First Reader Review: RESISTANCE: CHAOS - TOL'S BANE

I would like to share the inaugural review of my debut fantasy novel, RESISTANCE: CHAOS-TOL'S BANE. This milestone comes from Cindy Lee, one of our advance readers who experienced the world of Tol firsthand.

A Reader's Journey Begins

As an author, receiving the first review of your debut novel is a special moment. It marks the transition from private creation to public storytelling, where readers begin to discover and experience the world you've crafted.

Early Reader Insights

Cindy Lee received an advance copy of RESISTANCE and has provided thoughtful insights into:

• The world of Tol

• Character dynamics

• Plot development

• World-building elements

Looking Forward

These early responses fuel the excitement for what's ahead in the CHAOS-TOL'S BANE series. Each reader's perspective adds new depth to the world and stories yet to be told.

Here is Cindy’s review:

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of RESISTANCE the debut novel of a new author CSR Keeley.

The book begins in the sixth turn (year) of occupation by soldiers from the northern empire (Nordinium) called by the locals ‘the Brocken’. This opening passage reads like any historical drama straight out of ‘Robin Hood’ but that is left far behind as we are introduced to a varied cast of characters

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Snippets of ideas and subplots are introduced early and give the reader tempting insights to a greater story yet to be revealed by the hero’s journey.

One of the main questions the reader faces is just who is the hero. While the characters face their trials and tribulations it is clear that each is a pawn being moved by forces far above their understanding.

Here I must say that this book is the first in the series CHAOS – TOL’S BANE. Keeley has more to tell and if the teasers in Resistance are anything to go by there is an epic fantasy series on the way.

Now to the critique. Keeley writes from the view of a number of his people which to some can be confusing. The reader can see solid foundations being laid for the action that is to come. On the surface, the book describes the difference climate creates in the evolution of a race so the war-like northerners invade the more peaceful agrarian southern plains.

Keeley introduces three races that share the world of Tol. The Plainsmen, the Elves of the Sunset Islands and the diminutive Dini who secret themselves away in the deep forests.

Over all his world-building and character development are imagination puzzlers reeling the reader in. Well worth the read and let’s hope the next will come soon to answer some the mysteries yet to be revealed.

— Cindy Lee

I’m deeply grateful for Cindy’s insights and enthusiasm. Her words mean a lot as we continue to build anticipation for the book’s release!

CSR Keeley

A graphic showcasing a snippet of the review