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The Relics of Antiquity #1
Shadowborne
A legend of fantastical power.
A gateway to another world.
A madman who wants to destroy it all.
After tragedy strikes, William and Madigan Davis depart in search of a mythical realm they only knew through childhood stories. Embarking upon a secret mission for justice, they uncover the hidden history that led to the fall of a whole world—one in which they must find their place and determine their fate. Navigating through foreign lands, they discover things are seldom as they seem—and that some legends may be better left unexplored…
Shadowborne is the thrilling debut novel from Matthew Callahan’s second-world fantasy series, The Relics of Antiquity.
A gateway to another world.
A madman who wants to destroy it all.
After tragedy strikes, William and Madigan Davis depart in search of a mythical realm they only knew through childhood stories. Embarking upon a secret mission for justice, they uncover the hidden history that led to the fall of a whole world—one in which they must find their place and determine their fate. Navigating through foreign lands, they discover things are seldom as they seem—and that some legends may be better left unexplored…
Shadowborne is the thrilling debut novel from Matthew Callahan’s second-world fantasy series, The Relics of Antiquity.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2019
320 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 7, 2019
Shadowborne has an intriguing story at its core but it could do with a bit more polish
Read the full review at Reedsy Discovery
Read the full review at Reedsy Discovery
November 14, 2022
I picked this one up at my husband's prompting when he implored me "Danny, you need to tell me what's wrong with this book". Who can resist a plea like that?
Dragging plot, wildly inconsistent conversational tone, characters that don't know themselves or one another as their dispositions towards everything are constantly changing, a setting "altogether different from earth" that just.... doesn't get described? Time and magic systems that are constantly referred to but never remotely explained. Continual jumps in time and potholes galore. To say nothing of how utterly I cannot give a goose about any of the characters.
Had I not read King of Battle and Blood a few months back, Shadowborne really would be the worst book I've suffered through in 2022. Goddamn.
Dragging plot, wildly inconsistent conversational tone, characters that don't know themselves or one another as their dispositions towards everything are constantly changing, a setting "altogether different from earth" that just.... doesn't get described? Time and magic systems that are constantly referred to but never remotely explained. Continual jumps in time and potholes galore. To say nothing of how utterly I cannot give a goose about any of the characters.
Had I not read King of Battle and Blood a few months back, Shadowborne really would be the worst book I've suffered through in 2022. Goddamn.
January 20, 2023
I enjoyed the premise of this book and it had a lot of potential however I find the main characters infuriating to say the least . With little personality and their constant bickering and whining . While I see the potential in the story the fact I didn't enjoy the characters means I won't be continuing the series .
Overall it was alright 👍
Overall it was alright 👍
January 6, 2023
I would have quite liked this story if not for the abject misery of being in the minds of two of the whiniest, most insecure protagonists I have ever encountered. Now, I love a good quest, but I'm not a fan of constant sniping, bickering and 'snickering'. Oh how I longed to read about second breakfast instead.
Also, I understand why a writer would want to maintain some secrecy, but I was losing my rag at the amount of times a character would ask something directly and never get an answer. You wouldn't catch me taking on a perilous quest with a companion who can't be straight with you. Suspicious much?
Take me away from the sulky man-children.
Also, I understand why a writer would want to maintain some secrecy, but I was losing my rag at the amount of times a character would ask something directly and never get an answer. You wouldn't catch me taking on a perilous quest with a companion who can't be straight with you. Suspicious much?
Take me away from the sulky man-children.
December 27, 2019
Preface: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
If I could do half stars, I'd give this a 3.5. It's not great. It's not terrible. It's just perfectly adequate fantasy for most of the novel, until about the last fourth, where things really pick up.
Shadowborne is the story of two brothers, William and Madigan, who are raised by their grandfather after their mother is tragically killed. Their grandfather raises them on stories of a fantastical land filled with light and darkness. The boys assume the stories are just that, stories...until William begins to manifest powers of his own.
