Blurb:

The world turns upside down for thirteen-year-old Brooke Woods - literally - when she tumbles through a mountainside portal during a school trip.

And she's not the only one, either. Her classmates Charlie Flint and Dale Reed got pulled in, too.

Suddenly, they find themselves in a parallel world on the brink of war. A continent teeming with monsters and magic and intrigue. A place unlike anywhere they've ever been before, where one wrong move could see them gobbled up or turned into slugs.

Uland.

Review:

The Soulburn Talisman by David Mcllory follows three teens Brooke Woods, Charlie Flint and Dale Reed as they are thrust into a magical world on the brink of war via a mysterious portal. They have to race against time to get back home while carefully traversing this new world teeming with monsters and magic. They are guided by Willow, a woodsperson, a band of noble trolls through haunted forests, goblin markets and mountain fortresses all while being relentlessly pursued by Hysst the fearsome Commander of the Doomgaard. 

What initially drew me to this book was its intriguing cover art, which hinted at an adventure brimming with magic, peril, and portals. The idea of a story centered around three protagonists also piqued my curiosity. It opened the door to questions about their dynamic, whether one of them might betray the others or if there was something inherently significant about the number three. A quick glance at the synopsis confirmed this was a book that aligned with my tastes. David was more than kind enough to provide me with a digital copy of his book with no strings attached, so let’s dive into the review.

Soulburn Talisman is an accessible and engaging read that lets you immerse yourself in the story without requiring heavy mental effort. The narrative revolves around the trio’s journey through this magical world, weaving themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the true meaning of friendship. David McIlroy does a commendable job splitting the narrative focus among Brooke, Charlie, and Dale, allowing us to see how each character adjusts to their new reality. Their interactions with both allies and enemies highlight their individual strengths and vulnerabilities while showcasing how their differences complement one another.

One of the most refreshing aspects of the story was David’s portrayal of trolls. Rather than conforming to the usual stereotypes, the trolls in this story are compassionate, loyal, and self-sacrificing. Their unwavering desire to make a positive impact on the world and change the way others perceive them added a layer of depth to their characters. I found myself looking forward to every scene that involved them, as they brought warmth and hope to the narrative.

While I appreciated the dynamic among the trio, I did feel that Dale’s character was overshadowed by Brooke and Charlie, particularly in the latter half of the book. This choice made sense given the plot’s direction, but it left me wanting more insight into Dale’s perspective on how he coped with the challenges of the new world and how he processed the group’s evolving dynamics. Brooke and Charlie, on the other hand, felt more fleshed out, likely because the story spent more time exploring their thoughts and actions. Charlie’s character arc, in particular, stood out as he transformed from a bully struggling with his self-image to a loyal friend determined to prove himself. I hope future installments delve deeper into Dale’s character and continue to expand the development of all three protagonists.

The overarching theme of friendship was heartwarming, and the magical creatures the trio encountered added a rich layer of wonder to the story. David also excelled in crafting a menacing villain in Hysst, whose presence loomed large throughout the narrative. The clear dichotomy between good and evil was well executed, and the twists were cleverly woven into the story hidden in plain sight yet impossible to predict.

However, the story left some unanswered questions. For example, why were Brooke, Dale, and Charlie chosen to embark on this journey? The narrative seems to imply their involvement was coincidental, yet their latent abilities suggest there’s more to their connection with this magical world. I’m hopeful that subsequent books will shed light on this mystery, as it would add depth to the characters and make their roles feel more purposeful. Similarly, the source of their newfound abilities remains unexplained. Are their powers tied to their personalities, their lineage, or something else entirely? While this ambiguity intrigued me, further exploration in future installments could enrich the story and the world-building.

In conclusion, The Soulburn Talisman by David McIlroy is a fun and adventurous read filled with action, friendship, magic, and well-placed twists. While the book left some threads dangling, it sets up a promising foundation for the series. I’m excited to see how the story unfolds and hope for deeper character exploration and world-building in the sequels. If you enjoy light, adventurous fantasy with a touch of mystery and heart, this is a book worth picking up.