Books Butterfly Editorial Reviews

Beginning of Arrogance by Bryan Cole – Editorial Review

Beginning of Arrogance (A Paladin’s Journey) is a book that promises to deliver something sorely missing in the Fantasy genre – A well written Epic Military Fantasy series. Please read the rest of the review to find out whether Author Bryan Cole delivers on this enticing promise.

Books Butterfly Editorial Review of Beginning of Arrogance

Introduction & Context

Bryan Cole invites readers to his beautiful book “Beginning of Arrogance: A Paladin’s Journey” where mystery, fantasy, and dynamic character interactions converge.

It is an intriguing and compelling Epic Fantasy and Military Fantasy hybrid. It is set against the perilous backdrop of a journey into treacherous caves. To spice things up – There is a brewing power struggle between the protagonists that threatens to tear their mission apart.

The narrative promises a mix of suspense and danger. As Master Krell leads his team into uncharted territory, tensions rise, hinting at a broader conflict that extends beyond the immediate threats within the caves.

Main Review for Beginning of Arrogance

From the onset, the narrative follows Master Krell’s assertive leadership as his team explores treacherous caves infested with creatures, setting the stage for a power struggle, particularly between Krell and the formidable Orca.

The clash of personalities introduces layers of depth, hinting at broader conflicts beyond the immediate dangers within the cave. This is one of the strong points of the book – The nuance and complexity of the characters and their relationship with each other. It is a very delicious set-up for an Epic Fantasy series and really draws one into the story.

Cole adeptly builds suspense as the team uncovers mysterious elements, such as a skeletal humanoid surrounded by glowing mushrooms, creating an alluring mystery that propels the characters into a path fraught with both peril and potential reward. The pacing is well-managed, ensuring readers are engaged with each twist and turn, revealing new challenges and revelations.

Character interactions, notably the tension between Krell and Orca, stand out as a highlight of the narrative. The palpable tension adds an unpredictable layer of complexity to their relationship.

Krell’s unwavering dedication to his deity, ReckNor, and his refusal to yield to Orca’s authority foreshadow potential conflicts that promise to shape the trajectory of the story.

The exploration of magical elements, including Tristan’s powers and the enchanted boots, adds a captivating layer to the plot. The author’s ability to balance lighter moments, such as Gerrard’s discovery and testing of magical boots, with the overall serious tone of the narrative showcases a commendable narrative skill.

Strengths

The narrative excels in vivid descriptions, well-paced revelations, and nuanced character portrayals.

Cole’s skill in balancing lighter moments with an overall serious tone is evident. The integration of magical elements, coupled with the exploration of character relationships, contributes to the story’s charm.

Engaging battle scenes and Krell’s internal struggles enhance the depth and quality of the story.

The book has a lot to offer to Epic Fantasy and Military Fantasy readers, and will also appeal to Adventure and Military Fiction readers.

Weaknesses

A Bit of Predictability – Certain character traits and moral dilemmas may be anticipated, potentially lessening the element of surprise.

To be fair, the book has no real weaknesses. There is nothing that would prevent you from enjoying it.

Conclusion

“Beginning of Arrogance: A Paladin’s Journey” takes readers on an exciting adventure into Bryan Cole’s fantastical world, where mystery and danger unfold. As Master Krell leads his team through dangerous caves, Cole’s storytelling keeps you hooked.

The subtle hints of a broader conflict and the introduction of magical elements add to the intrigue. With a captivating plot and well-developed characters, this book is a promising start to the ‘A Paladin’s Journey’ series, making it a great choice for fantasy fans.

Overall Recommendation for Beginning of Arrogance

This book is recommended to fantasy and adventure enthusiasts who enjoy immersive tales of mystery, dynamic character interactions, and perilous journeys. Whether you’re a fan of magical elements, suspenseful plots, or engaging character dynamics, “Beginning of Arrogance: A Paladin’s Journey” is strongly recommended.

Fantasy Readers – 80/100. Strongly Recommended.

Epic Fantasy Readers – 85/100. Very Strongly Recommended.

Military Fantasy Readers – 90/100. An Absolute Must Read.

Adventure Readers & War Fiction Readers – 90/100. A very compelling book. Very Strongly Recommended.

Curator’s Thoughts

A Beginning of Arrogance hits a lot of the right notes

1. It is a compelling and well-written story.
2. It creates a very vibrant and interesting Fantasy world.
3. It has a lot of action and adventure.
4. The Magical aspects are well thought out and fit in perfectly with the story.
5. The characters are real and relatable.
6. It is a story in itself, while also creating the foundation for a strong Epic Fantasy series.
7. It is not too in love with itself. There is a focus on story telling and entertaining the reader and no ‘showing off’ or self-indulgence.
8. It is strong in all of its categories (Epic Fantasy, Military Fantasy, Military Adventure). This is very rare and commendable.

It is a very good book. We recommend it very strongly.

Where to get Beginning of Arrogance (A Paladin’s Journey)

You can get Beginning of Arrogance at

1. Amazon Kindle Store for the eBook
2. Amazon.com for the Paperback
3. Amazon.com for the Hardcover
4. Audible for the Audiobook

You can read more about the author at his Amazon.com Author Page. That page also lists all his books, including two books in the A Paladin’s Journey series.