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The Sylvalla Chronicles #2
Prophecy
Are you ready for adventure?
Princess Sylvalla is more than ready. She's faced dragons and proven herself a hero - but her greatest trials are about to begin. Phetero, the king she accidentally kidnapped, is determined to have vengeance - and the threat of marriage to Prince Francis looms. Francis may be sweet, have proven he can draw swords from stones, and be the only prince in all the Seven Kingdoms who will have her, but Sylvalla is not the marrying kind.
Terrifying as it is, the threat of marriage becomes the least of Sylvalla's problems as King Phetero's grudge turns from war into something more sinister. The prophecies are dire, but what help can they be against the ancient horror King Phetero plans to unleash?
Jonathan heard the rush of power as Sylvalla swore to avenge her father.
"The fool!" Capro Goodfellow roared. "The little fool. I cannot leave her for a moment, and already she is wishing things. Worse, vowing things. Will she never learn?"
"Father, you should have said."
"Ah, yes, I should have, and I did, but I do not think the words were writ large enough or plain enough for her to see them. They did not fill the sky with blackened ink, nor set the ground to trembling-although her words just might. Foolish mortal, does she have any idea? Does she know what she has done?"
If you're a fan of Terry Pratchett's Colour of Magic, William Goldman's The Princess Bride, or Diana Wynne Jones' The Tough Guide to Fantasyland, you'll love this new adventure by Sir Julius Vogel Award winning author, A.J. Ponder.
Princess Sylvalla is more than ready. She's faced dragons and proven herself a hero - but her greatest trials are about to begin. Phetero, the king she accidentally kidnapped, is determined to have vengeance - and the threat of marriage to Prince Francis looms. Francis may be sweet, have proven he can draw swords from stones, and be the only prince in all the Seven Kingdoms who will have her, but Sylvalla is not the marrying kind.
Terrifying as it is, the threat of marriage becomes the least of Sylvalla's problems as King Phetero's grudge turns from war into something more sinister. The prophecies are dire, but what help can they be against the ancient horror King Phetero plans to unleash?
Jonathan heard the rush of power as Sylvalla swore to avenge her father.
"The fool!" Capro Goodfellow roared. "The little fool. I cannot leave her for a moment, and already she is wishing things. Worse, vowing things. Will she never learn?"
"Father, you should have said."
"Ah, yes, I should have, and I did, but I do not think the words were writ large enough or plain enough for her to see them. They did not fill the sky with blackened ink, nor set the ground to trembling-although her words just might. Foolish mortal, does she have any idea? Does she know what she has done?"
If you're a fan of Terry Pratchett's Colour of Magic, William Goldman's The Princess Bride, or Diana Wynne Jones' The Tough Guide to Fantasyland, you'll love this new adventure by Sir Julius Vogel Award winning author, A.J. Ponder.
- GenresFantasy
338 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2019
About the author
A.J. Ponder
38 books256 followers USA Today bestselling author, and winner of the Wright-Murray Residency 2021, A.J. Ponder (BSc, Dip Teach) is the author of numerous novels and short stories including the award winning Frankie and the Netball Clone, Dying for the Record, The Sylvalla Chronicles, Wizard's Guide to Wellington and more.
A.J. lives in a hundred year old house overlooking Wellington harbour with three cats and a family all obsessed with games, books and dungeons and dragons. A.J. has a head full of monsters, and recklessly spills them onto the written page. Beware dragons, dreadbeasts, taniwha, and small children—all are equally dangerous, and capable of treading on your heart—or tearing it, still beating, from your chest.
You can find A.J. at ponderbooks.com, Amazon and Facebook,
A.J. lives in a hundred year old house overlooking Wellington harbour with three cats and a family all obsessed with games, books and dungeons and dragons. A.J. has a head full of monsters, and recklessly spills them onto the written page. Beware dragons, dreadbeasts, taniwha, and small children—all are equally dangerous, and capable of treading on your heart—or tearing it, still beating, from your chest.
You can find A.J. at ponderbooks.com, Amazon and Facebook,
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 19, 2022
So Sylvalla and her companions have returned to their somewhat former lives. Well…except for Francis who is the newly “discovered” long lost Prince of Havendale and Jonathan who has decided to give up money making and train to become a wizard like his father, Capri Goodfellow. Everything appears to be going somewhat smoothly—Sylvalla is unhappily betrothed to the “new” Prince Francis, the Avondale Kingdom has a new “heir” to the the thrown, and Sylvalla’s parents are hoping that King Phetero of Scotch Mist has decided to forgive Sylvalla for the accidental Regencide committed by her herself and her sell sword, Dirk. But…unfortunately things aren’t always what they seem...and now Sylvalla and her companions are thrust headfirst into one fateful situation after another as King Phetero attempts to take revenge. All the while, prophecy upon prophecy upon prophecy seem to swirl around the princess, leading her into darker and deadly situations.
Prophecy actually took on quite a darker tone than that of Quest. Also, it seemed to lose some of the former storie’s whimsy. I found this sudden change of theme a little surprising at first, however, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. On the contrary I actually think it enhances the overall story and took it to a more epic realm of fantasy. I would compare the evolution of the story from one book to the next, on par with the Harry Potter series, which seemed to grow and mature with the development of their target audience.
My favorite character was actually Sylvalla in this one. I grew to really enjoy her and appreciate how she went from a selfish teenager to a more mature young woman that thought of her people before herself. I really appreciated her arc and thought it was extremely well done. Another character I really enjoyed was “Prince” Francis. He did add some whimsy to the story, which I enjoyed. I honestly wish there had been more of him.
