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Pauline M. Ross
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The Plains of Kallanash (Brightmoon Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Pauline M. Ross (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 289 ratings
A stand-alone epic fantasy set in the Brightmoon world…
What happens when you stop fighting an endless war and start asking why?
It’s not easy being the junior wife. Mia’s only dream is to catch the eye of the dashing lead husband, and her sister’s unexpected death gives her the chance at last. But was it just a tragic accident? Mia wants to find out, but asking questions can be a deadly mistake.
It’s not easy being the junior husband. For years, Hurst has longed to test his sword against the barbarians in the wilderness outside his orderly world, longed to take the lead, longed for Mia. When she’s taken from him, Hurst will risk everything to save her, even if it means taking up his sword against the barbarians, his own people, and the gods themselves. And that’s when they discover what their world is really like, and who they’re really fighting.
Yet there’s one secret they don’t expect to uncover: because everyone knows there’s no such thing as magic, right?
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Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 9
    Brightmoon
  2. Print length
    502 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    September 12, 2014
  6. Reading age
    14 - 18 years
  7. File size
    3.4 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 9 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

'The Plains of Kallanash is certainly unique, and quite bold. The plot is intricate, the world building is superb, and the two mixed together creates a rather engrossing mixture that is hard to pull away from.' - - Sarah Chorn, Bookworm Blues

'Most fantasy focuses not on people but on grand quests and foes beyond human ken, but The Plains of Kallanash thankfully steps away from this well-worn path and blazes its own trail. Although the story reaches for the heights, it never gets away from the basics: the struggles of ordinary people.' - - Neil McGarry, author of The Duchess of the Shallows

'I loved the writing style. The depth of the description was balanced so well with the action and dialogue that it was a wonderful read for this English Major. The word choice was at times poetic leaving me heartbroken with the beauty of the description. For the writing style alone, I am so glad that I read this book.' - - J R Boles, author of Bringer of Light

'This is a grand, ambitious tale full of thought-provoking ideas and surreal circumstances that somehow manage to strike a balance between the real and the fantastical.' - - Matt Clarke, author of Lunaria.

'The Plains of Kallanash is an enjoyable epic fantasy in a highly original setting combining echoes of an ancient magical past with surprisingly advanced technology such as skyships, with a mysterious history, likeable, engaging characters, and an unconventional romance. Recommended for fantasy readers who want something a little different.' - - Kyra Halland, author of Daughter of the Wildings series.

From the Author

All the books in the Brightmoon Annals are complete stories, and may be read independently of one another, with the exception of The Second God, which is a sequel. However, the later books contain fun references to events, characters and objects from the earlier books. For best enjoyment, the recommended reading order is:
  1. The Plains of Kallanash
  2. The Fire Mages
  3. The Mages of Bennamore
  4. The Magic Mines of Asharim
  5. The Fire Mages' Daughter
  6. The Dragon's Egg
  7. The Second God (Sequel to The Fire Mages' Daughter)
  8. Findo Gask's Apprentice
  9. The Dragon Caller
  10. The Return of the Mages

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00N5WRXJ6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sutors Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 12, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 502 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0992881900
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 9 ‏ : ‎ Brightmoon
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 289 ratings

About the author

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Pauline M. Ross

Pauline M. Ross

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I live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.

I also write traditional Regency romances as Mary Kingswood.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
289 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be an enjoyable epic fantasy with an unusual storyline and compelling characters. The writing and world-building are excellent, with clear prose and superb world-building. The pacing receives mixed reviews, with some praising the wonderful constructed world while others find it dragging. The romance elements receive mixed reactions, with some finding it sexy while others note too much emphasis on sex.

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Story qualityReadabilityCharacter developmentWriting qualityPacingRomance
28 customers mention "Story quality"28 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as an enjoyable epic fantasy with an unusual storyline, and one customer notes how it sets the stage for many adventures and unknowns.

