Reins of Power

The Shandian Chronicles #1

by John Forrester

Akkar, a scholar at the Historians Guild, discovers his mentor has vanished under mysterious circumstances. He is tasked to lead the guild’s secretive group, hunting relics of power in the ruins under the palace while practicing magic away from prying eyes, and leading their workshop in the production of wands for the Wizards Guild.

But each day he is pressured to defend himself against growing suspicions connected to his mentor’s accused crimes. Trying to prove his innocence, he discovers evidence of corruption in the line of emperors, forcing him to make a choice between his dreams of rising from orphan to guild master and righting a three-hundred-year-old betrayal.

Not knowing whom to trust, Akkar turns to Jesnia, his old flame and famous actress, who has also been named a traitor. As an illusionist, she helps him find the truth and keep away from the authorities while tempting his heart away from his noble-born girlfriend. The nobility, the guilds, the church, and foreign enemies all vie for control of the Empire. What he discovers places him at odds with them all, and only secrets learned from an ancient immortal and a debt owed him by the dragons tips the scales. Only Akkar can seize the freed reins of power and, using forbidden magic, right the wrongs that ail the world.

Genres: Fantasy

622 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2021

About the author

John Forrester is the author of Reins of Power, in the Shandian Chronicles epic fantasy series. He is also the author of Fire Mage, Sun Mage, Shadow Mage, Dragon Mage, and Death Mage from the Blacklight Chronicles fantasy series.

Reviews

[Beverly K]

All right, so I tried reading this. Either I wasn't in the right headspace or I just didn't click with it, but I found this book difficult to get into. The chapters are too short for my liking and there's too much telling without showing.

Again, I've been having problems with books all year, so it may just be my experience.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeff]

Good read. Lots of different things going on

Ultimately good triumphs over evil. Leaving threats of future evil headed our way we will need to continue reading about akkar. I know I will

[Gillian Rothwell]

Excellent read

Hi, I seriously enjoyed the intricate plots within the story line which weaves seamlessly together. One note to the author , please note that you SCRATCH something that itches, not 'itch' it!!!!!!