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Kingdoms of Chartile #1
Prophecy
In a land torn asunder by forbidden magic, four friends hold the key to saving the realm... or destroying it.
Jayson, Jack, and Leo never imagined wandering through the woodlands of Ohio could cause them to be whisked away to a fantasy world - but that's exactly what happened. Trapped within the world of Chartile, a land on the brink of ruin, they have no clue how to wield their newfound and outlawed magic, let alone save a kingdom. With their new friend, Piper, they discover an ancient prophecy which may be the realm's last hope. And if the prophecy is to be believed, Jayson, Jack and Leo are the reincarnated souls of Chartile's ancient kings, their return long ago foretold to right the wrongs of the land. With an Elven Princess bent on taking every last bit of Chartile as her own, and a Dwarvik society on the brink of civil war, these friends must come together to save the realm, or risk losing everything. It's safe to say, getting home is the least of their problems.
An enchanting young adult epic fantasy novel with dwarves, elves and magic, Prophecy is the first book in the brand-new Chartile series. Exciting, fresh, and fun, Prophecy tests the power of friendship against the strength of evil. Teens and adults both will become obsessed with the incredible world author Cassandra Morgan has created.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2015
About the author
Cassandra Morgan
8 books59 followersCassandra Morgan was born in a small town in Ohio. She comes from a family of both writers and English majors from both sides of her family.
The idea for The Kingdoms of Chartile came from games she used to play with her friends after school in the woods behind her house.
Cassandra is a frequent guest at conventions and writing conferences in the Midwest area. She is a writing coach, a foster for orphaned kittens, and participates with The International Cat Association. Cassandra also writes Paranormal Cozy Mystery as C.P. Morgan.
The idea for The Kingdoms of Chartile came from games she used to play with her friends after school in the woods behind her house.
Cassandra is a frequent guest at conventions and writing conferences in the Midwest area. She is a writing coach, a foster for orphaned kittens, and participates with The International Cat Association. Cassandra also writes Paranormal Cozy Mystery as C.P. Morgan.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Want to Read
April 16, 2019Four friends from Ohio end up in a fantasy world where they have to fulfill a prophecy??? *squints at A Week of Werewolves, Faeries, and Fancy Dresses suspiciously*
But also, three of those friends are named Jayson, Leo, and Piper? *squints at this book suspiciously*
Coincidence?
Maybe... *squints at everything suspiciously*
But also, three of those friends are named Jayson, Leo, and Piper? *squints at this book suspiciously*
Coincidence?
Maybe... *squints at everything suspiciously*
May 2, 2019
Jack, Leo and Jayson have their own struggles at home but they can always get together to escape their problems and have fun... until they discover that they've somehow stumbled into a world far from their own. Little do they know that in this world, they are a prophecy, they are important, and they are no longer teenagers. Their words could make or break the world of Chartlie...
I would highly recommend this book to teens (or adults!) who love fantasy with a LOTR feel to it. I appreciated that although the Kings are teenagers, their thoughts were still highly considered... must as would be beneficial in the real world. There were constantly roadblocks, fights (cue the evil Queen), twists and turns (why do some characters have to die so soon?!) that held my attention all the way through. Looking forward to hearing more about the on-goings in Chartile!
**This book was provided to me. I have read and reviewed on my own accord and the opinions expressed are my own.
I would highly recommend this book to teens (or adults!) who love fantasy with a LOTR feel to it. I appreciated that although the Kings are teenagers, their thoughts were still highly considered... must as would be beneficial in the real world. There were constantly roadblocks, fights (cue the evil Queen), twists and turns (why do some characters have to die so soon?!) that held my attention all the way through. Looking forward to hearing more about the on-goings in Chartile!
