What do you think?
Rate this book
The Silvan #4
Return of a Warlord
From a new dawn, a Warlord rises.
After the Battle of Tar'eastór, the Great Forest waits for the one the Silvans claim as their Warlord. With his past unveiled and his future destiny clear, Fel'annár and The Company journey home together with Prince Handir and Gor'sadén, the commander Fel'annár has named father. With documents that incriminate the enemy, they must travel in secret to protect their treasure and Fel'annár from those who seek to kill him. Meanwhile, the forest king struggles to maintain his throne under the final onslaught of Band'orán and his Alpine purists.
Raging rivers and treacherous cliffs. A perilous sea and ruthless assassins await Fel'annár and The Company as they approach a forest on the verge of civil war. Can they make it in time for the final showdown? Can the crown prince hold the enemy at bay? Long enough for the return of his brother? For the return of the Warlord?
The Silvan Saga
#1 Path of a Novice
#2 Road of a Warrior
#3 Dawn of a Legend
#4 Return of a Warlord - May 2020
After the Battle of Tar'eastór, the Great Forest waits for the one the Silvans claim as their Warlord. With his past unveiled and his future destiny clear, Fel'annár and The Company journey home together with Prince Handir and Gor'sadén, the commander Fel'annár has named father. With documents that incriminate the enemy, they must travel in secret to protect their treasure and Fel'annár from those who seek to kill him. Meanwhile, the forest king struggles to maintain his throne under the final onslaught of Band'orán and his Alpine purists.
Raging rivers and treacherous cliffs. A perilous sea and ruthless assassins await Fel'annár and The Company as they approach a forest on the verge of civil war. Can they make it in time for the final showdown? Can the crown prince hold the enemy at bay? Long enough for the return of his brother? For the return of the Warlord?
The Silvan Saga
#1 Path of a Novice
#2 Road of a Warrior
#3 Dawn of a Legend
#4 Return of a Warlord - May 2020
486 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2020
437 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
R.K. Lander
19 books324 followersI'm R.K. Lander and I have always loved fantasy.
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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 17, 2020
I read an ARC of this book prior to release on May 30th. I can’t say enough about this series and recommend it to everyone I know! It is in my top 3 series ever, and I read a ton (average one book a day). This book wrapped up some of the greater mysteries set up in the first three books while still being full of magic, suspense, and incredible combat and setting up the ultimate conflict for book 5. The world that R.K. has created is so immersive and original while the story tackles so many of the core issues of humanity (family conflict, racism, inequality, honor and loyalty). I loved this book so much and can’t wait to read them all again while trying to wait patiently for book 5!
April 1, 2021
I really don’t know how I feel about these books. I like the characters but Handir is my favorite. What I found myself rolling my eyes at was Felannar constantly getting hurt and everyone being so ridiculously overprotective and fawning all over him. It annoyed me to end and then of course is kidnapped 🙄 good lord. I would have preferred more Handir and Felannar brotherly bonding but oh well. Maybe in the next installment. Oh and I think I got the fact that Fel is absolutely beautiful three books ago.
May 19, 2020
R.K. Lander Has done it again. Brilliant! I will read this again and again. I absolutely LOVE this series. If you are looking for well developed characters, Action, Adventure, Love, Undying loyalty and friendship, this book has it all and more.
February 1, 2022
3.25 stars.
I liked this one more than the rest because there seems to be a culmination of quite a few plot lines started in the first three books. However, the storytelling was pretty much the same (a lot of speeches between characters, declaration of feelings in stead of showing) that still isn't quite for me. Overall, however, for this installment the satisfaction of just deserts overrode all that.
I liked this one more than the rest because there seems to be a culmination of quite a few plot lines started in the first three books. However, the storytelling was pretty much the same (a lot of speeches between characters, declaration of feelings in stead of showing) that still isn't quite for me. Overall, however, for this installment the satisfaction of just deserts overrode all that.
