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The Carbynarah Chronicles #1

The Carbynarah Chronicles: An Epic Fantasy Adventure

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Enter a world of fantasy and magic …
The Carbynarah Chronicles – a new Amazon bestseller

From the pen of author Jon Franklyn, comes an epic tale of two opposing factions locked in a bitter conflict that has waged since the beginning of time.

The Carbynarah Chronicles takes the reader on an epic tale of magic, swords, and sorcery as the battle for the very soul of this magical realm unfolds. With a cast of unforgettable characters, perfectly paced adventures, and epic battles, The Carbynarah Chronicles delivers a world that leaves the reader desperate for more.

Prepare for an epic journey of fantasy, swords, and a battle for a world of unsurpassed magic.

The Carbynarah Chronicles is delighting readers with its epic tale of magic wielders and an ending that blows everyone away. Aimed at the entire family, The Carbynarah Chronicles is destined to become a classic, in science fiction and fantasy, that will capture the imagination of all generations.

Thank you for reading! We can’t wait for you to discover the incredible world of Carbynarah.

531 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2017

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About the author

Jon Franklyn

3 books24 followers
Franklyn was born in the majestic San Juan Islands, in Washington State (ten miles east of Vancouver Island) surrounded by artists and writers. Inspired by the faculty at his local high school, including the cousin of Kurt Vonnegut, author of over 25 books and plays, Jon always dreamed of writing his own book. Graduating from Anacortes High School, Westminster College, and the American Institute of Applied Politics, Franklyn worked on several political campaigns before he started his foray into business.

His business career eventually led him back to writing. In 2010, Franklyn sat down at a computer, and 90 days later he had written the first draft of “The Inset.” Years later, with the encouragement of his wife, Julie, he picked up the keyboard and pursued his career in writing. Several books later, Jon contacted an editor, and today you are enjoying the fruits of that labor.

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5 stars
27 (61%)
4 stars
4 (9%)
3 stars
5 (11%)
2 stars
4 (9%)
1 star
4 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
1 review2 followers
November 21, 2017
A wonderfully written story. I bonded with the characters (great character development) and soon had my favorites as I traveled with them through the pages. I was totally surprised at the unexpected ending and look forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Jamal Lewis.
Author 2 books67 followers
December 4, 2017
Yron has no idea that magic could cause lightning, and neither did I, but this event kicked off what was a magically delightful novel. The author has keenly developed the world of Carbynarah, a place that rivals Narnia. As much as Yron likes learning about magic his teacher doesn’t fully avail him to one striking detail: in Carbynarah, Magic Users are killed or jailed. How does Yron handle this revelation is what drove me to “The End.”

If you’re looking for a book that starts off fast and fantastic and offer a new fantasy plotline with a twist, this book is the one to read.
Profile Image for Christi M.
345 reviews79 followers
June 3, 2019
From the very first page of The Carbynarah Chronicles, you are thrust into a story that has already begun. The story is in play and you and the first 2 characters you meet are there to catch up. There is war and it is in progress and from the first page on you never stop being in a battle or preparing for a battle. You always feel like you are driving toward a destination only to meet another diversion or reason that takes you and the main character away to fulfill the need of another part of the war. Although the entire book is set within a war, the actual main story revolves around a Maiggii named Yron. (Maigii meaning not full wizard). As he is pulled into the needs of the moment, we watch his journey and magical growth. However, the magical growth comes with questions and more questions.

Although many fantasy books come with maps, this is probably the very first fantasy book that I truly needed one. I have often thought that maps were mostly there to give the author some visualization of the land they are creating as well as the reader an overview of where things are. But generally once engaged in reading a story I find that I don't rely on it very often. However, the manner in which this book is written is that you never stay in one place very long. You are quickly moved from one location to another depending on whether someone needs assistance or if a message needs to be sent or just to move the story continually forward. As a result, it was sometimes hard to get straight in my own mind where people were going or where they were coming from. Don't get me wrong, quickly moving from location to location helps increase the intensity of urgency you feel. After all, it is a war. You should feel unsettled because the characters are unsettled and their very lives are on the line. So in the end I was glad there was a map. However, I do wish it could have been bigger on my screen. I would have even taken a more detailed map to help show the topography even better, especially since wars and battles are often about positioning and overcoming landscape obstacles as well as using the landscape to your advantage.

This story itself is very good and is a great read. The pacing is fast and intense and there is a richness to it that sometimes other books miss. I enjoyed the characters, although at times I wished they would talk more so that I could know what they are thinking. At the end you are provided answers to some questions, but it also leaves some questions unanswered that you hope get satisfied within the next book. It does have a few grammatical items, but never were the issues so glaring or overwhelming that it became annoying to read or continue. In conclusion, I found this book well worth the time I spent reading it and can definitely recommend it.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
Profile Image for Reader Views.
2,956 reviews149 followers
December 27, 2017
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (12/17)

“The Carbynarah Chronicles” is Book 1 of the epic Swords and Magic Fantasy Fiction Adventure by Jon Franklyn.

Carbynarah is a land of magic, some of which has been forbidden. A war has begun between two factions, and the use of magic is beginning again, which breaks an ancient treaty. This endangers the users of magic. Grand Master Raajanaar has a gifted Maiggii named Yron who is apprenticing under him. Yron sets out on a mission to help defend his master’s allies. While he is on this mission he notices that his magical abilities are growing. He also discovers sacred magical sites from the past that provide him with tools to increase his abilities. If he can survive this war, he will be the most powerful magician in the land.

Once I started reading, The Carbynarah Chronicles, I did not want to put it down, but because this adventure is so large, I had to! The story captivated me because the author vividly describes the lands and the magical creatures. The main characters are likeable and well developed. As I followed along on their journey, I enjoyed watching the characters evolve. The plot is well developed and I liked that the author didn’t overwhelm me with foreign vocabulary. I rarely had to refer to the glossary in the front of the story, though I did appreciate having it as a reference. I also liked being taken inside the minds of the different characters. While the main plot focuses on Yron, there are connecting subplots that could each have their own books. I enjoyed them coming together towards the end of the novel and expect the unfinished ones to come together in the sequel.

“The Carbynarah Chronicles” by Jon Franklyn tells a magical tale that is appropriate for readers of all ages. There are a few minor grammatical errors that could be fixed with finer editing. The tale impacted me so much, it stayed in my mind long after I finished reading it. As a fan of fantasy science fiction, this novel ranks up high among my favorites. I was happy to see that the author will release the next volume in the near future! I cannot wait for the next volume to be released!
Profile Image for Robin Morgan.
Author 5 books284 followers
June 13, 2018
This book was actually won through a giveaway the author had here on Amazon.com and the following is my honest opinion.

One of the major issues readers can have when they read epics like this is the sheer number of pages one has. Being an author myself I can tell from personal experiences in writing my manuscripts there’s often a lot of stuff which I wrote that I eventually wound up deleting because it didn’t really move the story along or didn’t do anything regarding the development of a particular character. However, in reading this endeavor by Jon Franklyn, I happy to say I found hardly any of this superfluous writing present.

Instead, I believe readers will find this book, as did I, to have been written brilliantly.
The storyline, I believe is rather entrancing as it draws its readers with its vibrant descriptions of the scenes and the mystical creatures living within the pages of this book. The character development is such that readers can easily follow their evolvement mentally as the story progresses. The variety of elements in this fantasy storyline of sword/sorcery and the like allows for a broad audience base of readers.

This is your classic quintessential story of good vs evil, whose myriad of twists and turns makes this it one which is true page turner. For having given his readers an epic reading experience which is hard to put down, I’ve given Mr. Franklyn 5 STARS for his endeavor here.
Profile Image for Goodness Mfonido.
57 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2017
I can't believe I finished it already! This was a great book and is leaving me hungering for more!
This book is what I call a grabber. It catches you at the outset and doesn't let go til it's finished. A really enjoyable reading. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Writers N Authors Book Reviews.
82 reviews13 followers
May 16, 2018
Franklyn takes you on a magical journey, with a unique approach and a fantasy storyline. I love it when a book can draw me in and keep me want more, I felt as if I was in the scenes of the book with the characters mesmerized by my own wizardry lol… At first, I thought this book is going to take me forever to read its a large book, but the pages seem to turn themselves. The banter and battles were intriguing and the Natural magic of the world written so you can visualize. I recommend this book to any sci-fi, fantasy readers along with sword and magic readers.

One thing I’m a big fan of is at the end of the book the author has a Glossary for the land of Carbynatah. Franklyn recaps the character, token, world or what have you but he also gives you pronunciation, for example, Carbynatah (kar-ben-ar-uh) .

