Dekker De La Mare - Book Review

Dekker De La Mare:  The Chronicles Volume One is a magical fantasy set in the world of Odious thousands of years into the future. The author, Peter Servidio, is known through his other works as a writer that balances the fantastical and realism. His highly imaginative fiction includes humans, as well as elves, pixies, centaurs, and water people.
 
The main character of our story introduces us to Dekker De La Mare, the all-powerful Archmage of Odious, who has held the position for over one thousand years. De La Mare's letter sets the stage for a plot to transport you into a world of magic and mystery. The prologue familiarizes the reader with Dekker's background. He was born sickly and was taken by his parents to the Pixie Queen to heal him. Healed, he received some of the pixie's magical powers. He served many kings and queens for centuries as a protector of Odious. 

Although Dekker is Archmage, part human and part magical, and has spent the past 1000 years protecting and helping the various inhabitants of Odious, some of his interventions have caused the deaths of some citizens. Because of the charges lodged against him, he voluntarily surrendered himself to the courts for a trial.
 
 In Part One, Dekker stands accused of causing death and destruction through the use of magic, which he claims was necessary for the survival of the world. The opposition argues that he acted as an immoral tyrant and should face capital punishment. This trial raises important questions about morality, power, and the use of dark magic in desperate times. Queen Laurel provides a temporary reprieve for declaring Dekker's punishment which angers Queen Asylndra. Queen Laurel and Queen Asylndra are two sisters who couldn't be more different. The constant power struggles between the two sisters lie at the very core of this gripping narrative. Even though they share a bloodline, Queen Laurel perceives her sibling as an irredeemable soul due to her nefarious actions. However, the profound family bond restrains Queen Laurel from taking radical measures against her sister, Queen Asylndra. After an unexpected verdict, Part Two is set to unfold.

Part Two of the story delves deep into Dekker's backstory and how he became the hero to many. Along the way, we are also introduced to the concept of the balance between good and evil as Dekker must fight against his arch-nemesis, Queen Asylnda. Asylnda is obsessed with obtaining immortality and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goal, including commanding the Dwarfs of Magaroy to do her bidding. Dekker's bravery and daring exploits make for an exhilarating read as he battles both the Queen and her loyal soldiers.

In Part Three, Deckker's thrilling quest discovers  Chretin, the hidden civilization of humanoids living deep in the ocean. But beware: he must also confront the monstrous Cauldretack, infamous for its terrifying habit of devouring innocent children, and if that is not enough of a challenge, his previous heroic exploits may determine the verdict of his life-or-death trial. A takeaway from this tome is that magic comes at a cost. And that there is no black and white in the world.

At the end of the tale, we shall see if the wise words of Queen Laurel shall prevail regarding the disposition of Dekker's future. She said, "We shall see if death or some reduced sentence prevails. Perhaps even forgiveness?"