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The Blackwood Saga #1
The Brothers Three
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be plunged into a dangerous fantasy world?
All Will Blackwood ever wanted was a little adventure. A fantasy addict and apprentice contractor in New Orleans, struggling to make ends meet, he has long wished for an escape from the real world.
Late one night, he and his brothers receive a surprise inheritance: a staff with a mysterious stone on top, a pair of rogue's bracers, and a sword that Will can barely lift. A man with strange powers shows up to take the sword, and the three brothers barely escape with their lives. Searching for an explanation, it is not until a magical key whisks them across time and space, into a terrifying version of New Orleans ruled by wizards, that Will accepts the truth about his family's past.
It seems Will Blackwood has found his adventure. But this isn't one of his fantasy novels, or a gaming campaign with friends. In his father's world, magic and monsters are real. Choices are life and death. And they have no idea how to get home . . .
"An extraordinary new series" - Book Reader's Heaven
O.D. Book Reviews says: "Action packed and exciting . . . reading this book has left me wanting to go on a fantasy bender."
"So far in this year of books this is my absolute favorite. Not a moment of boredom." - Reading in Ecuador
"I love this book!" - Book Room Reviews
"One of the best fantasy quest books that I have read in a long time" - Blood Rose Books
"A fantasy geek's dream come true . . . I love Green's writing and his ability to sweep me completely into a story."- Girl Who Reads Book Blog
"I do believe Layton Green has moved into my top 5 author category - not an easy feat to attain!" - A Novel Source
"Layton Green is an absolutely brilliant writer" - Everything to Do With Books
All Will Blackwood ever wanted was a little adventure. A fantasy addict and apprentice contractor in New Orleans, struggling to make ends meet, he has long wished for an escape from the real world.
Late one night, he and his brothers receive a surprise inheritance: a staff with a mysterious stone on top, a pair of rogue's bracers, and a sword that Will can barely lift. A man with strange powers shows up to take the sword, and the three brothers barely escape with their lives. Searching for an explanation, it is not until a magical key whisks them across time and space, into a terrifying version of New Orleans ruled by wizards, that Will accepts the truth about his family's past.
It seems Will Blackwood has found his adventure. But this isn't one of his fantasy novels, or a gaming campaign with friends. In his father's world, magic and monsters are real. Choices are life and death. And they have no idea how to get home . . .
"An extraordinary new series" - Book Reader's Heaven
O.D. Book Reviews says: "Action packed and exciting . . . reading this book has left me wanting to go on a fantasy bender."
"So far in this year of books this is my absolute favorite. Not a moment of boredom." - Reading in Ecuador
"I love this book!" - Book Room Reviews
"One of the best fantasy quest books that I have read in a long time" - Blood Rose Books
"A fantasy geek's dream come true . . . I love Green's writing and his ability to sweep me completely into a story."- Girl Who Reads Book Blog
"I do believe Layton Green has moved into my top 5 author category - not an easy feat to attain!" - A Novel Source
"Layton Green is an absolutely brilliant writer" - Everything to Do With Books
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2017
About the author
Layton Green
21 books420 followersLayton Green is a bestselling author who loves to tell powerful, edge-of-your-seat stories across a range of genres, including mystery & thriller, suspense, horror, and fantasy (and often blending them together). He is the author of the Dominic Grey series, the Blackwood Saga, the Genesis Trilogy, and other works of fiction. Layton's work has been nominated for numerous awards (including a rare three-time finalist for an International Thriller Writers award), optioned for film, published in multiple languages, and has reached #1 on many genre lists.
In addition to writing, Layton attended law school in New Orleans and was a practicing attorney for ten very long years. He has also been an intern for the United Nations, an ESL teacher in Central America, a bartender in London, a seller of cheap knives on the streets of Brixton, a door to door phone book deliverer in Florida, and the list goes downhill from there.
Layton lives with his family in Southern California. You can visit him on Facebook, Goodreads, or on his website (www.laytongreen.com).
In addition to writing, Layton attended law school in New Orleans and was a practicing attorney for ten very long years. He has also been an intern for the United Nations, an ESL teacher in Central America, a bartender in London, a seller of cheap knives on the streets of Brixton, a door to door phone book deliverer in Florida, and the list goes downhill from there.
Layton lives with his family in Southern California. You can visit him on Facebook, Goodreads, or on his website (www.laytongreen.com).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 29, 2017
I am a big epic fantasy fan. Layton Green has produced a visually stunning, engaging read for someone just like me.
The Blackwood brothers are tricked into opening a portal into another world where these contemporary brothers face horrors only written in the dreams and the imaginations of the best story tellers.
Green provides a great set of characters, a skillfully crafted plot and a marvelous book escape that every fantasy reader desires.
I received this copy of The Brothers Three from Layton Green. This is my honest and voluntary review.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Layton Green
Series: The Blackwood Saga
Sequence in Series: 1
Paperback: 330 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication date: March 14, 2017
ISBN-10: 1545056595
ISBN-13: 978-1545056592
Genre: Fantasy
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Three...
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
The Blackwood brothers are tricked into opening a portal into another world where these contemporary brothers face horrors only written in the dreams and the imaginations of the best story tellers.
Green provides a great set of characters, a skillfully crafted plot and a marvelous book escape that every fantasy reader desires.
I received this copy of The Brothers Three from Layton Green. This is my honest and voluntary review.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Layton Green
Series: The Blackwood Saga
Sequence in Series: 1
Paperback: 330 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication date: March 14, 2017
ISBN-10: 1545056595
ISBN-13: 978-1545056592
Genre: Fantasy
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Three...
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 8, 2021
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book had a bit of a rough start for me, but I leaned in eventually and actually enjoyed it a lot! It felt like I was a on a really big adventure with these three brothers. We were exploring together and on our way to fulfill a quest! It's definitely an adventure fantasy story with loads of things happening.
Full review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
This is one of those fantasy books that just takes you out on an adventure. You're learning together with the main characters and that's so much fun. The brotherly love was definitely something that gave this adventure depth and more layers. I think everybody that loves fantasy books and would read this one, would want answers after the ending of this book!
This book had a bit of a rough start for me, but I leaned in eventually and actually enjoyed it a lot! It felt like I was a on a really big adventure with these three brothers. We were exploring together and on our way to fulfill a quest! It's definitely an adventure fantasy story with loads of things happening.
Full review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
This is one of those fantasy books that just takes you out on an adventure. You're learning together with the main characters and that's so much fun. The brotherly love was definitely something that gave this adventure depth and more layers. I think everybody that loves fantasy books and would read this one, would want answers after the ending of this book!
August 25, 2018
Will and his two older brothers discover they have a connection to a magical world when a friend is kidnapped by a necromancer. They travel through a portal to an alternate reality to find help in defeating the necromancer. They hire Mala, a mercenary, who suggests they embark on a quest to find 3 magical objects that might help their cause. She also has the foresight to hire people capable of tutoring the brothers in fighting along the way. Will learns to use the sword his father left him, Caleb learns spy tactics, and Val learns that he might be a wizard. When they reach their destination, they must defeat a maze and a bunch of monsters to get the objects they need, then it is back to their version of New Orleans to fight the necromancer. It's all very exciting.
This was a decent first book. The world building went smoothly and the plot had a lot of action. I liked Mala (she kicks ass) and Will's transformation from a panic-stricken boy to a capable young man was nice. I also liked Val's character (the oldest brother) and how he just wants to protect his brothers - it was sweet. At the end of the book, the brothers are left in quite a pickle and I'm interested in finding out how they get out of it.
This was a decent first book. The world building went smoothly and the plot had a lot of action. I liked Mala (she kicks ass) and Will's transformation from a panic-stricken boy to a capable young man was nice. I also liked Val's character (the oldest brother) and how he just wants to protect his brothers - it was sweet. At the end of the book, the brothers are left in quite a pickle and I'm interested in finding out how they get out of it.
March 28, 2017
I really enjoyed Layton Green's book, the Brothers Three. I am a big fan of fantasy novels, having read many over the years, and thought this was a great addition to the genre. With so many fantasy books out there that are so similar to each other, it was nice to have a change of pace that Green provided in his premise.
Well paced with interesting characters and settings, this is a great book. So often told from the vantage point of one main protagonist, I thought that Green using the three brothers to feed off each other to tell the story was well done and provides a different perspective. The characters are well thought out, though I feel that Caleb, the middle brother gets the short end of the bargain in the story telling. I hope to see a stronger, more assertive Caleb in the future (us middle brother's have to stick together!). Each character has their own flaws as well, which certainly makes the characters more believable and fleshed out.
As to the story and the setting, not giving anything away, I thought Green added a very interesting twist on the genre by providing not just another "fantasy" world, but making it an alternative universe that was very similar to our current world, magic excepted. I lived in New Orleans for several years and liked the alternative take on the city. My minor quibble is that I would have liked to have seen more description of the differences between the "real" NOLA and the alternative universe "NOLA", but that was because I was so familiar with the city and thought this was such a fun alternative view.