Honestly, there's not a ton to say. The writing style is decent, if a bit overwrought at times. There are some good descriptions and turns of phrase throughout, but it has some common pitfalls as well (namely, character tics. Lots and lots of smiling and chuckling and winking). At the same time, there's some good stuff in here. The worldbuilding is interesting (though a lot is not elaborated on, probably due to this just being set-up for the trilogy), as are most of the characters aside from the main two.
The brothers are one of the main problems in the story. They're just not particularly interesting, and they're really hard to differentiate at first until Will's love interest is introduced. Her arrival finally sparks a difference in the brothers - namely how they react to her - that the novel builds on. (The love interest herself I do not care for, but I won't get into that.) Prior to that, they're just your typical boys wanting to be heroes.
The other big problem is the pacing. The first half is really bloated with stuff that just doesn't matter. Pages and pages of summary on their childhood and training. Pages of them preparing for their journey (and then all that preparation going to waste when they're immediately met with disaster). Pages of them being cooped up in a tower. Things really don't pop off until the last fourth - and then they get really, really good. Without any spoilers, I can't say much, but I will say a very interesting character is introduced near the very end of the novel, one who really infuses it with a lot more energy and intrigue. The book touches on the relationship between light and darkness, how neither is truly good or evil, but that theme doesn't really get driven home until this character comes into play.
I would be interesting in reading the next book, mostly because a lot of the exposition is out of the way. However, I will say the last chapter is really, really screwy and hard to understand. It just completely throws everything for a loop in a way that isn't pleasant. Again, I assume this is just set-up for the rest of the trilogy, but it was sloppily done and kinda soured things for me right when I was starting to like it.
But, for the most part, this book was perfectly fine. If you just want a simple swords-and-magic romp with two typical teenage boys as your protagonists, this will suite you just fine.
If I could do half stars, I'd give this a 3.5. It's not great. It's not terrible. It's just perfectly adequate fantasy for most of the novel, until about the last fourth, where things really pick up.
Shadowborne is the story of two brothers, William and Madigan, who are raised by their grandfather after their mother is tragically killed. Their grandfather raises them on stories of a fantastical land filled with light and darkness. The boys assume the stories are just that, stories...until William begins to manifest powers of his own.
Honestly, there's not a ton to say. The writing style is decent, if a bit overwrought at times. There are some good descriptions and turns of phrase throughout, but it has some common pitfalls as well (namely, character tics. Lots and lots of smiling and chuckling and winking). At the same time, there's some good stuff in here. The worldbuilding is interesting (though a lot is not elaborated on, probably due to this just being set-up for the trilogy), as are most of the characters aside from the main two.
The brothers are one of the main problems in the story. They're just not particularly interesting, and they're really hard to differentiate at first until Will's love interest is introduced. Her arrival finally sparks a difference in the brothers - namely how they react to her - that the novel builds on. (The love interest herself I do not care for, but I won't get into that.) Prior to that, they're just your typical boys wanting to be heroes.
The other big problem is the pacing. The first half is really bloated with stuff that just doesn't matter. Pages and pages of summary on their childhood and training. Pages of them preparing for their journey (and then all that preparation going to waste when they're immediately met with disaster). Pages of them being cooped up in a tower. Things really don't pop off until the last fourth - and then they get really, really good. Without any spoilers, I can't say much, but I will say a very interesting character is introduced near the very end of the novel, one who really infuses it with a lot more energy and intrigue. The book touches on the relationship between light and darkness, how neither is truly good or evil, but that theme doesn't really get driven home until this character comes into play.
I would be interesting in reading the next book, mostly because a lot of the exposition is out of the way. However, I will say the last chapter is really, really screwy and hard to understand. It just completely throws everything for a loop in a way that isn't pleasant. Again, I assume this is just set-up for the rest of the trilogy, but it was sloppily done and kinda soured things for me right when I was starting to like it.
But, for the most part, this book was perfectly fine. If you just want a simple swords-and-magic romp with two typical teenage boys as your protagonists, this will suite you just fine.
