Monthly Archives: June 2016
Enter, Knight
K.A. Keith
iUniverse, 570 pages, (paperback), $29.95, 9781491769089
(Reviewed: March, 2016)
Author K.A. Keith is well acquainted with the narrative tradition of the Hero’s Journey. His epic fantasy debut Enter, Knight, incorporates all of the essential elements of this story structure, which has played a key role in tales ranging from prehistoric myths to the seminal works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Keith takes the basic cues – a protagonist snatched from a life of relative ease to undertake a grand adventure – and adds a painstaking amount of detail, intrigue and commitment.
Across nearly 600 pages, Keith spins an in-depth yarn about a faraway country called Ilycrium, a world threatened by forces of evil and fantastical monsters. Two protagonists hold the keys to saving the realm from primordial forces of evil, and both fit the mold of the unlikely hero. The knight Apieron Farsinger is a 30-year-old veteran of past conflicts with a wife and children; Adestes Malgrim is a battle-tested warrior and an assassin in a mysterious cult. Both must take up a call to fight malevolent forces bent on destruction, as hapless princes, warrior priestesses, elves, dwarves and a host of characters take part in the struggle.
Keith plays on timeless narrative structures and incorporates characters familiar to any fantasy fan in spelling out his narrative vision. All the while, he employs a depth and detail that sets Enter, Knight apart from a boilerplate genre work. Keith’s experience as a medic shows in his keen eye for detail in spelling out battle scenes and painting vivid action sequences. Along with a meticulously plotted mythology and a rich vision for his imagined Ilycrium, the author’s complex language helps set his work apart. Enter, Knight is a dense debut, and its level of detail may be tiring for genre newcomers. For those who love the intricacies of Tolkien and the grittiness of the Song of Ice and Fire series, however, this novel is an admirable entry into the world of fantasy fiction.
Physician and former USAF flight surgeon writes new fantasy thriller
DALLAS – If you loved the hit series “Game of Thrones” this novel should be the next fantasy thriller on your list. Similar to the TV show’s plot, “Enter, Knight” by K. A. Keith builds momentum into a fast-paced, medieval action adventure.
Following in the footsteps of those who founded fantasy fiction, Keith wrote his own twist in the duology, “Enter, Knight” and “Hel’s Storm.” Throughout “Enter, Knight,” readers follow the story line of a knight who confronts ancient evils to save his land and family, yet also finds unexpected betrayals and love.
“‘Enter, Knight’ is a natural evolution of the medieval fantasy genre to encompass mythology based heroic fiction, medieval cultural discoveries, and our growing awareness of martial virtues,” Keith said.
Drawing from his military background, Keith employs descriptive combat scenes throughout this intricate adventure epic where expert survival and travel imagery abound. Keith ultimately shares with his readers an abundance of love for one’s betrothed, comrades in arms, and country.
“Enter, Knight”
By K.A. Keith
ISBN: 978-14-9176-9089
Available in softcover, hardcover, e-book
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iUniverse
About the author
K.A.Keith’s farming and liberal arts background evolved into a love of naturalism and fascination with cultural commonalities throughout history. Keith obtained his medical doctorate at Tulane University, subsequently serving with distinction as a USAF flight surgeon in Just Cause and Desert Storm. He is now an ER physician and part-timerancher in Dallas, Texas.
For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Katie Wenclewicz
317.602.7137
kwenclewicz(at)bohlsengroup(dot)com
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