by Hilary Bell
Overview:
Stories are told of a hero who will come to Farsala's aid when the need is greatest. But for thousands of years the prosperous land of Farsala has felt no such need, as it has enjoyed the peace that comes from being both feared and respected.
Now a new enemy approaches Farsala's borders, one that neither fears nor respects its name and legend. But the rulers of Farsala still believe that they can beat any opponent.
Three young people are less sure of Farsala's invincibility. Jiaan, Soraya, and Kavi see Time's Wheel turning, with Farsala headed towards the Flames of Destruction. What they cannot see is how inextricably their lives are linked to Farsala's fate~until it's too late.
My Review 4.5 Stars, Innovating Storytelling, and Mystique are Rich in this Tale.
One thing that makes this book unique over alot of fantasies is that its told from the perspectives of the characters. Each chapter takes on a different character's perspective as the story progresses.
It starts off with Soraya, a really stuck up girl who thinks she's above everything. When her father comes along and tells her she is to be sacrificed to the Djiin, in a ritual thought to give guarentee their victory over Hrum invaders.
Of course, her father comes up with a plan for her to escape during the sacroficial ceremony, which introduces Jiaan, a servant boy with Deagan(royal) blood. He is instructed to lead Soraya to a hideaway until the Hrum threat is dealt with.
Along the way they meet Kavi, a peddler. But later on Kavi gets captured by the Hrum, and forced to become a spy.
The story is very interesting, and endearing, which is good, because it's a long read. And there are scant few battle scenes, but the one at the end is very satisfying, if not suprising. in fact, i found it kind of funny, if you'd read it you'd know what i mean.
overall it was a good read, and had alot of great reasons to continue the series with Rise of a Hero. Also, the whole Suud, and shilshadu parts were my favorites of the book.
Rise of a Hero (Book 2)
My Review: 4.5 Stars, A Great Continuation
After Farsala's army gets decimated by the Hrum, Jiaan, Kavi, and Soraya are forced to plan to take back Farsala. They set up camps, and begin to recruit farmers, and villagers to train a new army.
Jiaan and Kavi set up different movements, and try their best to gain alliances and build up troops. They also try to sabotage Hrum camps to weaken their army.
Soraya is pretty much on her own, and she continues her training with magic (shilshadu) from the Suud, and proves herself invaliable to Jiaan and Kavi's efforts.
I found this book to be a quick read, and am impressed with how Bell can switch between characters flawlessly. The battle movements, and sense of danger is intense during the times they commit sabotage, and sneak onto enemy camps. I felt the characters were very genuine, and compelling. It is a great continuation to a wonderful series. Highly reccomend
Forging the Sword (Book 3)
My Review: 5 Stars, Incredible End to an Epic Trilogy
In this book, and my opinion by far the best, Jiaan, and the others are forced to move to Mazad, the last standing fort in Farsala. There they set up their base of commands, and continue to work on resisting the Hrum, and building alliances. They must fight the Hrum for a year, because they will give up in that time.
Soraya is in charge of spying on on the traitorous city governor of a besieged city, while her half-brother Jiaan commands a ragtag army. Meanwhile, the clever peddler and former double agent Kavi works with a desert tribe to forge swords that can match those of the Hrum.
Magic in this tale provides an awe-inspiring climax, and i found this book to be the best in the series.
