Review by EMoffat -- A Kingdom Forgotten

[EMoffat]

[Following is a volunteer review of "A Kingdom Forgotten" by Charles W. McDonald Jr..]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Armageddon. The war between good and evil. The war that will end all things. End 'Creation' itself. As Armageddon plagues earth, brought on by a powerful demigod, Damon, people on other planets begin to realise it will affect them as well. Armageddon will come for them all.

As A kingdom Forgotten cascades between different planets and timelines many stories are weaved together. You trail Damon as he carries out his master plan. With the help of another powerful magi, Kellen, along with many others, he seeks an untapped power source so he can bring his plan to fruition. As he skips from planet to planet taking what he wants, and leaving a wake of beautiful women behind, he needs to understand complex astrophysics to try and make his own planet habitable. All the while, jumping into Earth's future to plant seeds of destruction, bringing around Armageddon.

Meanwhile, a young man finds his future entangled with Damon. Radin, of planet Perion, meets and falls in love with a woman named Elise. He bequests her an amulet that he finds, but little does he know that both the artifact and the girl will be much more than they seem. He learns he may be 'The One' from the prophecy – 'The One' that opens the first scroll (the scroll of Carnac), unleashing the war to end all wars on his planet. Radin finds help in unlikely places – from Undead who have traveled to his planet from earth, to powerful lamens (people that can wield magic), and from Damon himself. He needs to learn how to build and control his magical ability, and he needs to learn fast as carnage races towards them.

The plot twists and thickens as one of the lamens who originally helps Radin tries to take the scroll for himself. Talemar, an old and legendary lamen, also believes that he is 'The One'. They find themselves at odds as they try and seek out the Crystal Crown to determine who the prophecy is speaking of. However, they will need to learn to put aside their differences as the fight against evil unfolds.

A Kingdom Forgotten by Charles W. McDonald Jr was a real challenge to review. The story does not just jump between planets and characters erratically, but also through different timelines. You will read a section that is set tens of thousands of years ago on one world, closely followed by a section in the future of another world, and in turn followed by a section where time has no significance. For over half the novel I did not grasp what story was going to unfold, or who the story was going to end up following. The confusing writing style left me feeling lost with regards to the overall plot. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book.

The characters, once you figure out who they are, are very well developed, and the descriptions used are beautiful. The detail of writing is phenomenal, I have not read such a thoroughly detailed story since J.R.R. Tolkien or George R.R. Martin. There is a reader's guide at the beginning of the book, which is definitely needed. While the guide made me feel apprehensive to read the novel, you can tell that Charles W. McDonald Jr has spilled his soul into the story, and his dedication is astounding. His intricately detailed descriptions bring characters, clothing, and surroundings vividly to life. There is also fantastic use of contrasting colours for scene setting.

The sections that are set on earth are consistent with today's news and political situation making it very relatable. Many of the earth scenes are military based, and the terminology and accurate descriptions of the setting are amazing. Even the army jargon and military machinery are described down to the last tiny detail. The author has a background in the military, and this really shines through in these sections of the book. Another theme that is consistently impressive focuses around astrophysics (the author has background in this field as well). The research and commitment that have been put into the story is mind blowing. I researched some of the astrophysical aspects while reading, and found them to be relevant and accurate. This made the story seem even more realistic, bringing the novel to life.

One downside of the book is that it is slightly sexist. All the female characters are small-waisted, large breasted, and have 'supple and inviting' flesh. The descriptions of the female characters in the book, while written very well, are quite chauvinistic. There is also a lot of belittling references to, and about, women. A lot of slights are made about the female race being unreasonable, or only interested in shiny and expensive things, and in general too many negative stereotypes of women are displayed in the story. This is a shame because a lot of the lead characters are betrayed by strong and independent women, but they have a sexist shadow cast over them.

As the book progresses the scene and time changes become slightly less frantic, and you fall into a gripping and wholesome story. Although, even when you think you have a grip on what is going on, a new character, or a new time line appears, and you are left confused once more. It is an insanely complex story, written like no other. The writing is outstanding, and the use of alliteration and attention to detail is incredible. There is an underlying message of how insignificant we all are, and how little control we actually have of the events transpiring around us.

I really wish that I could award this book 4 out of 4 stars. However, it is just too confusing at times, and the story line can be very hard to follow. It is for this reason, along with the sexist portrayal of the female characters that I award it 3 out of 4 stars. Had it been slightly more consistent then it would have received four. I would recommend the book to people who have the time to really get stuck into it – it is not the kind of book that you can read for ten minutes before going to bed. I would also discourage young readers because of some sexual scenes and content, as well as the complexity of the story.

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A Kingdom Forgotten
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Like EMoffat's review? Post a comment saying so!

[CocoTam]

Really interesting review. It is interesting that you picked up on the sexist aspect.. liked the insight. Thank you for the review

[Anugo]

Interesting review

[EMoffat]

Thanks for the comments.

CocoTam - the sexist view of the female characters was a big thing for me in the book. I found it strange that there would be so many strong, female leads, but still have such sexist undertones. I am currently reading the second in the series, so I will see if it continues.

[Jaime Lync]

Great review. I am a guy and I would have been offended about the chauvinistic commentary. I have 5 sisters and I hate it when people make it seem like girls are just there for sex appeal. I've been eyeing this book but it seems to be so long and after reading your review I am still on the fence. Thanks for your honest review!

[EMoffat]

It is very long, but if you enjoy the genre it is definetly worth a read! Albeit a bit confusing, if you don't mind feeling lost, then the writing is really phenomenal . I am reading the second in the series now and it is much less confusing! Still a little sexist though, sadly

[T-Tam]

Thanks for your review Emoffat, I am thinking of giving this a read. But just as Jaime I still feel on the fence due to the sexism of the author. I will have to give this one a think.

[EMoffat]

It is worth a go - plus the author spend 21 years writing it, so you have to give him credit for that!

[Czarmaine AM]

Wow. This is a very thoughtful review. I'm glad that you were able to voice out the chauvinist approach in this book. I'm not really into this kind of genre and with your comments about the story jumping from different timelines, I think might pass on this one. Thank you for this great review!

[EMoffat]

Thank you for the compliment czarmaineam - always nice to read good things! If it isn't a genre you enjoy, you should probably give it a miss as it is very confusing.

[Rosemary Okoko]

The story line sounds interesting. Though the writing style is confusing, you still enjoyed the book. Good reason to give it a try. Nice review.

[EMoffat]

Thanks Okoko! I find sometimes the more confusing reads can be more rewarding, feels like you have achieved something when you do understand what is going on.