REVIEWS OF CARCIUM
"Carcium-The conflict begins" The first fantasy fiction novel in the Carcium series.
It has been a quite a while since I last felt this enthralled by a Fantasy read. What an imagination! Delightful and wholesome, Carcium: The Conflicts Begins is an original, superbly crafted action-packed fantasy for both young adults and adults where a spoiled and selfish prince must fight abominable evil in order to regain his kingdom and save his people, and along the way learns about the beauty of nature, the power of kindness and the value of friendships.
Prince Troy of Carcium is lazy, haughty, and mean. Formerly secreted for safety reasons, he is brought to live in the palace after the demise of his father, the wise king. Troy lives in opulence and doesn’t feel the slightest twinge of guilt over the sufferings his poor subjects must endure due to his extravagant lifestyle. He takes away their harvests for endless sumptuous state dinners on his honor, and he deprives his people of water by channeling the streams to his own royal gardens.
Unbeknownst to him, his every movement is being watched by the mystical elves who oversee the kingdoms, and Troy fails their leadership test miserably. This means, Carcium is put in limbo, and evil sorceror Duras Carcer–who draws his life force from fallen kingdoms–will have the opportunity to rule Carcium. Troy has one last chance to redeem himself and revive his kingdom, but first he must find the only weapon that can destroy Duras Carcer. And so, rudely thrown out his lavish castle, the unprepared pampered prince begins his perilous quest…
Calvanese’s storyline is carefully plotted. The action and sword fights–during treacherous encounters with dangerous snake vines, starving giant cats, slobbering gargoyles, despicable knights, revolting demons–are choreographed in suspenseful details, forcing readers to tighten their seatbelts as they are brilliantly taken on a magical journey through the richly drawn settings that aren’t just challenging and spooky, some actually move, and oh, add to that foul scents, vile substances, fires, lightning, deadly obstacles and the time constraints. And the hideous villains! Calvanese cleverly creates chilling characters that even your worst nightmares wouldn’t conjure–malicious malevolent monsters so evil that you sympathize with Troy and his newfound friends, such that you even forgive the very frequent but necessary use of violence in their quest to save the innocent people of Carcium.
Suffice to say, Donald Calvanese is a masterful storyteller with vivid imagination who knows his target audience well. He is at times wicked, often insightful, with powerful narration and the knack to heighten readers’ fear. The first book in the Carcium series, Carcium : The Conflicts Begins is a wonderful read that both young people and adults are sure to enjoy, particularly those who love watching the recent teen Merlin series, speaking of which, I’d absolutely love to see CARCIUM on the big screen, to appreciate its marvelous lands and beautiful creatures, even though I’d be gripping my seat in terror half of the time.
Prince Troy of Carcium is lazy, haughty, and mean. Formerly secreted for safety reasons, he is brought to live in the palace after the demise of his father, the wise king. Troy lives in opulence and doesn’t feel the slightest twinge of guilt over the sufferings his poor subjects must endure due to his extravagant lifestyle. He takes away their harvests for endless sumptuous state dinners on his honor, and he deprives his people of water by channeling the streams to his own royal gardens.
Unbeknownst to him, his every movement is being watched by the mystical elves who oversee the kingdoms, and Troy fails their leadership test miserably. This means, Carcium is put in limbo, and evil sorceror Duras Carcer–who draws his life force from fallen kingdoms–will have the opportunity to rule Carcium. Troy has one last chance to redeem himself and revive his kingdom, but first he must find the only weapon that can destroy Duras Carcer. And so, rudely thrown out his lavish castle, the unprepared pampered prince begins his perilous quest…
Calvanese’s storyline is carefully plotted. The action and sword fights–during treacherous encounters with dangerous snake vines, starving giant cats, slobbering gargoyles, despicable knights, revolting demons–are choreographed in suspenseful details, forcing readers to tighten their seatbelts as they are brilliantly taken on a magical journey through the richly drawn settings that aren’t just challenging and spooky, some actually move, and oh, add to that foul scents, vile substances, fires, lightning, deadly obstacles and the time constraints. And the hideous villains! Calvanese cleverly creates chilling characters that even your worst nightmares wouldn’t conjure–malicious malevolent monsters so evil that you sympathize with Troy and his newfound friends, such that you even forgive the very frequent but necessary use of violence in their quest to save the innocent people of Carcium.
