The Secret of the Sword - By Sean R. Bell

 

The Secret of the Sword, by Sean R. Bell

Friesen Press - 2021

Illustrations by Nastassia Mkrtychan

Fantasy
ebook

188 pages

* I received this digital ARC courtesy of the author in exchange of an honest review. This does not influence the following opinions which are my own.

This book brings Arthurian legend into the modern day. 

As a child, Ian had a special bond with his grandfather Reg and often visited him in Montreal for extended periods of time. Many of Ian's fondest childhood memories were of time spent with Reg. Thirteen years after his grandfather's passing, Ian is still pained by the loss, and he has not returned to Montreal since his grandfather's passing. 

Now a grown man at the start of a film-making career, memories are brought to the surface in the form of a letter received on his birthday from a Montreal law firm, asking him to return to to the city by request of his late grandfather. While Ian doesn't really know what to expect, it is safe to say the what he learns was more than he could have ever imagined. He learns that his family line traces back to King Arthur - Pendragon blood runs in his veins! Not only was his grandfather a descendent of the great King, he was a key member of an ultra secret society of Merlinians whose purpose is to ensure that Morgana cannot escape her magical prison and return to the land of mortals. Of course, to keep the society secret, Ian is left not with a clear road-map, but with a series of clues which he must discern in order to find the real Excalibur and keep Morgana from victory. The result is a fantasy-adventure that bridges historical legend with today's world.

This book's strength lies in the story itself.  It is original, imaginative, and well thought out, setting this book on a good foundation. I do love a good Arthurian tale. I found the character dialogue didn't work quite as well for me.  It seemed slightly too formal for the modern day characters, and the historical characters' language did not quite suit them either. The story narration was good, but lacked a certain polish that might have elevated the story. 

This book has several illustrations that definitely deserve mention.  Nastassia Mkrtychan did a beautiful job of portraying several of the characters and scenes, and bringing life to them. 

Overall, a good author debut, and good story for fans of Arthurian fantasy.

Happy Reading,

Christine

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