Showing posts with label R.A. Denny. Show all posts
Showing posts with label R.A. Denny. Show all posts

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Review: The Emperor's Trap by R.A. Denny


THE EMPEROR'S TRAP
Tales of Tzoladia, Book Two
by R.A. Denny
Fantasy
290 pages







My dreams have great meaning. A dream brought me to Baskrod when I was a small boy. A dream showed me the emperor’s mad ravings in his throne room. And a recurring dream reveals that I will someday ride a lion into the city of Tzoladia at the head of a grand procession.

But prophecies, dreams, and signs are easy to misinterpret. Why else would the wise men of the Society of the Word hide in caves, carry swords, and employ spies? I thought they would know where to find the other deliverers.

But I was wrong.

Nobody knows where they are. For all I know, the emperor may already have them in his trap.



 MY TIDBITS

After reading the first part of the series, I was looking forward to seeing what would happen to the characters next. This book met all hopes and then some.

Amanki has reached his destination and should now meet with Brina and Moshoi, the other holders of the three seals. Unfortunately, Moshoi is presumed dead after an avalanche, and Brina, while now in the city, has been captured and sold into slavery to one of the royals. Not only that, but war is about to begin and the emperor is determined...thanks to his nightmares...to find the mysterious man who should rise up and overthrow him. Everything seems impossible, but the three heroes must still try to prevail...even if they have no idea what they are really doing.

While I've enjoyed the characters and the story up until now, this book brought the entire tale a notch higher. The author lets the story switch between three points of view, each written in first person. While this style usually frustrates me, in this book, it works. The author manages to build each character up with such individuality that the switches between them are natural and extremely interesting. Each is wrapped up in their very own, grabbing predicament, but somehow, they should come together. It's a superb weave.

There is a lot going on in these pages, making for a very complex and intricate plot. The main evil appears to be clear enough, but there are so many paths branching toward the same direction that it's hard to guess what will come next. And it's a treat to follow every single one. Uncertainty and danger accompanies all three characters as they must overcome very different obstacles. Especially Brina's position demands sympathy, and it's hard not to fever for her as the situation thickens.

While this isn't action packed with fight scenes, there is never a dull moment. There is some violence, but this is not the dominate factor. The intrigue runs deep as as the mysteries. Each character and each thought adds to the complex puzzle. Mix this with the intriguing world descriptions, and the read is addicting.

I highly recommend this series for fantasy friends who do love some action but enjoy well woven story plots with lots of character depth. It's a world to get lost in and look forward to where things will be heading next.



And here she is...
R.A. Denny is an ancient history buff with a law degree from Duke University. While working as a criminal prosecutor by day, she escaped by night to create the fantasy world of her Mud, Rocks, and Trees series.

R.A. Denny loves adventure, animals, and history. She has traveled to the ancient rock city of Petra on horseback, flown through the jungles of Costa Rica on zip lines, and visited the Great Pyramid on a camel. She lives in Delaware. As a child, she had two pet flying squirrels.




1 comment:
Labels: , ,

Monday, September 17, 2018

Review: Seekers by R.A. Denny



SEEKERS
Mud, Rocks and Trees, Book Two
by R.A. Denny
YA Fantasy / Adventure
281 pages




"Bring the seals together in Tzoladia and you will learn their secrets." An intriguing, yet simple quest. But nothing is ever that easy. 

Killer monkeys lurk in the woods. Treacherous watchers skulk the underground tunnels. An evil emperor's minions control the archipelago city. 

Brina is proficient in archery. Moshoi skillfully wields the swords he crafts. Amanki has mastered sailing. But those skills aren't enough. The three young adventurers must make choices. Choices that mean life or death. Choices with no safe answer. 

The Society of the Word has given them tools: wise sayings, moral stories, mysterious prophecies. But their faith will be tested. Will the star guide them to their destiny or lead them to their doom? Who will survive?



 MY TIDBITS

After reading the first book in this series, I was excited to see where the tale would take the heroes next. This book holds even more depth and excitement than the first. Book two does start there where the first book left off, which means it is better when read as a series.

