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ONCE WE WERE KINGS Kindle Edition

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 150 ratings

(For fans of Narnia, C.S. Lewis, Rick Riordan, Terry Brooks, Terry Goodkind, Brandon Sanderson, Harry Potter, Eragon, Christopher Paolini, Robert Jordan, Tolkien, Lord of the Rings)

WINNER OF THE 2012 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD

Once We Were Kings is the first book in Ian Alexander's Sojourner Saga, a new YA Epic Fantasy series.

From the Back Cover
In a world where the Sojourners, a nearly extinct race with preternatural abilities struggle to preserve their faith and heritage, destiny thrusts two youths from opposing nations into the heart of a centuries-old conflict.

Render, an orphan from the outskirts of the culturally enlightened Kingdom of Valdshire Tor, escapes slavery and seeks the truth about his true identity only to discover a web of conspiracies. This quest leads to the revelation of his uncanny ability to wield the destructive forces of nature.

Ahndien, sole survivor of a heinous raid on her peaceful village in the Eastern Kingdom of Tian Kuo, embarks on a journey to find her father, now a captive of Torian troops. What she uncovers surpasses anything she can imagine as she masters the ability to manipulate fire.

Guided by shape-shifting spirits, Render and Ahndien's fates collide when first they meet as mortal enemies. However, to save their people from annihilation, they must unite both kingdoms against a terrifying enemy that threatens to destroy both realms.
But how can a young slave and a peasant bring sworn enemies of half a millennium together?

ONCE WE WERE KINGS: The first book in a saga of destiny and redemption, in a world of dying hope.

"This novel will quickly take it's deserved place alongside such classics as "The Chronicles of Narnia" and George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones" --K. Price, Amazon Reviewer

About the Author:
Winner of the 2011 International Book Awards, Joshua Graham writing as Ian Alexander, wrote this book at the request of his then 6-year old son who is a fan of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, and Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind. The request yielded not only the first book ONCE WE WERE KINGS, but a series, the sequels of which will soon be released.

ONCE WE WERE KINGS is a Young Adult Fantasy novel, but has been enjoyed by thousands of readers world wide from young adult to senior. It has been a #1 bestseller on two Religious Science Fiction & Fantasy lists on Amazon and is available in Kindle Edition and Hardcover Edition as well.


Visit the official Ian Alexander Website at: ianalex.com
On Facebook: on.fb.me/IanAlex
Twitter: @IanAlex77

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Joshua Graham transitions from suspense to epic fantasy as Ian Alexander with flying colors.""invokes awe in the reader that I've only felt with J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings and before them both, C.S. Lewis." --The Top Shelf
"...right out of the Golden Age of fantasy..."
"...page-turning epic fantasy...""...elements of Tolkien..the Belgariad, the 'Adept' trilogy by Piers Anthony, and C.S. Lewis."
--Michael Bellomo, Amazon Bestselling Author

About the Author

About the Author:
Winner of the 2011 International Book Awards, Joshua Graham writing as Ian Alexander, wrote this book at the request of his then 6-year old son who is a fan of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, and Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind.  The request yielded not only the first book ONCE WE WERE KINGS, but a series, the sequels of which will soon be released.
 
ONCE WE WERE KINGS is a Young Adult Fantasy novel, but has been enjoyed by thousands of readers world wide from young adult to senior.  It has been a #1 bestseller on two Religious Science Fiction & Fantasy lists on Amazon and is available in Kindle Edition and Hardcover Edition as well. 
 
 
Visit the official Ian Alexander Website at: ianalex.com
On Facebook: facebook.com/IanAlex70
Twitter: @IanAlex77

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B005Z5FFRS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dawn Treader Press; 3.5 edition (April 23, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 23, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 872 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 490 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 150 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
150 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the fantasy story. They found it captivating and original, with believable characters and an interesting world. Readers appreciated the creative and unique world the author created. However, opinions differed on the writing style - some found it well-written and poetic, while others felt the grammar was lacking and sentence fragments were too many. Opinions were divided on the religion in the book - some found it relatable to the Bible, while others felt it was overdone.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

50 customers mention "Fantasy story"39 positive11 negative

Customers enjoyed the fantasy story. They found it original and captivating from start to finish. The characters, the way the story unfolded, and the author's storytelling skills made it difficult to put down. The story had biblical elements that evoked their imagination and were worth persevering on.