May 27, 2020
The journey and self discovery for Fel’ann’ar and the company continues as they travel back to the great forest where treachery and intrigue awaits. In the 4th book of the Silvan Series, RK Lander continues in her amazing ability to describe a world in such great detail that you can place yourself there. The way she continues to develop the characters, especially the “Company” lets you fantasize that you are part of this prestigious group😁 The Return of the Warlord is one of the best books in the series that continues to set the bar for fantasy and action. I feel truly bl
May 21, 2020
An absolute blockbuster of a book that deserves much more than the maximum of 5 stars. It seems impossible that the author RK Lander could write a book even better than book 3 (Dawn of a Legend), but she has. It is fast-paced and action-packed, with a beautiful complexity of layers - of interlocking plot threads and emotional connections. The reader is drawn in and immersed in the thick of the action and adventure, feels deeply for every character and is left thoroughly satisfied by the end of the book. You will be ready to read the entire book again the moment you finish, it is so good.
The book officially releases on May 27, 2020. This is a beta reader review.
The book officially releases on May 27, 2020. This is a beta reader review.
June 6, 2020
Such an amazing journey
This truly is one epic tale that will have you staying up all night to read! Beautiful weaving of the details that absolutely brings the stories together ❤❤❤ It is hard to give a glowing review without putting any spoilers in so I will just say READ IT - YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
This truly is one epic tale that will have you staying up all night to read! Beautiful weaving of the details that absolutely brings the stories together ❤❤❤ It is hard to give a glowing review without putting any spoilers in so I will just say READ IT - YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
April 11, 2023
3.5
This one confused me a bit. I really want to go back and do a re-read/listen to reconnect with the characters. The cast has gotten large enough by this book, and the names sound near enough to each other, that it's hard to keep track of who is whom when there has been a large enough gap since the last book. So a reread is in order, I think, for full enjoyment of this entry.
This one confused me a bit. I really want to go back and do a re-read/listen to reconnect with the characters. The cast has gotten large enough by this book, and the names sound near enough to each other, that it's hard to keep track of who is whom when there has been a large enough gap since the last book. So a reread is in order, I think, for full enjoyment of this entry.
June 8, 2020
Fantasy at it's best
A continuing saga that keeps one spell bound as the store unfold. Well defined characters making one feel a part of the story a must read.
A continuing saga that keeps one spell bound as the store unfold. Well defined characters making one feel a part of the story a must read.
January 10, 2022
The journey home is fraught with perils, and that leads to a lot of good brother bonding time! Handir is a GEM and must be protected at all COST!
May 20, 2020
Disclaimer I (one of many) received an ARC of this title, to look for grammatical errors. I totally failed in that regard as I was completely immersed with MS. Lander latest Silvan offering.
June 2, 2020
Another great read
Once again this author does not disappoint. Honour and duty drive our protagonist on. Love comes to him, love of his conate and also love of family. I'll be waiting on the next installment to keep me up all night reading unable to put the story down until either it is finished or exhaustion causes me to sleep.
Once again this author does not disappoint. Honour and duty drive our protagonist on. Love comes to him, love of his conate and also love of family. I'll be waiting on the next installment to keep me up all night reading unable to put the story down until either it is finished or exhaustion causes me to sleep.
May 29, 2020
Brilliant, brilliant book. Fel'anar and the company journey homeward bound lots of adventures on the way with characters developing leading to a rousing reception at the end. Can not wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2020
Wow, just got this book and I have already read it twice. Great action scenes and suspense. I look forward to the next book. Thanks R.K.Lander for such a wonderful series.
May 31, 2020
A great drawing together
This is a great culmination of four novels. All the strands are masterfully woven together to make a memorable and breathtaking climax to one part of the story. Hopefully there is more to com.
This is a great culmination of four novels. All the strands are masterfully woven together to make a memorable and breathtaking climax to one part of the story. Hopefully there is more to com.
June 1, 2020
Another excellent book in the the Sylvan Saga. Return of a Warlord picks up where Dawn of a Legend left off. The heroes return to the land of their birth only to face more danger and treachery.
This is a well written series that is a clean read for fantasy fans of all ages.
This is a well written series that is a clean read for fantasy fans of all ages.
May 31, 2020
Love this series
Great mix of mystical, practical, political, and action. The amount of characters can get unwieldy, but highly recommend this book and series to fantasy readers
Great mix of mystical, practical, political, and action. The amount of characters can get unwieldy, but highly recommend this book and series to fantasy readers
May 27, 2020
Thank you Ruth for such an amazing fourth book in the Silvan series. Fel'annar and company have to get home, they have so many heart thumping twists and turns on their travels, wonderous sights, the story unfolds keeping you riveted as each page turns. Book five can't come soon enough.
