Official Review: The Tears of San Ferath

Nathrad Sheare · Post by **Nathrad Sheare** » 17 Oct 2014, 18:51

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Tears of San Ferath" by D. Thomas Jerlo, also writing as Dawne Dominique.]

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"When the need is great, so shall he wake." Thus is begun the story of San' Ferath, the last of the dragons in Allanoria, land of the Mage'icals, a tale driven by a large and colorful crew of characters- including the freelance mercenary, Cethland Mer' Morellis- Rateif Laklan, the vile High Regent of Allanoria- and Dannon, a beautiful and noble-minded young woman wielding the black power of the Nongeva Druids.

Lord Rateif Laklan desires nothing more than ultimate power, but has for years hidden his bloodlust behind a mask of benevolence. He hires Cethland Morellis to unwittingly assist him in his secret endeavors and, with that decision, changes the course of Allanoria's future in a way none but one ever imagined.

I can assume that Jerlo has spared not a milligram of her imagination during the construction of this novel. The world she has invented brims with intriguing settings, characters, and themes which give a reader much to savor in the book's pages. The makeup of each character has been carefully crafted to convince. Further description of Allanoria might enrich the reading experience further. There are some measurements given of tunnels and pits, and castles are compared to other colossal or menacing- looking objects, but a little more on the kinds of metals and stones used in Allanoria, and a bit on the larger and wilder areas of the land would make the setting more fascinating. However, the colors Jerlo has provided are adequate to transport and, to a fair degree, engage her audience. The subplots are weaved through with care, never distracting the reader with unnecessary action, but enhancing the intrigue of the principal thread.

Of course, one can't ignore the novel's weaknesses. For one, the profanity in certain passages seems out of place, particularly for the time period in which the plot seems to be set (Castles, torchlight, and words like "maiden" are not hallmarks of our modern Age). Concerning her description of her characters, perhaps Jerlo could have been a bit more generous. Passages that include a couple of facial characteristics and, then, a "she was..." or "he seemed..." are common. This is to say that, in general, Jerlo is rather economical with her words, and the fact isn't always to the benefit of her novel. "Unremarkable" is the word that may best describe many of the results she achieves by this technique. The entertainment factor of her work might have been bumped up by a little "splurging."

In short, the story of "The Tears of San' Ferath" is an intriguing concept. It would have been better supported by a larger variety of words and further invention in the descriptive passages. It seems Jerlo still has room to grow as a writer, but as a storyteller she is rather mature. I rate this offering 2 out of 4 stars.

***
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DawneDominique · Post by **DawneDominique** » 23 Oct 2014, 00:35

Thank you for taking the time to read my novel and the indepth review.

Nathrad Sheare · Post by **Nathrad Sheare** » 23 Oct 2014, 14:32

You're very welcome, Ms. Dominique. It was a pleasure writing about such an imaginative book.

Skillian · Post by **Skillian** » 22 Nov 2014, 20:08

This is a great review! I am actually going to add this book to my reading list despite the rating. The way you detailed what you didn't like about it actually exposed things I tend to like. haha. At the same time the idea seems interesting enough to give it a try. I giggled at the profanity comment.. thinking about the vast popularity of A Song of Ice and Fire, which has similar tendencies. Is this book intended to be the first of a series? Is so it might actually be great when considering it is only the toe into a whole new world that is only beginning to unravel. Anyway, great review. Too many times reviewers don't describe the issues they have with books well enough to simultaneously encourage those who might have differing opinions.

Stevefromtheblock · Post by **Stevefromtheblock** » 22 Nov 2014, 20:14

Thank you for a nice review. This isn't the genre I prefer, so I don't know if I'll be reading this book. But I like to read the reviews and I hope I am able to review a book here soon.

DawneDominique · Post by **DawneDominique** » 22 Nov 2014, 23:05

Hi, Skillian. There were a few things in Nathrad's review I didn't agree with, but then again, it's just one person's perception and opinion. The review is very well written, and I liked their honesty.

Being the author, I'm biased, of course. But I'm glad she liked it and better yet, it's intrigued you to read it. I've obviously have done something right. I hope you enjoy it. I would like to hear what you think.

Nathrad Sheare · Post by **Nathrad Sheare** » 24 Nov 2014, 05:41

Hey, Skillian! Welcome to the forums!

I'm glad you enjoyed my review. I enjoy writing reviews. I'm actually due for another one. Just finished the book a day or two ago and I think I have the FIRST draft finished at last...

Mine's only one of many opinions on Ms. Dominique's work. The book seems to be intended as part of a series, but I didn't see an official "yes" or "no" on that point from our author... We'll have to see, I suppose.

Have you given thought to writing your own reviews here on the site? Practice makes perfect... For me it required a writing course... Ha, ha! If so, I'll read them all.

-- 24 Nov 2014, 05:43 --

SteveFromTheBlock:

I look forward to reading your reviews! I'm glad you enjoyed mine. I'm a novice, but I think I'm starting to develop... Maybe you could tell me if I'm wrong?

I hope you get the best out of your experience on the site, my friend!

-- 24 Nov 2014, 05:48 --

Ms. Dominique:

I hope I didn't cause any offense by my writings... I try not to be cruel when stating what I don't like about an author's work. I'm an amateur writer, myself, and wouldn't want somebody being mean about my creative faults. It was certainly a pleasure reviewing your book.

DawneDominique · Post by **DawneDominique** » 24 Nov 2014, 09:22

No offense taken at all, Nathrad.

Nathrad Sheare · Post by **Nathrad Sheare** » 24 Nov 2014, 16:09

Ms. Dominique:

I'm very glad!

Oh, and I am actually a guy. Ha ha! My avatar might seem like evidence to the contrary

but I'm just a fan of the face and voice it represents, and a fan is compelled to show his loyalty.

DawneDominique · Post by **DawneDominique** » 24 Nov 2014, 16:37

I didn't know whether you were a male or female, but it matters little. *chuckles* I've been admiring your avatar.

Nathrad Sheare · Post by **Nathrad Sheare** » 24 Nov 2014, 21:18

Ms. Dominique:

Ha ha ha! Have you now? You're familiar with Maria Callas?

DawneDominique · Post by **DawneDominique** » 24 Nov 2014, 21:29

I don't know a lot about opera, but I did look her up after seeing your avatar. She's stunning.

Nathrad Sheare · Post by **Nathrad Sheare** » 24 Nov 2014, 22:10

And I don't know... Is gender really so superfluous? Thought you were a writer. Ha ha! I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

-- 24 Nov 2014, 22:15 --

I agree. She's kind of awesome. I have all of her studio recordings. A remarkable talent... Now if only I could match it in my own... Let's not say "art..." Art is a strong word for my scribblings... Ha ha ha! Opera is WONDERFUL music. And quite the muse!

-- 24 Nov 2014, 22:19 --

And, by the way, I really do like fantasy. That's why I chose to review your book. My usual music choice is classical because it pretty much takes me as far away from reality as possible. Ha ha!

DawneDominique · Post by **DawneDominique** » 24 Nov 2014, 22:49

Gender is absolutely superfluous. I read to take myself away from reality too. I write to immerse myself in it.

Nathrad Sheare · Post by **Nathrad Sheare** » 24 Nov 2014, 23:03

I guess that it really doesn't matter what one writes... The emotions and ideas conveyed in any story are all human, right? There's just no getting away from the psychological elements of our world... Not in Narnia, or Allanoria, or Middle Earth... Or Underland...

Besides, if they're a drag in reality, dramatic points work wonders for fiction!

Do you think writing is the best choice of work you could have made?