Reviews
Erich's Plea Reviews
4.0 out of 5 starsVery interesting story, reminiscent of D&D gaming.
ByAmazon Customeron January 12, 2011
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I liked this story. It reminded me of when I used to play D&D. Some parts of the story were a little predictable, but I was ok with that. I have started reading the followup book Ursula's Quest so that I can find out the "rest of the story"
ByEdenon December 10, 2010
Slade, who was once a prince, was captured and sent to prison. He is not exactly sure why, what his crime was. But, he finds out more about the strange situation when there is a prison riot and he meets up with some unusual people. He's unsure whether he can trust these people. But he knows he must follow his dream and help his father, the king.
Won this from a Goodreads giveaway. It kept my interest right from the beginning and right from the start I was enjoying the story. But, the further it got into the book, the more I got hooked because it just kept getting better and better.
I like the world Tracey Alley created and the characters, I felt they were all so unique and different from each other. Even the characters who annoyed me because of their attitudes, I still liked them. And I'm not sure whether the book could be considered adult fantasy, or young adult fantasy. But, I think it could be read by adults, or young adults.
Overall, I loved it and I thought it was a really great book.
4.0 out of 5 starsThe start of a journey
ByS. Poppenon August 29, 2011
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
I don't frequently read this genre, so I was a little worried about it being able to hold my attention. Tracy has a good sense of character development and that is what impressed me most about this book. Her characters are so real, so likeable, so hateable, that they pull you forward from page to page to see what they will do next. I seldom read books that are not stand alone, so I was a little disappointed to be left hanging as to what they would do next, but I can see how readers of this genre will anxiously gobble up Tracy's next part of the trilogy. I recomment Erich's plea and just know you won't be disappointed.
5.0 out of 5 starsI didn't want it to finish!
Bylizzy912on February 8, 2011
I found Tracey Alley's debut novel Erich's Plea to be extremely entertaining in addition to being very well written. Many of the characters are very well developed; my personal favourite was the sarcastic and cynical royal soldier Wulfstan who seemed a perfect counterpoint to the more trusting main character Slade. There are quite a number of interesting characters who are forced by circumstance to work together and try to trust each other for the sake of a greater cause.
The storyline is strong and easy to read and despite multiple point of view changes this does not make the book in any way difficult to follow. Erich's Plea largely revolves around the differences between two different forms of magic, one native to The Kingdoms of Kaynos and one introduced by the mysterious villainess Shallendara, with the foreign magic being termed witchcraft. Ms. Alley sets up a number of intriguing questions that will obviously be answered as the series progresses.
As the chief villainess Shallendara is rarely seen in Erich's Plea with more of the action focused upon her ally known only as The Dark One. He is a sinister and shadowy figure yet has quite a few traitors in his midst, just as Slade's party has a few traitors in their midst. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and am looking forward to parts two and three. In fact I was most disappointed when the story ended as I had become so involved in the storyline.
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat beginning to a great trilogy!
ByJessica L. Buikeon August 22, 2011
The first book in The Witchcraft Wars Trilogy is Erich's Plea, and it introduces us to a wide cast of characters including a former assassin halfling, a prince-turned-druid, a half ogre/half troll, a necromancer, a mage without memory, and more! The setting is a magical realm in which there are many species, all divided into twelve kingdoms. There is a little bit of back story in this first novel, but nothing that takes away from the action and suspense, which I appreciate - I'm not a fan of too much or too little back story in the books I read! This first book focuses primarily on Slade, the former-prince-turned-druid, and his mysterious capture by The Dark One. From the breakout (not a spoiler, trust me) to the journey ahead, this book keeps you interested!!
Ursula's Quest Reviews
5.0 out of 5 starsThe quest continues
ByMartha A. Cheveson July 16, 2011
"Tell me Slade, do you know much about the legend of the Temple of Life?" "Yes, it's a very old legend. It comes from Kemet I think. Something about the gods building a temple to guard a portal that supposedly led to the realm of the gods. I don't remember all of it but it's nothing more than a legend." "But what if the legend were true?" Slade started to laugh until he saw how serious Nikolai was; he actually believed in the myth. "You may well laugh but I have come across many strange things in my studies. Strange and troubling things," Nikolai said. "About the Temple?" "Yes and no. I believe that outside the legend itself very little has ever been said or is known about the Temple. I have, however, discovered from my research that portals from one dimension to another do actually exist." Slade looked hard at Nikolai, his immediate thought was that the necromancer's brain had been addled from the blow to his head, but he could see that Nikolai clearly believed what he was saying was the truth. "What other dimensions? There is only this world and the realm of the gods," Slade said eventually. "To the sight and understanding of most people that is true but I assure you I have found that we are but one of many different dimensions." "I don't understand. Do you mean other worlds like our own or..." Slade trailed off, he didn't even really know how to frame the question.'
