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The Red Kingdom #1
The Silver Crystal
One day is all it takes…
As a bounty hunter, Rhael chases down the Corrupted, people with unnatural abilities too powerful for the rest of society—something he learned firsthand when they killed his father years ago. But when Rhael and his crew are ambushed by the very people they were sent to capture, it changes everything.
Phessipi leads a desperate group of rebels who are fighting for their lives just as much as their freedom. Any day now, a group of bounty hunters could swoop down on them. They all look to her for answers, but keeping one step ahead of The Order might be more than she can handle.
Levas wants peace and order under the ruling class, something he’s devoted his life of service to, but the threat of a rebel uprising might be enough to upend the world he’s worked so hard to keep together. As the leader of the army, he’s always tried to be honorable, but with how fast things are changing, he might not be able to do that much longer.
Start reading The Silver Crystal and discover your next great fantasy series.
As a bounty hunter, Rhael chases down the Corrupted, people with unnatural abilities too powerful for the rest of society—something he learned firsthand when they killed his father years ago. But when Rhael and his crew are ambushed by the very people they were sent to capture, it changes everything.
Phessipi leads a desperate group of rebels who are fighting for their lives just as much as their freedom. Any day now, a group of bounty hunters could swoop down on them. They all look to her for answers, but keeping one step ahead of The Order might be more than she can handle.
Levas wants peace and order under the ruling class, something he’s devoted his life of service to, but the threat of a rebel uprising might be enough to upend the world he’s worked so hard to keep together. As the leader of the army, he’s always tried to be honorable, but with how fast things are changing, he might not be able to do that much longer.
Start reading The Silver Crystal and discover your next great fantasy series.
- GenresFantasy
490 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2021
40 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Lanz
9 books45 followersRyan Lanz was born and raised on the island of Oahu in Hawaii until he was a teenager and then lived in California for a time. He enjoyed a brief experience with film before becoming involved in the performing arts, touring with a music performance group as a vocalist to a dozen countries on three continents over the length of five years.
His first published work was Unknown Sender, and he looks forward to many more in a variety of genres.
He also enjoys blogging about the culture of writing and brings on guest authors to share their writing tips. For more information, go to www.RyanLanz.com .
His first published work was Unknown Sender, and he looks forward to many more in a variety of genres.
He also enjoys blogging about the culture of writing and brings on guest authors to share their writing tips. For more information, go to www.RyanLanz.com .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 17, 2025
Oppressed. Hunted. Painfully stifled & branded for being born different.
The Corrupted.
A traitorous bounty hunt for ability users will begin a vicious uprising.
Intense! Great character build up between rivals within. Frightening world. Absolutely gripping!
This was a lot darker than I expected. Basically magic is feared. If you have any ability or magic it will be blocked. This is achieved by painfully driving an inhibitor crystal into your palm. The order sends bounty hunters out to catch any who haven’t been neutralized.
Sounds horrible. Well turns out these “corrupted” have had enough. Let the rebellion begin.
The dislike between Rhael and Morrith is absolutely awesome. Reminded me of Dafoe and Berringer in Platoon. Morrith being such a vile scumbag.
The fear in this land oozes through the pages. When our hero is desperate, it is a real risk to any who lend aid.
It is not all darkness though. There are some great humorous moments with a charmingly delightful character. Definitely brings brightness and levity to this heartbreaking tale.
The rebellion is just beginning!
Much thanks to the author for providing this series opening book.
The Corrupted.
A traitorous bounty hunt for ability users will begin a vicious uprising.
Intense! Great character build up between rivals within. Frightening world. Absolutely gripping!
This was a lot darker than I expected. Basically magic is feared. If you have any ability or magic it will be blocked. This is achieved by painfully driving an inhibitor crystal into your palm. The order sends bounty hunters out to catch any who haven’t been neutralized.
Sounds horrible. Well turns out these “corrupted” have had enough. Let the rebellion begin.
The dislike between Rhael and Morrith is absolutely awesome. Reminded me of Dafoe and Berringer in Platoon. Morrith being such a vile scumbag.
The fear in this land oozes through the pages. When our hero is desperate, it is a real risk to any who lend aid.
It is not all darkness though. There are some great humorous moments with a charmingly delightful character. Definitely brings brightness and levity to this heartbreaking tale.
The rebellion is just beginning!
Much thanks to the author for providing this series opening book.
January 26, 2025
Interesting, intriguing, complex slow starting novel, which took time to settle into and then it became something clear, consistent and compelling to read, the stories focus is very intriguing, it had a great plot, twists and characters, the world building was very unique and changed in each element of the storylines.
It’s built around magically charged characters, that need controlling, however, with the background plots that were made to feel emotionally connected to certain characters, the greed and jealousy had its own unique effects on a whole, but who is trustworthy? It felt more than just a simple plot driven story, it had more of a long term plot that would be told throughout numerous books, each building on each other giving a dramatic finale to it.
Ryan Lanz has successfully managed to accomplish and achieve a great story, that builds on itself page by page, adding new content and features in each new chapter of the book, which is unusual in most cases, and I, for one will be delighted to read the following books in the series, and taking moments to appreciate the magnificent story and work, that’s gone into it.
It’s wonderfully written and beautifully scripted, executed with forethought and care, so it all fits together perfectly into a giant tapestry that can grow successfully as the story develops furthering its narrative and story.
It’s so wonderful to read such unique stories that are different from the rest, and so much more exciting and engaging, and this is what makes not a good writer, but a great Author.
It’s been a pleasure, privilege and honour to read this amazingly unique book, that’s made it equally hard to write a book review, as it took time to consider everything that happened during the story.
Thank you Ryan Lanz for sharing your book and I look forward to reading the next book in the future.
It’s built around magically charged characters, that need controlling, however, with the background plots that were made to feel emotionally connected to certain characters, the greed and jealousy had its own unique effects on a whole, but who is trustworthy? It felt more than just a simple plot driven story, it had more of a long term plot that would be told throughout numerous books, each building on each other giving a dramatic finale to it.
Ryan Lanz has successfully managed to accomplish and achieve a great story, that builds on itself page by page, adding new content and features in each new chapter of the book, which is unusual in most cases, and I, for one will be delighted to read the following books in the series, and taking moments to appreciate the magnificent story and work, that’s gone into it.
It’s wonderfully written and beautifully scripted, executed with forethought and care, so it all fits together perfectly into a giant tapestry that can grow successfully as the story develops furthering its narrative and story.
It’s so wonderful to read such unique stories that are different from the rest, and so much more exciting and engaging, and this is what makes not a good writer, but a great Author.
It’s been a pleasure, privilege and honour to read this amazingly unique book, that’s made it equally hard to write a book review, as it took time to consider everything that happened during the story.
Thank you Ryan Lanz for sharing your book and I look forward to reading the next book in the future.
December 5, 2024
Ever wondered what it’d be like to have an ability? The means to control magic and utilize it? To do some good or make your life easier? Well, what if you had the means of magic, but you lived in a world where magic was feared and hated? That even if you did no harm to anyone, you’d be hunted down and made to pay a price? Well, welcome to The Silver Crystal, book one in the Red Kingdom series – because being hunted is exactly what you’ll get here.
Our first glimpse of The Silver Crystal is an eye-catching cover. The first thing readers will notice is a setting sun behind a massive city. Spires arching high into the sky and cutting into the sun creates a riveting skyline. With the fog and mist swirling around the base of the city, it almost gives the illusion of a city floating above the ground. This illusion is compounded by the flock of birds taking flight across the book’s cover just below a man standing on a cliff.
