The Vitalis Chronicles: White Shores

BOOK ONE of the Vitalis Chronicles Trilogy

In the aftermath of the Continental Wars, young Ardin Vitalis€ family is murdered by his own nation€s army in a plot to undo a woman known only as the Witch. Furious, he strikes out for revenge, but is thrust into events that will change his world forever. Suddenly he finds himself driven to save the Witch€s beautiful daughter from the nations, Magi, and King of the Shades who seek to destroy her. Should he survive that, his struggle with the dark powers he has been given still threatens to consume him. Ardin must choose to sacrifice his own freedom and flee enemies that are not his own, or allow events to unfold to the detriment of the planet.

The Vitalis Chronicles Trilogy:
Book One: White Shores
Book Two: Tomb of the Relequim
Book Three: Steps of Krakador (May 20, 2013)

"The Vitalis Chronicles"... a fine debut to this new fantasy adventure series

By R. Nicholson - TOP 1000 REVIEWER

"The Vitalis Chronicles: White Shores" is the first book in a fantasy adventure series by author Jay Swanso. This Kindle e-book was a 607 Kb download (approx. 486 printed pages) and was price at $5.95 at the time of writing this review.

--spoilers--

The authorities have be trying to destroy the last remain magess (witch) and have appeared to have finally succeeded. However they fail to capture her talented daughter, Alisia. Ardin Vitalis is a teenage boy whose family was killed when the authorities destroyed his village while attempting to find the daughter. By a quirk of fate he was present when her mother was terminated but before she died she passes on to Ardin special powers (powers that should have gone to her daughter) with the proviso that he seek Alisia out and protect her from the forces trying to hunt her down. This then is their story of there budding relationship, their attempts of survival against all odds and through the most precarious of circumstances.

--end spoilers--

Some thoughts on "The Vitalis Chronicles"...

The Pros:

1.) an intriguing story, well told.

2.) some strong character development. Giving the read a sense of attachment to more that one individual.

3.) lots of action, chases, battles (both individual and larger groups), betrayals and some unexpected twists and turns.

4.) important characters can be seriously injured or die. Making for a tale that has some realism and a sense of believablity.

5.) a good map

6.) a superb ending making the next book a must read

7.) cover art... quite beautiful and stunning. Easily catching the prospective reader's eye.

The Cons:
1.) I loved the first 2/3s of the book as it was suspenseful and filled with a palpable tension, but once our hero and heroine crossed over to Grandia (by boat) I found the pace and excitement waned a bit.

2.) some side information detailing the development of the land way back when by the 'creator' and his mignons (some of who 'strayed').
Not sure why authors feel the need to put this type of info in a rousing good fantasy read, because it tends to bring the action and excitement to a grinding halt. This was the one area of the book I became restless and somewhat bored.

Conclusion:
A well written and overall, thrilling fantasy adventure. With the exception of some 'down' time in Grandia a truly great read.

Would I recommend this book to others... yes
Will I obtain the next book in the series... yes

As it is 4 Stars

Ray Nicholson
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