October 13, 2024
Callahan's first attempt at the American Dream is a pleasant surprise. Which, honestly is no surprise. Matt is a creative person through and through, an actor, a talented dancer - and now a novelist!
Shadowborne drops us into the lives of a couple of brothers (Will, the smaller quicker more cunning brother, and Madigan - the bigger, stronger - more athletic brother) who grew up with their grandfather (their father long gone, and their mother killed in front of them when they were younger). Wanting to give them the perfect childhood Grandpa told them loads of crazy stories, and made them learn different fighting styles. They became weapons qualified, and were constantly doing PT. Grandpa had a neverending amount of stories about an old mythological world, and the monsters, and wizards, and magicians, and warriors that lived there.
One day something came and fought the family - killing Grandpa. In that fatal fight Will found himself wrapped in shadow and with control over energy or lightning. Grandpa was dead, but Will and Madigan realized the stories they had heard their whole lives were true. Will himself was "Shadowborne". The brothers, knowing they are being hunted, decide to try and find the world from grandpas stories. They find it soon enough, it is a strangle uncomfortable and not altogether hospitable world. Once there they make allies and enemies, but decide they aren't leaving until they get vengeance on the being who ordered the murder of their grandfather.
There are elements in this of so many fantasy and adventure novels and movies, it's hard to even make a list - it would be so long. The great thing about it is that Callahan deftly picks a little from here, and a little from there - so that while much of this story feels. . . familiar, it always feels original.
This is the first of a trilogy (the third has not yet been written) and I am excited to read the sequel.
Shadowborne drops us into the lives of a couple of brothers (Will, the smaller quicker more cunning brother, and Madigan - the bigger, stronger - more athletic brother) who grew up with their grandfather (their father long gone, and their mother killed in front of them when they were younger). Wanting to give them the perfect childhood Grandpa told them loads of crazy stories, and made them learn different fighting styles. They became weapons qualified, and were constantly doing PT. Grandpa had a neverending amount of stories about an old mythological world, and the monsters, and wizards, and magicians, and warriors that lived there.
One day something came and fought the family - killing Grandpa. In that fatal fight Will found himself wrapped in shadow and with control over energy or lightning. Grandpa was dead, but Will and Madigan realized the stories they had heard their whole lives were true. Will himself was "Shadowborne". The brothers, knowing they are being hunted, decide to try and find the world from grandpas stories. They find it soon enough, it is a strangle uncomfortable and not altogether hospitable world. Once there they make allies and enemies, but decide they aren't leaving until they get vengeance on the being who ordered the murder of their grandfather.
There are elements in this of so many fantasy and adventure novels and movies, it's hard to even make a list - it would be so long. The great thing about it is that Callahan deftly picks a little from here, and a little from there - so that while much of this story feels. . . familiar, it always feels original.
This is the first of a trilogy (the third has not yet been written) and I am excited to read the sequel.
October 2, 2020
Will and Madyson Davis, grandsons of Jervin Davis, story teller, blademaster, teacher, and most of all the man who loved them and raised them with stern morals.
When their mother was killed as they were going to visit their grandfather he took on raising the two very different boys. Madyson, large, golden, full of light and brawn. Will the youngest, smaller, quicker, , more closed into himself, drawn to the dark. Their grandfather Jervin, the man who new all the tales of the old times and brought the boys up as though they were real. He trained them with blades and made sure they had healthy bodies. And when Will found out he could reach the shadows his grandfather decided it was time to let the young men, because by this time this is what they were know their history.
They were Shadowborn and Lightborn, his grandsons and he needed to take them across the barrier to help fight the evil Valmont. He explained his plan slightly and gave his grandsons gifts of power. Madyson he gave a key and a ring and he called it Noctori and showed his Mad he could make swords from air with it. will he gave blood fangs daggers made from dragon teeth, and his key and more knowledge how to use his shadow.
