Title: Choices Meant For Kings
Author: Sandy Lender
Publisher: ArcheBooks Publishing
ISBN: 1595072195
Pages: 408, Paperback
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewed by: Gary Sorkin, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
Choices Meant for Kings is the second of three books entitled The Choices Trilogy created by renowned fantasy author Sandy Lender.
Not beginning with “Once upon a time” was refreshing, as were the descriptions of places and characters in this immensely creative work of visionary fantasy. I admit, at first, I felt as if I was taking a S.A.T. exam, being tossed into the world of strange names and places, but thanks to the glossary of characters I found myself picking up the storyline quite quickly. Then, as if in a hypnotic trance, I allowed myself to fall into the mindset of wizards, kings, sorcerers and learn the bloodline of the rulers of Onweald. Where’s Onweald? Oh, forgive me for being presumptions. It’s a Rochart Inkblot shaped continent in the northern Lagustrait Ocean, just to the east of Jovera. Get the picture? If not, Sandy Lender provides a detailed illustrated map of the region, drawn by an extraordinary artist Megan Kissinger. In fact, if you use the analogy of the book being a cake, Sandy Lender’s icing on the cake, her added references and imagery, brings her work to a level which can be defined only as literary art.
Choices Meant for Kings stands on its own merit as a book, although knowing of the trilogy makes me want to read its prequel, Choices Meant for Gods. Sandy Lender writes in a style having a combination of subtle humor below the surface of serious dialog and consequences. Definitely an “Out of the box” thinker, she has limitless novelty in her world. With a touch of Lewis Carroll’s fantastical nature, Sandy Lender breaks the mold of witches and warlords set by J.K. Rowling, scalps J.R.R. Tolkien’s ringlets with a swipe of a sword, and stands triumphantly on her own creative genius in the land of Onweald.
For readers with some time on their hands, I highly recommend the works of Sandy Lender. Her visionary talent has established her reputation and is creating a culture of followers and fans. Sandy Lender is on her way to gain critical mass possibly enabling “Tent-Pole Marketing” of Amanda Chariss, the beautiful and inherently powerful Protector of The Master, born with an amethyst teardrop. Chariss, as she is called, is truly worthy of being an inspiring role model for little girls and enjoyed by children, young adults, and fantasy fans of all ages. We’ll be looking forward to book III of the trilogy to see what Choices the future beholds!
