Official Review: Rise of Raulet by Ryan Spires
Posted: 14 Sep 2015, 15:37
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Rise of Raulet" by Ryan Spires.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Iacio. Cadem. Acuri. Coire. These are a few of the species and creatures found in Ryan Spires's first Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel, Rise of Raulet. Spires creates a world where magical creatures and different human-like beings co-exist. The novel revolves around the fictional land of Raulet and follows four main characters: Sybell, Andreu, Jasper, and Marget.
Sybell desires to bring her people, the Acuri, back to power. Using her abilities, she is able to control people's actions and thoughts. Those under her control are known as thralls; however, she prefers to refer to them as her “converted children”. Sybell will stop at nothing to accomplish her goal.
A deceased, powerful man named Andreu is risen from the dead by a spirit weaver and takes control of a human body. The spirit weaver holds Andreu's deceased family's spirits captive, preventing them from entering a peaceful afterlife. Andreu must follow the spirit weaver's instructions, lest his family's spirits will never be at peace. Risking his life and well-being to save his loved ones, Andreu's determination does not falter.
Siblings Jasper and Marget are hunters of the Acuri. Following their father's death, money is tight and they have little to their name. In order to continue hunting Acuri, they need to acquire an Iacio. An Iacio is a human that possesses the power to shield him/herself and others nearby from the Acuri. The siblings are given new hope in continuing their life's mission after they are introduced to Eloise, an untrained, yet powerful, Iacio. Unfortunately, the three are not alone; they learn that Eloise is being followed.
There are several aspects of Rise to Raulet that I liked. One aspect that Spires does very well is character development. He has created some very complex characters. For instance, Sybell is a character that you would like to despise because of the way she treats humans. She uses them for her own purpose and, at times, kills them. However, she shows great affection and gentleness towards several of the people she controls, calling them her children and protecting them from harm. Also, Spires shows the love Sybell has for her companion, Marat, by describing the caring looks and gentle words she uses towards him.
I also liked the author's originality in his work. Many fantasy books are based on the same old types of characters (vampires, witches, etc.). However, Spires has created something that I haven't read before. He has developed a world with unique characters and an unparalleled plot. With diverse creatures like the Iacio, Acuri, and spirit weavers, the reader can fully immerse him/herself in the story's action-packed plot.
The underlying theme of Rise of Raulet is fighting for what you believe in. All four characters show they have strong convictions towards something in their lives. Sybell believes her people should regain the strength they once had. Andreu believes his loved ones' spirits should be saved. Jasper and Marget believe that power should not be given to those who are undeserving. This theme can easily be taken from Spires's fantasy world and applied to our own lives. How many times do we find ourselves questioning our beliefs or wavering due to unforeseen obstacles? It takes a strong person to find something he/she believes, stick with it, and follow through, no matter what is said or done.
I rate Rise to Raulet 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to adults who enjoy page-turning, action-packed fantasy stories and are looking for a plot that is new and unique. One warning: those who are interested in this book should feel comfortable reading violent scenes, since there are quite a few in Rise to Raulet. Overall, a wonderful read!
******
Rise of Raulet
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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4 out of 4 stars
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Iacio. Cadem. Acuri. Coire. These are a few of the species and creatures found in Ryan Spires's first Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel, Rise of Raulet. Spires creates a world where magical creatures and different human-like beings co-exist. The novel revolves around the fictional land of Raulet and follows four main characters: Sybell, Andreu, Jasper, and Marget.
Sybell desires to bring her people, the Acuri, back to power. Using her abilities, she is able to control people's actions and thoughts. Those under her control are known as thralls; however, she prefers to refer to them as her “converted children”. Sybell will stop at nothing to accomplish her goal.
A deceased, powerful man named Andreu is risen from the dead by a spirit weaver and takes control of a human body. The spirit weaver holds Andreu's deceased family's spirits captive, preventing them from entering a peaceful afterlife. Andreu must follow the spirit weaver's instructions, lest his family's spirits will never be at peace. Risking his life and well-being to save his loved ones, Andreu's determination does not falter.
Siblings Jasper and Marget are hunters of the Acuri. Following their father's death, money is tight and they have little to their name. In order to continue hunting Acuri, they need to acquire an Iacio. An Iacio is a human that possesses the power to shield him/herself and others nearby from the Acuri. The siblings are given new hope in continuing their life's mission after they are introduced to Eloise, an untrained, yet powerful, Iacio. Unfortunately, the three are not alone; they learn that Eloise is being followed.
There are several aspects of Rise to Raulet that I liked. One aspect that Spires does very well is character development. He has created some very complex characters. For instance, Sybell is a character that you would like to despise because of the way she treats humans. She uses them for her own purpose and, at times, kills them. However, she shows great affection and gentleness towards several of the people she controls, calling them her children and protecting them from harm. Also, Spires shows the love Sybell has for her companion, Marat, by describing the caring looks and gentle words she uses towards him.
I also liked the author's originality in his work. Many fantasy books are based on the same old types of characters (vampires, witches, etc.). However, Spires has created something that I haven't read before. He has developed a world with unique characters and an unparalleled plot. With diverse creatures like the Iacio, Acuri, and spirit weavers, the reader can fully immerse him/herself in the story's action-packed plot.
The underlying theme of Rise of Raulet is fighting for what you believe in. All four characters show they have strong convictions towards something in their lives. Sybell believes her people should regain the strength they once had. Andreu believes his loved ones' spirits should be saved. Jasper and Marget believe that power should not be given to those who are undeserving. This theme can easily be taken from Spires's fantasy world and applied to our own lives. How many times do we find ourselves questioning our beliefs or wavering due to unforeseen obstacles? It takes a strong person to find something he/she believes, stick with it, and follow through, no matter what is said or done.
I rate Rise to Raulet 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to adults who enjoy page-turning, action-packed fantasy stories and are looking for a plot that is new and unique. One warning: those who are interested in this book should feel comfortable reading violent scenes, since there are quite a few in Rise to Raulet. Overall, a wonderful read!
******
Rise of Raulet
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like hsimone's review? Post a comment saying so!
I guess it is a pretty weird concept! I didn't even think about that. I'm just thinking 'hey, this is awesome book!' Stepping back, I can see the concept being a little weird! Not sure what that says about me...