The Ring and the Sword

Book Two of the Chronicles of the Lawbreaker

Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
226 Pages
Reviewed on 12/10/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite

The Ring and the Sword: Book Two of the Chronicles of the Lawbreaker by Larry Z. Daily is a captivating story filled with adventure, destiny, betrayal, and redemption. The story centers around Lauren, a man wrongfully accused of murder, who is on the run. As he navigates the complexities of a powerful ring, confronts his identity, and grapples with a dark prophecy linked to him, he is forced to take on a new persona while evading relentless pursuers. Throughout his journey, Lauren uncovers hidden truths about his heritage, his connection to a legendary sword, and the malevolent forces that threaten him. Set against richly imagined landscapes brimming with danger, allies, and ancient secrets, the novel explores themes of leadership, morality, and the heavy burden of responsibility. Lauren faces a critical decision: stay true to his personal beliefs or serve the greater good.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Ring and the Sword because of its compelling blend of action, intrigue, and character growth. The fast-paced plot drew me in from the very first chapter, with the stakes escalating at every turn. I appreciated the depth of the characters, especially Lauren, whose internal battle between justice and nonviolence made him both relatable and heroic. The themes of humility in leadership and the importance of unity against evil were intricately woven throughout the narrative, making it both thrilling and meaningful. The pacing is perfectly balanced, shifting between intense chases and reflective moments. The vivid world-building, especially the depiction of Evendim and its immortal inhabitants, added an enchanting layer to the story. Ultimately, the message about leadership and cooperation resonated deeply, leaving me excitedly anticipating the next installment in the series.

Frank Mutuma

Lauren is a minstrel at the center of an ancient prophecy that is only known to kings, wizards, and one minstrel per generation. In The Ring and the Sword by Larry Z. Daily, he is there when Ambrose, who was his mentor, is killed, but not before letting everyone know that Lauren is the Lawbreaker of the legendary prophecy. This puts Lauren at odds with the High King, who wants him dead. Without a way to harm Lauren due to a powerful ring that is in his possession, the king puts him in the dungeon. Luckily, he is rescued by Steffan, who is a member of the king’s guard. Once Lauren escapes, he experiences various strange things like diseases and calamities in the towns he encounters. Does he have anything to do with what is happening?

With a well-crafted storyline, there was never a dull moment in The Ring and the Sword by Larry Z. Daily. The highly engaging dialogues brought the well-developed characters to life, and the author also used suspense to great effect, which made one look forward to the events of subsequent chapters. This thought-provoking work also gets one thinking about how various aspects of society interact, such as power dynamics between those who govern and those who are governed, and also the belief systems. The reader will appreciate the uniqueness of the plot and excellent narration, which add to the overall beauty of the work. This was an amazing read, and I look forward to reading something else by Larry Z. Daily.

Ibrahim Aslan

Larry Z. Daily's The Ring and the Sword revolves around Lauren, a young man who dreams of becoming a full-fledged minstrel one day. Lauren is thrust into the battle of good versus evil afflicting the Federated Kingdoms. His mentor, Ambrose the Prophet, dies in an attack orchestrated by a band of rogue soldiers. Before Ambrose died, he passed the Lawbreaker's ring on to Lauren. Puzzlingly, Ambrose also accused Lauren of being the much-feared Lawbreaker. Marc, the king of Amersford, has Lauren imprisoned for the deaths of the former High King and Ambrose. Fortunately, Lauren is rescued by an ally. Lauren travels to Noweth, posing as a traveler with a new identity. A dark and powerful presence is hunting him, and a dreadful evil is plaguing the people of Noweth. Can Lauren save them? Where will his new adventure lead him?

The Ring and the Sword is Larry Z. Daily's second book in the Chronicles of the Lawbreaker series. It is a captivating fantasy incorporating themes like resilience, sacrifice, destiny, self-discovery, and unyielding hope. Daily masterfully balances action-packed scenes, suspenseful events, and touching moments to create a narrative that is both rich in character development and grand in scope. Lauren's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. This novel shows his character growth from a humble minstrel and healer to a hero with the power to stop all the suffering around him. Memorable moments include heartbreaking sacrifices, welcome alliances, and the power of friendship and love triumphing throughout the darkest times. The pacing is consistent, with each chapter moving the plot forward. Daily's prose is evocative and crisp, portraying both the serenity and the brutality of this world. I'm already looking forward to reading book three of the series.