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After being so impressed with the first Lepunia book, I was eager to continue the story. The fact that this is a trilogy makes it all the more compelling—while the first book introduced the world, this one allows readers to fully immerse themselves in it. Middle books are often polarizing, either becoming the favorite or the least favorite of a series, but Lepunia: The Last Galloper is already vying for favorite status in my household.
Kevin Ford follows traditional storytelling principles, which makes his work both refreshing and reliable. Instead of relying on gimmicks or clever twists, he crafts a beautifully structured narrative that unfolds as it should. This allows readers to relax into the story, savor excellent writing, and appreciate the depth of character development and world-building.
One of Ford’s greatest strengths is his ability to ground his fantasy world in reality. His descriptions of settings and characters feel authentic because they are clearly drawn from real-life influences. This tangible sense of place makes the world of Lepunia feel both vivid and familiar.
Beyond the surface of the story, Ford invites readers into a deeper magic. Though the book is populated by animals and presents a simple, earthy religious framework, it is infused with truth, goodness, and beauty. As a Catholic reader, I recognize the richness of Ford’s formation shining through, offering layers of meaning that make the story even more compelling.
The illustrations by Michael Genova perfectly complement the text. As a classically trained artist and iconographer, Genova brings masterful attention to detail, creating images that are both simple and profound. His work enhances the story in a way that feels timeless and fitting.
Several moments in the book stand out as particularly powerful. At one point, a character sneaks into a captured city to warn the captives that help is coming, urging them to be ready and to resist from within when the time comes. This character suffers tremendously for the act of courage. It’s a gripping moment of self-sacrifice, advancing the plot while adding depth to the character’s journey.
Another striking scene involves a character receiving a powerful advantage, only to lose it for complex but morally right reasons. Unlike many modern stories that grant heroes an invincible weapon or magical ability, Ford chooses a more honest approach. The power of the item in this situation lies not in its supernatural abilities but in the way it rallies the faithful and unites them in purpose—much like the horns of Rohan in The Lord of the Rings. This storytelling choice feels grounded and true, reinforcing the novel’s themes of courage and perseverance.
In many ways, Lepunia feels like it belongs alongside Mistmantle by M.I. McAllister. The animal characters have a similar depth and dignity, and the writing is equally elegant and layered. At the same time, the fast-paced action and adventure are reminiscent of The Green Ember by S.D. Smith. Both Ford and Smith use swift, agile animal characters to propel their narratives forward, creating a sense of urgency and excitement that keeps readers engaged.
This book is an excellent choice for family read-alouds – it’s thrilling without being too intense for younger listeners and offers plenty of depth for older readers. Middle-grade readers who enjoy noble adventures will also find much to love here.
With Lepunia: The Last Galloper, Kevin T. Ford delivers a sequel that deepens and enriches the world of Lepunia, proving that middle books can be just as compelling, if not more so, than their predecessors. I eagerly await the final installment in this remarkable trilogy.
Use discount code PLUMFIELD at the author’s website – no affiliate link for us – just a code for you because we want to make it easy for you to support this lovely book. If you prefer to shop at Amazon, you can find Lepunia: The Last Galloper, here. (At time of posting, it doesn’t appear to be at Amazon yet, except as a Kindle book.)