Outpost (The Fylking Book 1) by F.T. McKinstry is a detailed fantasy world about unlikely heroes being called upon to save the world. Seers are disappearing and the Gate, which is a portal between dimensions, is becoming less and less guarded. We start the novel by getting a backdrop of our heroes in their daily lives as they slowly merge into the story and the story truly begins. This is indeed an epic fantasy with a lot of interesting environments the characters are thrust into, and a huge overarching story to the entire world being built up. The novel ends with a cataclysmic showdown and furthers sets up the next novel in the series.

The writing is clean, if a bit over descriptive, and the story is interesting and unique. I enjoyed learning about the Fylking and their enemies, and I thought the heroes created a good dynamic. The dialogue is a bit stiff at times, but there are a lot of humorous and entertaining moments that keep it alive and interesting. My favorite character was Melisandre because she seemed like the least likeliest hero who ends up performing amazing feats by the novel's end, and I appreciated the obstacles she had to overcome. Outpost (The Fylking Book 1) by F.T. McKinstry is an entertaining epic fantasy novel with a unique and distinctly new world sure to entertain anyone who is a fan of the genre. Great story, I really enjoyed it! I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.

Outpost (The Fylking Book 1) by F.T. McKinstry is an epic fantasy that takes place in a warring realm ruled by warlords called the Fylking. The Fylking taught human seers to guard a portal they called the Gate. But the Fylking's enemies want the Gate destroyed and don't hesitate to sacrifice lives in order to achieve their goals. Suddenly, after centuries of peace, seers start vanishing. A guardian of the Gate finds out that a warlock is using Fylking magic to build an army of warriors that cannot be killed. A King's Ranger, who defends the realm's wilds, becomes locked in a political trap. And a third mortal sees a dark immortal who has the power to summon storms. These three mortals join together to discover the source of the growing evil. They must put aside their differences and come together to save the Gate. Because if they cannot, the fall of the Gate into evil hands will upset the world's balance, destroy the Fylking, and ruin the world forever.

Outpost is a richly described fantasy world that I could immediately envision. McKinstry does an excellent job of describing the characters and the landscape with such detail that I felt as if I was immersed in the world. This made the reading experience so much more interactive and I really appreciated this attention to detail. McKinstry created a complex world with many interesting characters with powers and abilities. I was amazed at the skill needed to keep the characters' stories separate and unique. I enjoyed this story thoroughly.

Finalist, SPFBO 2016

“The tone is excellent, reminiscent of some of the earliest examples of grim Norse fantasy.” – G.R. Matthews, Fantasy Faction

“McKinstry’s book proves to be one of the best independently published fantasy novels of the past year. Tense, gritty, exciting, and romantic, Outpost is a tale avid fantasy readers won’t want to miss.” – Self-Publishing Review

“For anyone who is interested in the rich tapestry of fantasy with solid world building and three dimensional characters, Outpost by F.T. McKinstry is a must read.” – Literary Titan

“I found this a very enjoyable read with likeable characters living in a well imagined world and I would definitely continue to read more in this series.” – Lynn at Lynn’s Book Blog

“I really fell in love with this world and its people inhabiting it. The tone and vibe were spectacular. I felt I could smell the salt in the air on the coast.” – Amazon Customer Review

“Her pace builds like that of a Stephen King novel, laconic at first, then very interesting and mysterious, and finally becoming a thrilling drama, ratcheting along to an epic conclusion at breakneck speed. At some point it will become really hard for you to put the book down.” – J. Ellyne, author of The Fair and Fey

“Rich in detail and beautifully written, the book features incredible world-building, taking place in a fantasy setting that breaks the bounds of expectations. The cultures and concepts and creatures portrayed in this novel are also brought to life so vividly that they practically leap off the pages.” – Mogsy at Bibliosanctum

“A truly masterful achievement.” – Michael D. Smith, author of the Jack Commer Series
“This book was awesome. The world building was great and in-depth, yet believable and not overwhelming. The plot is solid. The characters are diverse and interesting. Everything flows and comes together.” – J.F. Jenkins, author of The Dragons Saga

“F.T. McKinstry has shown great strength in writing… A well told dark fantasy that twists around itself like a cobra waiting to strike.” – Dianne, Tome Tende
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“This is a fascinating tale... Toward the end it’s very hard to put this book down.” – Erica Lane, Fantasy Book Lane

“F.T. McKinstry created a complex world of Norse inspiration where Otherworldly creatures abound in the treacherous fog and tangled forests…listening to distant echoes of Tolkien.” – Lord Walki Wolf
“Outpost is filled with beautiful imagery and touches of magic on every page. I look forward to reading more about these Gods of War in future books of the series.” – HeatherAnne Norbury, Floofy Not Floofy

“This was a great read! Recommend if you are looking for a wonderful fantasy book.” – Goodreads
“I do enjoy a good fantasy book, and I say a Good Fantasy book, and Outpost fulfilled all the requirements. A clever mix of mythical elements, faery tale, sword & sorcery, and romantic lust.” – Goodreads

“F.T. McKinstry’s writing style is superb.” – Goodreads

“I was very impressed by this story. Arcmael’s heroic story guides us through a mesmerizing world fraught with danger and Otherworld enemies. I particularly enjoyed the parts in the Wyrvith Forest. All in all a beautiful story.” – Amazon Customer Review

“Nicely done! I immensely enjoyed it.” – Goodreads