The Chronicles of Farro: The Sacred Messenger
By M.D. Privratsky
ISBN #: 9781432762278
Author’s website: www.facebook.com/M.D.Privratsky
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Vicki
Synopsis:
“As an ancient evil rises again, so does a warrior with a sacred mission.”
After being imprisoned for a millennia, the evil Lord Jarden is once again released. His plan for Andora and her people is set. The only ones who can stop him are dead and gone. All hope for Andora seems to have also died. However, as chance would have it, a lone Osarian Knight has indeed survived. Sala of Antioch. When alerted to the alarming reality of Lord Jarden returning, Sala pours over old scrolls until he runs across a letter from Rafar the Elder, himself, and the 1st scroll of an ancient prophecy. In addition he finds a slave girl, who is to be a chosen messenger, to translate the cryptic text within the scrolls, in which will lead them to their long lost sphinx warrior, Farro. Before these brave crusaders can even begin their journey, Lord Jarden ignites his take over. Many are left wounded, but hundreds more perish. Paralyzed with grief, the small rebel band fight to escape the wrath of the dark lord, little do they know each step they take brings one of them closer to making the ultimate sacrifice. (Goodreads)
Review:
The Chronicles of Farro: The Sacred Messenger is a true epic. These days we expect little else from High Fantasy, but M.D. Privratsky is able to navigate the classic tropes of the High Fantasy genre whilst also introducing a new, powerful, voice.
An issue that I frequently have with High Fantasy is that there is often disconnect between the reader and the characters, for me at least. I find that this comes from an over-abundance of detailed information and world-building, whilst the characters remain secondary. Privratsky has a colourful cast of characters and evidently cares about each and every one. I felt more connection with these characters than I have in other novels belonging to the genre and the plot, pace and world-building did not suffer any losses.
The Chronicles of Farro began quite slowly, but as the action and suspense ramps up it becomes clear why there was such a need for detailed scene setting. I appreciated the amount of time Privratsky had devoted to making sure the reader had enough knowledge to steer through, and understand, this world; ultimately making the entire reading experience much more enjoyable.
Readers who enjoyed Lian Hearn’s Tales of the Otori will enjoy The Chronicles of Farro. Like Hearn, Privratsky is skilled at weaving through mythology, history, legend, magic and destiny; and yet grounding us all in the realm of the real. The Chronicles of Farro is quite simply a tale of good versus evil, with ample amounts of suspense, mystery, passion and above all hope.
