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The Child Guard
Kane is a novice in the Child Guard, a military-religious order founded to fight in the thousand-year war between the humans and the Sidhe, their ancient elven enemies. With children the only humans immune to Sidhe magic, he and his compatriots must take an elixir which keeps them young and invulnerable to the wiles of their enemies, whilst training for combat in the huge rocky Citadel of Cruach. Kane has been in the Citadel for longer than any other novice, unable to progress to a full soldier due to fate, the gods or the machinations of those above him in the ranks.
Finally, it seems that fortune smiles upon Kane as both a promotion and a mission land in his lap at once. He is assigned to escort a young victim of a Sidhe attack to the far-off city of Auris, centre of science and reason, for them to hopefully find a cure or a weapon to use against Sidhe magic. With his two best friends, the quiet, rule-abiding Eder and the rough-and-tumble Terrell, it would seem that the mission is to be a quick ride in good company, with commendations all round and a chance to finally prove himself.
Of course, it couldn’t be that straightforward. Kane and his friends will find their loyalties and their determination tested as they find that life away from the Citadel is quite different than they imagined. Mishaps and unexpected incidents lead to them questioning their identities, their relationships and the nature of everything they have been taught.
Finally, it seems that fortune smiles upon Kane as both a promotion and a mission land in his lap at once. He is assigned to escort a young victim of a Sidhe attack to the far-off city of Auris, centre of science and reason, for them to hopefully find a cure or a weapon to use against Sidhe magic. With his two best friends, the quiet, rule-abiding Eder and the rough-and-tumble Terrell, it would seem that the mission is to be a quick ride in good company, with commendations all round and a chance to finally prove himself.
Of course, it couldn’t be that straightforward. Kane and his friends will find their loyalties and their determination tested as they find that life away from the Citadel is quite different than they imagined. Mishaps and unexpected incidents lead to them questioning their identities, their relationships and the nature of everything they have been taught.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 30, 2020
Lorcan has created such an interesting world here. The oppressive atmosphere at the beginning of the book in the Citadel is carried as a theme throughout the book and it works so well. The writing itself is engrossing and often beautiful.
The pacing of the plot itself can feel a little loose and meandering at times, which nicely mirrors Kane's mindset as he explores the outside world. But it meant that I was a little surprised when the ending happened where it did.
There is more of the story to explore and I'm going to stick with this one for the whole series.
The pacing of the plot itself can feel a little loose and meandering at times, which nicely mirrors Kane's mindset as he explores the outside world. But it meant that I was a little surprised when the ending happened where it did.
There is more of the story to explore and I'm going to stick with this one for the whole series.
October 13, 2020
A fun and twisty fantasy adventure with a blistering pace, plenty of surprises, and some great character development. The world-building is intriguing and done with a light touch, leaving some unanswered questions... which is why I now need the next book! Fortunately I think it should be out soon... *crosses fingers*
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews