The book arrived at 5:30pm on a Friday night and I didn't put it down until I was finished with it at 1am in the morning. Once the heroes were off on their adventure, the book quickly picked up pace and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out where they'd wind up next.

One of the most refreshing things in this book is that the main character is not a battle ready individual, nor even a peasant who suddenly thrust into this fate becomes accustomed to it, learning how to wield weapons, killing his enemies as necessary and so on. He is a man (more of a boy) that rather runs away than fight, knows that he cannot defeat a trained warrior one on one and even blanches at the death of his foes. He is one of the more 'realistic and believable' characters I have read in a book.

If you enjoy reading a book that is a straight forward adventure, with the occasional offshot plotline, humor and a rather entertaining characters, this is a book for you.

Mark Mensch

 

Michael A. Ventrella's first effort proves to be a strong one. Full of wit and whimsy, this novel entertains with its rich fantasy world and characters. The misadventures of a young bard fit well into a setting of knights, dwarves, elves, goblins and other fantasy races. The reluctant hero can easily become a labored cliche, but Mr. Ventrella manages to make his reluctant hero interesting, funny and even heroic.

Scott Kondrk

 

Terin is a likable character and you find yourself rooting for him to fulfill the prophecy. Terin's self-effacing humor fits in with his character and makes him believable. Some of the reviews mention the presence of humor. Don't be put off by this. The humor is occasional and not overwhelming.

I enjoyed the unexpected twists in the plot. Reading a story written in the first person only works if the character is likable and someone you want to know quickly. If not, it becomes annoying. Mike Ventrella is able to use Terin's skill as a bard in telling the story so that it flows naturally.

Margaret Muth