Excalibur Rising by Eileen Hodgetts
Series: Excalibur Rising, #1
First Published September 25th 2014 by Emerge Publishing
Genre: Fantasy, Historical
332 pages
Format: eBook
Source: Review Request
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uUVWou
A newscaster. A psychic. A legend brought to life…
Marcus is losing his touch. The TV newscaster’s ratings are down and his job is on the line. So when he’s given the opportunity to leave Las Vegas and search for Excalibur, the missing artifact from one of the greatest legends ever written, he jumps at the chance. It doesn’t hurt that the mafia also gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Violet’s psychic abilities serve as a gift and a curse. When the mafia’s marching orders force her onto a plane to England with Marcus, her skills are put to the test. As they probe the legend of King Arthur and Camelot, the unlikely team watches the body count start to rise.
After their search takes them to the mist-shrouded Welsh countryside, Marcus and Violet begin putting the pieces together, but a surprise awaits. A surprise that could change their lives for good. If they survive to see it…
Review
If you love fantasy adventures that reimagine classic lore, Excalibur Rising (Book One) delivers an exciting mix of Arthurian legend, magic, and high-stakes action!
The Premise: Legendary Lore Reimagined
The story builds around the legendary blade Excalibur, weaving myth into a expansive fantasy world. As ancient magic resurfaces and kingdom-altering threats emerge, a new generation of heroes must step forward to claim their destiny, navigate dangerous alliances, and unlock the true power of the sword.
Characters & Group Dynamics
- The Protagonist: Determined, flawed, and growing into their power. The journey from uncertainty to accepting responsibility gives the narrative a strong emotional core.
- Supporting Cast: The secondary characters bring distinct personalities and loyalties, making team interactions and battle sequences feel dynamic and high-stakes.
- Antagonists & Conflict: Features looming threats that push the heroes to their limits, ensuring the danger feels real throughout the story.
Pacing, Action & World-Building
The author excels at crafting fast-paced action scenes and magic mechanics that build upon traditional Arthurian myths without feeling repetitive. The world-building strikes a solid balance—rich enough to feel immersive, yet direct enough to keep the story moving at a quick, adventurous clip.
Final Verdict
Excalibur Rising (Book One) is an engaging fantasy opening that sets up a promising series. It offers great action, solid character growth, and a fun new spin on a legendary myth!
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