Category: Fantasy Publisher: Zumaya Publications
ISBN-10: 1934135992
Type: Fiction
Pages: 306
Copyright: November 19, 2008
ISBN-13: 9781934135990
Price: $5.00 (eBook)
Torn between two worlds, will he be able to save either of them?
Torren wanted nothing more than to forget his past and endure the life it had forced upon him. One small, begrudging act of kindness, however, embarks him on a path which will bring him face to face with everything he has so heartily attempted to avoid.
In so doing, events which seemed to have no bearing on his old life now appear to be tangled with it and his present.
Caught between the world of his birth and the one he currently lives in, will Torren be able to set aside his hate and guilt long enough to keep both from utter destruction?
Excerpt
"So, look who we have here."
Torren turned to the side, recognizing Elon's voice. "What do you want?"
The young flyer gave him an unpleasant smile. "We're doing our duty to our God, as we should. Though I very much doubt it is what you're doing."
Torren glanced upward toward the nearest spire looking for the guard but found the spot empty.
One of the four laughed. "Tyo, I think he's looking for you."
Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the one directly behind him was wearing armor and was armed. He cursed quietly to himself. He had the knife in his boot, but it would be hard to reach it in such close quarters. "I ask you again, what is it you want?"
"I've already told you," Elon said, smiling widely, "we're here to do El's work." The smile died. "You may think you've fooled everyone, but you're wrong. Some of those old fools may be willing to believe anything just to allay their fears, but there are those of us who'd rather reveal the truth instead."
Torren stiffened. "And what truth might that be?"
"Why, the truth about you, of course. We're here to reveal you for the impostor you are." As Elon spoke, all four Chosen took a step closer to him. "Take that off."
Elon pointed to his vest.
Slowly moving as if to comply, Torren got ready to attack. As soon as he slipped one arm from the vest, he lunged right and elbowed the Flyer there in the ribs, knocking him back. He got a kick in on Elon before a blow from behind sent him to his knees. Before he could make his vision stop spinning and struggle back to his feet, all four Flyers closed in on him and wrestled him to the hard ground.
The stone walkway bit into Torren's cheek as he struggled to free himself. "Let go of me!"
His pulse thundered at his temples, anger and frustration growing inside him. Laughing, Elon made sure the others had him firmly pinned before reaching into his drape to withdraw a small knife.
"Now we'll reveal you for the liar you are."
Professional Reviews
Eternal Night Review
Vassal of El is a wonderful combination of fantasy story and murder-mystery (ok, to be pedantic, almost-murder-mystery). The two main characters are thrown together when Larana, pursued by two men bent on killing her, turns to Torren to save her. He, of course, realizes very quickly who she really is and that she must be returned to he people. However, unlike many such novels, this is far from the crux of the story. The main body of the tale revolves around the attempted murder of Larana and the discovery of the traitor within the midst of the Chosen.
Torren is a character of many dimensions. He is not just a mercenary with a good heart. He has a past that he is forced to live with, one that torments his sleep with vivid nightmares. It would seem that nothing can erase the scars of his childhood, both mental and physical. The concept of The Chosen is rather refreshing. OK, I have read stories previously that include both winged-angels and man but in the case of the Chosen, the winged beings are not angels. They are a race of people granted wings by their God El, who live in floating cities and rarely travel down to the world of the Landers. They have the same weaknesses and conflicts as “normal” people along with an arrogance borne of their knowledge that they were considered more worthy by god.
Vassal of El is a superb story, both enchanting and exciting. A good example of the high quality writing being published by Zumaya Publications. If there is any justice in the world, both Gloria Oliver and Zumaya should have a great future ahead.
"Torren dreamed...On the one side were weathered hand, the hands of Lander farmers...The others belonged to young and old Flyers...Each side wanted him; neither would give him up. And excruciatingly, they were tearing him in two."
Haunted by this and similarly torturing dreams, Torren travels to obtain a mercenary position that will offer some security and peace. But his rescue of a hunted orphan, Larana, seems to enfold both of them in a desperate battle between the earthly Landers and several vying groups with the Flyers. The latter are the Chosen, creations of supposed perfection who possess superhuman powers dedicated to virtuous living. But some have demonstrated their all- too-human frailties and are determined to use their power to destroy their opponents, Flyers and Landers.
Torren and Larana have a set place in this power struggle which they only discover throughout their struggles and battles in the deepening conflict. What is remarkable to enjoy in this novel is the transformation Torren undergoes because of Larana's unusual personality, fearful yet strong, dependent yet independent, distant yet loving. She truly is the Vassal of El, who never forgot the kindness humans could demonstrate and whose followers focused on "what it was to hope, to love, to dream".
Gloria Oliver has created another fine fantasy novel (like her first novel In Service of the Samurai) which quickly engages and holds the reader's hunger for the resolution of love conquering evil.
Scribesworld
4 out of 4 Stars - Reviewed by RM Blacketer
When you sit down to read VASSAL OF EL be sure you have plenty of time because you simply will not want to put it down. As you journey with Torren you are soon aware that all is not as it seems, although you cannot put your finger on exactly how you know. With masterful hints of foreshadowing and half forgotten memories the author slowly brings forth the story of Torren and of the young girl he has unwillingly befriended. The twists and turns keep you guessing and just as you have it figured out, you have to reevaluate your conclusions. The author draws you in so that Torren becomes a friend you care about and empathize with. It is a work that offers not only entertainment but inspiration and hope for us all.
This is definitely a must read and I have given it a full four star rating.
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