Moonward Chain by I. K. Stokbaek is an epic fantasy that follows Lesi, a humble stable girl thrust into an ancient and deadly conflict. After unwittingly becoming entangled in a feud between immortal beings, Lesi is pursued by the fire mage Pyresain and his army. With the help of Lorah, a mysterious, cursed archer, she escapes her homeland and embarks on a journey to discover why she is being hunted. As dark forces close in, Lesi’s quest for survival transforms into a mission with far-reaching consequences that could change the fate of Thimalos forever.

Author I. K. Stokbaek’s creation of Thimalos and its ancient histories is expansive and immersive, and a passionate dedication to worldbuilding is evident in every visceral detail of the world readers step into. The intricate lore of immortal feuds, powerful mages, and cursed characters makes this world feel alive for readers, and there’s a clear sense of how growing up in this world has shaped the attitudes of the central characters and cements this realism all the more. Lesi’s transformation from a humble stable girl to a key player in the epic conflict is compelling, and Stokbaek crafts her growth with care in a long narrative arc with a believable pace, allowing her strengths and vulnerabilities to shine as she faces overwhelming odds. Stokbaek masterfully weaves multiple storylines together around her to enrich the tale. Lesi’s personal journey and the broader political and magical conflicts merge in the exciting events of the plot when they impact her. The lyrical prose also enhances the fantastical elements of the story with charm and mystique, particularly in the descriptions of magic and landscapes. Overall, Moonward Chain is a totally enchanting work of fiction that I would highly recommend, and I can’t wait for more from this talented author.

Moonward Chain by I K Stokbaek is a spellbinding epic fantasy that thrusts readers into a world of magic, adventure, intrigue, and power dynamics. Lesi is an ordinary stable girl whose life takes an unexpected and dramatic turn after a fire incident. She is embroiled unwittingly in an endless conflict between the immortal children of Aganon and the descendants of his murderer. Things get even more complicated as she has the blood of royalty on her hands. Pursued by the fire mage, Pyresain, and her army, she finds an unlikely ally in Lorah, a cursed man. Skilled with the bow and unable to articulate like normal humans, Lorah helps Lesi escape the lands of Thimalos. But Lesi’s enemies include the most dreaded witch known as Yutsara. She wants Lesi, who must find out why Yutsara is hell-bent on capturing her.

I K Stokbaek's gift for storytelling is beautifully showcased in this novel, and the intricate worldbuilding will draw readers in. Character development is stellar, and readers will be amazed at the connection between Lesi and Lorah, which offers a rich dynamic shaped by their contrasting backgrounds and experiences. Lesi captivates readers with her resilience and empathy, having survived a devastating fire that claimed lives and set her on a flight path. Her loyalty to Princess Saria shines through as she struggles with guilt and loss. The mute Lorah possesses a charming and enigmatic mystique; his ability to communicate with birds hints at a deeper connection to nature and magic that sets him apart from conventional mortals. The setting in Moonward Chain oscillates between the gritty realities of Thimalos and the otherworldly landscapes of the Blind — the edge of the mortal world —intensifying the characters' external and internal conflict. This tale has well-articulated themes of power, betrayal, relentless quest for vengeance, and magic. It is a beautiful literary creation for fans of epic fantasy.

Moonward Chain by I.K. Stokbaek is an epic fantasy filled with conflict, adventure, and magic. The story follows Lesi, a stable girl who knows nothing but mopping the stables and using her pitchfork. She unwittingly finds herself caught up in the middle of an ancient feud between powerful enemies. Achayak, after centuries of entrapment in exile, seeks to reclaim his throne and restore the ancient glory of Aganon. His immortal lineage and the malice of those who wronged him, particularly Zavior Sarrell, fuel his quest for vengeance. But when the blood of royalty stains Lesi’s hands, she thrusts herself into the ancient war that has raged for centuries. Targeted by Pyresain, an immortal fire mage with an army at his command, Lesi's world spirals into chaos as she finds herself caught between the deathless children of Aganon and the vengeful descendants of his murderer. The conflict escalates when a powerful witch sets her sights on Lesi. Meanwhile, Lorah is a mysterious hunter skilled with a bow but burdened by secrets of his own. Speaking through silence, he is like a bird trapped in a man's body or perhaps a man cursed—whatever he is; he ignites feelings in Lesi that she can hardly afford to explore as danger closes in. With Lorah’s support, can Lesi beat the odds and unravel the mystery surrounding why the most feared witch wants her?

I.K. Stokbaek’s novel is quite an adventure. First, the writing had me spellbound with the beautiful descriptions, the exceptional worldbuilding, and the impeccable characterization. The prose sings in readers' ears like music, and the imagery comes alive in readers' imaginations. This author makes it feel real and immediate. Second, the author’s gift for crafting phenomenal conflict is astounding. Imagine an ordinary stable girl confronted with powerful mages and a witch with incredible powers. Lesi’s development is fraught with mystery and suspense, and readers will want to find out why she attracts the attention of others. Third, the relationships are ingeniously crafted, and the connection between Lorah and Lesi is intriguing and excites readers' curiosity. Moonward Chain is well-plotted, and the adventure never slows down. This is a perfect read for anyone looking for an epic fantasy tale with cinematic writing, unforgettable characters, and conflict that moves the story forward.

Moonward Chain by I. K. Stokbaek, the first book in the Mortals series, will appeal to fans of epic fantasy, adventure, and intrigue. A stable girl named Celesia, or Lesi, runs after a fire destroyed a big part of the Royal Thimalian Stables. She joins Princess Saria and her shieldmaiden, Mira, in their journey to a hostile land. Saria hurries to help Prince Pyresain of Xerxia retrieve an ancient artifact from the frozen hand of Zavior Sarrell, the legendary protector of Thimalos and its mortal people from the evil will of the immortal named Aganon. However, their mission does not go as planned, and Lesi ends up with the artifact. Chased by Pyresain and his soldiers, Lesi, a mute young man named Lorah, and an older warrior, Mirvan, cross the Uncrossable River and find magical kingdoms on its other side. Lesi and her friends must stop the immortals plotting to take over the world at any cost. But who is Lesi? Is she just a stable girl, or does her past hold incredible secrets?

I. K. Stokbaek's Moonward Chain invites us into a fascinating new world of magic and exciting adventures. The action starts with the opening chapter and continues throughout the book. The pace of the narration is always fast but never overwhelming. I like that the author adds a touch of mystery regarding Lesi's past and origin. At the same time, it seems that we know her well enough. She is a simple, open-hearted girl fiercely loyal to Princess Saria. It is very interesting to explore what is behind this apparent simplicity. Stokbaek crafts remarkable characters, and many of them have hidden layers. Thus, Lorah cannot talk to humans but communicates with birds, and even the boisterous Mirvan has a revealing story. The narrative covers the themes of belonging, self-sacrifice, lust for power, and fulfillment of duty. The author offers meticulously developed mythology, gives us food for thought concerning the moral aspect of immortality, and makes us guess the outcome of the story until the last pages.