July 3, 2020
More Than 5 Stars
I loved the amazing journey this book brought me on and would give it more than 5 stars if that were available. That said, I don’t think it’s a book to be read out of sequence because without the previous stories, a reader wouldn’t know what on earth was going on since the names, relationships, places and former experiences are very complex. I read book 3 about 3 months ago with many books read in between and it took me a couple of chapters to jog my memory as to the threads and nuances of the previous stories.
I absolutely adore the main character and hero, Fel’anair and his Company. It was satisfying to watch Handir and Rinon, his brothers come into their own and the change in the King when he meets his third son under such severe duress. The trials and conflicts, the joy and love, the patience and understanding, the flaws and strengths of all these many characters are so well written. The way this author handles their growing maturity and development, how she even manages to make the villains, filled with envy and greed, so understandable yet vile, wow, it’s quite an epic series and I definitely look forward to the next book in this series. I do hope that the author will give a brief synopsis of the people and key experiences in the next book if it is not coming out for a while.
I loved the amazing journey this book brought me on and would give it more than 5 stars if that were available. That said, I don’t think it’s a book to be read out of sequence because without the previous stories, a reader wouldn’t know what on earth was going on since the names, relationships, places and former experiences are very complex. I read book 3 about 3 months ago with many books read in between and it took me a couple of chapters to jog my memory as to the threads and nuances of the previous stories.
I absolutely adore the main character and hero, Fel’anair and his Company. It was satisfying to watch Handir and Rinon, his brothers come into their own and the change in the King when he meets his third son under such severe duress. The trials and conflicts, the joy and love, the patience and understanding, the flaws and strengths of all these many characters are so well written. The way this author handles their growing maturity and development, how she even manages to make the villains, filled with envy and greed, so understandable yet vile, wow, it’s quite an epic series and I definitely look forward to the next book in this series. I do hope that the author will give a brief synopsis of the people and key experiences in the next book if it is not coming out for a while.
May 28, 2020
After reading the first three books of this series, I was eagerly anticipating the continuation of Fel'annár's story, and could not have been more delighted with the result.
The relationship between Fel'annár and his brother Handir continues to evolve, as does Fel's relationship with his new-found love. The growing animosity between Silvans and Alpines comes to a head. And if you've been anticipating the meeting between Fel'annár and his father Thargoden, it does happen in this book, but in a very unexpected way.
This is probably the most action-packed book in this series so far, with an excellent balance between pacing and detail. What may have surprised me the most was how much I started to better understand and maybe even sympathize with characters who until now had been supposedly clear-cut villains. R.K. Lander has a true talent for bringing the reader into the hearts and minds of her multi-dimensional characters.
As expected, while some conflicts are (quite satisfyingly) resolved, Fel'annár's story clearly isn't over yet. The next book can't come soon enough!
The relationship between Fel'annár and his brother Handir continues to evolve, as does Fel's relationship with his new-found love. The growing animosity between Silvans and Alpines comes to a head. And if you've been anticipating the meeting between Fel'annár and his father Thargoden, it does happen in this book, but in a very unexpected way.
This is probably the most action-packed book in this series so far, with an excellent balance between pacing and detail. What may have surprised me the most was how much I started to better understand and maybe even sympathize with characters who until now had been supposedly clear-cut villains. R.K. Lander has a true talent for bringing the reader into the hearts and minds of her multi-dimensional characters.
As expected, while some conflicts are (quite satisfyingly) resolved, Fel'annár's story clearly isn't over yet. The next book can't come soon enough!
November 29, 2022
Worth the series so far
The first book was good enough for me to read the second book, but I was bored with it so I let the third book sit for a long time. Then I realized she had finished the series so I picked it up again. Good decision. Book four is great. I’m not normally a fan of female fantasy authors. They write Heroines with big feminist chips on their shoulders. They write too much sex. They don’t write battle scenes well. And they are either extremely gory or not gory enough. Personal preference, here. None of these things are a problem here. The male characters are incredibly virile. And beautiful. They are elves, after all. The female characters are smart and sexy. The action scenes are breathtaking. The world building is first rate as well. I highly recommend this series by an indie author. On to book five.
