★★★★★ IHIBRP Award for Excellence in Writing 2020 ★★★★★
It is not a peaceful time in the kingdom … especially when an old enemy returns from the past.
The clans have won the battle, but the emperor seeks to win the war. So when Namir goes to the Imperial Palace in Ataxata to sign a peace treaty – tensions run very high. Though the clan’s fears are heightened when their leader fails to return, … fails to return, and his escort is washed up dead. Now the clans will come together from far and wide to enlist the help of hidden deities, forgotten tribes and ancient civilizations, with one sole purpose – to find the chieftain and save the future of his kingdom.
And only one thing is certain – there will be blood.
‘It’s not until you’re broken that you discover what’s worth fighting for.’
Excerpt:
‘On the other side of the world, some ten thousand miles away, a lone man sat in a small tavern, at a candlelit table, surrounded by darkness and drunken strangers. Golden streaks of tangled limp hair reached his shoulders while a heavy woollen cloak hung almost to the ground – covering a torn grey shirt and tired worn breeches. A paralytic lout on the street had lost his shoes to him, plus a handful of loose change. Under the growth of a few days stubble a handsome face was etched, though some would argue it didn’t exist at all. The saturated straw didn’t bother him either as he supped on his ale, and he barely noticed the pungent aroma of body odour and stale beer. Outside, was a maze of twisting alleyways and hidden corners – best to keep away from those places, people would tell him – but he wasn’t scared of those places, nothing scared him anymore.’
Magical:★★★★★
With stories as perennial and universally beloved as The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of The Rings – but also unlike anything but themselves – this book is perfect for those new to The Kingdom of Durundal series, as well as those who are well-acquainted with its enchanting magic: for to know The Kingdom of Durundal is to love it.
Pivotal ★★★★★
With a cast of characters that are pivotal in all eight books, this is perfect for fans of Outlander and Game of Thrones.
more
What makes one ruler benevolent while another seeks power at any cost? Is it one’s upbringing or is it hereditary? Amid the unfolding story of the clans and their struggles, these questions give the reader more to think about. Exiled Cornelius returns to take over his father’s kingdom, but his fears of being overpowered lead him down a dark path. A wonderful look at how different leaders rule their people, and the results of those efforts. And always, I enjoy the wonderful descriptions and details of life scattered throughout the tale, that immerse you in the world of the clans and their beliefs.
Overview: Clan Head and father-to-be, Namir, is betrayed and imprisoned when he accepts an olive branch and travels to Ataxata to sign a peace treaty. Now his kingly brother, along with their people, will risk everything in a race against time to save the chieftain and preserve their legacy.
Dynamic characters and a riveting plotline come together seamlessly in S.E. Turner’s epic medieval fantasy, “A Leopard in the Mist” as one brother sets out to rescue his sibling from a power-mad emperor bent on reclaiming his lost empire.
Effective writing, relatable characters, fascinating world-building, and an exciting plotline are the hallmarks of Turner’s story. There are romances that will sweep you off your feet, betrayals that are as shocking as they are raw, and familial ties that are surprisingly strong despite years of isolation. In “A Leopard in the Mist”, readers will find themselves falling in love with these characters—especially the strong female leads—and becoming part of the story as they develop a close personal connection and affinity for certain protagonists while experiencing a great revulsion for those who willingly sink into darkness and depravity.
Despite the fact that I had not had the opportunity to read either of the prior chapters in the Kingdom of Durundal Series, I found this third book, “A Leopard in the Mist”, made for an excellent standalone read. The author effectively reintroduces her characters in this continuing saga, and in case there’s still any confusion about who’s who, she provides a roster—as well as other helpful materials—as a reference point at the back of the book.
“Is that why we mourn so much in death, for the unsaid word in life? Is that why we can’t let go, for misplaced promises and the lost hours that we try to grab when it’s all too late?
Embedded in this beautiful story is a profound exploration of grief and loss, and the struggle that humans have in resolving their emotions and experiences when they confront the inevitable changes that accompany the passing of someone they have loved and valued.
At more than one point in the narrative, the reader is compelled to consider those soul-searching questions again as the overwhelming power of grief resonates deeply within both the characters and the reader.
It is a moving and at times heart-wrenching story of coming of age and fulfilling destiny by making the right decisions, not just for oneself but also for the society in which one lives.
The strands of different characters’ stories are drawn together in this book, having been interwoven and overlaid throughout the series so far. Overall, the series provides a rich and broad tapestry of narrative that blends earthen tones with royal purples and other vivid colours and textures.
When one of the characters reflects on the events and challenges of the past, and the things he has learned about society and humanity, he says “I personally can’t see a successful future where one person thinks they are better than another person.” This is where the relevance of this series for each of us is really driven home: when we treat one another as equals, we are all better off, both individually and collectively.
The third in Turner’s ‘KIngdom of Durundal’ series, ‘A Leopard In The Mist’ brings this excellent trilogy of books (thus far) full circle, providing unity and resolutions not only for its own part of the story, but also for the first two books in this excellent series.