Secrets of the Sorcery War: An Epic YA Fantasy by Elise Carlson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heir Ruarnon has just returned from brokering peace treaties with some of the kingdoms surrounding thier home of Tarlah, but just as they are settling in, they have a visit by an ambassador from a community which has not had much communication with them since the Sorcerer’s War. This is surprising to Ruarnon, especially when the discussion turns into an invitation to visit this estranged kingdom and it is one they readily accept.

As the party prepare to leave, Ruarnon converses with their new found friends from Australia to explain their reasons for leaving their palace and not taking the four adventurers along, however, they promise that of there is a next time, that they are more than welcome to join them and woth that says the party set off on their travels.

While they learn more about what is known of this reclusive community of the Urai, Ruarnon is keen to learn more about their traditions and the reasoning behind the estrangement, however, they are also careful not to offend their hosts at the same time. All is proceeding well during their visit, until a messenger arrives with urgent news of a sighting of the dreaded Damars off the coast of Urai and Ruarnon is all too familiar of the dangers this poses to them all, so they advise the Urai of this and agree to consult with their councils on what to do and to report back to each other on their decision.

After these debates have taken place, a course of action is decided upon and the Urai turn out to be unexpected allies, as do the Australian quartet who decide amongst themselves to travel with Ruarnon and if possible speak to their adversaries to gain knowledge of the possibility of returning home.

When they all find themselves embroiled in a battle with the fearsome Damars and sorcerors, this both terrified and excited the four strangers, especially when after the Battle is won, they have the chance to speak to them and find out more about both the sorcerer Nartzeer, his plans and the reasons he attacked them. However, what they find out just leads to more questions than answers and more worries are heaped onto Ruarnon’s shoulders, but what do these new revelations mean and how will they affect the future of Uranimaris? This is an epic fantasy adventure across land and sea, to unravel the secrets which lie across the seas and untangle the webs surrounding the history of the many lands to reveal the future, or at least the many iterations of what it could be as this story hooks you in and keeps you guessing throughout.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

View all my reviews