Book Review: Champion in the Darkness

Champion in the Darkness (The Champion Trilogy Book One) by Tyrean Martinson

Recommended For: Ages 10 to Adult

Rating: PG-13 (for violence and a disturbing image)

Clara is younger than most trainees, but she is ready to hold a Sword Master's blade. While visions and ancient prophecies stand in her way, they also offer a destiny unlike any other. Clara is aided by a haunted mentor, Stelia, whose knowledge of their enemy Kalidess is both a bane and a blessing. As evil threatens their land, Clara and Stelia must find the strength to overcome the darkness!

Champion in the Darkness is YA Christian Fantasy and is the first book in the Champion Trilogy.

While certainly not the best well-written book I've ever read, there was something about this book, I have no idea what, that was just captivating. Not can't-put-it-down captivating, but yet it captured me. I'm not sure if it was the characters, or the plot (whose story structure points were out of place), but I do know it is a book that I will remember.

Writing: 3.5/5

While not bad writing, it wasn't stellar either. There were many instances where things should have been shown and were told. Descriptions were sometimes lacking and things went much too well in the beginning. I know that makes it sound horrible, but it wasn't. It did show in some places, and while Clara's POV was anything but deep, Stelia's and the king's POVs were actually pretty good. I'm hoping the author's writing will improve over the course of the trilogy.

Setting; 3.75/5

I can sense good world building in here somewhere, it just never gets shown well enough. I would really like to know more about the world. It seems intriguing, but the descriptions of it are lacking.

Plot: 4/5

The plot was intriguing, but the story structure was off. The first major plot point was around 17%. It bugged me. I got the sense that the author didn't know where exactly where she was going with the story when she started it and never revised it. I liked the new view on the old "hero-with-a-prophecy-declaring-them-amazing." It was refreshing.

Character Development: 5/5

Honestly, I felt the least connected to the main character Clara than to the others. I liked Stelia and her past, but I got a little tired when they kept on talking and talking about the horrible things Stelia had done without actually saying what she had done. I really liked the parts with King Alexandros and how the stereotype of completely evil king was broken. The secondary and minor characters weren't that bad either. The death of the one character was heartbreaking. I really like the way the antagonist was done.

I enjoyed this book and would like to read more of the trilogy. This is a story with a lot of potential. I would recommend this book for lovers of fantasy and any writers.

I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.