In book one of the Witchcraft Wars, Slade, as well as several others that escaped with him, are traveling in hopes of finding the answer to his dreams where he believes his father High King Erich is talking to him. In his first dream he was told to follow the trunk which turned out to be a human that helped him in his escape. In his second dream his father sends him on a search for the Dragon Clan hopes of finding the Great Dragon.
Ursula, Slade's sister, is having dreams of her own that she believes are coming from their father. In her dream King Erich tells her to search the ruins for the key. So with the help of Ming, her childhood playmate, as well as three others that join them, she finds herself deep in the Temple looking for the answers and the key. As it turns out, there are three keys that must be found and so far Ursula knows of one while Trunk knows of the second.
Both brother and sister must complete their mission before the war between the kingdoms gets underway and before the witch known as Shallendara finds the key herself. Shallendra's quest, so it appears, is to use the key to open the portals to the gods and increase her own powers. But, opening the portals will not only destroy the world but Shallendara too will be destroyed.
As in Book One of the Witchcraft Wars, author Tracey Alley has created a story that holds you spellbound and hoping that someone will find the key soon before all is lost. I'm again anticipating Book Three to see who the holder of the third key turns out to be. And to see if Ursula and Slade are able to save the world from the destruction caused by Shallendara. With author Tracey Alley, anything could happen, good or bad.
ByJessica L. Buikeon August 22, 2011
The second book in The Witchcraft Wars Trilogy is Ursula's Quest, and we learn more about Slade's sister, the beautiful princess Ursula. She also partakes on a journey, and we meet some additional characters along the way. Her quest is going on at the same time as Slade's, though they don't realize that they are both working towards a similar goal until the end. We also learn more about Ulrich, their eldest brother who has taken over the throne in a deceitful manner and has alliances with The Dark One and his counterpart, the witch Shallendara. This book still had quite a bit of action, but I felt it not to be as interesting as the first and third books.
4.0 out of 5 starsA tale of magic filled with fascinating characters
ByChrista Polkinhornon September 5, 2010
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
"Ursula's Quest", book two of the Witchcraft Wars by Tracey Alley, takes us further into the fascinating world of magic and witchcraft the author has set up for us in the first book (Erich's Plea). This time, the focus is on Ursula. She is the sister of Slade, the former crown prince of Saxenburg turned druid. Ursula, together with her childhood friend, Ming, a warrior monk from the Black Lotus monastery, sets out on a mission to save her father, King Erich, who has been imprisoned by the witch Shallendara. At the same time, but unbeknownst to Ursula, her brother Slade and his companions set out with the same goal, to save the king and the country from an impending war and destruction. In addition, the magician, Lord Nexus, a former student and lover of Shallendara, also tries to gain power over her and thwart her plans. For that, he allies himself with the knight Lord Michael. Nexus, however, has his own, possibly sinister, agenda.
"Ursula's Quest" is once again full of intriguing characters and fast-paced, fascinating events. I love the many references to ancient myths. Having three parallel plots in one book could easily lead to confusion in an author less skilled than Tracey Alley. I found the transitions seamless and the overall story easy to follow. And once again, I felt "at home" in her fantasy world and could identify with the motley crew of characters.
All in all, again a real treat. The one criticism I have: I think the book could have benefited from one more editing pass. The plot could have been tightened a little in certain places and some of the grammatical blunders cleaned up. Yes, I know, those darn English comma rules (I struggle with them all the time). Well-placed commas, however, make for greater clarity and improve the pacing. This, however, didn't prevent me from enjoying the story and I look forward to part three!
4.0 out of 5 starsCan't Wait for #3!
ByMaggie Naylonon November 20, 2010
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
I am loving this series and am eager to get my hands on the third book. I won the first book Erich's Plea in a Goodreads giveaway and quickly purchased this second story on my kindle. I have really enjoyed reading both of Alley's stories and can only hope that #3 is not far off!
Update: Through emails with Alley I have discovered that Slade's Destiny #3 in the Witchcraft Wars series is slated to come out at the end of this month. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy; I am so eager to read the final book in this series!
4.0 out of 5 starsLive To Read
ByChelson August 18, 2011
This was a surprisingly interesting novel. The main character, Slade, has been following his fathers' advice in dreams. He and a few others travel to attempt to find the answer that he believes his dreams are pushing him towards. In his second dream, Slade is searching for the Great Dragon; a quest he believes was given to him by his father.
Ursula, Slade's sister, also believes she is receiving dreams from their father. She is told to search for a key among the ruins...she goes to the temple and searches for the key with a few friends. She finds one key only to discover that there are two other keys.
