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Palle E. K. Oswald
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HALF A LION: An Epic Adventure Novel (The Half Tales Book 1) Kindle Edition

by PALLE E. K. OSWALD (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 22 ratings
Half a Lion, a coming-of-age epic fantasy, follows the adventures of three siblings as they struggle for survival, embrace forbidden magic, and clash for thrones in the shadow of an enemy that threatens to drown their world in blood.

The half-blood fights shamans and skinchangers, all while caring for an ailing mother and vowing to win an unwanted throne. Betrayed, hunted and alone, the exile dreams of revenge and must rely on the loyalty of sworn enemies to do so. The cripple has lost everything, but loss can be the deadliest of weapons wielded by the coldest of hearts.

Amid poetry and politics, magic and murder, who has the strength to take the throne, and keep it?
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Half Tales
  2. Print length
    364 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    January 27, 2022
  5. File size
    5.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 2 books in this series.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A thrilling coming-of-age story with compelling worldbuilding...Although the fight scenes, especially between the siblings, often take center stage in this narrative, what stands out most impressively is Oswald's respectful treatment of elements of Central African culture." - Kirkus Reviews


"Oswald's well-crafted debut creates a visceral experience of tribal warfare, betrayal and courage set in a brutal fantasy world of shamans and horse warriors... Lovers of fantasy adventures will be immersed in this epic story with magic and fast-paced action set in an exotic world." - BookLife


"Palle E.K. Oswald's HALF A LION is a rollicking, violent, battle-filled sword-and-sorcery epic "jungle fantasy"...It's hard not to compare modern fantasy novels to George R.R. Martin's popular A Song of Ice And Fire series...But Oswald's literary roots stretch back further and burrow deeper, paying homage to the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard, and even Homer's The Illiad." - IndieReader

"This is a complicated and layered tale, populated with a variety of solidly wrought characters...a good solid read." - Goodreads review

"An unexpected gem...a master storyteller." - Goodreads review

"Absolutely recommend for anyone who's interested in a gripping saga that will echo in your mind after you've finished the final page." - Goodreads review

"...incredibly vivid world-building, writing that flowed like a dream, and characters formed so well I could almost believe I was reading fictionalised history." - Goodreads review

From the Author

KIRKUS REVIEW

"A fantasy novel by a Cameroonian author that draws on Central African folklore.
After half brothers Sakhan and Neneh engage in a public fight that embarrasses their father, Chief Kheng, the latter finds himself troubled by the perilous state of his Lion tribe. But when Sakhan's sister Adah is killed by unknown assailants, the chief opts to bring his sons with him as the tribe prepares for an uncertain war. From there, the action-packed novel kicks into gear as the tribe quickly finds members of a rival tribe and engages them in bloody battle, with Sakhan experiencing his first kills. After the chief's eldest son, Haikachi, infamously known as the "Butcher of Bamundia," is wounded and then mocked by the deceitful Neneh, a power struggle among the chief's sons arises—and all the while, warring tribes begin taking steps for further battles. After Kheng's death, his tribe threatens to cleave into smaller, antagonistic factions, fueled by Neneh's ambitions and claim to his father's throne, while Sakhan works to come to terms with his own destiny as he prepares to mount a challenge. Although the fight scenes, especially between the siblings, often take center stage in this narrative, what stands out most impressively is Oswald's respectful treatment of elements of Central African culture. His characters are well rounded, and although the story make ample use of mysticism, it never falls prey to exoticism; instead, the author's reverence for the traditions that inspired the work is clear. Oswald also effectively creates a world with a clear sense of mythography, with characters frequently taking the time to recall past battles and events, which gives the novel just enough dramatic sweep to feel like a historical epic.
A thrilling coming-of-age story with compelling worldbuilding."

VERDICT: Get It

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09JGPH18K
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amazon Digital Services (January 27, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 27, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.4 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 364 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 173779991X
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 22 ratings

About the author

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Palle E. K. Oswald

Palle E. K. Oswald

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Palle E.K. Oswald was born in a country of about 240 tribes. He was raised on a staple of folklore, of magical battles and mythical beasts. The stories that frightened other children, fascinated him. In school, the traditional fare was complimented with Western classics such as Great Expectations and Jane Eyre. His writing adopts the best of both worlds.

Palle E.K. Oswald resides in Maryland and is author of the debut novel Half A Lion.

