Ohana Day Academy: Eyes of the Enemy Review

Eyes of the Enemy

BlackMyst Trilogy

By: Kelly Hess

Genre: YA/MG Fantasy

Publication Date: August 26, 2014

Published By: Booktrope Publishing

When a rogue band of the dreaded Sorak attacks his village, twelve-year-old Beynn Firehand escapes into the darkness of BlackMyst Forest to find help. During his quest, Beynn discovers his own powerful magic abilities.

The price of his newfound powers, however, may be higher than he ever imagined.

And now my Review of 'Eyes of the Enemy'-

Within these pages you will find a tale that will grab you and keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is perfect for all ages. The main character in the book is a thirteen year old boy, so boys younger and older will easily relate to him, yet he is not so all boy that a young girl couldn't likewise relate. It is a coming of age tale about a young boy who upon reaching his 13th year discovers something amazing, something life altering, something that reaches deep into the core of all his beliefs.

Beynn lived in a peaceful village. It was many years since the Sorak wars ended and the town was far from the border, so it was considered safe. Then the horrible happens, the Sorak invade this peaceful town looking for Beynn. But Beynn escaped with the help of his best friend, and in a story much reminiscent of the hobbit, he is sent on a mission of self-discovery and a quest to save his village.

I would highly recommend this book to any mid-grade level child or anyone looking for an old style fantasy story. This book will even peek the interest of the most reluctant of readers.

And now an Excerpt from 'Eyes of the Enemy'-

Hidden deep inside a meandering ravine, nestled beneath the dark oak trees of BlackMyst, the village of Veiled Gorge was a secret gem, revealed only to those curious and brave enough to follow the meager road that wound deep into the forested gully. Some twenty-five quaint and simple homes stood sheltered within the ravine, hidden beneath the forest’s mighty branches. Tucked away along the eastern border of Delvengard, Veiled Gorge was often forgotten or ignored by the outside world, and this suited the villagers just fine. Originally established as a commune for peace-loving peasants looking to escape the atrocities of the war-torn kingdom, Veiled Gorge remained a safe and secluded community.

The village had evolved over the years from a mishmash of people with a common dream of peaceful living into a colony of talented woodworkers, fabricating fine works of art and furniture from the wood of the surrounding trees. The villagers worked in harmony as a collaborative team to create pieces to be sold or bartered to traveling merchants who frequently visited Veiled Gorge.

About the Author-

Kelly Hess grew up with a love of reading science fiction and fantasy that inspired him to write his own fantasy trilogy. He lives in Vacaville, California with his wife and son, and is putting the final details on the last two books of his BlackMyst Trilogy: The Green Dagger and The Third Power.