Once upon a time I posted many, many book reviews on here. I’ve gotten away from that due to writing time constraints, but there are a few middle grade series I do like to keep on top of. I’ve got one I’d like to highlight for you today.
Perhaps five or six years ago, one of my online friends told me, “You’ve got to read this book!” She was referring to The Prince of Malorn, written by indie author Annie Douglass Lima. This was back when indies were just starting to burst onto the scene, back when I was getting tons of review requests from indie authors through my blog. Not too many of them had figured out yet about editing and formatting and professionalism. I rarely got past the first few pages of the books submitted to me because the writing was so, so poor. I finished perhaps one in thirty. So when someone mentioned quality, I listened!
I read Prince of Malorn, and I was so impressed that I contacted Annie. We’ve kept in touch. In fact, she’s one of four exceptional early indie authors who found a place in my core group of peers. We regularly beta read each others’ work and give each other invaluable feedback. It just so happens that Annie worked on my Recompense series this winter and spring, contributing so many helpful ideas. And I had the chance to do the same for her with this book. I have so much respect for this lady’s character and her talent!
She’s just come out with her fourth book in this same series. But instead of reviewing it singly, I’m going to plug it into the world of Alasia. Because this series is really unique. In it, schemers manage to turn two friendly nations (Malorn and Alasia) against each other, resulting in a destructive war that creates so many intertwined stories. Each book focuses on a different character, giving their unique circumstances and perspective. Prince of Malorn and Prince of Alasia are the two heavy hitters, letting readers get to know the two fabulous royal families. Then In the Enemy’s Service tells how the actions of a brave young girl who worked in the palace in Alasia profoundly affected the outcome of things. Now The Nameless Soldier is the story of a young Alasian soldier who wakes up to find he’s the only survivor in the terrible clash of armies.
I’d recommend reading them in the order listed, but you don’t have to. Each one stands on its own. Taken all together they create an intriguing, well-crafted world. But grab The Nameless Soldier in the next day or two while it’s on sale for .99. The others are a very affordable 2.99. If you appreciate middle grade literature, really, grab them. This series is superb.
The Nameless Soldier
Prince of Alasia
Prince of Malorn
In the Enemy’s Service
The Nameless Soldier
I always struggle when I receive requests from self-published authors, because I’ve received some poorly written books with weak plots or no plots at all. So unless, I know the author and the body of work or see recommendations from authors like you, I’m saying no. Thanks for the recommendation.
I love the self-pub movement, and I’m a huge supporter of those making it work, but it’s so sad that SO MANY poorly done books have tarnished it for everyone. I play both sides, reviewer turning them down without a recommendation and self-pubbed writer querying bloggers for reviews that I can’t get. It’s a major frustration on both counts, but I also understand it.
Thanks so much for your kind comments about The Annals of Alasia! I’m so glad I had the chance to read and contribute to your amazing Recompense series, and I’m thankful we connected online and have been able to play a role in each other’s writing. I hope some of your readers end up enjoying my fantasy series too!
Me too! It’s a very unique series and well done. More than happy to throw in my support!