"The end of this book leaves you with plenty of questions as it sets up for the next book in the series and I’m sure fantasy fans that read this will be keen to know the fate of Herlot and her friends and family."
Introducing a fearless young girl as she navigates life in her small village with unusual gifts before peril comes that threatens her whole kingdom. In this first instalment of a mediaeval fantasy series we are introduced to Herlot, a young girl with extraordinary gifts that showcased themselves even before she was born. Growing up seen as a curiosity and sometimes with cruelty by the other children in her village, Herlot learns to rely on her imagination for company before meeting unicorn Devotio one night during a storm. Herlot’s strength of character is shown as peril comes to the village, taking away everything she’d ever known and threatening the rest of her humble, peaceful kingdom. ‘Herlot of Alonia’ is a coming of age story filled with magic and adventure. The author successfully brings the peaceful kingdom of Eraska to life, setting up world building for the series and a threat from the more greedy, gold orientated Isolda. I liked that stories and storytelling were a key theme throughout that allowed us to learn more about the world and all of the characters. The plotline moves smoothly, bringing you right through from Herlot’s childhood which really helps you connect with our resilient and compelling heroine. I also loved that the author managed to create a real sense of community, connecting you to the wider cast of characters and ensuring you are invested in their future. The end of this book leaves you with plenty of questions as it sets up for the next book in the series and I’m sure fantasy fans that read this will be keen to know the fate of Herlot and her friends and family. After reading this first book in the series I would also say that I didn’t notice anything that would make it inappropriate for older teen readers as well as adult readers. Because of this I think that a YA fantasy audience could also enjoy the start of this magic-infused coming-of-age tale.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Indie Author Books |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
An adventure story set in an imagined world ruled by the evil King Felix. Battles, death, unicorns - magical escapism and fantasy with a real cliff-hanger of an ending.
An adventure story set in an imagined world ruled by the evil King Felix.... Read Full Review