Then as a smart writer the teaser for Book II – Chapter 1 (which I already ordered) “Hear ye…Hear ye…Hear ye… https://writersnauthors.com/book-revi...
1 review1 follower
October 20, 2017
What a great read. I couldn't stop reading this book. The author Franklyn takes you to a different world!
Profile Image for Paws, Pages and Purrs.
284 reviews9 followers
November 15, 2019
1.5*

I can't. I just... can't. DNF'ed it so fast...

There are so many typos and double words and sentences that are too long and are nonsensical in this that I am completely turned off by this no matter how the summary make it seem good and how much some reviewers seem to have enjoyed this. I mean, it's got a general rating of 4.45* to it...

Had this been edited better and such, I probably would have kept reading and enjoyed my reading of it but there is just a point I reached where I had enough of the writing issues. And there are PLENTY of that.

I have to say I did like the Yron character, from what I was able to read from this. He's enjoyable and I would have loved to follow his story to the end but... yeah... I won't repeat myself here by saying why I can't.

I tried. I really, really did.
Profile Image for Jon Franklyn.
Author 3 books24 followers
Currently reading
December 7, 2017
With humility, I want to thank all my friends and family ... Writing a book and exposing yourself to the world to critic your work is a very hard thing to do ... For me it was a great emotional risk ... for the last 60 days since we published our book, it has been a real roller coaster ride of excitement and disappointment ... but today, when I was notified that this weeks we were rated #1 in digital books on Amazon in two catagories in the USA, Australia, United Kingdom and Canada it caused me to reflect ... I could not have done it without you ... your support, your encouragement, your faith ... To all those that have stood by me and encouraged me ... THANK YOU!!!
Profile Image for Yvette Gill.
1 review
Read
January 3, 2018
The heart of gold

You have to be strong
It's the will to live only the strong survive no telling about the weak
I would recommend this book to people who read harry potter books
Magical wizards is it really real ?
Profile Image for Anna.
56 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2020
I received a business card with a code to get a free e-book. Given my extensive reading list, it took a while to move down the pile to this book.

The description of the book plot came off as overly bland and generic. I have at least finished reading the book. There are far too many grammar errors, especially the same one over and over that reading is jarring. The dialogue, when it happens doesn't have a natural flow to it.

Just the style of narrative and the exposition for passing on information for the reader is too much, such as overly descriptive and explaining how the camp is set up and the order of wagons, over-explaining a reasoning. A war is coming and everyone abandons the castles and forts to head for the plateau.

Characterization comes off as inconsistent. Older characters are patronizing and condescending to younger characters. The one thing that's really jarring is a scene, the narrative starts off following one character and what they're thinking and it switches in the next paragraph to another character, and third paragraph switches to another character or back to the first. The worst is when the character perspective switches in the same paragraph.

Power creep and the sudden prophecy of the main character is cringe-worthy, even if it serves the plot and the big reveal comes in the last 30 pages. By the time the Big Reveal and plot twists come, I just don't care, the reveal doesn't justify the awfulness of the writing and way certain characters behave.

Brelyah for example, Yron captures her as she's an enemy spy. He hits her multiple times with a charm spell to get her to stop struggling and trying to run. Brelyah then goes on to alternating between fawning over Yron, infatuated, in love, to doesn't know about magic, to she knows how to cast it herself and the big reveal with her in the end. Then Yron acting as if he forgot he charmed her and can't understand why she's mooning over him and resents her. By the time her secret and reveal comes, it's just inconsistent and doesn't make up for the bad writing earlier.

It just feels too, in the second half to the last a hundred pages, the point of the story with this Inset Spell is nearly forgotten, the character Havendar and what's going on with him is just dropped, a side quest feels more the author wanting to world build and realizing he wants the story to go another way but doesn't fully make sure details are consistent.

The ending is just so unsatisfactory, even if it's a cliff hanger to get you coming back for the second book.

Ultimately, the author needed a better editor, proofreader and beta readers to tighten the entire book up. Get away from long descriptions, narratives camp planning and marching orders, ect.
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 117 books156 followers
December 2, 2017
Author Jon Franklyn weaves an outstanding and noteworthy tale of sci-fi fantasy with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints an exciting and adventurous story of swords and sorcery in a very vivid and convincing way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and integrity. If you’re looking for an action packed, sci-fi fantasy adventure that’s packed to the rafters with courage, bravery and heroism, this book has it all…and more.

