The Ring of Knowledge
by Carl L. Wiley

    THE RING OF KNOWLEDGE by Carl L. Wiley
    Category:  Fantasy
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  1/19/09
    Publisher:  Eloquent Books
    Reviewed by:  Allison Fraclose
    Rating:  4 Stars


    Although 13-year-old Corwin is prince of Plyorth, he has lived most of his life in the kingdom of Verzeal with his
    aunt and uncle. After the treacherous murder of his parents by the evil Magred, Jolkur, Corwin was brought to
    Verzeal as a young boy for protection, while a council ruled Plyorth in the absence of a king.

    Corwin spends his days studying with the alchemist Montecourt and the head of the royal guard, Rourke, and his
    life has been rather comfortable until now. However, the time approaches when Corwin must claim his right to the
    throne of Plyorth.

    When he saves a small falcon from a hostile group of swamp birds, Corwin finds that the forces of good and evil
    are already vying for his return, and he cannot delay any longer. With the arrival of two children from Plyorth,
    Veina and Javal, who claim to be looking for their magical pet falcon, Corwin finally makes the decision to return
    to his homeland.

    Even with Veina and Javal to escort him, and the protection of Rourke and the knights of Verzeal, Corwin’s task
    is much more complicated, for he must save the life of the wizard, Natlock, before finding the Ring of Knowledge.
    Only with the ring will Corwin be able to ascend the throne. Jolkur and his Magreds are determined to stop him.
    Can Corwin succeed?

    This extremely fast-paced tale would appeal to younger middle grade readers who don’t require a lot of fancy
    words to get into a story. The author does not waste time describing a majority of the scenes, but dives right in
    with the action, rushing the reader quickly through the tale.