Review: A Hero’s Journey
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 14, 2014
Trials of Hallion Book 1: Two of Swords by Maria Greene is an epic fantasy about a New York office worker named Kate who battles evil sorcery in a fantasy land.Kate McKnight inherits Liliath Cottage from her eccentric Aunt Mattie. Soon after she arrives in her aunt’s Scotland hometown, a magical door takes Kate into Hallion. There she embarks on a quest to overthrow an evil sorcerer named Kil Morgol, whose magic is poisoning the land. Helping Kate is Scotland native Jamie Kirkland, the current Earl of McAndrew. Problem is, Jamie has rejected the Old Art of his linage and is ill prepared to assist Kate.Soon after arriving in Hallion, Kate receives a tarot card reading that identifies puzzling obstacles in her upcoming journey. But it’s clear that Kate and her allies must find hidden scepters and a mysterious artifact called the Drewander Codex to gather magic powerful enough to defeat Kil Morgol. His sinister magical taint is everywhere, even in the eavesdropping plants. Time is running out for Hallion.Trials of Hallion Book 1: Two of Swords is awhirl with a hero’s journey icons. While tarot card symbols are a familiar fantasy technique, the story uses it well. Maria Greene has a deft hand at scattering unusual people in Kate’s journey. A surprise awaits the reader concerning an unexpected shape shifter. This story is recommended for fantasy fans that like a traditional tale mixed with the practicalities of a modern day heroine.