The Commander And The Den Asaan Rautu Vol 1 (Haanta Series, #1) by Michelle Franklin

The Kingdom of Frewyn is being invaded by the Galleisian infantry and at the forefront of the battle is Boudicca MacDaede, a First Captain in the Frewyn armed forces. Her regiment is charged with defending the borders between the two nations, but when Frewyn’s last line of defense falls, Captain MacDaede enlists the assistance of a Haanta, one of giants from the islands to the far north. Promising to free him from his imprisonment in exchange for his help, she gains his trust long enough for them to win the battle and save the Frewyn border from being breached. The giant’s freedom is granted, but Rautu cannot return home unless he redeems himself in the eyes of his people for past his transgressions. He is offered a place by the captain’s side, and together, they defeat the Galleisian forces and become the saviors of Frewyn.

One year later, King Alasdair Brennin takes the Frewyn throne, Boudicca is made commander, Gallei and Frewyn reach an accord, and Rautu is granted an invitation home. He is eager to return and see his brothers but finds it difficult to leave Frewyn without Boudicca at his side. He has become accustomed to her company and the idea of being made to live without her begins to distress him. Rautu invites the commander to the islands in hopes of finding a way for them to remain together, but when they arrive at the white shores of Sanhedhran, not everything goes as planned: one of the dangerous Haanta magi is freed, Rautu’s three brothers are strangely missing, and the neighboring nation of Thellis leads an attack on the islands.

Together, the commander and the Den Asaan Rautu must find a way to unite their two nations and defend against the Thellisian fleets, but can they do so successfully when outside forces are attempting to keep them apart?

Good Reads Summary

This novel is a good read for people of many different genre interests.  The author skillfully details the setting and plot, the reader will not be confused in this novel even with the intricate plot.  The reader will have fun getting to know all of the characters.  Den Asaan Rautu will capture the reader's attention with his slightly haughty, critical tone and character in the book.  Commander Boudicca acts as comedic relief and the strong female figure in the book.  The secondary characters are no less imaginative.  The reader will love how this novel is fast-paced and how the dialogue ranges from humorous to serious with very solid transitions.  The plot will manage to hold the reader's attention throughout the book.  This novel has action, some mystery, humor, fantasy, etc...a little something for everyone.  The novel is great for those who enjoy reading a very good tale involving descriptive and an in depth fantasy world. 

5 Stars