As to the story, I am not going to say anything about the plot to avoid spoilers, but I really enjoyed how the characters developed both mentally and physically (getting "battle" hardened). The action sequences were excellent, as the intensity and description made them really enjoyable to read. And the down time between battles moved nicely so that both the plot and the characters moved along. With so many distractions, I rarely stay up late reading a book, but I did not want to put this one down.
I can't wait to read the next two novels in the series!
Well paced with interesting characters and settings, this is a great book. So often told from the vantage point of one main protagonist, I thought that Green using the three brothers to feed off each other to tell the story was well done and provides a different perspective. The characters are well thought out, though I feel that Caleb, the middle brother gets the short end of the bargain in the story telling. I hope to see a stronger, more assertive Caleb in the future (us middle brother's have to stick together!). Each character has their own flaws as well, which certainly makes the characters more believable and fleshed out.
As to the story and the setting, not giving anything away, I thought Green added a very interesting twist on the genre by providing not just another "fantasy" world, but making it an alternative universe that was very similar to our current world, magic excepted. I lived in New Orleans for several years and liked the alternative take on the city. My minor quibble is that I would have liked to have seen more description of the differences between the "real" NOLA and the alternative universe "NOLA", but that was because I was so familiar with the city and thought this was such a fun alternative view.
As to the story, I am not going to say anything about the plot to avoid spoilers, but I really enjoyed how the characters developed both mentally and physically (getting "battle" hardened). The action sequences were excellent, as the intensity and description made them really enjoyable to read. And the down time between battles moved nicely so that both the plot and the characters moved along. With so many distractions, I rarely stay up late reading a book, but I did not want to put this one down.
I can't wait to read the next two novels in the series!
November 24, 2020
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
To be honest, for me, The Brothers Three by Layton Green sounded more interesting than it actually was. I know that's a pretty harsh thing to say, especially since I didn't finish reading the book, but let me explain where it went wrong.
I didn't mind the characters, even if they weren't easy to identify with for me. I loved the setting and the weirdness of the supernatural-goings-on that was happening. I loved the friendship between Will and Lance; it felt real. Sentence structure-wise, the narrative flowed well outside of the action scenes, where it got a bit choppy and disjointed - nothing too horrible.
What killed it for me, was the strange narrative point of view choices that were made. For whatever reason, moments would frequently come up where the author would slap in a really out of place bit of description that made me question what they were thinking.
One such spot was when out of the blue, it was mentioned that Will had fantastic hand strength. He had naturally large forearms and an extraordinarily strong grip. Why on earth would you bring that up? It was so weird to have this random physical attribute pointed out.
Another time, Will was passing a group of girls, and even though the book is written from Will's point of view, he was describing what the girls thought of his boyish features and scarred forearms. It was so out of place, and not something the character should be noting - because he can't see inside their heads. It was … weird.
These little bits of strange information kept popping up, usually in places where it wasn't part of the natural flow of things, and it kept dragging me out of the narrative to wonder "WTF?"
Maybe the book gets better, I don't know. Perhaps another reader could ignore the weird little snippets and keep pushing through the story - I can't. I think a good editor should have picked up on these bits and smoothed them out. The book doesn't feel polished to me… and I set it aside.
To be honest, for me, The Brothers Three by Layton Green sounded more interesting than it actually was. I know that's a pretty harsh thing to say, especially since I didn't finish reading the book, but let me explain where it went wrong.
I didn't mind the characters, even if they weren't easy to identify with for me. I loved the setting and the weirdness of the supernatural-goings-on that was happening. I loved the friendship between Will and Lance; it felt real. Sentence structure-wise, the narrative flowed well outside of the action scenes, where it got a bit choppy and disjointed - nothing too horrible.
What killed it for me, was the strange narrative point of view choices that were made. For whatever reason, moments would frequently come up where the author would slap in a really out of place bit of description that made me question what they were thinking.
One such spot was when out of the blue, it was mentioned that Will had fantastic hand strength. He had naturally large forearms and an extraordinarily strong grip. Why on earth would you bring that up? It was so weird to have this random physical attribute pointed out.
Another time, Will was passing a group of girls, and even though the book is written from Will's point of view, he was describing what the girls thought of his boyish features and scarred forearms. It was so out of place, and not something the character should be noting - because he can't see inside their heads. It was … weird.
These little bits of strange information kept popping up, usually in places where it wasn't part of the natural flow of things, and it kept dragging me out of the narrative to wonder "WTF?"
Maybe the book gets better, I don't know. Perhaps another reader could ignore the weird little snippets and keep pushing through the story - I can't. I think a good editor should have picked up on these bits and smoothed them out. The book doesn't feel polished to me… and I set it aside.
July 15, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
August 11, 2017
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Ever since Edmund, Lucy and Eustace got sucked into that tacky painting and into the sea in Narnia, I've been a sucker for a good portal fantasy. Which is exactly what Layton Green has given us here.
Will Blackwood works for a general contractor, with the occasional shift at a medieval-themed family restaurant where he will engage in stage fighting, and spends a lot of time reading fantasy novels. He's suffered from panic attacks since childhood and that's kept him from much more. His buddy, Lance, a New Orleans police officer will occasionally take him on ride-alongs, but he's just not up for much more excitement. His older brother Caleb, is a bartender and perpetual adolescent (given time and opportunity, I'd have liked to see that explored more, because I suspect there's more to it than meets the eye). The oldest, Val, is a corporate lawyer in New York who has served as self-appointed guardian to his brothers since their father's death while they were children.
Until one day, things get a little strange: Will and Lance run into a zombie Rottweiler and the weird guy who controls it. Lance explains it away, but Will can't. He knows what he saw, and apparently has a willingness to be flexible with his presuppositions about what may be real. Not long after this, the Blackwood's godfather shows up, tells them that their father was a wizard, gives them some magical weapons and then gets kidnapped by the guy who had the Rottweiler (it was a pretty eventful conversation). Before they can wrap their minds around this, a stranger claiming to be a wizard shows up and talks to Will, telling him that Zedock is the name of the man who kidnapped Charlie -- he's a necromancer from a parallel universe where magic rules, not science.
Not only that, he's arranged for the brothers to go to that parallel universe to learn a little about magic, their weapons and maybe find a way to defeat Zedock. Will is game, but he knows that he's not going to be able to convince his brothers that this is a possibility. They've managed to convince themselves that they didn't see anything magical and that there's a reasonable explanation for everything going on (except Charlie's statements) -- they're not quite at the level of the explanations that Tommy Lee Jones uses in Men in Black, but they're close. So Will tricks them into triggering the portal to the other world with him (and Lance gets sucked through it, too).
Even in a world clearly not our reality -- with swords, magical creatures, and different looking streets in New Orleans -- it takes time for those who aren't Will to accept what's going on. But they eventually do, and hire some locals to help them get to a fortress where they should be able to find something they can use to challenge Zedock. I seem to be talking about the willingness of Val, Caleb and Lance to accept what they've seen and experience -- but that's a pretty big plot point. I like the way they struggle with this, unlike what goes on with kids in portal fantasies who seem to swallow the whole concept in seconds
The travel isn't easy -- it's not long before all of them get to learn how to fight with pre-modern weapons. Val shows some signs of magical ability and begins training in its use, while Will learns how to use a sword in a fight that doesn't happen on a stage, and Caleb picks up a trick or two from a thief. They don't just train and travel -- they see and fight creatures straight out of a D & D manual. A lot more happens, of course, but I don't want to give it all away -- so I'll just sum up by talking about how the adventurers they travel with are a great collection of characters, pretty compelling, and just what's needed to keep the story move forward and acclimate the dimension-jumpers to this world.
There is real peril -- as demonstrated by enough deaths to satisfy the grimdark fans while not really being a grimdark world. Sure, there were a couple of Red Shirt deaths (Red Tunic deaths?), but characters you assume are safe turn out not to be after all. I read one paragraph a few times just to convince myself that I read about the gruesome death of a major character actually happened. Even without that, the way this story is told isn't what you expect -- there are secrets, ulterior motives, and barrels of denial everywhere. It's very compellingly and interestingly put together.
The Brothers Three is well-written, skillfully structured, and well-paced -- there are some nice turns of phrase throughout the novel, too. Green is the real thing, giving the readers a good story, great characters, an interesting world (or pair of them), in a well-written package. Book 2 comes out next month and it's on my TBR. I'm resisting the impulse to move it higher, but it's not easy.
---
* Yeah, I read The Voyage of the Dawn Treader first -- I read series out of order in my childhood. As a kid, I was practically feral, it seems.
Disclaimer: I was provided with this copy for an honest review by the author.
---
Ever since Edmund, Lucy and Eustace got sucked into that tacky painting and into the sea in Narnia, I've been a sucker for a good portal fantasy. Which is exactly what Layton Green has given us here.
Will Blackwood works for a general contractor, with the occasional shift at a medieval-themed family restaurant where he will engage in stage fighting, and spends a lot of time reading fantasy novels. He's suffered from panic attacks since childhood and that's kept him from much more. His buddy, Lance, a New Orleans police officer will occasionally take him on ride-alongs, but he's just not up for much more excitement. His older brother Caleb, is a bartender and perpetual adolescent (given time and opportunity, I'd have liked to see that explored more, because I suspect there's more to it than meets the eye). The oldest, Val, is a corporate lawyer in New York who has served as self-appointed guardian to his brothers since their father's death while they were children.
