Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

The Battle for Darracia by Michael Phillip Cash combines three books in one and plunges the reader into a world where chaos is about to tear it apart. The setting is on a planet called Darracia, a place where class distinction is rank and rife. Once a peaceful world, it has slowly become a place where power struggles and skirmishes are the order of the day. It is in this context that the nineteen-year-old Prince V'sair must follow his path and master the power of the mysterious Fireblade, which holds the secrets to a warrior’s heart, for him to be able to defeat his uncle who makes claims to the throne. Staf Nuen is bent on conquering Darracia, and the only thing that could help defeat him is the power of the Elements. Can the young prince gain mastery of this art in time to protect his planet and his people?

The Battle for Darracia is an exciting tale that features strong elements of both sci-fi and epic fantasy. The story is well-crafted and the writing is poetic, filled with powerful imagery and descriptions that render an imaginary world so vivid that readers will think it is real. Michael Phillip Cash has done a great job in building conflict at a phenomenal scale in this novel and readers will be keen to follow the characters until the final battle. The story is well-plotted and beautifully paced, featuring surprises that readers won’t see coming, a style that compels readers to move swiftly to the next chapter every time they finish one. I loved the writing, the memorable characters — especially the young prince and his personal development in a journey symbolic of the path everyone must take toward self-discovery — the strong setting, and the satisfying denouement. It is an exciting and enjoyable read.