Review of The Return of the Knights

[Nzube Chizoba Okeke]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Return of the Knights" by Gregory Kontaxis.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The war that had raged in Knightdorn for years seemed to be coming to an end. All that stood between Walter Thorn and the crown was Lovbridge, and it was no secret that they could not stand a chance against him. Just when all hope was lost, an unlikely savior arrived.

Elliot had an uncommon skill and boldness that made people listen to him. In a few days, he accomplished things that would have been impossible for any other person, and hope slowly crept back into people's hearts. Elliot was skilled but arrogant, young, and seemingly ignorant of many things. A powerful enemy, treacherous subjects, lies and deceit, and lives and kingdoms hung in the balance. Could this be the salvation of Knightdorn, or were they all doomed to a bloody, terrible end?

Most of the backstory of The Return of the Knights by Gregory Kontaxis was revealed through dialogue and flashbacks. The author also provided maps for further understanding and a summary of the regions mentioned. He also provided a character list to aid understanding. All these factors made the world the story was set in easy to understand. The worldbuilding was well done and showed the author's descriptive ability. I liked the way it was woven into the story seamlessly. Each scene was described vividly; the author could keep the reader in the moment. I became a spectator rather than a person being narrated to.

This book has strong, unique characters. Each makes an indelible mark, and the reader can easily perceive their progression throughout the book. Elliot is not the typical hero-like protagonist; he is flawed and imperfect but always realizes his mistakes and seeks to correct them. He doesn't give up at the first sign of difficulty or disappointment. On the other hand, the antagonist, Walter, is your typical evil, "kill them all" kind of bad guy who invariably inspires disgust (and fear, in the case of the characters) in people's minds. He is also very cunning and determined. Their conflict heightens the intrigue and keeps one wondering how things will play out. We have the standard "wise old person" to tell the main character (and, by extension, the reader) what is happening, what has happened, and what will happen (and why it will) so the reader stays informed more often than not. It rescues the storyline from the trap of over-complication that befalls many fantasy books.

This book falls into the "chosen one battles forces of evil" category. Despite this typicality in the book's theme and the depiction of the characters, nothing about this book is predictable or dull. There are constant surprises, and one can never accurately assume the next thing to happen. When things seem to be going in one direction, something unexpected occurs that turns things in another direction. The suspense factor makes the book difficult to put down. There is no abrupt cliffhanger, but the author generates so much fascination and intrigue that anybody who reads this book will want to see how the story plays out. I greatly look forward to reading the remaining books in this series and other books by Gregory Kontaxis.

The book is professionally edited, as there are relatively few errors. The Return of the Knights is an exciting and enjoyable read, and I am sad to see it end. There's nothing I dislike. Therefore, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to lovers of historical, epic fantasy.

******
The Return of the Knights
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[RutvikPatel]

"The Return of the Knights" by Gregory Kontaxis is a gripping fantasy novel set in the war-torn realm of Knightdorn, where Walter Thorn stands on the brink of claiming the crown. The unexpected arrival of Elliot, a bold and skilled individual, brings a glimmer of hope to a desperate situation. The book skillfully reveals its backstory through dialogue and flashbacks, aided by maps, character lists, and vivid worldbuilding that immerses readers in the story's rich setting. The characters are strong, unique, and undergo notable development, particularly the flawed yet determined protagonist, Elliot, and the cunning antagonist, Walter. While the story follows some conventional fantasy themes, it continually surprises with unexpected twists and suspenseful moments. Kontaxis' storytelling prowess keeps readers engaged, and the book's lack of predictability makes it a compelling read. I eagerly anticipate the continuation of this series and further works by the author.

[Carlebastra]

"The Return of the Knights" by Gregory Kontaxis is a literary masterpiece that intricately weaves the valor of chivalry with the complexities of the human spirit. Kontaxis masterfully revitalizes the knightly era, rekindling our fascination with honor and duty. Through his characters, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, where courage is not merely physical but also moral. The narrative's depth reveals the shadows of the medieval world, shedding light on timeless themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for justice. Kontaxis's prose enchants readers, making this work a poignant reminder that the ideals of knights, though distant, still resonate in our modern hearts. "The Return of the Knights" is an evocative testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the enduring allure of honor.

[NetMassimo]

This novel uses some very classic tropes of stories featuring a hero vs. evil antagonist to create an engaging epic fantasy plot full of unpredictable moments. Thank you for your great review!