**This book was provided to me. I have read and reviewed on my own accord and the opinions expressed are my own.
May 22, 2019
I both loved and hated the ending. And I am very excited there is a second book to the series. I got drawn in very quickly, the characters were unique and I can't think of any holes in the storyline. It was well thought out and well executed. I really like Cassandra Morgan's voice.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2019
It’s been a while since I’ve read a straight YA fantasy, but this fits the bill. If you think your children will love fantasy and want to get them into reading, this is a great starter to epic fantasy. It’s an easy read with some characters that will make it easy for pre-teens to identify with.
The premise of this book is that three young boys stumble into another world where they are destined to play a role. Throughout the story, the boys provide quite a bit of comic relief and make it a lighthearted story in spite of some of the deeper and darker themes around family division, history repeating itself, and mind control. Reading the author’s bio and commentary about where the ideas for Chartile (that’s the world) originated, it’s clear how the story may have been stimulated from highly imaginative childhood games.
As a debut novel and for the amount of information covered in 400 pages, the worldbuilding was done exceptionally well. I found myself wanting some pearl wine a number of times, and the matriarchal Dwarvik culture was an interesting take on the Tolkien-esque Dwarves. In fact, my mental picture of the dwarves in Chartile is quite different, and I’d say that’s a huge credit to the author that she could paint a different view of a culture that’s such a fantasy mainstay. Other worldbuilding features included everything from a complex system of underground cities and corridors for the dwarves to simple herbs unique to Chartile; dreamshade for example.
As for characters, Piper and Dmitri were the better developed of the characters. Piper fits into a trope in that she’s one chosen to become ruler. Despite that, she has sufficient background that she stood on her own. Dmitri, though, was my favorite character in the story. He seemed to be the most complex, had a great deal to lose, and had a history that was clear as it applied to the larger story and world. The primary reason for my 3.5 stars is the development around the boys in the novel. At times, I found that having three characters here seemed to be overkill, and it was sometimes difficult to distinguish between them. By the end, only Jayson really stood out in my mind.
Where the boys came in handy though was for some nice comic relief. It was a fun touch that the boys were from modern times and spoke that way throughout. Here’s one of my favorite interactions from Jack in the book:
“If we’re your friends, then you’re gunna talk. That’s what girls need anyway, right? Talking?”
p. 171
The premise of this book is that three young boys stumble into another world where they are destined to play a role. Throughout the story, the boys provide quite a bit of comic relief and make it a lighthearted story in spite of some of the deeper and darker themes around family division, history repeating itself, and mind control. Reading the author’s bio and commentary about where the ideas for Chartile (that’s the world) originated, it’s clear how the story may have been stimulated from highly imaginative childhood games.
As a debut novel and for the amount of information covered in 400 pages, the worldbuilding was done exceptionally well. I found myself wanting some pearl wine a number of times, and the matriarchal Dwarvik culture was an interesting take on the Tolkien-esque Dwarves. In fact, my mental picture of the dwarves in Chartile is quite different, and I’d say that’s a huge credit to the author that she could paint a different view of a culture that’s such a fantasy mainstay. Other worldbuilding features included everything from a complex system of underground cities and corridors for the dwarves to simple herbs unique to Chartile; dreamshade for example.
As for characters, Piper and Dmitri were the better developed of the characters. Piper fits into a trope in that she’s one chosen to become ruler. Despite that, she has sufficient background that she stood on her own. Dmitri, though, was my favorite character in the story. He seemed to be the most complex, had a great deal to lose, and had a history that was clear as it applied to the larger story and world. The primary reason for my 3.5 stars is the development around the boys in the novel. At times, I found that having three characters here seemed to be overkill, and it was sometimes difficult to distinguish between them. By the end, only Jayson really stood out in my mind.
Where the boys came in handy though was for some nice comic relief. It was a fun touch that the boys were from modern times and spoke that way throughout. Here’s one of my favorite interactions from Jack in the book:
“If we’re your friends, then you’re gunna talk. That’s what girls need anyway, right? Talking?”
p. 171
August 7, 2019
I received a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. This is simply my opinion on the book and is not influenced by any external factor.
