Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Publisher: Michael Robb Mathias Junior (July 24, 2010), File Size: 1014 KB, Print Length: 522 pagess, ASIN: B003X9775Q
Book One of the Wardstone Trilogy

I was captivated with this book from the first page. Initially it is a mystery as to where the story is going and the book keeps you wondering as the plot unfolds, right up to the end. The book starts out with the introduction of two brothers; Gerard and Hyden Skyler, they are members of the Skyler Hawker’s clan who once a year risk their lives to gather the precious hawkling eggs from the high cliffs.  The brothers clearly love each other.

Each brother has received a unique gift but whether it is good or evil remains to be seen. Gerard found a magic ring. One of Hyden’s Hawk eggs hatched which, according to legend, has never happened before but is a very special event.

The book moves back and forth between the two brothers and numerous unrelated events and people within the Kingdom. These include the dead king’s squire who has been given a secret mission to deliver the King’s magical sword to the King of the Giants and the evil wizard who wants to control the dead King’s son.

A tale is then woven together following these various groups.  As you read the book you are not sure how they will interrelate, but you do know that somehow they will all be tied together and the author delivers.

I found the story to be very complex with lots of people and events and at times it was a bit confusing and hard to follow.  Overall the story was interesting and I wanted to find out what was going to happen to all the various people involved. The story was very original and it left you guessing and unsure as to what was going to happen next which is always enjoyable to read.

There were plenty of graphic action scenes in the book some of them quite gory. There was a very diverse range of characters, both good and evil. I liked that the author showed two sides to most of the characters.  Although you know who is good and who is evil, they each had fairly well rounded personalities, although some more than others.

However there were a couple of big plot holes which affected the main storyline.  First, if the good King Balton knew that Pael the wizard was evil, why did he leave him to raise his son to be evil?  Why didn’t he intervene, get rid of the evil Pael and raise his son to be good like himself.  He was able to raise his bastard son Mikahl to be good so why didn’t he raise his legitimate son to be good?

Second, if the Goddess, the White Lady knew how to close the seal forever, why wasn’t this done in the first place?

I liked the ending of the story, although I did find it to be sad.  I really liked that the story came to a good and satisfying conclusion.  The story also left a stepping stone to the next book in the series with lots of story left to be told.

I am really interested to see what happens with Shaella and Gerard as well as Pael.  I will be interested to read the next book in the series.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to support a new author and who likes fantasy novels with lots of graphic action.  Just be prepared to follow the story as it does get confusing at times following all the different people and events, but this certainly does keep it interesting.
To Purchase: “The Sword and the Dragon” from Amazon, click here or on picture above