In the foreground of the cover of The Silver Crystal is a man wrapped in a cloak. In his right hand is a glowing crystal he appears to be holding tightly. Or is he? In his left hand, he’s holding what appears to be a pair of weapons. Standing on a rocky cliff he appears to be staring at the city. Is he planning an assault? Or is he simply giving it one last look before departing on a mission? The best way to find out? Dive into this book.
The Silver Crystal by Ryan Lanz is an epic fantasy novel that will draw you in little by little until you find yourself devouring this book to see where it leads. The Silver Crystal details a riveting story through the eyes of a variety of different characters. The majority of the story will be told following Rhael. Told from the third person POV author Lanz shows how Rhael is forced to change his perspective of those who are branded as “Corrupted.”
Author Lanz paints a picture of a world where magic users are declared “Corrupted.” Whether they use their magic to harm anyone or not, they are hunted down, and a crystal forced into their hand. It’s honestly a jaw-dropping thing because it doesn’t stop there!
Where author Lanz starts The Silver Crystal is a prologue that will pique your interest in what will happen next. Rhael has had an encounter with a “Corrupted.” He’s preparing to spike a crystal through their hand, but then chaos breaks out. This initial chapter will absolutely fuel you to turn the page to find out what happens next as Rhael moves to arm himself for a fight. However, author Lanz has other plans for readers.
As The Silver Crystal continues to unfold, author Lanz takes readers back before the incident that is playing out in the prologue by a few days. Here we get to see how specific connections are made, specific characters are introduced, and we’re given clues that not everything is what it seems. There is a Judas amidst the group and he will bring down death and destruction to Rhael’s team.
The Silver Crystal is an interesting novel that draws you in page by page. As Rhael’s team comes together to bring in a group of “Corrupted” he has no idea what he’s walking them into. In his group is someone who craves more – more money, more power, and Rhael out of the picture. As you can expect, the best-made plans rarely work out, and well...this particular plan is far from being well-made.
Of course, chaos erupts and what happens with Rhael will have your jaw on the floor. You’ll find yourself hoping for the best and yet expecting the worst when it comes to certain scenes in The Silver Crystal.
Readers who are looking for characters who go through a form of transformative development will absolutely want to grab a copy of The Silver Crystal. Why do we say this? Because Rhael starts this story out with one particular point of view. He believes that a group of “Corrupted” were responsible for his father’s death when he was a child. The truth though is something different. But after Rhael’s encounter with a “Corrupted” by the name of Phessipi everything changes.
Phessipi suffers a great loss in this book. Understandably she will blame Rhael for this loss, because in her mind if he had never pursued her group they would never have been harmed. However, her anger is misplaced, but she’s seeking a change in the status quo and this first strike in her mind will put them on the path toward change. Author Lanz paints a picture of Phessipi throughout The Silver Crystal as a woman struggling, until she finds her fire deep inside. It’s easy to say that she becomes an intriguing character.
Author Lanz enjoys throwing in more than a twist or two in The Silver Crystal. There are several twists that will have your jaw on the floor. The evolution that Rhael goes through after his encounter with Phessipi is truly interesting. Her intent was not to change him, but to cause him pain and humiliation. But through her actions, she helps put him on a path to becoming something more.
The character that readers are going to love to hate in The Silver Crystal will be Morrith. Author Lanz takes special care with how he creates Morrith as a character. Morrith is sneaky, conniving, and has an insatiable craving for power. As readers dive deeper into The Silver Crystal readers will see just how far Morrith is willing to go to accomplish his goals. Plain and simple – Morrith is a snake, and one you’d prefer to avoid at all costs.
Wondering where Levas shows up? Well, you’re going to be waiting for his appearance to happen in this book, but when he does show up, you’re not going to be quite sure how to categorize him. Levas is obviously a soldier. He stands behind the laws of The Order and works to ensure that they are enforced. So, when a rebel uprising threatens the city he is tasked to protect he stands to take action. We found one particular scene with Levas rather humorous and it’s around the time that he is initially introduced in the story. Readers will definitely be interested to see where author Lanz takes Levas into the next book and the rest of the series...well, if he lives that long.
Author Lanz introduces readers to a variety of characters who will cycle through The Silver Crystal. While The Silver Crystal focuses heavily on Rhael, the story still shifts around to Phessipi, a soldier by the name of Levas, Morrith, and one other character who is out for revenge against Rhael.
The Silver Crystal brings to readers a fantasy world that seems simple but has just the right amount of complexities that draws you in. You get magic users who simply want to live their lives, but if The Order (the ones making the rules) decides you’re a problem, you have a target on your back.
The Silver Crystal is an intriguing novel, and it is just the beginning of The Red Kingdom series. As this story draws to a close, you will feel the urge to continue the series to find out what happens next. Rhael has managed to deal with one problem, but this was just the tip of the iceberg. The winds of change are blowing and The Silver Crystal is just the opening salvo.
Readers who enjoy epic fantasy novels that have a gradual build before wrapping you up in a storyline that doesn’t let up...this book is for you. You are getting complex characters, intense drama, and twists that you won’t see coming. The Silver Crystal is a must-read, and we can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Pros:
• Engaging storyline
• Nice variety of interesting characters
• Page-turner
• Good character development
• Good amount of world-building to flesh out the story
Cons:
• None of merit
Cover Score: 9.5/10
Overall Book Score: 9.8/10
Our first glimpse of The Silver Crystal is an eye-catching cover. The first thing readers will notice is a setting sun behind a massive city. Spires arching high into the sky and cutting into the sun creates a riveting skyline. With the fog and mist swirling around the base of the city, it almost gives the illusion of a city floating above the ground. This illusion is compounded by the flock of birds taking flight across the book’s cover just below a man standing on a cliff.
In the foreground of the cover of The Silver Crystal is a man wrapped in a cloak. In his right hand is a glowing crystal he appears to be holding tightly. Or is he? In his left hand, he’s holding what appears to be a pair of weapons. Standing on a rocky cliff he appears to be staring at the city. Is he planning an assault? Or is he simply giving it one last look before departing on a mission? The best way to find out? Dive into this book.
The Silver Crystal by Ryan Lanz is an epic fantasy novel that will draw you in little by little until you find yourself devouring this book to see where it leads. The Silver Crystal details a riveting story through the eyes of a variety of different characters. The majority of the story will be told following Rhael. Told from the third person POV author Lanz shows how Rhael is forced to change his perspective of those who are branded as “Corrupted.”
Author Lanz paints a picture of a world where magic users are declared “Corrupted.” Whether they use their magic to harm anyone or not, they are hunted down, and a crystal forced into their hand. It’s honestly a jaw-dropping thing because it doesn’t stop there!
Where author Lanz starts The Silver Crystal is a prologue that will pique your interest in what will happen next. Rhael has had an encounter with a “Corrupted.” He’s preparing to spike a crystal through their hand, but then chaos breaks out. This initial chapter will absolutely fuel you to turn the page to find out what happens next as Rhael moves to arm himself for a fight. However, author Lanz has other plans for readers.
As The Silver Crystal continues to unfold, author Lanz takes readers back before the incident that is playing out in the prologue by a few days. Here we get to see how specific connections are made, specific characters are introduced, and we’re given clues that not everything is what it seems. There is a Judas amidst the group and he will bring down death and destruction to Rhael’s team.
