R. A. Denny

Prejudice is everywhere.

There is a uniqueness in the story-telling of this book. Each character is described with little bias. The reader is left to decide for themselves how to feel towards the various characters. There are definite saviors and definite annihilators, but then there are the ones balancing between the two.

It’s amazing how similar different peoples are. Love of family resides as strongly in those with webbed feet as those with stone skin and those with soft skin flaps stretching between ankles and wrists. These same people also share a distrust of outsiders. It’s this fear which allows those of true evil intentions to infiltrate the tribes.

As different as the tribes appear to be, they also share a like purpose. They each have raised a special child. These young people are destined to come together to right the wrongs of the current ruler.

As I write this, my mind keeps going back to Metlan, rider of the impressively massive feline predator named Pergassi. Metlan has displayed love and care towards her. He may not get along well with his father, but how can a man be evil if he is merely doing what is expected of him? Honestly, though, I still have hope Metlan will see the error of his ways and redeem himself.

I look forward to reading the second book in the Mud, Rocks, and Trees series. Will the trio be able to fulfill their destiny?
… (mehr)

Packed with action, danger and tons of character development, this book is just as not more exciting than even the first two in the series. The three (at times four) heroes are now facing the huge war, and things get even tougher in many respects than the adventures before.

First, Amanki is on the front fighting for the king who wants him and his people dead, but Amanki is true to his cause. Not only that, but he's now demonstrating his true strengths and finally merging into the hero and leader that he can and should be. His decisions fit his personality, one that is simply a joy to root for and still fits for the intended age group. I love to see him as the center column of the three heroes and enjoyed following him as he powered through this book.

Brina holds the most character development in this book as she starts to progress from her former naive self and discover she's more. Her position as a warrior gives a side of strength, and she learns to work with the situations and people/creatures around her, bringing them on her side. She's the one I enjoyed following most in this book.

Due to circumstances, the third hero, Moshoi, is slid to the side as his brother gains focus as a spy. This added a wonderful change to the other two characters...but not less gruesome. This isn't a light story, and that truly comes to light in these chapters.

The fight scenes reach a grand level in this book, each of them flowing well, holding tension and bringing across the struggling, harsh emotions worthy of the great war. Still, the characters themselves aren't lost in action's shadows and really make the scenes sit. Each moment grabs, and to help readers from growing confused, the author has added a few maps and diagrams—things I always enjoy in a fantasy like this one.

This was a wonderful read and probably my favorite in the series so far. I do recommend reading these books in order, since the characters and places build on each other from one book to the next.
This is one Young Adult fantasy friends will definitely enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed diving into this world so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.… (mehr)

After reading the first part of the series, I was looking forward to seeing what would happen to the characters next. This book met all hopes and then some.

Amanki has reached his destination and should now meet with Brina and Moshoi, the other holders of the three seals. Unfortunately, Moshoi is presumed dead after an avalanche, and Brina, while now in the city, has been captured and sold into slavery to one of the royals. Not only that, but war is about to begin and the emperor is determined...thanks to his nightmares...to find the mysterious man who should rise up and overthrow him. Everything seems impossible, but the three heroes must still try to prevail...even if they have no idea what they are really doing.

While I've enjoyed the characters and the story up until now, this book brought the entire tale a notch higher. The author lets the story switch between three points of view, each written in first person. While this style usually frustrates me, in this book, it works. The author manages to build each character up with such individuality that the switches between them are natural and extremely interesting. Each is wrapped up in their very own, grabbing predicament, but somehow, they should come together. It's a superb weave.

There is a lot going on in these pages, making for a very complex and intricate plot. The main evil appears to be clear enough, but there are so many paths branching toward the same direction that it's hard to guess what will come next. And it's a treat to follow every single one. Uncertainty and danger accompanies all three characters as they must overcome very different obstacles. Especially Brina's position demands sympathy, and it's hard not to fever for her as the situation thickens.

While this isn't action packed with fight scenes, there is never a dull moment. There is some violence, but this is not the dominate factor. The intrigue runs deep as as the mysteries. Each character and each thought adds to the complex puzzle. Mix this with the intriguing world descriptions, and the read is addicting.

I highly recommend this series for fantasy friends who do love some action but enjoy well woven story plots with lots of character depth. It's a world to get lost in and look forward to where things will be heading next.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.… (mehr)

There is a uniqueness in the story-telling of this book. Each character is described with little bias. The reader is left to decide for themselves how to feel towards the various characters. There are definite saviors and definite annihilators, but then there are the ones balancing between the two.

It’s amazing how similar different peoples are. Love of family resides as strongly in those with webbed feet as those with stone skin and those with soft skin flaps stretching between ankles and wrists. These same people also share a distrust of outsiders. It’s this fear which allows those of true evil intentions to infiltrate the tribes.

As different as the tribes appear to be, they also share a like purpose. They each have raised a special child. These young people are destined to come together to right the wrongs of the current ruler.

As I write this, my mind keeps going back to Metlan, rider of the impressively massive feline predator named Pergassi. Metlan has displayed love and care towards her. He may not get along well with his father, but how can a man be evil if he is merely doing what is expected of him? Honestly, though, I still have hope Metlan will see the error of his ways and redeem himself.… (mehr)