Publisher's Synopsis
In the tradition of C.S. Lewis' classic fantasy, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Coen paints a vivid picture of a kingdom awaiting its rightful king while evil forces seek to destroy Riel and his guides. The uplifting story begins each chapter with a verse from The Bible that relates to Riel's journey.
Riel Ran Agam is born just before his mother, Queen Adriel, is murdered by General Aragant and his band of men. Prince Riel is then raised by Silkies on an un-inhabited island just off the Carmel Coasts.
As Riel's childhood ends, Liam relieves the Silkies of their charge. Come the Kingdom takes Riel on a dangerous journey through the Western Kingdom, sometimes accompanied by the wise and mysterious Liam but most often in the company of magical talking animals. Their quest takes them over violent seas, dangerous mountain passes, and dense forests while hiding from a dragon and evading the usurper king Char La Tan.
When they arrive at The Citadel, a beautiful and advanced city, the magical animals must hide in the forest while Riel ventures in alone to face the seductions of the city. Riel is aided by and in turn aids the enslaved Slovens.
Through the adventures, he is connected with a mystical, spiritual being named Liam. As Riel matures and learns to follow Liam's guidance, he is ultimately ready to become the leader he was destined to be, fulfilling the prophecy. Accompanied by an unusual band of helpers, he makes wise decisions which impact the future of the entire Western Kingdom.
In a story full of mystery, adventure and romance, we follow Riel as he evades the ruthless men trying to kill him. He lands in a slave prone society of very religious, stubborn and cruel people. After meeting the beautiful but evil Princess Astar, Riel must decide what he stands for, and who will stand with him.
Coen, who is also a painter, translates that visual talent into vivid descriptions of the many locations in her imaginary kingdom and its humans and mystical creatures. In particular, the angels guarding the Gates of Paradise come alive with their terrible beauty and power.
