I decided to read a few of my fellow indie BRAG Medallion authors’ books. I started with Kristen Taber’s Aerenden: The Child Returns (Aerenden #1). Read on for my review!
Synopsis (from the author):
Murder. Monsters. Magic. To Meaghan, these words belong in newspaper articles and children’s stories, not her carefully planned life. Until the day she and her friend Nick witness her parents’ brutal demise at the hands of red-eyed creatures. They flee into the wilderness where Nick tells her the creatures, known as Mardróch, came from another world to kill her. He gives her a choice–face the Mardróch alone or escape through a portal into a distant kingdom.
It isn’t much of a choice.
Ærenden is a land more beautiful and sinister than Meaghan could have ever imagined. Vines attack. Monkeys freeze their victims with a glare. Soldiers create bombs from the air. Even Meaghan’s newly discovered empath power turns into a danger she cannot control.
But control becomes the least of her worries when she learns the truth behind the kingdom’s fifteen-year civil war–a long-buried secret that could cost Meaghan her life.
What I liked about Aerenden: The Child Returns:
I enjoyed the way Kristen Taber melded the modern world with a medieval feeling Aerenden. The action was good, and Meaghan and Nick made good characters. The Mardróch was sufficiently evil and Garon, as the ultimate bad guy in the story, made for a great villain. I liked the way the author wove magic into the story as well. Overall, an entertaining book!
What I didn’t like about Aerenden: The Child Returns:
Nick and Meaghan’s relationship was unnecessarily choppy and the transition from modern times to Aerenden was a little odd to me. Other than that, no complaints.
Overall impression of Aerenden: The child Returns:
Aerenden: The Child Returns was a good story! Good characters, nice pace, and a little romance kept me turning the pages. I recommend this one to fantasy readers of all ages!
My rating:
4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)
Connect with Kristen Taber:
Find Kristen Taber on her Amazon Author Page, Goodreads Page, or her website. Find out what she up to and more about her books. While there, consider leaving a review or a comment and maybe buy a book or two!
Connect with me:
Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Say hi and let’s connect!
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