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Roan: The Tale of Conor Archer, Volume 1 (The Tales of Conor Archer) Paperback – March 2, 2019


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* First Place Outstanding Fantasy — Independent Authors Network

* First Place Young Adult Fiction — Purple Dragonfly Award


Some stories can’t be easily explained by science.

Take your steps carefully as you venture into the world of "ROAN: The Tales of Conor Archer," where ancient mysteries collide with modern science in an electrifying blend of fantasy, suspense, and adventure.

Orphaned and alone, Conor Archer returns to his hometown only to find himself thrust into a web of secrets and danger.

With the help of newfound friends—Jace, the charismatic captain of the football team, and Beth, his fiercely loyal twin sister—Conor embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic 'Dark Ones' and their connection to an ancient river demon and a shapeshifter lurking in the nearby Indian Burial mound.

But as Conor delves deeper into the mysteries of his past, he finds himself caught in a high-stakes battle between myth and science.

With the sinister biogenetics company DIOGENE hot on his trail, Conor must navigate a treacherous landscape of lies and deceit, where courage and heroism shine amidst rising terror and darkness.

Perfect for fans of epic fantasy and thrilling suspense, "ROAN: The Tales of Conor Archer" is a spellbinding coming-of-age story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Hold your breath and see if you can make it all the way to the end.


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From the Publisher

Fantasy books Suspense Thriller books Action Adventure Action Adventure books Coming of age books
Fantasy books Suspense Thriller books Action Adventure Action Adventure books Coming of age books
Fantasy books Suspense Thriller books Action Adventure Action Adventure books Coming of age books
Fantasy books Suspense Thriller books Action Adventure Action Adventure books Coming of age books

Editorial Reviews

Review

Barr excels at world-building, using existing Native American and Celtic lore to create a rich mythic heritage all his own...Barr also shines at characterization, making Conor and those around him well-rounded and easy to empathize with...The use of lyrical refrains combined with the author's own Celtic-inspired verses throughout the book gives the story a larger-than-life, legendary quality similar to Homeric epics. This beautiful stylistic choice lends a certain gravitas and suspense to the story...This book is strongly recommended for lovers of Tolkien, Pratchett, and George R. R. Martin.

---Forward/Clarion Reviews

From debut author Barr comes an urban-fantasy novel about an adolescent boy on the cusp of mysterious change and the strange town within which he seeks refuge...Full of folklore and charm, the story is an inviting mix of the fantastic, the innocent, and the altogether sinister...The book avoids the clichés of the genre while providing a swift, spiraling journey. A novel entry into the world of teenage fantasy that ultimately unfolds into a truly epic saga
.---KirkusReviews

This tale is epic in scope, destined to become a saga. Despite the story's magnitude, however, it takes the life of a classic campfire story. Barr's writing style is at once fast-paced, richly complex, and intensely engaging...The world of Conor Archer is carefully crafted to include real history and incorporate cross-cultural legends and lore in a manner that allows the book to be complex and multi-faceted yet easy to follow...Finally, the story itself is original and compelling...This is a book you need to read.---
OnlineBookClub.org

From the fantastical to the emotional, this is one book that hits on all cylinders. In fact, not since
Potter has there been such a large story with so many intricate characters; except this one also gives the Celtic twist that all lovers of Irish knowledge, history and beauty will absolutely adore.

---
Feathered Quill Book Reviews

Roan: The Tales of Conor Archer by E.R. Barr is a well-written story with supernatural undertones. I am reviewing the audio version of this story, which is wonderfully delivered. The reading is clear and is delivered in a tone that respects the voice of the narrator. The pace is just right for any listener and the alternating tones will help the listener to understand and note the changes in points of view, the punctuation, dialogues, and stay engaged with the characters as the story spirals into a climax. E.R. Barr's writing is smooth and the prose sounds excellent. I loved the diction, which many readers will find familiar. The story is fast-paced and gripping. I had a lot of fun listening while driving through the rush hour traffic. Roan: The Tales of Conor Archer is a compelling story that will delight readers and have them wanting more. It was a pleasurable listening experience for me.---Readers Favorite


One of the more interesting things about this book is Barr's unique blending of Celtic and Native American mythology with Christian, and especially Catholic, theology. Like in the works of C. S. Lewis...there is an underlying acknowledgment in Conor's story that God is ultimately in control of he universe and that all other magical creatures and powers are secondary in nature. Billed as a fantasy, Barr's book is darker than some and has many elements that will appeal more to the followers of horror novels than to those of the standard fantasy genre. But the author's good characterizations and intriguing mythological backdrop will undoubtedly have his fans clamoring for more.
---The U. S. Review of Books

