Aphelion Book One - The Adventure Review

Title: Aphelion Book One – The adventure
Author: William Dennis IV
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing, 2009
Genre: Fantasy
Rate: 3/5 – It is okay!
Get it here: Amazon US, Dorrance Bookstore


The story is about two young apprentices, Alana and Kunlun, who goes to war on behalf of their master. The evil Aphelion has created evil creatures that are taking over the world, and someone has to stop him. They travel to the Maceland where the battle is being fought, and they encounter several beasts on their way. They discover hidden powers within themselves, and they aid and impress the generals who have been fighting for a long time. But can they beat the Dark Wizard and save their home from the Aphelion creatures?

William Dennis tries to create a somewhat Tolkien universe with really detailed descriptions of how the world and its inhabitants were made. It is nicely done, whoever, it can be difficult to keep up with all the names of areas, cities, people, and creatures. When the people and creatures then evolve and move to new areas that are then created one simply cannot keep up. 

Furthermore then writing, when describing surroundings, actions or dialogue, is too detailed. Everything is told; the characters do not have any traits. If Alana dislike the elderly woman, then show it! I know that some is implied through the dialogue; however, it is not enough, sadly. If the author had shown us more the story would have been so much better. It ‘then he said’, ‘then he responded’, then he added’, or ‘the way led that way’, ‘which led that way’, ‘and around that corner’, ‘but they took the other way which led that way’ – kind of thing. And a personal dislike of mine is the repeating of ‘the lad and lass’, why not use him, her, he, and she sometimes instead of lad and lass, or childhood friends.

I received a complimentary copy of Aphelion Book One: The Adventure as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit www.dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.