A competently written and enjoyable fantasy novel, with well-rounded characters and a hero to inspire loyalty in the reader. Editing, grammar, punctuation, and layout are produced to a very high standard, making an easy and entertaining read. Although I found some of the mid-sections a little slow at times, generally the story was pacy and compelling. With a flawed yet intensely likeable hero, and a ‘love to hate’ baddie, I would recommend this book to any who appreciate a good adventure with a great storyline. I look forward to the next in the series. (Book Tour Reviewer Deborah Barwick)
A wonderfully written fantasy full of ferocious fights and bloody battles. Though not my first choice of genre, Elmon’s excellent writing drew me in, and I found myself deeply caring about the characters, as well as being intrigued by the imagery and pacy plot.
A particular highlight for me were the descriptions of Valdost. They are so vivid and vibrant, and I felt like a perfect picture was painted of the place. I almost felt like I was walking amongst the people and experiencing the buzzing and bustling marketplace. Its city square containing the Lazio Fountain sounds particularly spectacular and evoked memories of European cities I’ve visited. (Book Tour Reviewer Michelle Marshall)
Kairos of the Azel clan is the runt of his family and the laughing stock of his people; except for his brother Thylar. In an effort to save their homeland from the Blight, Kairos’s people, the Einar, depart across the sea, taking Kairos with them. Little do they know it spells their death sentence. Kairos is the only survivor after a surprise massacre from Malus’s army. The plot is tense, as all these malevolent forces work together to kill and/or capture Kairos. He is a major threat to them, but he has no idea why. The foes are evil, yet not cartoonishly so and have fleshed out motives for their cruel deeds. For all the horribleness of the villains, the supporting good characters are delightful and authentic. From brave Gulliver, to Galen, to his daughter Althea, to cranky yet loving Mr. Dubose, to disapproving Stella, they all shine on their own. The scenes move efficiently, at just the right pace. Developments make sense, and very rarely did plot points feel forced to push the story forward. The dialogue is poignant and every character sounds unique. The stakes start off high and escalate more and more, making this a nail biting read. The fantasy world feels well grounded and has just enough details to it without being overwhelming. (Book Tour Reviewer Sophie Jupillat Posey)
This was another book that I was looking forward to reviewing, and I wasn’t disappointed. Cursed Knight is a substantive book, and an epic journey for its central protagonist, Kairos. We follow him from a bleak existence in a somewhat familiar Nordic fantasy realm into a greater world of magic and monsters, discovering it alongside him. The action of the book is visceral and often brutal, but the scenes of everyday life as Kairos tries to find his place in a world where he feels he doesn’t belong are also poignant. There is a recurring theme of loss and desperation that drives Kairos, but even then, the story feels hopeful. I recommend it for fans of fantasy and especially fans of Japanese role-playing video games, as the tropes here, while not alien otherwise, will likely resonate with them as they did for me. (Book Tour Reviewer Tim Marshall)
As an Einar, life is all about battling, fighting, killing, looting, raiding. The Azel clan leader’s son, Kairos, joins the month’s voyage undertaken by 300 Einar men to find new lands to ensure the survival of their starving people back home. Alas, he is the sole survivor of the shipwrecked crew as they are attacked and all killed. But one Einar is enough to cause trouble for the people of Ordonia! Without a ship, he has no way of getting back to his people and taking over his family’s plan to move to plentiful Ordonia as the clan has done for many generations. Vowing to avenge the death of his father and brother, and the other clansmen, Kairos has no option but to undergo a dangerous plan to become a Mana Knight. With many enemies after him, Kairos finds his battle-ready hardened background coming to the fore. His brother’s last words to him were that he must survive…(Book Tour Reviewer Yvonne Marrs)
The Cursed Knight is a great introduction to the Godshard Chronicles with a fantastic cast of characters. All are well developed, highly credible and very easy for the reader to form an emotional connection with. The plot is engaging, fast paced with plenty of action, drama, twist and turns, humour and brilliant world building and imagination. There wasn’t one element of the story that I disliked or did not enjoy. This is a series that I look forward to continuing with and I can’t wait to see where the Author takes the characters next. I’d certainly love to see more of Althea in future books. A must have read for your personal library collections of favourite authors. Highly recommend! (Book Tour Reviewer Kirsty McKay)
Cursed Knight is a “no holds barred” feast of adventure, action, chivalry and romance. Set in a unique world, Kairos hails from the Eithar clan, a group of brutish and hard-faced people who thrive off fighting and taking by force, not too dissimilar to vikings. However their home to the north across the seas are poisoned by the Blight and so they travel south to save it. Kairos conitinues his journey towards Voldas which is a land far different from his own. A land of magic and mana knights sworn to protect the people from the Dark Elves threatening their existence. Kairos is far removed from magic but this doesn’t stop him from training as a knight looking to overcome his shortcomings and set about saving his homeland. This story is a real page-turner with so many colourful and vivid characters. It really is difficult to choose a favourite. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Kairos develop throughout the story whilst realising how perceived initial limitations can actually be strengths. Dialogue is believable and really enhances each character. Even secondary characters have important roles to play and the author carries the pace of action throughout the book to a memorable climax. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the Godshard series. (Book Tour Reviewer Niall McKay)
We award 5 stars.
