This was a great third book in the Avarom series, it had everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of the book. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of the fantasy elements. I enjoyed the way J.L. Stewart wrote this and left me wanting to read more in this series
The great plot and character development kept me so engaged throughout the entire book that I had a very hard time putting this book down until the very last page was turned!
Avarom and the Black Riders by J.L. Stewart has everything readers want in a good fantasy — a sophisticated world, larger-than-life characters, phenomenal conflict, and more. It is a tale adventure fraught with dangerous pursuits, betrayal, and a man’s struggle to survive against insurmountable enemies. Set in the Kingdom of Servitica, the story follows the enigmatic Avarom, a member of the Red Queen's Bodyguard, as he faces a formidable threat from mystical soldiers known as the Black Riders. The plot kicks off with the capture of an elusive pirate who brings alarming news of the Black Riders' relentless march toward Servitica, leaving death and destruction in their wake. As Avarom faces the impending danger, he finds himself targeted by various adversaries, including Gilan, a vengeful warrior from the Kingdom of Trinia, and Nera, the wrathful Goddess of the Northwest Woods. How much fight can he put up to survive the onslaught? Stewart’s novel is hugely imaginative and the writing is cinematic. The author weaves together multiple plot points, each brimming with action, suspense, and intrigue. The relentless pursuit of Avarom by both human and supernatural foes creates a sense of urgency and tension that propels the plot forward at a breakneck pace. From pulse-pounding battles to narrow escapes, the novel brims with thrilling moments that keep readers on the edge of their vendettas fuel the conflict and drive the plot toward its climactic showdown. The world-building in Avarom and the Black Riders is equally noteworthy, with vivid descriptions bringing the Kingdom of Servitica to life. From bustling cities to dark forests shrouded in mystery, Stewart creates a vibrant and immersive setting that offers a delectable reading experience. I was absorbed through the night, turning the pages till the surprising denouement.
Reviewed By: Kim Calderon
Reviewed Date: March 19, 2024
Avarom and the Black Riders is a story of pirates, a Red Queen, mystical soldiers, and a target on the back of the Queen’s bodyguard Avarom, which invites a host of special interests to pursue him. Having not just one but multiple adversaries, each with their good reasons for wanting him dead, tests Avarom in unexpected ways that being the Queen’s Champion did not portend. The Black Riders who are after him howl for vengeance, but the real threat comes from within, as Avarom is pitted against them and multiple forces, only to find his own resolution and circumstances demand he place his Queen’s transition (after her kingdom was destroyed) above his own struggles for survival. There’s more to the story, however; because his Queen is also his heart’s desire, and so his mandate to protect her is more than political or business-driven. A personal mission leads Queen Nakir to invite the aid of a Hellstorm which may be ultimately uncontrollable. Battles and confrontations mark a story which also injects wry humor into the bigger picture as Avarom’s deepest secrets move beyond his Queen’s knowledge to inject discovery and surprise into others: “You must know I mean neither you nor Avarom any harm. I knew you were a force for good before your change, but I just wanted to know if that power had somehow influenced you to waver from your original path. As for Avarom, despite his lineage, I also know he is a force for good to be reckoned with. I also know that the only thing holding his evil side in check is a tune played by a magical flute.” The struggles test Avarom’s resolve, his choices, and the perceptions of him by others who question the types of amends he makes for his actions while under the control of his father. Is Avarom good, or evil? Countenances deceive, inner turmoil clouds judgment, and the motivations of both sides prove that shades of gray operate at all times. Readers seeking a vivid fantasy adventure that embraces the nature of choice and mercurial definitions of good and evil actions will find Avarom and the Black Riders not only entertaining, but filled with thought-provoking encounters and questions about human nature. This also makes it highly recommended for fantasy book club discussion circles and libraries seeking recommendations that hold deeper-level thinking about the nature of heroism, love, good, and evil.