Archaeologist David Alexander investigates the cave where his father disappeared and hurtles into another world, one filled with magic and bizarre creatures. The mad ravings in his father's journals of icemen and dragons may not be fantasies after all.
Convinced his father may still be alive, David begins a treacherous journey to find him and discover a way home. Along the way, he encounters a few unlikely friends. A Dreean warrior, a beautiful thief and a satyr join him as he searches.
David's arrival into this new world sets off an explosive chain reaction of events. Faced with powerful adversaries and few clues, he may not get the chance to rescue his father before disaster strikes, condemning both of them to death. Or worse.
My review:
David Alexander gets an offer for an archaeological dig that he cannot pass up. It might also help him find his father who has been missing for seven years. Exploring the cave, David is thrown into another world where all the crazy fantastical things his father talked about were real. He meets an odd group of friends on his quest to find his father, and on the way, discovers he is the heir to the lost ancient kingdom of Shaylar. All David wants to do is find his father and go home, but the land calls to him and he cannot ignore its call. Yet the call may lead David to his death and this entire beautiful world's.
A spectacular beginning to the series. The reader is swept into this wonderful fantasy world with wizards, satyrs, and dragons. The people are varied and the politics are thick. David is a highly likable hero that inspires loyalty from those who follow him. Sometimes trust in those he cares for can make him blind, but his heart is true. My favorite characters include his strange group of friends. Rhone the fierce Dreean warrior, Lothan the quirky half-satyr, and Mira the mysterious thief. Each individual is well drawn and fascinating. Plus, the D&D geek in me loves that they make the perfect adventuring party!
Along with great characterization and world building, the book is beautifully written, even poetic in parts. A lot happens in this story, but the reader isn't rushed along nor is the pace too slow. There's time to enjoy the read and get absorbed in the amazing fantasy land Laura Eno has created.
I can't wait for the next installment!
You can buy JEWEL OF SHAYLAR at:
KindleUS * KindleUK * Nook * Smashwords * Kobo * Trade Paperback
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Author bio: Laura Eno lives in Florida with a very
tolerant husband, three skulking cats and two absurdly happy dogs. After
spending years immersed in English literature courses, she now writes
novels late at night with the help of muses from the underworld.
Laura is a fellow member of Untethered Realms. Ten great speculative fiction authors. Check us out on Facebook!