The Silver Crystal is an interesting novel that draws you in page by page. As Rhael’s team comes together to bring in a group of “Corrupted” he has no idea what he’s walking them into. In his group is someone who craves more – more money, more power, and Rhael out of the picture. As you can expect, the best-made plans rarely work out, and well...this particular plan is far from being well-made.
Of course, chaos erupts and what happens with Rhael will have your jaw on the floor. You’ll find yourself hoping for the best and yet expecting the worst when it comes to certain scenes in The Silver Crystal.
Readers who are looking for characters who go through a form of transformative development will absolutely want to grab a copy of The Silver Crystal. Why do we say this? Because Rhael starts this story out with one particular point of view. He believes that a group of “Corrupted” were responsible for his father’s death when he was a child. The truth though is something different. But after Rhael’s encounter with a “Corrupted” by the name of Phessipi everything changes.
Phessipi suffers a great loss in this book. Understandably she will blame Rhael for this loss, because in her mind if he had never pursued her group they would never have been harmed. However, her anger is misplaced, but she’s seeking a change in the status quo and this first strike in her mind will put them on the path toward change. Author Lanz paints a picture of Phessipi throughout The Silver Crystal as a woman struggling, until she finds her fire deep inside. It’s easy to say that she becomes an intriguing character.
Author Lanz enjoys throwing in more than a twist or two in The Silver Crystal. There are several twists that will have your jaw on the floor. The evolution that Rhael goes through after his encounter with Phessipi is truly interesting. Her intent was not to change him, but to cause him pain and humiliation. But through her actions, she helps put him on a path to becoming something more.
The character that readers are going to love to hate in The Silver Crystal will be Morrith. Author Lanz takes special care with how he creates Morrith as a character. Morrith is sneaky, conniving, and has an insatiable craving for power. As readers dive deeper into The Silver Crystal readers will see just how far Morrith is willing to go to accomplish his goals. Plain and simple – Morrith is a snake, and one you’d prefer to avoid at all costs.
Wondering where Levas shows up? Well, you’re going to be waiting for his appearance to happen in this book, but when he does show up, you’re not going to be quite sure how to categorize him. Levas is obviously a soldier. He stands behind the laws of The Order and works to ensure that they are enforced. So, when a rebel uprising threatens the city he is tasked to protect he stands to take action. We found one particular scene with Levas rather humorous and it’s around the time that he is initially introduced in the story. Readers will definitely be interested to see where author Lanz takes Levas into the next book and the rest of the series...well, if he lives that long.
Author Lanz introduces readers to a variety of characters who will cycle through The Silver Crystal. While The Silver Crystal focuses heavily on Rhael, the story still shifts around to Phessipi, a soldier by the name of Levas, Morrith, and one other character who is out for revenge against Rhael.
The Silver Crystal brings to readers a fantasy world that seems simple but has just the right amount of complexities that draws you in. You get magic users who simply want to live their lives, but if The Order (the ones making the rules) decides you’re a problem, you have a target on your back.
The Silver Crystal is an intriguing novel, and it is just the beginning of The Red Kingdom series. As this story draws to a close, you will feel the urge to continue the series to find out what happens next. Rhael has managed to deal with one problem, but this was just the tip of the iceberg. The winds of change are blowing and The Silver Crystal is just the opening salvo.
Readers who enjoy epic fantasy novels that have a gradual build before wrapping you up in a storyline that doesn’t let up...this book is for you. You are getting complex characters, intense drama, and twists that you won’t see coming. The Silver Crystal is a must-read, and we can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Pros:
• Engaging storyline
• Nice variety of interesting characters
• Page-turner
• Good character development
• Good amount of world-building to flesh out the story
Cons:
• None of merit
Cover Score: 9.5/10
Overall Book Score: 9.8/10
September 26, 2025
This was a popcorn book; in that it was incredibly fun and enjoyable, but cracks form the longer you think about it.
There's a lot of lore and world-building left out that would have lifted this. Always weird reading "contained fantasy" vs the more traditional "epic fantasy", in that the scope of this was on the smaller side. Hoping it gets fleshed out more as the series progresses. Characters felt one-note at times, but the main POV was easy to connect to, especially with his mental health quirks. Some dialogue was a bit wooden, but this improved as the story went on.
Loved the plotting/pacing of the first half, especially the timeline work when chapters switched faction POVs. Plotting in the second half lacked that dynamicism and the end was a tad rushed.
Overall: fun concept that needed more fat to it. Intriguing characters that need more motivation. Good plot that had some consistency issues. Fun heck of a ride though and did enough to garner interest on continuing.
There's a lot of lore and world-building left out that would have lifted this. Always weird reading "contained fantasy" vs the more traditional "epic fantasy", in that the scope of this was on the smaller side. Hoping it gets fleshed out more as the series progresses. Characters felt one-note at times, but the main POV was easy to connect to, especially with his mental health quirks. Some dialogue was a bit wooden, but this improved as the story went on.
Loved the plotting/pacing of the first half, especially the timeline work when chapters switched faction POVs. Plotting in the second half lacked that dynamicism and the end was a tad rushed.
Overall: fun concept that needed more fat to it. Intriguing characters that need more motivation. Good plot that had some consistency issues. Fun heck of a ride though and did enough to garner interest on continuing.
August 8, 2025
3.5.
really good idea, but was in need of a rewrite.
biggest issues
1 inconsistency. the characters had experience, but then acted like they didn't, for example.
2 weak writing. with such a good idea, it's unfortunate the execution was its weakness: over explaining, answering questions no one asked, people not talking naturally, so on and so forth. typical first novel problems, even more so in the self published world, which I believe this is. the writing made things anti climactic.
3 the story was good, but until about half way through it lacked.
the characters were pretty good, except a jar jar blinks like character whose dialogue just took up page count but didn't really build for anything.
I got this book for free from the author.
really good idea, but was in need of a rewrite.
biggest issues
1 inconsistency. the characters had experience, but then acted like they didn't, for example.
2 weak writing. with such a good idea, it's unfortunate the execution was its weakness: over explaining, answering questions no one asked, people not talking naturally, so on and so forth. typical first novel problems, even more so in the self published world, which I believe this is. the writing made things anti climactic.
3 the story was good, but until about half way through it lacked.
the characters were pretty good, except a jar jar blinks like character whose dialogue just took up page count but didn't really build for anything.
I got this book for free from the author.
May 8, 2025
A magnificent fantasy epic!
The Silver Crystal by Ryan Lanz reads like a lot of fantasy stories, so if that’s your genre, you’ll immediately feel welcome and at home. There’s sword fighting and magic, valiant heroes and suspicious villains, intrigue, romance and conspiracy. There’s immense world building with sprawling cities, dangerous forests and epic quests, and every page you read will make you want to turn to the next.
The story follows Rhael, freelance bounty hunter and leader of a band of misfits, currently under employ of The Order. Their mission is to hunt the Corrupted, dangerous criminals, people who live outside the law, and who all share one very defining feature: they have dangerous, magical abilities. Rhael and his team’s job is to hunt these people down, and to force a silver crystal through their hand, a violent and horrifying method that serves to disarm the corrupted and remove their dangerous abilities. Then, they are marched back to The Order, and Rhael and his friends can collect the bounty. This is what they do, how they spend their time, until one day, when everything goes wrong and a mission takes a horrible turn.
