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The Silvan #1-3
The Silvan Saga: Collection 1: The Warrior Cycle
Treachery made him an orphan. Destiny would make him a legend.
Embark on an epic journey of adventure and discovery with Fel’annár, a young immortal who joins the elvenking’s forces as a novice warrior.
As he faces the enemy for the first time, his martial skills are put to the test. But an arcane power emerges, one he can’t control. Who is Fel’annár, and what secrets does his past hold?
From the elven forests of the Silvans, to the mountain ridges of the Alpine elves, prepare to be swept away by this action-packed fantasy tale of friendship, loyalty and betrayal, one you won’t be able to put down.
Collection 1: The Warrior Cycle, includes the first three books in the now complete six-book series.
epic fantasy, high fantasy, military fantasy, sword and sorcery, the chosen one, elves and mythical creatures, action and adventure, magical realism.
Embark on an epic journey of adventure and discovery with Fel’annár, a young immortal who joins the elvenking’s forces as a novice warrior.
As he faces the enemy for the first time, his martial skills are put to the test. But an arcane power emerges, one he can’t control. Who is Fel’annár, and what secrets does his past hold?
From the elven forests of the Silvans, to the mountain ridges of the Alpine elves, prepare to be swept away by this action-packed fantasy tale of friendship, loyalty and betrayal, one you won’t be able to put down.
Collection 1: The Warrior Cycle, includes the first three books in the now complete six-book series.
epic fantasy, high fantasy, military fantasy, sword and sorcery, the chosen one, elves and mythical creatures, action and adventure, magical realism.
- GenresFantasyHigh Fantasy
1072 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2019
About the author
R.K. Lander
20 books335 followersI only ever read fantasy and science fiction as a kid. Why? That was my father’s fault, I suppose. I read his chewed-up books by Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury, and although I love the classics and have read my fair share, but I always come back to fantasy.
It was later in life that I read Lord of the Rings. I loved it, but I was left wondering about immortality, about what it would be like to live so long. Would such beings really be so angelic? So cold and dispassionate? Flighty and unconcerned with the trials of others, as both the book and the films portray?
That was how I first came up with the idea of The Silvan. I wanted to read a story about elves that felt real — about how they live, suffer and die. How they think, what social structures they would build, what political regimes they would create or endure. The quickest way to find that story was to write it.
Since then, I have published 13 epic fantasy books across three English-language series: The Silvan Saga, Elven Worlds, and Silvan Outlands, with a fourth series, Dawnwing, currently in progress. My books are now being translated into Spanish under the series name El Silvano, with other languages to follow.
In 2018, I was honoured to win the BIBA Award for Best Fantasy, and Path of a Novice has been praised by Fantasy Book Review as “written in a style more reminiscent of Tolkien than many modern fantasy stories.”
The Silvan is a series that deals with the life and times of Fel’annár, Green Sun, an epic and military fantasy with readers of all ages, from teenagers discovering Tolkien-inspired worlds for the first time to lifelong fantasy lovers.
I write from Shedquarters in Spain, surrounded by dogs, a garden that perpetually needs attention, and far too many unread books.
It was later in life that I read Lord of the Rings. I loved it, but I was left wondering about immortality, about what it would be like to live so long. Would such beings really be so angelic? So cold and dispassionate? Flighty and unconcerned with the trials of others, as both the book and the films portray?
That was how I first came up with the idea of The Silvan. I wanted to read a story about elves that felt real — about how they live, suffer and die. How they think, what social structures they would build, what political regimes they would create or endure. The quickest way to find that story was to write it.
Since then, I have published 13 epic fantasy books across three English-language series: The Silvan Saga, Elven Worlds, and Silvan Outlands, with a fourth series, Dawnwing, currently in progress. My books are now being translated into Spanish under the series name El Silvano, with other languages to follow.
In 2018, I was honoured to win the BIBA Award for Best Fantasy, and Path of a Novice has been praised by Fantasy Book Review as “written in a style more reminiscent of Tolkien than many modern fantasy stories.”