Suffice to say, Donald Calvanese is a masterful storyteller with vivid imagination who knows his target audience well. He is at times wicked, often insightful, with powerful narration and the knack to heighten readers’ fear. The first book in the Carcium series, Carcium : The Conflicts Begins is a wonderful read that both young people and adults are sure to enjoy, particularly those who love watching the recent teen Merlin series, speaking of which, I’d absolutely love to see CARCIUM on the big screen, to appreciate its marvelous lands and beautiful creatures, even though I’d be gripping my seat in terror half of the time.
Read Various Reviews About The First Carcium Book
"After reading it from front page to last page in a week, I was ready to watch 'Carcium - The Movie'. I loved the leading characters and their shining examples of leadership, courage and emotions. The author did a very good job of bringing the reader along in each chapter."
Stacey B., office manager, Worcester, MA
"The lead character, Nina, turns out to be a good role model for females. I have to admit, I was surprised the book read so easy and the storyline kept me wanting to learn more as I read each page." Jerry P., high school teacher, Springfield, MA
"I am ready to experience "Carcium - The board game" and to learn more about the Carcium characters. I loved reading about the struggles of Nina. After I read it, I gave the book to my kids. The book really brings out some positive role model examples for my "tween" daughter and my teen son." Caren G., Old Lyme, CT
"I have been reading Carcium to my two boys every night for the last two weeks. I have to say that each night they almost drag me off to bed to hear more. This has beed a very enjoyable two weeks. I find some night we find it hard to put down. Donald keeps up wanting more. Thank you so much" Raymond F., Florida, USA
"I have to say it has been a while sense I could not put a book down. I read this book in two weeks. Then gave it to my son. I love how Donald Takes us on a wonderful journey in the world of Carcium. I have email Donald and asked when his second book is coming out. I have to say he replied very quickly and it looks like 2013. I can not wait to get my copy. I love to artwork on the website". Book lover-Thomas White., NY,NY
When the king dies, Prince Troy inherits the kingdom. Thinking only of his own comforts his kingdom soon suffers. Refusing to listen to his tutor about the history of the past rulers and their downfall and what is expected of him, the elves tell him that he has failed the test and his kingdom will fall. He has one last chance to redeem himself and prove that he is worthy. He must battle the evil sorceror named Duras Carcer and kill him.
This story has it all, a likable hero, yes even when he was being selfish I liked him, a beautiful maiden, a dragon or 2, gargoyles, you name it this story has it. Prince Troy was never bad, he was just more concerned with himself. The story moves fast and you see Troy grow as he discovers the beauty of his kingdom and what its like to have friends that he cares for and who care for him. Basically he finds his heart and realizes that he would give up his life so that the people could live. The last battle leaves you exhausted with it's many twists and turns.
This is Donald Calvanese' first novel and I say well done. I loved the book and highly recommend it.
Draaks
This story has it all, a likable hero, yes even when he was being selfish I liked him, a beautiful maiden, a dragon or 2, gargoyles, you name it this story has it. Prince Troy was never bad, he was just more concerned with himself. The story moves fast and you see Troy grow as he discovers the beauty of his kingdom and what its like to have friends that he cares for and who care for him. Basically he finds his heart and realizes that he would give up his life so that the people could live. The last battle leaves you exhausted with it's many twists and turns.
This is Donald Calvanese' first novel and I say well done. I loved the book and highly recommend it.
Draaks
Carcium is the story of Troy, heir apparent to the Kingdom of Carcium. In the beginning Troy is presented as an insolent, lazy, self-centered monarch. Which of course leads to his downfall. Now his kingdom and all his subjects are at the mercy of Duras Carcer a truly evil being. Will Troy persevere and save not only his kingdom but himself?
The author works a very basic story line, good vs evil, a young man needing to fulfill his destiny. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be a fast paced adventure story with a hero, his friends, and some oh so creepy and evil bad guys.
I was immediately pulled into the story within the first few pages. Mr. Calvanese wastes no time in getting to the heart of the matter, which is how Troy has failed and his need to redeem himself. It's this quick pace that kept me going reading the book in two days.
Nancy, Verona NJ
The author works a very basic story line, good vs evil, a young man needing to fulfill his destiny. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be a fast paced adventure story with a hero, his friends, and some oh so creepy and evil bad guys.
I was immediately pulled into the story within the first few pages. Mr. Calvanese wastes no time in getting to the heart of the matter, which is how Troy has failed and his need to redeem himself. It's this quick pace that kept me going reading the book in two days.
Nancy, Verona NJ
What a wonderful read, I could not put this book down. ONe of my sons picked it out (12yold) for us to read at night before bed. We both loved the story so much it only took us two weeks. He would beg me every night to get to be early so we can read more. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at the moral of the story. I think my son really learned something about how to treat people without even knowing it. Get this book!
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