Rebels of Dalmora by River MacKenzie
Rebels of Dalmora by River Mackenzie is the story of a hero before the battle, where the biggest obstacle to overcome is term papers. Three years before facing unfortunate odds in the struggle between life and death, an epic adventure unfolds where the ordinary hurls our hero toward their destiny as they face tests of loyalty.
Reail joins her siblings as they prepare themselves for a fast-approaching Castor war, which forces them to search for capable allies. This would be easier if they didn’t have to avoid attention from the Council and develop a plan to deal with her ex, who has teamed up with her mother. As she works to figure out who she can trust, she wonders if she has what it takes mentally and physically to win.
Familiar Themes, Extraordinary Story
The characters are sarcastic and witty, with attitudes that make them likable, particularly the snark of Reail. Relatable characters are used to explore themes of heroism and sacrifice as they intersect with bravery. These themes are set against a classic tale of good versus bad, with this struggle brewing steadily in the background, building towards the battle you’re introduced to in the beginning.
Many will be familiar with these themes in fantasy; however, Mackenzie offers something original in how these are woven into the plot. This will keep you turning the page as the story piques your interest from the prologue.
Additionally, the theme of identity is significant as it coincides with the concept of destiny explored through each character as they embrace or search for their path. Mackenzie subtly incorporates the themes through the characters’ struggles and intricate fantasy details that round out the setting. These make them feel more well-rounded, which in turn makes you understand them better.
A Delightful and Entertaining Fantasy
Mackenzie employs a delightful structure, beginning with a prologue that sets the stage for a hero in battle, and then transitions to the past, where we meet this hero years earlier. The “ordinariness” of Reail’s life is an interesting concept for a fantasy, as her biggest struggles — at least at the beginning — are facing homework, finding textbooks, eating pizza, and the anticipation of a girls-only weekend.
The juxtaposition this creates allows you to bond with the familiarity of the characters while you’re introduced to the more fantastical elements, such as references to abnormal abilities (e.g., telepathy) and references to past lives. This is a clever way to not overwhelm the reader with what’s extraordinary about the world, because it feels ordinary, just with magical elements.
The story finds a fun way to play with the fantasy genre by blending it with a chilling mystery that shakes up the ordinary aspects of Reail’s life. The mystery has an eeriness to it and creates the right amount of chaos with the incorporation of detectives set up as obstacles for Reail and her siblings.
It’s delightful watching them weave around the mystery while balancing their search for allies for the battle brewing. This helps to quicken the pace as the chapters go on, matching the urgency and mindset of Reail as she struggles to handle everything. Rebels of Dalmora is a delightful fantasy with a unique world, a charming interpretation of good vs. evil, an entertaining protagonist and a fun voice.
For readers who can’t get enough of Rebels of Dalmora, book 2, titled Unspoken Apologies, is coming soon!
About River McKenzie:
River MacKenzie was born in Maryland. After spending ten years getting her history degree and trying to find a good story, she decided to write one herself. River currently lives in the coastal city of Jacksonville, North Carolina, with her husband and two kids. She spends her days as a mother and her nights wishing there were more hours in the day. Visit her at riverkenzie.com.