But as they got ready to set out to cross the barrier they were attacked and their grandfather is killed. This fantastic story is how they get across the barrier and where they go from there. I say fantastic because it has so many twists and turns and surprises that is was left gasping. Fantastic because it is true fantasy from start to finish and leave you ready for next stage.
When their mother was killed as they were going to visit their grandfather he took on raising the two very different boys. Madyson, large, golden, full of light and brawn. Will the youngest, smaller, quicker, , more closed into himself, drawn to the dark. Their grandfather Jervin, the man who new all the tales of the old times and brought the boys up as though they were real. He trained them with blades and made sure they had healthy bodies. And when Will found out he could reach the shadows his grandfather decided it was time to let the young men, because by this time this is what they were know their history.
They were Shadowborn and Lightborn, his grandsons and he needed to take them across the barrier to help fight the evil Valmont. He explained his plan slightly and gave his grandsons gifts of power. Madyson he gave a key and a ring and he called it Noctori and showed his Mad he could make swords from air with it. will he gave blood fangs daggers made from dragon teeth, and his key and more knowledge how to use his shadow.
But as they got ready to set out to cross the barrier they were attacked and their grandfather is killed. This fantastic story is how they get across the barrier and where they go from there. I say fantastic because it has so many twists and turns and surprises that is was left gasping. Fantastic because it is true fantasy from start to finish and leave you ready for next stage.
June 12, 2019
Two brothers spend their youth preparing to enter another land where magic exists. Their goal, the purpose of all the warrior training their grandfather gives them. is to defeat a villain. But their plans are screwed before they even get to the portal magic world. And once they do get there, it's only to find out that they're woefully unprepared and not needed.
This was somewhat of a portal fantasy/sword and sorcery hero type of book, but it's very unique and unlike most books of those genres. The characters were amazingly portrayed. I felt their reactions and emotions were very realistic. The writing style was very engaging as well. The magic was interesting. There were several great plot twists. All in all, it was a really great unique book.
My only complaint was that I was a bit confused by some things like how the portal world works on a different time, and some things about the characters introduced at the end. I'm not sure if the confusion is my own misunderstanding, the characters', since they don't understand some of that either, or if it's the author's fault. But they didn't detract too much from the overall book.
Basically, my favorite parts were the brothers' relationship. It felt so real life and perfectly done. I really really really hope they don't end up fighting each other in the future.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was somewhat of a portal fantasy/sword and sorcery hero type of book, but it's very unique and unlike most books of those genres. The characters were amazingly portrayed. I felt their reactions and emotions were very realistic. The writing style was very engaging as well. The magic was interesting. There were several great plot twists. All in all, it was a really great unique book.
My only complaint was that I was a bit confused by some things like how the portal world works on a different time, and some things about the characters introduced at the end. I'm not sure if the confusion is my own misunderstanding, the characters', since they don't understand some of that either, or if it's the author's fault. But they didn't detract too much from the overall book.
Basically, my favorite parts were the brothers' relationship. It felt so real life and perfectly done. I really really really hope they don't end up fighting each other in the future.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2023
2.5 Stars 🌟
I hesitate to say too much about this book because it really was not my cup of tea and I don't want to spend too much time with criticisms. Don't get me wrong, I usually love this genre and the potential was definitely there when reading the summary. It just couldn't deliver.
I'm not really sure where it missed the mark but there were several issues that I had that were hard to overcome. First of all, the world building was almost non existent. We are told that they come from/are descended from another world...but that is about as much information as we are given on this "world". They both have "powers" but again, not much light is shed on these either. And their grandfather - he was certainly someone in this other world....but something occurs that stops us from learning that information as well.
The 2 MC's are young boys - well, teenagers, I think...maybe early 20's? See, I can't even remember that. Unfortunately, neither one of them are very likeable. Nor do they seem to have the talents to become the "hero" or "heroes" that are going to be needed. They are immature and tend to bicker much more than would seem sensible for the situation that they find themselves in. And that leads us to the next point.....
What exactly is their quest? Their purpose? It seems to change but even then, it is never really formalized or set in stone.
