Lost For Words: Progeny

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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Progeny - R. T. Kaelin

3:02 AM | Posted by Corrine |

Nikalys and his sister Kenders grew up living a peaceful life in the quiet farming village of Yellow Mud... until the blistering hot day when they go to the nearby lake for a swim. When they reach the lake, they spy an unknown mage conjure a massive water creature hundreds of feet tall. They watch in horror as the water creature plunges toward their home, apparently drowning all in its path, including their parents and older brother, Jak.

As the only survivors, brother and sister strike out on their own, hoping to discover the reason their home and family was destroyed. They must make their way through a countryside where magic is outlawed, punishable by imprisonment or even death while struggling with the revelation that Kenders has magical abilities herself.

Ancient, powerful forces still seek the Progeny on their travels, some intent to eliminate the threat they pose, some hoping to help them fulfill a destiny of which they are unaware. Myths and legends come to life, whisking the pair along a journey they never could have imagined possible.

Partial synopsis taken from goodreads.

Title: Progeny (The Children of the White Lions #1)

Author: R.T. Kaelin

Genre: Young Adult, Adult Fiction, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy

Publisher: Terrene Press

Publication Date: December 1, 2010

Format: Softcover

Source: Received from author. Many thanks goes to R.T. Kaelin for sending me a copy of his book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Look for it: Amazon, Kindle, Nook

My rating: 5/5

Nikalys and Kenders have a monumental destiny thrust on them when they find themselves watching a water monster, created by magic, ravage and destroy their small town. With everyone and everything they had ever known wiped out on one sunny, hazy afternoon, they are left desperate and alone. Past consoling, they move on, as they try to figure out why this happened, and how they can avenge the deaths of so many innocent people. What they don't realize, is that this is the first step to unveiling their legacy, and destiny, and they will meet many who will stand with them, and partake of the journey ahead.

I don't think I can do this book justice. Honestly, Progeny is right up my alley. It is one of those reads that just sucked me in and wouldn't let me go. Progeny is an exceptional read. The characters are well-defined, and I immediately found myself invested in their story. Kenders, Nikalys, and Jak, as well as their parents are so approachable, and credible. I found myself connecting to them almost immediately. I rooted for them throughout the story, and hoped that things would turn out for them, even in the face of tragedy. The world-building is absolutely amazing, and from the beginning the read is intense. We're thrown into a world where magic is outlawed and feared, yet it is still practiced behind closed doors. Along the way we meet a host of colourful characters, including Broedi, and Nundle. They all add to the read, as does the villainous Preceptor, Jhaell Myrr.

Fantasy is one of my favourite genres to read, and when it is done right, it will keep me coming back for more. Progeny is absolutely done right. Between the world-building, and the character-building, I was thoroughly enthralled. I found myself reading and re-reading every page, devouring the words, all the while savouring them as I did not want to miss a single thing. Even within reading the first few pages, I knew this one would be a favourite read and re-read of mine. It is an absolutely phenomenal, and prolific read. I want the next book now! R.T. Kaelin has penned an exceptionally exquisite first novel, and I'll be waiting with bated breath for the rest of this series, as well as any of his future works not tied to the series.

All in all, this is certainly a read you will want to savour. Between the characters, and the world enticing you in, you won't want to put Progeny down. It has crossover appeal for both teens and adults alike. Kaelin has a way with words that fully immerses the reader, demanding they invest themselves in the world he has created; much like Terry Goodkind and Christopher Paolini. It is such an explosively amazing book and has made my top reads list for 2011 with ease. I'll be re-visiting it shortly, because it is just that good.