Keys of the Origin by Melissa A. Joy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Synopsis:
In a world where ancient races still dwell,
the events of an age-old prophecy begin to stir.
From the pages of an antique tome,
there is much the ancients themselves have yet to learn.
The time has come for the Keys of the Origin to play their part in restoring balance to Aeldynn; but how will their choices affect the outcome?
Two young men; one a righteous law-abiding servant to the people, the other a distinguished outlaw, don't yet realise they are to play a part in a foretold bid for the future of Aeldynn. Fate leads them down a road they would never have dreamed of following; a road that leads them into a struggle to bring the world back into a state of balance from the precipice of madness and desolation.
It is not only Zehn and Larkh who are fated to take on the malevolent forces of Aeldynn; there are others who must join with them as they are coaxed into the embrace of the ancient Nays and the fabled Drahknyr, who are also entangled in the masterful puppeteering of a renegade sorceress hell bent on reviving the greatest threat of all; Alymarn.
Review:
It’s a shame I can't give it 10 stars! I'm obsessed. I'm looking forward to a re-read less than a day after finishing Keys of the Origin. I don't even know where to start.
The book begins with the awakening of the Kaesan’Drahknyr, the seven mighty warriors that protect Aeldynn. After a slumber of 3000 years, they are called to protect the balance between Aevnatureis and its evil counterpart Phandaerys. Not to mention the many races that dwell in Aeldynn, for evil rises one more time. And an ancient prophecy is becoming a reality.
Melkhar, the fiercest of the Kaesan’Drahknyr has been tasked with the protection of Arcaydia, a young woman with growing powers. On her way, Melkhar discovers the human kingdoms are on the brink of war. Forced to part ways with her protector, Arcaydia meets Larkh, he is a pirate, but not a typical one. Larkh is smart beyond his years and has more than a couple mysterious trades. Larkh is being chased by Zehn, a law enforcer that travels accompanied by a mage, Raeon.
Raeon is a Silver Mage, member of an order that follows the knowledge of the Nays, the ageless race that brought to physical existence the Drahknyr, and the Kaesan' Drahknyr.
Kalthis is also a Kaesan’ Drahknyr, he's in tune with nature in a unique way, which allows him to obtain knowledge no-one else can reach. All will be connected in the battle against Zerrçainne, a powerful sorceress that used to be a Galétriahn Highlord, a Nays High Mage. She plots to rise to power through manipulation and dark sources of magica.
And that’s as far as I’ll go with details. Spoilers are a pain.
The plot is well-paced, allowing the reader to become familiarized with the lore and the characters right in the midst of great discoveries and epic battles. There are edge of the seat moments; it made wish I could read faster.
The characters have an ample specter, not only in personality and trades but also in kin. Humans, Nays, Elves, Drahknyr, hybrids... The reading is easy; despite being my first time reading about such a rich world it didn't become heavy in any moment. The way the story is told and the vivid descriptions made me feel at times like I was there watching everything happen; sometimes even like a video-game.
I love the way the eternal battle between the light and the darkness has been approached. It is a different way to tell such a story.
My favorite character without a doubt would be Melkhar; I knew it would be after reading just one line of her point of view. She is fierce, powerful, highly intelligent, and merciless when she has to be. There is much to learn from her; oftentimes, her actions reveal more than her words. She's refreshing. Not just for a female character but in general.
Overall, the best book I've read so far without a doubt. An epic story with mighty heroes, powerful villains, and beautiful lore. I can't wait to read more from Melissa Joy. Hell, I'd read her grocery list.
Take a look at Keys of the Origin here:
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