The Reading Bud

Book Details:

Author: Robert A. Walker
Release Date: November 1, 2023
Series: The Legends of Baelon (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Format: E-book 
Pages: 311 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
“One must be careful practicing deception. The easiest to deceive will always be one’s self.”
The skilled thieves of the Takers Guild plot to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon, but when their plans are thwarted by a prescient woman and her brooding daughter, they must turn to the League of Assassins for assistance. Meanwhile, retired royal guard Rolft Aerns returns to the palace of King Axil with an old score to settle. When they all cross paths–and swords–in the dark shadows of Fostead’s south end, nothing is as it seems and the murder count rises quickly.
The long fingers of the Guild reach everywhere, and one overly ambitious thief is all it takes to spark a chain of events that will haunt the world of Baelon for many years to come.
Six Moons, Seven Gods is book one in The Legends of Baelon.

AWARDS

Winner of Book Excellence Award for Best Medieval Fantasy, Chick Lit Cafe, November, 2023

Winner of Literary Titan Book Award, December, 2023

Review

Every once in a while, a fantasy novel comes along that reminds me why I love the genre. Six Moons, Seven Gods is that book. Robert A. Walker delivers a masterfully woven tale filled with deception, shifting alliances, and a dark, immersive world that immediately pulled me in. With an intricate plot that unfolds like a dangerous game of chess, this book is a perfect blend of intrigue, adventure, and richly developed characters.

From the moment we’re introduced to the Takers Guild and their sinister plans, I knew I was in for a ride. The story quickly escalates, intertwining the fates of thieves, assassins, warriors, and rulers in ways that are unexpected yet brilliantly executed. The prescient woman and her enigmatic daughter add an element of mysticism that keeps the narrative layered and engaging. And then there’s Rolft Aerns—his return to the palace with a personal vendetta is one of my favorite character arcs in the book. His internal struggles and battle-worn wisdom give the story an emotional weight that balances out the high-stakes action.

What truly stands out is Walker’s ability to craft tension. The world of Baelon is brimming with corruption, power struggles, and secrets hidden away in every shadow. The pacing is tight, the fight sequences are cinematic, and the dialogue is sharp. There’s an almost poetic quality to the prose, making every scene feel immersive. The political machinations, the cunning moves of the Guild, and the betrayals that follow are a testament to how well the story is structured.

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a fantasy novel that respects its reader’s intelligence, one that doesn’t spoon-feed but instead trusts you to piece together the complicated world the author has presented. Six Moons, Seven Gods does exactly that. It’s clever, gripping, and utterly absorbing. By the time I turned the last page, I was already eager for the next installment. If you love fantasy with high-stakes storytelling, morally complex characters, and a world that feels alive, this is a must-read!

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