Book Tour - TRISTAN'S FOLLY by Marcus Lee

Out of This World SFF Reviews is extremely delighted to be just one of the many blogs participating in the Storytellers On Tour Book Tour featuring fantasy author Marcus Lee and his second book in The Gifted and the Cursed series, TRISTAN'S FOLLY!  Today is day #3 of the tour and I am very excited to be bringing you a synopsis of this entertaining epic fantasy as well as my official review and some additional links to connect with Marcus and his books.

But first I'd just like to mention that Storytellers is currently running an incredible giveaway in conjunction with this tour.  You could win an ebook bundle of the first two books in this series: Kings & Daemons and Tristan's Folly!  (This is an international giveaway)

To enter, just click this link.  The giveaway ends this Sunday, December 6th at 11:59pm, so get those entries in now!

And now, here is a brief description of Marcus Lee's fantasy novel TRISTAN'S FOLLY followed by my review:

Book Blurb:

Tristan's Folly, an ageing fortress built over fifty years ago to repel the invading hordes of the Witch-King, Daleth, an invasion that never materialised - until now.

Now the stronghold is a crumbling reflection of its former might, with a mere fifteen hundred men all that stands between Daleth's savage horde of a hundred thousand, and certain doom for the Freestates.  

As Kings and Daemons face one another, there is but one shining light that pushes back the encroaching darkness, but even her flame is slated to be extinguished thanks to Tristan's Folly.

In this epic tale of a battle against the odds, the best and worst of humankind collide...sacrifice, bravery and love, set against betrayal, greed and hatred.

Review:

TRISTAN'S FOLLY is a worthy sequel to Kings & Daemons in many ways and in some I believe it surpasses its predecessor.  For sheer action and intrigue, this book really expanded on the first and showed an evolution of the characters that I didn't see coming.  Almost every character takes a turn that was not expected and the amount of backstabbing and double-dealing kept me on my toes throughout this superbly fun sequel.

In this installment we get treated to a good old fashioned fortress siege.   The enemy Daleth sits at the doorstep of Tristan's Folly ready to crush everyone inside on his way to trying to rout the Freestates.  We've seen this before in many books and films but it always fills me with anticipation and dread as those camped outside the fortress' walls wait for the perfect moment to unleash hell on the defenders.  This one lived up to my expectations I'm happy to say as I gobbled up every page and chapter breathlessly.

What I also loved about this book is that there is very little standing about.  The action comes hot and heavy and the economy of page count really lent to the feeling that this story was one that never let up.  Then I was suddenly hit with the final page searching for more to no avail, with an eagerness to have that final book in my hands to see how this all ends.   One thing is for certain, there's one heck of a whopping climax on the horizon and I for one can't wait to experience it.

If you are looking for a fantasy book that is very much in the traditional vein of epic fantasy in the style of David Eddings, Andre Norton, and Terry Brooks, then you will definitely enjoy Marcus Lee's TRISTAN'S FOLLY and the entire The Gifted and the Cursed series.  Jump in now while the getting is good.  These are fairly quick reads that pack a punch and tell their story in such a way that they feel like comfort reads.  That's not to say that they are comfortable, because there are some absolute dark moments, but they call to mind a joy of storytelling that makes you want to pull up a chair with your favorite beverage and immerse yourself for hours on end.

I enjoyed TRISTAN'S FOLLY a great deal and have really become a huge fan of this series.  I hope that the next book comes soon because the cliffhanger was a bit much to take (in a good way).  Marcus Lee has delivered another winner as far as I'm concerned.  Pick this series up soon, you won't be sorry.

Rating: 8.2/10

You can purchase TRISTAN'S FOLLY on Amazon.

Author Bio

Writing hasn't always been a serious hobby for me...but it has always been there, lurking in the shadows, serving me well when called upon.  

As I look back over the years, I realise I was guilty of writing many short stories, as well as poetry, and I'd like to think, that even if they were never intended to be published, they were nonetheless warmly received by the intended recipients.

Then in 2019, I was inspired to write not just a short story, or poetry, but a book.  Then, suddenly, one book turned into a trilogy and a labour of love, and it was a love I wanted to share with the world.  

So, here we are.  The pandemic that put my career in sport on hold also gave me the opportunity to lavish time on my alternative hobby, or if demand dictates my new career.

However, only you, the reader, will decide whether this trilogy, which is still a work in progress, will be my first of many.  I genuinely hope so.

Who knows, now these creative juices are flowing, I might just keep on writing anyway.

Epic fantasy has been my favourite genre since I first read The Odyssey and the Illiad as a seven-year-old.  Now it's my turn to see if I can bring another world to life in the imagination of others. 

You can connect with author Marcus Lee online on his Website, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.

And that concludes my stop on the TRISTAN'S FOLLY book tour!  Hope you enjoyed it.  I would like to extend a special thank you to Storytellers On Tour and author Marcus Lee for the opportunity to participate.  There are many more awesome stops on this tour, so if you would like to follow along, below is the official schedule.

As always, thank you for stopping by and supporting the blog.  Every visit and page view is appreciated more than you know.  Stay safe and healthy and Happy Reading!

-Nick