Review + Giveaway: Heirs of Prophecy by Michael A. Rothman

This is a book review tour of Heirs of Prophecy, a middle grade fantasy novel by Michael A. Rothman. Read on to know more about the book and the giveaway ($50 Amazon GC up for grabs!)!

About the book

The Riverton family had been enjoying a simple summer vacation when, through a fluke of nature, they found themselves in a strange new land. The Riverton brothers quickly realize that in this world, they have gained unusual powers. Powers that their parents fear will attract the attention of Azazel himself – the merciless wizard who brutally controls this world. The two brothers soon learn that an ancient prophecy has finally been initiated by their arrival in Trimoria. As the heirs of this prophecy, they are destined to lead the armies of men, dwarves, elves, and even a misfit ogre against the prophesied demon horde. Only one thing stands in their way–the evil wizard who has learned of their presence, and has sent assassins to wipe them from existence.

This book happens to be my first paperback review copy! I was excited because I’ve been so used to ebooks for a while now ever since I got the iPad. Anyway, I loved this book. It’s for young kids so it was pretty easy to read. I don’t know why I wasn’t so into fantasy when I was younger, but I’m glad that these days the young ‘uns have so many awesome reading options, including books like the Percy Jackson series and of course this one. I love books that really get people to use their imagination!

I enjoyed this book. The world building is marvelous and easy to follow. I also like the fact that the characters are one family experiencing the magic and adventure together. I already have a (print!) copy of the next book, Tools of Prophecy, and I’m excited to read it. I’m thinking of passing on these books to my young niece and nephew. :)

I received a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligations. All opinions and views expressed here are my own.

Giveaway

Michael will be awarding a $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a $25 Amazon GC to the host with the most comments. If this blog wins the most number of comments, I’ll also randomly pick a commenter and buy him/her a book (worth up to $15 including shipping) from Amazon! Sounds fair enough, right?

For more chances of winning, visit the other tour stops! You can find the links HERE. The more you comment, the more chances you have at the $50 Amazon GC! :)

About the author

I am an Army brat and the first person in my family to be born in the United States. This heavily influenced my youth by instilling a love of reading and a burning curiosity about the world and all of the things within it. As an adult, my love of travel allowed me to explore many unimaginable locations. I participated in many adventures and documented them in what will be a series of books, the first of which you have just read.

Some might put these books in the Fantasy genre, and I never had issues with this label. After all, the adventures were, without any doubt in my mind, fantastic. I simply quibble with the label of “Fiction” that some might put on these tales. These tales should be viewed as historical records, more along the lines of a documentary.

I’ve learned one thing over the years. Magic is real. Keep exploring, and you too will find your magic.

Connect with Michael on his website, on Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook.

Read an excerpt

From the Prologue:

“Attend the throne room immediately!”

Heeding Lord Azazel’s call, Munson led the charge up the winding staircase to the top floor. There, he found his master awaiting them in a cold, barren room centered by an imposing throne carved of black stone. Torchlight danced in ominous patterns off the throne’s polished surface. The sound of Munson’s fellow soldiers pouring into the room echoed off the dank walls encircling them.

Munson took his place beside the room’s sole exit, bracing himself to endure more of the horrors that had become so commonplace of late. By now he had seen more of these interrogations than he cared to count. So he knew that this one, like all the others, would end in bloodshed. His gut tightened as he caught sight of today’s victim. The man crouched at the feet of his lord was a man named Farley, a man who had been Munson’s best friend since childhood.

“Please spare me, Lord Azazel!” Farley bellowed. Quivering, the prisoner reached out to trace his fingers over the hem of the wizard’s red robe.

Munson swallowed hard, praying that his master couldn’t sense from this distance the terrible pity he felt.

“I…I…,” Farley stammered. “I will never make such a mistake again.”With baleful eyes, Azazel studied the man groveling at his feet. He stood then to his full height, his robe billowing as he circled the prisoner. His otherwise handsome face parted into a menacing, almost hungry grin. “You will never make such a mistake again?” The wizard glanced at the soldiers all around him as if waiting for laughter. When it didn’t come, his face contorted into fury. “How many times have I heard that over the centuries?”