Required Reading

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Monday, April 25, 2011

Redheart by Jackie Gamber

Article first published as Book Review: Redheart by Jackie Gamber on Blogcritics which will theoretically get me more traffic on my posts.


Redheart is book one of the Leland Dragon Series.   Leland is the province where Kallon Redheart, a red dragon, resides.  The province is in a drought and tensions between dragons and humans are at an all time high.  Fordon Blackclaw, the Dragon Council Leader, is using the tensions to further his personal ambitions.   This is the cauldron that a young woman named Riza finds herself embroiled in when she flees a life of mundane existence. 

Riza Diantus epitomizes or perhaps symbolizes the plight of the woman in un-enlightened cultures.  That is making the assumption that we live in an enlightened culture which isn’t always guaranteed.   Equal opportunity often seems to be a cliché not realized in our tumultuous economic environment of today let alone in a rural agriculture set in a medieval style setting.  

Riza questions all, not just those in authority, she questions everyone.   Her lust for answers and her refusal to be bound by a rigid role proscribed by her agrarian life makes her a heroine in my estimation.   She refuses to accept the role of victim and fights for what she wants and what she feels is right.  

Jastin, the dragon hunter, is on a quest of vengeance.   He is conflicted regarding his feelings for Riza.   He perceives himself as a merciless mercenary but is surprised when Riza touches feelings he thought long abandoned.

Kallon, too,  is far more than a cardboard cutout of a dragon.   He deals with feelings of alienation and inadequacy.   Kallon’s struggles with his fears and his relationship with Riza, Jastin and the wizard, Orman, become entwined with Blackclaw the Dragon Council leader.

Gamber has created loveable and despicable characters.   She imbues them with real feelings, emotions and frustrations.   Jackie Gamber brings alive dragons and adventure with colorful, involved storytelling.   The intricate details of a Stephen Zimmer or Tolkien are not there but the warm characters and very believable emotions produce a book that will be remembered and cherished.

I highly recommend the book and look fervently for a sequel.

Body of work of Jackie Gamber

Web site:  http://www.jackiegamber.com/


 To celebrate the launch week of Jackie Gamber's Redheart, Seventh Star Press is announcing
a very special sale.  The good news is that they've got a title in multiple areas of fantasy, so that you can try Seventh Star Press eBooks out in this special sale that will be running through Mid-June.  Only $1.99 for Redheart, Thrall, Crown of Vengeance, and The Exodus Gate.

What are you waiting for?  Just two bucks and you'll be on a grand adventure.  Find out what readers around the world are discovering...there's a growing constellation of quality titles at SeventhStar Press!

All eBook titles include the Matthew Perry illustrations that are in the print editions.

Visit this page for further information and direct links to eBook  titles.



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