The Star of Eldon
World of Samar, Book 3
A Gripping Epic Novel!
M. L. Hamilton continues building the World of Samar in the third book, The Star of Eldon, in a realistic and deliberate manner. Tying each of the books together with her ability to connect characters in such a way that there is continuity. Her prologues connect the stories together and her epilogues build connections and reveal teasers to the next book. This is an epic novel and one that will keep you listening!
The premise of this book is an expedition to Nevaisser to see why there is no more communication and whether they can extend the boundaries of Loden. While Tash and Tav have led the land of Loden well, the next generation is going to be as adventuresome as they themselves were in their younger age. Although Tash and Tav are settled down, adventure runs in their blood and now reside in their children. All their children, including the head-strong, naïve, opinionated Shara is planning to join the ‘diplomatic’ expedition to Nevaisser.
What no one anticipated was how deadly this journey would be and how ill-prepared they all were to make it. No one saw what was coming or how the journey would end. What started off as an exploration and diplomatic mission turns Loden upside down!
Hamilton takes each character and develops them as the adventure unfolds; the seamless growth of each character is through the adventures they face. Mix in a new mysterious stranger and his traveling companion, a belief structure that condemns all women to being a ‘resource’ and an egotistical, childish, mean-spirited suitor and you have an adventure that will keep you hooked.
Hamilton takes her time as she continues to create the World of Samar in a realistic and deliberate manner. Vivid in her descriptions, she also gifts each character with realistic and rich dialog. I appreciated her deliberateness and thoroughness. There were plenty of twists and they were humdingers!
I appreciated too the time she took in demonstrating the parent/child relationship, the lead up to the issue and finally the consequences. All too often authors do not take their time in handling this and thus the listener is left to assume things that may contradict character growth or plot issues. Hamilton’s ability to tell a story is excellent.
Kelley Hazen, the narrator, as always performs this book with skill. There are times when you can tell when the narrator is just telling the story or acting it out. Her talented voice is versatile and captivating. Hazen becomes the characters and it is clear that this is more than a story through her voice – it’s as if she has become the characters and is in their world. An excellent team, if Hamilton has not already drawn her listeners in to the World of Samar through the story itself then Hazen captures them with her voice and acting talent.
There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook. The sound was clear and well done.
I cannot wait for book 4! To date, this is an excellent series that should not be missed.
Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.