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Paul E. Horsman is a Dutch and international fantasy author,
Born in Bussum, a quiet little town in the Netherlands (1952).
After finishing school and doing a stint in the army in tropical Surinam, he served for thirty years as a Scoutmaster. In his spare time, he earned his bread in various business capacities.
From 1995 to 2012 he was an instructor at a large educational institution - where he explained to foreigners the wonders of the Dutch language and customs - until Governmental budget cuts terminated the school.
Since then he is a full-time fantasy author.
His first books have been traditionally published in The Netherlands by Zilverspoor Publishers: Rhidauna (2012), Zihaen (2013), Ordelanden (2013).
His English titles are: The Shardheld Saga book 1 & 2: Shardfall (2013), Runemaster (2013).
The Shadow of the Revenaunt book 1& 2: Rhidauna (2013), Zihaen (2013), Ordelanden (Feb 2014)
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Shardfall: The Shardheld Saga (Volume 1) by Paul E. Horsman is the story of two men, Muus and Kjelle, who are trapped in an avalanche which leaves them stranded on the icy mountain slopes, fighting cold and starvation. Kjelle knows about the small blue shard picked up by Muus. Muus has to now connect that skyshard to the Kalmanir, a standing stone which is the world's fount of all magic. In trying times when they are surrounded by only enemies, Muus and Kjelle become friends and learn to trust each other. They have to reach the Kalmanir to replenish before its magic dies. Will they be able to do it?
The story takes us through a tough journey in a snowy land. The four main characters, Muus, Kjelle, Tuuri and Birthe with her baby boy Bui, form an integral part of the story. Apart from undergoing this journey, it is also a journey into themselves, which makes them realize about their true selves. The antagonism between Muus and Kjelle and the realization that they need to help each other for survival is interesting to read. The story captures the starkness and harshness of the biting cold. The discovery of the blue light adds to the magic appeal of the book. Like any fantasy story, this book also enthralls its readers with adventure, intrigue, whimsy, and suspense.
The historical setting, Norse mythology, and magic have been woven into the story with great expertise. The story line is clear and the scenes are described with clarity, which makes it vivid and colorful.
