THE BEFALLEN
Cambria Williams
Summary
Sloane, sheltered, yet persistent, believes she’s capable, and longs for everyone to see past her disabled leg. Selling at Market Day unaccompanied is the chance to prove herself. But when she returns home to her village, she’s shattered to discover the Befallen has killed everyone. Having nothing but her faith in the goddesses of the moon, she’s forced to test her strength in the outside world. Sloane realizes the kingdom is dangerous even without the full of thieves, thugs, and, worse, heretics.
Sloane is further shocked no one seems to know the entire legend, which promises a hero will defeat the Befallen. When she learns an order of knights have vowed to fulfill the legend, she’s determined to help them as she alone was taught that a weapon will be gifted from the seldom-seen goddess of the Azure Moon.
Sir Tolvar, a banished, famed knight, wrestling with the demons of his past, is skeptical. He’s reluctant to let Sloane join their cause until she convinces him that faith carries its own power.
As the two uncover the mysteries surrounding the Befallen-growing steadily stronger-an impossible task is thrust upon Sloane that makes her question everything…
Courtesy of Goodreads.com
Review
I received an ARC, and I’m voluntarily leaving a review; all opinions are my own.
Genre: Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Dark Fantasy
Language: Low on profanity
Themes: Coming-of-Age, Believing in yourself, Forgiveness, Redemption, Overcoming problems, Good vs Evil
What makes a hero?
How is a person redeemed from a mistake?
THE BEFALLEN, a debut book by author Cambria Williams, is a stunner! The themes elevate the fantasy to a higher level—there are moments and decisions that will stick with you.
It’s universal to not feel like you’re enough—but this book shows us how there are facets to this between physical limitations, emotional baggage, and events that shape the characters.
I was sucked into this world and couldn’t wait to find out how Sloane would find and defeat the Befallen—or IF she could because the evil force is overwhelming and seems impossible to destroy. This portion had a dream-like quality that I associate with old tales of Merlin, and I totally loved how she’s fighting through all her doubts and obstacles on her quest. Seriously, is she brave enough, strong enough, good enough to keep moving forward?
The lauded hero Tolvar, the Wolf, is also fighting his demons to do what is right and needs to happen. Alvin appears cavalier, but he’s also struggling. Every character has the backstory needed to make them come alive on the page. And Sloane’s brother—argh! He’s one of my favorites because of everything he does (and doesn’t do).
As a reader, I tend to question every choice made by the author—there were a couple of word choices that I might have done something differently, but it wasn’t enough to jar me out of the story or diminish my enjoyment. This fantasy is very approachable, and will appeal to both men and women, teens, and lovers of swords.
I hope I haven’t spoiled anything but whet your appetite to read this book and follow this author’s career.
Yes! I recommend this book.
Happy reading,
Michelle
Tales Untangled 