Lanz writes like a veteran fantasy author – and he very might well be! – even though this is the first book of his that I’ve come across. It’s dark and mysterious at times, it’s detailed and complex, yet light-hearted and even funny, at times. It’s a long book, thick with a well established fantasy world and sprawling with places, characters and histories, like any good fantasy book should be, yet the pace is just fast enough that the book never drags, and you always feel like you’re in the midst of the most important parts of the story.
Yet, at times I feel like he over explains and dumbs down parts occasionally, just to make sure the reader is following. I felt that these things were unnatural for characters to think and say, and I felt I would have grasped the hidden meanings and underlying themes, even without the words being put in my mouth. But it’s a minor issue, more of a feature than a bug, and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book.
Because the story is good – surprisingly so! I found myself fully invested even after just a handful of pages in, and I found myself comparing Lanz’ writing to other great fantasy books, like A Song Of Ice and Fire and the Warcraft series, which I’ve read a lot of. The Silver Crystal is simultaneously an epic fantasy and a buddy-cop comedy, a 2-in-1 kind of deal, and I love the dichotomy. I was never bogged down with overwhelming histories of distant lands, family lineages of ancient house, or the geography of distant kingdoms, yet the story didn’t focus solely on a handful of characters who didn’t seem to be part of a wider world. It’s really a perfect blend.
And the plot is good too. It’s clearly a series that aims to develop characters and plots further in future installments, and this first book sets everything up very well. If you’re looking for a new fantasy favorite, and if you’re interested in picking up an indie book that you might not happen across just out of nowhere, I’ll thoroughly recommend this. Any fantasy lover would appreciate this.
Oh, and I absolutely love Gobo.
The Silver Crystal by Ryan Lanz reads like a lot of fantasy stories, so if that’s your genre, you’ll immediately feel welcome and at home. There’s sword fighting and magic, valiant heroes and suspicious villains, intrigue, romance and conspiracy. There’s immense world building with sprawling cities, dangerous forests and epic quests, and every page you read will make you want to turn to the next.
The story follows Rhael, freelance bounty hunter and leader of a band of misfits, currently under employ of The Order. Their mission is to hunt the Corrupted, dangerous criminals, people who live outside the law, and who all share one very defining feature: they have dangerous, magical abilities. Rhael and his team’s job is to hunt these people down, and to force a silver crystal through their hand, a violent and horrifying method that serves to disarm the corrupted and remove their dangerous abilities. Then, they are marched back to The Order, and Rhael and his friends can collect the bounty. This is what they do, how they spend their time, until one day, when everything goes wrong and a mission takes a horrible turn.
Lanz writes like a veteran fantasy author – and he very might well be! – even though this is the first book of his that I’ve come across. It’s dark and mysterious at times, it’s detailed and complex, yet light-hearted and even funny, at times. It’s a long book, thick with a well established fantasy world and sprawling with places, characters and histories, like any good fantasy book should be, yet the pace is just fast enough that the book never drags, and you always feel like you’re in the midst of the most important parts of the story.
Yet, at times I feel like he over explains and dumbs down parts occasionally, just to make sure the reader is following. I felt that these things were unnatural for characters to think and say, and I felt I would have grasped the hidden meanings and underlying themes, even without the words being put in my mouth. But it’s a minor issue, more of a feature than a bug, and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book.
Because the story is good – surprisingly so! I found myself fully invested even after just a handful of pages in, and I found myself comparing Lanz’ writing to other great fantasy books, like A Song Of Ice and Fire and the Warcraft series, which I’ve read a lot of. The Silver Crystal is simultaneously an epic fantasy and a buddy-cop comedy, a 2-in-1 kind of deal, and I love the dichotomy. I was never bogged down with overwhelming histories of distant lands, family lineages of ancient house, or the geography of distant kingdoms, yet the story didn’t focus solely on a handful of characters who didn’t seem to be part of a wider world. It’s really a perfect blend.
And the plot is good too. It’s clearly a series that aims to develop characters and plots further in future installments, and this first book sets everything up very well. If you’re looking for a new fantasy favorite, and if you’re interested in picking up an indie book that you might not happen across just out of nowhere, I’ll thoroughly recommend this. Any fantasy lover would appreciate this.
Oh, and I absolutely love Gobo.
October 24, 2025
Review to come bc I am whelmed.
January 18, 2025
In a divided kingdom, what defines a true enemy—and could Rhael become what he fights against?
What does the phrase “one day is all it takes to break a man” foreshadow about the challenges Rhael will face?
What personal stakes does Rhael face in confronting the Corrupted, given his past with them?
Plot Overview
“The Silver Crystal” is the first book in Ryan Lanz’s ‘Red Kingdom’ series. This epic fantasy novel introduces readers to Rhael, a bounty hunter tasked with capturing the “Corrupted,” individuals who possess extraordinary abilities that society struggles to control. The narrative unfolds as Rhael assembles a team to confront these powerful beings, revealing the complexities of their powers and the societal implications surrounding them.
Author Background
Ryan Lanz is an established author known for his contributions to the fantasy genre. He emphasises creating immersive worlds and intricate plots that often involve multiple points of view. His love for epic fantasy narratives influences Lanz’s writing, though he aims to focus more on individual character journeys rather than grand-scale world-saving quests.
Plot Highlights
– Main Character: Rhael, a skilled bounty hunter.- Conflict: Rhael’s mission involves tracking down the Corrupted, who are deemed too dangerous due to their unnatural abilities.- Themes: The story explores themes of power, societal fear of the unknown, and the moral dilemmas faced by those who wield great power.
Narration:
Rhael’s journey is fraught with tension, danger, and moral ambiguity as he grapples with the aftermath of perilous encounters and the weight of leadership in a world where trust is fragile, and survival is paramount. His efforts to strategize with Thudwis and safeguard the camp from the Corrupted are underscored by his concern for Bilter’s recovery and the ethical challenges of using crystals to contain the Corrupted. Amidst these preparations, Rhael reflects on his past and encounters Howel, a skilled slinger who joins their group, adding depth to the themes of loyalty, survival, and the blurred lines between hunter and hunted. Interactions with Walai, a farmer offering him a glimpse of a simpler life, reveal Rhael’s inner conflict between duty and a longing for peace, while an encounter in the city market—where he rescues a woman, Nehema, from a brutal attack—reaffirms his resolve to protect others despite the harrowing toll of his responsibilities.
As Rhael navigates the complexities of his mission, he finds himself confronting both external threats and internal challenges within his team. A tense escape from the city, aided by quick thinking at the gates and the unexpected arrival of Howel, transitions into the dynamics of their group, where tensions rise with the mysterious absence of Morrith. Rhael’s frustration grows as he attempts to foster camaraderie and manage differing agendas. Morrith’s return, accompanied by revelations of an encounter with the Corrupted, stirs intrigue and distrust, highlighting the chaos and competing loyalties within their ranks. The narrative weaves through moments of reflection, action, and conflict, painting a vivid picture of Rhael’s struggle to balance leadership, moral integrity, and the relentless dangers of their mission.
Storytelling
The book has engaging storytelling and character development, with a depth of its world-building and moral complexities The suspenseful narrative and rich character arcs add more mileage to the story.
