The Chronicles of Freylar
Introduction | Welcome to Freylar
Welcome to Freylar; a domain set in a fantasy realm akin to the fairy-tale worlds described to young children. However, this surreal alternate world has a darker undercurrent, and it falls to The Blades, a militant order, to defend the people from those half-seen horrors born of the shadow. The Chronicles of Freylar closely follows the native inhabitants of Freylar - the Freylarkai - and their continued struggle to survive in their beautiful, yet hostile, environment.
The Chronicles of Freylar is suited primarily to adults and mid-to-late teens. The series is a work of both dark fantasy and dystopian science fiction, which follows the dual identity of its protagonist across two very different worlds, linked by a chance encounter. Some scenes of horror, violence and mild sexual content are present throughout the series, though it is predominantly a work of fantasy. The first four volumes in the series, titled Second Chance, Knights Thranis, Shattered Exile and Sundered Reign respectively, are widely available - see links further down this page - in both eBook and paperback formats. You can follow the development of the series here, as well as on social media.
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eBooks | Paperbacks | Hardcovers
Second Chance | Volume #1 | The Chronicles of Freylar
Callum is a member of the Shadow class, the lowest rank in human society. His kin lead desperate lives; they survive on the scraps left by an over-indulgent post-apocalyptic humanity, clinging to the remains of a broken metropolis. Their increasing numbers – a result of ineffective government policies failing to address the issue – prompts those in power to instigate an unethical process of forced relocation known as the Rout, ignored by an indifferent society looking to bury its problems. Abandoned by his parents to endure a childhood of children’s homes, followed by teen life surviving on the streets, Callum develops a staunch determination to endure the horrors life throws at him. He is a survivor, able to think fast on his feet, yet his principles hasten his near death during a chance encounter with an enigmatic alien entity. Callum is given a choice; take his chances with his now ruined body, or gamble on a new life.
Awakened within the comatose body of a non-human female and faced with a distraught father, Callum is reborn as Rayna, in an entirely new world, presenting the opportunity to start over. Rayna’s new world – Freylar – has a darker undercurrent, and it falls to The Blades – a militant order – to defend the Freylarkai from those horrors born of the shadow. Rayna is inducted into The Blades as she tries to navigate through her strange environment and master new and wonderful abilities, yet she finds herself fighting two battles; one against the repressed memories of her miserable past, and the other a war versus fresh nightmares seeking to claim dominance over her new world.
You can preview the eBook on Amazon Kindle and access the entire series online:
Amazon | UK | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Amazon | US | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Also available through the following online stores:
Reviews
“Original and spellbinding”
It's hard these days to come across a fantasy series that feels original. Second Chance does that in spades, delivering multiple worlds, existential threats and growing characters that make me excited for the rest of the series.
N | Amazon UK | 5/5
“A most enjoyable read”
This story as the title suggest, is one of a second chance at life. Not because of the need for absolution. More, an opportunity not normally available to your present station in life. It’s a fantasy. An aspirational tale of standing when everything around you presses to hold you down. If you enjoy fantasy, it’s a bit different than the typical quest style. From a literary perspective, it harkens back to more traditional third person writing. It utilizes dialogue but doesn’t push the idea of tell so strongly as is currently in vogue. I found the writing style more traditional than much of todays fare and quite refreshing. It is very, very highly recommended.
Joey Feller | Amazon US | 5/5
“Interesting Fantasy with likable characters”
I received a copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books and have voluntarily reviewed it. I really enjoyed reading this book, it has a lot of interesting characters and an especially likable main character who I really wanted to see succeed. The plot and world development were really well done and I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
NekoLisa | Amazon US | 5/5
“Second Chance: The Chronicles of Freylar: No.1”
I would definitely recommend this book and was hooked from the very first chapter. Definitely one of those "hard to put down" books. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Christine Field | Waterstones | 5/5
“The narrative is engaging and has good pace”
The narrative is engaging and has good pace. The characters are well crafted and relatable in spite of being totally different. I absolutely loved the concept of a "body switch" situation. Very much looking forward to reading about Callum/Rayna's continued development in The Blades during the next instalment. If you're looking for a Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Adventure with an interesting twist, look no further. Thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.
Matt Wells | Amazon UK | 5/5
“Intriguing and a great debut novel”
Great for fantasy lovers and an interesting take on the body-swap concept. I am looking forward to the next book!
