Title: Keepers of Runes and the Tower of Shadows
Author: Andrew Cratsley
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 978-1494365530
Pages: Kindle/Paperback
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewed by: Krista Schnee, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
With his 120th birthday approaching, Corinth is eager for what lay ahead in his life. Years of work and study under his master, Tessius, has given him a great measure of achievement in the areas of magic and combat. He is confident in his sword skills as well as his casting abilities. Yet he is a young, immature elf with perhaps a bit too much faith in his own capabilities. With this possibility in mind, Tessius decides to send Corinth, a new knight, out into the world in order to gain a greater understanding of not only himself but the surrounding communities who depend on his assistance.As a knight on a mercenary’s mission, he will necessarily require companions for the tasks assigned. Corinth gathers various rogues during his travels; boisterous and sometimes bawdy, these humans, orcs, and elves fight shoulder to shoulder with Corinth, becoming not only fighting companions but also confidants and protectors. This closeness will be greatly needed in their encounter with the ultimate enemy, a necromancer. Evil and ruthless, this dark elf coerces them and his own daughter into a journey that will test all of their abilities. This journey and the battles that ensue will demand all of their skills in their quest to defeat the necromancer.
In Keepers of Runes and the Tower of Shadows, Andrew Cratsley draws readers into a strange and yet familiar world, one full of fantastical creatures and races such as the elves beloved by fans of fantasy and mythology. However, this is no slavish undertaking on Cratsley’s part. Indeed, although the book may have certain elements in common with others in the fantasy genre, it provides a unique perspective on elven culture, mercenaries, orcs and dwarves, and most especially magic. Perhaps most interesting, however, is its take on common mythological stories, including the heroic journey and the coming of age story. These themes ground the story and give it an emotional depth not found in most fantasy novels. Like many of the great authors within the genre, Cratsley displays a passion for crafting a wondrous world that is entertaining as well as thought provoking.
Keepers of Runes and the Tower of Shadows has aspects to entice most any reader, whether lover of fantasy or not. With his skillful descriptions and pacing of the storyline, Cratsley is able to maintain interest, and with the many exciting battles encountered by Corinth and his friends, the reader will often find themselves gasping as they turn the page. For those who dislike “light” fantasy, the necromancer provides a necessary counterpoint to Corinth’s naïve viewpoint; thus there are dark scenes of crushing agony and despair. Yet Cratsley effectively utilizes humor—and a touch of romance—to lighten the story throughout. Even those veteran readers of fantasy will delight in Cratsley’s work. After reading Keepers of Runes and the Tower of Shadows, Andrew Cratsley’s first novel, readers will definitely look forward to future works from this up-and-coming author.
