I’m excited to announce the new fantasy book, Ridge, Day One has just been released to the public. It’s written by a good friend of mine, Shawn P.B. Robinson. I was honored to be asked to be one of his early readers about a year ago to help him work out some of the kinks in the story. I enjoyed it so much back then, I asked him recently if I could read it again. I knew he’d made some revisions and I wanted to make sure I had read the most recent version so that I’d be on track with the story when book 2 came out. The review I’ve posted below is from my second time reading the book. Please read on to find out more about this exciting and important series. If it sounds interesting, please check it out on Amazon. It’s currently priced at 99 cents.

MY REVIEW

Ridge Day One is the story of one man’s journey to defend and protect his nation and the people he loves. Rezin Hamel is a well respected, high ranking General as the story begins. Something happens that leaves him in disgrace forcing him to leave his people and seek answers. He uses his reputation to infiltrate a rival nation where he is enlightened with some ugly truths about his world.

Author, Shawn P.B. Robinson does an incredible job of constructing two very distinct cultures in Ridge. One is the nation of Ridge, built on the concept of honor and doing what is right. The other is the nation of Olmos, built on fear and intimidation. The two nations are distinct in every detail including the way the people talk, dress, and interact with one another. The distinction between these two cultures is one of the underlying themes in Ridge. The author makes a strong case, as his plot unfolds, that the motivation for our actions (honor or fear) will have a profound effect on the way we live and especially in the way we treat others.

Robinson has also given us one of the great literary heroes of our time. Hamel is fascinating to watch on several levels. On the surface he is a military genius who thinks through every danger with his strategic mind and fights with hands that have had many years of training. Beneath his rugged facade he is a deeply caring man who will give his life for those he loves.

Ridge, Day One is the beginning of a series. The story in Day One is complete with a satisfying conclusion, but it sets the stage for an exciting road ahead. I highly recommend The Ridge series for anyone who enjoys fantastic worlds and strong characters who are willing to do what must be done to ensure that all that is good and honorable prevails.