The Archcrusade: Tome One: The Archspawn – Pilgrimage & Prophecies by K.M. Hogenson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Basil is a young man of sixteen who lives in Sythica, as an apprentice with his Master, he is training to be a healing mage, as well as learning other professions and has never left his home town, however, he has always wanted to travel, but his Master is reluctant, so life goes on with his tutelage and training, meanwhile, in a small village on the far northern border of the Kingdom, there is an attack from a race of creatures who thrive on other races, so when an alert is sounded, one of the villagers heads to the capital to report it.

When this report comes in, the Low King is worried and so decides to send some troops to the area, however, other reports of maleficent individuals, including this attack are sent to the High King, he is perturbed by the news of his hard-won peace shattering, so he calls for all available soldiers to embark on a crusade to corral those who would do evil to others. As the news spreads, some of the mages are called upon to travel with the Crusade, especially healing mages, so when his master is called upon, Basil’s dreams of travelling finally come true, but his Master is reluctant to let him out of his sight and regularly checks with him that he is fully prepared for this monumental movement.

When everyone has gathered their supplies and mustered at the Crusade point, Basil learns where he will spend his time and the march North truly begins, as he is stationed on the back lines, he stays with some of the soldiers and soon becomes friendly with two of them, however, the march is not all plain sailing. As one group prepare to travel, another is called upon to stop them and so a group of assassins are hired to pick of the troops and be a thorn in the side of the Crusade and when this is discovered, Basil’s Master is even more concerned for him, so he is told to remain watchful and take extra care and especially not to go anywhere alone.

As the Crusade marches, more dangers befall the large group and soon it is imperative that Basil stays close to his allies, but will he be able to keep his cool, heal those who need it and keep himself out of danger, all at the same time and will the Crusade be able to carry out their mission before the assassins pick them off? This is an epic fantasy adventure crossing kingdoms, assessing dangers and fighting off evil doers in the process which will keep you on your toes throughout as you march along with the characters to their journeys end!

Reviewed by @roxsannel

View all my reviews