Brother and sister are racing against an evil witch to complete their given tasks. Will they make it? This novel was interesting as the characters were likable and fun to read about. The events are fast-paced and different from those that a reader might see in another novel of the same genre. The ending is exciting as the reader learns that there will be a third novel in this series. This book is recommended to young adults/teens who enjoy fantasy.
4.0 out of 5 starsFantastic Fantasy Follow Up!
BySyria Says...on May 19, 2011
Storyline: Since I've already used the "right up my alley" pun already, I'm just going to be blunt and say: Ursula's Quest was wonderful. Tracey Alley has picked where she left off with Erich's Plea and continued with a new, exciting story that is hard to put down and leaves the reader clamoring for more!
Ursula is plagued with dreams of her father's voice telling her that she must find the missing key to save the kingdoms. She must leave the safety of the Monks of the Black Lotus and strike out across the desert lands of Kemet to reach the Temple of Life and she must do so even at the risk of her unborn child.
All the while, Slade and his companions are fighting their way across the wilds to find his father and try to stop the evil witch from winning a war that will surely end their world as they know it.
Grammar/Spelling: I think another beta-read would be a great idea. And it might help with the comma conundrum of which there is a lack of. (There is a lack of commas, not the conundrums. There are plenty of challenges...the key, the Dark One, the upcoming war... A LOT of conundrums abound in the story...)
Character Development: As usual, Ms. Alley's characters are both well-defined and quite captivating. With Ursula's Quest, we really get to dive into Slade's sister side of the story and learn how she came to be part of the Black Lotus. Like Slade, she wants nothing more than to find her father and save the kingdom from the evil witch, Shallendara's, plan to conquer the kingdom and let chaos reign. She worries that her unborn child will keep her from making the ultimate and difficult decision of choosing to fight and risking the baby or fighting and losing everything that is important to her.
Writing Style: The writing style is fluid and easy to follow. Again, Ms. Alley has incorporated her knowledge of ancient religions into the history and beliefs of her fantasy realm. Ursula and her traveling companion, Ming, travel to the Temple of Life and find that they must make it through a series of tests in order to reach their goal: the missing key. This is very closely related to the path that the ancient Egyptians' souls traveled to Heaven. Since I love all things Egyptian, (except maybe all that heat - c'mon! Couldn't they live in a more a temperate climate? Maybe even closer so I wouldn't have to travel so far to see the pyramids?!) I really enjoyed those details and loved the use of the Reverse Confession.
Continuity: No issues with continuity.
Overall Rating: 4+
Ursula's Quest written by the talented and charming, Tracey Alley is fantasy at some of its best! Ms. Alley keeps you interested without being too heavy handed with the fantasy aspect that some novels rely heavily upon. This journey is not only about elves, trolls and magic, it is about love and the recognition that there is something stronger than evil in the world: faith.
I anticipate that the rest of Ms. Alley's series will be as fresh and exciting as the first two books have been. I would recommend this story to all ages and especially anyone who is just starting out in the fantasy genre. Good job, Trace!
Slade's Destiny Reviews
5.0 out of 5 starsPerfect ending!
By Jessica L. Buike on August 22, 2011
Format: Kindle Edition
The final book in The Witchcraft Wars Trilogy is Slade's Destiny. The title foreshadows happenings towards the end of the book, though I won't give it away because I'm not a fan of spoilers. ;) Everything really comes together in this book, and it is so filled with action that you honestly won't be able to put it down!! There is war, intrigue, and a lot of mystery that all becomes clear in the end. Some doubtful characters become good, while the most evil become more glaringly evil. All of the characters really show their depth in this book, and it was probably my favorite of the three!
Overall, this series is a fantastic read for anyone into the fantasy genre. I know some reviews have found the writing to be hard to follow, but I think it was tied together wonderfully and appreciated how the story moved from one character's point of view to another, so that you got a well-rounded feel for the story. The only thing that did bother me was some formatting and editing issues, but they were fairly few and far between, and it could have been because I was reading a pdf on my Nook, which sometimes doesn't format as well as the epub file formats do.
3.0 out of 5 starsGood trilogy
By Dolores on December 17, 2012
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
After the first book, I was hooked. It flowed well, and the characters were well developed. The only reason for 3 instead of more, is the layout of this last book. Typos on every page, and more frustrating, were the beginnings of each chapter where there were numerous sentence fragments. It is sad that the author let this happen to an otherwise good book.
Note from the author - I have been working on a complete re-edit on the whole series including bonus content. I am hoping to release The Witchcraft Wars fully new, improved and vastly better edited before the end of the year. Also I will take this opportunity to thank my many fans who took the trouble to review the books as well as those who simply contacted me directly. All comments, complimentary and critical have been very much appreciated and contributed to what will be, I hope, a vastly improved series. Tracey Alley