About the Book

Book: Succession

Author: Brett Armstrong

Genre: Christian Epic Fantasy

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Son of the Northern Realm’s Defender, raised among dwarfs of Ordumair, Meredoch was anticipated to succeed his father. Some whispered he would bring the longed-for peace between Ordumair and their ancient foe, Ecthelowall. All of that changes when Ordumair’s Thane is killed and Meredoch and his family are exiled. From prestige to poverty, the young boy must chart a new course.

As the years pass and the idol that was his father’s legacy tarnishes, Meredoch’s past resurfaces. An artifact of immeasurable worth to Ordumair is found. If recovered by the wrong hands, disaster would befall those Meredoch serves and cares about. Battling creatures believed only myths and racing against evil toward the prize, Meredoch must face the truth of his place in the world and claim his right of succession.

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Review:

Let me just say: I loved this novella! It was amazing from the descriptions to the storyline. This is a prequel novella to The Gathering Dark, which I also loved. While it is a prequel, I would highly recommend reading The Gathering Dark before this one because some twists will be spoiled if you start with Merecdoch’s story. Also, you will be able to more fully appreciate some little details in this one by reading it second. Luckily, my family was not really around while I was reading it because they would have looked at me like I was a crazy person, with me not being able to control my facial expressions while getting excited to see little nuggets from the first book.

 Anyway, back to Succession. This story has wonderful themes of faith and forgiveness. I loved the allegorical aspect of the mythos in this story: God is referred to as the High King and He guides his knights through softly speaking to them. Their armor is inscribed with His words and are surrounded by His flames, which protect them. Meredoch’s faith and trust in the High King’s guidance and care is absolutely inspiring. He suffered through much but still had faith in his King and let Him guide his actions. Brett Armstrong’s writing was easy to follow and so very engaging. I wanted to finish this short 138 page story in sitting and would have if not for sleep and school. I loved everything about this book! It seriously gave me The Hobbit vibes and left me waiting for the next installment because right after I finished, I was already missing the mythos and world of Meredoch, Ords, and the High King. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. If you’ll excuse me, I am ready to dive right back in and reread The Gathering Dark and Succession because I am not quite ready to leave these amazing stories, yet 😉

Just a couple things: There is some violence that is not described in much detail but I know it can bother some people. It is very minimal and is not really showcased. It is not mindless violence, meaning it is not there just for the sake of being there. Also, a character is about to curse but is cut off before actually saying the word. This, too, has purpose, however; it serves to demonstrate exactly how far one character has fallen and it is said that this is wrong and dishonorable. These warnings are not meant to deter you from this wonderful, amazing book, though. I just feel people should know to be prepared if they are considering for a middle-schooler or younger. I do think this book is geared more for young adults but it can be enjoyed by those older or younger. I wanted to include these warnings so if you are considering for a child, then you know what is in it. 😊 I would consider this a clean read even with the reference to cursing.

This book was provided through Celebrate Lit and the author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.

About the Author

From an early age, Brett Armstrong had a love for literature and history. At age nine, he combined the two for his first time in a short story set in the last days of the Aztec Empire. After that, writing’s role in his life waxed and waned periodically, always a dream on the horizon, till he reached college. At West Virginia University, he entered the Computer Engineering program and spent two years pursuing that degree before an opportunity to take a creative writing class, for fun, came along. It was so enjoyable, he took another and in that course he discovered two things. The first was the plot for a short story called Destitutio Quod Remissio, which the others students really seemed to love. The second, he realized he absolutely loved writing. For him, it was like the proverbial light bulb coming on. In the years since, describing that epiphany has been difficult for him, but he found the words of 1924 Olympian Eric Liddell are the most eloquent expression for it: “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” God gave Brett a passion for writing, and so feels His pleasure when writing.

Brett lives in Saint Albans, West Virginia, with his beautiful wife, Shelly. In the summer the pair gardens together, and each day Brett continues writing his next novel.

More from Brett

The Lowlands are on the edge of dramatic changes. In every era, warriors for the High King must rise to keep the light burning and hold back the beasts of the darkness that most believe only myth. But those creatures of lore wait for the nightfall that will allow them to roam free and relish that complacency.

None of the protagonists in the Quest of Fire saga—Anargen, Jason, and, in Succession, Meredoch—realize how great a change is coming. Anargen is from a quiet, little town that has stood unchanged and insular for centuries. Jason has been running from a darkness in his past so long he only looks to his next step, never what’s coming ahead. Meredoch grew up with high hopes for his future, proud of his family’s legacy. In the course of the saga, each faces a moment when what they’d clung to and trusted in fails them. For Anargen it’s his quaint life, Jason self-absorption, and Meredoch his family pride. In losing those things, however, each gains something. The chance to join the ancient Quest of Fire on behalf of the High King of All Realms. There’s a passage in The Gathering Dark that sums it up nicely. “Life is filled with losses full of greater gains.”

What excites me to write and share the Quest of Fire saga is showing through sweeping epic fantasy the way these characters stand firm. Though not the only spiritual theme woven into the stories, both The Gathering Dark and Succession invite readers to journey with these characters to the brink, risking their lives, and find there the greatest gain.

But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. —Acts 20:24

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 1

Inklings and notions, December 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 4 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 5

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 7

By The Book, December 8 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 8

Texas Book-aholic, December 9

Artistic Nobody, December 10 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Stories By Gina, December 11

deb’s Book Review, December 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 12

Guild Master, December 13

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 14

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Brett is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card, bookmarks, and a magnet themed around Brett’s books!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10452/succession-celebration-tour-giveaway