From Legend

The Reeve #1

by Ian Lewis

Sober, serious, and driven, Logan Hale is the highest peace officer in Beldenridge, and he knows his city better than anyone: the labyrinthine streets, the vaulted architecture, and all the dark corners where tales of mutations and a vicious enemy still linger like hushed secrets. Logan is quick to dismiss these accounts as part of a storied past with which he’d rather not contend, but when a suicide investigation leads him to believe there’s something more sinister at hand, he questions whether that near-forgotten lore isn’t the stuff of legend after all.

Genres: Fantasy

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2019

About the author

Ian Lewis prefers not to be bound by a particular genre. Though the inspiration for his work varies, it often finds roots in something he dreamt. He strives for a gritty realism and maintains an interest in the humanity of his characters. His hope is that readers find themselves haunted by his stories in the sense that the narrative sticks with them long after they've finished reading, leaving them with a subtle restlessness for more.

Reviews

[Esme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for spfbo 5, thoughts and rating coming after July 1

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

From Legend by Ian Lewis is the first book in the alternate history series The Reeve.

The first thing I loved about this book is the cover art! I absolutely loved it and once done with the book I was really happy (and grateful) that the high expectations set by the cover were fully delivered by the author in this book. I enjoyed this book tremendously and the many elements it had to offer to a speculative fiction lover like myself. I loved the writing, the world-building, the characterisation as well as the fast pacing and high tension throughout the story.

I liked how the author interweaved the alternate historical settings with fantastical elements and used old lores, legends and fables to build intrigue as well as the perfect atmosphere for keeping the reader on edge. I would highly recommend this book to all readers who like reading speculative fiction, fantasy as well as alternate history and also to those who are looking to explore a new author or a new series. This book would be a really good pick for most readers.

You can also read this review on www.thereadingbud.com

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://openbooksociety.com/article/f...

From Legend
The Reeve, Book #1
By Ian Lewis
ASIN: B07PGSDVC9
Author Website: ianlewisfiction(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro

Synopsis:


Sober, serious, and driven, Logan Hale is the highest peace officer in Beldenridge, and he knows his city better than anyone: the labyrinthine streets, the vaulted architecture, and all the dark corners where tales of mutations and a vicious enemy still linger like hushed secrets. Logan is quick to dismiss these accounts as part of a storied past with which he’d rather not contend, but when a suicide investigation leads him to believe there’s something more sinister at hand, he questions whether that near-forgotten lore isn’t the stuff of legend after all. (Goodreads)

Review:

Logan Hale lives with the constant memories from the girl he loved when he was younger, Clara, whom he still has feelings for. He is the Reeve, a peace officer of the highest rank and lately, not just Clara occupies his mind, but also memories of mentions of the Wojiin, a clan that consumes everything in their path leaving destruction and slaughter behind.

The Wojiin haven’t been seen in years, but it isn’t until a boy commits suicide that Logan begins to question the presence of the Wojiin closer than anyone thought possible. He takes his findings to his superiors, but for everyone it is hard to believe that the Wojiin would be doing anything without Beldenridge noticing.

Logan remembers the war stories from his father and his mentor of the slaughtering the Wojiin would leave behind, making him anxious to scout the area outside the city in order to find more answers to his concerns. Everything leads him on a wild search in circles that could cost Beldenridge time in protecting the city and its people.

I have been a fan of Ian Lewis’ work for some years now and he never ceases to amaze me with his stories. His writing style is descriptive and mysterious with a touch of poetry that never fails to catch the reader’s attention. From Legend was no different. The book takes its time to explain the history surrounding the city of Beldenridge and Logan’s past, which all comes in handy for the reader in order to understand the threat that the Wojiin pose. The book also sets the atmosphere for the following books to come in the series, with no doubt that they will have a great story and many surprises.

There are two characters that look like they will be essential for the rest of the series. One is, Clara, Logan’s love interest who we only know about from memories. The other character is, Amelia, an orphan with great skills and is willing to help when she is needed. I really want to know what happens to Amelia and how her character will eventually develop in the story.

