A WOMAN IN A DESPERATE SEARCH
Adella's life had been peaceful on the frontier of Valenna. But when mysterious raiders attack and burn her town down, her brother goes missing. Leaving everything behind, she sets off in a desperate ride across the plains to find him.
A MERCENARY IN DIRE NEED OF HER HELP
Kol, a highly-skilled Sornian soldier, needs Adella's help if he wants to live to see another day. A traitor to his country with nowhere else to turn, he agrees to guide Adella across the wilderness of the Campos.
A HIGH-SEAS ADVENTURE
When Adella is captured by the enemy, she inadvertently lets a powerful artifact fall into the wrong hands. Risking everything to find her, Kol takes a gamble and joins forces with the mysterious Captain Declan, a notorious reaver known for plundering Sornian ships. Each must face the same choice: Save the life of someone dear to them, or retrieve the artifact and prevent the awakening of Mundil and the rise of the Twelve Calamities...
In a world of intrigue, mystery, and betrayal, will the choices they make lead to disaster?
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The plot of Legends of Andolin moves at a lively and invigorating pace, following Adella as she desparately tries to find her brother with the help of the skilled and resourceful Kol. It is a daring tale of action and adventure that maintains a high degree of quality throughout.
Prose: Portman's adventure thriller is littered with majestically constructed sentences that ooze pure fantasy. The evocative atmospheres of Valenna and beyond are described in devlishly intricate detail.
Originality: Legends of Andolin is a robust and confidently written fantasy that is a worthy addition to the genre.
Character/Execution: The central characters of Adella and Kol are particularly noteworthy. Adella goes on a journey of self-discovery as she is unceremoniously whisked off on an unsuspecting adventure, while the disgraced Kol relunctantly agrees to accompany her on her quest.
Blurb: A thrilling and captivating sea adventure.
Date Submitted: August 27, 2023
