The Third Age of The Western Realms has been marked by a great conflict in the east. But now the danger has come to Lyria, and the largest of the old kingdoms is in open rebellion. Follow the stories of several unlikely heroes as they battle dark forces in a fast-paced tale of epic fantasy, filled with mystery, intrigue, and suspense.
“John Gibson crested the low hill, unslung his quiver, and took a seat on a fallen tree trunk as he caught his breath and surveyed the Lyrian capitol in the distance.“
So begins the Journey of an Archer as he attempts to save a kingdom. But to save it from what? Or from whom? All in good time, readers... Noble Brown's The White Arrow is set in a fictional world where Lyria is but one of the lands you'll journey to in this fast-paced (and that is an understatement!) Fantasy book. But to say it is just a book in the Fantasy genre would be selling this one short. Though a relatively quick read, this book has plenty of depth to accompany the action and adventure. In the spirit of Tolkien, Martin, or Lewis, Brown thrusts the reader into a fully-realized world where one kingdom, Lyria, is on the verge of collapse, while another rallies to attempt to save their ally. However, what makes the Arrow's method of storytelling unique is the relentless pace at which the author introduces you to new characters, locations, and situations. What the book may lack in sheer denseness of descriptions of, say, Tolkien's Rings' Trilogy or Martin's Game of Throne's Saga, it more than makes up for with this intriguing style of delivering Brown's vision. And what a vision it is! This story comes with its own set of mythologies and magic, heroes and villains, landscapes and countrysides. Paying attention is a must while reading this work, as each segment fits into the story as a whole with such seamlessness that as some storylines are illuminated, more questions arise, spurring the reader to continue ever faster to the next chapter. And even more intriguing is that the reader cannot always be sure whether a new character is what they seem. Are they a new protagonist? Or are they lying in wait to betray? Onward, onward! Now, with a story such as this it would be impossible to get into the specifics without spoiling the surprises, so I'll only add a few of my favorite elements: -The characters are not one-dimensional tropes, but instead have actual, meaningful characteristics. Yes, there are rogues, wizards, kings, queens, and princesses, but dangit, they're people! And if you're expecting them to fit your idea of what those titles bring to mind, you're in for a shock. -Speaking of shocks, this book doesn't pull punches. Brown does not hold any character as sacred and above being in real danger. I'll just leave it at that. -It is written to be easily readable, and so is very accessible to teens and beyond. It may be a bit much for younger teens of questionable intestinal fortitude, but for everyone else, this is a fun read. -Lastly, this is more than just a story. It's got heart and intelligence and it will make you think long after you've put it down. So, with all this said, I can highly recommend this book!
This is such a fantastic book. There are multiple characters and storylines going and you jump from POV to POV. At first I was a little worried I wouldn't track it well but it flows seamlessly. I really enjoyed the first character we're introduced to but there are so many characters that I have more than one favorite. No storyline was boring or less interesting then the last. I really enjoy when the characters cland storyline come together or cross over one another. This is by an Indie author and, as such, there are typos. It's to be expected and I'm sure will be corrected in time. It doesn't detract from the story and hopefully others feel the same way and can overlook them. I will absolutely do a re-read once the second book comes out. If you're a fantasy reader then this book is a must!
*Epic fantasy *Multiple storylines *Multiple POV *Magic *Strong Female Characters
Fun, fast-paced novel! A lot of fascinating characters introduced, with great set-ups for future actions and interactions. I particularly enjoy feisty, recently-retired rogue spy Iris Shockley.
So many fantasy novels major in the minors, that when you come across one that puts characters ahead of magic and politics it's truly remarkable. And where many fantasy novels become bloated and self-important as the author indulges in personal indulgence, The White Arrow moves with swiftly.
What Noble Brown does with The White Arrow is to fantasy fiction what Elmore Leonard did to crime fiction. The characters have purpose and agency, and no one's life is safe or enviable. These are hard people for hard times, all of whom are doing what they think is best to survive.
If I have two criticisms, it's that there are too many names and that some of the dialog is strained. Not every person we meet needs a name as much as he or she needs a defining characteristic. When everyone gets a first and last name, it can be difficult to sort out who is important now, will be later, or is simply incidental. And while the prose moves with grace, when the characters are forced to talk to each other it often comes across as, well, forced.
Nevertheless, minor quibbles for a fresh take in a tired genre.
Noble Brown wrote a action-packed story that is gripping and impossible to put down. I basically read the whole book in two sittings.
There's violence, there's intrigue, there's mystery and constant tension. This is a great read. No one is safe in this story that draws inspiration from the Lord of the Rings and many other fantasy epics.
Be sure to pick up a copy today!
“Few are ever ready when they are called. The Lord sees fit to call us anyway.”
Truly enjoyed this book! I don’t give praise lightly, and this book deserves it. Well written, solid plot and story arc, and a fully imagined world. This is a gritty fantasy and well-worth the read. I absolutely suggest picking up a copy!