A Sword for the Immerland King (Portals of Tessalindria series) (Portals of Tessalindria Series) [Paperback]

F.W. Faller (Author)

Book Description

Series: Portals of Tessalindria Series | Publication Date: April 1, 2003

Set in the world of Tessalindria with an Arthurian milieu to keep it familiar, this first in a projected several-volume series revolves around the classic struggle between good and evil. Princess Vrengnia embarks on a spiritual journey and is aided by a wise blacksmith and his son. Her father is confliced by his desire to be a good king and father, and his desire for revenge. It becomes quickly apparent that the blacksmith is a deeply spiritual and prophetic man who is in constant communion with MahEladra, the sovereign spirit of Tessalindria. The first in the Portals of Tessalindria series, this book is especially for those who enjoy fantasy and for those who don't particularly. The characterizations and spiritual insight elevate it from fantasy to visionary fiction.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

F.W. Faller inaugurates the Portals of Tessalindria series with A Sword for the Immerland King, the story of a princess's spiritual maturation, her cymbic (i.e., spiritual) relationship with a blacksmith's son and her father the king's spiritual conflict. It's an allegory geared for the Christian market, as Vrengnia struggles to grow up, her father feels himself drawn to vengeance and Tessalindrian proverbs teach readers truths like He who strikes by the sword, seeks his own death by the sword strike of another.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Set in an Arthurian milieu, this first in a projected seven-volume allegorical fantasy series revolves around the classic struggle between good and evil. Princess Vrengnia embarks on a spiritual journey aided by a sage blacksmith, who is much more than he seems, and his son. Strong writing, multifaceted characters, and vivid details about such topics as the art of blacksmithing will keep readers engrossed in the complex plot. Faller avoids traditional Christian terminology, but the message is clear. Young adult readers as well as fans of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien will eagerly await the next installment. Recommended for most collections, especially those that emphasize high fantasy. [DOXA Press is the fiction imprint of Discipleship Publications International.]
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Dpi (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577821750
• ISBN-13: 978-1577821755
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,528,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a stand alone book, August 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Sword for the Immerland King (Portals of Tessalindria series) (Portals of Tessalindria Series) (Paperback)

"A Sword for the Immerland King" draws you in gently with it's characters and plot that feel familiar in another world. Strong value and conviction are woven with a skill to intrigue both young and old. It's proverbs and plot open your awareness, nudge you to think beyond what you have, tell you a simple story about love and hate and humanity and beyond. Read it and pass it on.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Sword must be read more than once!, August 14, 2002

By 

Diane L. Morgan "Malama Morgan" (Haiku, HI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Sword for the Immerland King (Portals of Tessalindria series) (Portals of Tessalindria Series) (Paperback)

"A Sword for the Immerland King, The Portals of Tessalindria Series" is a fantasy story set on a medieval planet with a feudal society. The "Sword" is the physical embodiment of the spiritual truth among the lives, myths and legends of Immerland. It is a metaphor for a powerful life achieved with the right material and forged, to the brink of destruction, by a master craftsman, equal parts artist and engineer.

Though I am not a fantasy devotee myself, "Sword" describes the mythic lands and characters quite vividly and intriguingly. Each Chapter beings with a glyph and a pithy saying from the prophets and writings of Immerland. One of my favorites from Chapter 21: "And where does one see his true self? Is it not in the darkness, when no one else is watching? When the full freedom of possibilities presents itself and he has to decide who he really is in that vast ocean of opportunity?" - Oratanga Passages.

The themes that stand out in the book explore a controlling father (the King) trying to relate to his pre-adult daughter (the Princess); the various ways of dealing with death and disappointment, the question of fate versus free choice; and the meaning and potential of power and love. The back of the book jacket says it best, "A different time...A different place...A familiar struggle".

The hatred between the King of Immerland and his nemesis, the Mountain Prince creates great hardship for the people outside of the King's land. The power of his hatred leads both characters to a destiny that affects the future and possibly the past of Immerland.

One of the more interesting constructs in the tale is the notion of a "cymbic" relationship. Faller describes it as, "...they are timeless in that they seem to have always been there...The cymbics have natural relationships. They do not have to have the approval of others or even expect it."

There is something for everyone to relate to in this book regardless of age or gender. You can read it as an adventure. You can read just the excerpts at the beginning of each chapter to derive deeper meanings from life and the universe. Each effort invested into understanding the tale is rewarded.

I smell sequel!!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely enthralled with this mystical adventure!!!!, July 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Sword for the Immerland King (Portals of Tessalindria series) (Portals of Tessalindria Series) (Paperback)

I recently read the Sword for the Immerland King and am waiting with bated breath for the sequel. The characters were so life like and their journey was exciting, and terrifying and thrilling all at the same time. Excellent job!! I encourage anyone eager for an amazing adventure to read this right away.