Themes explored
“The Silver Crystal” explores themes of power and responsibility, identity and redemption, fear of the unknown, and sacrifice and loyalty. The story examines how power can corrupt, with characters embodying ambition’s darker side, while Rhael’s ethical dilemmas highlight the responsibility that comes with power. The quest for identity and redemption is central, as characters confront their pasts and strive to reclaim their true selves. Fear of the unknown reflects societal prejudice, and sacrifice underscores the strength of loyalty and companionship in overcoming adversity. Together, these themes create a thought-provoking and engaging narrative.
Overall, “The Silver Crystal” sets a strong foundation for the ‘Red Kingdom’ series, promising further exploration of its characters and themes in subsequent instalments.
What does the phrase “one day is all it takes to break a man” foreshadow about the challenges Rhael will face?
What personal stakes does Rhael face in confronting the Corrupted, given his past with them?
Plot Overview
“The Silver Crystal” is the first book in Ryan Lanz’s ‘Red Kingdom’ series. This epic fantasy novel introduces readers to Rhael, a bounty hunter tasked with capturing the “Corrupted,” individuals who possess extraordinary abilities that society struggles to control. The narrative unfolds as Rhael assembles a team to confront these powerful beings, revealing the complexities of their powers and the societal implications surrounding them.
Author Background
Ryan Lanz is an established author known for his contributions to the fantasy genre. He emphasises creating immersive worlds and intricate plots that often involve multiple points of view. His love for epic fantasy narratives influences Lanz’s writing, though he aims to focus more on individual character journeys rather than grand-scale world-saving quests.
Plot Highlights
– Main Character: Rhael, a skilled bounty hunter.- Conflict: Rhael’s mission involves tracking down the Corrupted, who are deemed too dangerous due to their unnatural abilities.- Themes: The story explores themes of power, societal fear of the unknown, and the moral dilemmas faced by those who wield great power.
Narration:
Rhael’s journey is fraught with tension, danger, and moral ambiguity as he grapples with the aftermath of perilous encounters and the weight of leadership in a world where trust is fragile, and survival is paramount. His efforts to strategize with Thudwis and safeguard the camp from the Corrupted are underscored by his concern for Bilter’s recovery and the ethical challenges of using crystals to contain the Corrupted. Amidst these preparations, Rhael reflects on his past and encounters Howel, a skilled slinger who joins their group, adding depth to the themes of loyalty, survival, and the blurred lines between hunter and hunted. Interactions with Walai, a farmer offering him a glimpse of a simpler life, reveal Rhael’s inner conflict between duty and a longing for peace, while an encounter in the city market—where he rescues a woman, Nehema, from a brutal attack—reaffirms his resolve to protect others despite the harrowing toll of his responsibilities.
As Rhael navigates the complexities of his mission, he finds himself confronting both external threats and internal challenges within his team. A tense escape from the city, aided by quick thinking at the gates and the unexpected arrival of Howel, transitions into the dynamics of their group, where tensions rise with the mysterious absence of Morrith. Rhael’s frustration grows as he attempts to foster camaraderie and manage differing agendas. Morrith’s return, accompanied by revelations of an encounter with the Corrupted, stirs intrigue and distrust, highlighting the chaos and competing loyalties within their ranks. The narrative weaves through moments of reflection, action, and conflict, painting a vivid picture of Rhael’s struggle to balance leadership, moral integrity, and the relentless dangers of their mission.
Storytelling
The book has engaging storytelling and character development, with a depth of its world-building and moral complexities The suspenseful narrative and rich character arcs add more mileage to the story.
Themes explored
“The Silver Crystal” explores themes of power and responsibility, identity and redemption, fear of the unknown, and sacrifice and loyalty. The story examines how power can corrupt, with characters embodying ambition’s darker side, while Rhael’s ethical dilemmas highlight the responsibility that comes with power. The quest for identity and redemption is central, as characters confront their pasts and strive to reclaim their true selves. Fear of the unknown reflects societal prejudice, and sacrifice underscores the strength of loyalty and companionship in overcoming adversity. Together, these themes create a thought-provoking and engaging narrative.
Overall, “The Silver Crystal” sets a strong foundation for the ‘Red Kingdom’ series, promising further exploration of its characters and themes in subsequent instalments.
May 1, 2025
Overall, I liked the story and the rich background that Ryan has built into this first book of a vast series. The characters are varied and flawed, offering the reader a number of chances to build a connection with them and the fantasy elements are different enough to the normal tropes that it kept things interesting.
The main thing that let this story down was the pacing.
The first portion of the book read like an introduction, as you would expect, setting up characters and world building for the vast kingdom and magic systems.
When we got into the meat of the story (approx. 35%) through to the last 25%, the story dragged. We rehashed a lot of repeated thoughts and waded through situations with Rhael at a snail's pace. While I appreciate that things need to be examined and worked through, this really made the book a slog to read.
As for other characters, I enjoyed aspects of Gobo's character, but he annoyed me in equal measure. At times it felt like he was put in the story simply to act as an agitation for Rhael and offered little to further the plot. He came across as a bit like a Temu version of Tyrion Lannister. Tropes that had been done before and, in my opinion, done better. This was mostly an annoyance rather than a serious gripe, but worth mentioning.
Phessipi was a good character until that pivotal moment (IYKYK) and then she just faded into nothingness which was a let down to me. She seemed a strong, confident female lead, but ended this story as a shell of her initial character. I am hoping that she finds her backbone in book 2.
Speaking of female characters, the elements of being captured and family used against women to further the plot started to get on my nerves. Why it always seemed to be the female characters that needed saving started to irk me as things progressed. However, I did appreciate the strength of the relationship that was showcased between the mother and daughter duo.
Action sequences and fighting scenes were well crafted and often picked up the pace exactly as needed to progress the story. Perhaps some training and/or practice sequences could be added in the middle portion of the book to assist with the pacing issues? Just a thought.
Do I plan to read more of the books in the series? I will likely pick up book 2 in the series to see how the story progresses, but at over 600 pages, it's a pretty big commitment of time and effort that I won't be rushing into.
Things I noticed:
13% - Timeline of scenes from Morrith's POV seems out of step with the main story timeline. It was a touch confusing when the event took place until he returned with the deer. Consider shifting or making it a memory or something to smooth the jump back in time.
Last 30% of the book could do with a continuity edit around the timeline from different POVs. E.g. Seeing the same timeline from Phessipi's POV and Rhael's was a little confusing at times as sometimes the story seemed like a continuation of time, not a repeat of the same event from differing POVs.
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book from the Author**
The main thing that let this story down was the pacing.
The first portion of the book read like an introduction, as you would expect, setting up characters and world building for the vast kingdom and magic systems.
When we got into the meat of the story (approx. 35%) through to the last 25%, the story dragged. We rehashed a lot of repeated thoughts and waded through situations with Rhael at a snail's pace. While I appreciate that things need to be examined and worked through, this really made the book a slog to read.
As for other characters, I enjoyed aspects of Gobo's character, but he annoyed me in equal measure. At times it felt like he was put in the story simply to act as an agitation for Rhael and offered little to further the plot. He came across as a bit like a Temu version of Tyrion Lannister. Tropes that had been done before and, in my opinion, done better. This was mostly an annoyance rather than a serious gripe, but worth mentioning.
Phessipi was a good character until that pivotal moment (IYKYK) and then she just faded into nothingness which was a let down to me. She seemed a strong, confident female lead, but ended this story as a shell of her initial character. I am hoping that she finds her backbone in book 2.
Speaking of female characters, the elements of being captured and family used against women to further the plot started to get on my nerves. Why it always seemed to be the female characters that needed saving started to irk me as things progressed. However, I did appreciate the strength of the relationship that was showcased between the mother and daughter duo.