The Silvan is a series that deals with the life and times of Fel’annár, Green Sun, an epic and military fantasy with readers of all ages, from teenagers discovering Tolkien-inspired worlds for the first time to lifelong fantasy lovers.
I write from Shedquarters in Spain, surrounded by dogs, a garden that perpetually needs attention, and far too many unread books.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 3, 2019
A series definitely worth reading. The boxed set also includes a couple extra scenes and edits that certainly adds to the story in a way that I love. Over the three books, Felannar grows as a character, gaining friends and hardships along the way. The world-building is excellent and anyone that loves elves, legends or just fantasy in general is sure to love this series!
July 18, 2025
I have submitted reviews for each title contained within this series set box after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible)
These reviews can be found on the individual title's pages.
These reviews can be found on the individual title's pages.
November 18, 2019
This series is a must read for fantasy fans! It is written with a style that is more reminiscent of Tolkien than many of the more modern fantasy stories. There is a level of detail that paints each scene on a canvas, while the story itself grabs hold of you and refuses to let go. R.K.'s descriptive style allows me to visualize every scene as if I were there. Each character has depth and many grow as the series continues. The world building is delightfully realistic in its complexity, but you are introduced the the different lands, people and cultures at just the right pace. It's a true balancing act, to tell an epic story with global consequences, while still keeping the reader/listener emotionally invested in the outcome, and R.K. Lander succeeds brilliantly.
In Path of a Novice, the focus is primarily on the primary character, Fel'annár, and his home: the forest lands, the native Silvans, and their culture. Multiple points of view allow the reader become more invested in characters that are important to the continuing story, but who might otherwise be overlooked or sidelined. Having that glimpse into the larger political and social background adds gravity to what might otherwise come across as a simple coming-of-age story.
While the 1st book drew me into R.K. Lander's intricate universe of elves and humans, Road of a Warrior left me firmly invested in the characters and their stories. The 2nd book involves a journey into the mountain kingdom of the Alpines. Just as Fel'annár discovers that the Alpines he had always hated are as capable of love, friendship, fairness and honor as the Silvans, we too come to realize that the native Alpines do not share the prejudices of some of their colonist cousins.
The political intrigue deepens as the elves in power jostle for position in the midst of world-changing events, but Fel'annár's story continues to make these events personal. He and the rest of The Company (which also grows) bring the emotional component. I laughed out loud at times, empathized with the fears and anxieties of Fel'annár and his brothers in arms, and cried at the loss of a dear friend.
Dawn of a Legend is in my opinion the best book in this series so far. The political machinations and intrigue continue, while a new enemy is introduced. The mystery around the nature and identity of that enemy escalates continuously until the epic battle towards the end. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Fel'annár's continued evolution as a warrior, and was thrilled by the addition of the internal martial arts. I haven't found that as much as the external marital arts in the fantasy and UF genres (maybe I'm reading the wrong books?), but as a practitioner, I love its role in this story.
Perhaps more important are the emotional changes that several characters go through. It's almost assumed that Fel'annár, as the young, main protagonist, would experience a lot of emotional growth, but I especially enjoyed how much some of the older characters are changed as well. I found myself tearing up during some of the scenes, laughing out loud at others (The Company never fails to entertain!), and reading with bated breath during and after the final battle.
This series may have a fantasy setting, and yet many of the key concepts that drive the story are rooted in reality: Loyalty, family, equality, and love. I think that is why this series is so engaging, and I look forward to the next book!
In Path of a Novice, the focus is primarily on the primary character, Fel'annár, and his home: the forest lands, the native Silvans, and their culture. Multiple points of view allow the reader become more invested in characters that are important to the continuing story, but who might otherwise be overlooked or sidelined. Having that glimpse into the larger political and social background adds gravity to what might otherwise come across as a simple coming-of-age story.
