Review: Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw by D.A. Mucci

Today, we're starting out with a rich fantasy read...gosh, it's been a long time since I've read a pure adventure like this one. It's the first in a new series and packs all the goodness, which makes these type of fantasy tales grab and draw in. It's supposedly for YA, but I'm going to say it steers to the younger end.

Also, this is going to be one of my two review days. So, be sure to come back later and see what else I have in store!

IGNATIUS AND THE SWORDS OF NOSTAW

Book One of the Ignatius Series

by D. A. Mucci

St. Barts Publishing

YA Fantasy

320 pages

Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw is the first in an action-packed series perfect for readers who love an impossible mission led by an unlikely hero.

The coming-of-age story follows teenager Ignatius (nicknamed “Iggy”) who finds himself transported to a medieval world filled with magic. In the Kingdom of Skye, Iggy develops special powers and accomplishes quests in an effort to find his way home, fighting the evildoers along the way. While the genre is fantasy and the setting includes magic, mythological creatures, celestial races, and different lands, action-adventure is the undercurrent of the writing style, unveiling clues and surprises as the plot unfolds.

This YA fantasy is perfect for both teens and adults, as it gently reminds us that we are responsible for our destiny - and the most unexpected people can be the best teachers.

 

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   

MY TIDBITS

The thrill of discovering new worlds, being thrust into edge-of-the-seat adventure, and learning to go beyond expectations makes this a read to get lost in and wish for more.

Ignatius, aka Iggy, is just entering high school and determined to continue as the quiet guy on the sidelines...although his older brother is very concerned he's going to get bullied. While Ignatius does have his plan laid out and has no doubt it will get him through the school days without too much incidence, fate sees otherwise. Running from a group of bullies, Iggy finds himself transported to a world he's only seen in his dreams with creatures more dangerous than his worst nightmares. All he wants is to return home, but to do so, he must not only discover his own journey, he must fulfill the last wish of a great warrior and complete the being's quest.

In the first chapters, the author grounds Iggy in today's modern world by starting him out as a freshman in high school. Not only does Iggy come across as awkward, but so did the first scenes...and I almost laid this one down. But I'm so glad I didn't because as soon as Iggy gets transported to the Kingdom of Skye, the tale grabs and awkwardness drifts away. Iggy has never grown into his own skin, allowing tons of room for character growth...and the author uses this well. Iggy's immediately thrust into a dangerous situation with the death of creatures, which would normally send him running. This natural and believable reaction as well as the light hints of what bravery really lies within Iggy, make it clear that the reader is in for a fun ride.

The world is rich with well done characters and scenes. It's not clear where everything is going, leaving room for many unexpected twists and turns. By telling the tale from various view points, it's no problem to follow the plot weave and not get lost in the details. Plus, the evil, which awaits and is unknown to Iggy, creates a dark shadow and raises the tension throughout the read. 

This is the first book in the series, and it does leave off with many loose ends. So, hopefully, it won't take too long for book two to appear. While for the YA audience, it steers more toward the younger end. I'd even recommend this one for upper middle graders.

And here he is...

Being an Emergency Room physician for close to forty years, Dr. Mucci found that the pandemic brought forth new horrors in the ER. Writing this fantasy story about Ignatius became an enjoyable escape for him from all that was happening in the real world.