Twitter https| //twitter.com/pekoswald?s=09

Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/PalleEKOswald

Blog| https://awalkwithpeko.blogspot.com/

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
22 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Caylah Coffeen
    4.0 out of 5 stars A richly researched fantasy tale
    Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2022
    Half a Lion is a beautiful, deeply researched fantasy tale that's a breath of fresh air. From the very first chapter, I was caught. The conflict and strength of the characters, even in the prologue, brought tears to my eyes, which is rarer for me these days after reading so much. The world is intricately crafted, with details of food, architecture, rituals, and more. I very much felt like I'd been drawn into a new and different world. I was so delighted to read a fantasy that wasn't based on a Western mythology and climate. It really gets old but I regained my wonder and curiosity as a reader by delving into a world based on African mythos. It took me longer to care about the characters. Sometimes it seemed like more effort and research had gone into crafting the world than the characters and more descriptions were based on the surroundings than the interior life of the people we followed. I appreciated the style of the writing however, glad for a more omniscient perspective that flowed between characters rather than large chunks of POV that switched back and forth after long chapters. Sometimes this was confusing, but I got more used to it as I went along and it's a more fluid and enjoyable read in my opinion than stories that have 10 POV characters in close 3rd that we have to wait ages to get back to. All in all, a great fantasy adventure story, with a fresh take and powerfully emotional characters. I certainly won't get bored with my TBR list if new authors produce original content like this! Thank you to Palle Oswald for providing me with a review copy.
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  • David Olthof
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely wonderful book. I highly recommend reading this. He’s a great up and coming author
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  • Shanel
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unique story!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2022
    I was excited to read this book as the summary was very interesting. It’s not my usual genre but I’m glad I was able to get out of my comfort zone with this book.
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  • llama llama
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Lot to Enjoy
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2023
    As someone who grew up enthralled by epic fantasies, I'm always searching for the next great saga to sweep me away. Half a Lion, the debut novel by Palle E.K. Oswald, delivered the kind of thrilling adventure and complex worldbuilding that reminds me why I fell in love with the genre.

    Set in a world inspired by Central African folklore, the story follows three siblings with a turbulent relationship who get caught up in a violent struggle for control of the throne. Oswald quickly pulls you into the action, with vividly described battle scenes and political scheming propelling the plot forward. Yet where the book truly shines is in the nuanced development of the central characters. Each sibling has their own unique motivations and inner conflicts, shaped by betrayal, loss, and a desire for power.

    As the narrative shifts between the rival siblings, Oswald maintains engagement through his strong prose and attention to imaginative details. The rituals, traditions, and landscapes of this fantasy Africa setting jump off the page. It feels akin to discovering a new world, free of recycled medieval European tropes. While the frequent perspective changes could be confusing at times, the sheer energy of the writing style and the epic scope of the tale prevailed.

    Fans of character-driven, gritty fantasy will find a lot to enjoy in Half a Lion. Oswald has crafted a lived-in world and a compelling cast of flawed yet relatable protagonists facing equally human struggles. The clan rivalries, forbidden magic systems, and brash action sequences offer the perfect escapist blend. As the first book in a planned trilogy, I'm eager to see where this adventure goes next. Oswald has marked himself as a fantasy author to watch.
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  • pooled ink Reviews
    4.0 out of 5 stars a fantasy read not quite like anything else before
    Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2022
    What a thrilling twisting adventure full of magic, revenge, discovery, and more! The prologue was a violent introduction but one that told me I was about to dive into an epic story. I fell into the writing easily, the plot unfolding in a smooth enticing manner. Intriguing characters, vivid imagery, and a story that rolled like the tide, HALF A LION is but the first installment of The Half Tales trilogy and was utterly engaging.
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  • VEdwards
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Adventure
    Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2022
    Half A Lion was a non-stop exciting adventure from the first chapter. The characters are realistic and well written, and inspired strong emotional responses from me. Thanks to the author for sending me a copy to review. I can't wait to read the next installment.
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  • Indiquinn
    5.0 out of 5 stars fantastic storytelling
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2022
    I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
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  • Steve Brock
    4.0 out of 5 stars An Adventure Thrill Ride
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2022
    As Stevo’s Novel Ideas, I am a long-time book reviewer, member of the media, an Influencer, and a content provider. I received this book as a free review copy from either the publisher, a publicist, or the author, and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. This review is submitted in collaboration with @BookTasters.

    In Half a Lion, three siblings: a warrior, a worker, and one that is accursed, must compete for kingship: the LionChair, while under attack by forces that threaten to overwhelm them at every turn. Tragic and violent, but also filled with magic, tribal lore that guides them, and a solid sense of place, this debut, the first in a trilogy, is an adventure thrill ride. Edgar Rice Burroughs would be proud.

    Find many more reviewed and recommended books and products by searching for me on Google.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Client d'Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best story line. I love everything about this book. Good story line 👍👍
    Reviewed in France on April 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
     
    Customer image
    Client d'Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Best story line. I love everything about this book. Good story line 👍👍

    Reviewed in France on April 26, 2022

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  • C
    4.0 out of 5 stars Everyone VS Everyone
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The blurb when I pre-ordered this talked about it being one for fans of Joe Abercrombie, and it does hit a lot of the same sweet spots: you've got the large ensemble cast thrown at each other's throats, gutter-low fantasy, lashings of violence & war, and a sense of brutal amorality. Setting this is a historical fantasy Africa freshens things up a lot as well as the usual quasi-feudal kingdoms are out and we have tribal family alliances, shamanism, very different geography, and men riding _wildebeests_ into battle.

    Unlike Abercrombie and others, the main drive of our leads after a while is blunt survival. Oaths, principles, and blood ties are very important to every character but are almost always thrown out for gain or to not get splattered.

    It's a very heavy read, you have to focus on a lot of characters and their cultures and history being thrown at you and it could've slowed down & been clearer in parts, but it very much feels like a 'lived in' world of traditions and histories. One nice bit is the brother's tribe has legends and oral tales of what's happened in the olden days and how they were the correct heroes of that history, but we see every other tribe has the same - and there's no sign of who was correct. Everyone thinks they're the justified protagonists as they wage horrifically bloody war.
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