Saturday, December 29, 2012

Valley of the Shadows: Kingdom of Hillael: Review

Valley of the Shadows: Kingdom of Hillael
Valley of the Shadows: Kingdom of Hillael
Author: Amre Cortadino
Publisher: Merry Heart Ink
Pages: 536

Summary:

Cousins Claire and Barloe had almost forgotten the enchanting adventures their Aunt Mim told them of as little girls. Her tales always began with, "Long ago in a faraway land..."

…A priceless treasure, meant to forge an accord between the kingdoms of the KinKades and the Kaebreans, was taken. Betrayed, the enraged KinKades warred against Kaebrea and slaughtered its inhabitants. Though victorious in battle, the KinKades failed to recover their cherished offering. Their consuming hatred eventually transformed the KinKades into a secretive, mythical, feared society – the Shadows. Bordering both countries, Hillael vowed to remain neutral and accepted all survivors. Secure within a prosperous nation, life in Hillael flourished. But now, conspiring to become King of Hillael, the ambitious, self-serving Rokhana forms an evil pact with the Shadows. An epic battle of good versus evil begins as Prince Gildeon ascends to the throne of Hillael.

My Thoughts:

I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy this book but I was pleasantly surprised! The first chapter was completely different than the rest of the book so I was sure it was going to be one of those books that switched back and forth between two storylines, but it wasn't. Claire, Barloe, and Aunt Mim were not mentioned again. I'm really curious as to what that first chapter has to do with the rest of the story but I guess I will have to read the next one to find out!

This was a pretty long read at 536 pages. It wasn't a fast and easy read but it was nice because there is so much depth and so many details in this story. You really got to know the characters in this book. If you like to read fantasy novels I think that you'd probably enjoy this story.

Oh! I forgot to mention something! Before you start reading this book PLEASE check out the glossary in the back of the book. I was so very confused in the first few chapters and there were words that I didn't understand. I had an "oh duh" moment and felt like smacking myself in the forehead when I saw that there was a glossary. It was *so* much easier to read after that! I'm looking forward to the next one and I'm really hoping that good will prevail and that evil will be defeated!

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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