His is a life of books and peace...
Until a dying warrior’s touch ignites an ancient magic within his blood.
For years, Thom Darkfell has used his cartography skills to advise Lomair’s king of the country's shifting borders. A valued academic, Thom is excluded from the military drafts until whispers of dark abominations and mass casualties reach the king’s ears. The resulting conscription thrusts Thom into Lomair’s losing army. A realist, Thom ignores the wild myths circling through the ranks—until a monster’s jaws snap through the folds of reality and crush a man before Thom’s eyes. With his dying breath, the Realm Walker passes an impossible task to Thom.
Hours later, the visions begin. The Creator, a deity Thom knows only from rituals spoken over meals and graves, appears to him while a girl with starlight in her blood calls from beyond the veil.
Armed with a cryptic map, a biscuit-loving tutor, and the brawn of his best friend, Thom sets out to find the star daughter and lock the barrier to bind the dark realm of Zakar.
If he fails, it will be the end of all.
Until a dying warrior’s touch ignites an ancient magic within his blood.
For years, Thom Darkfell has used his cartography skills to advise Lomair’s king of the country's shifting borders. A valued academic, Thom is excluded from the military drafts until whispers of dark abominations and mass casualties reach the king’s ears. The resulting conscription thrusts Thom into Lomair’s losing army. A realist, Thom ignores the wild myths circling through the ranks—until a monster’s jaws snap through the folds of reality and crush a man before Thom’s eyes. With his dying breath, the Realm Walker passes an impossible task to Thom.
Hours later, the visions begin. The Creator, a deity Thom knows only from rituals spoken over meals and graves, appears to him while a girl with starlight in her blood calls from beyond the veil.
Armed with a cryptic map, a biscuit-loving tutor, and the brawn of his best friend, Thom sets out to find the star daughter and lock the barrier to bind the dark realm of Zakar.
If he fails, it will be the end of all.
MY THOUGHTS
Thom was a likable and relatable character. He’s a bookish, slightly nerdy grump, yet a completely lovable and reluctant hero. He was so easy to root for.
I loved seeing the brotherly bond between Thom and Puck, his best friend and “adopted” brother. They made a great team. Puck’s lighthearted and fun demeanor was a good balance to Thom’s more serious nature.
I really liked Norealle too. I thought the budding romance between her and Thom was really sweet.
And I can’t forget to mention Traell. He was a little menace, but so entertaining.
I did think that the pace was a little uneven at times, but other than that, this was a very enjoyable read. I recommend it to fans of adventure-filled Christian fantasy.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Relatable Quotes from Thom:
To be truthful, he enjoyed the company of his books over that of most other people.
“I’d rather read words than speak them.”
FOUR STARS
I wasn't too sold on the synopsis but your review makes we want to add it to the TBR.
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying that! :D
DeleteIs this a standalone? Or the first book in a trilogy/series?
ReplyDeleteIt's a standalone, which I really appreciated. I get series fatigue sometimes.
DeleteI could see there maybe being a sequel set in the same world following different characters, but I haven't seen any official word on that happening.