Rise of the Seer

Rise of the Seer

by Brandon Barr

4 out of 5

Synopsis
Two women. Two worlds. One epic destiny. 

A god-gifted young woman is chosen for a grim task – one that will take her beyond the boundaries of her own world. Winter’s chilling visions of the future make clear that her choices will not only affect the success of her mission… but whether those she loves will live or die.

On the distant world of Hearth, Meluscia is the daughter of a dying king. As he wages a bitter war in the north, a growing evil devours the villages of the east. She would turn her kingdom’s forces to face the emerging threat– but first, she must gain the throne… and confront the secret desire that torments her soul.

Though worlds apart, Meluscia and Winter’s destinies are bound together by portals and an ancient prophecy that promises to pull friend and foe together in a devastating collision.

An excellent choice for fans of Anne McCaffrey and Terry Brooks. RISE OF THE SEER is Book One in the Song of the Worlds series. Discover a dazzling epic fantasy series by USA Today Bestselling Author Brandon Barr. #BrandonsBuddies 



Review
A tumultuous time is coming for both worlds, people will have to fight for what is right, if they are to have any chance at survival.

Even though the synopsis says that this story is about just two women, it is so much broader than that. Yes, Meluscia and Winter have their respective roles, but the narrative also follows many other characters.
There's a whole cast that carry you along two distinct plotlines.

Meluscia is the daughter of the Luminary (ruler), but she has to fight tooth and nail to be named heir. Despite all of her studying, and her gift for diplomacy; Meluscia's father and councillors would rather have a bullish man who would bring only war.

Winter is from a simple farming family, who live and die as decreed by the tyrannical Baron. She has the gift of getting visions, and it is clear that she has a part to play in the fight for freedom.

The narrative is split equally between all characters, and you get to see all the conflicting political interests that surrounds Meluscia, and the people that she can and cannot trust.
Winter's storyline did take a bit of a back seat to Meluscia's. Even when it was focussed on that plotline, I found it was more often Aven (her brother) leading the way. This was somewhat surprising, as I thought "Rise of the Seer" referred to her.

The world (or, technically, worlds!) that Barr has created is broad and creative. It hints at other countries, and bigger threats, but doesn't get bogged down in details.
The plot was OK, but I felt like everything was pointed out along the way. There was no subtlety or foreshadowing that made any "plot twists" surprising.
This book feels like it's building the foundations, fleshing out the main character's histories and motivations. The whole purpose is getting said characters into position for what comes later in the series - what that is, I can only guess.

Overall, this felt like the beginning of something, rather than a story in its own right. The book stops mid-action, leaving the path open to the rest of the series. It is something I enjoyed, and I would read the next books.

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