Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Stormhawk's Warning / Susan Stuckey


Reviewed by: ?wazithinkin

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Approximate word count: 20-25,000 words

Availability    
Kindle  US: YES  UK: YES  Nook: NO  Smashwords: NO Paper: NO
Click on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store

Author:

“Susan (Stuckey) has retired from the ‘rat race’ and currently writes stories she would want to read. She has mainly written fantasy, but dabbles in other genres also.

Always an avid reader, she wrote her first fantasy story on an Apple 2E – and lost it when the computer died. She resumed her affair with writing when the ‘nest’ emptied and has continued writing (off and on–usually off) until the present day.”

You can learn more about Ms. Stuckey at her website or follow her on Facebook.

Description:

“The cruel and ruthless Chorkan, servants of the Dark God, have one obstacle in their path to conquest: a young noble in the Kingdom of Kier, Prince Kaden. Pursued by enemies and friends alike, while under a death sentence for a crime he didn't commit, Kaden seeks sanctuary with his old weapons master. He must find a missing princess, save his family, prevent a war and protect his kingdom, all while avoiding the executioner’s block.”

Appraisal:

This is another excellent novella in The Tales of Aldura filled with drama, conspiracy, treachery, and mystery. Ranger Captain Kaden receives an unsigned warning message that declares him a traitor to be taken prisoner on sight and executed for murdering the Klatinan delegation. Not knowing who he can trust Kaden sneaks out of the Ranger Compound and heads to Stormmir to clear his name. As a fugitive he could do little to prove his innocence alone. He hesitates to involve his father, King Baelon of Keir, and brother, the Hereditary Prince, for fear his troubles would smear their name. Not knowing who to trust he turns to a retired Castle arms master and distant relative, Bralif, who does offer him a safe haven in a secret underground room leading to a web of tunnels under the town.

Gwaleth, a power hungry mage, seems to be the mastermind behind this conspiracy with secrets of his own. However, he has a partner who wants to be declared King of Keir and he is willing to kill the whole Baelon family to succeed. Kaden is hard pressed to find allies until he stumbles across a stranger wearing a green cloak while he is trying to elude the Kings soldiers. Kaden has little choice but to accept the man’s help.

The plot is fast moving, tense, and full of suspense as Kaden tries to unravel the secrets and mysteries of the conspiracy surrounding him. You’ll find double-crossing around several turns, powerful allies you didn’t expect, swordfights, and magic. There were also a couple of rare Stormhawks that were a pretty cool addition!

FYI:

I would recommend reading Battle of Stryker Pass and On Treason’s Trail before reading Stormhawk's Warning. As far as the shorter stories, they will give you a feel for some more of the history of the land and its people.

Format/Typo Issues:

No issues with proofing or formatting.

Rating: ***** Five stars

4 comments:

A Voracious Reader said...

I enjoy fantasy, but I find myself needing to space them out or I get burnt out on the genre. I'll have to add this series to the TBR. :)

Susan Stuckey said...

Thank you ever so much for your wonderful review. I'm really so thankful and honored that you enjoy my stories -- that is really the reason I write -- for others to enjoy.

You made my day and I thank you.

?wazithinkin said...

Ms. Stuckey has built a fascinating fantasy world full of magic. They are all pretty short and easy to read between longer stories. Thanks for commenting Voracious Reader.

?wazithinkin said...

Thanks for dropping in Ms. Stuckey. I am glad Pete asked me if I would be interested in reading your books. I do really enjoy them and hope my reviews help sell your books.