Until one day, things get a little strange: Will and Lance run into a zombie Rottweiler and the weird guy who controls it. Lance explains it away, but Will can't. He knows what he saw, and apparently has a willingness to be flexible with his presuppositions about what may be real. Not long after this, the Blackwood's godfather shows up, tells them that their father was a wizard, gives them some magical weapons and then gets kidnapped by the guy who had the Rottweiler (it was a pretty eventful conversation). Before they can wrap their minds around this, a stranger claiming to be a wizard shows up and talks to Will, telling him that Zedock is the name of the man who kidnapped Charlie -- he's a necromancer from a parallel universe where magic rules, not science.
Not only that, he's arranged for the brothers to go to that parallel universe to learn a little about magic, their weapons and maybe find a way to defeat Zedock. Will is game, but he knows that he's not going to be able to convince his brothers that this is a possibility. They've managed to convince themselves that they didn't see anything magical and that there's a reasonable explanation for everything going on (except Charlie's statements) -- they're not quite at the level of the explanations that Tommy Lee Jones uses in Men in Black, but they're close. So Will tricks them into triggering the portal to the other world with him (and Lance gets sucked through it, too).
Even in a world clearly not our reality -- with swords, magical creatures, and different looking streets in New Orleans -- it takes time for those who aren't Will to accept what's going on. But they eventually do, and hire some locals to help them get to a fortress where they should be able to find something they can use to challenge Zedock. I seem to be talking about the willingness of Val, Caleb and Lance to accept what they've seen and experience -- but that's a pretty big plot point. I like the way they struggle with this, unlike what goes on with kids in portal fantasies who seem to swallow the whole concept in seconds
The travel isn't easy -- it's not long before all of them get to learn how to fight with pre-modern weapons. Val shows some signs of magical ability and begins training in its use, while Will learns how to use a sword in a fight that doesn't happen on a stage, and Caleb picks up a trick or two from a thief. They don't just train and travel -- they see and fight creatures straight out of a D & D manual. A lot more happens, of course, but I don't want to give it all away -- so I'll just sum up by talking about how the adventurers they travel with are a great collection of characters, pretty compelling, and just what's needed to keep the story move forward and acclimate the dimension-jumpers to this world.
There is real peril -- as demonstrated by enough deaths to satisfy the grimdark fans while not really being a grimdark world. Sure, there were a couple of Red Shirt deaths (Red Tunic deaths?), but characters you assume are safe turn out not to be after all. I read one paragraph a few times just to convince myself that I read about the gruesome death of a major character actually happened. Even without that, the way this story is told isn't what you expect -- there are secrets, ulterior motives, and barrels of denial everywhere. It's very compellingly and interestingly put together.
The Brothers Three is well-written, skillfully structured, and well-paced -- there are some nice turns of phrase throughout the novel, too. Green is the real thing, giving the readers a good story, great characters, an interesting world (or pair of them), in a well-written package. Book 2 comes out next month and it's on my TBR. I'm resisting the impulse to move it higher, but it's not easy.
---
* Yeah, I read The Voyage of the Dawn Treader first -- I read series out of order in my childhood. As a kid, I was practically feral, it seems.
Disclaimer: I was provided with this copy for an honest review by the author.
December 26, 2021
it was okay
Gave me Charmed vibes. Loved the idea of 3 brothers finding out there was a parallel world in which their father was well known. Altogether it was an okay read. Im hoping they gain knowledge of their powers and of this other world. I think it’ll be more interesting when they do.
I want to thank Goodreads for the giveaway win. I will be reading the next two books in the series.
Gave me Charmed vibes. Loved the idea of 3 brothers finding out there was a parallel world in which their father was well known. Altogether it was an okay read. Im hoping they gain knowledge of their powers and of this other world. I think it’ll be more interesting when they do.
I want to thank Goodreads for the giveaway win. I will be reading the next two books in the series.
August 7, 2021
Am I confused as to why only one of the three brothers has a New Orleans accent? Yes. Do I usually hate fantasy books that involve alternate versions of the United States? Also yes. Did I enjoy this book despite it all? Absolutely.
April 12, 2017
Such a good book. Fantasy and adventure. Every now & then I dip into this genre and books like this are the reason why
The brothers set off to find out reasons why things are happening to them. Why they were given the items from their father.
The descriptions and adventures are so well written. The details are great.
Can't wait to read more
The brothers set off to find out reasons why things are happening to them. Why they were given the items from their father.
The descriptions and adventures are so well written. The details are great.
Can't wait to read more
January 4, 2021
Interesting take on the multiple worlds theory. This has the makings of a decently crafted urban fantasy saga.
July 26, 2017
New Orleans, Louisiana
Will works evenings at Medieval Nights, a joust-themed dinner theater. A few nights a week, to help his finances, he engages in staged battles with a group of fellow under-achieving twenty-somethings. To Will’s disappointment, he knows this is as close to Middle Earth as he will ever get. His brother, Caleb, is a bartender at the House of Spirits, and Val is the oldest brother and a corporate lawyer. Will’s routine includes two drinks at the House of Spirits, a little online gaming, then asleep by midnight, so he can get to his day job as a general contractor’s assistant.
Will’s unfortunate tendency towards severe panic attacks precludes him from any career with danger or stress. Because of this, the closest he gets to excitement is with Lance Wesson, his high school friend, who is a police officer. One evening during Will’s ride-along, they receive a call about a dog howling in the cemetery. Thinking this could be interesting, even Will gets out of the car. As they move through the headstones the howling dog can be heard and is suddenly directly in front of Will, leaping on him with chomping teeth. Lance fires his pistol and the monster runs. The young men give chase and see it disappear in the direction of the nearest home, a huge two-story with a wrap-around porch. At first, it seems to be abandoned, until a man opens the door, dressed as an eighteenth-century French aristocrat, reminding Will of a costume party. During their conversation they learn absolutely nothing, other than the fact that this situation is starting to creep Will out.
The next night, having nothing to occupy his mind, Will decides to spy on the freaky guy in the mansion. Climbing a tree and using his binoculars, he sees the man in a room lined with shelves, crammed with books and the occasional skull. Two people enter, dressed in white, and begin dusting and sweeping. Only they’re not people dressed in white; they are skeletons busily cleaning. Suddenly, one turns towards the window and Will can sense that he’s been noticed. The man jumps to his feet and rushes to the window, just as Will’s branch gives way with a loud crack.
Charles Zalinkski, a friend of the brothers’ father, calls Will and requests a meeting with all the Blackwood brothers, which Will finds odd, but lately there seems to be a lot of weird things going around. Upon meeting with Charles, they are shocked and disbelieving when he explains he is a member of an organization that studies magic. Also, he has promised their father to watch over them if there came a time that the boys needed to know more of their circumstances, and just perhaps some of their talents. Charles explains their father was a wizard and from another world. As Charles tries to tell them more about their father, the back door of the bar is flung open, as the man from the cemetery comes striding into the parking lot carrying a bag of bones.
Thus begins the adventure of a lifetime.
This is an intriguing story with lots of action. One thing with fantasy is that the author can take the story almost anywhere, stretching the reader’s imagination. It’s a long story at three-hundred and thirty-three pages, but it never drags. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and, of course, Will’s mental health issue is a real attention grabber. Naturally, they will visit another world and that is total entertainment, as they adjust to being Beginners in the arena of magic. This is a great read and I think most of us will enjoy this book.
The rating:
Genre and general reading age – This is YA fantasy. Both adults and teens will appreciate it.
Level of sexuality – Low.
Is there graphic language? Very little.
Did I cry? No.
Did I laugh? Sometimes.
Is this part of a series? Yes, this is book one of the Blackwood Saga.
Level of character development – I found them to be fairly well-developed and obviously some of the main characters will be embellished in the sequel.
I gladly give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.
Will works evenings at Medieval Nights, a joust-themed dinner theater. A few nights a week, to help his finances, he engages in staged battles with a group of fellow under-achieving twenty-somethings. To Will’s disappointment, he knows this is as close to Middle Earth as he will ever get. His brother, Caleb, is a bartender at the House of Spirits, and Val is the oldest brother and a corporate lawyer. Will’s routine includes two drinks at the House of Spirits, a little online gaming, then asleep by midnight, so he can get to his day job as a general contractor’s assistant.
Will’s unfortunate tendency towards severe panic attacks precludes him from any career with danger or stress. Because of this, the closest he gets to excitement is with Lance Wesson, his high school friend, who is a police officer. One evening during Will’s ride-along, they receive a call about a dog howling in the cemetery. Thinking this could be interesting, even Will gets out of the car. As they move through the headstones the howling dog can be heard and is suddenly directly in front of Will, leaping on him with chomping teeth. Lance fires his pistol and the monster runs. The young men give chase and see it disappear in the direction of the nearest home, a huge two-story with a wrap-around porch. At first, it seems to be abandoned, until a man opens the door, dressed as an eighteenth-century French aristocrat, reminding Will of a costume party. During their conversation they learn absolutely nothing, other than the fact that this situation is starting to creep Will out.
