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Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Long ago Heghviss and Loviss created Monahelm and all of its inhabitants. Heghviss believed their role should be that of a creator that watched over the people and assisedt them only when required. Loviss disagreed, he wanted to control the people, he wanted them to worship him, for their worship brought him great power. The two creators battled for centuries. Heghviss knew the only way to stop Loviss was to divide himself into three. Thus were the three gods born; Hemlon the God of Knowledge, Laurinia, the Goddess of Serenity, and Peltor, the God of power. Together they defeated Loviss but did not destroy him. When the Gods divided, they lost their divine aspect. They were no longer all knowing. The ability to see the past, present and future was given to Messengers. The Messengers could deliver prophecy by inhabiting the minds and bodies of select people. One such prophecy was the legend that a savior would come to rescue his people. Darien the Dragon Slayer would fulfill the prophecy. It was told that another would be given almost equal status as Darien, he would be the Usurper. Usurper is not evil; he would be second in line to the throne. When his older brother embraced evil, the angered Usurper joined forces with Darien to defeat his brother. So begins Darien The Dragon Slayer’s adventure…
A Hero Rises is the first of four books in Lauren C. Mayher’s series, “The Legend of Darien”. The plot is very complex with magical beings, dragons, and ogres. I found it a little difficult to keep up with all the characters. I finally began to write them down along with the part they play in this tome. The basis for the plot is a battle between good and evil. Mayher has skillfully entwined principles throughout the plot. She successfully demonstrates jealousy, conviction, and family loyalty. Reading this book reminded me of watching my sons play a computer game. They always knew the story behind the game and the part each character played. Mayher is a skilled writer, her books will entice gamers and science fiction fans.