I am trying my best not to spoil too much of the story because it is really great and the cliffhanger leaves you wanting to know what happens in the next book! So, if you like a story with a touch of mystery and action From Legend is for you. I highly recommend it.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed other books by this author (so I'm able to say this is one of my favorite authors) and I was excited to see not only a new book by this author but a new series as well. That said, once I started reading this, I realized it is a genre that I don't read often, so I don't know how qualified I am to review it, but . . . here goes.

I liked having both a strong male and a strong female protagonist. Both remind me a bit of Batman in the sense that they seem to have learned and honed their skills and created gadgets to allow them to do things (like climbing buildings). I wasn't entirely sure if all their skills were learned/honed or if some were inborn/supernatural.

Both have strong feelings about defending the city and will do so until they are exhausted or dead. Logan is recognized by the city government and citizens as their protector. Amelia is more on the vigilante side of the equation--though Logan obviously respects her skills since he chooses to leave his city under her protection when he goes out to scout.

I wasn't sure if we were going to find the Wojiin to be villains or to be misunderstood beings who felt threatened. That isn't answered (for me at least) though I do wonder if there are any ties between Clara and the attack on this particular city.

Logan's relationship to Clara was a bit confusing to me. Sometimes his memories pulled me out of the book--I'm sure I was probably supposed to get more from them than I did. I was able to eventually figure out that he loved her but also felt he had to take the Reeve position, something that would keep him tied to the town. Clara didn't like that he took the Reeve position and left him. I wasn't sure if his visions of her were really imaginary--and if they were, was she trying to help him or hurt his cause? Or if she really had gone over to the "enemy". I guess we will find out more in the next book in the series.

I had thought that Logan and Amelia might get together either in the Batman-Robin-like professional sense of a mentor and ward or romantically--but that didn't occur in this book either. (Maybe in the future? A reader can hope.)

I also wasn't sure if the Higher Aggregate was supposed to be God (or another higher power) or an idol or a demon or something else entirely. (As I said, I don't often read this genre.) The fact that Logan's mother took to work when the Wojiin attacked and wasn't hurt/injured/killed made me wonder if there was something more behind the idea than what I had thought.

All in all, a satisfying start to a new series!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Reeve Book I: From Legend author Ian Lewis introduces us to the compelling character of Logan Hale, a Reeve entrusted with maintaining law and order in the town of Beldenridge. Intriguingly, this narrative is set in a world that has witnessed a dramatic regression, caused by a disastrous alchemical experiment in its past. Evidence of this catastrophe persists in the form of distorted humans and animals, leaving the environment starkly different from what one would anticipate in the stated year, 2017. Hale’s navigation of this world, beset with dangers and mysteries, is guided primarily by Clara, a character with whom he shares an intricate and complex history.

The plot thickens when Hale embarks on an investigation into a mysterious death, opening the door to a perilous journey that underscores the eerie nature of his world. The Reeve Book I: From Legend echoes the stylistic choices of classic Gothic horror, drawing parallels to the works of Algernon Blackwood and Clark Ashton Smith. Lewis’s writing thrives on creating an atmospheric tension that simultaneously captivates and disconcerts readers. The world Hale occupies is oppressively off-balance, and Lewis’s narrative skillfully highlights this aspect.

Punctuating the looming darkness are sequences of action, providing a refreshing break from periods of exposition, though their frequency is perhaps inevitable given this is the opening act of a series. Lewis’s narrative employs a mix of third and first-person perspectives, oscillating between the present and reminiscences of earlier times. This may require some adjustment for readers used to a single narrative voice, yet this is a minor point in an otherwise gripping tale.

Overall, The Reeve Book I: From Legend offers an engaging read, with its protagonist, Hale, being a richly developed character. However, it ends on a suspenseful note, leaving readers inquisitive about his true intentions. This sense of anticipation certainly sparks interest in the forthcoming sequels, promising to unravel more of this intriguing, albeit bleak, world.

