Orb and Arrow by V.L. Stuart
Looking for a classic example of the primordial battle between good and evil? A lush fantasy world where heroes fight against the forces of darkness? Then look no further than the first installment of V. L. Stuart’s epic fantasy series, Orb and Arrow (Book I: Exploration).
A Tale of Heroism and Dark Forces
The evocative Tolkienesque world of Orb and Arrow immediately draws you in, and the epic fantasy adventures of Brillar and Elden keep you hooked until the very end.
Briller is a headstrong healer and expert archer who left the Sisterhood in search of adventure in the Wild. But she gets a little more than she bargained for when she runs into an imprisoned war mage.
Wrongfully — and painfully — imprisoned by a magical collar, Master War Mage Garnelden (Elden to his friends) is rescued by the compassionate healer. In return for her aid, he offers to take her on as his apprentice.
While each initially finds the other to be stubborn and unreasonable, their apprenticeship quickly turns into an endearing — and perhaps a bit flirtatious? — friendship.
Together their travels take them to a brutal confrontation with a master mage, then to Brillar’s hometown — where readers are introduced to the ways of the Sisterhood and Brotherhood — and ultimately to the magical forests called the Wild.
Magic, Battles, and Unforgettable Journeys
On their journey into the Wild, Brillar’s training really begins. Author V. L. Stuart’s unique magic system shines here as Brillar, already skilled in the magic of Life, learns spells for Items and Creatures — and adamantly refuses to learn those of War. (Readers are sure to find themselves wanting their own foldbox!)
Along their journey, they meet friends and enemies alike among the Wild’s inhabitants, the Rovers. Readers might sometimes feel overwhelmed by the Rovers’ cruelty, but will ultimately be left satisfied with the impact Brillar leaves behind.
Just when it seems Brillar and Elden’s troubles are past, they encounter the Ǣlfain: elf-like people of the southern forests. Together the master mage and his apprentice aid the Ǣlfain in their epic battle against the undead and the mysterious K’ish and Savic — evil forces who seek power and control.
Enchanting World and Intriguing Characters
Readers are bound to find themselves enamored with the lush world and characters of Orb and Arrow. The creatures and magic are unique and I, for one, am excited to see what else the author has up her sleeve in the future books.
Speaking of which: you might notice hints of a potential budding romance between our stubborn protagonists. Maybe that’s just the romance-lover in me, but Brillar and Elden’s witty banter and growing friendship leave me hopeful.
Even if the future books don’t go that way, I’m already hooked on our main characters. Brillar is strong yet compassionate, and I foresee there’s still more room for her power to grow. Maybe she’ll even surpass her teacher? And Elden, despite his tortured past, possesses a good heart and aches to help those in need.
I can’t wait to read about more of Brillar and Elden’s adventures.
About V.L. Stuart:
V.L. Stuart is a journalist and author living in Costa Rica with her husband and a small comical dog.
She is a long-time reader – usually of science fiction, historical mysteries, and epic fiction. As a teen, she cut her teeth on Heinlein and found the delightful worlds of McCaffrey as an adult. Her first genres were poetry and essays, and she won awards in both. Her ‘Orb and Arrow’ trilogy has been well-reviewed and is available on Amazon. Her work in progress, ‘Warriors of the Kalahn,’ is in progress and she recently completed ‘Master of Magic,’ another book set in the world of Orb and Arrow. As for her writing process, she is a pantser – “May all the gods bless grammarly.com. Even with an English degree, my errors are legion.”
At present, she lives between two volcanoes, “But no worries, only one of them is active.”
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