The first book was good enough for me to read the second book, but I was bored with it so I let the third book sit for a long time. Then I realized she had finished the series so I picked it up again. Good decision. Book four is great. I’m not normally a fan of female fantasy authors. They write Heroines with big feminist chips on their shoulders. They write too much sex. They don’t write battle scenes well. And they are either extremely gory or not gory enough. Personal preference, here. None of these things are a problem here. The male characters are incredibly virile. And beautiful. They are elves, after all. The female characters are smart and sexy. The action scenes are breathtaking. The world building is first rate as well. I highly recommend this series by an indie author. On to book five.
August 15, 2024
After Fel’annar and the Company recover from the battle with the Nim’uan and his army of Deviants, the city began to repair the damage and while celebrating their victory. Then it’s time for Fe’annar and his friends to start the journey back to Ea Uare’ and whatever awaits them there when the real work begins.
It was so cool to ‘listen’ to the bad guys plans and think ‘no, they aren’t’, ‘no, he isn’t’ or ‘yes, he is’. Lol
But the bottom line is: Band’oran needs to die. He’s insane. But at least he’s blinded by his own pride and ambition.
Fave scenes: Handir finding & reading the parchments, the little boy’s plant, Fel’annar & the waterfall rescue and Handir’s trip through the trees.
It was so cool to ‘listen’ to the bad guys plans and think ‘no, they aren’t’, ‘no, he isn’t’ or ‘yes, he is’. Lol
But the bottom line is: Band’oran needs to die. He’s insane. But at least he’s blinded by his own pride and ambition.
Fave scenes: Handir finding & reading the parchments, the little boy’s plant, Fel’annar & the waterfall rescue and Handir’s trip through the trees.
September 5, 2020
Some good closure and a cliffhanger
I can’t love a book that ends on a cliffhanger, but this was a good book. Good writing. Good ideas. A small portion of poor editing. Occasionally weird. Good weird an uncomfortable weird. References to a character’s understanding that don’t really make sense and aren’t shared. References to veiled mysteries that also aren’t really shared. Made it a bit uncomfortable to read, like we’re intruding and only getting what someone who doesn’t trust us is willing to share. In spite of my objections, it was good. I’d read another, for sure.
I can’t love a book that ends on a cliffhanger, but this was a good book. Good writing. Good ideas. A small portion of poor editing. Occasionally weird. Good weird an uncomfortable weird. References to a character’s understanding that don’t really make sense and aren’t shared. References to veiled mysteries that also aren’t really shared. Made it a bit uncomfortable to read, like we’re intruding and only getting what someone who doesn’t trust us is willing to share. In spite of my objections, it was good. I’d read another, for sure.
November 27, 2021
Keeping it at 90%.
I'd say there are two things that carry the story: characters and pacing. In this book, the focus is on concluding the "royal substory" - the political plot takes major dominance over this book while the Deviants (and the Nim'uán) take a bit of rest. Even with this pretty much singular focus, the fact that there are many groups to follow to let that subplot fully shine. And with no shortage of characters that aren't on the side where you'd expect them.
This book concludes (or so it seems) the political plot, so I expect the last two books will fully focus on dealing with the Deviant part of the plot, though there will be mess to clean "at home".
I'd say there are two things that carry the story: characters and pacing. In this book, the focus is on concluding the "royal substory" - the political plot takes major dominance over this book while the Deviants (and the Nim'uán) take a bit of rest. Even with this pretty much singular focus, the fact that there are many groups to follow to let that subplot fully shine. And with no shortage of characters that aren't on the side where you'd expect them.
This book concludes (or so it seems) the political plot, so I expect the last two books will fully focus on dealing with the Deviant part of the plot, though there will be mess to clean "at home".
September 1, 2022
4.5
Just because I think some things could have been explained better because I found myself unable to picture a couple of things. Also I’m a little disappointed with the development of Fel and Handir’s relationship. Like I get they have a better understanding of eachother and they accept the other, but I wish we just had a few more moments of them bonding or just interacting in tiny ways; in eachothers presence. But maybe that will come later & I’m just impatient…still this was on hell of a book! Still has me grasping for more and the characters are so so precious! I am sooo happy Fel and Thar finally got to meet!