Jayson, Leo and Jack are three teenage boys from Ohio who find themselves magically whisked away to the world of Chartile. Chartile is much different from the modern day society the boys are used to: magic is outlawed, clans and cultures of dwarves, humans and elves, and a prophecy that may save the kingdom from the brink of ruin. Along with their new friend Piper, the boys must work together to protect each other while saving the kingdom.
Here’s what you can expect while reading Prophecy:
• Jayson, Leo and Jack are all very young, only fourteen years old. Each of them has their own individual struggles at home, and their strengths and weaknesses. Out of the three of them, I think Jack was my favourite – probably because of how he had to be strong to help his family and what he has gone through, and seemed to be the most level-headed of the group. That’s not to say that Jayson and Leo didn’t have their good moments. I loved how Leo was a bookworm and the stereotypical ‘nerd’, and Jayson, while excited about their journey, has his own fears he needs to overcome.
• The worldbuilding is amazing and totally immersing. You can really envision Chartile as it is described and can clearly see each individual setting.
• The story itself has a LOTR feel, also a bit like Eragon, but without the dragons and a joint adventure.
• Piper herself is a very strong and self-capable heroine. Definitely not a damsel in distress. Dimitri was also a very strong character himself, and the interactions between the two of them were extraordinary. You could definitely tell that there are romantic tensions between them, but the romance doesn’t get in the way of the plot and any romantic interactions between the two are very minimal.
My thoughts:
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, one which will appeal to fantasy fans of any age. The one thing I can say could have been better was the change in perspective, how it changed multiple times in the course of the chapter; however, despite this, it was still an amazing read with an incredible and immersing story.
Rating: 4/5
Jayson, Leo and Jack are three teenage boys from Ohio who find themselves magically whisked away to the world of Chartile. Chartile is much different from the modern day society the boys are used to: magic is outlawed, clans and cultures of dwarves, humans and elves, and a prophecy that may save the kingdom from the brink of ruin. Along with their new friend Piper, the boys must work together to protect each other while saving the kingdom.
Here’s what you can expect while reading Prophecy:
• Jayson, Leo and Jack are all very young, only fourteen years old. Each of them has their own individual struggles at home, and their strengths and weaknesses. Out of the three of them, I think Jack was my favourite – probably because of how he had to be strong to help his family and what he has gone through, and seemed to be the most level-headed of the group. That’s not to say that Jayson and Leo didn’t have their good moments. I loved how Leo was a bookworm and the stereotypical ‘nerd’, and Jayson, while excited about their journey, has his own fears he needs to overcome.
• The worldbuilding is amazing and totally immersing. You can really envision Chartile as it is described and can clearly see each individual setting.
• The story itself has a LOTR feel, also a bit like Eragon, but without the dragons and a joint adventure.
• Piper herself is a very strong and self-capable heroine. Definitely not a damsel in distress. Dimitri was also a very strong character himself, and the interactions between the two of them were extraordinary. You could definitely tell that there are romantic tensions between them, but the romance doesn’t get in the way of the plot and any romantic interactions between the two are very minimal.
My thoughts:
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, one which will appeal to fantasy fans of any age. The one thing I can say could have been better was the change in perspective, how it changed multiple times in the course of the chapter; however, despite this, it was still an amazing read with an incredible and immersing story.
Rating: 4/5
June 10, 2019
This is a really good read. Jack, Jayson, and Leo are transported to a magical world called Chartile one day. There they meet Piper, a girl who lives in the wild because she was banished from her town and she teaches them to live in this strange new world. They learn of a prophecy and that they may be the ones to fulfill it and release the land from the tyranny of Princess Taraniz.
