Review: Top-notch fantasy adventure
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 10, 2013
Having read and enjoyed Jason Halstead's `Silver Dragon' (book three in the `Blades of Leander' series) I was keen to go back and read the first two installments, `Child of Fate' and `Victim of Fate'.What I like about this series  (available separately or as a kindle trilogy box set) is that they're great read as stand-alone novels and even better when read as a package, as you come to know and love the characters, thereby appreciating their adventures almost as if you, too, were by their side.'Child of Fate' sets the scene for the trilogy, and it is here we're introduced to Alto, a farmer's son with strength and determination, keen to make his mark in the world.  Dark enemies invade the lands where Alto and his family live, thus Alto, on the cusp of adulthood, sets out to learn to fight and protect his loved ones, in this coming-of-age story.Halstead is particularly skilled at building personalities around his characters, a credit to building an engaging series around a continuing theme.  Alto, who features in all three novels, is particularly affable and sure to win you over.This fantasy novel is sure to appeal to fans of series such as `Game of Thrones' and the `Lord of the Rings', with evil goblins, dragons, wizards, nobleman, princesses and the like all playing a part.  In saying this, Halstead writes with an impressive style of his own, with `Child of Fate' definitely unique in its own right.A great introductory novel, `Child of Fate' will take you on an adventure you'll definitely enjoy.