Beckreadz26

I am not an avid reader of high fantasy, but when I do read them it's because I'm drawn in by something unique. "Lord of the Rings" is one of my all-time favorites because of the world-building and the memorable characters. I will say that the "Beyond the Cobbled Road" belongs in the same conversation as being a truly unique fantasy experience. I commend Stacey on a work that in my mind rivals Tolkien. She has created a truly unique and vivid world.

The main character, Kye, is the first human mage. However, his status is not widely accepted, and he is still viewed as little more than a slave even though he is the acolyte to Arden who is one of the most powerful elf-mages alive. Even with the world against him, he finds solace with his friends Riley (a shifter), and Saiyah (an elf). I adore the banter with Riley and the comfort found with Saiyah. To paraphrase Kye, I is the moments shared that make life worth living. These little moments warmed my heart.

Kye and Arden are continuing their quest to stop an evil necromancer named Orin from regaining power and destroying the Six Realms. The journey is arduous and takes its toll on them. I won't go into details because I don't want to spoil it, but what is a quest to save the world as we know it without betrayal or a shocking twist of events that turns everythingon is head? I was completely caught off guard, and I am not easily surprised. I am absolutely at a loss for words. That cliffhanger was absolutely brutal, and I am going to remain in a state of bewilderment until book 3.