"...This is a tale that is truly a generation bridging epic fantasy that is sure to span and hold strong through the test of time as well as our ever..." Read more

"...But it was worth persevering on as it did spark the imagination, which is what sci-fy is supposed to do...." Read more

"...The story is a page turner with a very driven plot and the Christian overtones feel like they're there to spark religious conversation, much like..." Read more

"...I loved the names of the wonderful characters, the way the story unfolded. There was never a dull moment. Everything about this book is Wow!..." Read more

29 customers mention "Readability"29 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They say it sparks their imagination and is worth persevering on. The twists and turns keep readers interested throughout the 102 chapters. Overall, customers describe the book as satisfying and enjoyable, with an exciting adventure that keeps them hooked until the end.

"...Alexander uses is truly poetic and beautiful, as well as enduring to the time period for which the dialog and tale is written...." Read more

"This is a great book. I read it in a day, couldn't put it down. It is, on the surface, a traditional high fantasy with familiar structure...." Read more

"...Although it turned out to be an interesting read, the names came off as so contrived that I wasn't sure I would continue...." Read more

"Once We Were Kings is the best book I have read in a long time. It's a truly amazing story...." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the believable and well-developed characters. They find the Asian-style characters intriguing. The magic, shapeshifters, and powerful deities are also mentioned as engaging elements.

"...But the asian style characters are intriquing, and the form of magic tied to the human spirit rather than the land is unusual, making the story far..." Read more

"...Magic, shapeshifters, powerful deities and characters that you love and love to hate, all of this will stay with you long after you've gotten to the..." Read more

"...I loved the names of the wonderful characters, the way the story unfolded. There was never a dull moment. Everything about this book is Wow!..." Read more

"...obvious parallel to the Bible and different setting and skill shown by the characters." Read more

9 customers mention "Creativity"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's creativity. They find the characters and world unique. The author's imagination is praised as wonderful.

"...absorbing me and surrounding me with amazing imagery, emotion and distinctiveness like none other I had ever read before...." Read more

"...It started off fantastic! It was very creative and the author had everything in place for an "epic fantasy". Then he ran out of steam...." Read more

"...Rothfuss, Sanderson, Donaldson, Jordan, Lewis, and many other great fantasy authors." Read more

"...I like all the characters and the world that the author created. A bit fanciful but interesting." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive4 negative

Customers have different views on the writing style. Some find it well-written and poetic, with vivid descriptions. Others feel the grammar is poor, there are too many sentence fragments, and archaic language needs improvement.

"...BE GONE... I was immediately sucked into the story, it's words absorbing me and surrounding me with amazing imagery, emotion and distinctiveness..." Read more

"...The grammar and sentence structure was lacking and there were far too many sentence fragments than should be acceptable...." Read more

"...Maybe young adults would like it. It is written in a manner I believe was meant to be stylized, but comes across as annoying and childish...." Read more

"I liked the beginning very much. Th writing isn't the best but it serves a young adult fantasy well enough...." Read more

7 customers mention "Religion"4 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's religion. Some appreciate the parallels to the Bible and the connections made to the spiritual struggle. They enjoy the allegories written throughout the story. Others feel the religious aspects are too heavy-handed and inconsistent with Christianity as expected.

"...Overall I would recommend this book because of the obvious parallel to the Bible and different setting and skill shown by the characters." Read more

"The worldview presented in the book is not consistent with Christianity like I expected...." Read more

"I enjoyed the first part of the book the most & how God & the Word was incorporated, but then it transformed into much more like Asian religious..." Read more

"...The religion increasingly got to be too much for me, although not a real religion. Plus it had lots of confusion early on about the swords...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2012
    Once We Were Kings is an amazing epic adventure that will take the reader on an unforgettable journey like no other.

    As I settled in with my Kindle and it's newest arrival, Once We Were Kings, I was not truly sure what to expect. I knew it was dubbed an "epic fantasy", and of course the synopsis, which caught my intrigue. Previously, I had found myself in a bit of one of those horrid reading slumps (nasty things), which I was looking to be released from. With that in mind, I clicked to the beginning of Once We Were Kings...

    Nasty reading slump... BE GONE... I was immediately sucked into the story, it's words absorbing me and surrounding me with amazing imagery, emotion and distinctiveness like none other I had ever read before. The language that Mr. Alexander uses is truly poetic and beautiful, as well as enduring to the time period for which the dialog and tale is written.

    The tale of a young boy, Render, whose life has been one of strife and heartache, as well as a young girl, Ahndien, who finds herself alone, after her family and village has been brutally raided, held me entranced from beginning to end. Once We Were Kings begins by telling the story of Render and Ahndien, each in their own settings, each believing the other's people are evil, vile and bloodthirsty. Circumstances soon bring the two youths together to bring peace to a warring and unforgiving realm. After centuries of battles, it is time for the two kingdoms, the Kingdom of Valdshire Tor and the Eastern Kingdom of Tian Kuo to join and become one Kingdom in peace. It is up to Render and Ahndien to make this peace a reality and overcome the evil that is trying to overcome and prevail.

    Once We Were Kings is a story of Heaven vs. Hell, goodness vs. evil. This is a tale that is truly a generation bridging epic fantasy that is sure to span and hold strong through the test of time as well as our ever changing society and circumstances of readers everywhere. In Once We Were Kings, there is no geographic, sex, class, religion or race focus, rather it is a story of focus on belief, forgiveness and redemption to those who truly believe and seek goodness and truth.

    Ian Alexander brings before readers a tale of fantasy and humanity. Once We Were Kings will appeal to a vast and endless audience range, from young adult to adult, males and females. Encompassed within these pages is action, adventure, intrigue, romance and even shape-shifting spirits. Beneath the superb story lies the lessons of faith and the battle between God (Valhandra) and the Devil (Malakandor), told in a way that will not put off those who do not enjoy religious-based fiction. Once We Were Kings is the first in a series by Ian Alexander and the ending is the perfect segue into future books.

    Last night, I clicked the final page with a smile upon my face and eagerness in my heart for future endeavors with Render and Ahndien. Once We Were Kings is a magical and emotional tale (I often found my heart gripped within sadness, as well as bursting with joy). I was truly blown away by the magnificent of the story and truly cannot recommend it enough. Compared to The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, I found myself agreeing with this likeness. Though Once We Were Kings has a delightful and wonderful uniqueness all its own. A true classic in the making.
    23 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2012
    This is a great book. I read it in a day, couldn't put it down. It is, on the surface, a traditional high fantasy with familiar structure. But the asian style characters are intriquing, and the form of magic tied to the human spirit rather than the land is unusual, making the story far from formulaic. It is Christian allegory so the struggle between Good and Evil is very forceful and relevant.

    This is a great time for new fantasy authors, like Brent Weeks, Patrick Rothfuss, Scott Lynch, and the great Brandon Sanderson. This book isn't yet up to that level but pretty damn close. If it were heavier on world building it would be , but it focuses on characters very effectively. I gave it 4 stars because it's not long enough to be epic, though the potential is there, and because he let the thriller writer take over in the final confrontation when he should have tapped his inner C.S. Lewis. I hope this book does well enough for Joshua Graham to warrant a really good editor on the next. Can't wait to read it.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2022
    Every so often the need to read some science fiction arises. This book was on my radar, already on my Kindle so the choice was easy. Although it turned out to be an interesting read, the names came off as so contrived that I wasn't sure I would continue. But it was worth persevering on as it did spark the imagination, which is what sci-fy is supposed to do. It did however lack the depth of insight into the characters that I generally look for. All in all it was a good read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2012
    Once We Were Kings, is an epic fantasy tale of pure delight as we follow the story of two young people from warring kingdoms. When they first meet, it's as mortal enemies but they find that there's an even greater evil threatening both realms and that to defeat it, they must join together. But how can a slave and a peasant bring sworn enemies of half a millennium together?

    Joshua Graham transitions from writing suspense and thrillers to the fantasy realm as Ian Alexander with flying colors. Once We Were Kings invokes awe in the reader that I've only felt with J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings and before them both, C.S. Lewis. The story is a page turner with a very driven plot and the Christian overtones feel like they're there to spark religious conversation, much like Philip Pullman did with his His Dark Materials trilogy.

    What doesn't this book have? Magic, shapeshifters, powerful deities and characters that you love and love to hate, all of this will stay with you long after you've gotten to the end and leave you wanting more. This is one of those books that you cannot miss in 2011 if you're a fantasy lover.

    Thank you to Ian Alexander for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2012
    Once We Were Kings is the best book I have read in a long time. It's a truly amazing story. I was captivated from the very first page, I found it very hard to put down. At times I found myself reading faster just so I could turn the page. I loved the names of the wonderful characters, the way the story unfolded. There was never a dull moment. Everything about this book is Wow! I think everyone should read this book young and old, even if you're not into fantasy you will love this book. I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed. I can hardly wait for the second book. Well done Sir you did an amazing job. If I could rate more than five stars I would.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2012
    I had such high hopes for this book. It started off fantastic! It was very creative and the author had everything in place for an "epic fantasy". Then he ran out of steam. What started as an original story changed to nothing more than a bible story. Sure the names had been changed but nothing else. Too many times Valhandra directly quotes the Bible. The last half of the book was the longest, most drawn out battle ever written. I finally just flipped through to the end. I gave 2 stars for the first half of the book. I'm glad this was a freebie.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kerry
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pleasantly surprised
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2013
    This is the first book I've read by thiS author I found it to be a pleasant read with a bit more originality than other books I've read from the same genre. I would read again and also recommend to friends who are keen on fantasy.

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