Title : The Empyrean Key
Author : J.L.Tomlinson
Series : Ardentia, Book 1
Genre : Fantasy, Adventure
Source : Free copy from the author for an honest review.
Blurb :
The first book in a new epic fantasy series...
Jahna Mornglow is a thief, a liar and an unassuming misfit, a half-breed of the loathed and ostracized Narcean race, born with the abilities of prophecy and telepathy.
The dull monotony of her beachside home is eased by nights in the outer villages, scamming unsuspecting fishermen out of their hard earned coin. It is the most fun and profit Jahna and her friends, a brawling barmaid and a bullied bookworm, can expect from their lower class lives.
The land of Ardentia is vast and magical, carved by the Celestial gods and ruled by their mortal descendants. With a once great king now mysteriously ill, a hundred years war raging in the east and whispers of the return of an ancient evil, Ardentia's fate balances on the tip of a blade.
The ghosts of Jahna's past will call upon her, revealing hidden enemies, precious secrets and a fragmented artifact that will breath new life into the myths of old. Can Jahna keep safe a world that has shunned and discarded her?
-------------------------------------
My Musings :
First let me say what I didn't like about the book. The book cover was the only negative point I was able to find because seriously it doesn't do justice to the story at all! Good thing is that the book blurb makes up for it well. It gave a mix of facts and puzzles to get me interested in reading the book. And I wasn't disappointed. Actually, I went ahead and bought a copy of the book and also its sequel. Now I am (im)patiently waiting for the third book. I hope the author gets it out soon.
The beginning of the book sees the introduction of one of the protagonists, Jahna along with her supporting cast, Lilac and Silko. I call her a protagonist because I am sure that there are others who are also as important as her for the tale to unfold. I especially loved the solidarity and the friendship among the three. The starting was good with pulling me in to know the story behind their actions. And then the story flowed with no obstructions in either the plot or the characters till the end. The ending revealed a bit of the intricate mystery involved in the tale leaving me hungering for more information.
The characters were well developed and the side characters were introduced at the right points to add interesting twists to the story. At no time did I feel that the story was sluggish or abrupt. The pace was steady with the scenes syncing seamlessly. The descriptive language used helped me in visualising the world and the different people easily which added realism to the story in turn. The plot though having all the earmarks of a typical fantasy fare with the requisite hero/heroine, a quest and the journey towards that end, the author has kept it unique with her own slant. There is a tiny bit of romantic element for Jahna which has to be explored further in the next book.
So overall, I can recommend it to fantasy genre lovers who like their tales with adventurous overtones and a pinch of romance wholeheartedly.
My one line review : An adventurous fantasy tale with a pinch of romance and a strong female protagonist.
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 4/5
The beginning of the book sees the introduction of one of the protagonists, Jahna along with her supporting cast, Lilac and Silko. I call her a protagonist because I am sure that there are others who are also as important as her for the tale to unfold. I especially loved the solidarity and the friendship among the three. The starting was good with pulling me in to know the story behind their actions. And then the story flowed with no obstructions in either the plot or the characters till the end. The ending revealed a bit of the intricate mystery involved in the tale leaving me hungering for more information.
The characters were well developed and the side characters were introduced at the right points to add interesting twists to the story. At no time did I feel that the story was sluggish or abrupt. The pace was steady with the scenes syncing seamlessly. The descriptive language used helped me in visualising the world and the different people easily which added realism to the story in turn. The plot though having all the earmarks of a typical fantasy fare with the requisite hero/heroine, a quest and the journey towards that end, the author has kept it unique with her own slant. There is a tiny bit of romantic element for Jahna which has to be explored further in the next book.
So overall, I can recommend it to fantasy genre lovers who like their tales with adventurous overtones and a pinch of romance wholeheartedly.
My one line review : An adventurous fantasy tale with a pinch of romance and a strong female protagonist.
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 4/5
-------------------------------------
About the Author :
J.L. Tomlinson was born and bred in the mystical land of New Zealand.
She's never had problems dreaming up people and their stories. It's the getting it all down on paper part that was always a downer.
But at long last she has penned her debut novel, The Empyrean Key, which is the first installment of the Ardentia series.
Now the floodgates have been opened and her musings will wash over humanity like a tingly, tidal wave of words and emotion that will make you go, "Ah. Now that's tingly."
J.L. Tomlinson lives in bliss in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, two children and amazing bluehaired sister . She enjoys video games, terrible movies and also eavesdropping on people who argue in malls. She loves to write science fiction and fantasy of all sub genres.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Giveaway:
$10 Amazon gift card (INT)
Ends Aug. 12th
giveaway provided by the author, hosts are not responsible for prizing
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What an amazing review. Thank you Floryie. I'll go write that third book right now for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!.. I will get out the next book review in the following 2-3 weeks. Keeping fingers crossed for the third book :D
DeleteExcellent review! I'm really glad you connected with this one! Thank you so much for hosting a tour stop and sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThank you Candace! I had fun with this one. I am looking forward to more good tours :)
DeleteGreat review and thanks for the giveaway. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Cali! Yes, the author has been generous with her giveaway. Now to hoping to see who wins. :)
Delete