From the Author

I hope you enjoy this rural/urban fantasy.  The sequel, called "Skellig: The Tales Of Conor Archer " is also available from Amazon both in Kindle and Paperback. Meanwhile, if you do read either. book, please leave a few comments in the review section on Amazon's book page. Thanks so much.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Telemachus Press, LLC (March 2, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 571 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1937387666
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1937387662
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 18 years
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.83 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.43 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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E. R. Barr
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E. R. Barr spent his youth wandering around “Conor Country” known better as the “Driftless Area” of the southwest corner of the state of Wisconsin. The Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers and the lands around them, dotted with Indian mounds and filled with stories and legends, fueled his imagination. Not till he started traveling world-wide did he truly begin to see connections between Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the lands where he was born. His forebears came from those ancient nations and settled there in Wisconsin. Always wondering why, he kept searching for answers. A Catholic Priest, a university professor, high school teacher and administrator, a popular speaker on all things Celtic and Tolkienesque, E. R. Barr makes his home in northwest Illinois. He is the author of the urban fantasy series, THE TALES OF CONOR ARCHER including the novels ROAN and SKELLIG. He is also the author of the paranormal thriller collection, THE VATICAN ARCHIVES SERES including the novels GODS IN THE RUINS and BENEATH THE BISHOP’S BONES. All novels take place in the Conorverse.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
364 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the characters plausible and engaging. They describe the book as an exciting, thoroughly exciting read with mystery and intrigue. Readers praise the storytelling as creative storytelling at its best. They appreciate the very in depth worldbuilding. Opinions are mixed on the pacing and length, with some finding it well-paced and others saying it's slow at first.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

152 customers mention "Story complexity"140 positive12 negative

Customers find the book creative storytelling at its best, rich with detail, and interesting. They also say the story is fantastical, merging science fiction, fantasy, Celtic, and Native. Readers mention that the book is long, with 570 pages. They say the book combines a great deal of lore and mythology with United States and Irish. They mention that it's realistic yet realistic.

"...are both a blessing and a curse. Barr’s work is creative storytelling at its best. He builds anticipation that keeps you guessing...." Read more

"...The infusion of history and abundance of detail will reward thorough readers who wish to delve into the source materials, but the imaginative story-..." Read more

"This is an excellent story. It brings together myth, magic, and science. There is love, tragedy, war, and hope...." Read more

"...The words flow effortlessly and his books are a real treat to read. Obviously many of the characters and story lines were familiar to me...." Read more

97 customers mention "Entertainment value"97 positive0 negative

Customers find the book exciting, spooky, and mysterious. They also say the author is very clever and capable, and builds anticipation that keeps them guessing. Readers say the book is not too intense for teens, yet fresher than Twilight and its spinoffs. They appreciate the fabulously designed world setting.

"...He builds anticipation that keeps you guessing. The threshold to another realm becomes more real and chilling with every turn of the page...." Read more

"...Overall Roan is an immersive read that only gets stronger and draws you in deeper as the story progresses...." Read more

"...The words flow effortlessly and his books are a real treat to read. Obviously many of the characters and story lines were familiar to me...." Read more

"...The ballads, lyrics and poems dispersed throughout were entertaining and essential to understanding the setting, characters and their motivations,..." Read more

67 customers mention "Plot"59 positive8 negative

Customers find the mystery and intrigue in the book engaging. They also say it's part urban fantasy, part dark horror in terms of genre. Readers also appreciate the author's incredible grasp of history, fable, and folklore. They say the characters are relatable, memorable, and believable. They mention the book ends on a cliffhanger and contains a variety of paranormal creatures.

"...Either way, this is a story to be savored. It is bold, wild, violently vulgar, and profoundly human." Read more

"...The infusion of history and abundance of detail will reward thorough readers who wish to delve into the source materials, but the imaginative story-..." Read more

"...There is love, tragedy, war, and hope. It is an altogether wild adventure and I hope the author plans a sequel." Read more

"...The author has an incredible grasp of history (histories actually), fable, folklore, good vs evil as personified in various characters...." Read more

66 customers mention "Narrative"66 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters plausible and engaging. They also appreciate the detailed story of the protagonist. Customers also say the author has incredible talent and has gifted us with an original tale of destiny, courage, strength, and the will to survive.