There’s a lot of potential in this story. The world is well developed and I really enjoyed learning about it. I liked all the main characters. They are all flawed but very good people. This is a coming of age tale as they grow up and take their new roles in society. They each have their struggles but they learn that if they stick together, they can get through anything. It’s a story of friendship and good vs evil. It kind of reminded me of Chronicles of Narnia since the boys went to a magical world and lived there for a long time. I really liked some of the details in the world that made it different from a lot of other fantasy, such as the dwarves having a matriarchal society, and magic being virtually outlawed. The one downside to this story was that it’s pretty long and it dragged a bit in the middle for me. It picked up in pace again about 2/3 of the way through and kept it up until the end. Overall I really enjoyed the read. If you like young adult fantasy, I definitely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
There’s a lot of potential in this story. The world is well developed and I really enjoyed learning about it. I liked all the main characters. They are all flawed but very good people. This is a coming of age tale as they grow up and take their new roles in society. They each have their struggles but they learn that if they stick together, they can get through anything. It’s a story of friendship and good vs evil. It kind of reminded me of Chronicles of Narnia since the boys went to a magical world and lived there for a long time. I really liked some of the details in the world that made it different from a lot of other fantasy, such as the dwarves having a matriarchal society, and magic being virtually outlawed. The one downside to this story was that it’s pretty long and it dragged a bit in the middle for me. It picked up in pace again about 2/3 of the way through and kept it up until the end. Overall I really enjoyed the read. If you like young adult fantasy, I definitely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 21, 2019
I received a copy of the book from the author.
I really wanted to love this book. I was sold on the idea when I read the blurb. Unfortunately, I think the execution fell short.
I think it would be worth it for an editor to look at the text again. There are some very clumsy sentences that slow down the pace of the story. There are also issues with pronouns that are not well defined. The difference between the sisters was striking. She was very thin... Which of the sisters is thin, who knows.
There are also many instances when adjectives were used instead of adverbs, my pet peeve, in this novel.
The change in POV without demarcation is quite dizzying. Somehow, being in both Dimitri's and Piper's head at the same time during the same embrace was very off-putting. And always trying to figure out who was thinking what also slowed down the story.
Although I can see why some things needed to happen for the storyline to evolve, I think some of the reasoning was quite weak. Why separate twins at birth? Because we don't want sisters fighting! What makes them think they will fight? They may have been incredibly close and strong together.
I think the world that was created by the author is fantastic and I am curious to see what more is in store for Chartile but I will be starting book 2 with much lower expectations.
I really wanted to love this book. I was sold on the idea when I read the blurb. Unfortunately, I think the execution fell short.
I think it would be worth it for an editor to look at the text again. There are some very clumsy sentences that slow down the pace of the story. There are also issues with pronouns that are not well defined. The difference between the sisters was striking. She was very thin... Which of the sisters is thin, who knows.
There are also many instances when adjectives were used instead of adverbs, my pet peeve, in this novel.
The change in POV without demarcation is quite dizzying. Somehow, being in both Dimitri's and Piper's head at the same time during the same embrace was very off-putting. And always trying to figure out who was thinking what also slowed down the story.
Although I can see why some things needed to happen for the storyline to evolve, I think some of the reasoning was quite weak. Why separate twins at birth? Because we don't want sisters fighting! What makes them think they will fight? They may have been incredibly close and strong together.
I think the world that was created by the author is fantastic and I am curious to see what more is in store for Chartile but I will be starting book 2 with much lower expectations.
July 17, 2018
This novel was entertaining from the beginning -- from the dialogue between the trio of friends to the fantastical adventure that they embark on.
I had been expecting a lighter read because at the beginning it seems light enough, even comical, but when presented with deeper issues such as gender equality [not in a way that you might think,] it had surprised me.
The characters morph throughout the story, growing with each task they are faced with and the pace of the overall story was steady-- it wasn't quick for me, but it was a solid read.
Definitely a fun, fantastical read for Young Adults.
I had been expecting a lighter read because at the beginning it seems light enough, even comical, but when presented with deeper issues such as gender equality [not in a way that you might think,] it had surprised me.
The characters morph throughout the story, growing with each task they are faced with and the pace of the overall story was steady-- it wasn't quick for me, but it was a solid read.
