With his father gone to war……and his mother in hiding……Kealin must make a decision.Should they stay and train to defend their Elven land, like their father asked, or head out into the icy waters to try to change fate?When he realizes how much danger their parents are in, Kealin and his siblings take to the seas in a magical vessel. The voyage doesn’t go as planned. They know the prophecy. … planned. They know the prophecy. Can it really be true?
Something has happened. There is a power on board, but it isn’t Elven in nature. What does it all mean and how will it change Kealin?
Not all who appear to help are friends.
Who can they trust?
You’ll adore this gripping story of sword and sorcery because the characters keep you hooked until the end.
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In a world replete with elves, dwarves, wrights, an ice drake and the old gods, evil is on the move.
Four siblings venture forth on a quest at the behest of a seer and an action-filled adventure ensues as they encounter unusual creatures both friend and foe.
Interestingly, I think it’s the first time I’ve come across prejudice by elves toward a fellow elf, even if those in question are only half-elves. It was rather refreshing to have a less than perfect group of elves, it made the world and characters feel a little more real.
Good world building, strong, well-developed characters and a intriguing plot. A compelling read after a slightly slow start and a series I am following!
J.T. Williams keeps getting better and better!! The style of the writing reminded me of the Warcraft books, particularly Richard A. Knaak (one of my favorite fantasy authors). I love that he brings back Valrin, even though he is not the main character in this one. I loved the imagery surrounding Vankou–that scene was probably my favorite! The story of the elves is just unfolding with so many mysteries and unknowns… I am anxious to read the next book!
This is the first time I have read anything from J. T. Williams and I quite enjoyed myself. Four young elves, two brothers Taslun and Calak of pure elfin blood and a brother and sister, Kealin and Alri of half elf and human blood, decide to leave the protection of the Urlas Woodlands against their parent wishes. Their parents are called away by the elders to go and support the war against the raising evil in the south. The young elves want to help and prove themselves worthy of protecting their homeland just like their parents. The youths go to the local shaman for insight as to what to do. They believe the shaman’s advice is to go on a journey north and help the Wind God Dimn ward off the coming evil. So begins this classic mythic journey of the tale of Impossible task.
I love the writers world building of woodlands, sea, god realms in the sky and solid ice islands. The characters posses just enough power and magic to stay afloat. As a group they are given tasks to preform to gain direction and entrance into the Wind God Dimn’s realm. Williams writing style lends itself to the old fairy tale telling such as Rumplestiltskin where the princess is forced to spin the straw into gold and to guess his name to be released. Many stepmothers or witches are the issuers of these impossible missions in many Russian and old European fairy tales. William has the shaman who sets the wheels in motion and an interesting cast of characters and challenges to undertake.
This is a fun adventure with an unusual outcome all explained in the end, a story worth reading, I was so fully absorbed. I can hardly wait to see where the next book will lead.
Love J T’s style of writing! Great story teller and awesome characters. I’ve read most of his books in this genre and love them all!
This is not a book I would have normally picked up but I’m glad I did. I love the combination of elves, magic and mythical gods. The cover/title gave me the impression that it was going to be a race take over type war book, but it’s not that at all. Much more of a questing, journey to save the world type book. The world building is well laid out, and I loved the use of so many different intelligent beings/creatures. (100% here for the narwhals). I can’t wait to see what book 2 has in store.