"4.5/5 stars A cozy, enjoyable read, thought provoking and sexy... I'd read and loved The Fire Mages before and was thrilled to read this..." Read more

"An interesting story with twists and turns...." Read more

"...Great characters and fun adventure s" Read more

"Overall it is a good story, the rating would have been higher if there had been more tell and less showing...." Read more

20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and worth reading, with one describing it as a real page turner.

"...If you're looking for a great read, I really recommend the whole series, starting with book 1...." Read more

"4.5/5 stars A cozy, enjoyable read, thought provoking and sexy... I'd read and loved The Fire Mages before and was thrilled to read this..." Read more

"Great read! This was the first book I read on my new Kindle. I look forward to the next one!" Read more

"...This is a very long book, with a lot going on...." Read more

18 customers mention "Character development"16 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting that the female character is stronger than she initially appears.

"...I truly enjoyed the storyline, and characters. Highly recommend this." Read more

"A fantastic fantasy with a wonderfully constructed world and vivid characters that pull you in. Do not miss this book!" Read more

"...It starts out at a good pace, developing the complex relationships between the characters and the original, and cruel and chilling, society they..." Read more

"...The characters and world-building development is grand. The storyline is well written with adventures and justice...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its excellent world-building and clear prose, with one customer highlighting its third-person limited multiple point of view style.

"...call this a fantasy mystery with romantic elements, written in third-person limited multiple POV with two viewpoint characters...." Read more

"...The writing style is clear, smooth, and literate...." Read more

"...The writing is technically sound, and the editing/proofing is good..." Read more

"...There is a quick, well written rape scene (as tastefully as something like this can possibly be written) & mild sex...." Read more

17 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some praising the superb world-building and wonderfully constructed world, while others find the story dragging.

"...The prose is clear and well-done. The world-building is superb. I often say characters will make or break a story for me...." Read more

"...From there, the pacing and conflict sometimes sags, though we do get to see some fascinating glimpses of the Plains' ancient magical history...." Read more

"A fantastic fantasy with a wonderfully constructed world and vivid characters that pull you in. Do not miss this book!" Read more

"...idealized beyond belief, with too much emphasis on sex, and the story drags...." Read more

6 customers mention "Romance"2 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the romance in the book, with some finding it nice and sexy, while another customer notes it has too much emphasis on sex.

"...The romantic aspect takes an unexpected turn, as Mia finds herself torn between two lovers (cue cheesy 70s pop song, or rather, don't)...." Read more

"4.5/5 stars A cozy, enjoyable read, thought provoking and sexy... I'd read and loved The Fire Mages before and was thrilled to read this..." Read more

"...rather sappy and the males idealized beyond belief, with too much emphasis on sex, and the story drags...." Read more

"...this book and would have missed a good story because of the explicit sex in this book. The story after the sex was enjoyable...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Miri
    5.0 out of 5 stars A cozy, enjoyable read, thought provoking and sexy...
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2016
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    4.5/5 stars

    A cozy, enjoyable read, thought provoking and sexy... I'd read and loved The Fire Mages before and was thrilled to read this first book in the Brightmoon series. I think I'd call this a fantasy mystery with romantic elements, written in third-person limited multiple POV with two viewpoint characters. The book opens with the main characters involved in a four-person marriage, with a senior pair and a junior pair. Mia, the junior wife, is infatuated with Jonnor, the senior husband, who only has eyes for Tellah, the senior wife and Mia's sister. Meanwhile, Hurst, the junior husband, suffers in la douleur exquise, hopelessly in love with Mia.

    That, in and of itself, is an interesting setup and drew me in. But add to that a mysterious religion and something happening to Tellah, and the story really takes off. Mia is the lens character as we're drawn in to unraveling secrets and shadowy goings-on. Nothing is as it seems in the book's world, and I greatly enjoyed learning its truths. I don't want to spoil it, but if you enjoy low fantasy and mystery and have an open mind about polyamory, this is the book for you.

    Speaking of polyamory, yes, it's an unconventional situation in the novel, but in terms of heat level, this is mild--more broad strokes and hints and not really Romance level and certainly not erotic-romance level. But if you can't handle the idea of more than two people being in a relationship in a fantasy novel, best look elsewhere for your next read. But this setup enabled one of my favorite parts of the book--the blue arrows. Essentially, when spouses come into conflict, it can be resolved with three special arrows for each of them (if requested), which they could use against each other with the chance of death from each--god's will. Brilliant setup.

    The character list was huge, and I found myself wishing it were smaller and deeper; there were many named minor characters that were hard to keep track of. Mia was a joy to read, her development from the beginning to end was heartwarming and encouraging. Hurst's journey was a joy, too. My favorite character was Dethin, and I hope I get to hear some tidbits about him in future books! Jonnor and Tellah were believable and interesting, and really, all the major characters were well thought out and believable as people.

    The book was slow at times. A fast-paced, action-packed read this is not. It's more like a slow burn, bewitching you page and page and inviting you deeper and deeper into its world. This is a book for the reader who is willing to set aside the time and have the patience to go to another world. And it's worth it. That said, there were certain parts that lost me at times. When the characters were bored, there were lengthy descriptions of the mundane things they did. A little adds flavor, but a lot can make you feel just like the character: bored. There was also a lot of tunnel-traveling in the third act, on and on, and it really slowed the momentum. I'm glad I read on, though, as the rest of the book was worth the effort. I *loved* the ending.

    I really enjoyed the voice, too. This isn't tight, spare prose, but winding, flowing, and as Jacqueline Carey likes to call her own writing, "baroque." Different and quite fitting for the fantasy/mystery content. I've already read and enjoyed The Fire Mages, but I'm planning a reread soon to catch up with the rest of the Brightmoon books. :) Highly recommended for fans of low fantasy and mystery who enjoy a slow burn and are open minded about polyamorous romantic elements. You'll love to unravel all the story's secrets! :)
    3 people found this helpful
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  • LunarmommyK
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable epic fantasy for readers who want something a little different
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Plains of Kallanash takes us into a world where magic once existed but was lost in a great Catastrophe. The Plains at the heart of the world are now peopled by a civilization ruled by a mysterious, powerful, and omnipresent religion, which enforces a highly stratified social order governed by strict rules and customs. Group marriage is the norm among the nobility, or Karningholders, and the men of the Plains are engaged in a never-ending but carefully-regulated war against rampaging barbarians beyond their borders.

    Quiet and gentle Mia, her sister-wife Tella, and their co-husbands Jonnor and Hurst enjoy a comfortable, stable life despite Mia's feelings of unrequited love for Jonnor, who has taken Tella as his primary wife, and Hurst's for Mia; as the junior partners in the marriage, they are forbidden to consummate their relationship without permission from the senior husband. When first one and then the other of the senior couple die under mysterious circumstances, Mia begins to ask too many questions, and finds herself banished into a world she never imagined. When Hurst undertakes to discover the truth, the lies on which their civilization is based are gradually revealed, bringing Hurst and others to the unavoidable conclusion that everything they know has to be overturned.

    This is a very long book, with a lot going on. It starts out at a good pace, developing the complex relationships between the characters and the original, and cruel and chilling, society they live in (among other things, when a member of the nobility dies, his or her Companions, something between an adopted sibling and a servant, are put to death alongside them). The mystery deepens with the deaths in Mia's household until the shocking revelations that come in the wake of her own punishment. From there, the pacing and conflict sometimes sags, though we do get to see some fascinating glimpses of the Plains' ancient magical history. Hurst's discovery of the truth culminates in a cleverly-plotted rebellion, which brings in more surprising revelations about the world. The climax of the book seems incomplete, a little too easy and comfortable, and some key events are told at a distance. I would have liked to be more in the thick of things as they were worked out, and for the protagonists to experience more tension and hardship in the process. After the climax, most of the story threads are tied up nicely, with just a few left dangling for future stories set in the same world.

