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Dynamicist Trilogy #2
Herald
Robert thought becoming a dynamicist would enable him to change the world, starting with saving all his friends from being slaughtered. He was wrong.
Acts of genuine creativity used to bring mortal punishment. But now, wizardry is dead and Robert, Koria and Eloise live in a world where change and invention is possible.
Robert hopes that mathematically-framed dynamics will enable him to change the new world. But he keeps having prophetic dreams where his friends are all murdered by a mysterious cloaked man, and the grain protestors are more menacing than ever. They declare dynamics is dangerous and that the changes must stop. They are right about one thing: dynamics is dangerous, especially for someone so hopeful, angry and impetuous as Robert.
Soon Robert's horrific nightmares come true and a cloaked man appears on campus, stalking and murdering students --his friends are next.
Desperate to change the future, Robert recklessly pushes the bounds of both dynamics and reason. Every crushing failure dampens Robert's hope for the future and pushes him a step closer to the powerful, nihilistic, and merciless Lonely Wizard.
Acts of genuine creativity used to bring mortal punishment. But now, wizardry is dead and Robert, Koria and Eloise live in a world where change and invention is possible.
Robert hopes that mathematically-framed dynamics will enable him to change the new world. But he keeps having prophetic dreams where his friends are all murdered by a mysterious cloaked man, and the grain protestors are more menacing than ever. They declare dynamics is dangerous and that the changes must stop. They are right about one thing: dynamics is dangerous, especially for someone so hopeful, angry and impetuous as Robert.
Soon Robert's horrific nightmares come true and a cloaked man appears on campus, stalking and murdering students --his friends are next.
Desperate to change the future, Robert recklessly pushes the bounds of both dynamics and reason. Every crushing failure dampens Robert's hope for the future and pushes him a step closer to the powerful, nihilistic, and merciless Lonely Wizard.
- GenresFantasy
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2020
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Lee Hunt
5 books16 followersBorn with only one working lung and having had the last rites read to him when almost dying of an influenza-related viral pneumonia, 25-year-old geophysicist Lee Hunt experienced several near-death dreams. The power of communication and the need to both understand and be understood was at the heart of each. He had already found that nothing was more important than being able to cross the distance between people.
Lee’s interests are eclectic. He is an Ironman Triathlete, hiker, traveler, and an enthusiastic sport rock climber. Lee also continues to work as a geophysicist on Carbon Capture and Sequestration projects, and is a writer for BIG-Media.ca.
The dream of understanding and being understood has never left his mind, and Lee pursues this dream in his works of fiction through metaphor. His novels include The Dynamicist Trilogy, Last Worst Hopes and Bed of Rose and Thorns.
Lee’s interests are eclectic. He is an Ironman Triathlete, hiker, traveler, and an enthusiastic sport rock climber. Lee also continues to work as a geophysicist on Carbon Capture and Sequestration projects, and is a writer for BIG-Media.ca.
The dream of understanding and being understood has never left his mind, and Lee pursues this dream in his works of fiction through metaphor. His novels include The Dynamicist Trilogy, Last Worst Hopes and Bed of Rose and Thorns.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 26, 2021
I just finished Herald, the second book of Lee Hunt’s Dynamicist Trilogy. I was halfway through when I realized the first two books are told from a single point of view – Robert Endicott (as of this novel, Sir Robert Endicott, though he’s still a student).
I’d normally feel a little claustrophobic about this. I adore multi character POV novels – throw a Wheel of Time book or something from the Lord of the Rings or the Shannara series at me and I’m in hog heaven. My own writing is the same, tending to a whole host of points of view that sometimes earn me praise and sometimes scorn from reviewers and readers.
But somehow Hunt pulls it off. While there were a few times I wanted to wander off with Koria or Heylor or one of the others, this story is primarily Robert’s story, as he comes into his own powers and tries to find the balance between haste and going slow. (spoiler alert – book three – Knight in Retrograde – widens the focus, with multiple character POVs).
I enjoyed the first book in the series, The Dynamicist. But this book is stronger, if only for its twists and turns and bombshells that drop into your lap and explode like an overheated cake.
Oh yeah, did I mention there’s a whole chapter dedicated to exploding cakes? What better to test your emerging powers on than cake batter?
Hunt knows his stuff. He spent hours—days? Weeks?—working out the details of his magical system. He walks us through it an exercise at a time, and while sometimes these sections move a little slowly, don’t worry Another bomb’s about to go off around the next corner.
Over the first two books, I’ve become attached to these characters – even gruff Merrett and never-still Heylor, who gets his moment toward the end.
There are glimpses of LGBTQ+ characters here and there, always a plus in my book, though I’d challenge Hunt to go a little further in that regard in his next book/series. But it’s a minor quibble.
Once Endicott reaches the Line—the border with a truly dangerous neighboring land—things shift into high gear and stay there for most of the rest of the book. Our hero breaks through to wield his powers in a truly impressive way, and all the lessons we sat through with him come to the fore. But in the end, we’re left wondering what kind of man Robert Endicott will be when the series comes to a close in book three, Knight in Retrograde.
