The Eternal Trees of Prand

Chaff , a stable boy in the service of the wealthy, powerful timber baron Lord Yoad, cannot tolerate the mistreatment of his beloved Lady Meave’s dootra, a magnificent mare called Lusala. Lusala has been starved ever since the day his lady mysteriously disappeared. Stealing away in the dead of night, he sets out to find Lady Meave and a safe haven for himself and the royal steed. At the beginning of his journey he encounters a brushbung sprite named Dowvy, who tells the disbelieving Chaff that he is a Keeper, a guardian for the Eternal Trees of Prand, and contains the magik of Awareness, the ability to manipulate and control LifeForce particles.

Traversing the wilds, while avoiding detection with the skills of Dowvy’s concealment magik, they make their way to the Royal City of Prand, Norporte, where King Leef resides. After meeting Prince Torin and the enchanting Princess Aeslin, who captures his unworthy heart, Chaff is invited into the Inner Chambers of the court, where he is interrogated by the King. Queen Darcelle steps in, revealing the truth of Chaff’s power as a Human Keeper and a plan is devised. Soon Chaff is off to find King Neel of the Crown, Protector of the Eternal Trees and learn more about his powers. The Immortal King answers many questions, opening his eyes to the world and powers around him, and, as he is given the Blessing of Infinity, he gains knowledge of his inheritance and birthright as well as his lineage. But accepting his hard-fought understanding of the true nature of the Eternal Trees, whose roots hold the world together, is not easy for Chaff and he finds himself fighting Lord Yoad and the powerful Non, the disinherited son of the Eternal One. How can Chaff fight such daunting odds? Can he save the people of Prand from destruction?

Frances Evlin brings us a delightful tale of intrigue and the struggles of right against wrong in this first book of her Eternal Tree of Prand series. Her words tell a story, poignant and enriching, weaving the threads of color and fantasy into a tapestry of marvels and wonder. The powers of good triumphing over evil are uncertain. The choices of love and devotion are questioned. The turmoil of our young hero, finding his way through harsh trials and tribulations, as he proves his own worth and fights to sustain his world and accept the love that is offered freely shows us the strength of faith and perseverance. Ms. Evlin is a sure keeper for this reviewer. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this saga…as I am sure you will too.

Reviewed by: Gayle