Literary Titan Gold Book Award Recipient
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Heroes of Reighja: The Tale of Achyut the Gallant, by Jim Gill, transports readers to the mythical continent of Reighja, a land rife with intrigue and mystery. In this realm, Prince Naemin and Princess Amira grapple with the enigma of the Collapse and the downfall of their once-glorious homeland, the Dynasty of Lamaru. Their routine existence is upended when they uncover a book chronicling the last journey of Prince Achyut, an ancestor whose fate intertwines with the very calamities that befell their world. As they delve into Achyut's story, Naemin and Amira are faced with pressing questions: what truths will they unearth, and what lessons does Achyut's story hold for them?
Gill's writing prowess shines as he draws readers into the fold, crafting a tale that is as compelling as it is immersive. The characters, heroes and villains alike, are crafted with depth and nuance, making them resonate with the reader. The rich tapestry of world-building enhances the story's vividness, making one yearn to journey alongside these characters and explore the expansive world of Reighja. Gill's innovative use of 'they/them' pronouns for certain characters, including Achyut's older sibling, intriguingly hints at a nuanced approach to royal status. As this pattern unfolds with other characters, it presents a unique stylistic feature that, with further clarification, has the potential to deepen reader engagement and add an extra layer of depth to the narrative experience.
The conclusion of Achyut's tale, while touching upon familiar themes, gracefully complements the story's overall arc, offering a satisfying and well-rounded closure to this sweeping saga. Its predictability does not detract but rather affirms the timeless appeal of the journey, ensuring a resonant and fulfilling conclusion.
In Heroes of Reighja: The Tale of Achyut the Gallant, Gill weaves a captivating tale of heroism and magic. Even though I craved a deeper initial exploration of the Collapse and a more distinctive conclusion, the journey through Reighja remains a memorable and enjoyable experience, showcasing Gill's storytelling acumen and imaginative prowess."
Kirkus Reviews
Our Verdict ✔ GET IT
"A complicated hero is undone by love in Gill’s fantasy epic, the first in a series.
The adventures of the titular character are the subject of a book stumbled upon by his descendants, the young royals Naemin and Amira Adhikar, who live in the fantastical realm of Reighja. As read by their father, King Jordan of Lamaru, the tale of Achyut Adhikar, who vanished into history, draws in the pair with its blend of action and romance. The main attribute of Achyut that shines through is that he means well in whatever he does; early in his story, while on a diplomatic mission, Achyut helps an ally drive off two dragons, winning the freedom of hundreds of human slaves in the process. Among them is Katria Konners, with whom Achyut rapidly falls in love. Their relationship blossoms, and, for a time, Achyut is happier than he’s ever been. But their love is short-lived.
Grief drives Achyut to make a drastic move that results in lasting damage to himself and the Dynasty of Lamaru. As Gill explains in his author’s note, “I’ve always loved stories that pull me into their own worlds, let me see through another’s eyes, and provide perspectives and lessons that I can transpose onto my own experience.” (The author’s compound title suggests that he plans a series of novels set in Lamaru.) Gill certainly has succeeded in creating an elaborate setting for future volumes, and he includes a map, a cast of characters, and a glossary, allowing for a fuller reading experience for readers willing to invest the time. The fate of the sympathetic Achyut disappoints; in short, he deserved better. Still, Gill has developed many other characters and groups to more fully explore once he selects his next hero to write about."
Review by award-winning author Jordan Hampton
"Prince Achyut is a wonderfully complex character perfectly accentuated by the masterful worldbuilding that Gill employs in the presentation of Reighja. The story provides an immaculate introduction to a world that has so much to offer and yet is only just explained enough to pique the reader's interest in things such as the minna magic system, the existence of the maiamorphs, and the role that the Ancient Dragons have to play in a great deal of Reighja's current conflicts. I look forward to seeing where he goes in future installments to the series."
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