About the Book:
Two kingdoms, five centuries, one destiny
In a world where the Sojourners, a nearly extinct race with preternatural abilities struggle to preserve their faith and heritage, destiny thrusts two youths from opposing nations into the heart of a centuries-old conflict.
Render, an orphan from the outskirts of the culturally enlightened Kingdom of Valdshire Tor, escapes slavery and seeks the truth about his true identity only to discover a web of conspiracies. This quest leads to the revelation of his uncanny ability to wield the destructive forces of nature.
Ahndien, sole survivor of a heinous raid on her peaceful village in the Eastern Kingdom of Tian Kuo, embarks on a journey to find her father, now a captive of Torian troops. What she uncovers surpasses anything she can imagine as she masters the ability to manipulate fire.
Guided by shape-shifting spirits, Render and Ahndien’s fates collide when first they meet as mortal enemies. However, to save their people from annihilation, they must unite both kingdoms against a terrifying enemy that threatens to destroy both realms.
But how can a young slave and a peasant bring sworn enemies of half a millennium together?
ONCE WE WERE KINGS: The first book in a saga of destiny and redemption, in a world of dying hope.
Writing Epic Fantasy as Ian Alexander, Winner of the 2011 International Book Awards, Joshua Graham is the author of numerous bestselling titles, including his Barnes & Noble #1 bestselling legal thriller BEYOND JUSTICE, which was listed on Suspense Magazine’s Best of 2010, along with titles by Scott Turrow, Ted Dekker, Steven James and Brad Thor.
Now, that I have that out of the way, I’ll get on with my review. Ahndien and Render are truly amazing characters. They were complex and created with passion for their roles. The lessons that they take the reader on through the actions and twists in this epic novel, are awesome. From good verses evil to romance and finding oneself, this was filled to overflowing with something for every reader! I was gripped by the way the characters flowed with the story and adventure.
This is the type of book that I would want my kids reading when they get old enough. It’s truly amazing to see a writer so talented that they can write in multiple genres. Not many can do that and still earn praises for both genres from me. Ian Alexander, aka Joshua Graham, can do just that.
This book is so deserving of more than 5 stars! It is a book that young and old readers alike will enjoy. You’ll be captured and thrown into the middle of the action, helping the characters all along the way. When you reach the end, you’ll say good bye, but it’s a novel that won’t soon be forgotten! If you are new to fantasy novels, start with Ian Alexander’s ONCE WE WERE KINGS. You’ll be a fan for life of the work of an incredibly talented, FANTABULOUS author! And, while your at it, you could check out his evil twin brother’s (Joshua Graham) work, BEYOND JUSTICE.
