Review by hiwriters -- Roan by E. R. Barr

[hiwriters]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Roan" by E. R. Barr.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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ROAN: The Tales of Conor Archer Volume 1
Written by: E. R. Barr

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Although it was a lengthy story it was very enjoyable. I felt immersed as if I were watching it from an up close view. It's difficult to put together legends, myths, and folklore in a real time setting, but it has been done quite well by E.R. Barr. Picturing today's society accepting such fantasies would be impossible because those who believed it would be locked away and called crazy. This is the problem that our hero faces in ROAN: The Tales of Conor Archer Volume 1.

Conor Archer is in a place we can relate to in terms of modern time, Chicago-present day, but after a grave loss he follows his loved one's wishes to go to the only family he has, but has never known in Tinker's Grove in Wisconsin. He has been wounded by a biker who arrived in Chicago just before his mother's passing. After the mysterious man bit him he ended their odd meeting by exclaiming that Conor was in for a change. The boy who had barely gotten over boyhood was being rushed into manhood very quickly while taking on the burden of the fate of the world.

Although an old story line, an new approach has been taken in this new world, known as Tinker's Grove. Those around him are trying to accept his presence in this new place seeing that everything is going from normalcy to chaos and much is left unexplained. He has two friends and others who try to guide and mentor him. Among those are a priest who is more than just a man and his only family left, his aunt, who he was told to seek out by his mother. Her wisdom is unmatched and her courage a pillar he hangs on to tightly in the days to come as he learns who he is and what's to come. The townspeople are quite relateable and real to life from the barkeep to the banker each with their own lives to live. The people are aware of the "Dark Ones" in their mist, and their history obligates them to protect them even though they do not understand or know why.

Conor Archer is a character, easily remembered, but not easily understood. E.R. Barr used great care in withholding information and dropping bite size teasers that made every moment of wondering how was it going to end worth it. In this tale mixed with Celtic Folklore, Native American myths, and a little faith, Conor and his friends meet Otherworld characters who we would usually judge upon meeting as good or evil on sight, instead he makes us step back and allow for gray areas where its not so cut and dry. Love is strong, but can it really conquer all? Wisdom is needed, but only given when the giver deems a recipient is ready in body, mind, and soul. This story takes all three into account and makes us believe in what you cannot see. It makes you question how we weigh ourselves and others when good and evil are not the only scales that determine the fate of the world and all who reside in it.

A good mixture that can be compared to Lord of the Rings and Hunger Games. The age group it's targeted for is a bit low, stating 12-18 year olds, but it would be more appropriate for ages 16 and up. I would recommend this for anyone who loves Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre mixed with legends. This is the first work of the author, E. R. Barr, who states he grew up on Native American Tales and found ways they weaved into folklore and myths from around the world when he began traveling which revealed connection that he used to piece together this delightful story. I look forward to the next installment.

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Roan
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[GCamer]

Love is strong, but can it really conquer all? Wisdom is needed, but only given when the giver deems a recipient is ready in body, mind, and soul. This story takes all three into account and makes us believe in what you cannot see. It makes you question how we weigh ourselves and others when good and evil are not the only scales that determine the fate of the world and all who reside in it.

I love this part of your review. You made me think that this book is not just a typical urbanfantasy novel. Thanks for the great review.

[Naval Aulakh]

The review is very good. I liked the way you have given your genuine views.