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.

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.