Action sequences and fighting scenes were well crafted and often picked up the pace exactly as needed to progress the story. Perhaps some training and/or practice sequences could be added in the middle portion of the book to assist with the pacing issues? Just a thought.
Do I plan to read more of the books in the series? I will likely pick up book 2 in the series to see how the story progresses, but at over 600 pages, it's a pretty big commitment of time and effort that I won't be rushing into.
Things I noticed:
13% - Timeline of scenes from Morrith's POV seems out of step with the main story timeline. It was a touch confusing when the event took place until he returned with the deer. Consider shifting or making it a memory or something to smooth the jump back in time.
Last 30% of the book could do with a continuity edit around the timeline from different POVs. E.g. Seeing the same timeline from Phessipi's POV and Rhael's was a little confusing at times as sometimes the story seemed like a continuation of time, not a repeat of the same event from differing POVs.
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book from the Author**
June 3, 2025
Things started promisingly. The prologue drops us in at a key moment that provides a nice setup for the book, and then the following 20-ish% leads the reader up to that moment, establishing our main character of Rhael, his bounty hunting crew, and the mission they’re on to find and deal with a group of ‘Corrupted’ (magic users that the Order, the authorities of the Red Kingdom, want to keep under control). The premise of nullifying the powers of the Corrupted by piercing their hands with silver crystals is an interesting one, and establishes a nice ‘us and them’ dynamic. Unfortunately, once we were past the initial confrontation with the Corrupted, things started to go downhill somewhat.
Rhael as a character is probably the best part of this book – I felt like I got to know him well, and the ‘hunter becoming the hunted’ trope, while nothing particularly new, was well executed – I did get a good sense of Rhael’s dawning realisation that his life has completely changed. Other prominent characters were less well drawn, partly because they had much less page time than was perhaps indicated by the book’s synopsis. I never really believed in Phessipi as the leader of the group of Corrupted rebels, and while Levas brought an interesting new perspective, the fact that he’s only introduced about two-thirds of the way through the book meant there wasn’t time to really get to know him.
Various elements of the writing craft could also use some refinement (although I do acknowledge that, with several more books in this series I haven’t read, it is entirely possible that improvements may have already occurred). While the writing was by no means unreadable, there were a lot of awkwardly constructed sentences and odd word choices, meaning that it didn’t flow as well as it could have done a lot of the time. It also felt like there was a lot of plot filler – especially through the middle third of the book, as Rhael wandered around trying to work out what to do with himself. Characters also made illogical or underdeveloped decisions, both large and small, purely in service to getting them to another location, or pushing the plot along (or sometimes for no apparent reason at all!) – and while I could understand why some of the resulting plot developments were necessary for the story, it often felt like they didn’t occur organically.
I also didn’t have any sense of the world – aside from knowing the names of a few towns, and that there seem to be a lot of woods, I feel like I know pretty much nothing about the Red Kingdom geographically, and I also felt I was lacking much insight into its political, social or historical makeup as well – for example, it’s never explained why the Order are after the Corrupted, who discovered the silver crystals could nullify magical powers, what the overall goal of nullifying them is, etc. I just had a lot of questions that unfortunately weren’t answered, and I felt at least some of them should have been in this first book.
Rhael as a character is probably the best part of this book – I felt like I got to know him well, and the ‘hunter becoming the hunted’ trope, while nothing particularly new, was well executed – I did get a good sense of Rhael’s dawning realisation that his life has completely changed. Other prominent characters were less well drawn, partly because they had much less page time than was perhaps indicated by the book’s synopsis. I never really believed in Phessipi as the leader of the group of Corrupted rebels, and while Levas brought an interesting new perspective, the fact that he’s only introduced about two-thirds of the way through the book meant there wasn’t time to really get to know him.
Various elements of the writing craft could also use some refinement (although I do acknowledge that, with several more books in this series I haven’t read, it is entirely possible that improvements may have already occurred). While the writing was by no means unreadable, there were a lot of awkwardly constructed sentences and odd word choices, meaning that it didn’t flow as well as it could have done a lot of the time. It also felt like there was a lot of plot filler – especially through the middle third of the book, as Rhael wandered around trying to work out what to do with himself. Characters also made illogical or underdeveloped decisions, both large and small, purely in service to getting them to another location, or pushing the plot along (or sometimes for no apparent reason at all!) – and while I could understand why some of the resulting plot developments were necessary for the story, it often felt like they didn’t occur organically.
I also didn’t have any sense of the world – aside from knowing the names of a few towns, and that there seem to be a lot of woods, I feel like I know pretty much nothing about the Red Kingdom geographically, and I also felt I was lacking much insight into its political, social or historical makeup as well – for example, it’s never explained why the Order are after the Corrupted, who discovered the silver crystals could nullify magical powers, what the overall goal of nullifying them is, etc. I just had a lot of questions that unfortunately weren’t answered, and I felt at least some of them should have been in this first book.
April 8, 2025
This story has a great plot and fun, interesting characters. The first part of the book is more world building but the second part of the book really picks up and I didn't want to put it down. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next in this series!
Rhael is a leader of a bounty hunting group that hunts corrupted for the Order. The corrupted are ability users who the Order thinks is too dangerous to have around. So they have the bounty hunters capture them and put a crystal in their hand that makes them not be able to use their ability anymore. He takes his team out to catch a rogue group of corrupted. But not to far into their missions things take a turn for the worse. Rhael and his team of bounty hunters are attacked by the group of corrupted.
Phessipi is a leader of the ability users. She is an ability user herself and is just trying to keep her people safe. She and her group of rebels live in the forest and are continually on the move trying to stay one step ahead of the Order. Not all of the ability users in her group think that she makes the right decisions. There is some trouble within the group.
Levas is the commander of the army that serves the Order. He is all about duty and won't put up with anyone going against him or the Order.
The story has a great plot with lots of action and many twists and turns. My favorite characters are Rhael, Howel and Gobo. We meet Gobo later in the book but he is one that you will not forget. He made me laugh out loud throughout the book. He is quite the fun, unique character that you would love to meet. There are a bunch of other characters throughout the story too. I am hoping that we get to know about some of the characters and their background story. Overall it is a good book and I am looking forward to reading the next one!
Rhael is a leader of a bounty hunting group that hunts corrupted for the Order. The corrupted are ability users who the Order thinks is too dangerous to have around. So they have the bounty hunters capture them and put a crystal in their hand that makes them not be able to use their ability anymore. He takes his team out to catch a rogue group of corrupted. But not to far into their missions things take a turn for the worse. Rhael and his team of bounty hunters are attacked by the group of corrupted.
Phessipi is a leader of the ability users. She is an ability user herself and is just trying to keep her people safe. She and her group of rebels live in the forest and are continually on the move trying to stay one step ahead of the Order. Not all of the ability users in her group think that she makes the right decisions. There is some trouble within the group.
Levas is the commander of the army that serves the Order. He is all about duty and won't put up with anyone going against him or the Order.
The story has a great plot with lots of action and many twists and turns. My favorite characters are Rhael, Howel and Gobo. We meet Gobo later in the book but he is one that you will not forget. He made me laugh out loud throughout the book. He is quite the fun, unique character that you would love to meet. There are a bunch of other characters throughout the story too. I am hoping that we get to know about some of the characters and their background story. Overall it is a good book and I am looking forward to reading the next one!
