“The Poison Glen”
Author: Ashley Simmons
Where do I begin in my review of “The Poison Glen” by author Ashley Simmons? Well, I guess I could start by saying I loved it… I was definitely hooked even before I finished the first page. Truth be told, I enjoyed “The Poison Glen” so much that once I had finished reading it I sat down and read it again. That is rare indeed for me…
The premise of “The Poison Glen” is this: many years ago a cruel race called the Zadok came to Caspria’s shores from across the sea; their leader intent on enslaving the people of Caspria. The Casprians fought valiantly but it was in vain. They relied on their god Uriel to save them and that too was for naught. Now, twenty years later the Casprians are a broken people; robbed of their dignity, their culture, their religion, and even more importantly their freedom.
Amariah is the sole heir to the Casprian throne but, having been raised in secrecy, she is unaware of her true identity until a foolish act on her part puts her life and the life of her beloved “uncle” at risk. Suddenly Amariah learns she is not really the daughter of a simple farmer and she now struggles with the truth of who she is and what her ultimate purpose is. She is a strong-willed woman and at first she refuses to accept her royal lineage. The legacy of her noble blood will allow her use of a magical talisman; but the question is whether or not she will acknowledge and embrace her gifts. And if she does, will she be able to free her country and save its inhabitants or will the Zadok prove too strong for her?
There are many different facets within “The Poison Glen;” each of them unique; each of them interesting and all are woven skillfully together. Simmons is a fantastic writer; her words are descriptive and the story contained within the pages of “The Poison Glen” flows as easily as a river winding its way downstream.
For those of you who enjoy the fantasy genre then “The Poison Glen” will hold you completely captive; riveted and on the edge of your seat. Five-stars…