Liane Simmods | Waterstones | 5/5
“A very prominsing start”
I have found the author's first novel to start slowly for me. There is a good reason for that though. He tries to introduce us to two new worlds at the same time, showing all intricate details: a cruel and unforgiving dystopia, and magical fantastic world. The author does not try to 'put on anyone else's hat', he is not copying successful, great writers, he has his own ideas, plots and characters. I have found the main character's straightforwardness and honesty, and unappeasable curiosity a really good mix of personality traits. I am looking forward to read the next episode, hoping that it will be even more captivating...
Tibor Morocz | Amazon UK | 5/5
“When I read the first two chapters I knew I...”
When I read the first two chapters I knew I had to concentrate properly on the story. At chapter 4, I cannot put the book down. It is intriguing and I am looking forward to a sequel!
S J Coole | Amazon | 5/5
“Can't wait for the second book - very good story”
I really like fantasy books and this book was really good, it had a great story that kept you gripped wanting to know what was coming next. Will be looking forward to the second part.
Sandra Birkinshaw | Amazon | 5/5
“Bring on the next book PLEASE!”
It is rare I find a new author where the world brings they create brings bright new ideas and ignites one's imagination, but here Second Chance achieves this with not one but two worlds. First couple of chapters are intense in their description, but once in, I struggled to put the book down as the story quickly gripped me with a wanting to find out more. I strongly hope this is the first of many books the author creates within these new worlds ripe for more adventure and intrigue!
Amazon | 5/5
“Awesome read!”
This is a tale of second chance, self discovery. The main character Callum is a member of the shadow class, the outcasts of a society which failed to find a solution to it's problems and ignore it. The world isn't a good place to live in, but. When Callum meet an alien entity that he rescued from a (laugh) dog he is dieing, the alien thingy give him a choice : be part of the collective of souls inside it or be sent back in his failing body. Well the choice wasn't really one. At this moment a life of trials await him!/p>
Lori Angel | Amazon | 4/5
“Great debut for a promising author and series”
I very much enjoyed reading this. A good premise for a series while also being an entertaining tale in its own right. I found the characters to be interesting and well fleshed out while also leaving the reader wanting to know more about them and their motivations. From the authors Facebook page I believe that a sequel is already in the works. Look forward to reading it!
David Padwick | Amazon UK | 5/5
“Where is the next episode?”
I have found the author's first novel to start slowly for me. There is a good reason for that. He tries to introduce us to two new worlds at the same time, showing all intricate details: a cruel and unforgiving dystopia, and magical fantastic world. The author did not try to 'put on anyone else's hat', he is not copying successful, great writers, he has his own ideas, plots and characters. I have found the main character's straightforwardness and honesty, and unappeasable curiosity a really good mix of personality. I am looking forward to read the next episode, hoping that it will be even more captivating...
Edgar B. Thurson | Amazon | 5/5
“Thrilling read with a mix of themes”
A captivating read from start to finish... Can't wait to get started on the follow up!
D Watkins | Amazon UK | 5/5
“FANTASTIC...!”
FANTASTIC...! AWESOME READ! That’s all I’m going to say, because I don’t want to give anything away!
Amazon UK | 5/5
“Couldn't put this book down. Fantastic!”
This is a fast-paced book with plenty of plot twists and turns that had me hooked right until the end! I would highly recommend it to any science fiction/fantasy fans (and even to those who aren't fans)! I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment already.
Shola Yates | Waterstones | 5/5
“Gripping characters and plot in a fascinating world”
The characters are well-rounded, intelligent, emotional and real. I could identify with all of them. The story is set in two worlds, an alternate version of our own, and Freylar. The new world, the people in it, and the challenges they face, were fascinating, inventive, enchanting, and had me gripped. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series to see how the characters develop and what other adventures they face. I can imagine this appealing to men and women equally. There are various strong male and female characters, facing personal growth, quests, and battles – something for everyone.
Melanie CW | Amazon | 5/5
“Very enjoyable”
A very enjoyable dark fantasy read. The great characters and engaging storyline hooked my by the end of the first chapter, I'm already looking forward to reading more of this fascinating world. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Hidden Gems.
Joscelyn Smith | Amazon | 5/5
Knights Thranis | Volume #2 | The Chronicles of Freylar
The Blades are left reeling in the wake of the recent invasion of Freylar as they struggle to reconcile their losses and bolster waning morale. Recruitment is at an all-time low and The Vengeful Tears – an increasingly zealous band of surviving Blades led by Anika – become cause for concern. In a desperate attempt to solve the problem, Anika is chosen to accompany Rayna, who is tasked with the onerous mission of establishing a new trust with the estranged Order of the Knights Thranis. Together she and Rayna must journey to Freylar’s southern lands to mend the fractured alliance between the Orders. Pledging their services to the Knights, the pair engage in The Hunt in a bid to prove their worth. However, before Anika can earn the Knights’ trust, she must first repair the damage to her own soul.
