As I read the opening chapter of The Wrath of Zar, I had my doubts that I would find this story intriguing, but as soon as Chapter 2 started, I was hooked in a big way.  You can’t just dive in to even the best of fantasy.  Not only do you have to get acquainted with unusual characters with strange names and pick up on whatever back-story there is behind the events you are reading about, your mind’s eye has to paint an internal canvas of the entire world created by the imagination of the author.  Fantasy is a most challenging genre indeed, but this debut novel from Shayne Easson reads as if it were crafted by an experienced hand.  With all kinds of action on an increasingly epic scale, critical subplots interweaving in the most judicious of manners, and episodes of deeply personal interactions among key characters, The Wrath of Zar makes for a downright fantastic read.  This is the first book in a series called The Demons of Destiny, and I for one can’t wait for Book Two, especially after being taken aback by this first novel’s shocking, last-minute revelation. 

 

The world of Yannina stands in peril as evil forces long dismissed by many as mere myths reawaken and seek to establish a demonic hegemony over all.  With the black dragon Zar and all manner of demons at their disposal, these forces of darkness leave a wide swatch of death and destruction in their wake – starting in the peaceful village of Ruhln.  It is the night of Ruhln Fest, and young Adan Caynne could hardly be happier – as long as he’s with his beloved Maureen.  Battle is the last thing on his mind when he meets heavily armed strangers looking for his father, but he begins to grow up in a hurry once he and Maureen stumble upon her grievously injured grandfather.  Before he knows what is happening, war breaks out all around him.  Unlike his twin brother Aren, who trained and competed in the ways of a warrior, Adan would not seem to have the makeup of a hero, but the events of this night change everything.  Even before learning that his father was one of the renowned Warriors of Ches, Adan begins trying to fill his shoes, setting out – accompanied by Maureen’s brother Myron – to rescue his younger brother, whom he strongly believes has been kidnapped by demons.

 

Fate brings Adan and Myron together with other displaced heroes, including Prince Riordan of Corrona, Princess Karyna of Wyndhaven, a young dragon named Zadryan, and a suspicious Andar apprentice who suggests that the fate of the entire realm rests upon the uneasy shoulders of young Adan.  The manner in which Easson interweaves these characters’ individual stories into the whole is most skillfully done.  The fantasy fan will find no shortage of action, either.  Even as Adan and Myron set out in search of Adan’s brother Dex, they are closely pursued by a mysterious man in black; the numerous skirmishes and fights that take place along the way are thrilling indeed (mainly because you care so much about each of the characters); and the spectre of treachery and betrayal raises its ugly head at the worst possible times.  Amazingly enough, one gets the sense that the best is yet to come (in subsequent books in the series).  The grim specter of the dark dragon Zar hangs over all, but we only see this gigantic fiend in action on one occasion, and I have to believe the evil Dryden warriors have hardly begun to fight as of yet.

 

Obviously, I consider Shayne Easson’s The Wrath of Zar to be a most impressive fantasy debut.  I sometimes have trouble identifying with certain characters in fantasy just because of their (and their worlds’) exotic natures, but I basically lived and died with the heroes of this story.  The fact that the narrative takes a number of unpredictable turns along the way makes the book even harder to put down, and the bombshell revealed on the very last page has me awaiting the second book in the series with bated breath.  If Easson’s future novels are anywhere near as impressive as this one, the fantasy genre has a new star on its hands.

 

 

 

 

Adan Cayne is desparately searching for his missing brother after learning many secrets about his father. Meanwhile, there's evil afoot in the land of Yannina, and Adan must make alliances with strangers, including a dragon, in order to escape the demon army that chases them. Its a fine effort by first-time novelist Shayne Easson that fantasy fans will certainly enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wrath of Zar is a book that is exciting and action packed. Once you have started to read the story you cannot put it down. Over each page, excitement and intrigue compels you to turn the page. The story line appeals to those individuals who love to lose themselves in the land of fantasy, with a healthy dose of dragons and demons. We await the arrival of the second book in the series. Author, Shayne Easson is coming to Clearwater for a book signing. Watch for Easson to be in and around the community on Feb. 16.

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