The Horn of Moran

Adventurers Wanted: The Horn of Moran

By M. L. Forman

Synopsis(From Goodreads):

The land of Norsland is on the brink of war as two men have each claimed the throne. Only the true king can sound the Horn of Moran and prove his nobility. But the horn has been lost for years. If it is not found—and soon—it could mean the destruction of an entire nation. Young Alexander Taylor joins a band of seasoned adventurers who have been called up to retrieve the legendary Horn of Moran. Their journey to the mysterious Tower of the Moon will take them through an enchanted forest, into battle against a goblin army, past the watchful eyes of griffin guards, and face-to-face with a sphinx and her deadly riddles. With his sword, Moon Slayer, and the wise counsel from his wizard mentor, Whalen Vankin, Alex must use all his wizard and warrior skills to slay a darkness that may consume them all. 

My review: 

     This was a very enjoyable book. While the first in this series was a bit of a dud, this book was a significant improvement on the author's part. The first book dragged a little, the protagonist, Alex, seemed invincible, and the characters remained largely undeveloped. In this book, The Horn of Moran, everything changed. The plot becomes much more interesting, Alex developed flaws(that make sense, and act as if they were simply not so blatant in the first book), and he developed the characters that needed development, making sure that the risks were to those characters that he developed, as to pull on your heartstrings a little.
      The largest problem with this book, is that the way it is written is a bit closer to middle grade than young adult. the second largest problem is the book before it. I think that you would still understand the book fairly well if you skipped the first book, but I advise against it, because it is never good to start in medias re, when the author doesn't put you there. 
      The story revolves around the main character, and his relations and growing power. Most of the other characters are largely undeveloped. However, several of those in the 'adventuring party', those closest to Alex, that become developed as they push Alex along his path.
     This is an enjoyable book and well worth reading. The main plot is clear from the beginning, but the unpredictability comes in what happens, and is learned along the way. Alex is true character, with flaws and traits, ideas and difficulties, and while he is somewhat bland in the first book, he has gained a flavor to savor. If you are a fantasy lover, you'll enjoy this light read.

My rating:

Profanity: None
Sexuality: None
Violence: Mild
Drugs and alcohol: Mild