During their secondment to the Knights Thranis, Anika and Rayna learn more about the mysterious Order and its true motives – and more importantly, about themselves. Yet while they fight alongside their new companions, seeking to earn the Knights’ trust, their domain faces new challenges; previously strong relationships begin to crack and old enemies bide their time in the shadows, licking wounds and harbouring grudges, whilst scheming Freylar’s newest downfall.
You can preview the eBook on Amazon Kindle and access the entire series online:
Amazon | UK | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Amazon | US | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Also available through the following online stores:
Reviews
“Throughly enjoyable”
After having read Second Chance not long after it came out I couldn’t wait to get stuck into Knight’s Thranis and I wasn’t disappointed! Rayna’s story continues with a journey to train with the Knight’s Thranis and We are introduced to a multitude of new characters including the dark and sinister Krashnar who is such a terrible and loathsome being that I couldn’t help but immediately adore this new addition to the Chronicles of Freylar! We also get to see much more of Blade Aspirant Anika as she grows into a really interesting individual within the cast in her own right. We also get to see some of a new enemy in the Ravnarkai and more of the old enemy Darla and Lileah. All in all a terrific read with great pace and a wonderfully crafted plot, Liam Young has become quite the accomplished author. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into the next one!
D M Hayes | Amazon US | 5/5
“The best fantasy novel I have read in a year...”
I was extremely curious about this book. I have read the prequel and I know that it is always a very complex task to build up a whole new universe that captivates the reader. Luckily the author managed to spin up the story so quickly in this book that has cast the reader into the colourful whirlpool of events. While reading on, surprises just kept coming on all storylines that are followed in this book. Lively and complex characters, trials of virtues trough hardsips and adventures. Never a dull moment! I have read countless fantasy books, but Knights Thranis "takes up the gauntlet" to be counted among the real good ones!
Edgar B Thurson | Amazon US | 5/5
“The story and the characters are brilliant. Bring on Series 3 can't wait”
The upside to breaking your arm. I picked up the book and did not have to put it down. The story and the characters are brilliant. Bring on Series 3 can't wait.
S J Coole | Amazon UK | 5/5
“Top notch follow up”
Having read a second chance and thoroughly enjoyed it (except perhaps the cliffhanger ending 😉) I was interested to see where the story would go in the follow up. Once again the author does not disappoint. The story ticks along nicely while spending almost equal parts in Freylar and the other realm with Callum before he became Rayna in book 1. I for one am interested to see where this alternate story path will take us in future instalments. Overall another intriguing and exciting tale which mixes equal parts character development action and mystery into a thoroughly engaging read. Can't wait for book 3!
David Padwick | Amazon US | 5/5
“More awesomeness”
More awesomeness from Liam Young. Now I find I just want more!
Amazon UK | 5/5
“More adventures in Freylar - I'm hooked”
This is the second in the Chronicles of Freylar series. If you’ve already read the first book, Second Chance, then you know Liam’s writing style, the wonderful world of Freylar, and the main characters. If you haven’t read it yet, you need to to understand this one. In Knights Thranis, we continue following the adventures of Rayna and the others, as well as more of Callum’s back-story, and meeting new characters. I thoroughly recommend it, I was hooked from the start. A word of warning – the way this book ends, you will want the next in the series…
Melanie C W | Amazon UK | 5/5
“A great read keep it up”
Great book can't wait for the next one getting really interesting plot.
Sandra Birkinshaw | Amazon | 4/5
“Fantastic book”
Brilliant read - really disappointed when the book finished - I need to know what happens next!! Can't want for the next book in the series.
C E Field | Amazon UK | 5/5
“A Solid Read”
I really enjoyed the world which Liam Young has created and has been a delightful read to keep me entertained. It's made its way onto my regular reading shelf.
Rebekah Lickiss | Amazon UK | 5/5
Shattered Exile | Volume #3 | The Chronicles of Freylar
Now recovered from her terrible wounds, a vengeful Lileah returns to Freylar, driving a renewed invasion that threatens to destroy the Freylarkai. Meanwhile, the sinister shaper Krashnar has infiltrated the vale, garishly working his way towards the very heart of Mirielle’s empire, over which her once-loved rule is waning, causing Freylar’s queen to tighten her grasp. Amongst those caught in the wake of Krashnar’s destruction is Rayna. The enigmatic light bringer must find a way to defeat the growing darkness inside her, in a desperate bid to slay her demons, both past and present, to finally put them to rest.
