Farmers and Mercenaries

Local author, Maxwell Alexander Drake, bring to us his first book in his Genesis of Oblivion Saga. Farmers and Mercenaries begins the story of Klain, Arderi Cor, Alant Cor and we see the introduction of Clytus Rillion.

 

A member of the Henderson Writer’s Group, Drake has spent quite a bit of time perfecting his story. Split into three parts, the first is an introduction of the four characters, as a “day in the life…” 

 

I am truly enjoying this book and the story Drake has to tell. Klain and Arderi quickly became my favorite characters as I read their stories. Alant and Clytus took a bit longer, but as I have moved through the book, their stories have taken on a life of their own.

 

Klain strives for freedom from a lifetime of slavery in the gladiatorial pits. He is eventually purchased by an Elmorian, who teaches him about freedom. His continuing story is something I am looking forward to and his progression as a character should prove interesting.

 

Arderi is a farmer, unhappy with his lot in life. At sixteen, he takes the test to find out if he has the ability to control the Essence. His test does not go as he and his family had hoped and he is left with life as a farmer, something he is not happy settling for. The question of his future needs to be answered.

 

Alant is Arderi’s brother, who has passed the test and become a Shaper of the Essence. His selection to be trained by the Elmorians leaves his mentor and teacher with a feeling of uncertainty and concern. Though the Elmorians take many students to teach them how to become stronger Shapers, only a very small number of the students survive. If Alant can survive, remains to be seen.

 

Clytus is on a search for a cure for his ailing son. But to get the help of the Shapers, he has had to make a promise that he cannot keep, be at the “beck and call” of the Shapers, without question.

 

The first five chapters give the reader a good sense of the characters they will encounter for the rest of the book. The deeper you read, the more drawn into the story and characters you will become.

 

For Imagined Interprises, Inc.’s first publication, Farmers and Mercenaries is great. Artwork by Lars Grant-West is a great representation on the cover. I.I.I. produces all hardback books, without a dust cover to be destroyed by use and a cloth bookmark already included. I am looking forward to more books by Maxwell Alexander Drake and Imagined Interprises, Inc.