Heart of the Warrior Series by C.R. Richards
The Lords of Valdeon (Book 1)
A new series from award winning Author, C.R. Richards: The epic tale of two men begins. The first – a man of honor trying desperately to turn his country from civil war. The other – a boy struggling to discover his destiny before agents of evil find him first.
Coveted by two ancient enemies of a long forgotten age, the continent of Andara holds the key to victory in an endless struggle for dominance. Eight hundred years have passed since the god-like Jalora struck a bargain with the first King of Valdeon. The Lion Ring, symbol of the covenant and conduit of power, gives its bearer incredible abilities. The ring’s borrowed magic protects the people of Andara from covetous evil, but there is a price. As with most predators, the Lion Ring must feed. Only the blood of the D’Antoiné family line will satisfy its hunger.
A rival for Andara’s treasures, the Sarcion has waited impatiently for its time upon the land. Whispers of treason in the right ear aid its treachery. The King of Valdeon mysteriously disappears, leaving his lands in danger of a civil war by the hand of a murderous usurper. His Lion Ring is lost and the covenant is broken. The Jalora’s power begins to seep away from the land. Evil’s foot hold grows stronger. Can the Lords of Valdeon, Sacred Guard of the covenant, stop the tides of war? Or will Andara fall into chaos? The future rests in the blood of a boy…
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My Review
4 stars
Seth McCloud lives on the Grey Cliff Isles, the furthest he can be from Andara. Seth and his best friend Riley Logan know they are going to grow to up be sheep farmers but they dream of adventures on the main land Andara. Then Seth’s family show up and explain how he is the new ruler of Andara. It seems the last ruler has disappeared along with the Lion Ring. This means the protection of Jalora is fading and it’s up to Seth to fix this. But not everyone that comes to reclaim him want him to succeed.
This is a world ruled by good, Jalora, and evil, Sarcion. Jalora gave the first King of Valdeon The Lion Ring to protect this world with the price being the blood of the D’Antoine family. But the ring has been lost and Sarcion is gaining power. It is going to be up to Seth to save this world. Thankfully Riley is there to help him out along the way.
This is the start to a new epic story. Be warned, the beginning is a little slow but you are building a whole world. Also, you might want to hold off on reading the prologue until you have a couple chapters into the book. I found when reading it first I was confused and lost and didn’t really see how it helped build this world.
Having said that, I really enjoyed this book. There is a lot of weight on Seth’s shoulders but with the help of Riley and others it seems like he may just be able to save everyone. The Lords of Valdeon ends well but does set up the next book nicely. It’s refreshing to not have a huge cliff hanger like so many books in series do.
The Obsidian Gates (Book 2)
A new series from award winning Author, C.R. Richards: The epic tale continues. A new covenant has been forged in the chaos of war. Its price is nothing less than the Bearer of the Lion Ring’s soul.
The rivalry for dominance over the continent of Andara has taken a dark turn. Eternal enemies – the Jalora and the Sarcion – pit their forces against one another in bloody battle. Good weakens, betrayed by the very humans it has sworn to protect. Valdeon, its stronghold on Andara, falls to sword and flame. The fires of its destruction are set alight by barbaric invaders from across the sea. Their brutal hand conquers the land in a night, exiling the Lords of Valdeon – Sacred Guard of the Covenant. Cut off from the center of their power, the Jalora’s greatest heroes are helpless to defend their homeland.
Hope still lingers. Seth D’Antoiné, Bearer of the Lion Ring, journeys to the great Obsidian Citadel seeking a magical relic, the Book of Ancients. Its power could hold the key to Andara’s defense. He alone can open its pages, sparking the magic into life and restoring the Jalora’s waning power. Finding the book won’t be easy. Elusive Obsidian Gates – appearing and then vanishing again by their own will – keep the secret of the book’s location well hidden.
In the depths of the mountain fortress, he finds treachery and intrigue hiding within its walls. Can Seth open the Book of Ancients before the Sarcion’s men find him? Or will the power of Good leave the land forever? Andara’s future awaits behind the Obsidian Gates…
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My Review
5 stars
Seth D’Antoine has recovered the Lion Ring but the forces of evil are continuing to rise. Thankfully his best friend and squire Riley is there to help him out. But they are cut off from Andara from the enemies. There is hope at the Obsidian Citadel. There the Book of Ancients resides and if Seth can get to it and read it he can restore the failing power of Jalora. But just like in the first book, those that are against him are numerous and determined to stop him.
I love this series. You have action and adventure, betrayal and hope, and the possibilities of a kid rising to challenge to become a great leader. But the road to get to this point is full of evil, betrayal, and loss. But it is how you respond to this that defines you. I loved following Seth, he is a great person and shows strength and heart. Of course I really enjoy Riley and how he is Seth’s best friend and strongest supporter.
This is a great series for young adults and adults. It is easier to get into this books since you already know the world. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
I received both The Lords of Valdeon and The Obsidian Gates from Sami at Roger Charlie for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of these books.
Author’s Bio
Is there anything better than being completely immersed in a thrilling Whodunnit? Or traveling along on an Epic Fantasy adventure with your favorite heroes? I love exploring the possibilities with my characters. Based on “What If” scenarios, my stories take readers along as I journey to uncharted territories.
My literary career began as a part-time columnist for a small entertainment newspaper. I was their food critic, entertainment reviewer and cranky editor. Eventually I decided I was sick of ramen noodles and baked potatoes. I went back to school and jumped into Information Technology. The literary bug, however, had already bitten me. I’ve co-authored two horror/ dark fantasy books. My first solo novel, Phantom Harvest, won the EPIC 2014 eBook Award for Fantasy Fiction.
Other works include: Lost Man’s Parish, Pariah and The Lords of Valdeon (Heart of the Warrior – Book One).
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