February 17, 2025
The Review
This was a powerful and memorable read. The incredible world-building that went into this story, as well as the mythology behind the outcasts of this kingdom and the ways people become “corrupted” in their society. The imagery and the depth of detail the author pours into this narrative and the rich history that the narrative unfolds both for this world and the protagonist speak to a depth of passion for this genre that fans will immediately connect with.
The action and intrigue perfectly elevate the character growth of protagonist Rhael, and the themes that the narrative plays on speak to a profound social calling that people don’t always consider. The twists that put the protagonist in the role of a social outcast and show how those often marked as outcasts by society are hunted or persecuted made the action and fantasy elements feel more grounded and engaging overall as the story progressed.
The Verdict
Harrowing, entertaining, and epic in every sense of the word, author Ryan Lanz’s “The Silver Crystal” is a perfect start to this grand fantasy series. The shocking moments this story takes and the complexity of these characters and this world will draw the reader further in, eager to see where the rest of the series takes them.
This was a powerful and memorable read. The incredible world-building that went into this story, as well as the mythology behind the outcasts of this kingdom and the ways people become “corrupted” in their society. The imagery and the depth of detail the author pours into this narrative and the rich history that the narrative unfolds both for this world and the protagonist speak to a depth of passion for this genre that fans will immediately connect with.
The action and intrigue perfectly elevate the character growth of protagonist Rhael, and the themes that the narrative plays on speak to a profound social calling that people don’t always consider. The twists that put the protagonist in the role of a social outcast and show how those often marked as outcasts by society are hunted or persecuted made the action and fantasy elements feel more grounded and engaging overall as the story progressed.
The Verdict
Harrowing, entertaining, and epic in every sense of the word, author Ryan Lanz’s “The Silver Crystal” is a perfect start to this grand fantasy series. The shocking moments this story takes and the complexity of these characters and this world will draw the reader further in, eager to see where the rest of the series takes them.
May 3, 2025
I will state up front that Ryan Lanz sent me a electronic copy of the book in return for feedback, the review was not requested for getting the book but here it is anyway
So my initial thoughts when I finished the book were I wasn’t sure if what I had just read was great or just average, and I think it probably has bits that fit into both categories
In the great bucket we have, the Plot, the main character building and the world history, in the average is the side character building
Also Ryan is not afraid to kill off characters you’re expecting to be around for a while
The book is a decent read at almost 600 pages but doesn’t feel as long, I’ve read a few lately where you are constantly looking at the page count to see how much is left, with this book I did not get that feeling with The Silver Crystal, yes it has some slow bits but none that really dragged for me, and it is the first book in the series so it has a lot to set up, as well as having a decent story arc just for this volume, I think it managed it very well
The story of a bounty hunter finding out that he is not that different from the people he is sent to hunt and that the masters he has worked for may be the bigger villains in this is an old one, but done well works really well, and this has the hallmarks of being on the better side of that line
From a personal point of view the thing I struggled with most is there’s a gap in the time taken to travel between places, the story jumps from one location to the next with no detail of how long or how far the travel was, for me that made it feel like a small world, but I appreciate that some people are not as bothered by this as others
Overall a very enjoyable read, there are some flaws, but they are few enough that I will definitely be picking up book 2 in the series in the near future
So my initial thoughts when I finished the book were I wasn’t sure if what I had just read was great or just average, and I think it probably has bits that fit into both categories
In the great bucket we have, the Plot, the main character building and the world history, in the average is the side character building
Also Ryan is not afraid to kill off characters you’re expecting to be around for a while
The book is a decent read at almost 600 pages but doesn’t feel as long, I’ve read a few lately where you are constantly looking at the page count to see how much is left, with this book I did not get that feeling with The Silver Crystal, yes it has some slow bits but none that really dragged for me, and it is the first book in the series so it has a lot to set up, as well as having a decent story arc just for this volume, I think it managed it very well
The story of a bounty hunter finding out that he is not that different from the people he is sent to hunt and that the masters he has worked for may be the bigger villains in this is an old one, but done well works really well, and this has the hallmarks of being on the better side of that line
From a personal point of view the thing I struggled with most is there’s a gap in the time taken to travel between places, the story jumps from one location to the next with no detail of how long or how far the travel was, for me that made it feel like a small world, but I appreciate that some people are not as bothered by this as others
Overall a very enjoyable read, there are some flaws, but they are few enough that I will definitely be picking up book 2 in the series in the near future
June 18, 2025
Swordsman and bounty hunter Rhael never intended to offend the all-powerful group known as The Order that rules the Red Kingdom—he works pretty hard to keep himself out of trouble. But when a job to catch one of the Corrupted—a person with forbidden supernatural powers—goes awry, he finds himself in greater danger than he ever could have imagined. And Rhael isn't the only one who finds his world turned upside down. Players big and small find their paths intersecting and their fates intertwining in unexpected ways. In The Silver Crystal, author Ryan Lanz creates a big, sweeping world for the reader to explore, peopled with colorful, well-drawn characters. The plot moves quickly, and the author charts an unusual course--this is definitely an epic fantasy that breaks the rules. If you like a complex narrative with multiple POV characters and more than a dash of swordplay and magic, this one's for you.
June 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and being introduced to Rhael and the Red Kingdom. This book had lots of twists and turns and did not turn out the way I expected! The world building was good and did not seem forced or lacking at all. The magic system was interesting, different from what I have read before. I liked the main character of Rhael and his development, as well as his relationships with some of the side characters. The banter between Rhael and Gobo were some of my favorite parts of the book! I will say, this book is a bit of a slow-burn because the story is going to unveil itself over the course of at least 5 books. Maybe I am used to more standalone books that have more of a finite conclusion so the end of the book made me feel a bit frustrated that so many questions were left unanswered. I was definitely curious about what would happen in the remaining books of the series.
July 10, 2025
Right off the bat, 4/5. If you love fantasy, character development and impeccable writing, please pick this book up. It was a "one more chapter" type of book and a fresh take on a theme I've only seen a few times. I jumped, I screamed, I seethed in anger and even shed a tear. This is a great start to a series and the first book alone cemented in my mind that I will finish the rest of the series.
The way Ryan writes his characters really amazed me. I was able to tell who was speaking, or who was in any particular scene just by how the scene or dialogue was written. I love how grounded and not over the top things were, sometimes books can throw you in the ocean and expect you to learn to ride the waves,which is fine in some cases, but the steady nature of this first book made the entire experience more digestible and gave me more to look forward to.
I hope that's convincing enough to check it out, it really is something special and I think going forward things can only get better.
The way Ryan writes his characters really amazed me. I was able to tell who was speaking, or who was in any particular scene just by how the scene or dialogue was written. I love how grounded and not over the top things were, sometimes books can throw you in the ocean and expect you to learn to ride the waves,which is fine in some cases, but the steady nature of this first book made the entire experience more digestible and gave me more to look forward to.
I hope that's convincing enough to check it out, it really is something special and I think going forward things can only get better.
Read
December 5, 2022Readers looking for a more character than action focused fantasy (although it has its share of action, too) will appreciate The Silver Crystal. Rhael's discovery that the very people he hunts down for a living are not so unlike himself leads him on a path he could not have foreseen, a twist on the usual hero's journey of fantasy, while other main characters grapple with the decisions and consequences of leadership. Featuring a sidekick character that many may find endearing, but I found annoying - but that's just me. Suitable for readers twelve and above.