Definitely a fun, fantastical read for Young Adults.
September 9, 2018
If you like books with world building, this has some great elements of that. Also, if you like a coming of age, or growth of a young character, this is for you too. This book is not recommended for someone who does not care for the frequent use of kid slang from the 90's.
At the beginning I had a hard time remembering which character came from which back story, but as the story went on their personalities came through more as they went through different situations. The world the author imagined was creative and I liked that the supernatural races were different from our traditional thinking.
At the beginning I had a hard time remembering which character came from which back story, but as the story went on their personalities came through more as they went through different situations. The world the author imagined was creative and I liked that the supernatural races were different from our traditional thinking.
February 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this YA Fantasy! It was fast paced and completely took me into another world with all the wonderful beings and challenges of the young and untried who are asked to fulfill a prophecy they did not know existed in a land that is so different from the world they know. To watch the characters grow, stumble and try to reach a goal was my privilege and I felt I was on a journey with them.
March 30, 2019
Spoiler free review!
From the very beginning I was drawn in to this book. Everything from the world building, plot and characters and their development were so well done I couldn't help but be sucked in.
A YA epic fantasy that takes its characters and throws them into a magical fantasy world filled with elves, dwarves and evil which leaves you with one hell of a page turner.
5 stars. Would definitely recommend.
From the very beginning I was drawn in to this book. Everything from the world building, plot and characters and their development were so well done I couldn't help but be sucked in.
A YA epic fantasy that takes its characters and throws them into a magical fantasy world filled with elves, dwarves and evil which leaves you with one hell of a page turner.
5 stars. Would definitely recommend.
March 18, 2019
Great story flow with magic, fantastical creatures, and main characters that were well thought out. The book takes you through more emotions than you expect with each character Jayson, Jack, Leo, and many more. Each has their own unique story making the story even better. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
August 20, 2018
Excellent. Couldn't put away!
October 14, 2016
Prophecy, from the start, reminded me of the excellent comic Birthright by Joshua Williamson and Andrei Bressan. That was a major plus in the book's favor.
The plot borrows quite a bit from Lord of the Rings: a deposed monarch who has taken to being a wanderer, the classical dwarf-elf race wars, an evil force thought defeated long ago returns, a council held in response to the returning evil, evacuating cities to a fortress deeper in the mountain, the only thing that will defeat the returning evil is a circlet (which looks an awful lot like a large ring) that no one knows the current location of.
The conventions, however, are turned on their ears. The dwarves and the elves don't LOOK like classical fantasy. The dwarves are matriarchal and the women are few and daughters are prized (perhaps answering the age-old gamer question "Have you ever seen a female dwarf?"). Elves, usually magical by nature in classical fantasy, in this world fear and outlaw all magic. The deposed monarch is a woman. The boys in this are helpless and rescued often by the woman (but by story's end that changes drastically).
Another convention that gets turned upside down is the penchant for killing nameless characters. Orcs were slaughtered by the dozens in Lord of the Rings. Look at the final battle in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Heck, if you've played any fantasy RPG you've probably mowed down quite a few orcs guarding treasure chests in all manner of dungeons. But here, each time that happens, the one who kills actually feels guilty and wonders about the family of the nameless henchmen who met his end. I wasn't sure if I liked this or hated it at first, but by the end of the book it had grown on me. It was part of one of the main characters' growth as a person.
The story is very engrossing, the characters are wonderful, and they are forced to contemplate their actions -- ALL of their actions, even cliche actions par for the course in this genre. All great stuff, all stuff that I liked.
There were a few things I didn't care for, and the sum total of these things are worth taking a star away. First, there a lots of typos and awkward sentences. I can usually live with a few (no book is perfect), but it seemed like there were a minimum of two in every chapter. "Passed" for "past" was one I noted toward the end of the book, I found one instance of "there/their/they're" confused, and a couple of subjects disagreeing with their verbs.