The next night, having nothing to occupy his mind, Will decides to spy on the freaky guy in the mansion. Climbing a tree and using his binoculars, he sees the man in a room lined with shelves, crammed with books and the occasional skull. Two people enter, dressed in white, and begin dusting and sweeping. Only they’re not people dressed in white; they are skeletons busily cleaning. Suddenly, one turns towards the window and Will can sense that he’s been noticed. The man jumps to his feet and rushes to the window, just as Will’s branch gives way with a loud crack.
Charles Zalinkski, a friend of the brothers’ father, calls Will and requests a meeting with all the Blackwood brothers, which Will finds odd, but lately there seems to be a lot of weird things going around. Upon meeting with Charles, they are shocked and disbelieving when he explains he is a member of an organization that studies magic. Also, he has promised their father to watch over them if there came a time that the boys needed to know more of their circumstances, and just perhaps some of their talents. Charles explains their father was a wizard and from another world. As Charles tries to tell them more about their father, the back door of the bar is flung open, as the man from the cemetery comes striding into the parking lot carrying a bag of bones.
Thus begins the adventure of a lifetime.
This is an intriguing story with lots of action. One thing with fantasy is that the author can take the story almost anywhere, stretching the reader’s imagination. It’s a long story at three-hundred and thirty-three pages, but it never drags. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and, of course, Will’s mental health issue is a real attention grabber. Naturally, they will visit another world and that is total entertainment, as they adjust to being Beginners in the arena of magic. This is a great read and I think most of us will enjoy this book.
The rating:
Genre and general reading age – This is YA fantasy. Both adults and teens will appreciate it.
Level of sexuality – Low.
Is there graphic language? Very little.
Did I cry? No.
Did I laugh? Sometimes.
Is this part of a series? Yes, this is book one of the Blackwood Saga.
Level of character development – I found them to be fairly well-developed and obviously some of the main characters will be embellished in the sequel.
I gladly give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.
June 21, 2017
I’m a fantasy geek. I grew up immersing myself in Middle Earth, Narnia, comic books, Star Trek and Star Wars. I ran around my house dressed up as Wonder Woman, Princess Leia or Galadriel pretending I was a heroine fighting off evil.
Will Blackwood the youngest of three brothers is a fantasy geek like me, who enjoys losing himself in the tall tales of knights, wizards and engaging in pretend battles of wit and magic. The fantasy world provides him with an escape from his dull life as a contractor in New Orleans and he indulges his need for adventure by attending cons, cosplaying, hanging out with gaming groups and going on police ride-alongs with his best friend, New Orleans officer Lance Wesson. As interesting as his fantasy world is, it is a safe world where he doesn’t have to worry about real villains and beasts attacking him, so when his fantasy world becomes a reality and a villain with powers beyond his understanding is after him and his brothers, Will has to learn how to overcome his panic disorder and become a hero just like in his favorite fantasy stories.
The story mainly narrates from Will’s point of view but occasionally it transitions into narration from his two brothers. The oldest of the three brothers is Val. He is the over protective one who knows how to work a deal. Caleb is the kind hearted, flirty middle brother who would rather be on a beach relaxing with a drink and a lady. Will is the youngest, a panic induced dreamer and puzzle solver. Together they make up a team that is faltering their way around their new reality while trying to defeat an evil villain who is after three magical elements willed to each brother by their deceased father. The supporting characters recruited for the Blackwood Brother’s epic journey are an interesting lot. They add another layer of excitement to the story and help the reader along with the brothers understand the new world they have been thrown into. My favorite supporting character is Mala. I really hope we get to see more of Mala in the next books!
The storyline is like any great fantasy novel. It is full of magic, adventure and an appealing yet scary strange new world. If you enjoy epic fantasy adventures then you will find yourself engaged in this one, willing the characters to run faster, jump higher, and hurry up before disaster strikes. I plan on reading the next book. It will definitely be interesting to see how the series progresses and how the brothers adapt to their new identities as well as how they balance their lives now that they are existing in two similar yet completely different worlds.
Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
Will Blackwood the youngest of three brothers is a fantasy geek like me, who enjoys losing himself in the tall tales of knights, wizards and engaging in pretend battles of wit and magic. The fantasy world provides him with an escape from his dull life as a contractor in New Orleans and he indulges his need for adventure by attending cons, cosplaying, hanging out with gaming groups and going on police ride-alongs with his best friend, New Orleans officer Lance Wesson. As interesting as his fantasy world is, it is a safe world where he doesn’t have to worry about real villains and beasts attacking him, so when his fantasy world becomes a reality and a villain with powers beyond his understanding is after him and his brothers, Will has to learn how to overcome his panic disorder and become a hero just like in his favorite fantasy stories.
The story mainly narrates from Will’s point of view but occasionally it transitions into narration from his two brothers. The oldest of the three brothers is Val. He is the over protective one who knows how to work a deal. Caleb is the kind hearted, flirty middle brother who would rather be on a beach relaxing with a drink and a lady. Will is the youngest, a panic induced dreamer and puzzle solver. Together they make up a team that is faltering their way around their new reality while trying to defeat an evil villain who is after three magical elements willed to each brother by their deceased father. The supporting characters recruited for the Blackwood Brother’s epic journey are an interesting lot. They add another layer of excitement to the story and help the reader along with the brothers understand the new world they have been thrown into. My favorite supporting character is Mala. I really hope we get to see more of Mala in the next books!
The storyline is like any great fantasy novel. It is full of magic, adventure and an appealing yet scary strange new world. If you enjoy epic fantasy adventures then you will find yourself engaged in this one, willing the characters to run faster, jump higher, and hurry up before disaster strikes. I plan on reading the next book. It will definitely be interesting to see how the series progresses and how the brothers adapt to their new identities as well as how they balance their lives now that they are existing in two similar yet completely different worlds.
Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
June 18, 2017
It’s great to finally find a writer who can use the online fantasy game format and make a proper story of it. To be fair, the main reason it works so well is that “Brothers” is mainly a novel, with the games element restricted mostly to the action sequences.
This tale follows the usual pattern of the genre; a group of non-heroes is transported from the modern world into a fantasy setting, where they must solve puzzles and navigate mazes full of traps to retrieve weapons to be used in further conflicts. But there is a level of reality to these heroes and their reactions that sets them apart from usual cardboard video game characters. While the fantasy characters they meet are moderately stereotyped, the brothers themselves, and especially Will, are fully formed individuals, with a complete grab bag of family interactions, good and bad.
And while in most novels of this genre the characters are too easily able to shake off the culture shock and cope with their new world, in this story their responses are much more like, “Yeah, that’s how I would have reacted.”
As the plot progresses from modern New Orleans to the initial otherworld city and through the jungle to the wizard’s castle, the action does become more stylized. The computer game conflict with monsters and magical creations pretty much takes over, but the internal conflicts of the three brothers, based on their relationships with each other and their dead father, keep the emotional storylines going.
The action is fast and furious, the game-style visuals are described in wonderful detail, and the tension is carefully crafted, always increasing towards a satisfying, if not quite final, ending. A sequel is in the works.
Highly recommended for all fantasy fans, especially gamers. Required reading for young novelists who dream their story will attract the attention of online fantasy programmers and go viral.
This tale follows the usual pattern of the genre; a group of non-heroes is transported from the modern world into a fantasy setting, where they must solve puzzles and navigate mazes full of traps to retrieve weapons to be used in further conflicts. But there is a level of reality to these heroes and their reactions that sets them apart from usual cardboard video game characters. While the fantasy characters they meet are moderately stereotyped, the brothers themselves, and especially Will, are fully formed individuals, with a complete grab bag of family interactions, good and bad.
And while in most novels of this genre the characters are too easily able to shake off the culture shock and cope with their new world, in this story their responses are much more like, “Yeah, that’s how I would have reacted.”
As the plot progresses from modern New Orleans to the initial otherworld city and through the jungle to the wizard’s castle, the action does become more stylized. The computer game conflict with monsters and magical creations pretty much takes over, but the internal conflicts of the three brothers, based on their relationships with each other and their dead father, keep the emotional storylines going.
The action is fast and furious, the game-style visuals are described in wonderful detail, and the tension is carefully crafted, always increasing towards a satisfying, if not quite final, ending. A sequel is in the works.
Highly recommended for all fantasy fans, especially gamers. Required reading for young novelists who dream their story will attract the attention of online fantasy programmers and go viral.
June 19, 2017
If you have read any of my previous reviews for books in this genre, you may already know that I set reasonably high standards for them. As a result, and for fear of being disappointed, I tend to be quite choosy about the books I agree to review.
The blurb for this one caught my eye though. It seemed to sand out a little from the more run of the mill books. So, with a little bit of trepidation, I started to read.
