Legend of the Storm Hawks

Book 1 Prelude to the Rootstock Saga

Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
568 Pages
Reviewed on 11/27/2019
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

L.H. Leonard writes epic fantasy because she prefers imaginary worlds to dysfunctional real ones. She's been a technologist (computer geek and manager thereof) in the financial and media industries for most of her career, and sidelines as micro-publisher Each Voice Publishing. When getting paid doesn't matter, she's an animal rescuer, artist, almost-master gardener, and a suprisingly good cook.

She and her husband live happily ever after in Georgia, where their forever home is a short trek from the Chattahoochee River through woods filled with deer, coyotes, owls, the occasional bear, and of course, hawks.

Their progeny are creative individualists, the eldest of whom has given them a small tribe of grandchildren. They're the real Children of Promise.

Rootstock Saga is her completed epic fantasy series. All four titles will be released during 2020, a few months apart.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

Legend of the Storm Hawks: Book 1 of the Rootstock Saga is an epic fantasy by L. H. Leonard. In the south of the medieval-like kingdom of Innis, a king sits on an uneasy throne. Forces human and otherwise, treacherous and true, struggle for dominance. In the discontented north, a powerful clan allies itself through marriages with three others. The king takes notice of this possible shift in allegiance even as his sister threatens his rule through religious and military backing abroad. The king’s Minister of Diplomacy plays an old game of strategy on a board filled with hidden pieces as ancient forces add to the conflict and the kingdom teeters on the brink of war. A map of Innis brings Britain to mind, and the northern clans have a definite Scottish flavor.

If you like epic fantasy with stunning world-building, dramatic characterization, a suspenseful and surprising plot, and a strong thread of fantastical elements, Legend of the Storm Hawks is for you. Described as the prelude to three novels which will take the saga to other lands and cultures, this first novel in the series is utterly engaging. The narrative moves at a good pace and is highly descriptive. Each chapter unfolds another layer of the story and dives deeper into the hidden recesses of the plot, places, and characters. Leonard alternates between the viewpoints of different characters, giving the reader insight from different angles. The main characters are three-dimensional and relatable. I quickly found my favorites. I look forward to reading the subsequent novels in the series. Highly recommended.

Ruffina Oserio

Legend of the Storm Hawks is the first book in the Rootstock Saga by L. H. Leonard and a literary masterpiece with an irresistible appeal for fans of epic fantasies. The reader is introduced to a medieval-like kingdom, threatened by powerful invading armies, rogues who kill for bounty and a land where warlords rise easily. A fragmented people must unite to build a strong army. Centuries ago, after Joren’s Surdisi rebels conquered Rhynn and renamed it Innis, the clans in the mountainous northeast recognized that by banding together, they became stronger. They adopted the Aleron name from the ancient Aurel god of wind and storm and chose the hawk for their banners. The confederacy of Hawks numbered over a hundred thousand families, all sworn to their chosen Chief of Chiefs, Adan Tavish, the Rhi’Aleron. With frequent and invading foreign armies, bounty hunters everywhere, rough men as hard as flint, and powerful threats looming ahead can the confederacy of Hawks create an army that can stop the frequent threats? This is an epic tale that features an unusual character, Nigel, and the part he plays in defense of the land he loves will move the most difficult of readers.

The language is exquisite and it is interesting how the author captures an accent from another time and place and how the music she brings into the dialogues enriches the reading experience. The phraseology, especially when it comes to dialogues, allows readers an understanding of the historical moment and culture in which the narrative takes place, even if it is an imaginary time. The elements of the setting are captured in the action. The writing is gorgeous with dialogues that make for an enjoyable reading experience. Each page is filled with humor, at times grim. Legend of the Storm Hawks is fast-paced, filled with action, a rollicking ride with compelling characters. L. H. Leonard is a great storyteller and the imagery she created stayed in my mind. This is an introduction to a promising series I’d like to follow.

K.C. Finn

Legend of the Storm Hawks is a work of epic fantasy fiction set in a pseudo-medieval fantasy realm and was penned by author L. H. Leonard. Set as the launch of cross-cultural science fiction and fantasy series in four parts, this first epic adventure looks at a group of clans in a world not unlike medieval Scotland. Here the clans of Callan, Gruder, Buchanan, and Iverach all feel the threat of invasion weighing heavy on their precious homeland, and so they must set aside their differences to band together against the ones who would see them fail. So begins a sword and shield tale with plenty of layers of secrets, battles, allies and enemies alike.

Fans of world-spanning fantasy fiction such as Game of Thrones are certain to be able to fulfill their need for battles, political struggles and huge ensembles of people in this, the opening to author L. H. Leonard’s epic fantasy series. The content is highly suitable for readers of all ages to dive into without any graphic moments, making it an accessible but highly engaging read that encompasses all different levels of the human experience. The characters build and grow well as the plot goes on, falling into the complex but efficiently built landscape that Leonard has created. The world-building is of high quality, giving readers the full lore but not in an overwhelming fashion. We learn as each element becomes relevant to the plot, and overall I believe that Legend of the Storm Hawks is an excellent action-fantasy novel that holds much promise for the rest of the series ahead.