Review by masterhawk88 -- A Kingdom Forgotten
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masterhawk88
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Review by masterhawk88 -- A Kingdom Forgotten
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Kingdom Forgotten" by Charles W. McDonald Jr..]
3 out of 4 stars
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A Kingdom Forgotten by Charles W. McDonald Jr. is a story unlike any I have ever read. Jumping between worlds, timelines, and characters almost on a whim each passage is nearly it’s own story. Yet every thread and piece of thread all come together and form a solid rope that withstood my best attempts to find plot holes, and dead ends.
Because of the many worlds and times this novel takes place in it’s difficult to surmise in any reasonable length. Just the number of characters, and plot arcs alone would take a page to explain. At it’s core however, the thread the rope is formed around is the end of creation.
Eon’s past a man with godlike powers named Damon created a spell that obliterated the fate of an innocent child. That singular act of unadulterated evil seems to have been the catalyst for all that comes after. Many many years later he’s set about enacting a “Master Plan” that will either save or destroy everything, making allies and enemies along the way despite keeping the details of his plan to himself, letting no one know the true workings of his agenda.
Radin, another major character, is a new player in the scheme of things, but holds the distinction of being meant to fulfill a prophecy. It is Radin’s fate to find the first of seven seals and open it, bringing about destruction on a scale unfathomable. During his journey he finds friends and makes enemies, including a mage or Lamean named Talemar who covets Radin’s destiny for himself.
Because of the many timelines, and worlds the book is confusing at first, almost dizzying in the way it jumps between characters, places, and times. Nearly half the book was over before things fell in to place in a way that allowed me to make sense of them. While it’s a unique way to tell a story, it was admittedly a bit maddening.
The book’s individual passages are very well paced, though because of the unique story telling style it’s very slow to start as a complete narrative, but picks up nicely towards the middle. Once I hit that point I couldn’t stop reading, becoming engrossed in the beautifully crafted universe. Some readers may find that barrier hard to break through, though I found myself glad of the initial slower tempo and world building as the scenes came to life in my mind.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It is a brilliant work of art, well thought out and crafted, however I believe the constant jumping of time periods and worlds will throw off more casual readers. If you’re after a thought provoking, complex, and masterfully written novel I recommend this one wholeheartedly.
******
A Kingdom Forgotten
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Like masterhawk88's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
A Kingdom Forgotten by Charles W. McDonald Jr. is a story unlike any I have ever read. Jumping between worlds, timelines, and characters almost on a whim each passage is nearly it’s own story. Yet every thread and piece of thread all come together and form a solid rope that withstood my best attempts to find plot holes, and dead ends.
Because of the many worlds and times this novel takes place in it’s difficult to surmise in any reasonable length. Just the number of characters, and plot arcs alone would take a page to explain. At it’s core however, the thread the rope is formed around is the end of creation.
Eon’s past a man with godlike powers named Damon created a spell that obliterated the fate of an innocent child. That singular act of unadulterated evil seems to have been the catalyst for all that comes after. Many many years later he’s set about enacting a “Master Plan” that will either save or destroy everything, making allies and enemies along the way despite keeping the details of his plan to himself, letting no one know the true workings of his agenda.
Radin, another major character, is a new player in the scheme of things, but holds the distinction of being meant to fulfill a prophecy. It is Radin’s fate to find the first of seven seals and open it, bringing about destruction on a scale unfathomable. During his journey he finds friends and makes enemies, including a mage or Lamean named Talemar who covets Radin’s destiny for himself.
Because of the many timelines, and worlds the book is confusing at first, almost dizzying in the way it jumps between characters, places, and times. Nearly half the book was over before things fell in to place in a way that allowed me to make sense of them. While it’s a unique way to tell a story, it was admittedly a bit maddening.
The book’s individual passages are very well paced, though because of the unique story telling style it’s very slow to start as a complete narrative, but picks up nicely towards the middle. Once I hit that point I couldn’t stop reading, becoming engrossed in the beautifully crafted universe. Some readers may find that barrier hard to break through, though I found myself glad of the initial slower tempo and world building as the scenes came to life in my mind.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It is a brilliant work of art, well thought out and crafted, however I believe the constant jumping of time periods and worlds will throw off more casual readers. If you’re after a thought provoking, complex, and masterfully written novel I recommend this one wholeheartedly.
******
A Kingdom Forgotten
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Like masterhawk88's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon
