SWORD OF FATE

A young hero learns of his destiny and true parentage in this first installment of a new fantasy series.

The people of the kingdom of Elayas have lived under the rule of usurper King Oldag for far too long. The tyrant engages in dark magic and forbids all music and creative activities to quell any possible resistance. However, the Sepharim Brotherhood fights back against his oppressive rule. Jackal and the Swordsman are two veteran Brotherhood members sent to retrieve the fabled Key of Power, which is said to amplify the powers of those who hold it. A young boy named Rugal, a recent graduate from the Sepharim school, has a strong dynamis—a unique magical power inherited through the paternal line; he has the ability to shapeshift. He joins Jackal and the Swordsman on their mission. During this journey, Rugal learns his true father’s identity; it was kept a secret to protect Rugal until the time was right for him to meet his fate to overthrow Oldag. The adventurers fight fierce enemies, but also gain allies who rally behind Rugal. Golden’s fast-paced and action-packed series starter builds momentum toward a final confrontation with Oldag. Highlights include a well-developed relationship between Jackal and the Swordsman and a fated romance between Jackal and woman named Mura, the cousin of the king whom Oldag murdered. On the other hand, many elements of the worldbuilding are superficial and derivative; the narrative voice seems to struggle to appeal to different audiences, sometimes coming across as too young, and at other times as adult. Despite Rugal’s understandable initial surprise and reluctance regarding his future heroism (“Am I a leaf in the wind—that I cannot control my own destiny?!!”), he takes up the mantle of an inspirational leader without enough development to make it feel convincing, despite a motivational message: “We each have our own Key of Power—belief in ourselves and our own abilities.”

An uneven and rushed fantasy opener.