All in all, I found this second book in the Sylvalla Chronicles to be a very enjoyable read. Although darker in nature, I found the characters much more realistic and their struggles extremely believable. Prophecy delved more into the tropes of good vs evil and the chosen one but put a unique and creative spin on these ideas that I hadn’t really read before.
Again, I would compare Prophecy to the Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking in relation to darkness and audience.
Prophecy actually took on quite a darker tone than that of Quest. Also, it seemed to lose some of the former storie’s whimsy. I found this sudden change of theme a little surprising at first, however, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. On the contrary I actually think it enhances the overall story and took it to a more epic realm of fantasy. I would compare the evolution of the story from one book to the next, on par with the Harry Potter series, which seemed to grow and mature with the development of their target audience.
My favorite character was actually Sylvalla in this one. I grew to really enjoy her and appreciate how she went from a selfish teenager to a more mature young woman that thought of her people before herself. I really appreciated her arc and thought it was extremely well done. Another character I really enjoyed was “Prince” Francis. He did add some whimsy to the story, which I enjoyed. I honestly wish there had been more of him.
All in all, I found this second book in the Sylvalla Chronicles to be a very enjoyable read. Although darker in nature, I found the characters much more realistic and their struggles extremely believable. Prophecy delved more into the tropes of good vs evil and the chosen one but put a unique and creative spin on these ideas that I hadn’t really read before.
Again, I would compare Prophecy to the Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking in relation to darkness and audience.
January 26, 2024
This second instalment of the Sylvalla Chronicles read much more smoothly. I really enjoyed how much more well-rounded things are in this one. Sylvalla has befriended some women, which made for a better balance in the "posse", and also came with some rather amusing moments.
The author seems to have gotten into stride with the narrative style. I found this one an easier read and also more enjoyable. It's still dry, but the wry humour worked for me in Prophecy in a way that it didn't in Quest.
My only gripe is with the multiple points of view. There were, once again, parts of the story told from the perspective of random characters, and I found that jarring. I prefer having fewer perspectives so I can really get into the characters' mindsets.
This is a fun adventure with a nice balance between duty, responsibility, and doing what one loves. I also found Sylvalla a lot more endearing in this volume.
Enjoyable and worth the read. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.
The author seems to have gotten into stride with the narrative style. I found this one an easier read and also more enjoyable. It's still dry, but the wry humour worked for me in Prophecy in a way that it didn't in Quest.
My only gripe is with the multiple points of view. There were, once again, parts of the story told from the perspective of random characters, and I found that jarring. I prefer having fewer perspectives so I can really get into the characters' mindsets.
This is a fun adventure with a nice balance between duty, responsibility, and doing what one loves. I also found Sylvalla a lot more endearing in this volume.
Enjoyable and worth the read. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.
May 29, 2022
I enjoyed this second book in "The Sylvalla Chronicles" as much as the first one. In this story, Sylvalla still fights her place in the kingdom, but circumstances continue to force her on a path she doesn't want to take. The story was fast-moving and action-packed. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this tale to others who enjoy this genre. Benjamin Fife's narration was very entertaining. His performance always enhances the story that he narrates. He is one of the narrators that I seek out whenever I'm searching for audiobooks. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.
August 15, 2024
A.J. Ponder
Prophecy (The Sylvalla Chronicles Book 2)
Sylvalla
This second instalment of the Sylvalla Chronicles is hilarious,full of awesome characters, and an annoyed King.
The narrator of this audiobook was awesome.
Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this audiobook (SO) and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Prophecy (The Sylvalla Chronicles Book 2)
Sylvalla
This second instalment of the Sylvalla Chronicles is hilarious,full of awesome characters, and an annoyed King.
The narrator of this audiobook was awesome.
Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this audiobook (SO) and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2023
Good story, but it had way too many cuss words for my liking. I prefer my children, and me as well, to read books without profanity. Its a personal preference, so I won't fault the author too harshly.
May 15, 2019
Loved it! Awesome follow up to Quest.
Read
March 13, 2020I'm the author,
And I think this book is significantly darker than "Quest" with a riff into the dark horror that was spawned by H.P. Lovecraft.
Lots of fun, I really enjoyed writing it.
And I think this book is significantly darker than "Quest" with a riff into the dark horror that was spawned by H.P. Lovecraft.
Lots of fun, I really enjoyed writing it.
June 12, 2022
Fairly decent story but it seems to be drawn out and longer than it needs to be and the narrator has a monotonous voice that isn’t that great listening to
September 21, 2023
This was a great story. I loved the characters and great world building.
Sylvalla is a very determined young woman. She lives for adventure and hates the thought of getting married. Her heart yearns to be out on the open road seeking excitement & adventure. One night there is a break in at the castle. The culprits are there for her and her younger brother. Sylvalla escapes her room through a secret passage in her wardfobe. When she isn't found they go for her mother. Now with both her parents dead, she will be forced to rule until her brother comes of age. In the meantime, sylvalla must chase the culprits through the mountains trying to stop them from unleashing an ancient evil that would doom them all.
Sylvalla is a very determined young woman. She lives for adventure and hates the thought of getting married. Her heart yearns to be out on the open road seeking excitement & adventure. One night there is a break in at the castle. The culprits are there for her and her younger brother. Sylvalla escapes her room through a secret passage in her wardfobe. When she isn't found they go for her mother. Now with both her parents dead, she will be forced to rule until her brother comes of age. In the meantime, sylvalla must chase the culprits through the mountains trying to stop them from unleashing an ancient evil that would doom them all.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews