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Published: Feb. 02, 2010
Words: 149177 (approximate)
Language: English
Ebook description
The tale of Myranda Celeste, a young woman orphaned by a century long war, and her chance discovery of a fallen soldier's priceless cargo. The find will change her life, sending her on an adventure of soldiers and rebels, wizards and warriors, and beasts both noble and monstrous. Each step will bring her closer to the truth of her potential, of the war, and of the fate of her world.Tags
fantasy, magic, warrior, epic, epic fantasy series, dragon, the book of deaconAvailable ebook reading formats
This book is free.| Format | Full Book |
|---|---|
| Online Reading (HTML, good for sampling in web browser) | View |
| Online Reading (JavaScript, experimental, buggy) | View |
| Kindle (.mobi for Kindle devices and Kindle apps) | Download |
| Epub (Apple iPad/iBooks, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, and most e-reading apps including Stanza, Aldiko, Adobe Digital Editions, others) | Download |
| PDF (good for reading on PC, or for home printing) | Download |
| RTF (readable on most word processors) | Download |
| LRF (Use only for older model Sony Readers that don't support .epub) | Download |
| Palm Doc (PDB) (for Palm reading devices) | Download |
| Plain Text (download) (flexible, but lacks much formatting) | Download |
| Plain Text (view) (viewable as web page) | View |
Reviews
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Review by:
Elaine Wurst
on Feb. 06, 2012 :
(no rating)
I loved this book! It is very well written. The charcaters are so well thought-out. The discriptions of the cold, landscape and hunger were superb. Good job! I loved the second one, too. However, the third re-explained too many things and the overall out come was predictable. I would highly recommend all three. Thank you for crafting such an entertaining tale.
(review of free book)
Review by:
Tom Bradford
on Jan. 30, 2012 :
I have become a member of Smashwords just to purchase the next two in the series.
If the next two live up to this title, I would like to be able to get paper editions for my own personal library (as opposed to that fluxuating one that consists of books that come and go without my concern).
(review of free book)
Review by:
cody cope
on Jan. 30, 2012 :
The only word to describe this book is Epic! I purchased this first book with a mass of others and ignored it and by no knowledge of my own saved the best for last! I was so enthralled by this book that I purchased the second one immediately and just finished it in a little less than ³ days with busy work schedule. Way to lure a reader in Lallo, I'm hooked and now purchasing the third book. I think I may take a little more time to enjoy this last one book because this is a story I dont want to end!
(review of free book)
Review by:
Karin Rose
on Jan. 21, 2012 :
(no rating)
I love this book. There were no irritating spelling or grammar mistakes and the story was riveting. I have read the other books in this trilogy and I doubt many will be dissapointed with the end. Highly reccomended.
(review of free book)
Review by:
michelle p
on Jan. 21, 2012 :
This was such an enjoyable read. Much more so once I discovered it was the first of a trlogy. Although the 2 sequels were not free, the meager price was well worth the hours of sleep lost! I was only sorry to see the tale end and hope Joseph Lallo will consider bringing these characters back. I look forward to his other pieces of work.
(review of free book)
Review by:
Jensym1949
on Jan. 07, 2012 :
I have enjoyed Joseph Lallo's books immensely, first the book of Deacon trilogy and just recently Jade. The books are all well written, firing the imagination with their wonderful word pictures it has been a long time since I enjoyed a tale so much
(review of free book)
Review by:
Mel Chesley
on Dec. 23, 2011 :
I've said it before and I will say it again... I'm a sucker for fantasy. I liked this book. Joseph Lallo has a nice writing style and the story flows really well. I do have to admit, I saw a lot of typos, grammatical errors and repetitiveness. Those are probably the worst comments you'll see from me about this book. However, these are critiquing comments.
