Rating: 4⭐️
Daughter of Fahrowen (The Four Towers Book 1) by Leslie J Parsons is one of those fantasy novels that has many excellent elements and characters as well as moments of wonderful storytelling.
Three young people, thrown into a unknown fantasy magical world where they have new destinies and paths to journey through, one that takes them, friends in their former lives, in a new dynamic in this world.
The three best friends start with Lyla Green as the center of the trio. Lyla is an orphan of a famous fantasy author similar to Tolkien, whose work has spread across several media platforms. Shes a recent graduate of high school and has made several decisions about her life and future. Ones she’s been afraid of sharing with the other two because of their reactions, especially Ren’s.
Ren and her parents were very supportive when Lyla’s parents died and left her alone in the house next door. But Ren’s character is one that isn’t very likable and relatable. She’s selfish, self absorbed, and overbearing. It’s her that Lyla is avoiding and fleeing by selling the house and moving away.
The young man, Zach, friend and supporter ends as the same but in a different role, one totally unexpected but suited for him personally.
Parsons has created a strong world and given her characters many difficult challenges to deal with, primarily Lyla as she was ignorant of her background.
I could appreciate the story, the plot and twists but never really connected with the author’s characters.
It mostly due to the Lyla/Ren dynamic and how Lyla’s character is originally framed out.
I’m probably not the best reader for this book. For me, there’s just too many things that bother me. Why wasn’t a teenager given better emotional support after being constantly bullied by a girl whose parents are her only source of stability? Where’s the outreach or therapy counselor?
It’s just no real accountability that the parents have let Ren’s behavior control this situation as long as they did. And it doesn’t help that it’s the entire long book for Lyla’s struggles with Ren’s behavior to still make only a little forward motion.
Daughter of Fahrowen (The Four Towers Book 1) by Leslie J Parsons is a very good young fantasy novel, especially for a new author. I believe that it is an entertaining read and sweet story.
Young adults who like fantasy fiction might enjoy it.
Terrific cover.
Cover designer, Ivan Zann
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Blurb
She just wanted to live an ordinary life. Instead, she became the key to another world’s future.
Lyla Greene is ready to live life on her own terms, free from the shadow of her famous father. That opportunity is ripped away from her when a mysterious portal drags her and two friends into the kingdom of Fahrowen, where cell phones have been replaced by spells and vanity and greed are more common than compassion.
There, she’s told an impossible truth: she’s the long-lost heir to the throne, and the only one who can repair the magical barrier protecting the realm.
Lyla has no idea how to wield the ancient power that’s sleeping inside her, and no interest in becoming anyone’s savior. But walking away could destroy a kingdom that sees her as their only hope. Now she must make an impossible choice.
Will she fight for a world that isn’t hers, or will she turn her back and let it burn?
Perfect for fans of reluctant royalty, unraveling destinies, and epic fantasy with heart.
September 22, 2025
Language
English
Print length
487 pages
Book 1 of 1
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 