“Evanswood: Part I” by Evelyn M. Exley

Evanswood: Part I

Evelyn M. Exley
Independently Published (2020)
ISBN:  978-1734058093
Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views (08/2026)

From the moment Evelyn M. Exley’s Evanswood: Part I was opened, it was obvious this was going to be an epic journey; an adventure that would have readers holding their breath, turning pages ever faster, and hoping against all possibilities that cruel fate would finally be kind.

This is a tale of knights, lords, kings, maidens, and pirates.  In the land of Pithany, the regency rules.  But in one corner of this land, far from curious eyes and lords who would strike them down, lies a place called Evanswood, where a man labeled the Black Pirate is teaching his recruits a new way of thinking and governing.  Evanswood is ruled by The Code and guarded by the blade.  But this is no retelling of King Arthur’s tales, for the lords and kings are ruthless and cruel, while the so-called pirate, though fierce and determined, is a man who respects life and liberty.  In essence, Evanswood is a place where the people seek a new, better way of living.

The story of Evanswood begins with a young child, daughter of the Lord Paladin, raised in a lonely existence within the confines of the Great Hall.  Quinleah loves her father, but doesn’t understand his brooding nature or why he never has time for her.  She’s largely raised by a nanny who detests her free spirit and strong will, making life harsh for all of them.  Quinleah wants to spend time in the courtyard watching the men practice their fighting.  She’s not interested in learning how to be a Lady.

Unknown to her, Lord Filghim of White Heather has been making arrangements with Quinleah’s father for an alliance.   In her preteens, she is suddenly introduced to Lord Filghim and his two sons, Lathin and Sentune, when they come to Great Hall to spend time together.  Like Quinleah, the boy’s mother is dead.  But that’s the only similarity she sees.  This family is loud, raucous, and affectionate; the very antithesis of her and her father:  “What was Father thinking? They were as rowdy and common as our stable hands, and even worse, were actually speaking to me. I liked them all instantly.”

Quinleah’s life has been dismal and fraught with strange, intensely dark dreams involving a man dressed in black and wearing an intricately carved symbol at his neck.  “The pattern was delicate and interwoven, twisting expertly around a perfect circle in the center.”  She doesn’t realize it yet, but Lord Filghim’s son Sentune is going to be the catalyst that eventually puts this dark stranger in her life.  Fate has selected her for a purpose she cannot outrun.

What Exley has done with Evanswood is both beautiful and haunting.  There are many more adjectives, especially superlatives, that fit as well: astounding, breathtaking, excellent, grand-scale magnificence.  They all fit.  The storyline follows Quinleah as she works out who she truly is and what she is destined for.  It’s not an easy or quick process, as it shouldn’t be.  But it is amazing and gratifying.  With perfect pacing, we watch Quin and the boys grow, discover what their fathers have planned for them, and struggle to cope.  None of the three like their options.  Only one of them will accept what has been chosen for them.

The characters here are beyond compare.  Rich with histories involving conflict and pain, we easily grow to love many of the protagonists.  Their early lives shape their decisions and mold them into strong people who despise injustice and seek only a chance to live life as they choose.  It doesn’t seem that much to ask.

Quinleah is intelligent, strong in spirit and body, and has grown up learning to cross swords with Lathin and Sentune. Sentune is wiser than his years, with a keen grasp of the local politics and a strong grasp on the hilt of his sword.

Then there’s the Dark Pirate.  His reputation is that of violence, anger, vengeance, and cruelty.  But he may not be all that he seems.  He has indeed attacked some of the Lord’s lands, ransacking and burning villages.  But strangely, his men went to great lengths to get all the villagers out to safety before doing so.  There is definitely an early sense of enigma surrounding him, and the feeling that he must be more than he’s made out to be.

Fighting men — and clear-eyed wolves — were full of quiet suspicion.

Exley’s weaving of these and many more characters within the intricate storyline is nothing short of excellence.  In these days when basic writing skills seem a rarity, Exley shows that she’s earned her place.  Her command of language feels effortless and proves flawless.  Within her exposition and well-laid dialogue, there is a strength that provides a story that leaps off the pages, filling the reader’s mind with easily visualized scenes.

I shivered. Such a familiar tone, like a soothing, powerful calm after a terrible storm. Like the blacksmith’s iron, so hot that it glowed deep with dark color.

I have nothing but high praise for Evanswood: Part I by Evelyn M. Exley.  As a lover of epic fantasy, and one who has read both the wonderful and the not-so-great, I feel confident in highly recommending Evanswood to fans of fantasy stories, especially those involving a strong female protagonist, regency, pirates, and swordplay.  Themes of discovering oneself and one’s destiny are strong here, along with freedom, justice, and strength in dark times.  Wonderfully written and fascinating to read, this tale is written in such a way that it can easily be enjoyed by those aged 15 to 95.  The conclusion, Evanswood:  Part II, is already available.  I’m grabbing my copy now.