The story of Myranda and her faithful reptilian companion is a very good one. It is the first in a series and I am looking forward to the next two books. There are some interesting creatures in this story, different views on magic and how the characters utilize it. I also have to say, that while this is fantasy, the story may be long, but it keeps going and only slows down ever so slightly. Not enough to bore you, though. I've read some books that you just wish they would get on with it, but this story is one that delivers just the right amount of information as it goes along. The information given paints the picture of the world that Myranda lives in and even though it is in some pretty heavy turmoil, there are areas I would love to see in real life, of course.
(review of free book)
Review by:
Linda Nelson
on Nov. 06, 2011 :
The Book of Deacon is a good book indeed.
I really enjoyed this tale. It is quite long but well worth the read. Joseph Lallo has a really unique way of telling a story. Those who love fantasy will really enjoy this story as well.
I could tell you the details about this story but I refuse to give any spoilers. Instead I will only quote the author by telling you the given synopsis describing the book.
"Product Description
Myranda is a young woman more interested in staying alive than being a hero. Orphaned by a continent-spanning war that has gone on for decades too long and shunned for failing to support it, she has been on the move since she was only a child. One can hardly blame her when she thinks that the chance discovery of a fallen soldier's priceless cargo is the moment that will change her life. No one could predict just how great that change would be. It will lead her through an adventure of rebels and generals, of wizards and warriors, and of beasts both noble and monstrous. Each step of the way will take her closer to the truth of her potential, of the war, and of the fate of her world."
You got to read this book is all I can say from here!
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. *****
(review of free book)
Review by:
Jeremy Marr
on Oct. 24, 2011 :
I stumbled across this book, and am I glad I did. The fact that it was free was a double-bladed dagger for me...was it that bad that it needed to be free to be read? or was it some kind of master plan to get everyone to read it? I LOVE this book so far. Your style of writing is incredible, and more than that, it is believable. Personality per character is consistant (some books have characters who change their thought process like some change their clothes), and i found myself actually becoming one. I dont really read 24/7, and i am not done this one yet, but the fact that when i do have spare time, it's being spent on your book, well, that says alot.
too much time writing this, not enough time reading the book. ive got to go:)
Jeremy Marr - The Hour Glass Dagger
(review of free book)
Review by:
Fiona Evans
on Oct. 08, 2011 :
(no rating)
This was the first eBook read on my new iPad. Not being completely convinced that the printed page could be replaced, I was pleased with the gadget and more than pleased by the book. Beautifully written, interesting and engaging characters and a storyline that begged me to purchase the rest of the trilogy, which I did. I highly recommend this book and offer my gratitude to Joseph Lallo for making it freely available.
The only minor annoyance was the sometimes uneccesary use of the word 'of', which could be easily edited for future editions.
(review of free book)
Review by:
Jim Davis
on Oct. 07, 2011 :
Pretty fabulous book. I especially liked:
-- the explanation of how elemental magics work in this universe, but the cessation of too much play-by-play. In other words, I got it after the first few words and the author did not trouble me with infinite detail. At 905 pages, Lallo did not need to add more.
-- the development, frailty and humility of Myranda
-- the late discovery of the "rightness" of Lain. I hope to enjoy the development of this character in the sequels.
I will buy the rest of the series. For a cheap-skate like me, that is pretty high praise!
(review of free book)
Review by:
Kit
on July 06, 2011 :
I grew up playing CRPGs and reading fantasy, but in those magic just happened. As an engineer, I enjoy when some of the mechanics of the magic are explained, it makes it more believable/immersive. (The Harry Dresden series is the only other series that I remember doing this.)
I agree with BattleCat, that the main character does seem female. If words like she/her were not used, you might never guess. As a male reader I may be able to identify with a male character more, so having a more androgynous female could be a benefit. Also, her hygiene and characteristics could be explained by a life on the road. Overall the book focuses on Myranda as a person, and not a female/male, and that is a good thing.
I did not notice any editing problems, but that does not mean they were not there, just that they were not bad enough for me to notice.
It was an enjoyable story, with an interesting world. I plan to buy the rest of series.
