Ancient Wonders: The Sword’s Secret by Chris Cole is a bold and refreshing take on the adventure genre, intertwining history, myth, and LGBTQ+ representation with exhilarating finesse. This book is a treasure chest of myth, adventure, and identity, offering readers an engaging quest for the legendary Excalibur, balanced with heartfelt exploration of personal growth and self-discovery.
Table of Contents
Review
Throughout history, myths have served as mirrors to humanity’s aspirations, fears, and ideals. The Arthurian legend, for instance, remains one of the most enduring stories of heroism and morality. Chris Cole not only acknowledges this legacy but enriches it by presenting a protagonist who is both modern and relatable. Set against a backdrop of academic ambition and historical intrigue, the book takes readers on a thrilling ride that challenges traditional notions of belonging, purpose, and bravery. This is more than a story about a sword; it is about discovering truths—about legends, the past, and oneself.
The book follows Rhys Wilder, a mythologist who unexpectedly receives a once-in-a-lifetime grant to uncover one of history’s greatest mysteries: King Arthur’s fabled sword, Excalibur. Along the way, Rhys must tackle perilous alliances, questionable benefactors, and personal insecurities, all while grappling with the weight of his own identity and the myths he studies. From academic rejections to tantalizing whispers of the Lady of the Lake, Rhys’s journey is one of both external adventure and internal transformation. Cole deftly blends historical clues, vivid landscapes, and high-stakes dilemmas with a touch of humor and authenticity.
The strongest aspect of the novel lies in its fresh perspective and lively storytelling. The narrative’s inclusivity stands out, presenting a lead character who breaks the mold of the typical adventurer. The seamless weaving of LGBTQ+ themes into the larger quest is both groundbreaking and unforced, reflecting a more diverse and contemporary take on a genre that has often leaned on archetypes. Cole’s dialogue is often witty, with interactions between Rhys and his reluctant partner, Shaw, injecting the story with humor and tension. The character development is nuanced, with Rhys’s vulnerabilities and quiet moments of introspection lending authenticity to his hero’s journey. A particularly memorable moment comes when Rhys uncovers the implications of a mysterious artifact tied to the Lady of the Lake—a scene brimming with suspense and wonder that encapsulates the book’s balance of myth and personal stakes.
Though its audience will undoubtedly appreciate the unique voice and inclusivity, the book may not resonate as strongly with readers seeking a more traditional, action-heavy adventure devoid of personal reflection or those who prefer clean-cut heroes over flawed, deeply human characters. However, fans of works like The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown or The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller will find much to admire here. Cole’s work evokes the intellectual intrigue of Brown’s mysteries while echoing Miller’s sensitivity to identity and relationships within a historical framework.
Ultimately, Ancient Wonders: The Sword’s Secret is more than a book—it’s an experience. Cole has crafted a story that excavates the essence of adventure and identity while adding a prism of inclusivity to reflect the complexities of modern readers. Much like the artifacts Rhys seeks, this story feels like a relic of immense value waiting to be uncovered by the world. With its rich storytelling, emotional depth, and refreshing representation, this book carves its place in the literary canon of LGBTQ+ adventure, a sword firmly planted in the stone of its own originality and merit.
About the Author
Chris Cole (ze/zim), a licensed professional counselor, was born and raised in Southeast Idaho. Ze has been writing since school and was first published in 2020. Chris writes across genres, has several series and plays in progress, and is active in LGBTQ+ advocacy and local theater. Zis other book, Avoiding Aiden, is a winner of the BREW Seal of Excellence and BREW Readers’ Choice Award LGBTQ+ Fiction of 2022.
Book Details
- Title: Ancient Wonders: The Sword’s Secret
- Author: Chris Cole
- Genre(s) and Sub-genre(s):
- Main Genre: Fiction
- Sub-genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+
- Theme(s): History, Discovery
- Publication Date: 2024
- ISBN: 979-8989994236
- Minimum Audience Age: 16+ (based on themes, mild language, and content suitability)
- Main Language: English
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Ratings Based on Criteria
- Sexual Themes: 1 (a few)
- Minimal romantic or flirtatious interactions; no explicit content.
- Religious Themes: 2 (considerable)
- Arthurian legends, Christian mythology, and religious artifacts are explored.
- Violence, Self-Harm, etc.: 2 (considerable)
- Threats, past murders, and occasional physical danger drive the plot.
- Crude Language, Expletives, Swearing, etc.: 3 (pronounced)
- Frequent use of casual profanity, fitting for certain characters.
- Other Adult Themes: 2 (considerable)
- Death of family members, threats of harm, and unethical actions.
Rating
- Content: 5
- Writing Style or Visual Presentation: 4
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5
- Uniqueness: 5
- Editing: 4
- Other Factors: 5
- Overall Average Rating: 4.67 out of 5 stars
Links
Related
Disclaimer: The content provided by The Chrysalis BREW Project is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in our reviews and articles are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Chrysalis BREW Project. We strive for accuracy, but we cannot guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information provided. External links are for convenience and do not imply endorsement. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult professionals as needed. The use of our content is at your own discretion. Please read our full disclaimer version as well as other relevant policies, terms, and conditions on the links below for more details.
Important Reads: About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Disclaimer and Disclosure
For more posts like this, here’s the link: https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/category/bookish-posts/.
- A Calendar of BREW Events
- Book Reviews and Recommendations
- BREW Book, Blog, and Poetry Awards
- BREW Book Awards
- BREW International Blog Award
- BREW Poetry Award
- General Award Nomination Policies
- BREW Award Winners
- Become a BREW Awards Judge
- BREW Book Awards Judging Criteria
- BREW Brilliance: Insights and Updates from BREW Awardees
- Policy for Self-reporting, Reporting on Awardees, and Minimum Nominee Criteria
- From the BREW Community
- Get Featured: Showcase Your Work Through The Chrysalis BREW Project
- Giving Back
- Our Free Services for You
- What You Can Also Do
- Partner With Us
- Our Offers
- About
Announcements
Welcome to The Chrysalis BREW Project! We’re excited to offer new service slots to shine a spotlight on your masterpiece—place your order while spots last! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out through our Contact Form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. All the best, now and always—keep shining!
Congratulations to our latest BREW award winners!
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Share this:
Discover more from The Chrysalis BREW Project
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.