A little warning here. The ending is not exactly a happily ever after. But it does reveal a core secret, and sets things up nicely for the last book.
Herald is quite a ride, one I’d recommend taking if you love fantasy and want something that’s not like everything else already on your SFF shelf. And that’s one of the highest compliments I can give to a well-written, page turning book like this one.
And with that, I’m off to war – see you again after book three!
I’d normally feel a little claustrophobic about this. I adore multi character POV novels – throw a Wheel of Time book or something from the Lord of the Rings or the Shannara series at me and I’m in hog heaven. My own writing is the same, tending to a whole host of points of view that sometimes earn me praise and sometimes scorn from reviewers and readers.
But somehow Hunt pulls it off. While there were a few times I wanted to wander off with Koria or Heylor or one of the others, this story is primarily Robert’s story, as he comes into his own powers and tries to find the balance between haste and going slow. (spoiler alert – book three – Knight in Retrograde – widens the focus, with multiple character POVs).
I enjoyed the first book in the series, The Dynamicist. But this book is stronger, if only for its twists and turns and bombshells that drop into your lap and explode like an overheated cake.
Oh yeah, did I mention there’s a whole chapter dedicated to exploding cakes? What better to test your emerging powers on than cake batter?
Hunt knows his stuff. He spent hours—days? Weeks?—working out the details of his magical system. He walks us through it an exercise at a time, and while sometimes these sections move a little slowly, don’t worry Another bomb’s about to go off around the next corner.
Over the first two books, I’ve become attached to these characters – even gruff Merrett and never-still Heylor, who gets his moment toward the end.
There are glimpses of LGBTQ+ characters here and there, always a plus in my book, though I’d challenge Hunt to go a little further in that regard in his next book/series. But it’s a minor quibble.
Once Endicott reaches the Line—the border with a truly dangerous neighboring land—things shift into high gear and stay there for most of the rest of the book. Our hero breaks through to wield his powers in a truly impressive way, and all the lessons we sat through with him come to the fore. But in the end, we’re left wondering what kind of man Robert Endicott will be when the series comes to a close in book three, Knight in Retrograde.
A little warning here. The ending is not exactly a happily ever after. But it does reveal a core secret, and sets things up nicely for the last book.
Herald is quite a ride, one I’d recommend taking if you love fantasy and want something that’s not like everything else already on your SFF shelf. And that’s one of the highest compliments I can give to a well-written, page turning book like this one.
And with that, I’m off to war – see you again after book three!
February 23, 2021
Herald picks up right where Dynamicist ends and starts with the main character and his friends beginning to learn the depth of their power and how to be a true dynamicist. The math and physics they learned in the first book is put into practice as they learn and are tested, pushing them to hone the use of their powers. Finally you will see the power of a dynamicist in use and get a better understanding of the magic in this world.
Among this, the evil of the first book starts to pose a threat to the main character and the school to which he attends and so there is also intrigue and mystery as the main character and his friends try to unravel just what is going on around them. As the main character dives into danger to save what he loves it leaves you wondering along with him just who is behind this and what exactly is going on. Lee weaves an interesting mystery into the story that always leaves another question in your mind until the very end of the story.
This book also explores the world more. No longer does the main character stay in the city where the school is, as the story progresses the characters get to travel to other cities and even to dangerous parts of the world where they will be tested and pushed to their limits of their power and skills. The action is well written and leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering who will make it through alive.
The themes of love, friendship, and coming of age seen in Dynamicist continue into Herald as we see the main character and his friends continue to develop as their lives and world become more complex around them.
As a sequel it is a good read and enjoyable story, but is much better if read after Dynamcist, as it feels more like one long story broken into three books, rather than a story and its sequel.
A must read for anyone who loves fantasy that feels real, or who loves when magic is really just science in disguise.
Come continue the story of love and adventure, where every change comes at a cost... but what price will you pay?
Among this, the evil of the first book starts to pose a threat to the main character and the school to which he attends and so there is also intrigue and mystery as the main character and his friends try to unravel just what is going on around them. As the main character dives into danger to save what he loves it leaves you wondering along with him just who is behind this and what exactly is going on. Lee weaves an interesting mystery into the story that always leaves another question in your mind until the very end of the story.
This book also explores the world more. No longer does the main character stay in the city where the school is, as the story progresses the characters get to travel to other cities and even to dangerous parts of the world where they will be tested and pushed to their limits of their power and skills. The action is well written and leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering who will make it through alive.
The themes of love, friendship, and coming of age seen in Dynamicist continue into Herald as we see the main character and his friends continue to develop as their lives and world become more complex around them.
As a sequel it is a good read and enjoyable story, but is much better if read after Dynamcist, as it feels more like one long story broken into three books, rather than a story and its sequel.
A must read for anyone who loves fantasy that feels real, or who loves when magic is really just science in disguise.
