“The clarity of unblemished prose”

This is the second review on 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope', the epic fantasy written by Les Bill Gates. This review was written by C. Noël Rivera, a professional reviewer on Allbook Reviews http://www.allbookreviews.com and Space Dragon Reviews http://www.spacedragonreviews.com/

Title: WINDOWS ON OUR WORLD, PART 1: HOPE

Author: Les Bill Gates

The ancient prophecy of Thorland is about to be fulfilled as a man known only as the Squire arrives by way of a giant eagle. Though the man does not remember who he is or where he comes from, he accepts the explanation of Helge, the woman who has been tasked with helping him on an important quest. With the help of the wizard Tobin, his apprentices, an archer, and three Luchorpans, Helge and Squire must locate the teeth that belong to the golden skull in order to reinstate its magical powers and protect Thorland from the evil Gordeve.

Numerous obstacles stand in their way, for Gordeve has begun breeding a terrible cougar, which carries malicious intentions toward Squire and his friends. She has spies in even the safest of places, and she holds a secret capable of corrupting even the most loyal of men. But even beyond Gordeve's schemes there are dangers, for someone is stalking Squire and his band, and their travels take them into remote, sometimes unfriendly, lands where the threat of war overshadows their quest.

Windows on Our World enters into the familiar fantasy realm of quests and wizards and curious creatures. No time is wasted in getting the heroes underway, and by the second chapter, Squire and Helge have already set out to find the rest of their party. In some cases, the action almost seems to move a little too quickly, putting expediency above the development of situational tension or character evolution. Very little is known about the characters themselves other than their present occupation, and their feelings are sometimes lost within the shared point of view structure.

The style of writing might be a little spare for some readers, but others will be pleased by the clarity of unembellished prose. There is no need to search for meaning within the words, as the author's intention is made clear through his choice of phrasing. This helps drive the story forward and, though we reach the ending with many questions, we know that the story will be continued in the next volume, where Squire's party will continue searching for the golden teeth.

Les Bill Gates is a teacher, and former principal, at King George VI National Secondary School in the Solomon Islands. He holds a mathematics degree from Oxford University and a Certificate in Education from Exeter University. He has traveled extensively and plans to pursue a career as an author, continuing the Windows on Our World series with the second book, Faith.

Reviewer: C. Noël Rivera, Allbook Reviews.

Thank you once again, Noël, for your great review.

Lord of the Rings meets National Treasure

Today, I am posting the first of the reviews written on my epic fantasy novel 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope'. This review was written by Yolande du Plessis, a student from South Africa.

In the first part of the fantasy trilogy, Windows on our World, Hope, is set in the fictitious Thorland. It is an easy read where Lord of the Rings meets National Treasure with vocabulary not above the average English reader.

Squire finds himself in Thorland after being summoned by the wizard Tobin to fulfil an ancient prophecy. Together with a company, selected by the prophecy, he set off in search for the teeth of the upper jaw which belong to the golden skull. The quest leads the company through beautiful descriptive scenes of the country by means of clues hidden with every tooth. But like all quests, there is a villain in the form of Gordeve, the evil wizard sister of Tobin, who does everything in her power to overthrow the company.

There is a strong universal theme of good and evil, camaraderie, and trust. At times the dialogue seems unnatural, but does not deflect attention from the story line. There is enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages.

The characters are interesting, although, except for Squire and Jippers, they do not have any body to them. Descriptions are done with precision, but they lack a certain humanity and you find it difficult to relate to them.

My final conclusion is that the first part of the trilogy, Windows on our World, is an entertaining read and I will recommend it to anyone who would like to sit back and relax for a few hours. I am waiting, with baited breath, the next book.

Yolande du Plessis

Thanks again, Yolande, for a very good and fair review.

Return to Tobin’s Castle

This is the twentieth and final chapter of 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope'. As you would expect, events combine and lead to a dramatic conclusion to the book. Yet, at the same time, this is the first book of a trilogy, so some things are left 'hanging in the air' and there are many unanswered questions.

