Carl E. Wooldridge Jr.’s THE TIDES OF KADAVAR, the first volume in The Twelve Paladins, is a captivating fantasy novel that’s easy to get engrossed in and brings the allure of dark fantasy to life. The story follows Henrick Skullbright (a skilled warrior and sergeant of the Gold Brigade in the Claymoran Army) and his team of allies as they fight for the fate of the world.

When the initial recruited mission to hunt down a powerful witch in Wastewatch goes horribly wrong, Henrick finds himself badly injured and in critical condition. During his recovery, he discovers he has been chosen as a champion to one of the gods and is destined to stop an ancient evil known as the Abyss.

Alongside Serena (a druid sent to guide him) and Yobo (a young half-dryad apprentice seeking justice for the deaths of his family and friends), Henrick embarks on a dangerous journey to find The Esfera de Luz, which is capable of defeating the shade: dark agents of the Abyss. As they battle these deadly creatures, uncover conspiracies from within, and race against time, they must decide whether fate alone is enough to forge their path.

From the opening chapters, THE TIDES OF KADAVAR transports readers into an expansive, richly crafted world where history and myth intertwine. Each of the six regions of Golterran has its own unique cultures, traditions, and stories, which offer a glimpse into the diverse ways that life is shaped by the gods, magic, and the struggles of the people. The Kingdom of Claymoran, where most of the story unfolds, is a land forged by war and discipline. Here, faith in Sol (the God of Fire and War) shapes the very core of its people, driving them to seek honor and glory through combat. Their belief in discipline and strength is unshakable, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The other inhabitants of this world are even more diverse and unique; beyond Claymoran’s borders, the world is teeming with other races and societies: pirates, witches, orcs, goblins, dwarves, dragons, monks, and many more.

The novel focuses on different characters and their journeys, but it does well to connect their stories and paths in the end. Henrick’s transformation from a loyal soldier to a banished warrior with a divine mission is interesting to follow; and Yobo’s quest for revenge slowly ties into the larger battle against the shades. The first half of the book is fast-paced with action; fights, escapes, and new discoveries keep the plot moving.

As the story progresses, however, the pacing slows, with little happening beyond the mission itself. While we do get glimpses into the villains’ schemes, more scenes of their plotting—especially involving Anima Scarm and his commander—would have added depth to the conspiracy. Similarly, Henrick’s background remains largely unexplored. Aside from the prologue, where his parents leave him with the dwarves who raise him for 25 years, little is revealed about his upbringing or where he came from. His adoptive parents are only mentioned once, with no indication of their current fate.

Though a few more twists and a stronger focus on the overarching conspiracy would have added more suspense and excitement to the tale, Carl E. Wooldridge Jr.’s THE TIDES OF KADAVAR delivers a thrilling ride for fantasy lovers—creatively blending magic, dark creatures, action, myth, and adventure.

~Tomi Alo for IndieReader