#20booksofsummer22 – My Book Joy

Summary

Del has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten. And now, during their junior year, she’s finally available. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Del’s right behind her. Though he quickly realizes he’s inadvertently signed himself up for a Purity Pledge. His best friend, Qwan, doesn’t believe anyone is worth this long of a long game. But Del’s not about to lose his dream girl.

And that’s where fellow pledger Jameer comes in. He can put in the good word, but with other boys circling Kiera like sharks, Del needs to make his move now. However, with all his plotting and scheming, Del never really stops to think: What does Kiera want? No matter, though—once he gets the girl, he’s sure all will sort itself out. Right?

Thoughts

The easiest way I can review this is to say I’ll definitely be seeking out more of Lamar Giles’ books!

I’ve seen in my reading data lately that I read WAY more books by women than by men. And most of the time, the character perspective I’m reading from is a woman as well. This is for me a rarity in that it’s a book by a guy and from a guy’s perspective. A STRAIGHT guy, no less – even rarer for me. 😂 This might seem unimportant, but it was honestly so interesting to see a situation through a male lens rather than female. The voice was so different, and there were a lot of thoughts and decisions that I would never have even considered, that I do attest at least in part to it being from a man (well.. boy) and not a woman. It was a fascinating change from my usual, and really entertaining (and maybe even informative??)

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Considering I had totally forgotten what this book was about, I really enjoyed it! I feel like it was a pretty simple formula of a story but I didn’t care because it was so well done that I just really enjoyed it. It felt immediately familiar and like one I couldn’t wait to keep reading more of. I’m definitely continuing the series, and I’m glad I’ve randomly bought several of the books already over the years 🤣

This story is all the classic fantasy elements. There’s a dangerous foe (or two), brave and dashing knights, and our unassuming lad who’s fated to legend. Plus magic! And a lady love! And visions of the future and enemies turned to loyal followers! And jousting! It’s all fabulous.

It just works. It fits like a comfortably worn in give, and it’s not hard to follow the story of sink into the world. I was immediately following along like one of his sheep, and yes, I’ll be reading more.

Book 2 Review: A March of Kings

Summary

A Quest for Heroes revolves around the epic coming of age story of one special boy, a 14 year old from a small village on the outskirts of the Kingdom of the Ring. The youngest of four, the least favorite of his father, hated by his brothers, Thorgrin senses he is different from the others. He dreams of becoming a great warrior, of joining the King’s men and protecting the Ring from the hordes of creatures on the other side of the Canyon. When he comes of age and is forbidden by his father to try out for the King’s Legion, he refuses to take no for an answer: he journeys out on his own, determined to force his way into King’s Court and be taken seriously.

But King’s Court is rife with its own family dramas, power struggles, ambitions, jealousy, violence and betrayal. King MacGil must choose an heir from amongst his children, and the ancient Dynasty Sword, the source of all their power, still sits untouched, waiting for the chosen one to arrive. Thorgrin arrives as an outsider and battles to be accepted, and to join the King’s Legion.

Thorgrin comes to learn he has mysterious powers he does not understand, that he has a special gift, and a special destiny. Against all odds he falls in love with the king’s daughter, and as their forbidden relationship blossoms, he discovers he has powerful rivals. As he struggles to make sense of his powers, the king’s sorcerer takes him under his wing and tells him of a mother he never knew, in a land far away, beyond the Canyon, beyond even the land of the Dragons.

Before Thorgrin can venture out and become the warrior he yearns to be, he must complete his training. But this may be cut short, as he finds himself propelled into the center of royal plots and counterplots, ones that may threaten his love and bring him down—and the entire kingdom with him.