Either way, this was one of those books that I was just waiting and HOPING would end (I listened to it on audio) and I kept looking at the time to see how much time was left in the book. In my experience, that alone is NEVER a good sign.
Will I be moving on to book 2 in the series? No.
I hesitate to say too much about this book because it really was not my cup of tea and I don't want to spend too much time with criticisms. Don't get me wrong, I usually love this genre and the potential was definitely there when reading the summary. It just couldn't deliver.
I'm not really sure where it missed the mark but there were several issues that I had that were hard to overcome. First of all, the world building was almost non existent. We are told that they come from/are descended from another world...but that is about as much information as we are given on this "world". They both have "powers" but again, not much light is shed on these either. And their grandfather - he was certainly someone in this other world....but something occurs that stops us from learning that information as well.
The 2 MC's are young boys - well, teenagers, I think...maybe early 20's? See, I can't even remember that. Unfortunately, neither one of them are very likeable. Nor do they seem to have the talents to become the "hero" or "heroes" that are going to be needed. They are immature and tend to bicker much more than would seem sensible for the situation that they find themselves in. And that leads us to the next point.....
What exactly is their quest? Their purpose? It seems to change but even then, it is never really formalized or set in stone.
Either way, this was one of those books that I was just waiting and HOPING would end (I listened to it on audio) and I kept looking at the time to see how much time was left in the book. In my experience, that alone is NEVER a good sign.
Will I be moving on to book 2 in the series? No.
February 13, 2019
Callahan, Matthew – Shadowborne: Book 1 - A REVIEW
Another young author who springs forth with real talent!
Orphaned at a young age, raised by their Grandfather Jervin, Madigan and William are home-schooled. Not knowing differently, a curriculum including running, jumping, gymnastics, even hand to hand and sword fighting seemed a normal part of life to the boys. When their “abilities” began to surface and they ran to him in fright, Grandpa Jervin had some explaining to do. It seems he was “not from around here” but rather from a nearby and strange, but physically similar dimension of earth as they knew it.
With these newfound abilities and the training he had been working with them all of these years they now stood a chance of surviving in his world. The worlds of the stories that until now they had thought were just fairy tales and bedtime stories, or parables to teach them about morality. Now they were going to travel to that strange and wondrous place, and meet some of these same characters that they were familiar with only through stories.
If you like your stories filled with Magic, Sword play, Good and Evil, Epic Battles for Supremacy, then you will want to dive right into this!
Another young author who springs forth with real talent!
Orphaned at a young age, raised by their Grandfather Jervin, Madigan and William are home-schooled. Not knowing differently, a curriculum including running, jumping, gymnastics, even hand to hand and sword fighting seemed a normal part of life to the boys. When their “abilities” began to surface and they ran to him in fright, Grandpa Jervin had some explaining to do. It seems he was “not from around here” but rather from a nearby and strange, but physically similar dimension of earth as they knew it.
With these newfound abilities and the training he had been working with them all of these years they now stood a chance of surviving in his world. The worlds of the stories that until now they had thought were just fairy tales and bedtime stories, or parables to teach them about morality. Now they were going to travel to that strange and wondrous place, and meet some of these same characters that they were familiar with only through stories.
If you like your stories filled with Magic, Sword play, Good and Evil, Epic Battles for Supremacy, then you will want to dive right into this!
November 27, 2023
Interesting premise but a bit too hurried and contrived. Really getting into the story would provide too many spoilers, so I'll just say that while there was some "realism" regarding how two teenagers would act when presented with this unique situation, the author often reverted back to how teenagers act in fantasy (i.e., unrealistic). It ended up being a bit annoying to me to flipflop back and forth.
Part of me thinks I should give book two a go to see if some of my misgivings are corrected but I just wasn't hooked with the cast of characters. The two main protagonist were fine but not really interesting. The supporting cast seemed underdeveloped and, well, also uninteresting. Which is a shame because there were hints that many have a lot of backstory that are waiting to get fleshed out in subsequent novels - but without that hook, I doubt I will see them.