Just because I think some things could have been explained better because I found myself unable to picture a couple of things. Also I’m a little disappointed with the development of Fel and Handir’s relationship. Like I get they have a better understanding of eachother and they accept the other, but I wish we just had a few more moments of them bonding or just interacting in tiny ways; in eachothers presence. But maybe that will come later & I’m just impatient…still this was on hell of a book! Still has me grasping for more and the characters are so so precious! I am sooo happy Fel and Thar finally got to meet!
August 23, 2020
This entire series has just been mind blowingly addictive for me, I ploughed through all four books in two days and I cannot wait to see how it progresses in book five!
I will say, I expected perhaps a more obvious feeling when it comes to connate bonds, but perhaps that is the beauty of its nature: that it starts as a seed and flourishes.
Again, I cannot WAIT for book 5!!!
(Also low key expected idernon’s strong initial anti-llyniel depiction to be him harbouring a deeper love for fel than just Brothers, but I am not disappointed by the truth and the progression in his (stubborn) attitude)
I will say, I expected perhaps a more obvious feeling when it comes to connate bonds, but perhaps that is the beauty of its nature: that it starts as a seed and flourishes.
Again, I cannot WAIT for book 5!!!
(Also low key expected idernon’s strong initial anti-llyniel depiction to be him harbouring a deeper love for fel than just Brothers, but I am not disappointed by the truth and the progression in his (stubborn) attitude)
August 31, 2020
Not a Cliff Hanger, but a new problem walks on stage
Pros _ The characters Evolve and facinating world building continues. Plot Line remains gripping. Prose standard remains high. Volume one was very very good and subsequent volumes keep getting better.
Cons _ Volume 6 won't be available before Christmas.
Bottom line _ Worth the price and I am grabbing the audio version too as soon as it is available. This woman crafts stories with the precision and quality of Lois McMaster Bujold.
Pros _ The characters Evolve and facinating world building continues. Plot Line remains gripping. Prose standard remains high. Volume one was very very good and subsequent volumes keep getting better.
Cons _ Volume 6 won't be available before Christmas.
Bottom line _ Worth the price and I am grabbing the audio version too as soon as it is available. This woman crafts stories with the precision and quality of Lois McMaster Bujold.
November 13, 2021
I certainly hope this is a 20 book saga. Editors, where is your sense of adventure??? I heard book 5 would be the last! This MUST be corrected!!! This is an extraordinary story that has all the potential for more books!
I love fantasy reads, especially about elves. This has been a wonderful story and I don't want to see it end abruptly before we get to know more of each character! Who doesn't want a book on Handir, or The Three? The love between Lassira and Thargoden? I love everything about this saga!
I love fantasy reads, especially about elves. This has been a wonderful story and I don't want to see it end abruptly before we get to know more of each character! Who doesn't want a book on Handir, or The Three? The love between Lassira and Thargoden? I love everything about this saga!
March 3, 2023
What an adventure
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this forth of the series. It was a little drawn out in some places, which I skipped over, but then I'm a demanding reader.
The story has drawn to a conclusion of one part of the full story, more to come. It was a very satisfying conclusion and I can't wait for more of the same building in tension. So on to book five.
Great job continuously giving me the opportunity to learn more about all the important characters and the world they live in.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this forth of the series. It was a little drawn out in some places, which I skipped over, but then I'm a demanding reader.
The story has drawn to a conclusion of one part of the full story, more to come. It was a very satisfying conclusion and I can't wait for more of the same building in tension. So on to book five.
Great job continuously giving me the opportunity to learn more about all the important characters and the world they live in.
May 29, 2023
This was the best one yet. The books are getting longer, too. Usually they get shorter as a series goes on.
We have everything an epic fantasy needs; a kingdom on the verge of civil war, intrigue, politics, betrayal, a dangerous journey towards the goal, lot of fighting and some flighting. We even get some extras that are not needed for an epic fantasy but they make a book really great, like character growth, romantic subplot (not my favorite in this one), a look into the enemy's thoughts...
I'm onto the next one. Let's see where that one will take us.
We have everything an epic fantasy needs; a kingdom on the verge of civil war, intrigue, politics, betrayal, a dangerous journey towards the goal, lot of fighting and some flighting. We even get some extras that are not needed for an epic fantasy but they make a book really great, like character growth, romantic subplot (not my favorite in this one), a look into the enemy's thoughts...
I'm onto the next one. Let's see where that one will take us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews