Estelan [Kindle Edition]

Trace Broyles (Author), Tracy Broyles (Editor), Barbara Ivie (Illustrator)

Book Description

The battle for Estelan begins.

Many annuals have passed since Estelan was nearly destroyed in a great battle between two deities. Isthile is all that remains. Built and protected over generations by survivors who evolved and learned to exist in the shadows of the ever watchful moon.

In one evening the fragile existence of Isthile is threatened when remnants of an ancient Darkness lay siege to the town's elders. The eldest, Lord Kriton escapes to safety with a small band of young Isthiliens bearing old magic of Light. Kriton must convince them to fight the growing darkness, unlock their own powers, and unravel the secrets of Estelan's past to fulfill the prophecy that can save their world.

When nothing is at it seems, these young warriors must make their own ways even if it means leaving the behind everything they have ever known.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Trace Broyles spent her childhood writing plays and short stories - unfortunately works like "Adventures of Super Cookie" were never released to the masses. When not writing, Ms. Broyles often was found with her nose in a book or on a softball diamond. Ms. Broyles graduated from Miami University with a degree in psychology and minor in criminology. After several years in the professional world, she stopped brainstorming in journals and started writing again. ESTELAN is Ms. Broyles' debut novel and first in the young adult epic fantasy series of the same name. The sequel, ECHO RISING is in progress. Trace Broyles resides with her family in Seattle, WA where her two children keep her active and entertained.

Product Details

• File Size: 442 KB
• Print Length: 262 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Trace Broyles (March 16, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007LGYFHK
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #466,703 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A land of shadows and mystical creatures June 24, 2012

By lovestodive

Format:Paperback

On Estelan the last civilization of Isthile is bordered and protected by the fog. It is governed by the Moon Mother, as interpreted by priestesses. The Council of Elders maintains the peace. The priestesses live in silence, led by the Elder Priestess Kriya and communicating mentally with each other. All seems well in this world of moonlight until one night Kriya calls the young priestess Shai to her chambers and tells her the darkness is coming and only Shai can help prevent it taking over the light. She sends the frightened Shai away just in time before the temple is overrun by Mages. The temple is destroyed; all the priestesses disappear except one, Pallia, who makes her way to the village. Pallia is taken in by the village healer, and later the mage, Master Elnor, takes her to his home to take care of her.

This then, is the beginning of the battle against darkness, a battle fought by a small band of young people blessed with gifts of magic and lead by Lord Kriton, one of the few First Ones left on Estelan. Kriton and his band of warriors must find a way to survive the dangers that await and fight the battle against darkness before it can eradicate all light from the world.

Ms. Broyles has built a world full of magic, a world that lives in moonlight with only a few who have memories of sunlight. Into this world she brings pixies, gnomes and water nymphs to help the brave band of warriors fight against the unknown dangers that hide in the darkness. The story is told from alternate POVs between the various characters, sometimes told in the past, sometimes in the present. She manages to pull this off well, seamlessly flowing from one to another.

There is a fairly large cast of characters. Despite this, we manage to get to know all of the central ones quiet well. The leader of the small band of fighters is Lord Kriton. At first we see him as a large, hard, somewhat wild man. He is a member of the Council of Elders and pretty much keeps to himself. As the story progresses we learn more of his background and discover who he really is. His little band is made up of a group of young people, all of whom have magical powers of their own. Lady Kitin is also a member of the Council of Elders and the only female to be trained as a warrior. Twin brothers, Dane and Roane, are members of the Council of Elders as well. The two brothers have a strong bond with each other and can speak telepathically. Tyla and Lykae are orphaned sister and brother. Their parents were members of the Council of Elders raised by Lady Kitin after her father's death. They later join up with Nain and his children Nalon and Nala, along with Nain's new wife, Mina. Mina appeared on Nains doorstep one night with no recollection of who she was, he took her in and they fell in love. The last member of their little band is Cord, the adopted son of the Priestess Pallia and her mage husband Master Elnor.

I've made no secret of the fact that I don't read fantasy, I rarely understand the complicated worlds that are built and find myself getting easily confused and frustrated. So to say I'm not a big fan is an understatement. This book might just have made a convert of me. Yes, the world Ms. Broyles builds is complicated, yes the characters names are strange, yet somehow she managed to write such a good story that I was able to ignore all this and just enjoy. I found myself caught up in our little band of warrior's lives. I was enchanted with the creatures they encounter, the pixies, gnomes and water nymphs all brought a small amount of lightness to the story. The play and interaction between the characters was fascinating to watch, as the story unfolded I found myself falling more and more into their world. The book does end with dreaded cliffhanger, another one my little pet peeves but I know the author is building an epic adventure so I suppose I can forgive her. I have no problems recommending this book to those who enjoy fantasy. There should be plenty here to keep even the non-fantasy lover interested, it did me. Well done, Ms. Broyles, I can't wait to find out what happens and if our little band of warriors can defeat darkness.

Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Mediocre September 21, 2012

By linneaskoglund

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Just ok. Something to read when the library has nothing available. I will probably try the next book when it is availble. Worth the price (99 cents).

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read April 30, 2013

By pb

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

although I had trouble keeping who was who straight at times I did enjoy this book. I did not like how this book ended because I can"t find the next book in the series and this ending left a lot of questions unanswered. This book was fantasy, love, mystery and battles.

More About the Author

Trace Broyles spent her childhood writing plays and short stories - unfortunately works like "Adventures of Super Cookie" were never released to the masses. When not writing, Ms. Broyles often was found with her nose in a book or on a softball diamond.

Ms. Broyles graduated from Miami University with a degree in psychology and minor in criminology. After several years in the professional world, she stopped brainstorming in journals and started writing again. ESTELAN is Ms. Broyles' debut novel and first in the young adult epic fantasy series of the same name. The sequel, ECHO RISING is in progress.

Trace Broyles resides with her family in Seattle, WA where her two children keep her active and entertained.