I am a big fan of 'show dont tell' in stories. It can really immerse a reader in a story but unfortunately Zakalor tells a lot without much showing.

The bones if the story have the potential for a great book, but a lot of small things threw me off of this book. Some descriptions like "dangerous custody" when Zak's best friend was just abducted by a former general turned dark side just seemed odd, and there were several weird phrases and illogical (to me) ones. After finding out he was adopted as a baby he started saying that his adoptive parents weren't his "natural parents", and that just rubbed me the wrong way, because then I read them as being unnatural. I can't possibly know what it's like, but later on saying he's an orphan makes him seem ungrateful for the life his parents, in all but blood, provided for him. Also, three different precious stones throughout the story are descriped with "an impossible array/variation of colours", and that is just annoying to my logical mind because theres a limited amount of colours on the colour spectrum. I have more examples, of small things that prevented me from truly getting into the story. I did have a few laughs at some of the descriptions, because constipation came to mind when Zak's teacher had a "severe but quizzical" expression on his face.

The scene on the ship made my eyes roll, since I can't fathom how a 15 year veteran sailor could possibly run around on deck, swinging a sword around while out at sea. I know the situation was used to showcase Zak using his magic, but if the situation had been different, like fx it had been a storm breaking ropes instead of a swinging sword, the show of magic would have been more impressive since it would have been a fight against mother nature instead of consequences of incompetence.

The magic system was interesting, but could have been more fleshed out, since I got confused, when I thought i had figured out the system, but then a situation would arise and I was left feeling I had misunderstood or overlooked something.

I liked the characters but they could have used some of that "show dont tell". It made them feel shallow that we got to know them through Zak's observations and conversations. Seeing their personalities through actions would've made them more well-rounded. At least we got some of that with the changing character POVs.

I always love a world map so I can see where the story unfolds, and get a feel of this distinctive world so thumbs up for that.

An editor with a thesaurus would have done wonders for this book and could have made it great.

Despite its compelling premise, Zakolor was not for me. I struggled with the predictable story line so I lost interest a lot. I am the person that reads a books in either one sitting or if I struggle it will take me weeks. This book was a pick up start put down and repeat cycle. The book needed a bit more build up and flushing out as the pacing remained odd, hindering my ability to fully immerse myself in the narrative. Though it had its moments, ultimately, Zakolor fell short of expectations. and into the DNF pile.

Hold onto your hats, folks, because J.R. Douglas has concocted a literary potion that's part magic, part heart, and all-around delightful! From the moment I cracked open "Zakolor: Nacusti Chronicles Volume I," I was smitten like a kid in a candy store.

Picture this: Zakolor, our plucky hero, discovers his inner Gandalf when his buddy Kal gets snatched instead of him. Cue a fantastical romp through a world teeming with spells, sorcerers, and creatures with names like they jumped straight out of a whimsy dictionary.

Douglas is a sorcerer of storytelling, weaving a tapestry of rich world-building that's so vibrant, you'll swear you can smell the pemberry juice. And oh, the characters! From the wise Archmagus Tansil Windover to the mischievous Shadoweres, each name rings like a note in a symphony of whimsy.

As Zakolor embarks on his quest to save his friend and maybe the world while he's at it, the plot gallops along like a runaway unicorn, filled with more twists and turns than a roller coaster made of spaghetti.

But fear not, dear reader, for amidst the action and adventure, Douglas sprinkles humor and heart like confetti. No foul language or gross-out moments here—just good, clean, fantastical fun!

And let's talk about Douglas's writing prowess! His descriptions are so vivid, you'll feel like you've stepped into the pages and joined Zakolor on his merry escapade. And that final line? Let's just say it hit me like a magical bolt and had me gasping loud enough to wake the neighborhood!

In conclusion, "Zakolor: Nacusti Chronicles Volume I" is a spellbinding debut that's sure to charm readers of all ages. So, if you're in need of an enchanting escape into a world where the fantastical meets the heartwarming, grab a copy and prepare for a journey you won't soon forget!

posted on goodreads & amazon canada

thank you Netgalley & Firepost Press for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚𖥔˚⋆.˚

okayy, this one definitely took me a while to get fully immersed and it's not because the story was lacking but more so the way it's written is different from what i'm used to! which isn't a bad thing but rather i actually really enjoyed it! (if you've ever read litrpg's - it has a similar writing prose/style - if that's not your cup of tea, you may not enjoy this one as much. i just recently got into the genre so i rlly enjoyed this one).

I loved Zakolor! his character was well developed and well written and I really enjoyed getting his internal monologues. He was also such a relatable character! he's literally living my dreams LOL!

to not get to spoilery- but this story goes by quick!! J. R. Douglas does not play around, only like 12-15 pages in and we get quite a massive turn of events and that's honestly what kept me hooked. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭

also the names in this book? absolutely stunning. honestly takes me back to older fantasy books with those rlly unique names (like Clairise??? beautiful!! wouldn't know how to pronounce tho LOL)

Loved the plot of the book but something was off in it. I don't really know what it was but while I was reading it, It felt weird.

Let me begin by saying thanks & that I enjoyed this book for its different flavor of fantasy than I have been reading lately.

The story was a considerably safe fantasy, that would appeal to the middle school & young teenage group. It progressed swiftly & was a very quick read.

Zak & Kals friendship drives the story almost the entire book, as it's a central impetus for Zaks decisions. It's not the only one but definitely outshines most of the other reasons.

The story provides alot of action, with tamer sword & sorcery.. The story while engaging and interesting to lean, is an often used story type: coming of age, unknown ancestry, power beyond imagination, perilous journey to grow into his powers to save someone close or the world.

Not to be misunderstood -- I enjoyed the book, the world, the magerius and good and evil counterparts, but don't assume this is a whole new type of story, groundbreaking in its ideas...

What this story does do, it does well...leave it at that and move in


Would recommend

The intro paragraph is written well in a way that quickly captures the readers attention into the story. it didn't feel like i was dragging myself to read it like I have with other books in the past.

I did however feel there was a lot of information thrown at me at once that wasn't apparent why as a reader, especially regarding the lore. I love getting to know the history in worlds like this slowly, especially if it's a new book or the start of a series even, which I think most readers would agree with. Within the first chapter I felt like I was being told all the tiny details, as opposed to getting to see them and fill that information gap in my mind, like how the villagers lived, some of the lore regarding the contract, and more.
There are also moments where I do feel like I discover things about the world organically within the first chapter as well, but some other areas in it could be improved on. One example was the very first scene in the school, and another being some of the exposition when the villagers talk about the Mageri.



Some positives I wanna point out specifically
The paragraph lengths are perfectly balanced in my opinion. None of them are so long that it's hard for me to read through them, and theyre just short enough for my eyes to flow along with it well.


As i got further into the book, i got really drug into the plot. I also found myself in love with some of Zak's banter and dialogue with the others. I also loved seeing his growth into power, it felt very natural.

Overall, this is great! The only thing that threw me off was the beginning, it made me drag my feet a little getting into it.