Reviews of "Arch Enemies"
(excerpts)
The young bard, Terin Ostler, is astounded when two squires arrive to take him into the Duke’s presence – even more astounded when he learns that he is the one foretold in a prophecy to ensure the Arch remains sealed to imprison the evil Thessi within. The atmosphere of the quest that follows is heightened by intrigues and by Terin’s doubts about who tells the true account of the prophecy, since he is not allowed to read it. The action is lively when the two squires, Rendel and Darlissa, face repeated attacks to protect the timid bard – while he gradually grows in maturity, courage, and character.
Terin’s sardonic observations bring the quest to life, and the suitably convoluted events of the final crisis close the prophecy and the story in fine style. The world of these humans, gryphons, elves, dwarves, and many other magic creatures is a constantly fascinating place for the lover of fantasy to discover within these pages.
This is no raw transcription of random events but a tightly written and plotted work that will keep the reader enthralled until the last word is read.
Christopher Hoare, Muse Book Reviews
What does work is Ventrella’s conception of an entirely new race. Yes the old fantasy stereotypes are all still here (goblins, elves, dwarves, etc.) but with the addition of the biata, a feathered people who refreshingly aren’t just a recycling of the aforementioned genre archetypes. This is good because in many ways the biata need to work, since the plot is based so heavily on their history.
Despite the rather patchwork beginning of events in Arch Enemies, a late twist lends the entire novel a surprisingly tight narrative.
Pat Ferrara, Mania.com
Clever, funny and suspenseful. Normally, I would rather eat bees than read fantasy novels, but this one is great.
Mark Waid, writer, Kingdom Come, Fantastic Four
Reader Reviews of "Arch Enemies"
A really good read!
The book arrived at 5:30pm on a Friday night and I didn't put it down until I was finished with it at 1am in the morning. Once the heroes were off on their adventure, the book quickly picked up pace and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out where they'd wind up next.
One of the most refreshing things in this book is that the main character is not a battle ready individual, nor even a peasant who suddenly thrust into this fate becomes accustomed to it, learning how to wield weapons, killing his enemies as necessary and so on. He is a man (more of a boy) that rather runs away than fight, knows that he cannot defeat a trained warrior one on one and even blanches at the death of his foes. He is one of the more 'realistic and believable' characters I have read in a book.
If you enjoy reading a book that is a straight forward adventure, with the occasional offshot plotline, humor and a rather entertaining characters, this is a book for you.
Mark Mensch
Michael A. Ventrella's first effort proves to be a strong one. Full of wit and whimsy, this novel entertains with its rich fantasy world and characters. The misadventures of a young bard fit well into a setting of knights, dwarves, elves, goblins and other fantasy races. The reluctant hero can easily become a labored cliche, but Mr. Ventrella manages to make his reluctant hero interesting, funny and even heroic.
Scott Kondrk
Terin is a likable character and you find yourself rooting for him to fulfill the prophecy. Terin's self-effacing humor fits in with his character and makes him believable. Some of the reviews mention the presence of humor. Don't be put off by this. The humor is occasional and not overwhelming.
I enjoyed the unexpected twists in the plot. Reading a story written in the first person only works if the character is likable and someone you want to know quickly. If not, it becomes annoying. Mike Ventrella is able to use Terin's skill as a bard in telling the story so that it flows naturally.
Margaret Muth
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