Jeff J. Peters

The main character, Brax, thinks he is going to live a relatively normal life working in his father’s smithy until creatures attack his city. Then he’s thrown upside down with learning that his wounded mother isn’t entirely human, he’s the heir to his grandfather’s magical sword, and he’s about to go to war.

Ruskin is rough and often grumpy dwarf. He was a close friend of Brax’s family before the story started, and during the story more and more of his past was revealed. He probably became my favorite character out of the book.

Gavin is a friend of Brax’s who, along with his dog Bear, is seeking revenge for what happened in their city. He’s a little hot-headed, but more suited for fighting and traveling than Brax.

Penton is the older brother of the two, and even though they do occasionally cross paths during their journeys, most of the time they have separate quests. It’s a little disappointing that the brothers don’t really get to fight along side each other- it missed out on a great opportunity for epic brotherly love.

Phinlera is Brax’s childhood friend and obvious crush. She’s a real free spirit, and a bit happy-go-lucky at times, but she doesn’t just sit around when a fight is going on either.
The plot is fairly simple for an epic fantasy, but lined with side plots and loads of character development. Brax is not the best fighter or magic wielder to start, and it’s great to see the change in his character along his journey. It does get a bit slow in the beginning and sometimes repeats certain parts, but once the story takes offs you get hooked and can really dig in. There are plenty of colorful characters that only had a small parts to play in this book, and I’m hoping that they make an appearance in the sequels and we learn more of their stories.… (meer)

This is a rich fantasy with never ending adventure, vivid scenes and characters which dig in and don't let go.

Braxton's life gets turned upside down when long-forgotten monsters, Minotaurs, attack the Walking Gate and leave his mother with life-threatening injuries. In a quest to save her, he travels with several friends in search of her tree and an elven master. He soon discovers that there's so much more than he knew going on, and finds himself in the middle of a war and battling the discovery of his own powers.

This is a fantasy tale, which holds everything it should. The world is rich, exciting and comes to life as Braxton journeys through the realm. It's easy to sink into the world and envision the surroundings (especially with a lovely drawn map in the beginning of the book). Although it takes a couple of pages to sink into the situation, by the second chapter the story hooks in. One adventure leads to another, each one with unexpected twists and mounds of tension. A lot happens, making this a read hard to put down. The smooth writing draws in and makes the pages flip by.

There is a large palette of characters, as a fantasy should have, and each one has their own quirks, history and intriguing qualities. While Braxton himself is a hero worthy to root for, he has his rough edges as well. Although he's an engaging character, it's his friends who stand at is side and help him through which truly make this an interesting read. The characters come across realistic, their decisions sound and their determination inspiring.

Fantasy friends are sure to enjoy this one. Although there are several violent scenes, it's never over the top and makes for an exciting read.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed diving into this world so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts. I'm giving it 4.5 stars and rounding up.… (meer)

This literary work is full of a great cast of characters, too numerous and unique to dwell upon individually.

Without warning, the huge Mins attacked numerous villages consecutively, leaving few alive in their "wake". The few survivors began to unite, calling upon mystic forces to aid them . The Mins were determined to conquer all the kingdoms and have total domain.

Braxton , his brother, father and close friend survived the attack, but unless Braxton could get his mother's essence to her land of the elves, she would die and be lost to them forever.
He was not alone in this task. His great-grandfather's sword, with supreme powers, became his. He was connected to the amazing white unicorn spirit, which was the keeper of the sword.
His father's devoted Dwarf friend and Warrior, Ruskin, would also watch over and train him in combat.

Braxton's close friend, Phinlera, would also be an amazing ally. She contained powers Braxton was totally unaware if before this time. It was vain to expect her not to accompany him on this venture.

Braxtons other close colleague, Gavin and his elkhound, also survived and was eager to assist.
For a time, it was necessary for them to all spit up.

There was further allies in the Zambinis, the half ogre, Sotchek, the elves, Kael, Jenphinlin, Laefin, Bellnella & more. However, it would be primarily up to Braxton, assisted y Serene, who must destroy the Dark Child and the evil Witch Sisters. They were more the formidable opponents for one so newly appointed to be The Chosen One.

Using every cunning idea they could formulate, it would still be impossible to conquer the enemy when they were all grossly outnumbered. Would any of them survive? Would all their beautiful forests and streams become barren deserts?

Although quite graphically violent, the action never ceases throughout the entire book. The large amount of pages becomes inconsequential as the reader moves from one new adventure after another.

The characters are uniquely developed from the author's vivid imagination and fantasy. They each become very real and the reader feels connected to them.

Each new adventure in Braxton's quests, are vividly portrayed, "bring the reader into" the scenes.

At first, I felt the book formation seemed a little awkward, but after a few chapters, this no longer seemed an issue.

The quality of the pages and Book Cover is very impressive. The Cover and Title are both "eye-catching" and very "fitting.

I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating for this novel.
*This book was gifted to me with no pressure to give a positive review. This is my honest review.
​… (meer)