Second, the boys seemed to be typical "millenial social justice warriors," taking up the causes for equality (whatever that means) without ever finding out WHY the barriers exist. For example, the dwarves are matriarchal and women are permitted 5 husbands. The men have no say in who they marry. Why is this system in place? Who knows? The author never tells us. And instead of trying to find out, the boys labor to change it, because that's NOT how it SHOULD be. But who are they to decide that? Further, the segment of dwarven society who labors for male equality uses terror tactics like bombings and have caused some deaths. A fact that is conveniently glossed over when they finally get a seat at the dwarven council due to the boys' intervention.
Finally, the boys are transplanted from our world into the mythical land of Cartyl. WITH NO EXPLANATION. I had some hope near the end that this would be explained since they told their story to people who believed them, but nothing ever came of it. Perhaps the answer will be found in the sequel, but I honestly think it should have been explained here as it was one of the mysteries central to this book.
I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. It was an engrossing read, and it kept me on the edge of my seat until the finale. I will definitely be picking up the sequel when it comes out!
The plot borrows quite a bit from Lord of the Rings: a deposed monarch who has taken to being a wanderer, the classical dwarf-elf race wars, an evil force thought defeated long ago returns, a council held in response to the returning evil, evacuating cities to a fortress deeper in the mountain, the only thing that will defeat the returning evil is a circlet (which looks an awful lot like a large ring) that no one knows the current location of.
The conventions, however, are turned on their ears. The dwarves and the elves don't LOOK like classical fantasy. The dwarves are matriarchal and the women are few and daughters are prized (perhaps answering the age-old gamer question "Have you ever seen a female dwarf?"). Elves, usually magical by nature in classical fantasy, in this world fear and outlaw all magic. The deposed monarch is a woman. The boys in this are helpless and rescued often by the woman (but by story's end that changes drastically).
Another convention that gets turned upside down is the penchant for killing nameless characters. Orcs were slaughtered by the dozens in Lord of the Rings. Look at the final battle in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Heck, if you've played any fantasy RPG you've probably mowed down quite a few orcs guarding treasure chests in all manner of dungeons. But here, each time that happens, the one who kills actually feels guilty and wonders about the family of the nameless henchmen who met his end. I wasn't sure if I liked this or hated it at first, but by the end of the book it had grown on me. It was part of one of the main characters' growth as a person.
The story is very engrossing, the characters are wonderful, and they are forced to contemplate their actions -- ALL of their actions, even cliche actions par for the course in this genre. All great stuff, all stuff that I liked.
There were a few things I didn't care for, and the sum total of these things are worth taking a star away. First, there a lots of typos and awkward sentences. I can usually live with a few (no book is perfect), but it seemed like there were a minimum of two in every chapter. "Passed" for "past" was one I noted toward the end of the book, I found one instance of "there/their/they're" confused, and a couple of subjects disagreeing with their verbs.
Second, the boys seemed to be typical "millenial social justice warriors," taking up the causes for equality (whatever that means) without ever finding out WHY the barriers exist. For example, the dwarves are matriarchal and women are permitted 5 husbands. The men have no say in who they marry. Why is this system in place? Who knows? The author never tells us. And instead of trying to find out, the boys labor to change it, because that's NOT how it SHOULD be. But who are they to decide that? Further, the segment of dwarven society who labors for male equality uses terror tactics like bombings and have caused some deaths. A fact that is conveniently glossed over when they finally get a seat at the dwarven council due to the boys' intervention.
Finally, the boys are transplanted from our world into the mythical land of Cartyl. WITH NO EXPLANATION. I had some hope near the end that this would be explained since they told their story to people who believed them, but nothing ever came of it. Perhaps the answer will be found in the sequel, but I honestly think it should have been explained here as it was one of the mysteries central to this book.
I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. It was an engrossing read, and it kept me on the edge of my seat until the finale. I will definitely be picking up the sequel when it comes out!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews