A fiery ship crashes into Angosia’s largest harbor, utterly destroying it. Commerce, trade, and the livelihoods of thousands are wiped out along with it. The blame for the devastation is given to a mysterious figure seen shortly after the incident, who the locals dub, “The Dark Rider.”
A curious young boy, Marren, sets out to find the mysterious Dark Rider, if only to get a glimpse of him. It turns out to be a life-altering decision as he is thrust into a world of violence and danger, but also into an extraordinary friendship. Marren realizes that his new friend, Yuriah, is not only a lethal swordsman, but is also an elowan–a mythical race of people who are both feared and despised all around the world. Marren soon discovers that Yuriah has fled from his home across the sea, and from his own people, to seek refuge in Angosia.
But when the king of Angosia orders a bounty on The Dark Rider’s head, Yuriah becomes the most hunted man in the kingdom. All sorts of nefarious people emerge to join the hunt: mercenaries, vigilantes, soldiers, killers. Some want him for justice, some for revenge, others solely for the reward. As Yuriah’s only friend, Marren joins him in his effort to either escape, defeat, or outwit those who are pursuing him.
Yet, out of everyone in the kingdom, only Marren knows the truth–that Yuriah, though flawed, is not who the people of Angosia should be worried about. There is someone else hunting Yuriah, a dangerous enemy intent on vengeance, who will never stop chasing Yuriah until one of them is dead. As this enemy gets closer, he leaves a trail of devastation and terror in his wake, and soon the people in the kingdom realize something far more powerful and deadly has invaded their land.
But only Marren knows, as an inevitable reckoning draws nearer, that he and Yuriah might be the only ones who can stop it.
Assessment:
Plot:This story opens with a blazing inferno and keeps the pages turning with engaging descriptions, dynamic characters, unique races, and the mystery of a violent dark rider. That he anonymously saves a woman under attack early on, and displays additional acts of kindness, adds to the intrigue. The pursuit of this individual—man or mythical “elowan”—is as captivating as his ability to fend off the most determined attackers.
Prose/Style:The descriptive voice is powerful and vivid here, helping to draw the reader into the places and people of this world.
Originality:This story has the familiar fantasy foundation, with royalty, heroes, villains, honor, and exciting clashes all woven in. The inclusion of the likable boy Marren adds to the original spin, and the hint of his future is alluring.
Character Development: Richly drawn characters are an element that will help to capture and hold readers' imaginations. Marren is a sweet, smart, brave 10-year-old, and the dark rider Yuriah is awesome in his fighting abilities. His capacity to learn is endearing.
Blurb:An irresistible fantasy world, complete with brave battles, honorable endeavors, and an enchanting, unexpected friendship.
Date Submitted: April 11, 2019