Part of me thinks I should give book two a go to see if some of my misgivings are corrected but I just wasn't hooked with the cast of characters. The two main protagonist were fine but not really interesting. The supporting cast seemed underdeveloped and, well, also uninteresting. Which is a shame because there were hints that many have a lot of backstory that are waiting to get fleshed out in subsequent novels - but without that hook, I doubt I will see them.
November 17, 2020
I enjoyed the originality of the alternate world this author created for the brothers, who are the two main characters in the story, as well as the 'schools of magic'. That originality was the best part of the book.
Overall the characters need work. Many need a lot more description as I couldn't really picture them in my mind's eye. Very sketchy physical description or details or age...ever details about the world the brothers traveled to was quite barren of detail except for the the one city being old and shabby and falling apart. Hopefully the author has improved on those sort of things in the ongoing series.
Overall the characters need work. Many need a lot more description as I couldn't really picture them in my mind's eye. Very sketchy physical description or details or age...ever details about the world the brothers traveled to was quite barren of detail except for the the one city being old and shabby and falling apart. Hopefully the author has improved on those sort of things in the ongoing series.
January 14, 2024
This book has such a great concept. The idea of brothers against all odds adds a deeper meaning to the book.
Halfway through the book, we find out that Madigan also has the same powers as Will. The reveal came suddenly, allowing the reader to feel the same shock that Will felt. At first, I didn't like the idea of Madigan having the same abilities as both brothers were unique in their own ways. Will, being the cunning stealthy younger brother hiding in the shadows of his own shade. Madigan is the logical, strong, ideal older brother who aced battle strategies, taking things head on.
But, I warmed up to the idea. Then, another spin was added, and we found out that Will remains unique. It brings a nice conclusion to the end of the first book and builds so much hype and anticipation for the next as we get to go on another journey of Will discovering his new power and Madigan learning to enhance his own while they both, on different ends of the battle, work together to save themselves and everyone else in their world.
Halfway through the book, we find out that Madigan also has the same powers as Will. The reveal came suddenly, allowing the reader to feel the same shock that Will felt. At first, I didn't like the idea of Madigan having the same abilities as both brothers were unique in their own ways. Will, being the cunning stealthy younger brother hiding in the shadows of his own shade. Madigan is the logical, strong, ideal older brother who aced battle strategies, taking things head on.
But, I warmed up to the idea. Then, another spin was added, and we found out that Will remains unique. It brings a nice conclusion to the end of the first book and builds so much hype and anticipation for the next as we get to go on another journey of Will discovering his new power and Madigan learning to enhance his own while they both, on different ends of the battle, work together to save themselves and everyone else in their world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2019
If your a fan of fantasy, definitely give this series a shot. Author Matthew Callahan comes out of the gate sprinting on his first novel. Fantasy is the main genre I read and I can tell you I haven't had a book where I HAD to keep reading because I HAD to know what happened next. Within the first chapters I felt for the main characters and had a real attachment to them. Callahan did an amazing job weaving in real world locals and examples to a brand new fantasy world. My only disappointment? I have to wait for the next one. Well done! Highly recommended.
July 1, 2022
If I could I’d give this book 3.5 stars, mostly because it contains two of the most annoying female characters I have ever come across and I don’t understand how or why the brothers are so smitten.
And then for whatever reason the brothers decide that only halfway decent female character, isn’t worth their time and shouldn’t be trusted. I’m so confused with this characterisation.
But a lot of effort has gone into constructing the world and the plot, so if you enjoy fantasy it’s worth a read.
And then for whatever reason the brothers decide that only halfway decent female character, isn’t worth their time and shouldn’t be trusted. I’m so confused with this characterisation.
But a lot of effort has gone into constructing the world and the plot, so if you enjoy fantasy it’s worth a read.
