From the back jacket

Prince Tiran of Silverglen may be heir to the throne of all Asteria, but he’s always felt more at home among the villagers, no matter how many lectures he gets from his father. But when the elk-lord Roden slaughters the royal family and claims the throne for himself, only Tiran is left to avenge their deaths and take his place as the rightful king.

His journey will lead him from the shadowed heart of his forest home into the treetops with the squirrel-clan of the Drays, across the western plains, and among the mysterious and deadly wolves of the Northern Reach.

With his allies help, Tiran must become the king his people need him to be – or risk fulfilling an ancient prophecy that will spell the end of Asteria itself.

My Thoughts so far – From the description I expected a fairly entertaining fantasy story involving a mostly formulaic but not entirely predictable series of events. From what I know of this writer, she takes her work very seriously and as such I expect at worst a skillfully told tale that will not make me regret picking it up and reading every page with rapt attention.

Story Structure: The story is neatly divided into three textbook acts, a beginning, a middle, and an end. Separated clearly by three overreaching themes, the opening chapter shows a hero that has barely begun to understand his own destiny, never mind a person ready to accept the mantle that has been thrust upon him. The center act changes everything, passing from one point of no return to another, as Tiran evolves into the person he must become in order to restore order to his kingdom. The final act sees all come to a head, perhaps a little neater than is ideal, but more than satisfactory to anyone looking for a good fantasy story.

Dialogue: The characters all have their own voice and timbre, with each one having a certain signature to their speech. One would certainly not mistake one for another, in both the words they use and the attitudes conveyed behind each statement. Avoiding such basic mistakes like ‘as you know’ dialogue, the story is expertly crafted particularly for a first attempt at a novel, which as any writer has to know is excessively difficult.

Overall: A journey from a young prince who knows little of the adult world that awaits him to a future king and ruler is what awaits anyone who opens the pages of this book. The story features a wide variety of species and characters that appear over the course of the story from friends to enemies and everywhere in between. The chapters are short, enabling easy readability.

A novel written for adults, this book manages to use that to its advantage. Romantic scenes are thrown in as a matter of character development, rather than being unnecessary events that do nothing to move the plot along.

With an entertaining fantasy world and medieval setting painted for readers, one is treated to an idyllic world thrust into chaos when order is upset by a villain unhappy with his due.

Filled with well constructed characters, a moderately straightforward plot, and a few surprises, this is one you’ll definitely want to read.

Written by poetigress

NOTE: REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS UP TO CHAPTER 5. FULL REVIEW IN DOCUMENT.