A Quest of Heroes

Rice, Morgan. A Quest of Heroes. Book 1 of the Sorcerer’s Ring series. 2012. 346p. ISBN 9781939416018. Available as an eBook on Overdrive.

At 14, Thorgrin cannot wait to escape the small village where he has spent all of his life. His salvation lies in joining the Legion, the group of young people selected by the King’s men to eventually join the Silver, the King’s elite force. His father, however, has forbidden it, and his three older brothers openly mock Thor’s wishes.

So when the Silver arrive in the village, Thor defies his father and siblings and attempts to join the Legion. The Silver’s commander denies Thor’s request, and advises him to try again when he’s grown into a man. Condemned to herd sheep, Thor notices one of them wandered into the forbidden forest. Following it, Thor comes across Argon, the realm’s druid, who advises him he will be a hero, but he must follow his own path.

Arriving in the capital city, Thor manages to join the Legion by impressing Erec, one of the best knights of the realm, and Kendrick, the illegitimate son of King MacGil. On the eve of the King’s daughter’s marriage to the Eastern Kingdom’s heir, the city is filled with guests and spies, and Thor meets Gwendolyn, the king’s second daughter and heir to the throne, and falls madly in love with her. In this time of change, family struggles and political power plays afflict the two kingdoms of the Ring, while the wild tribes beyond the canyon agitate for invasion.

As Thor learns the skills necessary for the Legion’s survival, he must also confront the jealousy and threats of those who are opposed to his arrival at court, while at the same time interpreting the omens that keep presenting themselves to him. Can Thor meets his destiny, or will he be done in by the enemies of the King? The story continues in A March of Kings.

For a modern take on someone discovering he has incredible magical powers, read Warrior Heir.