Fa’Luffy has been shredding cushions this past month, just itching to get his next review up and on display. So without further ado, it’s time to check out this month’s FA’LUFFY REVIEW!

Fang photo bomb! Fa’Luffy is not impressed.

This review round is for a book, of which there were several Fa’Luffy had to choose from.

Having made his choice, Fa’luffy has decided to review: Zarkora, Book One: The Fyrelit Tragedy

Publisher: Thornberry Press

Target Audience: MG (ages 8+)

Genre: Quest Fantasy

Medium: Available in Paperback, and eBook

Q: What’s it all about?

Fa’Luffy: A decade after the loss of their parents, Neleik and Ervine Fyrelit, two poor farm boys, witness the kidnapping of their little sister, Sky. Driven by a fierce determination to rescue her, they brave the terrors and mysteries of the world beyond their small village, encountering friends and foes, and all manner of monsters and powers previously unimagined.

Their love for Sky is the force igniting their courage, but will it be enough to hunt down the evil that has captured her, and bring her safely home?

Q: Who would enjoy this?

Fa’Luffy: Those who like traditional fantasy stories (Deltora Quest, The Chronicles of Prydain, The Golden Door, The Hobbit). Those who can’t get enough of vast journeys, great dangers, monsters and magic and all kinds of adventures. And those who can overlook a bit of fantasy cliche, and enjoy the heart and fun of a neat little adventure.

Q: What are some of your favourite aspects?

Fa’Luffy: How adventurous the story is! Very traditional in it’s ‘hero quest’ path, but it’s a lot of fun. The characters are diverse and enjoyable, and there’s a lot of funny and charming interaction between them. There are DRAGONS in it! Mega-cushion bonus! Especially the fact that one of the dragons is ‘damaged’ (wounded by past experiences), and so provides a challenge for the main characters. Some of the world-building elements are really cool and unique, like stormboarding and druel (read the story to see what I mean). Oh, and I can’t forget the cover art. How cool is that dragon!

Q: What are some of your less favourite aspects?

Fa’Luffy: My main issue is the writing style. It’s very passive, and constantly ‘tells’ and ‘suggests’  and ‘supposes’ instead of just showing through actions and expressions. At times it made me want to set my cushions on fire! Also, I didn’t like it when words were fully CAPed. I understand why it was done–to give the impression of characters yelling–BUT I DON’T LIKE IT AS IT’S VERY  JARRING AND IN-YOUR-FACE. That’s just a personal opinion, though. Also, it felt a little rushed in the latter half of the book. With a major plot expansion, there was a lot going on and it could have (should have) been extended and made into Book Two (which of course would make the current Book Two, Book Three etc).

A word of warning, this story has a lot of traditional fantasy tropes. And I mean, a lot! But if that sort of thing doesn’t bother you, awesomeness to you! For the most part, it doesn’t bother me, either.

Q: How would you sum up your opinion?

Fa’Luffy: A very adventurous story, spotlighted by fun and interesting characters placed on a backdrop of traditional fantasy awesomeness. There’s action, puzzle-solving, monster-fighting, chases, and travels by foot, horse, ship and wheeled machine!

Middle Grade (ages 8+) readers will undoubtedly love this story, and the heart of it is something pure and inspiring: the power of love between siblings.

The ZARKORA series is comprised of four books in total, with Book Two already available, and Book Three planned for release mid 2015. You can check out more info on the Zarkora wesite: click here.

Q: What is the final Fa’Luffy Verdict?

Fa’Luffy: Out of a total of 5 Fa’Luffy Stars:

Q: So the Fa’Luffy stamp for Zarkora, Book One: The Fyrelit Tragedy is …?

Fa’Luffy:

So there you have it, Fa’Luffy Review readers! The round, red, cushion-eating dragon has spoken. The first book in the Zarkora series is approved! So if you enjoy traditional fantasy quests, with trolls, elves, magic swords, dragons and princesses, then you are sure to be entertained by this story!

Be sure the check out more about Zarkora and the authors via their website or facebook page.

Have you played a game, watched a movie, or read a book that you think Fa’Luffy would enjoy reviewing? If so, feel free to send through your suggestions. If the Fa’Luffy finds it interesting, the Fa’Luffy will put up a review!