[Kelvinna]

I appreciate the well-structured review. The author's excellent book and its intriguing title have piqued my interest, prompting me to add it to my bookshelf without a doubt.

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Return of the Knights" by Gregory Kontaxis.]

This book has strong, unique characters. Each makes an indelible mark, and the reader can easily perceive their progression throughout the book. Elliot is not the typical hero-like protagonist; he is flawed and imperfect but always realizes his mistakes and seeks to correct them. He doesn't give up at the first sign of difficulty or disappointment. On the other hand, the antagonist, Walter, is your typical evil, "kill them all" kind of bad guy who invariably inspires disgust (and fear, in the case of the characters) in people's minds. He is also very cunning and determined. Their conflict heightens the intrigue and keeps one wondering how things will play out. We have the standard "wise old person" to tell the main character (and, by extension, the reader) what is happening, what has happened, and what will happen (and why it will) so the reader stays informed more often than not. It rescues the storyline from the trap of over-complication that befalls many fantasy books.

I love a book that is "sad to put down"... but what really appeals to me about your review is your description of the antagonist! I enjoy when an author puts some effort into creating a formidable antagonist. The suspense you speak of also draws my attention. Interestingly, the book's cover has some nice appeal for this genre as well. Thanks so much for sharing a well-thought out and well-written review!

[Kelvinna]

The reviewer's critique stands out for me, appreciating both the well-written review, the rating given, and the recommendation provided. I must emphasize the quality of this piece, thoroughly enjoying the content while reading it.

[Marie Chalupová]

This book has been on my radar for quite a while, and I already own a copy. It's good to know that the worldbuilding is well done as that's usually what attracts me most to a fantasy book.

[Shiru Elizabeth]

This literary classic deftly combines the complexity of the human character with the bravery of chivalry. Kontaxis skillfully brings the knightly past back to life, reviving our passion with duty and honor. Congrats on BOTD.

[Sanga9875]

"The Return of the Knights: Book 1" is a captivating journey that seamlessly blends elements of adventure, fantasy, and medieval lore into an enthralling narrative. The story follows Elliot, a young squire with dreams of knighthood, as he embarks on a perilous quest to restore peace to the kingdom. What sets this book apart is its masterful character development and immersive world-building. Each character is intricately crafted with depth and complexity, making them feel incredibly real and relatable.

The plot is meticulous, weaving together intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning pages until the very end. The author's vivid descriptions bring the medieval world to life, evoking a sense of wonder and adventure that will appeal to readers of all ages.

"The Return of the Knights" is not just a thrilling adventure tale but also a story with deeper themes of courage, friendship, and the enduring power of hope. Through Elliot's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and the transformative power of believing in oneself. "The Return of the Knights: Book 1" is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and medieval adventures. With its richly drawn characters, gripping plot, and timeless themes, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

The image on the cover is reminiscent of the story of ‘the Knights of the Round Table’, and on reading it, it is full of that magical, legendary and ancient feel that the story of King Arthur invokes. There’s a very long who’s who list at the beginning, so judging by that, this book is going to be a veritable saga!

[Sofia de Almeida]

Nzube thank you for the fantastic review, it opened my appetite to download this book and try a genre that I wouldn’t easily venture into. It’s difficult to resist to a comment of “difficult to put down” when it comes to a book!

[Kathryn Taft]

In the review of this book the author touches on the one point that I was looking to see and that is that although it appears to be similar to many others of the genre it is unpredictable and has a fresh element to it that sets it apart. I especially loved the author saying that Kontaxis maintained a degree of simplicity whereas it's common for books like this to become over complicated. I'm looking forward to reading the whole series, thank you sir for the great review.

[Jay Lu]

This review brilliantly captures the essence and complexity of "The Return of the Knights" by Gregory Kontaxis. Your insights into the character development, particularly Elliot's flawed yet relatable nature and Walter's cunning villainy, add depth to our understanding of the narrative. It's intriguing how the author uses dialogue and flashbacks for backstory, enhancing the world-building without overwhelming the reader. The balance between descriptive storytelling and maintaining suspense is noteworthy. Your anticipation for the series' continuation echoes the sentiments of many readers, highlighting the book's compelling narrative. A thoroughly enjoyable read, indeed!

[Hazel Arnaiz]

With its detailed backstories and world-building, this novel serves as a series opener, preparing readers for an epic adventure. The setting is ideal for fantasy and mythology enthusiasts looking to get away from the real world.