The One Who Would Be King

A Novel by Gareth Blackmore
Published by Author’s Publishing
104 Lake June Road NW
Lake Placid FL 33852
ISBN # 0-9728902-1-1
368 pgs $14.95

 

Fantasy epics are a unique type of book. Not only does the author have to create an entire universe, but also he has to inhabit it with creatures set in an environment that is conducive for their existence, and still tell a story that will keep the reader enthralled. In the novel, The One Who Would Be King, author Gareth Blackmore has managed to do exactly that.

This is the story of Djar and his companion, a sprite named Cookie (I loved the interplay of the names by the way) and their adventures in the land of Mahhrain, a kingdom once ruled by Djar’s father, yet now torn apart by the unjust and evil rule of Captain Karn and his hordes of goblins. Djar, with a reluctant Cookie in tow flee, to travel to the home of Dymorla, a witch that exists as a legend, to see if she can help restore peace in the lands, and the return of the rightful ruler. However, as with all of these type stories, nothing ever goes as simply as planned, and as their party grows larger, they find there is one needed ingredient to help them in their trials.

Dymorla tells them of a prophecy that records the appearance of a young man from earth that will help them. They magically pluck one from our world, a boy named Zack. In a unique twist to most of these types of tales, he is no savior in waiting, or granted with hidden magical powers, he is just a kid that they use to fulfill a prophecy they don’t even believe in, but figure that it can’t hurt and might get them some help from other factions for the battles to come. This really helps add to the reader’s viewpoint, allowing the character of Zack to ask any questions that they might have, or explaining a viewpoint or situation clearly to him (he being a stranger) without it sounding like some thrown in necessary evil that can all to often bring a story to a grinding halt.

I want to compliment author Blackmore for something else he does, which I have been seeing with a lot more frequency lately, and this is one trend I really enjoy. It is clear that he has a story to tell, and he does it well, yet he is not bogged down with descriptive nuances or long boring narratives, taking the time instead to move the story along. I don’t need to have a suit of armor described to me in excruciating detail. It is a suit of armor. Same goes for a horse, a castle, a tree, all of the standard accoutrements. Now of course, if there is something special about something, then yes, there is time taken to stop and tell the unique qualities, then back to the tale. Too many times, I have read stories that have spent pages describing a tree, and you want to know what I do when I hit those? Probably the same that I’m sure every other reader does-skips past them to get to the story. So what is the point Mr. and Ms. Author, just to show us you can describe a leaf ad nausea, or are you being paid per word? Tell the story, describe what you need to; I can manage the rest myself, thank you, and get on with the story. But I have digressed, sorry.

The One Who Would Be King by Gareth Blackmore is a refreshingly told tale of fantasy with epic proportions that would make any fan of this genre pleased that they have taken the time to get to know the wonderful world that has been crafted between these covers. Pick up this book and find yourself transported to a world where magic is real, adventure is afoot, and righteousness can still prevail, providing you have a sword that glows of course. This was a fun read Mr. Blackmore, and I thank you for allowing me to share in the adventure.