Melanie Rawn, Stronghold (Dragon Star, Book 1)

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILER INFORMATION Melanie Rawn, Stronghold (Dragon Star, Book 1) - In this 1st book of the Dragon Star Trilogy, Melanie Rawn returns to the world of Princemarch, Meadowlord, Fessenden, Syr and the Sand that she created in The Dragon Prince Trilogy.

A generation of peace has lasted since the hard-fought finale in the previous Trilogy. The High Prince Rohan had melded together a Kingdom of all the seperate entities under the High Prince Justice.

However a seemingly unstopppable invasion force lands and starts taking territory, sometimes by subterfuge and agreement with enemies within the nobility of the High Prince.

In this first novel, the Sunrunners under Lord Andry have to decide whether to come to the aid of the High Prince. However circumstances occur which leaves the Sunrunners with no choice but to aid the Kingdom. Lord Andry's long-held nighmares have come to pass as his long ago visions of disasters to come begin to be fulfilled.

The High Prince and his son, Pol, are not without weapons of their own, be it valiant warriors, the use of light for communications, dragons and even the land itself. However, the fear spreads that this is the beginning of the end of their entire world as the invaders, the Vellant'im, show no sign of wanting to do anything but kill all in front of them.

The title Stronghold is named after the Castle of the same name. Book one ends upon the storming of the Castle, the death of the High Prince Rohan and the setting on fire of the surrounds. The invading Vellant'im army lose many soldiers in the castle flames whilst the majority of the High Prince's army manage to escape to continue the fight, under his son Pol.

Melanie Rawn is one of the most gifted fantasy writers and she reveals in her writing a strength of fire to continue to be so.

Her worlds are so very easy to become part of that the stories begin to have a life of their own.

As to Book 2 The Dragon Token and Book 3 Skybowl, this reviewer won't say too much as it would spoil the many twists and turns as the story evolves. Suffice it to say, please get them yourself and read them, you will not be disapointed.

Recommended, yes most certainly!