Champion of the Gods: Book Four Farrell’s excitement at finding his legendary ancestor Kel is tempered by the knowledge it signals the beginning of the end of the war. As he and Kel race to recover the last two Gifts of the Gods, Meglar is not quiet. Fighting erupts around the world, and new allies reveal their hand. To complicate matters, Arritisa has refused Farrell’s request for Her Gift. … request for Her Gift.
Searching for answers, Farrell travels to Bowient, home to Falcron’s main temple. While there, Farrell uncovers a plot to destroy the temple and the city. The attack fails, but Farrell kills Neldin’s priestess in the fight. The death of His priestess prompts Neldin to visit Farrell. Despite Farrell’s rejection, Neldin shows Farrell that he is more like his father than he’d like to admit.
Shaken by Neldin’s visit, Farrell doubts himself and his abilities. In an attempt to prove loyalty to the Six and deny Neldin, Farrell secretly embarks on a risky mission he can’t win. Kel rushes to find Farrell, but it might be too late. The seeds Neldin planted have found fertile ground. Even if Kel saves Farrell, can even a legend stop a god from claiming the son of Meglar for His cause?
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I absolutely loved this book! It definitely made me happier with Farrell than King’s of Lore And Legend. As always, the world building was fantastic and the storyline continues to weave political, magical, and dangerous perils to keep the action flowing.
As the story begins, it appears that some time has passed, as Geena and Bren have already been assimilated into Farrell and Miceral’s hearts and home. Kel has made Haven his home and has taken on the role of Farrell’s new teacher. The reason I said that I was happier with Farrell this time around is because of the dynamics of his relationship with Kel. Kel has no problem putting Farrell in his place, or questioning his choices. Although others have done so in the past, none have affected him the way Kel’s rebukes do. However, Kel can be a right old curmudgeonly a$$ at times, too.
The first thing that Farrell asks for aid from Kel is for him to be an anchor to the present as he mentally searches back through time hoping to finally be able to fulfill Krohn’s task. The spell works, but in order to complete his mission, he must retrieve the Ear of Lenore. In order to do this, he must travel to Primilian, the home of the unicorns, the peregrines, and the Muchari. Upon returning to Trellham, and completing Khrone’s order, Farrell inadvertently releases an extraordinarily loud burst of magical energy. In answer to this, Meglar sends a force to attack Trellham. Against Farrell’s wishes, his mentors demand that he stay behind, and that they will handle this situation. It is due to his reluctance that Glendora shows him the true identities of the three wizards, including his mother.
When Farrell and Kel travel to Rastoria for Kel to finally get to use the spells he created and see the kingdom of the Arlefors, along with Farrell’s task of gaining Arritisa’s Gift, they run into an unexpected dilemma. While Kel talks with the king of Rastoria, Farrell seeks out High Priestess Burcia in hopes of gaining Arritisa’s Gift. However, Arritisa intervenes and denies Farrell her Gift. She sets him on a new quest before she will allow him to gain access to this last of the seven Gifts. In the meantime, she bestows upon him the traits of the Arlefors so that he can easily exist in both worlds. These new powers prove to be a confusing, yet useful gain.
This new quest leads the pair to Agloth to enlist the aid of Jolella, the High Priestess of Seritia, on their way to Bowient to meet the High Priest of Falcron. While there, Farrell is Chosen by Falcron as well, and when the forces of Meglar appear, it seems that Kel and Farrell’s visit might not be a coincidence. After an emotional experience, Farrell finds himself in debt to a kind stranger; and he tries to always repay his debts.
Neldin makes His first appearance in Bowient, and does his best to make Farrell doubt himself, along with the Six. With the battle already raging in his heart, Farrell finds himself susceptible to Neldin’s powers of persuasion, but he used his will to refuse Neldin and them talks with Miceral once he finally returns the Haven.
Many more adventures take place, including finding the long lost Navy of Yar-del, fighting pirate ships and rescuing slaves, retrieving books and magical weapons from Kel’s secret vault in Yar-del, and much more. The High Kings of Trellham are finally crowned, and Geena’s gift is growing. But the final battle once again shows Farrell’s impetuous nature. It is not done without reason, but it is nearly disastrous.
One thing I noticed more in this book than the others was that it is easy, at least for me, to confuse a few things. For example: Neldin is the God of the Underworld, or the God of Death or Evil; He also rules Neblor, the Underworld, where people go after death. But then there’s Nendor, the name given to the world by the Gods. Do you see it? Neldin of Neblor, trying to gain control of Nendor. Just something that caught my attention this time.
Overall, I think besides the first book, this is probably my favorite. Of course, the first book could be my favorite because I listened to it on Audible, and it was narrated by Joel Leslie. He always bring so much life to a book. I’ll tell you a secret: I almost always listen to Audible when going to sleep. I decided that I was going to go way back to one of my favorite series, and listen to some Robert Jordan. I just could not get into the story because I was too wrapped up in this book. It makes me wonder; am I remembering that series better than it was, or is this book just that good?
Happy reading!
Although this story does have romantic elements and Farrell and Miceral’s relationship is an important part of the story, it is not a romance.
As it’s been a while since I read the last book in the series, I was very happy to read a summary of what has happened in the last three books. However, I wouldn’t recommend diving straight into this book and only reading the summary, as you’ll miss out on the nuances of the series, and the fabulous descriptions and dialogue. Plus all the character moments.
This story is not a fast read, but it’s a very worthwhile one, and reminds me why I enjoy high fantasy. The world building is fantastic, with lots of detail, and I felt like I’d stepped into a world with a rich history and characters where gods are real and guide—and often interfere—in the characters’ lives. The plot is very layered, and although Farrell is on a quest, it’s not an easy one, and it’s made clear on several occasions that part of that quest is not just collecting magic objects but that he has be ready to use them in the right way. I also enjoyed the politics within the plot, as there isn’t just one society in this world, but several, and they are all quite different. I thought the author did a great job in showing the frustration of ceremonies and red tape.
The magic is very inventive, and there are a few surprises in this story for Farrell, as well as the reader. The underwater scenes are very cool, and the descriptions give a very real sense of place. I like how, as the story progresses, the stakes grow with it. One of the reasons I’ve put off reading this part of the story is that with only one book to go—which releases next month—I’m not sure who is going to survive, and I want to be able to keep reading to find out. The action scenes are exciting, and kept me reading.
I love how the characters are flawed, and Farrell, who is a powerful wizard, makes mistakes, and doubts himself. His and Miceral’s relationship grounds him. I love their scenes together, and Miceral is one of my favourite characters in this series. He’s practical, not afraid to tell Farrell some home truths, and their love for each other shines as one of the highlights of the story. The scenes with the children are very sweet, and I love how they’re growing into their role as parents. I also like how Farrell, although he’s a powerful wizard, is still down to earth and doesn’t bother with airs and graces.
The supporting cast add to the rich tapestry of the story, and I particularly like Farrell and Kel’s growing relationship. I also love Aswick, Joella, and Lisle in particular who is not scared to put Farrell—and Miceral—in their place if she thinks it’s needed.
Be warned, this book ends more on a cliffhanger than a conclusion, although no one is left in immediate danger. I suspect that’s coming very soon, and I’m kind of nervous—yet really want—to read the final instalment of this series.