The chapter centres around a dramatic battle in the depths of the caves of Boggart. As you read, you will be entranced by the graphic description of the underground caverns and how they are used in the battle. It's not giving too much away to say that the good guys win. However, how they do it and who are the heroes, are things you will only learn by reading the chapter.

Meanwhile, the members of the company have successfully found the last tooth and are on their way back to Tobin's Castle.

As the title of the chapter suggests, all our main characters meet again at the wizard's castle. There they learn some shocking news about Jippers and some good news about a forthcoming marriage. To find out more about these pieces of news, you will need to read the chapter.

The chapter and book ends with Tobin instructing the members of the company to go to their homes for a three month rest and charging them to return again to his castle after three months to begin the second quest. The second quest is described in the second book of the trilogy 'Windows on Our World, Part 2: Faith', which is now 90% completed.

However, you will not want to read the second book until you have read and savoured all the exciting events of the first book, 'Hope'. Read a chapter and reviews from 'Hope' by visiting http://www.lesbillgates.com/hope.html                                                                      Go to http://www.lulu.com/content/722089 to purchase the book.

Sacumed

This is the 19th and penultimate chapter of 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope', the epic fantasy trilogy by Les Bill Gates.

Who is Sacumed? He is a character who has appeared before in an earlier chapter, but we weren't told his name at the time. It will be a surprise to learn who Sacumed is and what his role is to be in the future of the story.

Sacumed is the one who brings news to Tobin about treachery and the stealing of something valuable to the company. Who is the traitor and what was stolen? How was the item recovered? And who is the other traitor who is exposed at Tobin's Castle? To answer these questions, you need to read this exciting chapter.

What are the Caves of Boggart and why are Sim and Squire approaching the caves? What happens when two wizards fight? All the answers are to be found in the chapter.

Read this chapter and be prepared for the thrilling ending to the book in the final chapter. Purchase your copy by visiting  http://www.lulu.com/content/722089

Strange Beings

Chapter 18 of 'Hope', the first part of the epic fantasy 'Windows on Our World' by Les Bill Gates,  opens with a description of the invasion of one of the Western states by Gordeve's navy and army. Which state is invaded, and what is the surprise outcome? Who was behind the plans that led to that outcome? Read the chapter and find out.

The remainder of the chapter, entitled 'Strange Beings', focuses on the company as they journey into the unfriendly and unpleasant marshlands at the delta of the Tee River. Who or what are the Ballybogs and who is the mysterious little old man known as Phynnodderee? How did he come to live among the Ballybogs? Will the Ballybogs and Phynnodderee prove to be friends or enemies? How will the members of the company manage to get past the bridge over the underground river that is guarded by the evil Water Woman? Where will they find the next tooth?

The biggest question of all comes in the last paragraph of the chapter. What has happened to Jippers' 'Hope'?

To answer these questions you will need to read this exciting chapter. You can find out more and purchase a copy of 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope' at http://www.lulu.com/content/722089

Meetings at Southport

Southport is a town situated on the west side of the Moon River estuary and, as the title of Chapter 17 of 'Faith' suggests, there are to be some meetings at Southport. But to discover who meets whom and for what purpose, you will need to read the chapter.

The chapter begins with the five members of the company remaining on Gull Island seeking passage back to the mainland. Meanwhile, in the Central Kobold mountains, Gordeve is meeting with her spy and her generals. Two plans are hatched - one to steal a valuable possession from one member of the company and the other to launch an invasion of one of the countries of the alliance. What do they plan to steal, and which country will be invaded?

At the same time, Queen Sofee of Atmos sets off for West Thorland to lead a group to search Telemann's Wall for any secret openings or tunnels. Who is the handsome man who meets her at Southport and falls in love with her?

Who is the person who visits Sim late in the evening and what task will he be given?

The company have a problem in recovering the next tooth, but finally overcome the problem. Who or what are the mysterious Ballybogs and Phynnodderee mentioned in the next instructions? The company set off for the Tee River delta to find out.

The answers to all the questions above can be found in the chapter. Read the chapter and purchase the book at http://www.lulu.com/content/722089

The Keeper of Secrets

In chapter 16 of 'Hope', we are introduced to one of the most unique characters in this or similar books - Percival, the Keeper of Secrets.

The chapter begins with more description of the Festival of Music and Dance and news of the Council at Fort Holt. Then the company moves on to their next location - Gull Island.  At least, most of them do. Only Helge and Wim decide to travel with the mule, Faithful, from Jackville to Southport by land - a journey that will take them several kilometres inland as they round the estuary of the Moon River.

After a short sea crossing, the rest of the company walk to the highest point on Gull Island where they stay the night in a hut. Their efforts to find the next tooth prove unfruitful until Perkin makes a discovery. However, the surprising outcome of his discovery is only made clear when Percival, the Keeper of Secrets, arrives and explains all to him.

Percival also reveals a secret to Squire that he cannot quite understand. Also read about the latest attack from the enemy and find out what Percival has to say about Jippers and his secret.

What are the secrets that Percival shares with Perkin, Squire and Jippers, and how does he know these secrets? To find out the answers to these and many more questions, you need to read Chapter 16 of the first part of the trilogy 'Windows on Our World' by Les Bill Gates. Purchase the book at http://www.lulu.com/content/722089

The Council at Fort Holt

‘The Council at Fort Holt' is the fifteenth chapter of 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope' by Les Bill Gates.

The leaders of the western nations of Luchor, Manchor, Atmos, West Thorland, the Telekai and Terrapo all attend, together with Professor Trumper and a Chairman. Who is the Chairman who delivers such a powerful speech, rallying the western nations to prepare for war? What are the war machines that the professor has invented? What will be the role of each nation in the preparation for war and during the action?

To answer these questions, you will need to read the chapter. To read the chapter, purchase this, the first book of the exciting fantasy trilogy, at http://www.lulu.com/content/722089

Meanwhile, the members of the company have moved on to the town of Jackville where they find the next tooth and attend the festival of Music and Dance - where the Luchorpans renew some old acquaintances.

Sim is at Tobin's castle when he receives an unexpected visitor and hears some startling news. Who is the visitor and how does the news impact on the future of the quest?

Hanlin Monastery

Chapter 14 of 'Hope' begins with preparations being made for the Council at Fort Holt. King Jovanius sent his envoys to all the western leaders asking them to attend and Ben Lei, as host, set forth from Dunton to prepare things at the fort.

After leaving Tinlin, the company were attacked again. What kind of beasts attacked them this time and which one of the company was dragged away as a captive? How was he rescued and taken to Hanlin Monastery? You might be surprised to learn the answers to these questions.

At the monastery, the monk Brother Beghlin answers some of Squire's questions about the wizards, religion, the Creator and the Evil One, and about the One Prophet, Quexitoxeri.

The scene changes again with a repeat visit to Veil Falls. What happens when Perkin searches for the next tooth behind the falls?

Read 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope' by Les Bill Gates. Your questions will be answered and you will be fascinated by the characters and world Les Bill has invented.

Tinlin

Tinlin is the name of a village that is the scene for the second half of Chapter 13 of 'Windows on Our World, Part 1: Hope', the first part of the epic fantasy trilogy by Les Bill Gates.

However, the first half of the chapter is set in a cave in the Limestone Cliffs between Winterton and Jackville. There, the company have a very unpleasant experience and one of them comes close to death. Who is it, what is the unpleasant creature they meet, and what saves the injured person from a near-death experience? To find out, you will need to read the chapter.

Meanwhile, Yohan and the Telekai have stopped at Bunbury on their way back to Dunton. King Jovanius II has decided to call a council of all western leaders to be held at Fort Holt next month.

After retrieving the next tooth, the company move on to Tinlin, a small wine-producing village set in the eastern part of Hanlin Forest. What was Jippers doing there, and what happened when he tried to grab the shield?

To answer these questions, you will need to visit  http://www.lulu.com/content/722089 and purchase the book.