Official Review: Potion Voyages Book 1: Castle & ...

mratdegraff91 · Post by **mratdegraff91** » 23 Jan 2017, 22:57

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Potion Voyages Book 1: Castle & Conceit" by Jeremy Dwyer.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Potion Voyages Book 1: Castle and Conceit by Jeremy Dwyer

A fascinating tale of a world filled with many suns and mystical oceans this story follows a young Imperial prince as he makes a choice that brings a great evil to the land. Imperial Prince Octavian was born with the face of death. His older brother was pleasant to look at, which led to a great jealousy developing within him. When his father begins to doubt the length of his life, he encourages his sons to drink from the Gifted waters of the oceans. Each ocean provides certain powerful qualities to the drinker but makes them water bound to that particular ocean and they are unable to drink of any other waters. Octavian goes against his father’s wishes and listens to the mischievous advisor Cassius and drinks of the waters that will cure him of his horrible appearance. After drinking from the waters, he becomes the most handsome man alive and becomes obsessed with his appearance. Cassius who drank of the Gifted waters that would increase his knowledge takes advantage of Octavian and uses him to satisfy his own personal gain. The two bring about many evils to fulfill Octavian’s desire to gaze at himself in jewels and diamonds without ceasing while allowing Cassius to attempt to take over many lands.

Judith bears witness to all the acts and chronicles them within her book. She is one of the great oath bound chroniclers who is free to travel and see all historical events. Chronicles are neutral and are permitted even into the most secret of places to document and record all that occurs. This knowledge is to be stored on the great island of Emeth and be accessed after a certain amount of time has passed. This story follows her as she follows Cassius and Octavian.

Potion Voyages Book 1: Castle and Conceit by Jeremy Dwyer was a fascinating yet challenging book for me to read. The story had very little detail in regards to the different continents in this world. The most vivid detail regarding the surroundings focused on the castles created by Cassius and also the several colored suns. It did seem professionally edited, but I noticed that commas were missing continuously throughout in numbers greater than 1,000.

Also, the storyline was non-eventful in that I felt like there was never much of a climax. It was very repetitive as well. I did like Judith’s character. She is a devoted Chronicler but struggled with her beliefs and also with her emotions. I also enjoyed both Taesa and Torin’s characters. I felt that they brought joy and variety to the story. In all, I give this book a 3 out of 4 stars. I think that with some changes to the storyline to make it more appealing and easier to read, it would improve the rating and maintain readers interest.

This book is 172 pages in length and falls into the Sci/Fi Fantasy category in that it involves a new world filled with magic. It is written in the third person. The story does feature some violence that would not be appropriate for young readers in that it made me physically cringe. With that being said I think it is best suited for readers at least 13 years of age or older.

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Potion Voyages Book 1: Castle & Conceit
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kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 02 Feb 2017, 10:06

Sounds like an interesting book with intriguing characters. However, since I prefer climactic endings, I might have an issue with 'it felt like there was never much of a climax.' Good job on the review.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 13 Feb 2017, 12:55

Nice review, but this does not sound like a book I would be interested in. Like kimmyschemy, I prefer stories that are a little more climactic. Thanks.