What if the world as we know it catastrophically destroyed and only a small number of humans were left to survive in a world practically taken back to the stone ages, or more precisely the ice age? Those survivors would be charged with rebuilding the world and dealing with the effects of starvation, radiation poisoning, genetic mutation, re-learning how to survive without all our modern conveniences. Now imagine if you will thousands of years into the future. The modern Ice Age has ended and future generations have learned not only to adapt but to reform societies again. Those genetic mutations have taken the form of people gifted with the power to move objects, shape shift, heal, read thoughts and bend minds. Have they become more highly evolved beings or is mankind still destined to follow the footsteps of those who lived through the dark and middle ages of history?
At first glance, King by Right of Blood and Might looks like your typical medieval tale. Don't let the cover fool you, this book doesn't take place in the distant past, it takes place in the distant future after the world has healed from a global devastation. This is the first novel self published by Anna L. Walls.
The first thing that struck me as unique was finding a Table of Contents. Outside of textbooks, non-fiction books and anthologies, it is not something I often find in fiction books published today. Seeing so many short chapters, my first thought was, "uh-oh, this is going to be really choppy." In reality her shorter chapters flowed beautifully and kept me up most of the night because I'd say to myself, "the next chapter is only a few more pages and I have to see what happens." Then at the end of that chapter, "Oh, I can read just one more.." Needless to say I finished the book in one night.
King by Right of Blood and Might, is the journey of a sixteen year old boy. A prince who has led a sheltered life inside the walls of palace. Prince Harris is the only son of King Aidyn and Queen Lucida of Penn. In the beginning, Harris appears to be an over-protected, bored child. His father obviously loves him but lets his fear for the safety of his family from allowing them to grow and flourish. King Aidyn goes through the motions of being king, allowing other to make the decisions by merely signing whatever is put before him. He knows he can not let his kingdom continue this way, so when King Carroll of the Carolinas sends his envoy and 3rd son, Prince Jonathan to Penn, suggesting they foster each other's sons, King Aidyn sends Harris south to Carolinas. Before he leaves, Harris begins what will be a lifelong bond with Prince Jonathan.
And so the adventure of Prince Harris begins as he is thrust into a kingdom nothing like his own. He will learn what it really means to be a diplomat and a ruler from King Carroll and his family, while back home his own kingdom is crumbling to ruins. He will need all these valuable lessons as he must face the challenge of united former foes to create an army to save his people and rebuild his Kingdom. Some of the interesting characters who will join him along his journey will be Sholeh, the healer; Juan, the son of the Nomad leader, Duncan; Safi, a truthsayer child who will become his ward and bodyguard; Evan, the nomad shapeshifter and many more.
Does Harris have what it takes to bring a truce to all the kingdoms and bridge the gaps and prejudices of the different races? I could tell you, but I want you to go out and buy this fabulous book for yourself. You will not be disappointed. Anna Walls succeeds in taking the reader on an epic journey and leaving them wanting more. Luckily she has another installment in the works. This book is a great read for any age, but would make a great gift to any young adult in your life.
Since it is self-published the best place to find it is on Amazon or ask your local book seller to stock it.
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