Brian G. Michaud - The Road to Nyn - Review & Giveaway

About the Book

In a land where magic is outlawed, a young boy is living a double life. Although Kay is training to be a knight, he has been secretly studying the forbidden ways of magic with Alamin, a powerful but eccentric wizard.

After passing of the Trial of the Rings and being raised to squirehood, Kay has decided to tell Alamin that he is going to leave his magical studies behind. And why not? Kay hasn’t ever cast a spell without something going seriously wrong–like the random appearance of frogs or hungry wolves–besides, Kay could be banished from the kingdom just for associating with Alamin.

Kay’s plans are quickly obliterated when a horde of goblins attacks his village and captures his family and friends. Now, with his home lying in ruins, everything has changed. Along with Alamin and Felix, a self-serving kleptomaniac sprite, Kay embarks on an adventure that takes him across the Kingdom of Gaspar and into the dark and treacherous caves of the Goblin Realm. What Kay doesn’t realize is that his journey is leading him on a collision course with the Lord of Nyn – a being so powerful that none dare face him...not even Alamin himself!

My Review

Kay is a young whippersnapper who desperately wants to be a hero. He just doesn't know how difficult such a life really is. Being a knight isn't all about glory and adulation. The thrill of battle comes with a hefty price. Villages are burned. Families are enslaved. People get hurt. It's a lesson Kay learns the hard way on his journey into the evil realm of Nyn.

In the beginning, Kay's a bit full of himself. He earns the right to become a squire (a knight's apprentice) after completing a set of rigorous challenges before the entire kingdom. He lets his success go to his head, thinking he's better than his friends. They don't like his new high and mighty attitude and they take off, leaving him all alone with the wizard, Alamin.

Kay has been learning magic from the old man, something that's considered an illegal activity in the kingdom of Gaspar. Kay knows if he gets caught, it could strip him of his prestigious squirehood, but he's willing to take the risk. He's too fascinated by what Alamin has shown him to even think about giving it up. Turns out, Kay might be a squire, but he's also an adolescent with a rebellious streak when it comes to thumbing his nose at those in authority.

And he certainly puts his magical abilities to the test, learning from his past mistakes and strengthening his fledgling skills. When a horde of goblins kidnaps his entire village, he sets off with Alamin to rescue them, even going into the bowels of Nyn in order to do it. He's scared, but he presses on facing obstacle after obstacle that ultimately leads to a showdown with the Dark Lord of Nyn himself.

But even with all the magical tools at his disposal, the thin line between victory and defeat teeters on his purity of heart, his honest nature and his loyalty to those he loves. Kay's willing to make the sacrifices necessary that are the hallmark of what makes a true champion. It's not all about the brawn and the swagger. It's about the brains and the guts too.

In this coming of age tale, Kay goes from a boy who's bored with life to a young man who recognizes the value of it.

***

The Road to Nyn can be purchased at:
Amazon

Prices/Formats: $0.99 ebook, $8.99 paperback
Pages: 266
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Release: November 2013
Publisher: self-published
ISBN: 9781493545551
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About the Author

Brian G. Michaud lives in a small town in Massachusetts with his wife, Kim. When he is not reading or writing books, he can be found teaching music at a local elementary school or rocking out on guitar with the band, Too Loud.

Links to connect with Brian:
Web Site
Facebook (author)
Facebook (book)
Goodreads
Blog Tour Site


About the Giveaway

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