(review of free book)
Review by:
SweetCaroline
on June 02, 2011 :
From a reader's standpoint, I liked the book. The characters caught me up and I moved easily with them. I could imagine Myranda, Lain, Deacon and the others easily. There were enough details to stand them up and as the reader, I got to "dress" them, one of reading's great pleasures if done well. The author does this well.
Another reviewer noted that hygiene was not a high point. Hygiene descriptions generally do not move the story forward so I didn't miss them. That's just my opinion.
I appreciated the classifications of the magic into various elements and levels. Yes, crystals and wands and staffs have all been used before. The means of magic in a story are less important than the ends.
From an editor's standpoint, things are a little more troubled. I was reading the Kindle edition, which lacked chapter titles entirely, so I felt a little whiplashed when the character point-of-view changed. I was disappointed with the continual misuse of the word "alter" instead of "altar" I understood what was MEANT - that's not the point. Please stop relying on your spell-checker and grammar checker to copy-edit your manuscript! A misused word is the reading equivalent of a brick wall across a highway.
I will be buying the next two books in the series; I expect a good story will trump whatever editing problems may still appear.
(I am NOT a friend of the author.)
(review of free book)
Review by:
kb
on May 23, 2011 :
What a great read! I noticed myself slowing down my reading speed as I neared the end...I didn't want it to end! I have read no other fantasy novel that sucked me in and held fast until I read the last word. I did feed the dog but my husband had to fend for himself for two days because I couldn't put it down... This book has all of the makings of a terrific movie.
(review of free book)
Review by:
BattleCat
on Jan. 18, 2011 :
Disclaimer: I am NOT a friend of the author, and I am definitely no fan of whoever edited this book. If not for the fact that I enjoyed the story, I would have deleted it for the many errors and the annoyance they caused. The epub version does not have proper spacing, or chapter titles, which leads to confusion when they switch character's perspective. At some point I had to make a conscious decision to stop counting them in my head, or delete the book. The book won; barely.
Other than that, it was a very enjoyable read that, given its setting, could have devolved into something preachy or gratuitously violent. The author chose instead to focus on his world, and its characters. I appreciate that in a fantasy novel. If you're looking for a sermon on the evils of war, this is not it.
Upon further thought, it's not a very realistic portrayal of a female character, either: in that she basically acts like a boy, and has the same lack of personal hygiene, that would likely kill anyone except an 8 yr. old boy. But I don't think that it really detracts from the storyline, in fact it likely helps it avoid a lot of difficult issues.
Ps. The magic is instead "Hocus Pocus" that is zapped from crystals. Not the most original, but not the lamest, either, as the author at least attempts to set up a system and a few rules, which is where it (surprisingly) Does get a bit preachy.
I'll likely buy the next one in this series
(review of free book)
Review by:
The Phawx
on Aug. 23, 2010 :
Disclaimer: Before you read my review, I'd like you to know that I am a friend of the author. I enjoyed the entire trilogy of "The Book of Deacon" and my review reflects the work and my appreciation for fantasy novels, not espousing empty accolades for a friend in a vain attempt to coerce your purchase.
On to my review, the "Ebook description" above is enough of a glimpse into the story that I'd feel comfortable sharing with you. With that in mind, what I'd like to convey is the detail everything is given to fully flesh out the world and characters. Each major character has an air about them that is very much unique and what you'll find is that many people might relate differently to each character. Each and every action carried out by the characters is firmly rooted behind a subset of distinguishable qualities that breathes life into this fantasy world. Combine this with my favorite aspect of the series is the engineered world of magic. Magic isn't just "Hocus Pocus" that can be zapped from a wand, but a structured, categorized system that can be mastered independently or woven together. The most important facet of magic in "The Book of Deacon" is that it has to make sense. For every outlandish spell you can think of, there is an explanation as to not only what has been done, but HOW.
It is this immense attention to detail that has made "The Book of Deacon" so fun to read. Everything has rules that must be adhered to, so much so, that reading the trilogy stopped feeling like an Epic Fantasy and more like an amazing history.
(reviewed the day of purchase)