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The Fall of Valenfaar #1
The Crimson Plains
An enemy, previously thought to be known, threatens the Valen border town of Plainsview. Plain's Master Rel and Bronwin, The Pale Bull, are pushed into a bitter alliance to hold against the onslaught and secure the Endless Plains to ensure the safety of their home: Valenfaar.
302 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2022
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
James McLean
5 books6 followersI am a Canadian-born writer who follows that trope of always loving a good story. I was raised as an only child, and as such, this allowed my imagination plenty of opportunities to create stories, skits, scenes, and several other matters of storytelling, to keep myself occupied on those days home alone.
When I was young, I would write horror short stories during my spare time in math class to freak out the friend that sat next to me. During my time in grade twelve, I sat down during my breaks to write a novel, that I, ultimately, deemed a total mess and a disaster. I’ve tried to bury it, somewhat, but it’s still floating around on the internet somewhere. Kudos if you can find it!
I am an avid gamer, reader, and writer and actively enjoy all mediums of storytelling, though I regret to admit that I have seen very few plays in my lifetime. I am a semi-retired martial artist and kickboxing coach and dedicated Dungeon Master. You could say that I am a geek, nerd, dweeb etc and you would be correct! But I wear those labels with pride. It makes me happy to do those things, why shouldn’t I be proud of it?
With more than forty novels planned to be written, I hope to continue to provide the worlds of my imagination to readers for many years to come.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 1, 2023
Occasionally, a book possesses the enchanting ability to transport us into a fantastical realm of bygone eras - a world abounding with magic, swords, romantic entanglements, and heroic figures. I believe our intrinsic allure towards literature arises from its capacity to offer an oasis of calm in a world fraught with chaos, simultaneously bestowing upon us the privilege to witness the transformative journey of a hero. The Crimson Plains, the inaugural installment in The Fall of Valenfaar series penned by Canadian author James McLean, is one such captivating narrative.
Set in the meticulously crafted universe of Valenfaar, The Crimson Plains centers on the beleaguered border town of Plainsview in Valen. This town faces imminent danger from a previously familiar adversary. Safeguarding the Endless Plains becomes crucial for the survival and protection of Valenfaar - the abode of the Plain's Master, Rel, and Bronwin, known as The Pale Bull, against a looming invasion.
What distinguishes The Crimson Plains are the nuanced character dynamics and the narrative's innate ability to engage readers. Nearly every character – protagonist or antagonist – plays an indispensable role in the unfolding drama, enhancing the overall depth of the story. It's commendable how McLean provides readers with a multifaceted perspective by weaving in diverse viewpoints.
The prose draws readers into its captivating embrace with its lucidity and meticulous detailing. Despite featuring a multitude of characters pursuing a variety of objectives and employing diverse strategies, the narrative rarely loses its coherence. The plot progresses in a linear fashion, facilitating effortless comprehension.
As we delve into The Crimson Plains, we are transported to a medieval world engaged in a relentless struggle for power and authority. As the narrative inches towards its conclusion, it leaves readers on a cliffhanger, simultaneously intriguing and slightly vexing for those who were deeply invested in the characters' destinies. McLean's literary offering is an immersive experience that leaves us yearning for more.
Set in the meticulously crafted universe of Valenfaar, The Crimson Plains centers on the beleaguered border town of Plainsview in Valen. This town faces imminent danger from a previously familiar adversary. Safeguarding the Endless Plains becomes crucial for the survival and protection of Valenfaar - the abode of the Plain's Master, Rel, and Bronwin, known as The Pale Bull, against a looming invasion.
What distinguishes The Crimson Plains are the nuanced character dynamics and the narrative's innate ability to engage readers. Nearly every character – protagonist or antagonist – plays an indispensable role in the unfolding drama, enhancing the overall depth of the story. It's commendable how McLean provides readers with a multifaceted perspective by weaving in diverse viewpoints.
The prose draws readers into its captivating embrace with its lucidity and meticulous detailing. Despite featuring a multitude of characters pursuing a variety of objectives and employing diverse strategies, the narrative rarely loses its coherence. The plot progresses in a linear fashion, facilitating effortless comprehension.
As we delve into The Crimson Plains, we are transported to a medieval world engaged in a relentless struggle for power and authority. As the narrative inches towards its conclusion, it leaves readers on a cliffhanger, simultaneously intriguing and slightly vexing for those who were deeply invested in the characters' destinies. McLean's literary offering is an immersive experience that leaves us yearning for more.
September 21, 2024
A great read for any fantasy fan and a great place to start for someone easing into the genre.
Lots of little details that may seem innocuous but add to the narrative on a whole giving depth and a lived in feel to the world as it builds around you.
The Threags are a wonderful take on the fantasy orc/ogre breathing life into this often over used fantasy trope. The characters all have their unique perspective of the world around them and what is driving them forward weather it is goals for a better life, maintaining the status quo, or just trying to make it through the day. There is internal conflict among characters, Bronwyn and Rel, as they both try to work together, very grudgingly, giving the perfect amount of tension as the over arching threat advances.
Plenty of POV's give us the readers peeks into the happenings that the characters are not yet aware of allowing us to see just how much the author has worked to make sure we have a satisfyingly read well keeping the plot free of any holes.
Lots of little details that may seem innocuous but add to the narrative on a whole giving depth and a lived in feel to the world as it builds around you.
The Threags are a wonderful take on the fantasy orc/ogre breathing life into this often over used fantasy trope. The characters all have their unique perspective of the world around them and what is driving them forward weather it is goals for a better life, maintaining the status quo, or just trying to make it through the day. There is internal conflict among characters, Bronwyn and Rel, as they both try to work together, very grudgingly, giving the perfect amount of tension as the over arching threat advances.
Plenty of POV's give us the readers peeks into the happenings that the characters are not yet aware of allowing us to see just how much the author has worked to make sure we have a satisfyingly read well keeping the plot free of any holes.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews