Reviewed: June 23rd, 2023
Released: December 15th, 2021
Genre: Epic Fantasy
An epic spiritual, political, and military fantasy full of profound thoughts about the meaning of freedom, human compassion, women’s empowerment, true leadership, and the stark contrast between absolute good and absolute evil.
The Blood-soaked Sorcerer tyrannizes the land of Icilia with every form of cruelty imaginable, dying his armor red in the blood of innocents. Crushed to pieces under such savagery, the people of Icilia abandon hope and begin to forget the gifts of civilization that had once been their dearest blessings.
In Amena Jamali’s The Bell Tolling, Book One of the The Lord of Freedom series, we meet Lucian, the divinely-appointed hero of Icilia and Leader of the Quest of Freedom. Educated in all of the ancient arts, Lucian has the virtue and power necessary to cleanse evil from the land. But not alone—answering the call of his sacred destiny, Lucian gathers his four divinely-chosen companions and embarks on a journey to free his world. He is determined to restore the forgotten laws, heal the tormented, and unite the land behind his banner.
But how can it be possible for him to succeed? His companions seem too shattered to save anyone, while his people might be too blind to see the light…
Note: Please remember that this series is not for the faint of heart. It contains multiple references to mental health issues, including suicide, and to traumatic topics such as sexual violence. Though the prose is never explicit and does not qualify as mature, the references may still be triggering for some readers.
Helen’s thoughts: 5/5
Wow! What an epic tale. As the author says, this is not for the faint hearted. This is a very complex world with a variety of cultures and magic systems. From each culture there is one who has been persecuted, tortured, abused until there is no where else for them to run.
Until Lucian, the Heir to the Light and Leader of the Quest of Freedom, steps into rescue them. But it is not just that Lucian is in the right place at the right time, each journey has been preordained, each person tested and each will support Lucian on his quest. At times the meetings and the relationships between these characters is truly beautiful and will bring a tear to your eye.
This story is really well written and in a way that evokes the feel of a classic prophecy and as it moves from one POV to the next it is almost as if it is a journal writtten by each character as to what happens and how they felt about it. Each chapter defines who the character POV and what the date is and that helps, somewhat, to keep track of which character is which.
Kudos to Jamali for creating such an amazing world with some truly special characters who you can’t help but love.
Purchase The Tolling Bell via Amazon
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
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If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Helen Garraway 