Far Haven

A Quest for Certitude. A Fight for Justice.

Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
441 Pages
Reviewed on 05/10/2017
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

Aleksandra Layland is a retired civil engineer and federal civil servant who worked primarily for the United States Air Force as a senior installation engineering manager responsible for buildings, airfields, infrastructure, fire protection, and emergency preparedness. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Western Caroline Islands where she helped build school classrooms and cafeterias, low income housing, and simple village water distribution systems.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Far Haven by Aleksandra Layland is the third book in the Windflower Saga, a splendid blend of epic fantasy with incessant action, romance, and adventure. Loris Kennet has been dealt the heaviest and cruelest blow of his life, losing his elite position in the Royal Cavalry of Pomerania in a dishonorable way. Stripped of his position, he is publicly flogged and both friend and foe hold him in contempt. The only consolation his father has for his banishment is that he will stay alive to clear his name, but little do they know that he is headed towards the very place where his nightmares receive clarity and where he’ll discover love and healing. But will he also find justice?

I love this series, its beautiful and wonderful characters, the lovely and poetic setting of Kimbria, and the awesome plot lines. This is a story about truth and justice, and the author has created a great character in Loris Kennet, a character who immediately draws the sympathy of readers. The story starts with a powerful premise, a man banished from his own, and the reader has myriad questions, wondering what will happen to him and if he’ll ever get justice — or revenge. The adventure is well developed in the story and the romance comes in as a juicy element that makes the story even more interesting and entertaining. Aleksandra Layland’s prose is gorgeous and readers will love the way she paints the landscapes and the beautiful Wastelands of Kimbria. The images are strong and vivid and will stay with readers for long. Far Haven is a great story with a lot of potential for great entertainment.

Peggy Jo Wipf

In Far Haven, the author starts by reminding the reader about the Ansgar family history and then weaves Lady Eva Ju'n's death into the story. Her accident results in Keridwen returning to The Manse to manage the mansion and horse farm which belong to her family. Her marriage is unexpected, though none can deny the love Keridwen and Justin share. About this same time, Tadeas is defending his wife and accidentally kills a nobleman. To protect him, his lawyer sends him to a prison until he can testify. The evil men there plan to kill Tadeas so records are sent to the mainland that he had died. Forgotten, Tadeas marries Vera after a slave ship sells the men a boatload of women. The story then brings us to Loris Kennet; the youngest tribune in the elite Royal Winged Cavalry in Pomerania. Assigned to escort a ship at the last minute was almost his death, and destroyed his reputation and career. With Keridwen's help, Loris was able to recover his dignity and pride. Tadeas and Loris were able to help each other clear their names and find justice for the enslaved women and children.

Far Haven begins the first three chapters with different key people and events in which Aleksandra Layland will shape the rest of the novel. Aleksandra Layland brings each of her characters to life, giving them passion, drive, and unique features. She stresses acceptance of those who are different in appearance, spiritual belief, and on multiple academic levels. I have enjoyed reading about how close these families are and how important it was for them to support each other. Far Haven: A Quest for Certitude, A Fight for Justice is the 18th book in this detailed account of the Ansgar family. It can stand on its own, but I have found reading them in order more beneficial in getting to know this family intimately.