Sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy discussion

At the base level, 'The Deathsworn Arc' seems like a standard fantasy adventure series. In book 1 we see a bunch of guys setting out to slay a dragon.

As the story of The Last Dragon Slayer progresses though, more characters join the party, the plot thickens. Why is the dark elf 'Brael Truthseeker' cursed? What is the 'Truth' he bears witness to, but cannot speak about? Why is the enigmatic female elf Vashni wandering around Torea anyway?

The journey to the dragon's lair is not a straightforward one and the companions encounter various problems along the way. Korhan the barbarian and Vashni develop a very strange and interesting relationship as they travel, which distances him from his companions.

It's not certain any of them will survive the battle with the dragon. For those who do, their troubles have only just started as their situation goes from bad to worse in book 2 'The Verkreath Horror as the survivors flee the dragon's lair only to find themselves to have jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.

When all seems lost, and their situation is more desperate than ever, Brael's 'Truth' is revealed and their reality becomes grimmer than ever.

The Deathsworn Arc features themes of atheism and pragmatism and will not appeal to all readers.

What Amazon Reviewers are saying:-

"Martyn has created a great set of characters and personalities that are wholly true to themselves and the story."
"Martyn blends characterisation with location and the bigger, broader questions of life in a blend that keeps the reader interested from the beginning. He also delivers some wonderfully unexpected `punches' at just the right intervals to make them read to the end." - Linda Parkinson-Hardman

"The cast of characters are wonderful. They mesh together in an unique way. Barbarian, Elf, Dark Elf, Dwarf, and Humans. The interaction between barbarian and elf is great." - Hippy Lettuce

"I've never really been into fantasy reading - with Harry Potter and the likes. I think I've just been converted! " - Cathy Wilson

"This is a great start to what is sure to be an Epic Fantasy series that will be remembered by many. If you haven't put this one in your library, do so right now." - Caroline

" If this is your first fantasy, you will be hooked. It was an excellent book and I am looking forward to the next installment. A very good read!" - Mary Romero "MaryR"

"The diversity of characters truly captivated me and this, together with the vivid description of places, really transports the reader into and easily makes them a part of the story. The author does a great job of creating a whole new world which is very rich in detail." - R

"was actually surprised by the depth of this book. It is more than just a plain adventure story, it is quite obvious that the author has great knowledge of people- as evident as the interplay and drama between the characters during the story." - Jack Gianni

Goodreads member Isis Sousa really 'gets' what the series is about:-

When I just started reading this book, in the very first pages, when the characters are being introduced, I was a bit skeptical of what was about to come. The reason is that the main characters in this story are a mage, an elf, two barbarians, a human and a dwarf and I was afraid this would be another “very inspired” LOTR plot.

But I went on reading, and once the gang was formed, the story took a very different course. In this first book, the heroes go on a journey to kill a dragon which is harming a village. During their journey, we learn more about the characters, but specially two of them, Korhan and Vashni (a barbarian and a female elf). They develop a very special relationship along the story, which keeps the reader very curious to know how this may evolve and eventually what the author has planned for these two.

I think the character’s voices could have been written in a bit more distinguishable way and I think the scene/chapter where the bunch fights the dragon could have been more elaborated.

The plot is however very engaging from the beginning to the end, keeping you entertained and curious during the read. Wherever this group goes, they end up helping those they come across, making the reader captive discovering how they will solve these situations, in different towns and villages.

For those who enjoy a good Fantasy series, this first book is very promising and will make you want to read the sequels.