Earthking, The Earthking Chronicles: Book 1
Children/Young Adult; Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror; (Market)
When a killer strikes from the shadows young prince Colmeron is torn from the comfort of his father’s castle and sent into hiding with the man he's sure is the traitor. Secluded in a distant refuge, Col comes to know the power of his ancestors, the Earthkings: men with the power to shape and control the land. But will that be enough to save the kingdom when an ancient enemy returns to free their long captive master?
Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 7 out of 10
Character/Execution: 8 out of 10
Overall: 8.00 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: This book will grab readers from the get-go. Well plotted and briskly paced, the novel will offer genre fans a lot to like.
Prose: The setting is clearly illustrated by solid, skillfully crafted prose. The actions scenes are quick and fluid, and the dialogue is authentic.
Originality: Numerous embedded stories and legends blend with encounters with magical creatures to form a thoughtfully rendered fictional culture.
Character Development: While Col's character arc follows a familiar pattern, his character fits well into the story around him, and his development doesn't rely on tropes. Much of the supporting cast is sufficiently developed as well, with their own conflicts, needs, and personalities.
Blurb: A grand adventure that fantasy fans will devour, eager for more.
Date Submitted: August 08, 2017
Reviews
Hall’s exciting first book in the Earthking Chronicles introduces 14-year-old Colmeron, second in line for the throne of Arnoc. When the king’s closest advisor is found dead, it’s believed to be a hunting accident. But an ancient evil has reappeared, and after a second tragedy occurs, Col is spirited away to safety. As Col and his protector dodge the Noflim, spirits that can possess the dead, he learns more about the history of Arnoc, including the defeat of the Unnamed One, who had been cast out of Heaven and trapped underneath a legendary city called Entaramu (elements of Christian allegory aren’t hard to locate in Hall’s story). Col must find the city and stop the Unnamed One from escaping while evading the Noflim and their monstrous servants, the Kheva Adem. Hall creates a fast-paced and absorbing fantasy, filled with imaginative backstory that includes forest dwelling treelike creatures called the Greenkind and subterranean giants who sleep for decades at a time. Readers should easily sympathize with Col as he overcomes tragedy and adversity to become the leader his people need. Ages 12–up. (BookLife)