While the 1st book drew me into R.K. Lander's intricate universe of elves and humans, Road of a Warrior left me firmly invested in the characters and their stories. The 2nd book involves a journey into the mountain kingdom of the Alpines. Just as Fel'annár discovers that the Alpines he had always hated are as capable of love, friendship, fairness and honor as the Silvans, we too come to realize that the native Alpines do not share the prejudices of some of their colonist cousins.
The political intrigue deepens as the elves in power jostle for position in the midst of world-changing events, but Fel'annár's story continues to make these events personal. He and the rest of The Company (which also grows) bring the emotional component. I laughed out loud at times, empathized with the fears and anxieties of Fel'annár and his brothers in arms, and cried at the loss of a dear friend.
Dawn of a Legend is in my opinion the best book in this series so far. The political machinations and intrigue continue, while a new enemy is introduced. The mystery around the nature and identity of that enemy escalates continuously until the epic battle towards the end. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Fel'annár's continued evolution as a warrior, and was thrilled by the addition of the internal martial arts. I haven't found that as much as the external marital arts in the fantasy and UF genres (maybe I'm reading the wrong books?), but as a practitioner, I love its role in this story.
Perhaps more important are the emotional changes that several characters go through. It's almost assumed that Fel'annár, as the young, main protagonist, would experience a lot of emotional growth, but I especially enjoyed how much some of the older characters are changed as well. I found myself tearing up during some of the scenes, laughing out loud at others (The Company never fails to entertain!), and reading with bated breath during and after the final battle.
This series may have a fantasy setting, and yet many of the key concepts that drive the story are rooted in reality: Loyalty, family, equality, and love. I think that is why this series is so engaging, and I look forward to the next book!
April 3, 2021
One of the most incredible sagas I've ever read. Ruth weaves a spellbinding story of a young orphans amazing journey from boyhood dreamer to adult warrior as he fights to become the hero he was destined to be. This is an epic adventure of an elven race divided by prejudice and redeemed in the shared blood spilled by war. This is not your grandfathers elves. You will be swept away to have your heart broken and mended as you follow along through great love and loss. A beautiful tale worth reading again and again.
February 19, 2020
Simply Superb
From now on, this will be my benchmark for stories that make up the lore and myth of the elves. The telling of a well written, age old story, from the perspective of the elves.
From now on, this will be my benchmark for stories that make up the lore and myth of the elves. The telling of a well written, age old story, from the perspective of the elves.
March 27, 2021
A wonderful saga of a young elf and his company of brothers. They work to right racial devide
In their nation, fight the threats in invade deviants and maintain their own beliefs. A truly worthy read. Couldn't put it down.
In their nation, fight the threats in invade deviants and maintain their own beliefs. A truly worthy read. Couldn't put it down.
April 2, 2025
A wonderful saga of self discovery
One thought that came to mind is that all have their reasons for why they do the things they do. Some reasons are noble, and some are not. Only a desire to serve others is right for the elves of this land.
One thought that came to mind is that all have their reasons for why they do the things they do. Some reasons are noble, and some are not. Only a desire to serve others is right for the elves of this land.
October 28, 2025
Excellent Storytelling
The progression is wonderfully thought out as the Sylvan progresses. Logical breaks and superb character development. Look forward to reading the next collection.
The progression is wonderfully thought out as the Sylvan progresses. Logical breaks and superb character development. Look forward to reading the next collection.
June 30, 2020
what a brilliantly written story. I can't wait to read book 4 and 5. Love the Hero and his family. Pity about the sad bits, but glad of how it is going.
May 31, 2021
Outstanding series. Make sure you have a lot of time on your hands because you won’t want to put these books down
October 12, 2025
I started it before I realized the 2nd installment was not on KU. DNF.
December 3, 2025
Unbelievable
This saga was a thriller through and through. It was engaging and enthralling to say the least. It has adventure, sorrow and love. I can't wait to read what's next.
This saga was a thriller through and through. It was engaging and enthralling to say the least. It has adventure, sorrow and love. I can't wait to read what's next.
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March 20, 2026Rokp (0.99)
September 16, 2022
If you like lord of the rings you’ll love this
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews