Rebelghost85

We need a miracle. Something huge needs to drop in order to take on a standing army 10% of the size of Valdemar. Hopefully Dalen's father has something. I agree with you about forgiveness. I can understand second chances but when Dalen explained the Healer's responsibilities to the Haighlei I almost yelled against it. At the very least, any injured mages should be killed immediately. I don't know if I'd have it in me to forgive a people who brainwashed my friends and enslaved hundreds of thousands (at least) of people with blood magic.

Quick review before I'm off to the Super Bowl. What a crazy revelation. It seems that the Haighlei Empire is truly evil. How is the use of blood magic better than other magic? Things are looking bleaker and bleaker. Hopefully Valdemar and the rest of the Alliance can get their act together really quickly to take on their enemies.

I haven't had a chance to review in the past few days so here's a big one. Forgive the word vomit. I'm still mostly on team Bart but I could be converted to team Blake given the time. You've left us with so many possible romantic interests that its hard to keep track of everything. Dalen still needs to grow in order to have a full relationship but I think that the relational work he's going to have with Jadev will speed that growth along. Unfortunately for us, Dalen is going to be a bit too busy to make much progress on his love life because of his upcoming responsibilities. I'm looking forward to seeing him interact with his relatives. I'm sure they're all awesome. How many people live in this world and what are the total populations of Haighlei and Valdemar? The army numbers are daunting. 10-20k against 200k? Ouch. Back to Dalen, he's had a lot of character growth but it's good to see that his stubbornness and sense of duty are unchanged. He ran into that battle and almost died after using so much magic and ignoring orders from others to protect himself. Finally some thoughts on future chapters. I can't wait for Dalen's next (maybe final?) confrontation with the Haighlei King's brother. Someone is going to have to die. I also want to see the Plebiscite leaders get the fate they deserve for betraying Valdemar. They all need to burn right along with the Black Kings. I don't see how peace will be possible with out the Haighlei King's death. One monarch for one monarch seems fair to me. Great chapters!

Hm. A super adept? I'm thinking that it's blood magic. Dalen might have to almost drain the Heartstone to kill him. I really am happy about Selenay. She is doing the best that she can with what she has available. Hopefully she can help even more. Finally, you were right about me being happy about this chapter and then being frustrated that you left it there. Is there going to be a fight? How is Dalen going to get out of this one?

Kill them all. Kill the Black King, kill all the enemy mages in Valdemar, kill the soldiers, kill the traitors then invade their lands and destroy their infrastructure. Raze them to the ground. As you can see, I hope Dalen figures out a solution to the problem with the least amount of Valdemar casualties but the most Haighlei deaths. Now I'd like to see some actual help from Selenay to free Valdemar and not a selfish power play forcing him to imprison or even kill her. It's a good thing that he has full control over the Heartstone so that they won't be able to kill him easily. Gah. I can tell that as we get through the second half I'm going to be more and more impatient for new chapters. I'm looking forward to what happens a lot.

Things are looking up but I'm really worried for Bart now. I'm on team Bart all the way and if the Black Kings are experimenting on the Companions then he's in danger. There wasn't any mention of the Heartstone here. I'm still nervous that its been tampered with somehow but if its okay than Dalen will have the power he needs. I also remember that it was getting restless without a "proper" owner and I wonder if it's gone rogue.

Alright! An action plan. Obviously things won't go perfectly for Dalen but I agree that his control over the Heartstone will give him the power needed. I'm still under the impression that Dalen's mother (I still don't know her name) is a puppet in all of this. I'm also really happy that Dalen is committed to avoid as much bloodshed as possible. We've also finally found out why the Black Kings invaded. The fact that there is blood magic in play is terrible and needs to be addressed. I hope we get to see Dalen kick ass and take names later. Great chapter.

This was one of my favorite chapters so far. We got our training montage (time or at least the perception of time passes much slower in the ether), Dalen is a full Adept with a greater understanding of magic than anyone in Valdemar and he's been chosen by a Companion with a hilarious personality. I imagine Dalen has also matured and outgrown a lot of his character flaws. I wonder if the Loyalists actually caused the war with the Black Kings? I wonder how far the conspiracy goes. What will Dalen's mother think when she finds out that Dalen is now a Companion? What will the nation think when they witness Dalen's new power? I'm psyched for the next chapter.