    The romantic aspect takes an unexpected turn, as Mia finds herself torn between two lovers (cue cheesy 70s pop song, or rather, don't). The unconventional solution proves satisfactory to all involved; however, I'm somewhat more conventional and straightlaced in my romance preferences and was a little taken aback. The book contains some mildly graphic sex scenes, including some menage-y bits.

    The writing style is clear, smooth, and literate. The author doesn't over-explain the strange customs and other alien aspects of her world, but does give the reader enough clues to have a comfortable grasp of what's going on.

    On the whole, The Plains of Kallanash is an enjoyable epic fantasy in a highly original setting combining echoes of an ancient magical past with surprisingly advanced technology such as skyships, with a mysterious history, likeable, engaging characters, and an unconventional romance. Recommended for fantasy readers who want something a little different.
    22 people found this helpful
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  • lucyblue
    3.0 out of 5 stars okay
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    i really loved all the other books in this series, this world where magic once lived freely and is slowly being rediscovered, but this one disappointed. The writing is technically sound, and the editing/proofing is good (both of which are a delight these days when so many poor quality things are published), but in this book, the characters are often rather sappy and the males idealized beyond belief, with too much emphasis on sex, and the story drags. All the other books in the series have wondrous plots within plots, with lots of surprises that nonetheless tie up loose ends and make sense. I'm glad i read this one, and i may not find the time to give reviews on all the others (i read a lot!), but i gave all the others either 4 or 5 stars and have truly loved reading 5 books about the same world but with totally different characters and place settings - tho have wished they tied together a bit more. This is a talented author in spite of over romanticizing male/female relationships and creating idealized and utterly unbelievable male characters. It may be this was the first in the series and the rest got better as the world was developed. Am keeping an eye open for this author.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • MrsF
    5.0 out of 5 stars you wont be disappointed
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    came across this book by pure accident with the free download, tbh i dont even remember seeing it. It's nothing like the books i normally read and enjoy so i found the first chapter or so a little difficult to keep up with. I quickly progressed to not wanting to put this down. I became so gripped with the characters and their journeys. it was impossible to preempt what was going to happen next. I was so dissapointed when i got to the end, i wanted more, i didnt want to let go. this could so easily have sequels in its own right. however i am now searching for the other books written and hope that they are just as good
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  • Toby F
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great characters and world
    Reviewed in Canada on February 3, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really enjoyed learning about the world and watching the characters develop. Looking forward to the next one !
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  • M A Clarke
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sweeping, surreal and sexy in equal parts. An engrossing adventure.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a grand, ambitious tale full of thought-provoking ideas and surreal circumstances that somehow manage to strike a balance between the real and the fantastical. I was hooked from the start - the notion of the double marriage is a concept I'd never come across, and it starts out as the backbone of the many troublesome dilemmas and familial drama that the characters have to deal with. When things reach a head, the story takes a turn for the adventurous and Mia and Hurst - the two likable protagonists - are thrown into a religious conspiracy that seems to have engulfed the entire titular Plains. And things only escalate from there...

    I found myself engrossed throughout, the short chapter lengths keep the pace flowing and something significant happens each time we jump from Mia and Hurst's head, making for a vast, original and entertaining epic-fantasy story.
    Report
  • Megan
    4.0 out of 5 stars great book and characters! story line too
    Reviewed in Canada on December 18, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved this book and they world created. I like to keep the reviews short… I wish there would’ve been more detail into how Mia felt with everything Happening around her
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  • Silent Reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Starts slow but picks up.
    Reviewed in Canada on November 4, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I read all the Fire Mages books before reading this one. It started out in a new place with new characters. The beginning was very slow moving. I had a hard time keeping interested but the author was laying the ground work for the story and I'm glad I kept reading. Once the story picked up it was one surprise after another. I am so astonished the creativity of this author. I don't know how she comes up with such a creative fantasy world.
    Report

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