The White Tower (The Aldoran Chronicles: Book 1): An Epic Fantasy Adventure

I have really enjoyed reading these high-action fantasy books with all of the magic, creativity, imperfect heroes & villains that I have enjoyed from other authors (S Maas, I Andrews, R Yarrow, M Lu) without the graphic scenes & language. Thank you Michael for entertainment, great characters, epic battles, couples who love each other and none of the NC-17 stuff. I am SOOOOO grateful!!!!!

I find myself once again deeply drawn into this adventure. Remember ing the joys of the characters in this story. Though grown men they still keep their love of doing the right thing. Thank you Michael.

When I read the first edition, I was decidedly less than impressed. Especially for a book with the awards backing this one, it had a lot of problems.I'm pleased to say that with the second edition release, this book is vastly improved!It still has a few problems, but with the changes and cuts made to the text the majority of my criticisms are gone, leaving this as an enjoyable story that doesn't take itself too seriously.As always, Tim Gerard Reynolds gives us an only slightly less than stellar audio performance. His voices are varied and distinct, his tempo shifts are impeccable, and his vocal inflections are 100% on point. My one critique is his oh-so-common problem of being unable to produce believable opposite-gender voices.Now, right off the bat we are introduced to Nialis, an aging wizard saving a child from a (presumably) horrific fate. These first few chapters are full of action and magic and battles and can't help but draw you in.Unfortunately, the next POV character we meet is 16 years later with no section break or other notification to tell us that. I think the Nialis chapters would be more accurately labeled as a prologue.Following is an introduction to numerous POV characters, and at times it does get tricky trying to keep them straight. Especially as we don't see the same character in a second chapter until about 4 hours into the audiobook.My major complaint about the POV switching from the first edition is still present: there are several (at least 5, by my count) characters who have just a single POV chapter and either aren't seen again or at the least don't get another POV chapter. And in my opinion, none of their chapters add anything vital to the story.Also, it's a little strange to see POV shifts being denoted by chapter breaks while still having consecutive chapters from the same character's POV. At a few points, there are a many as 3 or possibly 4 chapters without a POV shift.Secondarily, there is an issue with the various POVs feeling perhaps a bit too disparate. Yes, especially by the end, it's not too hard to see how these different stories interrelate, but earlier in the book those connection points are not so clear.That said, each character does feel distinct, with their own drives, goals, quirks, and mannerisms. Characterization is skillfully done, and I couldn't help caring for the fates of these characters.And blessedly, the over-emphasis on back story from the first edition was largely eliminated, allowing me to get to know these characters in the present of their stories without being bogged down by boring life stories.My favorite character, by leaps and bounds, is most definitely Ferrin. Just like in the prequel, Shackled, he has a fantastic sense of humor that I strongly identify with and I love the way his personality comes out throughout the story.The prose itself is quite good. Although there are still a number of cases of passive voice that felt unnecessary (and didn't add anything to the story), and a few POV violations (the author occasionally tells another character's thoughts or gives details the current POV character couldn't possibly know), in all other ways the writing is practically flawless.Without spoilers (particularly because I'm not 100% certain I'm right, I could be remembering incorrectly), there does seem to be a minor inconsistency regarding the nature of Kellen's father's magic.I've talked about this before, but I feel it bears repeating: I'm really not a fan of just one aspect of the magic system, that being the transferrals. I have major personal issues with magic being 99% reliant on an object. It might as well be that it isn't really the wielder who has magic, but rather the object (yes, that is addressed somewhat in the book, but it doesn't change how I feel about it).And yes, I have the same issue with the Harry Potter universe.In other regards, however, I love the magic system the author has created. My only real complaint, as other reviewers have noted, is that magic is supposed to be exceedingly rare, yet almost every character in the book is secretly a wielder.Now, the ending.Between the different storylines, there are several great twists and reversals. There are some awesome character moments, several cheer worthy victories and more than one heart-wrenching tragedy. It all comes together quite brilliantly.If the next book is as much of an improvement over this one as this edition was over the first, then Mr. Wisehart will have earned a lifelong fan.

It is long time a fantasy world has not taken me like that … it reminds me of the greatest … love the Aldor world …Michael keep the good work

It’s not too deep or indelible on character building - so in absolute it’s more of a 4. But the writing does not get in the way (reminds me a little of Sanderson on that respect). All requisite timeless themes with just enough newness to keep it fresh. Just plain old engaging fun!

A good read for lazy afternoons. Full of action and developing characters. On the whole, it will make you want to know what is going to happen next.

A fun and enjoyable fantasy about magic wielders, monsters and the fight between good and evil. Looking forward to the next one.

Absolutely love this series bought second book brfore I finished first book

Worth reading as is any new series, just to see if it lives up to expectations or fails after the first few chapters, this one gets better with time.

A good 4* but another author that thinks we "all" need a million characters to follow! I think initially most readers would think Ty is the MC, after all the story starts with him but by the end I've no idea if there is a single MC & still no idea why he is so "important"? Another minor gripe is the latest tendency to have naive characters just for a vehicle for the "plot" twist, case in point is the Ayrion story arc....blind pew could see what was coming! I've already started Book 2, mainly because Book1 abruptly finished, so I'll have to see if I will continue in the series after the next one.

Not the worst but none of the deep structure, 3d characters, credible plot, crystal clarity or obvious intelligence of Modesitt, Weber or Bujold. The world building is just OK.I have to say I was surprised and disappointed at how poor this, as so many other amazon, 5* reviews turned out to be.PASS

this has to be 1 of the best books i have read in a long time. Unable to put it down

I'm halfway through this book... nothing special...The thing that strikes me the most about this book is the cover - not the art... but the actual texture... feels slimy/dirty - it's just uncomfortable to even handle... yuck! Had I picked this up off a book-shelf at the store, it'd have been promptly put back based on texture alone.