It’s been a while since I participated in one of the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tours, but once I saw the cover of this book … well, I simply couldn’t say no.
Short Description:
Cantor D’Ahma always dreamed of
becoming a true realm walker. Afterenduring enjoying years of training
from his mentors, he’s finally ready to step out on his own and make his first
solo trip to another realm. But his first trip teeters on the edge of disaster
when he finds himself saddled with a clearly incompetent dragon companion,
stumbles across some strange acquaintances, and stages a prion break under the
nose of the king’s guard.
becoming a true realm walker. After
from his mentors, he’s finally ready to step out on his own and make his first
solo trip to another realm. But his first trip teeters on the edge of disaster
when he finds himself saddled with a clearly incompetent dragon companion,
stumbles across some strange acquaintances, and stages a prion break under the
nose of the king’s guard.
Worse, with every step of his
journey, Cantor realizes that the Realms are in serious trouble. The realm
walkers are no longer the heroes he always thought they were. Corruption
seethes at the heart of the Realm Walkers Guild, and it’s up to him and hisstrange
acquaintances new friends to put an end to it before disaster strikes.
journey, Cantor realizes that the Realms are in serious trouble. The realm
walkers are no longer the heroes he always thought they were. Corruption
seethes at the heart of the Realm Walkers Guild, and it’s up to him and his
acquaintances
One Realm Beyond is the first book
in Donita K. Paul’s new YA fantasy series. It was a fun read. I enjoyed
following Cantor’s journey and all of the people (and creatures) he met along
the way. Bixby was simply darling with her eclectic fashion sense and scads of
special abilities. What can’t that girl do? And Bridger—the strangely-skilled incompetent
dragon companion—was one of my favorites.
in Donita K. Paul’s new YA fantasy series. It was a fun read. I enjoyed
following Cantor’s journey and all of the people (and creatures) he met along
the way. Bixby was simply darling with her eclectic fashion sense and scads of
special abilities. What can’t that girl do? And Bridger—the strangely-skilled incompetent
dragon companion—was one of my favorites.
The notion of shape shifting dragons
is unique—can’t say I’ve ever heard of it before—and made for some hilarious
scenes. That said, I had a hard time actually picturing the dragons as dragons
when they were doing things like coming in and out of buildings in dragon form
and picking up cups of tea or carrying things. But that could just be me.
is unique—can’t say I’ve ever heard of it before—and made for some hilarious
scenes. That said, I had a hard time actually picturing the dragons as dragons
when they were doing things like coming in and out of buildings in dragon form
and picking up cups of tea or carrying things. But that could just be me.
Overall, the story focuses most on the characters and building their individual personalities and struggles. It’s not lacking in action though, and there are some dire event towards the end that raise the stakes for the next book in the series.
I tend to gravitate toward novels on the epic battles/massive armies/fight for your life every minute of the day side of adventure and fantasy, so One Realm Beyond made for a nice change. All in all, true to Donita K. Paul’s usual cheery writing style, I found it an enjoyable light-hearted fantasy … with an ending that took me by surprise! (Always a plus.)
Check out the author’s website: Donita K. Paul
Be sure to stop by the other participating sites and see what they have to say about One Realm Beyond!
Julie Bihn ~ Keanan Brand ~ Beckie Burnham ~ Mike Coville ~ Pauline Creeden ~ Vicky DealSharingAunt ~ Carol Gehringer ~ Rebekah Gyger ~ Janeen Ippolito ~ Jason Joyner ~ Carol Keen ~ Krystine Kercher ~ Emileigh Latham ~ Jennette Mbewe ~ Shannon McDermott ~ Megan @ Blooming with Books ~ Melanie @ Christian Bookshelf Reviews ~ Rebecca LuElla Miller ~ Joan Nienhuis ~ Nissa ~ Donita K. Paul ~ Audrey Sauble ~ Chawna Schroeder ~ James Somers ~ Jojo Sutis ~ Jessica Thomas ~ Steve Trower ~ Shane Werlinger ~ Jill Williamson ~ Deborah Wilson
Note: In conjunction with the CSFF blog tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. The thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own! ;)
Jack says
I really like the cover! I just started her DragonQuest series…or, whatever the title of the series is, and I really like it. So, another series is exciting!!!! And this one sounds like a lot of fun.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Oh fun! Yes, if you're enjoying the DragonQuest series, I think you'll definitely enjoy One Realm Beyond. :)
Hannah says
Yes, that cover is amazing. So colorful and fanciful. And who doesn't like a mysterious guy in a hood with a sword. Always awesome.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
Exactly!
serena says
I can't wait to get my hands on this lovely book! I've been waiting for it since I finished all of her other fantasy novels last year, and just haven't had the time now that it's finally come out. :/
Gillian Bronte Adams says
I know what that's like! My book wish list is about three miles long! :)
Emileigh says
The shape-shifting dragons were a lot of fun.
Gillian Bronte Adams says
I think they were my favorite part. :) Shape shifting is something I've never really thought about before, but it poses some interesting questions. If you can shapeshift easily between multiple forms, how do you know what your true form is? Do you have to consciously think about it when you do it? Supposing there was another form you liked better than your original form (assuming you know what your original form is) could you choose to wear that shape all the time, or does it require a great deal of effort? It's funny, considering the many types of fantastical and magical abilities I've read and written about, but I've never stopped to consider the mechanics of shape shifting. Why is there not a class on this? ;)
Captain Travis says
Looks interesting! And I agree it's a great cover.