Caught between Freylar’s growing internal and external pressures, Kirika – the newest member of Freylar’s ruling council – must choose between her loyalty to the council and her sister Darlia, an infamous scrier, who has returned from exile to herald the approach of Freylar’s ruin. The burden of foresight now lies with the estranged sisters who must find the confidence and strength required to navigate Mirielle’s capricious leadership and rally the Freylarkai to defend their domain.
You can preview the eBook on Amazon Kindle and access the entire series online:
Amazon | UK | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Amazon | US | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Also available through the following online stores:
Reviews
“A book you cannot put down”
This was supposed to be my reading material for my holiday. A couple of weeks before I went, I decided to read the first chapter. By the time I went away, I only had 2 chapters left bearing in mind there are 22 chapters in total! The book keeps you on your toes and I can't wait for volume 4. Well done again Liam.
S J Coole | Amazon UK | 5/5
“Excellent third part to the Freylar saga”
The series is starting to come to fruition now as a renewed threat to Freylar's safety rises. Lines are drawn and sides chosen to combat the invasion but a secondary but no less dangerous enemy strikes from within as the Narkakai attack from without. The strain of ruling a divided kingdom in peril appears to take its toll on queen mirielle and not all of her subjects still have confidence in her leadership. The characters and plot are well defined by this stage in the series and we can begin to see how the final acts of the tale will play out. Plenty of surprises however as Freylar is threatened from several directions at once. This book contains a gripping mix of action, intrigue, humour and the occasional sprinkle of spine chilling horror to keep things interesting. Can't wait to see how book 4 wraps up all the narrative threads the author has woven.
Phoenix DA | Amazon UK | 5/5
Sundered Reign | Volume #4 | The Chronicles of Freylar
Freylar has once again been ravaged by war, with the future of the domain now balanced upon a knife edge. Mirielle’s rule has become fractured, her judgement divisive, causing many to question the suitability of their queen and her capacity to deliver them once again from darkness. The Freylarkai, now restless and uneasy, are wary of what lies ahead. Nathaniel, Marcus, Kirika, Aleska, Rayna and the now vindicated Darlia each find themselves in a position to affect allegiances. Yet a familiar evil, lurking in the shadows, also has designs on Mirielle’s future; though previously thwarted, it embarks upon a new and more insidious course of action, seeking to incite further division and unrest amongst the people, courting the demise of Freylar’s queen.
With her loyalty divided between Nathaniel and Marcus, Rayna must discern the truth behind the Freylarkai’s current internal plight. Caught between Mirielle's hardening rule and the changing mood of the people, The Guardian and her companions are called upon once again to light the way. However, as more of Freylar’s concealed history reveals itself in the wake of Nathaniel’s revelations, where will loyalties ultimately lie?
You can preview the eBook on Amazon Kindle and access the entire series online:
Amazon | UK | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Amazon | US | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Also available through the following online stores:
Reviews
“Amazing read”
I could not put this book down. The story was clear and gripping. It has been my favourite out of the series so far. Well done Liam. Looking forward to the next book.
S J Coole | Amazon UK | 5/5
“A another great read!”
Another great read & it feels like a satisfying conclusion to the saga! Great to have all the loose ends tied up.
James Ayrey | Amazon UK | 5/5
Lost Eight | Volume #5 | The Chronicles of Freylar
Winter has come to Freylar, concealing the presence of an ancient evil now released from its shackles. This unseen force seeks a way back to its homeland. To realise its goal, it must first pass through the Ardent Gate, diligently defended by its venerable custodians, the secretive Order of the Knights Thranis. Investigating the mysterious disappearance of her lover, Knight Anika tenaciously pursues Xenia, the young Knight’s zeal steering her course beyond the southern lands, unwittingly following the path of malevolence.
A distraught mother desperately searches the vale for her missing daughter. Tormented by recent events, Nathanar – newly appointed Captain of The Blades – undertakes a quest to locate and bring back the missing Freylarkin. Aided by the powerful scrier Darlia, a repentant exile working to earn the acceptance of her kin, Nathanar’s investigation takes him beyond the vale, to the Ardent Gate. Reunited with his former charge, their paths intertwined, both he and Anika learn of the shadow infiltrating the Knights’ ranks. Accompanied by a pair of reluctant Knights, the unlikely group travel through the Ardent Gate into a new domain, far from the relatively safety of Freylar, in search of answers. Can they work together to discern the cause of the recent disappearances and uncover the mysteries trapping them in their new world?