June 2, 2019
This is a tough book to give a rating to. I really enjoyed the author's writing (5 stars), the story idea is good (4 stars), and the execution of the story is good (4 stars)... I had real trouble with the characters who left me completely indifferent (2 stars), but I think that may be down to me not being in the target audience for this book. So, 3.5 stars.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
June 6, 2019
The author has a very vivid imagination and I am in aah at what he has wrote. A whole new world with the possibly of an infinite number of others all connected. The story is awesome. It has action, intrigue, and a whole lot more. This is a story that would make a TV series and could run for however long you would like. I like the Shadowborne there is so much potential there I love this one. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
January 26, 2020
I really didn't like this book. First it was so boring in places, I feel asleep. Second the characters left allot to be desired. Third, placed in modern earth (which I don't like for this type of book) with a travel option which I find stupid. Unrealistic characters that stand on legs that have been ripped of and arm twist so you can't use it and fighting with the thing that is attacking. Get Real! Do Not recommend! Waist of my time!
August 11, 2023
Ah gee, this was an audiobook that sounded like another epic fantasy like the stormlight archives and the dinosaur lords. I kept waiting for something/anything to happen and honestly nothing really did. I found myself tuning out and not really feeling like I had to rewind the audible recording because I missed something. None of the characters were that interesting either, I couldn’t really enjoy this book enough to want to let the story build in the following books.
January 19, 2024
2.5 stars. It seems interesting but the two main characters are annoying. The whole thing also feels rushed. Two teenagers from our world discover they are descended from a more magical world, they have powers, get trained by their grandfather from that world and then sent thru to save said magical world from the great big evil. The very last bit of the book got much more interesting but still seemed very rushed.
October 6, 2020
Low 3
Parts of this book worked for me. The worlds and powers were intriguing. However, the writing style felt distancing, leaving me outside the story instead of pulling me in to experience it. Additionally the ending feels like a hook if not a cliff. It sorta reached a pause point but then it dived off an edge.
Parts of this book worked for me. The worlds and powers were intriguing. However, the writing style felt distancing, leaving me outside the story instead of pulling me in to experience it. Additionally the ending feels like a hook if not a cliff. It sorta reached a pause point but then it dived off an edge.
September 12, 2023
Interesting story, but a lot of reviewers before me seem to have defined it well. The main character went from interesting to irritating rather quickly, then fluctuated between knowing what he had to do and then doing the exact opposite. None of the characters were particularly captivating, except perhaps the grandfather who wasn’t in the story after the first few chapters.
July 23, 2019
Good Stuff - Highly Recommend
I’ve read a lot of self published stuff on amazon. This is top notch stuff, not pulp fiction. Quality story and characters, excellent detail but not so much that it seems like filler.
Will gladly pay for the next one. Carry on good sir!
I’ve read a lot of self published stuff on amazon. This is top notch stuff, not pulp fiction. Quality story and characters, excellent detail but not so much that it seems like filler.
Will gladly pay for the next one. Carry on good sir!
May 6, 2020
From normal to something else
Will and Mad lost their grandfather to a monster. Then they went through the door to a lands that had been revealed to them.. then the fun started.. good book
Will and Mad lost their grandfather to a monster. Then they went through the door to a lands that had been revealed to them.. then the fun started.. good book
November 19, 2023
good start to series
Liked the twist in the story which I didn’t see coming. But I do find the teenage sex and lusting a bit mundane and boring! Looking forward to n cut book and development of plot. Also have fount m favourite character in Jero
Liked the twist in the story which I didn’t see coming. But I do find the teenage sex and lusting a bit mundane and boring! Looking forward to n cut book and development of plot. Also have fount m favourite character in Jero
January 12, 2022
was good.
October 13, 2022
That was a blast. Well written and a surprise around every turn. Few books keep me guessing like this one did!
January 15, 2023
An OK story, not sure why some reviewers felt it was awful. Granted the brothers aren't funny but then that's totally realistic as people often think their banter is funnier than it is!
April 5, 2023
It’s ok, didn’t grab me so I wont go on with the series.
April 8, 2023
I struggled liking this book but I just started the sequel. I want to see if it gets better
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