In the Name of Honor

Vows & Valor Book 1

Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
371 Pages
Reviewed on 02/16/2025
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

Courtney Collins grew up two doors down from the local library and crushed every summer reading challenge. She worked in libraries and bookstores before deviating into a higher education career by day and a burlesque dancer by night. She’s published extensively in her local town newspaper. She holds a BA from Hamilton College and MSW from Boston University School of Social Work. Her own queerness and mother-loss influence the fantasy world created alongside her husband.

Clarke read The Hobbit at 10 years old and has lived in the world of fantasy ever since. When he’s not escaping into video games and tabletop realms, he’s working hard to improve healthcare. He holds a BA from Hamilton College. He earned a black belt in Shaolin Kung Fu and has faced more than his fair share of war hammers to the head while weapons training.

Photo credit: Owen Leavey Photography

    Book Review

Reviewed by Eric Ferrar for Readers' Favorite

In the Name of Honor by Courtney Collins and Clarke Collins takes readers into the enthralling adventures of Dimitar, a High Knight in training. Dimitar delivers a heartrending message to Kahled, King of Blackburn, involving the death of his close friend, King Conrad. This tragedy signals the presence of fiendish Corruptors in the land. In an attempt to seek vengeance for his fallen friend, King Kahled journeys into the unknown and is captured by the enemy. Nonetheless, before leaving Blackburn, he gives Dimitar the task of protecting his daughter, Princess Kaleela, who is also mourning the death of King Conrad. Dimitar intercepts a message regarding King Kahled's fate. Upon learning of the king's capture, Kaleela, Dimitar, and their companions set out to rescue him. Their arduous journey is filled with secrets, betrayal, unforetold dangers, and a pending war.

Fans of the LOTR franchise will be impressed by the stellar storytelling in this novel. In the Name of Honor is a compelling read that flawlessly merges multiple points of view, high-stakes adventure, an engaging plot, emotionally charged storylines, complex characters rich in diversity, and a well-designed world that will immediately grasp your undivided attention. It is a riveting story that touches on love, grief, revenge, courage, power, darkness, and war. Throughout Kaleela's and Dimitar's experiences, Courtney Collins and Clarke Collins effectively explore and incorporate themes like selflessness and trauma healing without diluting the action sequences. The Corruptors intrigued me the most. These beings create a welcome sense of menace, suspense, and trepidation throughout the storyline. I eagerly await the second installment of this captivating tale.

Carin M

I find this book epic and very difficult to put down! Best book I’ve read all here!