Talisman
-
-
4.5 • 2 Ratings
-
-
- $2.99
-
- $2.99
Publisher Description
"I just don't understand it. Sometimes it feels like there's energy all around me -- inside -- and I'm sure it's got to be the magic."--Jaren Haldannon
An elusive magic. A stricken kingdom. A twisted sorceress bent on the conquest of Evarlund's six realms.
For fifteen-year-old Jaren Haldannon, the key to wielding metalmagic--a feat that maddeningly defies him--is hidden in the mists of time and further complicated by his lack of awareness. With time running out, Jaren must discover within himself the key to solving the magic's riddle.
Morgaine, Jaren's older sister, is tired of her brother's meddling and of her responsibility to look after him. In the magic, Morgaine has found a calling in which Jaren cannot interfere. She has great potential, but her arcane talent arouses resentment and unwanted attention in their village of Dal Farrow.
Prince Aldrain has accepted the fact that he'll inherit the throne of Carathon. That day, however, seems far away and the heir apparent would rather spend his time hunting and courting. Unknown to all, a sinister plot is unfolding within the capital, one that will thrust great responsibility into Aldrain's hands much sooner than he ever anticipated.
Against these three unwitting heroes is arrayed the fearsome might of the Warwitch. Through unnatural means, she has used the metalmagic to transform herself into an unstoppable adversary. Armed with an old-world weapon of mass destruction, the Witch moves to subdue any who might oppose her.
Loyalties of blood and honor will be tested. Ages-old deceit will be revealed. In the end, who will remain to claim mastery of the metalmagic?
Customer Reviews
Metalmagic: Talisman is a fantastic, fast-paced, descriptive, and character-driven read
The story revolves around three very likable, adolescent villagers: Iselle, Jaren, and his older sister Morgaine. Morgaine has been deemed by the Valir (a guild for those who have mastered the use of magic through Metanduil) to possess the ability to wield magic. Jaren desperately wants to possess this talent, but slowly discovers that he may not be able to do so. And Iselle is a strong-willed, at times comical, friend who has a particular fondness for Jaren.
What is enjoyable about the book is the dynamic relationships between these three characters as they progress through the story, which reveals the deep bond shared between siblings while also detailing the commotions of sibling rivalries.
This trio is sent out from their village of Dal Farrow to soon discover that they are caught up in the greater workings of a conspiracy by the Warwitch, an evil sorceress who is determined to rule Evarlund's six realms. In the Witch's arsenal is a powerful weapon that has already destroyed part of the Kingdom of Carathon's castle compound killing members of the royal family thus thrusting the initially reluctant prince Aldrain to the throne.
Will the Warwitch succeed in capturing and manipulating Morgaine's magical talents? Will King Aldrain live up to the responsibilities of the throne and guide his kingdom through the deadly, conspiring forces that seek to destroy him and his people? Will Jaren accept his inability to use Metanduil? These are the questions that will haunt the reader as they are quickly pulled into the book's very descriptive, well-written, and character-driven story.
Derek Donais has created a vivid and original fantastical world that is fast-paced, enjoyable, and very easy to follow. It is a pleasant and fun read that I would recommend to any fan of fantasy.