At first, it was very promising - straight into the action - fabulous I thought. But then, for me at least, I thought that the pacing of the story got a bit mired in scene setting and character introductions for the other world that the brothers found themselves in. Honestly? I had to put the book down and come back to it, because I was simply struggling to connect to the story.
But I persevered and I'm glad that I did. Yes, there are influences drawn from other leading authors of the genre - so much so that a reference is made within the book to a particular potential similarity, but not to the point where this book didn't feel original.
This is a decent start to the saga, and in my view, shows real potential. I look forward to seeing how the story unfolds over the course of the next installment.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
The blurb for this one caught my eye though. It seemed to sand out a little from the more run of the mill books. So, with a little bit of trepidation, I started to read.
At first, it was very promising - straight into the action - fabulous I thought. But then, for me at least, I thought that the pacing of the story got a bit mired in scene setting and character introductions for the other world that the brothers found themselves in. Honestly? I had to put the book down and come back to it, because I was simply struggling to connect to the story.
But I persevered and I'm glad that I did. Yes, there are influences drawn from other leading authors of the genre - so much so that a reference is made within the book to a particular potential similarity, but not to the point where this book didn't feel original.
This is a decent start to the saga, and in my view, shows real potential. I look forward to seeing how the story unfolds over the course of the next installment.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
November 16, 2019
I do not review books on punctuation, grammar, or syntax. My reviews are on the plot, characters, worldbuilding, POV, and general storytelling.
To start, I will say this book took all my will power to read. There are spoilers from here on.
You have three brothers,
The oldest brother is Val. He is a corporate lawyer in New York who believes to be the guardian to his brothers since their father's death when they were kids. What happened to their mother? We do not know.
Val has no scruples. He appears to me like an Asshole, and he stays that way throughout the entire book. He pretty much is a reverse Robin Hood in dealing with his clients. In the end, he appears to have some magic, and I was wondering why he wasn’t the one with the thief’s ability.
The middle brother Caleb is a bartender womanizer that likes to touch waitresses against their will. He is another asshole with a Peter Pan syndrome, the adolescent man.
Will Blackwood has identity issues; he thinks he is not masculine enough. He works for a general contractor, and at a medieval-themed family restaurant. There he participated in stage fighting. He's suffered from panic attacks since childhood. His best friend is Lance, a New Orleans police officer.
In essence, that is the personality of the brothers, and I may have overlooked it because I lost interest in the book, but the brothers didn’t change. Not much of a character arc for any of the brothers.
Mala is a mercenary, the female character, and she can be found to kick ass at times, but her character wasn't developed, which is a shame.
The creatures were cool.
The story goes on until one day, Will and Lance run into a zombie Rottweiler and the weird guy who controls it. It was the bad guy Zedock. Why Zedock appear and does nothing to Will? That is a mystery to me.
The Blackwood brothers come into an inheritance; they were three items. Why this late in their lives since the father died when they were young? We do not know. I am assuming the items came from their father. At this point I don’t know, Layton Green never mentions it, and I am getting very annoyed.
They get contacted by a friend of their father, “Charlie,” he tells them that their father was a wizard.
Charlie does not give them any information on why their father came to earth or any background; here, you must believe all by faith.
So, Charlie gives them the three magical weapons, but then he gets kidnapped by Zedock, the guy who had the Rottweiler. They are still trying to figure out what happens. But a wizard shows up and talks to Will, telling him that Zedock, that is the name of the man who kidnapped Charlie, he's a necromancer from a parallel universe where magic rules. Here is where I have a few issues, Science does not rule in this other universe, magic does, however, you need to have some science laws established for the magic to work and be believable. And all becomes much. But I am willing to go with the flow of the book is fantasy.
Will tricks Val and Caleb to go into this other universe, and Lance is taken along with them. I still don’t know why they would want to go to an unknown place. Will is such a delicate man, that sufferers from anxiety attacks from Childhood. Him taking the initiative on doing something daring is out of character for a person with anxiety. I don’t see him taking the leap, but he was the one wanting to go. Why? I am not sure, because the reason is stupid, to save Charlie? They just met the man. They have a very weak motive. The four men must gang together with a necromancer they just met to save their father's friend that was taken by an evil necromancer. In the end, a simple plot that could have had a significant impact if we have had seen something more and unique. Why not make all Necromancers evil? Make a distinction that would separate Zedock from all others.
About the POV, I write in the third person multiple, and I do like to read books written in this style. However, with this book, the shift in POV perspective was a bit awkward and needed finesse in the movement of perspective. There were a few plot holes; however, I think those where intentional gaps to be filled by subsequent books. Or I hope he takes the time to fill in all those gaps.
I was disappointed when I finished reading this book. I wanted to like it. I tried to like it. I forced myself to read it at some points, but in the end, I can’t say I like the book.
I will not be looking for the second in this series. I might read it if I get it for free and have no other books in line to read.
To start, I will say this book took all my will power to read. There are spoilers from here on.
You have three brothers,
The oldest brother is Val. He is a corporate lawyer in New York who believes to be the guardian to his brothers since their father's death when they were kids. What happened to their mother? We do not know.
Val has no scruples. He appears to me like an Asshole, and he stays that way throughout the entire book. He pretty much is a reverse Robin Hood in dealing with his clients. In the end, he appears to have some magic, and I was wondering why he wasn’t the one with the thief’s ability.
The middle brother Caleb is a bartender womanizer that likes to touch waitresses against their will. He is another asshole with a Peter Pan syndrome, the adolescent man.
Will Blackwood has identity issues; he thinks he is not masculine enough. He works for a general contractor, and at a medieval-themed family restaurant. There he participated in stage fighting. He's suffered from panic attacks since childhood. His best friend is Lance, a New Orleans police officer.
In essence, that is the personality of the brothers, and I may have overlooked it because I lost interest in the book, but the brothers didn’t change. Not much of a character arc for any of the brothers.
Mala is a mercenary, the female character, and she can be found to kick ass at times, but her character wasn't developed, which is a shame.
The creatures were cool.
The story goes on until one day, Will and Lance run into a zombie Rottweiler and the weird guy who controls it. It was the bad guy Zedock. Why Zedock appear and does nothing to Will? That is a mystery to me.
The Blackwood brothers come into an inheritance; they were three items. Why this late in their lives since the father died when they were young? We do not know. I am assuming the items came from their father. At this point I don’t know, Layton Green never mentions it, and I am getting very annoyed.
They get contacted by a friend of their father, “Charlie,” he tells them that their father was a wizard.
Charlie does not give them any information on why their father came to earth or any background; here, you must believe all by faith.
So, Charlie gives them the three magical weapons, but then he gets kidnapped by Zedock, the guy who had the Rottweiler. They are still trying to figure out what happens. But a wizard shows up and talks to Will, telling him that Zedock, that is the name of the man who kidnapped Charlie, he's a necromancer from a parallel universe where magic rules. Here is where I have a few issues, Science does not rule in this other universe, magic does, however, you need to have some science laws established for the magic to work and be believable. And all becomes much. But I am willing to go with the flow of the book is fantasy.
Will tricks Val and Caleb to go into this other universe, and Lance is taken along with them. I still don’t know why they would want to go to an unknown place. Will is such a delicate man, that sufferers from anxiety attacks from Childhood. Him taking the initiative on doing something daring is out of character for a person with anxiety. I don’t see him taking the leap, but he was the one wanting to go. Why? I am not sure, because the reason is stupid, to save Charlie? They just met the man. They have a very weak motive. The four men must gang together with a necromancer they just met to save their father's friend that was taken by an evil necromancer. In the end, a simple plot that could have had a significant impact if we have had seen something more and unique. Why not make all Necromancers evil? Make a distinction that would separate Zedock from all others.
About the POV, I write in the third person multiple, and I do like to read books written in this style. However, with this book, the shift in POV perspective was a bit awkward and needed finesse in the movement of perspective. There were a few plot holes; however, I think those where intentional gaps to be filled by subsequent books. Or I hope he takes the time to fill in all those gaps.
I was disappointed when I finished reading this book. I wanted to like it. I tried to like it. I forced myself to read it at some points, but in the end, I can’t say I like the book.
I will not be looking for the second in this series. I might read it if I get it for free and have no other books in line to read.
May 22, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
As soon as I read the synopsis of this book, I was curious to see how the story would good. It looked really good, but it also seemed like one of those books that could go either way. Fantasy books can be kind of funny like that.
And this one definitely wasn't a disappointment. Green has put together a fast paced, well thought out adventure that will keep you hooked from the first chapter. He doesn't wait to build up to the adventure, but rather throws you in headfirst, and you better hope that you know how to keep yourself afloat. It was a fantastic adventure, with lots of great twists and turns, a fun cast, and lovely writing. I've read quite a few fantasy novels over the years, and this is definitely one of the better ones.
The Good Points of The Brothers Three:
This book is so well thought out. There is a lot happening and even more that doesn't make a bit of sense when you get going, but as you go along, you begin to realize that this was all very intentional. Green has clearly taken the time to map out his worlds and how they relate to our worlds, his magic system, and all the details that make up this book. The details of how it all comes together definite make this book as good as it is.
