You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
A review by bookforthought
Of Myths and Portals: Arlan's Pledge Book One by Jenn Lees
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Dál Cruinne is a land of warriors, mages and dragons, connected to our world through well-hidden portals which occasionally let a traveller pass. As happens to Arlan, second son of the high sovereign of Dál Gaedhle, thrown into modern Scotland mid-battle just in time to meet Rhiannon as she fights off a creep. Brought together by chance - or destiny - Arlan and Rhiannon will need to work out how to get Arlan back where he is needed to save his world from a terrible fate, and what that will mean for their future.
Of Myths and Portals is a well-built clean romance fantasy, combining classic elements of the genre with time travel and reflections on war, peace and finding one's way. The worldbuilding is rich and well constructed, giving Dál Cruinne a medieval Scotland feel while incorporating the fantastical elements. It is also interesting to see the modern world seen through Arlan's eyes, though he seems to adapt to it awfully quickly avoiding the "fish out of water" effect. Though off to a rocky start, the budding romance between him and Rhiannon is sweet and believable, adding an extra layer to the story.
What I struggled with slightly from a style point of view was the alternating between Rhiannon's POV in the first person and Arlan's POV in the third person, which often felt unnecessary as both character's thoughts and feelings were presented all the same by a seemingly omniscient narrator, which rendered the occasional sudden switch to first-person narration somewhat confusing.
Still, this is a captivating read and after that ending I'm really glad to already have the second book ready to start!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free from the author via Reedsy Discovery. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.
Of Myths and Portals is a well-built clean romance fantasy, combining classic elements of the genre with time travel and reflections on war, peace and finding one's way. The worldbuilding is rich and well constructed, giving Dál Cruinne a medieval Scotland feel while incorporating the fantastical elements. It is also interesting to see the modern world seen through Arlan's eyes, though he seems to adapt to it awfully quickly avoiding the "fish out of water" effect. Though off to a rocky start, the budding romance between him and Rhiannon is sweet and believable, adding an extra layer to the story.
What I struggled with slightly from a style point of view was the alternating between Rhiannon's POV in the first person and Arlan's POV in the third person, which often felt unnecessary as both character's thoughts and feelings were presented all the same by a seemingly omniscient narrator, which rendered the occasional sudden switch to first-person narration somewhat confusing.
Still, this is a captivating read and after that ending I'm really glad to already have the second book ready to start!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free from the author via Reedsy Discovery. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and War