Prophecy of Darkness (Legends of the Tri-Gard) (Volume 1)

Yes, this book was amazing. Yes, this book was so engaging. Yes, I could not put this book down.

Oh - you need more than that?

In all seriousness I loved this book so much. From the beginning up till the end. One of my least favorite tropes is the "I didn't know I loved my best friend until someone else shows interest." But somehow they made this work. I think it was the way it was written - which shows how good it is if one of my least favorite tropes work! The way the plot and the events were set up worked so well together to create a wonderful end product. It was fast paced but engaging the whole time. The ending was a little predictable but did not stop me from gasping when it happened.

I loved all these characters. Trystan, Rissa and Davion all grew up together and the chemistry between them was really well done. While the childhood wasn't a big detail for them, they was they interacted together showed how close they are. Then enter Lady Alixa, whom I love. She definitely forced herself into the group but I loved her character. While all blend very well, Lady Alixa stood out to me. Alixa was strong and did not stand for anything that she didn't agree with. Theirs is a story I cannot wait to continue.

Overall, this book was fantastic. If you are looking for a great adventure with some forbidden romance while looking for lost magic... then pick this book up now!

Prophecy of Darkness by Michelle Bryan, M. Lynn is an exciting, new fantasy about a land whose magic is gone. Without magic, the kingdom of Dreach-Sciene is dying, nothing grows, famine looms and rebellions are beginning to pop up. Their only hope is a prophecy that talks about the legendary Tri-Gard, reuniting them and bringing magic back to the land.

So the beginning of this book has a bit of a slow pace as the authors set the stage and develop the world. However it picks up quickly and I found that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! Prince Trystan was an easy character to like. His transition from spoiled prince to Toha is one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. You have a prince who isn’t ready to take on the responsibility of the kingdom, yet he dons the new title without hesitation, ready to face the darkness and save his people.

In addition to Trystan though are his friends and sister. Rissa is probably my favorite character of the book. She’s a force to be reckoned with and I dare anyone to try and stop her. As princess, it is expected she act as such, yet she reminds me a little of Merida from Disney’s Brave. She’s not the typical princess, she wants to fight beside her brother against the oncoming darkness instead of sit back at the palace. Trained along side her brother and Davion, Rissa is capable of defending herself, and she is a better shot than both the boys.

Trystan along with his sister, best friend Davion, and Lady Alixa begin the long journey to find the Tri-Gard and stop the dark from rising. Their journey is filled with perils and adventure, but also hardship. The journey acts as an eye opener for Trystan and Rissa. They see for the first time what their people in the villages are facing and become even more determined to find the legendary Tri-Gard, despite not believing in magic (at least Trystan doesn’t).

Full of action and adventure, entangled romance, and betrayal, Prophecy of Darkness is one of my favorite reads of the year. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy, Throne of Glass or Game of Thrones. It doesn’t disappoint!

*This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem: https://www.momwithareadingproblem.com/2017/11/review-prophecy-darkness-michelle-bryan-michelle-lynn/

When Trystan is named Toha, he becomes the protector of the realm instead of the ordinary prince. Because of this responsibility, Trystan realizes that he has to be the one to save the realm from war and starvation. Without magic, the crops aren't growing like they should and war is raging. The solution to their problems is to restore the Tri-Gard.

Trystan sets off with his sister Rissa and his best friend Davion. On their journey, they discover Lady Alixa who has escaped from her treacherous father. With her insistence, Alixa accompanies them as they continue on with their quest.

I absolutely loved the fantasy element that both Michelle Lynn and Michelle Bryan deliver. I loved the romance between Trystan and Alixa and then, Rissa and Davion. Davion has to be my favorite character because of his wit and charm, but a princess has to marry a prince, which leaves a hole between Rissa and Davion.

All I have to say is that these two authors did an excellent job at developing characters that you fall in love with and want to route for. They also create a world that you hope to see pull through. This story has a Game of Thrones feel and I am eagerly awaiting the second one!