Book Jacket

 

rank 2614 (-77)
word count 17826
date submitted 17.03.2010
date updated 19.03.2010
genres: Fantasy
classification: moderate
incomplete

Talon

Amanda Greenslade

 

Talon must fight for the survival of his people, who are given amazing gifts of bonding with animals, weapons and flying skyearls.

 

What could be better than bonding with a ferocious icetiger, meeting a red-haired warrior woman and being sent on a diplomatic mission to the greatest city in the world?

With burgeoning telepathic abilities, 19-year-old Talon travels with Rekala and Sarlice to the city of Telby. Their mission? To seek help for the people of Jaria against their zealous enemies, the Zeikas. With their exile no longer in effect, the Zeikas are moving in on Jaria, other nations of the Kriite faith... and on Talon. Although his gifts make him a valuable asset in the war, if he is captured, he could become a weapon to be wielded against all Kriites who use the telepathic waves.

Faced with betrayal, capture and near-constant pursuit, Sarlice and Talon blaze across Telby, fighting their way to reach Tanza, a distant Kriite nation. Tanza is shrouded in mystery, protected by a magical barrier and guarded by the colourful, furred skyearls who patrol the skies. But when raiding Zeikas and their dragons start using human sacrifices to break through the barrier, Tanza is drawn into the most epic battle of this age. Talon's arrival is a miracle, but will it be enough?

 
 

tags

adventure, animals, battles, change, epic, faith, flying, friendship, growth, love, magic, shape changing, telepathy

on 4 bookshelves

on 7 watchlists

21 comments

 

To leave comments on this or any book please Register or Login

subscribe to comments for this book
klouholmes wrote 162 days ago

Hi Amanda, This became mesmerizing, the plant life and the knowledge of Talon and the explanation of the Lightmaker. Especially liked the skyearls and that some could ride them. It feels like a very hospitable planet or place. Then the icecat with its dimensions that can partner with Talon - that was an amusing conversation and hints of him having a special shield in the future. Transporting! Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Burgio wrote 164 days ago

I like books that take me away to a new and mysterious world and this book does that very well. You've created both believable characters and put them down into a new but believable world. Like your writing style: crisp and clean and easy to read. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Satima Flavell wrote 164 days ago

Nice to see you here, Amanda!

Satima Flavell wrote 164 days ago

Nice to see you here, Amanda!

Colin Normanshaw wrote 165 days ago

This is a good story and you have a nice writing style. I like the way that telepathic conversation is in italics to separate it from verbal conversation. Be aware of the use of "had" too frequently. this was a failing of my own and I needed a significant edit to rid myself of amny that are superfluous. Otherwsie backed with pleasure. Colin

lisawb wrote 166 days ago

A nice fantasy book full of flavour, rich, creative and definitely entertaining. Some brilliant characters and descriptions make this a very good read. A lovely idea and followed through with expertise.

Backed,

Lisa

A Fine Line

Amanda Greenslade wrote 167 days ago

Thanks Glenn. What do you think of my new pitch?

glenn1862 wrote 167 days ago

I have changed my pitch at least twenty times and I still dont like it. I did however like your book and was happy to back it.
Glenn - The Sons of Apollyon

Amanda Greenslade wrote 167 days ago

Thanks Barry. I think you're right so I have just rewritten the pitch. It's one thing to write a novel, but something completely different to learn the art of writing good pitches, summaries, blurbs and other marketing copy that grabs a reader's attention. There are seven books in the series, and there is actually something really significant about the sapphire trees to the overall storyline. I wonder sometimes if my pitch for Talon should touch on this, but it's just that in book one you only just start to get the gist of the much greater quest to come. I will keep thinking on it. Thanks for your time. - Amanda

Melcom wrote 168 days ago

Richly descriptive and wonderful to read.

Highly recommended.

Melxx

Barry Wenlock wrote 168 days ago

Hi Amanda - I'm not really a fan of Fantasy, but you write very well and your descriptive prose is sweet and well put together. I love the tree with its powdery sap (threw me for a moment).
You pitch would be easier to read split into two paragraphs. I think your pitch could be better -- it doesn't seem like the same confident writer who wrote Talon -- too much detail and not enough bite.
Well done and good luck, Barry
(Little krisna and the Bihr Boys)

Pia wrote 168 days ago

Amanda,

Talon - a sumptuous epic feast, a challenged hero, wonderfully atmospheric, with deserts and jungles, icetigers and flying Skyearls. The book cover is beautiful and evokative, as well.

Backed with pleasure. Pia (Course of Mirrors)

Amanda Greenslade wrote 168 days ago

What a riot for the senses, such rich and lush description that fully involves the reader in the world. Great list of creatures and an engaging MC in Talon. Love the icetiger. This has the promise of a full-bodied fantasy. Usual advice: read aloud and trim for any repetions, non essential words and phrases and over description that does not give the reader space to imagine for themselves. Looking forward to more. Jim Darcy The Firelord's Crown



Thanks Jim, your kind words mean a lot! The novel is completed and the entire length is about 170,000 words. I have been working on it for about 12 years off and on throughout high school, uni and full time work. It has been rewritten countless times and independently edited three times (one structural edit, two line by line/continuity). Still a work in progress until the day I see it in print, though!

Amanda Greenslade wrote 168 days ago

Hi Hon! You need a new and exciting eye catching book cover! Mine was a boring boat on the sea but then my fave person on this website designed me mine! I don't want to innundate him mind so keep quiet!
Get in touch and i will help! Virginia xxx



Thanks for the feedback. Do you still think so after looking at it larger? http://www.amandagreenslade.com/home/cover_white.jpg

Suzannah Burke wrote 168 days ago

Hi...and well done indeed. This is beautifully crafted...not simply words put together to form mundane functions, no ...
this is a lovingly crafted place and time, you have taken us on a journey of colour and movement...a place where the sights, sounds, smells, all touch us...we are there. This is a delight to read and re-read.
A Stunning tapestry woven by a clever writer.

Backed earlier with absolute pleasure.
Suzannah Burke
Dudes Down Under

glenn1862 wrote 169 days ago

A very engaging story and backed with pleasure.

jfcincy wrote 169 days ago

A gorgeous read. You let us see and feel this unfamiliar world through the eyes and senses of the main character. By the end of chapter one, with are there, in that world, ready, and waiting, for whatever comes. Backed!

Francesco wrote 169 days ago

Backed with pleasure! Good Luck!!
A look at Sicilian Shadows would be greatly appreciated.
Frank.
If you back my work, you may also want to approach BJD (a big supporter of my work) for a further read and possible backing of your book.

Jim Darcy wrote 169 days ago

What a riot for the senses, such rich and lush description that fully involves the reader in the world. Great list of creatures and an engaging MC in Talon. Love the icetiger. This has the promise of a full-bodied fantasy. Usual advice: read aloud and trim for any repetions, non essential words and phrases and over description that does not give the reader space to imagine for themselves. Looking forward to more. Jim Darcy The Firelord's Crown

hamishun wrote 169 days ago

Hi Hon! You need a new and exciting eye catching book cover! Mine was a boring boat on the sea but then my fave person on this website designed me mine! I don't want to innundate him mind so keep quiet!
Get in touch and i will help! Virginia xxx

Amanda Greenslade wrote 169 days ago

If you want to see a map and some more information about my journey writing this novel, please go to http://www.AmandaGreenslade.com.

1