That said, there were so many more layers to this tale than in book one. The story shoots off into three different story lines, each one as interesting as the other. The switch between them was never confusing, but rather held the excitement high as each group dealt with their own challenges and problems. It's hard not to cheer for the characters as they end up facing much tougher trials than they thought they would. And some of them are very harsh. The tension and adventure remain high the entire way through, never giving a breath to boredom. 

Although we got to know the characters in the first book, they continue to gain depth in these pages. It's a delight to get to know each one as new aspects to their thoughts, hopes and goals develop and change. But then, the world around them is just as exciting and detailed. It's a tale to get lost in in so many ways.

The religious aspects of this book are impossible to ignore, and slide into the story line with grace. The messages are clear without becoming preachy and mix right in with the plot. There are a few more vivid (gory) scenes, which might be a bit much for more sensitive readers. The author allows the circumstances to hit hard and doesn't flinch. But then, the characters are up against tough challenges, not to mention the increasing dark tone in the background which hints at more evil and excitement to come. 



And here she is...

R.A. Denny is an ancient history buff with a law degree from Duke University. While working as a criminal prosecutor by day, she escaped by night to create the fantasy world of her Mud, Rocks, and Trees series.

R.A. Denny loves adventure, animals, and history. She has traveled to the ancient rock city of Petra on horseback, flown through the jungles of Costa Rica on zip lines, and visited the Great Pyramid on a camel. She lives in Delaware. As a child, she had two pet flying squirrels.








No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Monday, June 4, 2018

Review: Refugees by R.A Denny


REFUGEES
Mud, Rocks and Trees, Book One
by R.A. Denny
YA Fantasy
288 pages



"An epic journey of a lifetime." That's what three young individuals from three different corners of the world have dreamed about. They were destined for greatness since the moment they were born. But what if they don't want it? What if they're not ready? What if their desires no longer align with the prophecy?

The problem is, they have no choice. The star has appeared. Their destiny has already begun to unfold.

It's not the send-off that they've been dreaming of. Forced out. Banished. Raided. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. Now they must discover who they really are while embarking on the most exciting journey of their lives. One star. One impossible task. One chance to save the world they love. 



MY TIDBITS

A world with rich characters begins this first novel in a six-book journey, one with fantastical adventures, dark moments and tons of hope.

There are three main characters, each from a different background, culture and race. The author does a fantastic job at introducing the three heroes with very individual characteristics, personalities and pasts, and bringing them together. Each character's story is told in first person from their point of view broken down into single chapters. This never grows confusing not only thanks to the name of the character at the beginning of each chapter, but also thanks to the very different mannerisms and personalities each character holds.

The fantasy world is rich but never overly described—something which will hopefully be more closely addressed in the next books in the series. Instead, the main concentration remains on getting to know the heroes. And this works well. It's easy to learn to like each one and sympathize with their very different situations, so when they come together, each one has touched the reader in one way or another. Even the 'bad' guys carry their own stories, which makes the reasoning behind their actions more clear. At times, the chapters about them was more intriguing than those surrounding the heroes.

There's a lot going on in this book, and it promises to lead to a well woven and multi-layered series. Nothing is as simple as it seems, and the heroes have to grow to achieve each and every obstacle. There are some brutal moments, but nothing which doesn't fit the situation or inappropriate for readers aged twelve and up.

This is a Christian fantasy, one which is well done and brings in religious aspects without overpowering or undermining the fantasy world. The messages are clear without growing overly preachy, and it's easy to get lost in the tale. 

The writing flows well, remaining more in the traditional fantasy stream. While the switching of points of view between the three heroes flowed seamlessly, the chapters concerning the other characters jolted a bit. It wasn't confusing, but the switch from first person for several characters to third person at other times caused a moment's pause. 

Fans of fantasy who appreciate Christian values are sure to enjoy diving into this book and will get lost in this adventurous world.


And here she is. . .

R.A. Denny is an ancient history buff with a law degree from Duke University. While working as a criminal prosecutor by day, she escaped by night to create the fantasy world of her Mud, Rocks, and Trees series.

R.A. Denny loves adventure, animals, and history. She has traveled to the ancient rock city of Petra on horseback, flown through the jungles of Costa Rica on zip lines, and visited the Great Pyramid on a camel. She lives in Delaware. As a child, she had two pet flying squirrels.

You can find her at. . .











No comments:
Labels: , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)