This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
James Arthur Tocksworth lives in the southwest United States, and works as a quantitative analyst at a major financial services company. He holds a bachelors degree in mathematics, and both masters and doctorate degrees in engineering. In the area of complex systems integration, he has spent over ten years of his career. When not crunching numbers or writing, he enjoys time with his wife and dachshund.
Tocksworth is a published academic author who has always had a passion for fiction writing, and he finally turns his hobby into a dream come true. His breakthrough novel FATE'S FRAY is available in major ereader formats and print through Ingram.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Fate's Fray Volume 1: The Story of Time No More by J.A. Tocksworth is probably one of the best, if not the best, fantasy books I have ever read. It's refreshing to read a fantasy book that is completely original and unique. Fate's Fray is not another Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. Tocksworth takes on his own world with engaging prose and interesting characters. Despite being a lengthy book, the pacing and action keep moving so it's a much faster read than one would expect. The dialogue and narrative are well balanced and Tocksworth doesn't bog the story down with unnecessary prose or scenes.
The protagonist of the story, X'ieth Armstrong, who lives in the land of Karnath, has limited foresight into his future beyond what the blinded oracles can tell. His life turns upside down when he’s suddenly dragged into a supernatural problem overhanging the human kingdom that causes social, economic, and political upsets. X'ieth tries to balance his obligations with his marriage, as his pregnant wife Millicent is less than understanding when he must leave.
Not only is the story unique, but Tocksworth writes like Hemingway and Dickens. The prose flows fluently and Tocksworth makes good use of language. The writing is vivid and real. For example, in chapter 2, when X'ieth is once again summoned away, Millicent is upset. The dialogue exchange made me feel as if I was right there listening to the two bicker back and forth. As the story progresses, the varying emotions of X'ieth can be felt as with the other characters.
Another plus to this story is that it isn't so complex that the reader becomes lost. So many fantasy books go off in so many directions that it's difficult to keep track of the plot and characters. Tocksworth writes in a clear and concise manner so that the reader doesn't get confused. There are many riveting scenes and, overall, it's just a phenomenal story. I highly recommend this book for both young adults and adults. There's no profanity (wonderful that Tocksworth appreciates that good fantasy doesn't need to be peppered with profanity) and there are no overly graphic scenes. I would give this book more than five stars if I could.
