that they were an eclectic group. Not one was the same as the other.
If you love fantasy, chosen ones, action, adventure, dragons, dwarves, elves,family, and found family and illustrations, this is for you. Now I need the other four books.
I loved all the characters. Lontas and Bellae make a great duo. They are so much alike despite the age difference. I also love that they were an eclectic group. Not one was the same as the other.
If you love fantasy, chosen ones, action, adventure, dragons, dwarves, elves,family, and found family and illustrations, this is for you. Now I need the other four books.
February 15, 2021
I'm not typically a fantasy reader, but I appreciate compelling narrative and characters, and this book has both. You can't help but root for the squires (Bellae is my favorite!) and their knights as they face impending evil. The language is highly descriptive, so you feel like you're living right alongside the characters. A friend recommended I read this, and I'm so glad that he did. If this is fantasy, then maybe I'm a fantasy reader after all!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews