Thanks to Sean for gifting me a copy of his debut novel in exchange for an honest review.
A journey thrice begun is an epic fantasy where the main protagonist, Everett Dwyer, has very simple wants in life, which includes marrying Isolde Fairweather. Each year on Charring night, any male gets to propose to their love in the town. It is a very public affair but is the only time you can request their hand in marriage. So this year, Everett decides it is his year to propose and settle down.
But then on Charring night everything changes starting with the sudden appearance of a sage in his backyard followed closely by the arrival of Tancred Roth, a wealthy young man who just so happens to have it out for Everett and usually shows it with his fists.
What follows is a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and one boy’s determination to conquer the toughest of situations to succeed. In the following pages, he is pushed to his limits, and the situations and circumstances he must endure are more than most men could and will handle in their whole lifetime.
If you like to dive in and become thoroughly immersed into an epic fantasy with magic, drama, mystery, and suspense, I would highly recommend this book. You will travel far and wide from the most amazing, buzzing towns and cities to the most isolated islands and everything in between.
Everett’s journey is not for the weak-willed, and he suddenly finds he must grow up very quickly and use all he has learnt to survive the trials ahead of him.
I especially liked the magic system and how this worked. The author referenced One Dark window whilst discussing his novel with me and I completely agree that whilst magic is not conducted through cards, the way magic is conjured in Journey Thrice Begun is just as original and unique and I really liked the concept.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and as such, don’t expect all ends to be tied off neatly in a bow. However, the ending is satisfying regarding some mainstream storylines whilst leaving you breadcrumbs of what is to come and making you excited for the next book.
For the majority of this book I would say it is a very character driven story which works perfectly as all the characters from Everett Dwyer and his father Dinn to his best friend Pinchus are all rounded, unique and very memorable; each with their own quirks and habits.
Overall, I enjoyed every minute of this book. It was an epic adventure that takes you all around this fantastical world and back, revealing new and exciting details in each chapter from Riverball to Therry Lilies. But beware, you will experience a whole range of emotions and atmospheres. From the mixture of cosy, hobbit style vibes to the dark and at times shocking Game of Thrones themes , you will never be bored and will be kept on the edge of your seat until the end. It will make you laugh, make you cry, make you scream, and everything in between.
It is a book which is sure to stay with you long after you’ve finished the last page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – an awesome adventure across land and sea, perfect to get lost in during a cold autumn/winter night
Journey Thrice Begun is out now!!
Much love ❤️
Lizzieslittlebooknook 