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.
I read Tolkien and Hobb. I read Robert Jordan and Will Wight. I read all those classic fantasy books and when there was nothing left to read, I wrote my own stories, the ones I wanted to read but couldn't find.
I love epic fantasy. The battles, the creatures, the riveting stories and sweeping worlds. But I love the characters just as much. I love the intrigue, the politics, the strategy and the philosophy behind the magic systems. I love imaginary worlds that make sense, and I love characters that think logically.
I love exploring the depths of the warrior mindset. I love the emotions that life-changing events bring about, and if I can make my readers feel all those things, then that is what I most love about writing.
I hope you will read my stories and enjoy them, and if you do, I would love to hear from you.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
The progression is wonderfully thought out as the Sylvan progresses. Logical breaks and superb character development. Look forward to reading the next collection.
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.
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.