In a world where ancient races still dwell, the events of an age-old prophecy begin to stir. From the pages of an antique tome, there is much the ancients themselves have yet to learn. The time has come for the Keys of the Origin to play their part in restoring balance to Aeldynn; but how will their choices affect the outcome? Fate leads two young men down a road they would never have dreamed of … two young men down a road they would never have dreamed of following; a road leading them into a struggle to bring the world back into a state of balance from the precipice of madness and desolation. One is a righteous law-abiding servant to the people, the other a distinguished
pirate, both are unknowingly about to play their part in a foretold bid for Aeldynn’s future.
It is not only Zehn and Larkh who are tasked with taking on the malevolent forces of Aeldynn; others must join them as they are coaxed into the embrace of the ancient Nays and their fabled Drahknyr, who are also entangled in the masterful puppeteering of a renegade sorceress hell bent on reviving the greatest threat of all.
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This was an amazing read on several levels. The author has literally created an astounding world for us. The intricate detail of the places, the structures, the lore/mythology, the culture, and even its own language in certain parts of the story show an author’s passion for her story that we are lucky enough to become a part. I believe I read she started creating her story as a teenager, and that shows as you begin to enter into her world. As she takes you through it, you can see the majesty of the structures, smell the saltwater of the harbor, and the language doesn’t seem as foreign as it did in the beginning of your travels. Then there are the people you meet as you travel. There are pirates, mercenaries, gypsies, Nays, Drahknyrs, dragons, enchantresses of sorts, and other interesting individuals. Some mortal, some immortal, some good, some bad, some with a mix of both, and all it seems with pasts that have much to tell. As we watch them now, it seems their past is very much a part of their present, whether it still haunts them or motivates their actions. Either way it is before them, and they must wrestle with it now and decide what it will do to them. We uncover complex individuals, not your ordinary pirate or mercenary, but ones that outwardly show an exterior that cannot be broken, but inwardly deeply wage a painful battle. Even those that seeming should be immune to such things are not in the author’s world. They too have painful scars from the past that rear their ugly head at times, and maybe they attempt to bury the feeling in the next battle they fight. The author has a built a breathtaking world to view, and I’m enjoying my time with those I’ve met so far. I’m looking forward to seeing more!
A novel that I very much enjoyed, I bought the Hardback and was very pleased with it. The story is well written with different opening plots line weaving together to form a strong narrative, with likeable characters who have good chemistry with one another allowing for good scenes and entertaining interactions. The book has good pacing and flows smoothly, making for a pleasant read. The inclusion of a map and a short glossary at the end was a nice addition. I would have liked a Dramatis Personae list just to make keeping track of the extended cast simpler but it’s not in any way needed (and I just like them in general).
The book was a really good start to a new series, setting up solid characters along with an interesting setting. I am looking forward to seeing more of its characters to see how the events set out in the book continue to play out.
All in all a very well written novel that gave an enjoyable read and some well thought out characters to enjoy.
This book was rich with mythology building, character development and a phenomenal story like no other. The High Fantasy world created by the author is a blend of other series like Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings and the Throne of Glass series all rolled into one. Far off lands, mystical creatures and various different species all swirl around a powerful and dark force that threatens to tear the world apart. Ancient rivalries, long foretold prophecies and intimate connections between the characters all bring this novel into new and uncharted territory within the genre, making this novel stand out.
The writing was intricate, detailed and yet real all at once. The author speaks through this book with the confidence and creativity that makes readers feel as if they are traveling through Aeldynn themselves. The imagery almost plays out as if you are in a visual work of art only seen in modern day video games, giving it a cinematic feel throughout the novel.
Overall I loved the story. This book is a great step into a fantastic new fantasy series that needs to be told. Filled with maturity, honesty and some of the most intricate and detailed mythology I’ve read in a fantasy series, this is a must read for any high fantasy fan out there. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copy of Melissa A. Joy’s novel Keys of the Origins (The Scions of Balance #1) today!
It’s a shame I can’t give it 10 stars! I’m obsessed. I’m looking forward to a re-read less than a day after finishing Keys of the Origin. I don’t even know where to start.
The book begins with the awakening of the Kaesan’Drahknyr, the seven mighty warriors that protect Aeldynn. After a slumber of 3000 years, they are called to protect the balance between Aevnatureis and its evil counterpart Phandaerys. Not to mention the many races that dwell in Aeldynn, for evil rises one more time. And an ancient prophecy is becoming a reality.
Melkhar, the fiercest of the Kaesan’Drahknyr has been tasked with the protection of Arcaydia, a young woman with growing powers. On her way Melkhar discovers the human kingdoms are in the brink of war. Forced to part ways with her protector Arcaydia meets Larkh , he is a pirate, but not a typical one. He is smart beyond his years and has more than a couple mysterious trades. Larkh is being chased by Zehn, a law enforcer that travels accompanied by a mage, Raeon. Raeon belongs to a the Order of Silver, an order that follows the knowledge of the Nays, the ageless race that brought to physical existence the Drahknyr, and the Kaesan’ Drahknyr. Kalthis is also a Kaesan’ Drahknyr, he’s in tune with nature in a unique way, which allows him to obtain knowledge no-one else can reach. All will be connected in the battle against Zerrçainne, a powerful sorceress that used to be a Galétriahn Highlord, a Nays High Mage. She plots to rise to power through manipulation and dark sources of magica.
And that’s as far as I’ll go with details. Spoilers are a pain.
The plot is well-paced, allowing the reader to become familiarized with the lore and the characters right in the midst of great discoveries and epic battles. There are edge of the seat moments; it made wish I could read faster.
The characters have an ample specter, not only in personality and trades, but also in kin. Humans, Nays, Elves, Drahknyr, hybrids… The reading is easy, despite being my first time reading about such rich world it didn’t became heavy in any moment. The way the story is told and the vivid descriptions made me feel at times like I was there watching everything happen; sometimes even like a video-game.
I love the way the eternal battle between the light and the darkness has been approached. It is a different way to tell such a story.
My favorite character without a doubt would be Melkhar; I knew it would be after reading just one line of her point of view. She is fierce, powerful, highly intelligent, and merciless when she has to be. There is much to learn from her; often times, her actions reveal more than her words. She’s refreshing. Not just for a female character but in general.
Overall, the best book I’ve read so far without a doubt. An epic story with mighty heroes, powerful villains, and beautiful lore. I can’t wait to read more from Melissa Joy. Hell, I’d read her grocery list.
An epic story with mighty heroes, powerful villains, and beautiful lore.