A Bowl For the Soul

JOIN A QUEST FOR THE RED SAPPHIRE

We were approached by Rival Gates to review his debut novel: Quest For the Red Sapphire and I finally got the time to start reading it before Christmas. So here's the review! QFTRS (short for Quest for the Red Sapphire) is a fantasy, adventure story. Fantasy novels has always been my cup of tea therefore I got quite excited when I will be reviewing QFTRS.

Synopsis: 

The book centers around Linvin Grithinshield, a half-elf general called home from the goblin wars to run the lucrative family trading business after his father's disappearance. Only after his mother's murder does he discover his destiny is to be the Master of the Red Sapphire, the most powerful magic any mortal can possess. Together with his wise but mysterious Uncle Anvar and his infuriating cousins Bander and Rander, Linvin must flee the would-be assassins and find the gem before the sinister forces from whom he flees find the stone and take it for a dark purpose.

The story was mind-gripping for sure. It's action-packed and full of surprises that keeps the readers on edge. As most fantasy story, it includes a long journey for the main characters that ensure hardships and danger along the way. When one challenge was conquered, another came up and it always seems so bleak for the characters as the story goes on. Nevertheless, Gates has woven a story that makes me want to read on until the end to find out the outcome of this fast-paced, thrilling adventure. 

As you can see from the book cover, QFTRS are full of mystical creatures and artefacts. Elfs, goblins, and dragons alike made their appearances as a true fantasy journey. Gates has also managed to build a commending main character. Linvin was a believable character in a world full of magical beings. He was a brave, well-rounded person but he has flaws as well as weaknesses (aka he has some temper issues). Even the secondary main characters such as Linvin's twin cousins are likable and I found them to be a quite entertaining characters that provide some comic reliefs in this intense story. Back stories for the main characters were developed very well which intrigues me since the beginning when General Linvin found the circumstances about his father's disappearance was suspicious. The author has also created a vivid time and place setting for the story with forests, taverns, and caves that were painted with attentiveness but not over-done. 

Aside from a few punctuation marks errors during the course of the story, I found QFTRS as an exemplary debut novel. For fantasy book lovers and anyone that enjoys a great adventure story, I am sure you will find Quest For the Red Sapphire an exciting addition to your reading collection. Find out more about this magical story at Rival Gates' website.

Reviewer Notes: I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.