Lost in a foreign land and separated from his family, Corin does his best to survive as a slave in the household of a Calorin lord. With newfound friends he fights for survival in ambushes and wars. For one act of bravery, he is awarded his freedom and returns to a home that has been invaded and ravaged by the Calorin armies. When Corin sets foot on Aredor’s shores, he has one goal in mind: find his family. He is driven into the forest, where he is reunited with childhood friends. From the shelter of the woods, they begin a spirited rebellion against Corin’s former cruel master, who now holds sway over Aredor. Follow Corin’s path in his quest to free his imprisoned brother, find a father who has vanished, and ultimately free his country in The Rise of Aredor.

Book 1 of the The Rise of Aredor series.

The Rise of Aredor follows Corin, a young prince kidnapped and sold into slavery. He earns the respect of his master and eventually attains freedom, only to return home as a man and discover his land under siege by a cruel, power-hungry dictator. Corin determines to free his country. Some of the plotting and problem-solving elements may seem a bit contrived. Yet with action and intrigue reminiscent of a Robin Hood story, and hope that comes only from deep within, Claire M. Banschbach spins an enjoyable, worthwhile adventure of wartime courage.

Best for: Young adults who like high action and lots of fight scenes.

Discern: Lots of violence in battles and hand-to-hand combat; some graphic depictions.