You can preview the eBook on Amazon Kindle and access the entire series online:
Amazon | UK | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Amazon | US | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Also available through the following online stores:
Reviews
“A good take on dark but heroic fantasy”
The author's fifth book tells a story of a heroic struggle of a small group to get back to their home world from a truly weird and godforsaken place. If that wouldn't be enough, there is a sinister mastermind plotting to undo them (who we might know well from the previous books), and what else do sinister masterminds and heartless soulmancers plot about? You guessed right: World domination! (This might sound as an awful cliché but luckily the author has the ability to present it well, without the aftertaste of: "Oh no, another boring baddie, who wants to take over the world every night like the smarter one in Pinky and the Brain.") Events are also happening in a parallel dystopic universe which add to the backstory of the protagonist from the previous books. The Knights Thranis was my favourite book of the series, and this spinoff story connects the present of Freylar to the disgraceful past and reveals more about this dwindling heroic order. Don’t miss it!
Ovyfvaiw | Amazon UK | 5/5
“Solid Entry”
Another cracking read in the series, the author is growing in strength and confidence as he builds the world up, fresh take on world domination, minus the cliches.
Craig S Watkins | Amazon UK | 5/5
Dark Children | Volume #6 | The Chronicles of Freylar
A young Freylarkin begins experiencing violent premonitions, foretelling unprovoked attacks on farmsteads along the eastern edge of the vale. Helping the child to control her visions, Kirika inadvertently learns of new truths involving Darlia – her sister. Now Kirika must confront Darlia, somehow finding a way to balance the scales of justice in light of her sibling’s atrocities – but can she do so without losing her sister, again?
Leyla, a surviving Blade Adept, delivers word of the brutal attacks to the vale, confirming the desperate situation. Under Lothnar’s command, the scout regiment is sent to quell the savage conflict. Accompanied by Rayna and Leyla, the scouts discover a malevolent evil bent on expanding its territory, laying waste to all those who might oppose it. Seeking to prevent such wanton destruction, Rayna discovers a chilling relationship between Freylar’s newest enemy and her miserable past. Unlike previous encounters with her murky origins, this newest threat clouds the light bringer’s judgement, finding a way to get under her skin, seeking to pull her back into the darkness.
You can preview the eBook on Amazon Kindle and access the entire series online:
Amazon | UK | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Amazon | US | The Chronicles of Freylar | Series
Also available through the following online stores:
Shifting Morality | Volume #7 | The Chronicles of Freylar
Due for release Autumn 2024
Writing in progress
Author | Get in touch
The Chronicles of Freylar started life as a single manuscript titled project ‘Night-Night’; an endeavour which I commenced whilst sitting beside my son, who had great difficulty sleeping at night. My presence comforted Tristan, helping him to doze off, and whilst he slowly drifted away each night seeking fresh adventures within his dream world, I set myself the challenge of creating a world of my own.
Born during the spring of 1979, I moved around a lot during my childhood and teen years, which brought me into contact with a lot of people throughout my life, all of whom have contributed to my rich life experiences; it is these experiences which have expanded my imagination, enabling me to embark on this project. The Chronicles of Freylar is a huge undertaking, one which I am fully committed to developing. I am no stranger to large scale projects; my extensive background in IT has allowed me to develop and implement a number of software and infrastructure innovations over the years. Though I enjoy my work, due to its seemingly endless fresh challenges, the IT industry is a continuously evolving beast where innovations are rapidly lost in time with the relentless advance of technology. Stories, however, are timeless. I have always wanted to create a written world of my own which I can leave behind for my son, and hopefully for others to enjoy too.
Liam W H Young, Amazon Best Selling author for Dark Fantasy, Dystopian Sci-Fi and Low Fantasy
Author Page | Amazon
Author Page | BookBub
Author Page | Good Reads
Author Page | Google Play
Author Page | Itch
Gallery | The domain of Freylar
Principal artist for The Chronicles of Freylar: Hardy Fowler @ FOWLERILLUSTRATION.
Media | Free downloads
The below wallpapers are free to download and use on your personal home electronic devices. The contents of these wallpapers may not be reproduced, under any circumstances, without express consent from the copyright holder.
Desktop Wallpapers
SmartPhone + Tablet Wallpapers
Merchandise | Freylarian bazaar
Over the last decade of writing I have attended numerous conventions, whilst promoting the chronicles, which has allowed me to engage with fans of the series. A burning question that has frequently arisen during these shows is:
"When are you going to start selling merchandise?"
The answer to that question is now - welcome to my Freylarian bazaar, courtesy of Etsy.
Please click the Follow Shop button on the Official Merchandise Store to stay up to date with the latest merchandise releases.
