by Holly J. Williams

Matador Publishing, out now

An epic quest.

Ley Riders is Holly Williams’ first novel, and treads familiar territory if you’re a fan of Epic Fantasy. At 676 pages, it’s no light read.

Petronia is the youngest child of blacksmith Godfrey and his wife. Born mute, her brother Hayden has always been her protector – adept at translating the hand gestures she uses to communicate. One day a trio of Ley Ryders (a female sect that use crystals to harness the earth’s natural energy to heal and protect) appear in their home village, Ravensbrook, and Petronia’s talent with crystals reveals itself – so the die is set.

Petronia travels with the Ryders to learn more and perhaps become a Ley Ryder herself. Her brother comes with her to translate her hand gestures, his head full of notions of letting her get this foolishness out of her system so he can return her to their home. When they reach the Ley Ryders’ dwelling place, they are introduced to Bracken, the only other apprentice, and Sister Amethyst, leader of the Ryders.

There’s a dark force at work in the world, and it seeks to subvert the Ley. After an attack on the Ryders’ home, Petronia, her brother and others are flung to far corners of the land. Each must subsequently try to find their way back and answer how to overcome the darkness.

Ley Ryders is a quest novel, with all that you would expect from such a book. The characters are well-drawn and their relationships develop believably, leaving the reader rooting for the protagonists to succeed in overcoming the dark forces that threaten them and the Ley itself. To say more about the plot would reveal too much, but it’s an enjoyable read even though at times it gets a little bogged down in overly-detailed descriptions. Indeed, as you progress through the book, this is less noticeable and the story pulls you along with it.

Verdict: The darkness is rising, and only the one foretold can stop it. Or become its instrument and end the world. 7/10

Marie O’Regan