Jonathan Kieran

Book one of the Rowan Blaize series is written as an epic narrative poem - 284 pages of almost-all four-line stanzas. I wasn't sure how reading this would work for me, but always up for a challenge, I gave it a go - and discovered that it wasn't that much of an effort at all. If anything, I found myself sometimes re-reading some stanzas in order to get the rhythm just right before moving on.

Rowan is an ancient (but outwardly very young-looking) wizard who has lost his powers and is on a journey to visit his Aunt Ariadne, herself someone of great powers, in an attempt to get his powers restored. Of course, things do not go as planned, as Rowan meets people and creatures, both friendly and not. The middle section, featuring Rowan's captivity by some of the less-friendly acquaintances, was less interesting to me, with the pacing seeming to lag a little. But, in particular, I enjoyed the beginning segment of the book, which was kind of sweet, and the ending segments, which were surprisingly, brutally gory, before wrapping back around to echo the beginning I liked so much.

In addition to writing the book, Jonathan Kieran also created the intricate and whimsical illustrations.

I enjoyed reading Rowan Blaize, Book One of the Enchanted Heritage Chronicles, an adult fairy tale. And I appreciate Jonathan Kieran signing and personalizing the book he sent to me through the Library Thing Member Giveaway Program.… (altro)

Rowan Blaize is written in a style that can only be described as poetry. It's set up into separate stanza's of four lines each. The only way I was able to absorb the words, I had to read much slower, and sometimes out loud to fully comprehend what was being written. I normally don't pick up books that are written in this style, but I have to admit I wasn't disappointed by the end.

Rowan Blaize is over two thousand years old and has powers like flying, and casting spells, not to mention his reputation for slaying dragons. Rowan loses his magical powers and falls to Earth, landing in a farmland where he is able to seek shelter. He even considers this space to be sacred. Rowan is determined to figure out why he lost his powers, and goes out in search of them.

First starting with his Auntie Ariadne. His journey does not go as he thought, and is taken prisoner by forest spirits, and brought to their Faery King. The king can't make up his mind, if he should eat him or use him for ransom. Things start to look a little hairy until a mortal girl sets him free so he can continue with his journey.

He arrives to his Aunties, only to learn she doesn't know of a cure. but may know of someone who can. She sends him on a mission to meet up with a Circe, otherwise known as a mistress of magic to find a cure or any additional information on Rowan's situation.

There seems to be everything from gods and imps, to witches and faeries and everything in between. All along while reading this book, I was cheering for Rowan to accomplish what he sets out to find. The characters were all so unique and creative, but described perfectly for a perfect image in my mind. The illustrations along the way were something different and I thought it was quite brilliant. Overall I give this book a 5/5.… (altro)

Written in the form of poetry, an ancient sorcerer, Rowan Blaize, loses his magical powers and falls to Earth, landing in the farmland of one Devon Mould. Devon could see Rowan was not from around here and was skeptical, but being the good person he was, Devon invited Rowan into his home for a meal and a warm bed for the night.

Determined to continue his journey to find why he lost his powers and how to get them back, Rowan leaves Devon to head to London to see his Auntie Ariadne. Unfortunately, his journey does not go smoothly, as he is captured by some forest sprites and brought to their King. Luck is on his side as a mortal girl frees him and lets him continue his journey,

Making it to London and see his aunt, she is unable to help him find a cure, but knows of someone who can help him. Auntie Addie sends him to see Circe, a mistress of magic. But Circe is not what she appears to everyone, as Rowan soon discovers.

Written in poetic style, this is easy to follow, as long as you like poetry. Minimal amount of characters, but each brings his own uniqueness to the story. A few illustrations give it that extra zest to see how the author imagines his own characters. Quick read but worthy of your time.… (altro)