Storms of Vengeance

John Beachem

The kingdom of Faranin has been at peace under martial law for ten years. This peace is welcome after centuries of wars and division. Terne, the capital city, is the king's residence and the seat of government. Then a small surprise attack leaves an ambassador murdered in his bed and a strange theft of a small, heavy rock.

Calton Relanas and Ratel Eresgot are two young city guards. They have been unusual friends since childhood. Ratel is from a wealthy, prominent military family. Calton's family was evicted from their farm and his parents died in penury before he was twelve. Ratel's family took him in. Ratel always felt he was an outsider in his own family, especially to his father. Calton became like family, more like the military Eresgots than Ratel. They both joined the city guard. Calton wanted to be in the military but couldn't afford to buy a place. Ratel didn't want to follow in his father's footsteps so joined the city guard on his own. The guard is not as respected as the military, but the two young men enjoy the work.

By chance, the two men happened across one of the intruders the night of the murder and theft. Soon they are working with the head officer of the military troops to learn more of who killed the ambassador and why Terne was attacked in this manner. Calton is sent out to one of the other cities in Faranin to learn what he can about the stolen rock. Ratel is pulled into the investigation inside the palace, trying to learn what inside person/people were involved.

Magic had long since been banned in Faranin. But magic seems to be involved now. A swathe of destruction goes through the countryside as the small band of mercenaries escapes to return the rock prize to the man who hired them. Now the military has to split forces as each of the major disturbances is reported. Then when the oldest city in Faranin is reported as "gone", the threat grows. The ten-year-long peace is quickly crumbling.

In the frustrating manner of this type of epic novel, nothing is resolved by the end of Storms of Vengeance. Some mysteries have answers. But those answers lead to more questions. John Beachem's writing skill leaves the reader wanting to know more. It is certain that the current questions' answers will create even more questions. Yet the setting is well designed and the reader (or at least me) wants more.

There's an interesting side theme throughout this fantasy novel. The artwork from earlier eras is hidden away and forgotten. The large libraries with all the amassed knowledge and information are rarely used. Frequently characters either lament the lack of use or are amazed at all the knowledge that is available that no one bothers with. I sense this is a personal theme to the author. A similar tone was present in the email I received asking me to review this book. I'm sure this will remain a strong theme as the Lorradda Stone series continues.

This novel quietly pulled me into its environs making me want more. At times it gets confusing as Beachem tries to tell parts of the story without giving away the "future". Faranin is peopled with ogres, trolls, humans, different human-type beings, and vicious elves (don't think Tolkienesque elves - these definitely aren't). The cities are walled in and the country side is almost desolate. The different characters in the novel are often unexpected and welcome.

If you like epic fantasy, check this novel out. You'll find yourself pulled into Storms of Vengeance.

Author provided for review