Come continue the story of love and adventure, where every change comes at a cost... but what price will you pay?
January 10, 2021
Robert, Koira, Eloise, Gregory, Heylor, Davin and Bethyn are back! And of course, so is the Lonely Wizard. Herald has a great mix of philosophy and action, ratcheting up the stakes as this exciting, and adventurous novel continues right from where Dynamicist left off! It takes the lovable, intelligent, thoughtful and powerhouse characters through challenges in which they use their strengths to support each other as they struggle with becoming Dynamicists. But becoming a dynamicist isn’t easy. They must learn to control the laws of thermodynamics and deal with the when and how around using their growing and dangerous power. I truly love this book. The adventure, conflict, learning and growth these characters go through as they themselves grow and face the challenges caused by the new grain and vicious attacks from an unknown source had me hooked early on. And of course, when all else fails to drive you through the pains of life, and you feel you cannot continue, the love for those you care about can drive you to continue on.
March 12, 2022
Fantasy adventure books are not my regular genre but Lee Hunt’s “Herald” completely drew me in. The further I got into the story, the faster the pages turned. I was enthralled by the magic, friendships, growth and wizardry explored by the characters as their adventures came alive on the page. I was on the edge of my seat as Endicott’s heraldic dreams were cemented in reality. I’m diving into book 3 this very minute.
August 5, 2021
Herald picks up where book 1, Dynamicist, left off. Robert and his friends have school to deal with even as they do their best to prep for some great evil headed their way (the Lonely Wizard). They aren’t sure when it will happen but they want to be as ready as possible when it does. I’m still really liking this group of quirky friends. They each have their issues and they are good at supporting each other, though I will say that the guys have more lines and more characteristics than the ladies. That might be because the story is told almost exclusively through Robert’s eyes and he spends more time overall with the guys.
There’s more action than in book 1 (yay!) though there’s still a lot of CareBear moments where some kind words and hugs seem to make a big difference (I’m still skeptical). Yet I like that there are more serious moments where a few high fives won’t get Robert out of the conflict. There’s still plenty of humor, mostly from Davyn (spelling?), who has become my favorite character. He had some great lines in book 1, mostly about cookies, and he continues to provide the laughs as well as plenty of muscle for the fight scenes.
I did find I wanted a bit more from the ladies who are still taking the backseat in this epic fantasy. Also, the queer characters are still in secondary or tertiary roles and I would like to see them get bigger roles in general in epic fantasy as well as this series. Even though Robert and Koria started off with some silly insta-love, I have grown to really like them as a couple. It’s sweet that Robert considers Koria the smarter one (yet I would really like to see her doing smarter things instead of just being told).
The suspense builds at a faster pace in this book too. There is definitely the feeling that something big is coming…. and we have to wait for the 3rd book to find out exactly what that thing is. I did enjoy those short scenes from the Lonely Wizard, which gave me some feel for just how out-classed Robert and his friends might be. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Craig A. Hart continues to do this series justice. I’ve come to really like his narration. He’s got a decent spread of voices for all the characters, keeping each one unique. The ladies sound like ladies. Hart does a great job with the action scenes too, keeping the tension in his voice letting me know he cares just as much as I do about how things will turn out. I did laugh at the whistle sound for one scene because it tricked my dog and she went tearing out the dog door to find the evil whistle blower. The pacing was spot and there were no tech issues with this recording. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own.
There’s more action than in book 1 (yay!) though there’s still a lot of CareBear moments where some kind words and hugs seem to make a big difference (I’m still skeptical). Yet I like that there are more serious moments where a few high fives won’t get Robert out of the conflict. There’s still plenty of humor, mostly from Davyn (spelling?), who has become my favorite character. He had some great lines in book 1, mostly about cookies, and he continues to provide the laughs as well as plenty of muscle for the fight scenes.
I did find I wanted a bit more from the ladies who are still taking the backseat in this epic fantasy. Also, the queer characters are still in secondary or tertiary roles and I would like to see them get bigger roles in general in epic fantasy as well as this series. Even though Robert and Koria started off with some silly insta-love, I have grown to really like them as a couple. It’s sweet that Robert considers Koria the smarter one (yet I would really like to see her doing smarter things instead of just being told).
The suspense builds at a faster pace in this book too. There is definitely the feeling that something big is coming…. and we have to wait for the 3rd book to find out exactly what that thing is. I did enjoy those short scenes from the Lonely Wizard, which gave me some feel for just how out-classed Robert and his friends might be. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Craig A. Hart continues to do this series justice. I’ve come to really like his narration. He’s got a decent spread of voices for all the characters, keeping each one unique. The ladies sound like ladies. Hart does a great job with the action scenes too, keeping the tension in his voice letting me know he cares just as much as I do about how things will turn out. I did laugh at the whistle sound for one scene because it tricked my dog and she went tearing out the dog door to find the evil whistle blower. The pacing was spot and there were no tech issues with this recording. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews