BOOK REVIEW | THE CURSE OF THOLGOR | F. DUBAY

BOOK REVIEW | THE CURSE OF THOLGOR | F. DUBAY

ABOUT THE BOOK

Doomed heroes. A rising darkness. One choice that will decide the fate of worlds.
 Akennor never asked to be a hero. Haunted by the ghosts of the past, he finds himself drawn into a war that should have ended centuries ago — a war reborn by the return of the darkness through the dark master, Drendor, whose hunger for dominion threatens to consume all life.
 In the shattered lands of Nalorëa, where ancient magic still lingers in forgotten ruins, armies rally once more beneath banners of shadow.
 Alongside warriors, mages, and wanderers bound by fate, Akennor and his friends must confront powers beyond death itself — and face the chilling truth about their own souls.
 Love, sacrifice, betrayal — and a destiny written in blood.
 As the worlds stand on the brink of ruin and hope seems lost, the young heroes choose love and friendship to keep fighting.

A dark tale, steeped in black magic and bloody battles. Some intense horror scenes are depicted with realism: this book is intended for mature readers and fans of dark fantasy.

REVIEW

Coming together for what may the last time, four friends set off on a trip to cement their friendship as they stand on the cusp of adulthood and the responsibilities. However, when one of the friends is captured in what appears to be an unprovoked attack the group find themselves in danger. With a fast paced plot, the group attempt to rescue their friend from an unknown dark force, travelling from on perilous situation to the next, the group uncover secrets from the mists of myth and legend. 

Harking back to classic fantasy from the eighties and nineties, The Curse of Tholgor is a bread and butter fantasy that uses classic tropes with good effect. Now that may seem to be damning with faint praise, but let me assure you it’s a compliment. 

In this day and age, fantasy has grown and regularly reflects some of the thorny issues that are prevalent in society today. whilst there is nothing wrong with that, sometimes what I need is just a good old fashioned fantasy adventure. Drawing from sources such as Tolkien, and the old Forgotten Realms D & D books, particularly R.A. Salvatore and some Robert Jordan. Dubay wears his influences on his sleeve (in so much as one of the characters is a duel wielding blade fighter), which adds to the charm of the book. 

At times the dialogue can feel a little bit purple, but this does not detract from the central ideas and themes, and I always willing to give an earlier book in the story a chance. 

Ultimately, The Curse of Tholgor is an enjoyable and charming read that is reminiscent of old timey wimey fantasy.