Heh. I can't believe you just threw us a training opportunity for Dalen. The theme of training under a new master/teacher is one that I hold quite dear to my heart. I wonder how time differs between the planes? For Dalen's sake I hope that it's favorable. Dalen will come out of this experience much more powerful but if it takes a few days then this is just another unfortunate road block in his efforts to help Valdemar. The Tayledras seems like a good man if a bit blinded by his search for knowledge. I bet he has a lot to teach Dalen about himself and magic as a whole.

I'm still not making any judgements but things are looking pretty damning right now. Another terrible blow would be Dalen's father's death. The opposition must know that the general of the army wouldn't stand for a coup and the general holds the loyalty of his troops. Dalen will need to keep his wits about him and I'm glad that he's coming closer to acceptance of who he is. I just realized that Bart is a Herald now. I think something there will come to a head and Dalen will be forced to accept his destiny. Great chapter! I hope you update again this evening.

Wow. Things are about to get difficult. A new heir will need to be appointed and a Steward put in charge. Will the political dissidents make a move? Who was behind the terrorist attack? I totally didn't see this coming. Hopefully whoever is in charge of the government realizes the gravity of the situation with Dalen and supports him.

Some people have mentioned predictability but I love how every boy has "his" horse. It fits with the storyline so well. Great chapter. I'm glad Dylan finally felt comfortable sharing his past with Zak and Danny.

That was a powerful trap the bloodmage had set. It's interesting that Dalen's trick worked. Magic in this universe seems just as deadly as the magic in the Eregon universe. It is so easy to kill. Now I'm certain that Dalen will be Chosen (eventually). You're almost bludgeoning us with the foreshadowing. Dalen needs to stop being stubbern and admit that he's gay and ready to be a Hearald.

More misdirection and unanswered questions. Is his mother really involved with the Pamphlets? In any case, a counter propaganda campaign needs to be forged with the direct backing of the crown. And now we have the stage set for a battle but nothing is happening. The calm before the storm perhaps?

I'm also looking forward to the battle. The pace of this story is really excellent and I find myself really looking forward to new chapters. I read the chapter this morning and was finally able to review now so here's my last thought: I can't believe you left us with a maybe but maybe not cliffhanger at this one. Those are famous last words Dalen. Famous last words.

With this turn of events, I definitely believe the king that he would name Dalen heir if he is Chosen by a Companion. They must think extremely highly of him if he is given command over full Heralds or captains of the army. Now the stage is set for a series of battles and I'm worried about Paet. I know he's only on quick scouting duties but I have a feeling something is going to happen. Great chapter.

Danny and Dylan are going to be really good for each other. It's a good thing they met. I'm rethinking my hope for TJ and Dylan. I don't think TJ would move at the slow pace Dylan needs. Great chapter, I can't wait until next week!

You've hinted that the Black Kings have a perhaps good reason for this war, but I don't see how there can be peace without major concessions from them. They are attacking Heralds and Mages directly and are spreading death and destruction along the alliance. Then again, a quick internet search revealed that this is 46 or so chapters long, so there is plenty of room for more storyline to develop. I continue to enjoy Dalen's character growth and the situation seems to become more dire with each chapter. It's a shame that we have proof that the Herald and trainee died. I still had hope that they were alive.

The skirmish was exciting and nerve wracking. I enjoyed Dalen's resourcefulness and quick thinking. I was really worried for Paet and his Companion for a bit. It's funny, when I read fantasy novels I often think "Man, the good guys could win this with a few walkie talkies" but even in this universe and it's higher level of technology we see that there are still communication problems. Great chapter and thanks for continuing to post two a day.

Hmm. It seems that Dalen is being pulled somewhat unwillingly towards his destiny. I hope everyone survives. Things could go south very quickly.

That was a near thing. The rioting seems to be a targeted attack and I really wish I knew more about the magic of this universe. It seems pretty fascinating.

I echo the sentiment for more. I love the new characters and I can't wait to learn more about the Vale.

Heh. Dalen protests too much and Wren can see into the boys' hearts. I'm really enjoying the twists. I wonder if Bart's Companion will be able to safely "force" Bart's gifts to levels that they're supposed to be? Time will tell. Finally, I'm beginning to think that Dalen's mother isn't as bad as Dalen thinks she is. I bet she's caught up in the coming storm as well.

The mother son talk went about as well as I expected. I'm afraid that there is something else behind all the political intrigue and it's a shame that Dalen is getting caught up in it.

A war and Dalen is the keeper of the Heartstone! I'm worried that his mother is in the thick of things and Dalen will be forced to imprison here. The more we learn the more questions appear! Great chapter and I can't wait for more.