Review: Kristjan's Rise (Four Stars Over Ardatz: Journeys Book 1) by Kandi J. Wyatt

 

Title Of Book: Kristjan's Rise (Four Stars Over Ardatz: Journeys Book1)

Author: Kandi J. Wyatt

Publisher: Kandi J. Wyatt

Rating - 4 Stars

Level – Young Adult

Genre – Fantasy

Source – e-arc, e-book (review copy)

Summary

If only the voices would be silent.

Eighteen-year-old Kristjan has grown up under the weight of his clan’s expectations. Living in the shadow of his father’s mighty leadership, he has spent years trying to measure up to the office he’ll one day hold. Everyone says he’ll be an excellent chief, but he doesn’t see it that way, and then, as if to prove his point, a hunting expedition to the icy wastes of Toppur goes awry, and Kristjan’s party returns one member short.

As if the guilt wasn’t enough to grapple with, the community is struggling to locate a fresh vein of ore–the only way to revive the trade they rely on for survival. When his future father-in-law is trapped in a cave-in, a desperate Kristjan sees an opportunity to redeem himself, but the success he’d yearned for does nothing to eas his growing doubts.

Meanwhile the incessant whispers in his head are growing louder—a repeating chorus of condemnation and inadequacy that echoes, telling him that the people in his life would be better off without him. When his best efforts become a blunder, it seals the conviction—how can his betrothed even look at him after what he’s done? And how can a person dogged by such darkness dream of anything but further failure? Burdened by his shortcomings, both past and future, Kristjan must confront the void that resides where his faith once stood.

This coming-of-age fantasy is the first of a duology that follows two different young men, and the women who love them, trying to find their place in the world and discover where their worth lies.

My Review

When I first started reading this book I wasn’t sure what to expect as I honestly didn’t know much about the story.  I have read other books by this author that I loved so I knew this would be a good one too.  This story is a fantasy but deals with real life issues including suicide, mental health and assault.  It was very captivating and I couldn’t put it down.

 

Kristjan is the chief’s son and is set to become chief of Storeheltur when his dad steps down.  He has always followed the rules and kept up appearances when among the elders and other people.  He is also being pressured to marry.  His father and another elder, Friofinn are trying to convince him to marry the Friofinn’s daughter Tinna.  But Kristjan just doesn’t really have much interest in her and Bastain has had his eye on her for a long time.  His dad Geirfinnur, Geir for short, has been a single father since Kristjan was born, as Kristjan’s mother passed away shortly after birth.  Geir has been focused on being chief and taking care of the people of Storeheltur.  He has never realized that he needed or wanted the love of a close friend who was right in front of him all this time. 

 

When things start going bad for Storeheltur they don’t know how long they will be able to survive without merchants and food.  Kristjan and a couple of others set off to Toppur in the middle of a snow storm for a hunting expedition to find food for their people.  During their hunting trip something happens and one of them doesn’t make it back alive.  For Kristjan this is the beginning of thoughts of not being good enough to be chief or to be a good husband for Tinna.  He starts hearing voices in his head telling him all kinds of negative things including that he was responsible for the death during the hunting expedition.  Then there is Bastain who also tells him that Storeheltur would be better off without him.  Bastain has his own issues too.  Throughout most of the story Kristjan has two voices trying to convince him of different things.  He wants to put his trust in Jeeah but the other voice is so strong. 

                                                                                                                                      

I enjoyed reading this story, it’s very powerful and deals with hard issues that people are dealing with every day.  It’s not a “fun” story to read but it is very intriguing and shows the power of strength to overcome so much that is trying to keep someone from being happy and positive.  I thought the story ended really well.  I am looking forward to reading the next book and more books by this author.

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Kickstarter Link

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kandijwyatt/kristjans-rise-an-early-release-special-edition

How Kickstarter Works

Kickstarter is like a GoFundMe, but everyone gets goodies when it’s funded, and then the fun begins. There will be tiers set at specific price points that will allow backers to receive ebooks, paperbacks, hardbacks, and sparkly hardbacks. Once the goal is met, then we press for stretch goals that everyone gets. For digital backers, those goals are provided via digital format, and for physical backers they’ll be available in physical format. The goals this time around are set for things like added art, music files from a harpist, and more.