The book description gives a sneak preview; ‘Carbynarah is a world at war with itself. Created so that all living things could use the magic that comes from Essence produced by the tree pictured on the cover. Shortly after the creation of Carbynarah, Natural magic users (magic that comes from the DNA of the individual) infested the world.

Over the years, Natural magic users have been unable to overthrow the magic created from the Essence on Carbynarah; but now, as magical essence is diminishing, the Natural magic users believe it is time to try again. The people of Carbynarah are on the verge of uniting, and the Natural magic users realize this may be their last chance…’

Now, if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed.

Captivating and commendable, this work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly spellbinding journey!

It’s one of those books that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.

If this volume is anything to go by, I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Jon Franklyn in the future. This has all the hallmarks of making a great series. I would definitely recommend this book and would love to see it adapted for the Silver Screen. I honestly think it would make a fantastic movie. A well deserved five stars.
Profile Image for Catherine.
266 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2023
This started off well enough. A powerful wizard and his apprentice are asked by a king to perform a spell rarely used anymore to transfer the fighting skills of his dying son into his younger son. But this is an epic fantasy. There is a war going on that seems to be a repeat of one a thousand years ago. There is a princess who feels underappreciated because she wants to do unprincessy things. There is a ranger who is taken prisoner with an enemy warrior princess by some other evil people. There is a captured warrior woman who never tries to escape despite ample opportunity. Plenty of epic here.
The second half of the story everything starts to fall apart. There is a lot of repetition. I only need to be told once how a lift works and why it's so important. There are too many revelations. Too many things happened that seemed to come out of nowhere which should have been introduced or at least hinted at earlier in the book. They seemed like cheats to keep the story going. Too many characters became special while some didn't seem to need to be there at all. I also wasn't impressed with the battle scenes. I don't think it's physically possible for them to happen the way everything was described.
Then there were the grammar problems. Every time lay or lie was used it was highlighted in yellow. There were several green sentences. By the end of the book there was run-on sentences, fragments and unaligned paragraphs. It was like in an effort to be done, the editing part of the process was never finished.
It was a good premise but a bad execution. Might have given this another half star but I didn't like the ending.
Profile Image for Michelle.
169 reviews16 followers
July 3, 2018
Really picked up at the end

I received this book as a gift/prize, so thank you to the author for the giveaway! I had several issues with this book at first. There are several grammatical errors, which could just be because it's a kindle edition. At times, the sentences just didn't make sense and I had to reread whole paragraphs to understand what was going on. I don't usually mind stories that jump perspectives, but the way this was done seemed to feel forced in some points. The grammar/sentence structures along with all the different plots/points made it difficult for me to enjoy the story at first. I was getting disappointed because the story/plot was so intriguing. I almost DNF, but as the points/perspectives started to tie in, I had to know what would happen next. I'm glad I stuck it out, the last several chapters definitely made up for everything else. The ending left me wanting more and bumped up my rating.
119 reviews8 followers
August 8, 2018
War has taken the realm. As the empire of the Yemenites are being invaded by the Shakarines, young maiiggii Yron is racing around helping the King lead his people to safety - and also uncovering

This book was a good read. It was long and epic in scope - you learned alot about the world and how the people within it did menial jobs. The book did have some rough patches - times where the story rewrote certain points and times where they talked about modern day "sewage management systems". These points broke the spell-binding story, but overall the book was good.

*I got this book through GoodRead's Giveaways - an excellent source of interesting books!
13 reviews
April 24, 2018
Hits all the right buttons

First, what I wouldn't do for a Ring of Warmth here in the North Country! That said, the author is so detailed, painting vivid pictures and rich scenes at every turn. I found myself practicing the hand gestures and imagining myself a mighty wizard. And I know that my wife and I have mastered the Wizard's Language that Mr. Franklyn so thoroughly describes in this book.

The author hit a home run with this one! Dragons. Wizards. Noble kings. Ancient swords. Strong male and female characters destined for greatness. It's a superb escapist tale that also reads like a how-to course in wizardry and ancient history. Very satisfying for left and right brained readers. Well done.
4 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2018
Great book

At first, this was difficult to start, but I quickly got into it. I love the different characters and environments. I want more! I was so disappointed when I realized I was at the end.
2 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2018
Good read

Hard to put down after some of the storylines started to merge. There is a bit of jumping and some missing back story/storylines, but overall enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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