Book Review: Adalindis: A Tale of Generosity by Isabella Berdyna Zysk

Adalindis, A Tale of Generosity, is a historical fantasy set in a medieval-like kingdom called Adri. Blending adventure and romance, it tells the tale of two people, a young noblewoman and a common-born captain of the palace guards, who meet under circumstances which foster misunderstanding. 

In the process of coming to know each other better, he learns that she has a generous spirit which touches the lives of many, and she learns that he has innate abilities of leadership and a pure heart.

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REVIEW

I never wished for two characters to get together so much!  Adalindis is an adorable tale! Told from his/ her perspectives, we meet Adalindis or Lindy an unconventional countess who is set to be presented to the King and Queen marking her open for courting. We then meet Kenric a stoic guard of the King and Queen’s palace guards. An orphan he takes his responsibilities very seriously. When the light appears in an area of the castle that should be closed, Kenric investigates stumbling upon Lindy a who to him is a very unorthodox young lady of nobility in only that she is a kind, generous, and strong thinking woman. Further, various encounters with Lindy’s generosity and strong will make him create an ill, wild picture of her. When Lindy’s Father, Lord Morris sends for him to inquire if he would wish to be a Castellan for him and was referred to by Lindy herself, and reveals to Kenric who Lindy truly is Kenric sees he was very mistaken about her. Kenric accepts the offer and when Lindy’s generous kind heart back at the castle puts them in danger, feelings always get put in perspective.

 Adalindis, A Tale of Generosity is wonderful! I totally loved this story! Lindy and Kenric are such strong characters. They are considerably written, you get who they are in an instant, and love them! If you are looking for a book to bring a smile to your face Adalindis will do just that. It is pretty much what Zysk’s books do, which is why she is such a delight to read. When I am tired of the heavy stuff, I only pluck up a Zysk’s book and she hands you a smile of hope, romanticism, and chivalry in a time far away.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Isabella Berdyna Zysk is a self-published author who enjoys a story in which good guys win in the end, even if there's a struggle along the way which all don't survive. She's a storyteller at heart and keeps the narrative suitable for both adult and young adult readers. She loves a medieval-like setting in fantasy worlds where knightly chivalry and noble valor are the goal but with access to better hygiene.

 

Isabella Berdyna Zysk was born in Michigan, raised in southern California and central Virginia, worked and lived in several states and foreign countries, and now resides in Florida where she enjoys retirement. 

Her interests include the writings of Jane Austen and William Shakespeare, horses, trees, sustainable farming, and art.

Book Review: The Hiders in Darkness by Paul Kocourek

A WORLD OF MONSTERS…

Bored Ronald Thorn longed for some adventure, and so joined his outgoing friend David Corey on a vacation camping trip.

But he never expected to hike his way into a strange world with a twilight sky and a pale white sun. Here, strange savage beasts made fortified cities the only safe refuge.

In all this, the last thing he expected was to meet a beautiful but endangered princess. Unfortunately for him, Ron unwittingly returned to Earth and now must somehow find his way back to that perilous world to rescue her...

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REVIEW

The Hiders in Darkness is a fantasy lovers’ tale. In it, we meet Ron Thorn your average guy, at your average job who is contemplating the lack of excitement in his life. When his best friend David invites him to go on a hiking trip with him to get some excitement in his life Ron begrudgingly agrees. He soon regrets it though as David leaves Ron in the dust. Trying to catch up Ron gets caught in a strange fog that rolls in from down the mountains. Trying to keep his bearing he comes out finding himself in a completely unfamiliar world called Fefn’la filled with dangerous creatures and a beautiful woman he remembers from his dreams, and who nearly kills him. Stating she is a princess running from an evil cult the Saa’maa who wants to gain power Ron promises to return her to her father. In their journey feeling grow between the two. They are ambushed by some bounty hunters hired by the Sa’maa forcing Ron to get separated from his princess and somehow stumbling back to the earth realm. Unable to get the princess out of his mind Ron sets out to find Fefn’la again now with his friend David in tow. They both find the portal back but get separated shortly after both embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. They then reunite later for a battle for all of Fefn’la and the hearts of the maidens.

Kocourek writing with the warming of C. S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia with his subtle hints of Christian symbolism. This symbolism permeates deeper near the climax in an effortless blend of fantasy and Christianity. His characters written modernly with a sense of humor and are just great. David and Ha’ cah is my fave and they steal the scene every time.

As for the namesake of this book The Hiders in Darkness they sort of play as a background boogeyman haunting the characters throughout the book. They come out from their hiding later surprisingly playing an important part. Hiders in Darkness was enjoyable fun to the end.

**** 4 Stars!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul has a background in computer programming and network administration and is an author of 3 books including The Hiders in the Darkness. For more information follow Paul on Goodreads and all his books.