The Search for Synergy

The Talisman Series, Vol. 1

By: Brett Salter

Narrated by: Joshua Martin

"The Search For Synergy" is the first book in The Talisman Series by author Brett Salter. It follows the exploits of two middle-school boys, Rome Lockheed and Julian Rider, as they transition from normal kids into epic warriors fighting for the existence of the Earth realm.

Rome is secretly a fire dragon from the Den of Volcana placed under a spell which hides his true form. Julian is an oddball, up-and-coming knight with a case of the "try-hards". Together, they perform an ancient pact which bonds their lives and souls forever. Under the tutelage and guidance of an eccentric, local librarian, Mr. Jones, the two learn of an impending invasion from an archaic evil desperate to invade from the other side of The Void.

©2017 Brett Salter (P)2023 Brett Salter

Great story, but a few negatives

It's easy to tell that this book was written for people younger than me, yet it was still a great story. It was fun, and I know that if I was 10 years old reading this, it would be all I would ever talk about. It's obviously not the most well-written, but I know a good story when I see one. The plot is easy to follow and has the perfect balance of modern themes and whimsy.

As an audiobook, there were times that lines were read multiple times which confused me at some parts. I think that the different voices made it a lot easier to understand, even if they were a bit silly.

The Beginning of an Incredible Journey

I love the Talisman Series, and it was great to listen to it on Audible! Rome Lockheed struggles to sit still, feeling something building inside him. Little does he know that he is about to be thrust into a battle for the fate of the world itself! Alongside his new friend Julian Rider, Rome will soon discover the truth about his family as he prepared for the battle of a lifetime.
The story is top-notch, drawing the listener into a world of modern fantasy filled with awesome battles. The performance got better once the narrator slowed down a little, and there were a lot of repeated lines. Still, this is one brilliant modern fantasy tale of two teenage boys discovering their unique destiny as they become the new protectors of the earth.