Merchant of Alyss ~ Review

Merchant of Alyss

Legends of the Realm #2
by Thomas Locke

Hyam, now known as the Hero of Emporis, has been without his powers since defeating the Crimson Mage.  But danger has reawakened and an ancient foe long hidden has been revealed when an unexpected shipment arrives in Falmouth Port.

Milantian scrolls carrying the secrets of this ancient race have been discovered.  The power offered in these few scrolls is nothing compared to the potential that is offered in the rest of the collection.  But is traveling into the barren desolation of the Yellow Realm worth the risk?  

Hyam believes it is.  And even more troubling are the dreams that come to Hyam in the early dawn hours.  Dreams filled with destruction and beasts of legend.  Dreams that call to him, that lead him to an uncertain future.  But to grasp the future before him Hyam must first accept that what he has left behind is necessary for the survival of all.

But as with all great quests there is a cost involved and this one could cost them everything they hold dear.  Ancient bonds will be revisited.  And new bonds - treaties will be forged.

Fans of fantasy will enjoy the journey that is being embarked upon.  Though written in his own unique voice there are under currents that will bring remembrances of J.R.R. Tolkien, George MacDonald, and C.S. Lewis and their worlds of wonders both delightful and hideous.  Teens and adults alike will be drawn into this world. What will be sacrificed to save what is?  

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell Books in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Beneath the hills of a primeval city, a vanquished enemy is gathering power. 

As this new threat arises, can Hyam summon his true heritage and overcome the forces of evil?

When Hyam reluctantly returned to the Long Hall, he never imagined how his life would change. Latent powers were honed, chance encounters brought new wisdom, and even love found a way into his heart. With his wife, Joelle, he now makes a home in Falmouth Port.

Hyam is slowly recovering from his battles when a mysterious shipment of Milantian scrolls arrives. Soon he is haunted by dreams of mythic beasts and coming conflicts. When Joelle falls under a sorcerer's spell, he must venture through the desolate lands to save her--and his community.

One particular scroll seems to hold the promise of new powers, but it also carries a hidden warning about an unfathomable threat. As Hyam sets out on another journey, he is keenly aware that he must rely on all his abilities--and his forbidden past--to succeed. His quest could bring deliverance . . . or devastation.

Thomas Locke is a pseudonym for Davis Bunn, the award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies. With a lifelong passion for speculative stories, he is also the author of Emissary andTrial Run. A screenplay adaptation of Emissary is currently under development as a feature film with a British production company.

Davis's work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction. He divides his time between Oxford and Florida. Learn more at www.tlocke.com.