Start with three young people, all bearing a painful burden. Ceridwen lost her beloved brother while trying to capture and tame a fire steed. It resulted in her being cast out by her father the king, and being branded on her forehead as unworthy. Rafi has been hiding and on the move for several years, thanks to the brutal things a relative did, including being responsible for his older brother's death. Jakim was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. Now free, he's determined to make a pilgrimage to fulfill his vows as a Scroll, only to be captured and find himself a slave again.
However, all three are swept up in a war when another kingdom launches a brutal invasion, with no sign that it can be stopped. The story alternates between these three young people who find themselves with no choice but to fight back, however they can. Add in great, but bloody battle scenes, plenty of betrayal, plus four breeds of magical horses, and you have a consuming epic that will be followed by a sequel. It's more than satisfying. ( )

Magical horses and more fill the pages of this first installment of a Young Adult Epic fantasy novel series. When the story opens, we meet Ceridwen tal Desmond, who dreams of ruling like her father over the nation of Soldonia, where warriors ride to battle on magical steeds. The magical horses help create a storyline that kept my interest. I also enjoyed reading about Ceridwen and seeing how her character developed through the pages of this book.

Ceridwen searches for her place in her world after banishment from her own land by her father. Other characters in this story help weave together a powerful story. As with most series, the book ends at a point where the author leaves the reader wanting more. So if you have young adults in your life, or just enjoy really gripping epic stories, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Ceridwen has suffered a big loss but I don’t think she had time to grieve because her mission depended on her to save others. It is hard for her to know that the king, her own father has banished her with punishment by death. Can you imagine what she must have felt knowing her own flesh and blood feels nothing for her? With horses only the imagination can conjure up I liked them the most in the entire story.

The premise is to conquer and overcome obstacles which the author illustrates well. I liked how forgiveness was inputted in the story and gave me pause to think about what things I still hold on to that prevents me from moving forward. The author gives us several characters to follow that each have a certain trait or mission. The world they travel in is dangerous and the author keeps the action going throughout the book.

As I read the book I kept thinking how nice it would have been to have stories like this for my boys to have enjoyed while growing up. I have noticed that fantasy has really increased in popularity over the last several years. With an author like this, it gives young adults and adults as well something to read that is not overly graphic and has lessons we all need to work on. There is a hint of a book two, so be looking for that to come out soon.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )