The Four Part Land simmers with discontent, as old rivalries and ancient grudges bubble to the surface. The great kingdoms plot and scheme against one another, looking to use treachery to gain an advantage in the upcoming conflict. Some will succeed, and some will fail, but each kingdom dares against all comers. Into this cauldron of malice is thrust a young mage named Tarranau. Exiled from his home, ripped from his friends and family, he is forced to undertake a perilous journey across The Four Part Land, in answer to a goal he does not yet understand. Along the way he finds unexpected friends and implacable enemies, and has his eyes opened to a world more sinister than any he had imagined.
Tarranau (The Four Part Land)
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
James Tallett is the author of a series of fantasy novels set in The Four Part Land. The first of these, Tarranau, will be published by Deepwood Publishing in Summer 2011. He also created the Splintered Lands anthology project, a shared world fantasy anthology. Quickly recruiting five different writers, over the course of several months James guided the birth of the Splintered Lands, a land full of kingdoms born anew, struggling to pull themselves out of a magical and natural apocalypse. During the days that James isn’t working on his writing, he’s putting the polishing touches on his MBA (specializing in entrepreneurship). He’s hoping to put it to good use in business soon enough (once he gets the ever elusive job of his dreams). James loves skiing and the outdoors, and if you can’t find him on the weekends, it’s because he’s skiing. And Fridays. And Mondays. And any other day he can squeeze it in. Outside of being addicted to going down snow at highway speeds, James combines his passion for hiking and travel with his writing by putting places he adores into his novels.
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More About the Author
James Tallett is the author of a seven book series of fantasy novels set in The Four Part Land, the first of which was published in 2011 by Deepwood Publishing. In addition to his novel writing, he keeps up a steady stream of short stories and flash fiction, much of which is published online. Aside from writing, he can be found on ski slopes across the world.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By SaraLeggz
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Tarranau is the first book in an epic fantasy series by James Tallett. It was my first epic fantasy experience, and I would have to say it was splendid. Tarranau is a tale of an amazing journey with fine attention to detail and unexpected turns that kept me reading until the end. The author created a world I could easily lose myself in. Can't wait to see what happens next.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By S. Soifer
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Tarranau takes place in a well-realized world based on elements - as if Avatar, the Last Airbender, took place in an Age of Sailing Exploration and medieval guilds. Tarranau is at such a guild for watermages when events force him away and on a journey - one where he both learns the craft of his magic (an interestingly-developed set of rules) and more about his destiny.
If you like a well-told hero's quest type of saga, within a well-realized world of elemental magic and conflict, you'd enjoy Tarranau...
If you like a well-told hero's quest type of saga, within a well-realized world of elemental magic and conflict, you'd enjoy Tarranau...
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Morgan Shamy
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Tarranau is a true story of adventure. I was completely immersed into Tarranau's world from the first page. James Tallett is a master world-builder. I loved the time he took to create each civilization, making them all unique in their own respects. I feel like books today, fantasy in particular, shy away from truly building a world, making us feel like we're on the outside looking in. Not here. I was right there with Tarranau and his travels, experiencing everything with him.
Such a clever concept! The author does an incredible job of letting us grow with Tarranau as he discovers his abilities. Everything delivered to us was completely believable and described in a way that I felt connected to Tarranau throughout the book. I even jumped up from my seat a couple times in either excitement or fear.
The writing was rich, beautiful, and fresh and found myself on more than one occasion caught in the moment that was painted for us. Excellent battle scenes, and some disturbing visuals that I thought added to the reality of the period. I was thrown right into the action, seeing everything clear in my head. This book is a perfect set up for the continuation of the series. Already, I'm dying to know where Tarranau's travels will take him and what adventure might befall him. I'll definitely be in line to get the next book!
Such a clever concept! The author does an incredible job of letting us grow with Tarranau as he discovers his abilities. Everything delivered to us was completely believable and described in a way that I felt connected to Tarranau throughout the book. I even jumped up from my seat a couple times in either excitement or fear.
The writing was rich, beautiful, and fresh and found myself on more than one occasion caught in the moment that was painted for us. Excellent battle scenes, and some disturbing visuals that I thought added to the reality of the period. I was thrown right into the action, seeing everything clear in my head. This book is a perfect set up for the continuation of the series. Already, I'm dying to know where Tarranau's travels will take him and what adventure might befall him. I'll definitely be in line to get the next book!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Krista
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is the first book in a series and it shows. It ends at kind of an awkward place. I wanted to pick up the next book right away but it is not available yet. If you like fantasy books that spend time showing you a new world, than you will like this book. I warn you though - this is not a light read.
Another warning, you have to make it through the first half of the book before it really starts to get interesting. The first part is long and slow, though it does contain interesting descriptions of how magic works in the four part land. I would have preferred that this section be much shorter, and the last part more expanded so we could get to know the characters better.
The last part of the book is very interesting and I will be reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
Also, because this book is part of a a series I am going to withhold my final judgment until I read all the books. I prefer to judge a series as a whole. Tarranau gained an extra star for the potential I see in the series.
Another warning, you have to make it through the first half of the book before it really starts to get interesting. The first part is long and slow, though it does contain interesting descriptions of how magic works in the four part land. I would have preferred that this section be much shorter, and the last part more expanded so we could get to know the characters better.
The last part of the book is very interesting and I will be reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
Also, because this book is part of a a series I am going to withhold my final judgment until I read all the books. I prefer to judge a series as a whole. Tarranau gained an extra star for the potential I see in the series.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By L.M. Stull
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Tarranau is the first book of a series by debut novelist, James Tallett. Epic fantasy is not a genre I read often, but I found the author did a good job of creating a story line that drew me in and kept me turning the page until the very end. His descriptions were eloquent and rich, and his characters entertaining. I very much look forward to his forthcoming books and continuing my journey through The Four Part Land.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
Tarranau is an epic tale whose hero, Tarranau, battles his own imperfections in addition to the dangers and treachory of the world around him (the author has informed me that the name Tarranau is from the Welsh meaning "thunder"). Tarranau is born to a modest family of mussel farmers on an island, Bohortha Eilan, famous for its ships and knowledge of water. Tarranau studies to become a watermage so that he might make his family proud and earn a good living for himself. Things, however, don't work out as planned. He is cheated by his superiors at school and thrust into a hostile world where he is forced to cultivate his talents as best he can--often with unexpected results. He sets off on a long journey that takes him through many parts of the land in search of a decent life and a way to redeem himself. In his travels he confronts various obstacles and often has to depend upon his water magic to overcome his adversaries. As the plot unfolds Tarranau begins to understand that he has a role to play in a larger story, one that transcends his mere struggle for survival and success.
Mr Tallet weaves a complex tale that lovers of epic fantasy are sure to enjoy. This book is the beginning of a series and does an excellent job laying the groundwork for further books. We are introduced to Tarranau by sharing his struggles as a young man, we also get to know the land in which he lives with its unique towns and their legacy of conflict. Finally, as the book draws to a close, we are allowed some hints as to the grand plot that, no doubt, will see many more adventures for Tarranau in the books to come.
*I particularly enjoyed the detailed scenes describing the training and practices of a watermage.
Mr Tallet weaves a complex tale that lovers of epic fantasy are sure to enjoy. This book is the beginning of a series and does an excellent job laying the groundwork for further books. We are introduced to Tarranau by sharing his struggles as a young man, we also get to know the land in which he lives with its unique towns and their legacy of conflict. Finally, as the book draws to a close, we are allowed some hints as to the grand plot that, no doubt, will see many more adventures for Tarranau in the books to come.
*I particularly enjoyed the detailed scenes describing the training and practices of a watermage.
