Aaron-Michael Hall

Nurisha San is the adopted daughter of Qaradan San. He has trained her and her best friend Aljosa as warriors, an art she will need in the future. Lately, her birthmark on her wrist has been itching and growing; only a journey to Solluna can give her some of the answers she seeks.
Meanwhile, the remnants of the Kurintor warriors are readying for a battle to defend the Fifth Kingdom. Xavion knows that the mark on his wrist 'twins' him with Nurisha though they have never met. But it is time for them both to develop their mental abilities as well as their warrior skills to face the foes all around them.
This is an engrossing tale perfect for readers of epic fantasy. The story moves around between a numerous cast of interesting characters. Redemption is a question much discussed; can the wicked characters possibly redeem their actions? Or are they doomed to taint the good characters around them? The forces of good and evil are a strong theme throughout the story.
The author is excellent at world-building, and her descriptive talents show here. From Qaradan's blacksmith shop to the taverns of Solluna to the clamor of the Kumasi port, the reader is drawn into a rich and vivid world. The dialogue is particularly striking.
My only quibble is that I would have liked to have seen the story of Goni and Gea moved up nearer to the beginning of the book. It's backstory that would have helped me understand some of the motivations of the characters, but that's just me and it really is probably insignificant to most readers. I can't wait for the next book to see where the story goes next.… (meer)

Piercing the Darkness is the last book in the The Rise of Nazil trilogy. It's a stunning conclusion to this excellent fantasy series with many of the characters I've grown to love showing up to add more to the story.
The children of the Chosen take center stage here. It is their turn to fight the darkness of the powers of Sanctium. An unexpected event occurs when one of the cousins with the blood of Oisin is turned to the dark side and the other forces and prophecies that were set in play in the first two books come into effect.
I still had plenty of Pentamir and Brahanu, Dani and Zeta, and the other characters I love to read about, but there are some new and interesting people added into the mix. The cousins though are the heart of the story: Raithym, Tardison and the others, and it is they who must save the land with the help of the Guardians.
This was a satisfying conclusion to this epic series. I heartily recommend you get all three books and binge-read this series.… (meer)

Seed of Scorn is the second book in the series that began with Rise of the Nazil and this series just keeps getting better and better. Pentanimir is now the Zaxon, the leader of the Nazil and is facing many challenges. Brahanu is his wife even though she is not of Nazil. Factions of the population are still causing unrest, unable to accept his rule.
His brother, Danimore, has his own issues. Nikolina, the woman that he scorned in favor of the former slave, Zeta, takes her revenge on the couple. In doing so, she unleashes an other-worldly peril that might impact the entire world. Some new characters are introduced and their stories only add to the complex world that Hall has created. Ahvixx and Sahma are a young couple that become involved in the politics of the capital city.
The story has become more complex, yet the pace never falters and it draws you even further into this detailed and interesting world. New evil in the form of Lilinth appears to threaten the fragile peace of the land. The Guardians face new challenges and depend on the sons of Pentanimir and Brahanu.
I can't wait for the next book as this unique series continues to surprise and entertain me. I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.… (meer)

I read a lot of fantasy books, but the author of The Rise of Nazil has created a world that had hooked me right away. The land of Faélondul is ruled by the Nazil, a race of men called 'ghosts' because of their white hair and pale skins. Pentanimir is First Chosen, the leader of their military forces and guards to the ruler. When he comes across Brahanu, a beautiful human lost and hurt in the woods, he is torn between duty and desire. For the Nazil are xenophobic, taking humans as slaves and generally treating them horrifically. The scenes here are graphic both in violence and sexually, but are necessary to explain the history and behavior of these people. The author does give warnings.
The story travels at a good pace among different parts of the country of Faelondul and there is a vast cast of characters. But they are all so interesting that I kept reading to find out what happens next. The world building is detailed, including some new language, and varied, fitting well in the context of the story.
The writing style is slightly archaic which fits very nicely with the fantasy style. You get used to it quickly and I quite enjoyed it.
This is going to be a series of books and I can not wait to read more. I highly recommend this book to lovers of fantasy (ages 18+). Aaron-Michael Hall is a great new author and I am very happy that I found him.… (meer)