Review: Excellent Adventure
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 31, 2013
This book is a creative mix of fantasy and science fiction (that isn't likely all too futuristic, though it may seem that way when reading, yet the building blocks are already well established). Be prepared, for this book is filled with fascinating characters, a creatively designed world, and plot twists that easily challenge a corkscrew. Once you begin reading you won't want to stop until you've finished the book, and then all you'll do us want to grab Book Two, which sadly isn't due out until July, 2013.The story gets off to a bit of a slow start, and it is a bit difficult to feel lots of empathy for the main male character, but all that changes as the story progresses. The characters develop depth as the story finds its stride, with the plot serving as an excellent vehicle to create this world that seems familiar and foreign at the same time.As the description states, Rone is the wounded Prince, and Keiara saves his life, yet they are mortal enemies. But the truth is, it is their people that are mortal enemies. They are just two young people attracted to each other. With the persistence of youth in the first blush of a possible romance she convinces her people to allow him to stay for a time and learn about their culture. Then, once educated about the real Terraquios, Rone can return to his people, the Rook, share his newly discovered truth about the Terraquois, helping dispel all of the ridiculously manufactured fairy tale stories of what heinous monsters they are supposed to be.Slowly many Terras come to see the truth of Prince Rone's desire for peace between the two peoples - and his shame for the way his people always attacked the Terraquios, without any provocation to justify such attacks. Just as things are starting to look up for the pair Rone acts on his feelings for Keiara. Confused and flustered by her own emotions, Keiara runs away to another tribe without a word. Before she can return and explain her behavior to Rone the world is plunged into chaos.Rone's father, the King, is overthrown by a villain and the capital city is attacked by evil forces. Once Rone learns of this, by running into a family of refugees that he knows from home, he promptly returns home, determined to fix things. Skirmishes and battles ensue across the planet. Keiara is taken prisoner by one of the antagonists and taken to the capital of Rone's 'former' kingdom.From here on the action just keeps going without a pause - action on emotional, physical, and mystical levels. To avoid any spoilers I'll just say that families and friends are torn apart, while there are reunions for others. Secrets of all sizes are revealed. There is far, far more to this tale than I have shared here, and having to wait until July to learn what happens next is going to be sheer torture!