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Legend is the intriguing first book in The Reeve series. The book primarily follows Logan Hale, The Reeve - a sherriff-type character - of the city of Beldenridge. The world is an alternate version of our own. In the distant past of this world, alchemists went too far in their experiments, something went horribly wrong, and a variety of mutated plants, animals, and humans have led to a dark and gothic current day, lacking technological advancement and stunting the growth of civilization. The story takes place in the year 2017 somewhere in North America, but is utterly foreign. The writing is atmospheric and compelling and the characters are very interesting. Being the first in the series to come, this book does a lot of set up, starting with a mysterious death that leads Logan on a wild chase for answers. Sprinkled throughout the current-day narrative are flashbacks to some years prior, which offer bits of context for both the world and the characters experiencing the flashbacks. Although the flashbacks feel very frequent and somewhat disruptive early in the book, they become less-so as the story progresses, and I found myself missing them as they did.

If you’re a fan of gothic settings and stories I’d recommend checking this one out. Fans of Batman will find Logan a familiar sort of character, though certainly unique as well.

5/5, From Legend was fascinating and compelling, always making me want to read more to see what would happen next. I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here.

[Lily A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian Lewis' "From Legend" is a bewitching foremost installment of The Reeve series. The tale follows Logan Hale's boisterous hunt for explanations, in his amazing city of Beldenridge after getting wind of a bizarre death. Flashbacks depicting historical themes and occurrences will have readers presented with the characters' evolution journey as well as the root of their actions' rationale that add chasm to their portrayal. Logan is a personality whose reason is greatly guided by indelible recaps throughout the read, such as of his former young sweetheart, Clara, and whom he still feels affection for. It is absorbing to see how the widely recognized city protector balances his enormous protection task with his love emotions that make his character more believable.

This is a read that will have readers follow Author Ian Lewis due to the highly illustrative and gripping encounters, that aptly produce unforgettable memories for his audience. His protagonist's curiosity has traders where Lewis wants them- inspired to look beyond the obvious. "From Legend" is conclusively a great story whose cliffhanger will have you anxious for the next installment. For lovers of fantasy thrillers, this is a must-read!

[Aditya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of the most interesting fiction stories I have read ever. The setting is fantastic and the way the author integrated the lore, the characters, and the setting is just phenomenal. This series has a lot of potentials both as literature and as a possible cinematic adaptation.

The story is just very well crafted and presented. The plot is not very complex in terms of many elements but it is when you factor in the characters that the author has created so masterfully. The protagonist is very nicely written. Although not everything that the protagonist does is relatable, which is to be expected since it is a fantasy, most of the moral struggles and decisions are very relatable.

The characters complement each other very well in the story. The main setting does not overpower the plot nor does the plot overpowers the setting itself. The balance is subtle but exquisite. Overall, I loved the book and will recommend it to everyone who loves a bit of historical elements mixed with a lot of lore and fantasy. A lot of gratitude to the author for writing such a great book for us the readers.

Thank you
Regards

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book by Ian Lewis that I have read, and I can say that after finishing it I will be reading more. The narrative sweeps you wholly into the world created by Lewis. The details of Beldenridge make you feel as if you are right there in the city. Amidst a dark gothic backdrop characters are introduced, who seem infallible at first, but slowly become more human and vulnerable.

The book keeps you guessing as to what will happen and leaves you with a thirst for more at its conclusion. Along with great character development and an underlying mystery, the action sets are wonderfully detailed and brutal. Lewis leaves enough to the imagination for you to draw your own conclusions before the next entry in the series (which I thoroughly enjoy).

I would recommend this series to anyone with a love for action-fantasy, and mystery. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

[Purnima Khanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian Lewis' "From Legend" is an intriguing and bewitching fantasy thriller. The story line begins with a perplexing murder of a young man. Logan Hale, the protagonist, a peace officer, thinks that there is something sinister behind the murder. The story line picks up the pace slowly and gradually increases the suspense. Moreover ,the characters are well crafted and well developed whereby the author has created a fantasy world where the old folk lores come alive. The plot keeps the reader transfixed throughout the read owing to its cliff hanging twists and turns. Definitely going to read part two of the book.

[Lzfrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An advance review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. Ian Lewis does a great job creating characters in which a reader can become invested. Both the male and female protagonists in the story are strong leading figures. I’m very curious to see where he takes them in the next book of the series. In addition to creating great characters, there are also some great action scenes. I highly recommend this book.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big departure from Lewis' normal style, it was interesting to see his take on fantasy. While a bit slow to start, I found myself drawn into the story by the second act and I can't wait for the next book to come out!