Nujran was born the night his father, King Rababi, debated his political rival, Hoanan. A much-loved child, Nujran was spoiled until his mother, Queen Roone, stepped in and stopped his behavior. That is also when he met Amsibh, a gifted teacher with several unusual abilities. Nujran’s life was perfect until a group led by King Rababi’s ex-political opponent tried to overtake the government. Rushed to safety by his teacher and two personal guards, Nujran worries about the safety of his parents, the remaining staff, and his friend, Zaarica. When the Monks of Meirar arrive at the island, it hastens along events that Nujran was destined for. What is so special about the Monks of Meirar? Why is Hoanan trying to usurp King Rababi? Who is the mole on the inside? And what influential figure is helping Hoanan?
Nurjan and the Monks of Meirar do start slowly. I was put off by how slow it was at first. But, as I continued to read this book, I understood why the author started as slow as he did. He was building several storylines simultaneously, with the main storyline revolving around Nujran. Once I got over the slowness, I started to like the book.
The author included two things that a book like this needs. He included a map at the beginning of the book (with all of the major cities and countries highlighted). But my favorite thing was the glossary at the end. I was so happy that he thought enough to include one. There were so many named characters, and I did have a hard time keeping them straight. But with the glossary, I didn’t have to rely on my notes (which were numerous and sometimes didn’t make sense, lol)
Nujran and the Monks of Meirar take place in Syzegis, on the continent of Angawunder, in the country of Typgar, and in the city of Loh’dis. It also takes place, for a brief time, on the island of Narcaya. The author painted a vivid view of a world that is technologically advanced but, at the same time, keeping things simple (if that makes sense). From what I gathered, much of Syzegis is unexplored. It was also a peaceful world without worries about war, hunger, or poverty. Well, that was until Hoanan tried to take the throne by force. Then that went out the window.
Nujran, who the book is centered around, did start as a brat. I liked that his mother was like, “Hell no,” and redirected him to activities where he could make friends and stop acting so spoiled. I blame his father for his beginning attitude, but I understood why King Rabibi spoiled him. Nujran was a much-wanted child, and his father wanted to make Nujran happy. Nujran’s character growth started when Queen Roone put her foot down on his behavior. But it began when Amsibh took over Nujran’s teaching. I loved watching him grow from a slightly self-involved teenager to one who made critical decisions.
I was curious about Amsibh when he appeared in the book. He is the older man with four arms on the cover and one of the wisest men in their world. I liked that he guided and protected Nujran along his journey. He never told him outright what to do but instead suggested things. He was one of several characters that I enjoyed during the book.
The Monks of Meirar was an exciting group of men and ladies. Each monk had a unique ability that set them apart from regular people. One could go invisible (and make people with him invisible), another could do remote viewing, and yet another could talk to the dead. Each monk contributed to their part of Nujran’s journey, and I liked seeing how they enriched his life.
I wouldn’t be a good reviewer if I didn’t mention Hoanan. From the beginning, I knew he was behind the attacks and the coup (even before he revealed himself). The more I read about him, the more my skin crawled, and I detested him so much. So, I wasn’t surprised when the author chose to end his storyline the way it did.
The storyline with the coup, Nurjan, Hoanan, King Rabibi, and Queen Roone, who was behind the attacks and who was discovered helping Hoanan, was intriguing. While I quickly figured out Hoanan’s role in everything, there were a couple of mystery people I couldn’t quite figure out their deal. A couple of twists in this storyline had me shaking my head in disbelief and sadness.
The storyline with Nurjan, the Monks of Meirar, Amsibh, and Nurjan’s exile was fascinating. The island where Nurjan was kept could be cloaked (which made it perfect for hiding on). I couldn’t get enough of the Monks and was sad when they parted ways with Nurjan and Amisbh. There was a betrayal that I didn’t see coming, and it saddened me.
The end of Nurjan and the Monks of Meirar had me in tears. I can’t get into why but my heart broke for Nurjan. The author resolved all of the storylines but left some wiggle room for another book.
I recommend Nurjan and the Monks of Meirar to anyone over 13. There is violence. There is no language or sexual situation.
Many thanks to Novel Cause and Krishna Sudhir for allowing me to read and review Prince of Typgar: Nurjan and the Monks of Meirar. All opinions stated in this review are mine.