This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Gabriel Santos for Readers' Favorite
Colin Duncan spent six years in the Marines as part of a secret special ops group, regularly facing tense, violent, life-or-death situations. He now lives a peaceful life as an ordinary college student. Well, not quite ordinary. Ever since he was a kid, Colin has been able to tap into an ethereal power and conjure up flames with his mind. He's also had recurring dreams about knights, wizards, and a strange medieval realm for years. All these mysterious experiences culminate in a wizard showing up out of nowhere to attack him for unknown reasons, ending his peaceful days. Colin must use every bit of his knowledge, experience, and skills to survive, figure out what is going on, forge alliances, and fight back. This is the premise of Richard S. Thomas' The Rise of Colin Duncan, Book One of the Earther Wizard series.
If you're looking for a quick, thrilling fantasy story with plenty of action, you won't be disappointed. The combination of modern military tactics, guns, and magic leads to interesting action scenes, and the plot's swift pacing guarantees there's not a single dull moment. That said, the worldbuilding might be what makes the novel stand out the most, as it incorporates aspects of Scottish culture and history into the magical lore in several interesting ways. The use of Gaelic terms and the footnotes that explain words and cultural references also add to the book's unique atmosphere. Overall, The Rise of Colin Duncan is a straightforward and enjoyable fantasy romp and a solid start to Colin's saga, so I'm looking forward to checking out future installments.