This is a summary: full review is at https://marianlthorpe.com/2022/12/05/...
Why no star rating? See: https://bit.ly/3EeChFm
This is a summary: full review is at https://marianlthorpe.com/2022/12/05/...
Why no star rating? See: https://bit.ly/3EeChFm
May 13, 2025
Thank you Ryan Lanz for the chance to read this story, I very much enjoyed it! The story was original and very intriguing. I thought the book was paced well and developed very well. The ending was satisfying but I definitely want to know more so I will be reading the next one in the series to see what happens. This book has a good story, good characters, a little bit of magic, lots of sword fighting and civil unrest. Highly recommend for people who like fantasy stories that aren't just about Faeries and romance, or magical that solves all problems.
I received this book for free from the author to read and leave an honest review. Receiving this book for free does not change my opinion about the book. These are my true thoughts that are unbiased.
I received this book for free from the author to read and leave an honest review. Receiving this book for free does not change my opinion about the book. These are my true thoughts that are unbiased.
June 11, 2025
Rhael is a bounty hunter. He tracks down Corrupted--those who can use magic. But when the tables turn and he is captured, he becomes the hunted. Left with nothing, he has to find anyone to help, find out how he was betrayed, and whether he can ever return to his old life again.
Ryan Lanz's first book in The Red Kingdom, The Silver Crystal starts out with a visceral, attention-grabbing scene and rarely lets up on the action. His characters are well-written and evoke emotion. Their conflict is relatable (his magic system appears to be elemental-based, but is not over the top. It furthers the plot without taking it over.
Overall, a really good read, and a great start to the series. Already started Book II. Looking forward to finishing it and the series!
Ryan Lanz's first book in The Red Kingdom, The Silver Crystal starts out with a visceral, attention-grabbing scene and rarely lets up on the action. His characters are well-written and evoke emotion. Their conflict is relatable (his magic system appears to be elemental-based, but is not over the top. It furthers the plot without taking it over.
Overall, a really good read, and a great start to the series. Already started Book II. Looking forward to finishing it and the series!
October 7, 2025
🗡️✨ The Silver Crystal by Ryan Lanz is a thrilling fantasy adventure packed with sword fights, magic, and a lovable band of misfits. Rhael, a bounty hunter working for The Order, hunts down magically gifted criminals known as the Corrupted—until one mission goes sideways and he ends up with a crystal of his own.
The world-building is rich and immersive, with epic quests, sprawling cities, and just the right touch of humor. Lanz’s writing feels seasoned, blending dark mystery with light-hearted banter. It’s like A Song of Ice and Fire meets buddy-cop comedy—a surprisingly If you’re into fantasy and want to discover a hidden indie gem, this one’s worth diving into!
The world-building is rich and immersive, with epic quests, sprawling cities, and just the right touch of humor. Lanz’s writing feels seasoned, blending dark mystery with light-hearted banter. It’s like A Song of Ice and Fire meets buddy-cop comedy—a surprisingly If you’re into fantasy and want to discover a hidden indie gem, this one’s worth diving into!
April 17, 2025
This was a quite ambitious and refreshing beginning to a fantasy series. Lynch really excelled with his character work on this one. I loved how main character Ryael navigated very big changes in a nuanced way and the use of side characters/plot lines to explore other perspectives was also top notch. This first entry in the series wasn’t quite as focused on world building and only small glimpses into the magic system were introduced, but the groundwork laid down had so much potential and definitely left me excited to learn more about it. Excited to continue on with this series!
July 15, 2025
The Silver Crystal was such a fun read. Every character was unique and well developed, feeling real, and in some cases very relatable. If you are into world building, I would say that is the only area that this story fell short, but that didn’t bother me. The story and characters were engaging enough to hold my interest throughout the story.
I really don’t want to leave any spoilers. If you find the book description interesting, I believe you will have as much fun with this one as I did! I would personally recommend this one to any fantasy fan.
I really don’t want to leave any spoilers. If you find the book description interesting, I believe you will have as much fun with this one as I did! I would personally recommend this one to any fantasy fan.
August 8, 2025
I'd give this first book in the series about a 3.5, rounded up to 4 for the sake of Goodreads. Intriguing enough to be willing to read further into the series, but not so much so that it will be next on my list. I felt like I didn't get a great sense of the world, and there were some slow parts in the beginning. I also found myself with many unanswered questions (although I have hope that more will be revealed throughout the series). However, the pace did pick up later, there were some good characters, and the overall premise is certainly interesting.
October 7, 2025
If you like BBC's Merlin, you'll love The Silver Crystal.
What happens when your world is turned upside down and you're driven to your limits? When you’re forced to question everything you believe? Will you break or become something better?
Humor. Grief. Hope. Betrayal. Redemption.
Even a little bit of romance and more to come I'm sure.
I love the characters in this book. They feel like like real people and I'm a little too emotionally invested. The character development is exceptional.
Excited to read the rest of the series.
What happens when your world is turned upside down and you're driven to your limits? When you’re forced to question everything you believe? Will you break or become something better?
Humor. Grief. Hope. Betrayal. Redemption.
Even a little bit of romance and more to come I'm sure.
I love the characters in this book. They feel like like real people and I'm a little too emotionally invested. The character development is exceptional.
Excited to read the rest of the series.
September 16, 2025
Incredible doesn’t even cover what this writer can accomplish with words and a world of magic. I honestly had a hard time putting the book down once I got sucked in. The characters were so real and the world itself was vibrant and vivid to the point that the words become more like a movie in my head as I followed along blindly and soaked it all up.
Love this type of storytelling, just gripping and keeps you guessing on what happens next.
Love this type of storytelling, just gripping and keeps you guessing on what happens next.
October 21, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed the story and think there is a lot of potential. Unfortunately I think the dialogue is frequently unnatural and the characters are underdeveloped. I think the book would benefit from more world building and less unnecessary details. I couldn't explain anything about the geography or politics of the world. I don't know how the people in power got there or why they hate the people they are chasing.
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed the story and think there is a lot of potential. Unfortunately I think the dialogue is frequently unnatural and the characters are underdeveloped. I think the book would benefit from more world building and less unnecessary details. I couldn't explain anything about the geography or politics of the world. I don't know how the people in power got there or why they hate the people they are chasing.
July 4, 2025
This book has an interesting concept and the author clearly has talent. For me however, I just never connected with the characters and for me that is very important. Whenever I felt like I was becoming invested, characters would disappear from the story for one reason or another.
This book could work well for someone who isn’t a character-first reader.
This book could work well for someone who isn’t a character-first reader.
August 21, 2025
Really enjoyed it! Im usually into Romantacy but the action in this book was great and easy to get in to! Loved the characters -Especially Gobo! As a chatty gal he was fun!
I really appreciated the author leaving out the cussing and sexual content, so I never have to worry about my kids picking it up!
Definitely recommend to fellow action readers!
I really appreciated the author leaving out the cussing and sexual content, so I never have to worry about my kids picking it up!
Definitely recommend to fellow action readers!
May 1, 2025
"The Silver Crystal" has a somewhat slow start, but a layered protagonist, entertaining banter, intriguing worldbuilding, and an action-packed ending make this a strong debut novel. I will be reading the sequel as soon as I can make time to do so.
June 4, 2025
It was okay. I received the book from the author to provide feedback to him so that was the main reason I read it. The story is okay. There's some issues here and there but it for sure has potention to grow intosomething awesome.
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