Review: Enjoyable Read!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 11 18, 2013
*I received an ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*I enjoy a good epic fantasy, but I'll have to admit all mine were watched in movies and not read in books. I do however still understand the complexity and the need for interwoven stories when it comes to reading one.War of the Wildlands basically follows three groups. The Na'zorans: The evil tyrant king, who it would seem no one loved, and the honorable Prince Aelryk, who everyone seemed to like. The elves: Mostly following the twins Relin, a war hungry elf bent on vengeance, and Reylana, the faithful sword maiden who wants what was best for her people. And then there is Yori: He's a half-elf half-human who ventures away from the humans to meet his elfin family and learn the art of rune carving and magical jewel setting.The story between the Na'zorans and the elves is interesting and entertaining. It easily captured my attention. What has me pausing is Yori's story. I see how it intertwines with both sides of the war between the Na'zorans and the elves, but what I don't see is why I'm reading about it. It almost seems like two standalone stories have been pushed together.The characters are well written and the scenery is described just enough to let my mind paint a picture. However, there are several things that happen throughout the story that are never explained and sometimes even the characters themselves wonder about an event, though their curiosity never seeks explanation or understanding.My Favorite Moment: The end of the battle when Aelryk faces Essa.My Favorite Character: Lisalla. No matter what life throws at her she doesn't back down. I love her strength and I love how she speaks her mind no matter who she's talking to.