Resistance

Keeleys's, Resistance, plays to the familiar theme of hidden identities as a central driver of the story.

"Perrin" & "Bren" raised by their "Gram" in the mountain town live simply, raising their flock and helping to find healing Herbs for Gram. Under the control of invaders known as Brocken, life is very controlled & people are not allowed freedoms for fear the people will form a stronger resistance than the existing one.

The story quickly changes direction & some rather semi easy- to - guess reveals occur, that open up the story further. Some interesting but light magic, with elevs and others help stabilize this epic fantasy.
Resistance is a solid addition to the fantasy genre, offering a gripping narrative and relatable characters that keep readers invested from start to finish. Fans of fast-paced, character-driven stories will find much to enjoy in Keeley’s novel, as it balances action with emotional depth and thought-provoking themes.

This was a strong start to the Chaos-Tol’s Bane series, it had that element that I was looking for and was hooked from the first page. It had a great historical feel to it and the world was what I wanted. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and follow their journey. C.S.R. Keeley was able to write a story that was well written and had that fantasy element that I wanted.

I received a free e- copy of Resistance by C.S.R. Keeley through Net Galley. Thanks to Net Galley, the author and publisher for a chance to read “ “Resistance”
This novel is the first in a proposed three part series of a heroic fantasy. Of the genre, it is more fantasy than heroic, meaning that the reader will encounter Druids, spellcasters, sentient wolves , enchanted swords and other arcane artifacts. “ Resistance”. begins in the mountains where Perrin Ohmholt is tending the small flock that helps feed his grandmother, Garat, and his brother Bren. The story unfolds at a dangerous moment in the daily life of the destitute village; their fearsome overlords The Brocken, have sent another force of soldiers to recruit, i.e. impress new bodies for their army/ police force. While the Broken soldiers take the roll of eligible young men, the tax collectors enforce the Princes royal times of everything movable. Food, medicinal herbs, handicrafts and feed.
Grandmother Garat, tells u Perrin, who has already served two terms of duty as a slave / , soldier in the Army, is instructed to take his brother Bren away. Bren , a slow, dreamy youth soul, would not survive a recruitment in the brutal training camps. Garat gives Perrin a long- hidden great sword to take with him, along with instructions to head up into the mountains and find the resistance.
Perrin and Bern’s dangerous travels take them on a trip where they encounter enemy soldiers, strange beasts and eerie allies. There is a resistance army building , headed by an enchantress who leads a growing force of human and other warriors.
I am a fan of sword and shield heroic tales ,with a touch of witchcraft, spellcasting and nefarious plots. Not so much ethereal elves and their familiars., so the book was not exactly what I’m usually reading , but it is a good start to be a great series.. the writing, characters and world- building are well done. I can recommend to for those who enjoy a good fantasy novel. “ Resistsnce” was about a 300 page ebook. With two more books promised, that would mean a 600 page epic, and a challenge for any author to maintain the high quality. I hope so.
Recommended to fans of epic fantasy. My rating is a low four stars.