The pacing is fantastic. Like many fantasy stories, there's a long journey through a far off land in this one. But unlike many of the other stories, this one definitely isn't boring or dull and dragging. It takes the characters a month to do the journey, but Green has included enough into it that it flies by before you know it.
The magic system in this book is so good. I know it's included in the point above, but it deserves it own as well. I love the idea of the different types of specialties and how they interact or separate the people who practice them. It's such a neat idea, and it was definitely one of my favourite parts of this book.
I love that the author choose to include some mental illness in these books, in the form of Will's panic attacks and another character's struggles. I admit to not knowing much about these conditions, so I can't really comment on how well they were represented. But I did appreciate how honest and raw they came across. I would have liked to see more of Will's condition, but I do suppose there are two more books for this to be explored in.
The Downsides of The Brothers Three:
We got some character development, but not a lot. And considering how much these brothers go through over the course of this book, it seemed like they should have grown or changed or developed in some way that just didn't happen. Again, there are more books in this series, so it's possible this is coming, but I still wanted more in this book.
There were a few things towards the end (which I won't mentioned because spoilers) that seemed like they got glossed over in favour of more action. When some of these things had been a major thing throughout the book, getting lots of mention and reference, for them to be mentioned and forgotten so quickly seemed weird. But maybe that's just me.
I wasn't a big fan of the point of view changing between the brothers. I know why the author did it, but it just left me confused at who was talking most of the time. I would have preferred if it was just told from Will's perspective.
All in all, The Brothers Three is a fantastic fantasy novel that will get you hooked immediately, and keep you addicted until you've turned the final page. If you're a fantasy lover, an action fan, or if you love stories that revolve around family, you are going to love The Brothers Three. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series!
As soon as I read the synopsis of this book, I was curious to see how the story would good. It looked really good, but it also seemed like one of those books that could go either way. Fantasy books can be kind of funny like that.
And this one definitely wasn't a disappointment. Green has put together a fast paced, well thought out adventure that will keep you hooked from the first chapter. He doesn't wait to build up to the adventure, but rather throws you in headfirst, and you better hope that you know how to keep yourself afloat. It was a fantastic adventure, with lots of great twists and turns, a fun cast, and lovely writing. I've read quite a few fantasy novels over the years, and this is definitely one of the better ones.
The Good Points of The Brothers Three:
This book is so well thought out. There is a lot happening and even more that doesn't make a bit of sense when you get going, but as you go along, you begin to realize that this was all very intentional. Green has clearly taken the time to map out his worlds and how they relate to our worlds, his magic system, and all the details that make up this book. The details of how it all comes together definite make this book as good as it is.
The pacing is fantastic. Like many fantasy stories, there's a long journey through a far off land in this one. But unlike many of the other stories, this one definitely isn't boring or dull and dragging. It takes the characters a month to do the journey, but Green has included enough into it that it flies by before you know it.
The magic system in this book is so good. I know it's included in the point above, but it deserves it own as well. I love the idea of the different types of specialties and how they interact or separate the people who practice them. It's such a neat idea, and it was definitely one of my favourite parts of this book.
I love that the author choose to include some mental illness in these books, in the form of Will's panic attacks and another character's struggles. I admit to not knowing much about these conditions, so I can't really comment on how well they were represented. But I did appreciate how honest and raw they came across. I would have liked to see more of Will's condition, but I do suppose there are two more books for this to be explored in.
The Downsides of The Brothers Three:
We got some character development, but not a lot. And considering how much these brothers go through over the course of this book, it seemed like they should have grown or changed or developed in some way that just didn't happen. Again, there are more books in this series, so it's possible this is coming, but I still wanted more in this book.
There were a few things towards the end (which I won't mentioned because spoilers) that seemed like they got glossed over in favour of more action. When some of these things had been a major thing throughout the book, getting lots of mention and reference, for them to be mentioned and forgotten so quickly seemed weird. But maybe that's just me.
I wasn't a big fan of the point of view changing between the brothers. I know why the author did it, but it just left me confused at who was talking most of the time. I would have preferred if it was just told from Will's perspective.
All in all, The Brothers Three is a fantastic fantasy novel that will get you hooked immediately, and keep you addicted until you've turned the final page. If you're a fantasy lover, an action fan, or if you love stories that revolve around family, you are going to love The Brothers Three. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series!
October 22, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review, full review on the blog.
Description: This is the story of 3 brothers (and their friend, Lance) who discover magic is real the hard way. Will is a fantasy geek who suffers from crippling anxiety and works as a knight at the dinner theatre Medieval Nights in New Orleans. Caleb is a bartender, a ladies man and a pacifist. And the eldest brother, Val is a successful attorney who looks after his brothers. Lance is Will’s best friend, a veteran and a police officer. Together the 4 men accidentally journey to another world to save a dear friend of the brother’s late father from an evil, powerful necromancer. Each using their respective talents plays a key role in this quest but their journey will be far from easy. In the fantasy world they employ the help of a female mercenary and wicked killing machine, Mala along with a healer, a rogue, a wizard and more fascinating characters.
“With practiced flair, Will threw his cape over his shoulder, pulled on his gauntlets, and twirled his sword above his head. Then he shut the trunk of his Honda Civic and trudged through the parking lot to the employee entrance of Medieval Nights, a joust-themed dinner theatre in New Orleans.”
In Short: This is an exciting fantasy adventure that takes you from a familiar world to one you see in video games. A world where magic is real and so is the danger that it brings. Fans of fantasy genres or of games like DND and WoW will love this book. This book is part of a series but it had a solid story and conclusion.
“I do miss home, but when have you ever felt this alive? The excitement, the mystery, the sense of not knowing what’s around the next corner? Monsters exist. Magic is real. What could be better?”
Pros: Incredibly well written. Their adventure is full of twists and turns, with terrifying enemies and deadly puzzles. The settings are beautiful, detailed and immersive. The magic and magical items are awesomely implemented. The characters are rich, diverse and well developed. I loved the deep loyalty between the brothers. I loved that both male and female characters are featured as powerful fighters and heroes. The dialogue is great, contains good banter and each character has their own voice. The story is action packed and exciting. At times it’s funny, scary and even sad. I felt for the characters through their loses and wins. Val is my favorite character and I see so much potential for his skills in the sequel. If this was a video game, Allira is the character I would play as. She is a healer who finds her reagents in nature. All of the characters grew so much in this book. Each of them learns skills that suit their personalities (and take on roles that are like classes you play in video games). That’s all I’ll say about that without spoiling anything you could discover for yourself. Reading this book has left me wanting to go on a fantasy bender, or play video games (oh if I only had the time). The ending had a great solid conclusion for the conflict, but also gives you an exciting set-up into the second book. Which I of course am now dying to read.
Cons: I have no notable issues with this book.
Parent’s Guide: Swearing, violence, gore. (No sexual content).
Description: This is the story of 3 brothers (and their friend, Lance) who discover magic is real the hard way. Will is a fantasy geek who suffers from crippling anxiety and works as a knight at the dinner theatre Medieval Nights in New Orleans. Caleb is a bartender, a ladies man and a pacifist. And the eldest brother, Val is a successful attorney who looks after his brothers. Lance is Will’s best friend, a veteran and a police officer. Together the 4 men accidentally journey to another world to save a dear friend of the brother’s late father from an evil, powerful necromancer. Each using their respective talents plays a key role in this quest but their journey will be far from easy. In the fantasy world they employ the help of a female mercenary and wicked killing machine, Mala along with a healer, a rogue, a wizard and more fascinating characters.
“With practiced flair, Will threw his cape over his shoulder, pulled on his gauntlets, and twirled his sword above his head. Then he shut the trunk of his Honda Civic and trudged through the parking lot to the employee entrance of Medieval Nights, a joust-themed dinner theatre in New Orleans.”
In Short: This is an exciting fantasy adventure that takes you from a familiar world to one you see in video games. A world where magic is real and so is the danger that it brings. Fans of fantasy genres or of games like DND and WoW will love this book. This book is part of a series but it had a solid story and conclusion.
“I do miss home, but when have you ever felt this alive? The excitement, the mystery, the sense of not knowing what’s around the next corner? Monsters exist. Magic is real. What could be better?”
Pros: Incredibly well written. Their adventure is full of twists and turns, with terrifying enemies and deadly puzzles. The settings are beautiful, detailed and immersive. The magic and magical items are awesomely implemented. The characters are rich, diverse and well developed. I loved the deep loyalty between the brothers. I loved that both male and female characters are featured as powerful fighters and heroes. The dialogue is great, contains good banter and each character has their own voice. The story is action packed and exciting. At times it’s funny, scary and even sad. I felt for the characters through their loses and wins. Val is my favorite character and I see so much potential for his skills in the sequel. If this was a video game, Allira is the character I would play as. She is a healer who finds her reagents in nature. All of the characters grew so much in this book. Each of them learns skills that suit their personalities (and take on roles that are like classes you play in video games). That’s all I’ll say about that without spoiling anything you could discover for yourself. Reading this book has left me wanting to go on a fantasy bender, or play video games (oh if I only had the time). The ending had a great solid conclusion for the conflict, but also gives you an exciting set-up into the second book. Which I of course am now dying to read.
