Title: Alder
Author: Derek Dyer
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 1796053821
Pages: 134
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel

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Alder enjoys spending his days lazy and jobless while studying magic under the guidance of a young prodigy named Elea. Too bad his parents don’t feel the same way and have a different idea in mind for his future, which doesn’t include him staying home. One moment he’s catching a rabbit and the next he’s told the dreaded decision of his parents: it’s time for him to move out on his own. He and Elea set out on a journey to join the ranks of the Mage Knights only to come face to face with unexpected dangers upon their arrival. Through the magical city, Alder can see a beauty to magic he hasn’t seen before along with handling a growing threat from a guild that leads him and Elea to make the shocking discovery of a traitor within the kingdom.

Alder’s life is first depicted as peaceful and is a place where he feels carefree to learn and do as he pleases. His life is turned upside down when his parents decide it’s time for him to make it on his own which means he has to decide what his future holds; whether that’s to teach or to join a guild or to become a Mage Knight. The city where they go is a vast contrast to his home, taking him from an idealistic country setting to a busy vibrant place and leaves him breathless by the magic all around him. The world author Derek Dyer has created is lovely and tinged with magic that fills Alder’s life which brings out the true beauty of the magic. This beauty Dyer uses balances out a certain grittiness underneath that’s seen through the threats running within the kingdom. The Sage’s Garden is a stunning example of the beauty of magic; as it’s a place where each color of flowers represents a different type of magic.

Alder’s personality is hapless and one of a jokester who doesn’t quite take anything seriously, spending his days catching rabbits and cutting corners around lessons. His relationship with Elea is a delightful core of the story as she’s a young prodigy who takes it upon herself to be his teacher in magic. The two have a complex mentor/mentee relationship as she often speaks to him as a student with the tendency to coddle him while they also have a strong friendship that’s rooted in respect and is a touch flirty which gives possible hints of possibilities. She’s a strong and fierce character that doesn’t let herself be pushed around while she also knows when to stand aside to observe, a constant presence guiding Alder forward. She’s wise and clever with a strong voice that makes for the perfect balance to Alder which makes the two a fun pairing in which readers will crave to have more adventures with.

The threat of the guild is a quick presence in their journey which immediately takes them away from the safety of his home. This first real danger sets them up for a deeper threat the further they delve into the Knights and the Kingdom. The Mage Knights are quickly presented as another threat when they’re introduced raising the taxes under Archmage Albor’s command, but as Alder gets to know the various characters, he sees another side to the Knights. Several threads are woven together throughout to give an insight into this world of the Knights which include following your heart and your gut, and never turning away a request when lives are on the line. Both of these are important themes throughout Alder’s journey from a lazy student to a hero that makes choices. Alder will appeal to those who love fantasy, charming characters, humorous protagonists, magic, and knights.