Introduction: Happy Birthday, Kalistra! This review is from "Invalid Item" ! We hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Disclaimer: The following words are my personal opinions and interpretations. These are meant to encourage the writer and his/her readers. Please, read carefully and feel free to use or disregard any of these comments as you see fit.

I was intrigued from the beginning and hoped that this prince would somehow survive. The idea that he was a powerful man on a powerful steed misled me. It was only after he had no hope of escape that I realized he was alone being chased, an underdog so to speak.

The writer describes this man and his steed as though they are superhuman. Indeed, this is what I believed well into the story, that is, until the horse slows and then stumbles. At this point, I fear for the man because he is now vulnerable to his pursuers. Even so, his character shows no fear, but instead a willingness to fight to the death.

The petrified forest was a nice touch, especially this man's taking notice of it for the first time. A man under such duress still had the competence to take note of his surroundings, maybe in hope of discovering something that will aid him in his fight to survive.

This is the first time I have read a story about men and their battles in this period of time. Every aspect, especially our main character, is described intimately. I feel like I got to know him as a protector who would fight to the death for anyone in his charge. He is noble and valiant. I was able to hold onto the feeling that something of importance was about to happen. I did not want this man to die in battle, though it was more and more imminent.

Then, something did happen. Apparently, someone else was on his side as the arrow hit its mark, his would-be assassin. This is an excellent ending to this chapter and a hook that leads us readers into the next. Usually, this kind of genre is not my thing. But, this kind of writing is so exciting and is characterized by imminent danger that I am captivated and look forward to the next chapter.

I have no favorite part because I am enthralled by the action throughout this story. Every aspect is so well depicted, I can see the characters as they ride in the night and I can almost hear the horses hoofs as they impose the danger onto our hero. Yes, to me he is a hero because he is shown never to give up or show fear.

Suggestions: None.

Overall: You know what you are writing about and seem to have an intimate knowledge of this time period. Excellent writing skills and this knowledge make for a captivating read.

Reviewed by jonmark.