Cons: I have no notable issues with this book.
Parent’s Guide: Swearing, violence, gore. (No sexual content).
September 17, 2017
Zombie rottweilers were not what his friend promised when they went out for a night of adventure, but that is what Will got. Like many of his generation Will Blackwood finds himself deeply dissatisfied with his lot in life. A part-time job as a theatric jouster isn’t enough to keep his older brother from worrying about him, nor is it enough to keep him from worrying about their younger brother. But dead end jobs, a sad dearth of romance, and a general ennui take the back seat when their father’s oldest friend appears to arm them for a mystic battle, just before getting kidnapped by something that should not exist in the twenty-first century.
Layton Green has created a complex and enjoyable fantasy world and has set his modern characters in it while skillfully balancing their twenty-first century ethos with their surroundings. The main characters are all well developed and engaging. The storytelling flows well and the writing is technically good. His merging of the fantastic world the titular brothers have to face and the mundane world they come from is smooth and doesn’t distract from the story over all. He has an especial talent for remembering the more mundane details of the fantasy world; from the taste of the bread to tired muscles after unexpected exercise.
The story frequently becomes formulaic in the telling and there are few true surprises and plot twists. The author does have a tendency to “tell and not show” especially when developing the main characters personalities and some of the secondary characters can feel two-dimensional.
The story is aimed at a slightly older audience with plenty of sexual (though not explicit) interaction and parents will probably want to give the book a once over before letting younger readers pick it up. There is also the usual sword and sorcery violence to consider.
All in all it was an enjoyable fantasy romp with the promise of more to come in later books. Enjoy and read at your own discretion.
Layton Green has created a complex and enjoyable fantasy world and has set his modern characters in it while skillfully balancing their twenty-first century ethos with their surroundings. The main characters are all well developed and engaging. The storytelling flows well and the writing is technically good. His merging of the fantastic world the titular brothers have to face and the mundane world they come from is smooth and doesn’t distract from the story over all. He has an especial talent for remembering the more mundane details of the fantasy world; from the taste of the bread to tired muscles after unexpected exercise.
The story frequently becomes formulaic in the telling and there are few true surprises and plot twists. The author does have a tendency to “tell and not show” especially when developing the main characters personalities and some of the secondary characters can feel two-dimensional.
The story is aimed at a slightly older audience with plenty of sexual (though not explicit) interaction and parents will probably want to give the book a once over before letting younger readers pick it up. There is also the usual sword and sorcery violence to consider.
All in all it was an enjoyable fantasy romp with the promise of more to come in later books. Enjoy and read at your own discretion.
June 24, 2017
“With practiced flair, Will threw his cape over his shoulder, pulled on his gauntlets, and twirled his sword above his head. Then he shut the trunk of his Honda Civic and trudged through the parking lot to the employee entrance of Medieval Nights, a joust-themed dinner theater in New Orleans.” – The Brothers Three by Layton Green
(I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
The Blackwood brothers are living a rather safe life. Will works at a medieval-themed theater, Caleb is a bartender and is the ladies’ man of the group and Val is a highly successful attorney. Will is obsessed over the fantasy world and longs for a world of adventure but his ever-bothersome anxiety attacks force him to take it easy until suddenly, things don’t seem so safe anymore. A family friend makes a surprise and urgent visit but before he can explain anything, he gets taken away by a mysterious man with dark magical abilities. All they now have is three inherited relics passed down by their late father along with many unanswered questions. It seems Will didn’t need to look far to find adventure as a world of wizards and fantasy seemed to have found them instead.
This was such a cool book. It was so fun reading from a perspective where they’re from our usual world where we read about fantasy and dream of what life could be like if we lived in a fantasy world and then out of nowhere, they find themselves in a place where magic is real. The author did such an amazing job when it came to writing about them adjusting to this world. I would similarly be in shock and with all of my own dreams of being in a fantasy world, I can say that in my mind, I would totally be a bad-ass heroine that fought with two swords but in reality, I’d probably have such a hard time picking one of them up. You get to see these characters struggle as they learn to become strong enough to fight the necromancer that had taken their friend away. Layton Green thought of everything when it came to having the mirror-world make perfect sense. He thought of a whole new take on what went down in history and it made the story that much more vast and intriguing. Something I really enjoyed about this book was how the characters eventually realize that though it may seem like they’re dreaming, it’s not in any way a fantasy game. It’s their new reality and some choices will have consequences.
This book was amazing and I highly recommend reading it if you love fantasy!
The Brothers Three is definitely getting a 5 out of 5 rating!
(I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
The Blackwood brothers are living a rather safe life. Will works at a medieval-themed theater, Caleb is a bartender and is the ladies’ man of the group and Val is a highly successful attorney. Will is obsessed over the fantasy world and longs for a world of adventure but his ever-bothersome anxiety attacks force him to take it easy until suddenly, things don’t seem so safe anymore. A family friend makes a surprise and urgent visit but before he can explain anything, he gets taken away by a mysterious man with dark magical abilities. All they now have is three inherited relics passed down by their late father along with many unanswered questions. It seems Will didn’t need to look far to find adventure as a world of wizards and fantasy seemed to have found them instead.
This was such a cool book. It was so fun reading from a perspective where they’re from our usual world where we read about fantasy and dream of what life could be like if we lived in a fantasy world and then out of nowhere, they find themselves in a place where magic is real. The author did such an amazing job when it came to writing about them adjusting to this world. I would similarly be in shock and with all of my own dreams of being in a fantasy world, I can say that in my mind, I would totally be a bad-ass heroine that fought with two swords but in reality, I’d probably have such a hard time picking one of them up. You get to see these characters struggle as they learn to become strong enough to fight the necromancer that had taken their friend away. Layton Green thought of everything when it came to having the mirror-world make perfect sense. He thought of a whole new take on what went down in history and it made the story that much more vast and intriguing. Something I really enjoyed about this book was how the characters eventually realize that though it may seem like they’re dreaming, it’s not in any way a fantasy game. It’s their new reality and some choices will have consequences.
This book was amazing and I highly recommend reading it if you love fantasy!
The Brothers Three is definitely getting a 5 out of 5 rating!
July 19, 2019
In the interest of full disclosure, I won this book from Goodreads, so thank you to Goodreads and the author, Layton Green.
This is a great read for lovers of urban fantasy. The author introduces us to two settings, which were both compelling and familiar. I don't like to give too much detail in my reviews, as it seems to defeat the purpose of encouraging (or discouraging) others from reading the book. The book focuses on a family of effectively orphaned brothers, whose father came from another place. The brothers, and their families' friends, are forced to face a multiverse-spanning evil, with little warning or preparation. The author spends some time laying the groundwork for the personality differences between the brothers, and the ties between the brothers and their various associates. This also serves to establish the background of special skills and talents the brothers and their friends will call upon in fighting this evil.
The action is limited at first, easing the reader into the conflict, much as the characters are eased into what would be a mind-shattering conflict. I like how the author highlights the physical and mental ways different people struggle to cope with life stresses. I also like how the author tied in the fantasy skills to "real-life" skills, and how some people may struggle in one setting and flourish in another while others may struggle or excel in whatever circumstances they are found.
I'm looking forward to future work from this author. Thanks again for the chance to read this book. I'll keep my eyes open and grab the next ones as they come out!
This is a great read for lovers of urban fantasy. The author introduces us to two settings, which were both compelling and familiar. I don't like to give too much detail in my reviews, as it seems to defeat the purpose of encouraging (or discouraging) others from reading the book. The book focuses on a family of effectively orphaned brothers, whose father came from another place. The brothers, and their families' friends, are forced to face a multiverse-spanning evil, with little warning or preparation. The author spends some time laying the groundwork for the personality differences between the brothers, and the ties between the brothers and their various associates. This also serves to establish the background of special skills and talents the brothers and their friends will call upon in fighting this evil.
The action is limited at first, easing the reader into the conflict, much as the characters are eased into what would be a mind-shattering conflict. I like how the author highlights the physical and mental ways different people struggle to cope with life stresses. I also like how the author tied in the fantasy skills to "real-life" skills, and how some people may struggle in one setting and flourish in another while others may struggle or excel in whatever circumstances they are found.
I'm looking forward to future work from this author. Thanks again for the chance to read this book. I'll keep my eyes open and grab the next ones as they come out!
June 4, 2019
There is so much going on in this book. I think that is the reason it does not work. The movement from character to character during perspective shifts is clunky but that’s not the only place where it’s difficult to mine. There are so many places where you’re left wondering if you have encountered a plot hole only to discover that it’s simply a chasm in your understanding of the narrative from here to there. I think if more time had been taken at each juncture it might have been better absorbed. So now I’m left with a book that didn’t have enough in the story that it told, and a second book in which I wonder if enough story will be told with the rest of the story that needs to be told. There is also the issue of not knowing what kind of book it actually wants to be. You have this great idea of the dichotomy between the real and the surreal which could’ve been the whole focus but instead you add a romance, a family drama, a mysteriously absentee father, political intrigue, and many other subplots, and things get really muddy.
I suppose I could say a lot of the same things about four instance of Maggie Steifvater’s Raven Boys. But for some reason, from her it really works. Probably won’t read the second book.
I suppose I could say a lot of the same things about four instance of Maggie Steifvater’s Raven Boys. But for some reason, from her it really works. Probably won’t read the second book.
June 29, 2019
I received this book as an ARC. I was intrigued by the synopsis and the gorgeous cover art. Not to mention I am always a sucker for a good series.
This is a story about three brothers Will, Caleb, Val, and their friend Lance. Weird things start to happen to Will after a ride- along with his friend Lance. One night they are contacted by a friend of their father. He tells them that their father was a wizard from another dimension. The Blackwood brothers come into an inheritance. They are left three items. Everything they thought they knew as real comes to a screeching halt. They are thrown into a world of magic and accidently thrust into another world. The four men must band together with a necromancer to save there fathers friend from an evil necromancer.
This was a fun read. Lots of quirky characters. Creatures abound. The plot was interesting. The movement in the story was good. Very video game esque.
This is a story about three brothers Will, Caleb, Val, and their friend Lance. Weird things start to happen to Will after a ride- along with his friend Lance. One night they are contacted by a friend of their father. He tells them that their father was a wizard from another dimension. The Blackwood brothers come into an inheritance. They are left three items. Everything they thought they knew as real comes to a screeching halt. They are thrown into a world of magic and accidently thrust into another world. The four men must band together with a necromancer to save there fathers friend from an evil necromancer.
This was a fun read. Lots of quirky characters. Creatures abound. The plot was interesting. The movement in the story was good. Very video game esque.
August 10, 2019
I really enjoyed the fantasy world created for this book. Although the plot is pretty one-dimensional to the point that it ends up running kind of like that a video game or a simplistic summer blockbuster movie, the creatures that the main characters encounter, along with the different settings, make it interesting. I had trouble caring about any of the three brothers and their friend Lance, mostly because they're of the stereotypical Bro variety (no thanks). But I'm hopeful that they will become more well-rounded in future books. I was most interested in characters who didn't get much attention: the brothers' father, his friend Charlie, the very few women we encounter, and Salomon. Intricate backstories are hinted at, but never elaborated upon; I hope these are addressed in depth in later books. A good pick if you're looking for fun, not-too-deep quick read fantasy with vivid worldbuilding.
October 3, 2021
A slow start to this one but then it kicked up and kept the pages turning. Green did a great job of showing the characters confusion of being transported to a new world and the differences between their reality and the new reality they found themselves in. Just being a fantasy buff does not make one adept at dealing with a fantasy realm.
He used descriptive language to convey the story. The characters developed overtime in their skills and belief as the story moved. Will really made the most changes, for the better, and grew throughout the story. I can’t wait to see what happens next for him.
Val will be an important part in the next story and I think there will be more growth from him. Caleb changed the least in this story so I imagine that he will have his day later on in another book. Lance was a good side character to have as a support for the brothers. He took all the changes in stride.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
He used descriptive language to convey the story. The characters developed overtime in their skills and belief as the story moved. Will really made the most changes, for the better, and grew throughout the story. I can’t wait to see what happens next for him.
Val will be an important part in the next story and I think there will be more growth from him. Caleb changed the least in this story so I imagine that he will have his day later on in another book. Lance was a good side character to have as a support for the brothers. He took all the changes in stride.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2021
I wouldn’t have picked this book for myself. My husband picked this series on Kindle Unlimited, and he said he really loved it. I have waited to read for a while. Part of my impression is colored by my expectations because of said husband… he told me that the books were set in New Orleans and were about wizards, which strictly speaking is all true information- kind of. This particular book is set in an alternate universe and a different time period. The brothers do seem to be wizards, but they don’t know it and do not yet have powers. This is definitely more of a dude book, like a fantasy action piece with a lot less characterization than I’m used to. I am still struggling to keep Caleb and Will straight in my head. Val has a much more unique personality. I guess will does, too, so really I just maybe am not that interested in Caleb as a character? I’ll keep reading for hubby, but otherwise I might put it down and see what else struck my fancy for a bit.
August 6, 2017
Original review posted on my blog From Ink to Paper
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I must say first off that I really love the cover art for this book I thought it was very eye catching and draw you in. That and the description of the book already had me excited to read it, so thank you Layton Green for giving me the opportunity!
I am a big fan of fantasy and so this was right up my alley. I like that the book gives you a quick background and then just gets right into the story. I thought it was fun that Will finds this house and all of a sudden he is spying because he is odd like that and bam there is a walking skeleton in the window and then the adventure starts. Will's other brothers don't understand how he feels about fantasy worlds so when they find out about his dad and this other world they are more hesitant than Will; for Will this is awesome.
I like that not only did the brothers go on an adventure but Will's best friend gets accidentally thrown into this. As soon as they enter this new world excitement begins and they are off on an adventure with some hired help to find these enchanted talismans so they can defeat an evil necromancer. I liked that the adventure had some thrills and humor along the way, with a slight hint at romance thrown in there. I did enjoy that the whole story wasn't centered on some romance that took up what they were really after.
I thought the characters were really well developed, you knew their personalities and you got to know them more as the story progressed. The interaction between all of them was good and had some fun humorous banter thrown in. I thought the book was well paced and that it kept you guessing as to what was going to happen next. I definitely thought this was one of the best ARC books I have read so far and can't wait to read the rest in the series and see what happens to the brothers in their adventure.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I must say first off that I really love the cover art for this book I thought it was very eye catching and draw you in. That and the description of the book already had me excited to read it, so thank you Layton Green for giving me the opportunity!
I am a big fan of fantasy and so this was right up my alley. I like that the book gives you a quick background and then just gets right into the story. I thought it was fun that Will finds this house and all of a sudden he is spying because he is odd like that and bam there is a walking skeleton in the window and then the adventure starts. Will's other brothers don't understand how he feels about fantasy worlds so when they find out about his dad and this other world they are more hesitant than Will; for Will this is awesome.
I like that not only did the brothers go on an adventure but Will's best friend gets accidentally thrown into this. As soon as they enter this new world excitement begins and they are off on an adventure with some hired help to find these enchanted talismans so they can defeat an evil necromancer. I liked that the adventure had some thrills and humor along the way, with a slight hint at romance thrown in there. I did enjoy that the whole story wasn't centered on some romance that took up what they were really after.
I thought the characters were really well developed, you knew their personalities and you got to know them more as the story progressed. The interaction between all of them was good and had some fun humorous banter thrown in. I thought the book was well paced and that it kept you guessing as to what was going to happen next. I definitely thought this was one of the best ARC books I have read so far and can't wait to read the rest in the series and see what happens to the brothers in their adventure.
December 23, 2017
I enjoyed Layton Green’s previous books but he has stepped up his game with this one. Three brothers and their friend are thrust into a thoroughly unbelievable situation and forced to cope with the supernatural.
Val, Will and Caleb are the three brothers and Lance is Will’s best friend. The author does a great job in creating likeable and yet flawed characters. Each one is a realistic example of how different and yet similar siblings are.
The alternative universe or multi-dimensional theories provide the gist for the plot. The evil necromancer, Zedock is the despicable villain.
The author allows each character to mature and grow throughout the book.
I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading the sequel, The Sprit Mage.
I highly recommend the book.
Web Site: http://laytongreen.com/
Val, Will and Caleb are the three brothers and Lance is Will’s best friend. The author does a great job in creating likeable and yet flawed characters. Each one is a realistic example of how different and yet similar siblings are.
The alternative universe or multi-dimensional theories provide the gist for the plot. The evil necromancer, Zedock is the despicable villain.
The author allows each character to mature and grow throughout the book.
I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading the sequel, The Sprit Mage.
I highly recommend the book.
Web Site: http://laytongreen.com/
August 4, 2019
The author created an original fantasy world in a pseudo parallel universe where magic, wizards, zombies, vampires, minotaurs, and other common fantasy creatures/elements exist. The author did an excellent job setting the scenery and describing this world. It could be a campaign setting for a D&D game, there’s even a dungeon with puzzles included. Most of the main characters start out fairly one dimensional and kind of hard to connect with, but they do evolve throughout the book. The narrator does a great job with this book. I liked the accents and voices he gave the characters. I’ll be listening to book two when it’s available.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 14, 2020
Meh. Storyline And concept reasonably good. Execution not so much. Especially character. I find Will a rather annoying and pathetic character. And his excitement at finding himself in a magical world feels awkward and way too persistent. Yeah yeah, you’re a massive geek like the readers, we get it. Adapt already. It just feels like something a 13 year old boy would write. And it’s never explained why Mala and her crew are so willing to die to help him and his brothers. Their mission is only important to the brothers. It has no significance for the wider world. The whole book is about finding these weapons that then don’t even work in the final confrontation. What was the point?
Still gonna read the next one though. So I guess it couldn’t have been that bad.
Still gonna read the next one though. So I guess it couldn’t have been that bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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