"...It is bold, wild, violently vulgar, and profoundly human." Read more

"...into the source materials, but the imaginative story-line and robust characters ensure you will enjoy yourself regardless of how for down the rabbit..." Read more

"...Overall the characters of this book are well rounded thanks to the author string ability to use words to build characters...." Read more

"...It's a long, involved, detailed story of protagonist Conor, whose past, present and future all seem equally muddled...." Read more

26 customers mention "Worldbuilding"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the worldbuilding in the book very in depth, with combined magic, medicine, and modern science. They also say the book will let them travel to another fantastical world. Readers appreciate the author's deep understanding of the connections between these mythical tales. They say the spiritual entities are linked to their specific places.

"This is an excellent story. It brings together myth, magic, and science. There is love, tragedy, war, and hope...." Read more

"...the interplay of humans and animal spirits and the town itself are fascinating, but not otherworldly to the point of disbelief...." Read more

"...It’s a dense story, but full of so much magic and many wonderful characters that I think just about any fan of fantasy will love it...." Read more

"...’s work, but what it lacks in those it make up for it in very in depth world building and character development. As well as it seem to have a..." Read more

11 customers mention "Emotional content"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotional, powerful, and inspirational. They say it helps build a foundation of empathy for his journey. Readers also mention that the book tells a tale of horror, mystery, sci-fi, and friendship with a good dose of mysticism.

"...It brings together myth, magic, and science. There is love, tragedy, war, and hope...." Read more

"...and rituals of the Native American religion, this book tells a tale of horror, mystery, sci-fi and suspense that will keep the reader invested in..." Read more

"...The story is full of sorrow and pain and culminates in a war between good and evil...." Read more

"...’s Roan: The Tales of Conor Archer is a dark fantasy with quite a few elements of horror...." Read more

24 customers mention "Pacing"16 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some find it well-paced and comfortable, while others say it's slow at first.

"...The book is long, but moves quickly. Volume 2 should be interesting, given the end and the journey ahead.Lot of possibilities!" Read more

"...The characters are incredibly well developed, and the story is fast paced and the details are so well crafted that you can almost hear the water..." Read more

"...A lot of this story moves very, very slowly...." Read more

"...It moved along very quickly and you didn’t want to miss a sentence or you might miss something important to the story. I related to the story..." Read more

18 customers mention "Length"9 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the length of the book. Some mention that it moves quickly, while others say that it is long and has different things going on.

"...The book is long, but moves quickly. Volume 2 should be interesting, given the end and the journey ahead.Lot of possibilities!" Read more

"...It is too long and wordy...." Read more

"...It's a long, involved, detailed story of protagonist Conor, whose past, present and future all seem equally muddled...." Read more

"...The book is long and there is a lot of different things that are going on to get up to the point of understanding who is who and what is what...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2018
Born of the author’s fascination with Celtic myths and legends and woven with Native American lore Roan: The Tales of Conner Archer brings another dimension to life. In a style that reminds me of Tolkien, E.R. Barr creates characters of depth who interact in a multidimensional complex plot.
Several subplots drive the story, but the conflict between good and evil, light and darkness, selfishness and sacrifice permeates the novel in magnificent contrast. This is, at its core, the story of the eternal battle between good and evil.
The story is about a young man, Conner Archer, who is drawn into a duplicitous small-town culture when his mother dies. Conner knows little of his father or his original home. His mom fled the northwest with him when he was just a baby.
Upon his return, he encounters a dark and mysterious world. An emerging epic begins. Alternate dimensions, other worlds, and strange connections to other times and places become a very real part of Conner’s existence.
Conner struggles to understand his identity and purpose, as he is quickly drawn into a battle that has raged for centuries. Why does his presence propel the townspeople to what seems to be certain doom?
Conner walks a fine line between two realms, two realities. Can he reconcile his identity and destiny within both? Is he doomed to fail or destined to become a savior? Conner must answer those questions to resolve a universal challenge…
“You must become something different, or else you will surely die. And the choice is yours alone.”
What and who must Conner become? Is he willing to sacrifice comfort for the sake of destiny? What is he to make of changlings, fallen angels, and deals with the devil? It is a struggle as he discovers his own special gifts are both a blessing and a curse.
Barr’s work is creative storytelling at its best. He builds anticipation that keeps you guessing. The threshold to another realm becomes more real and chilling with every turn of the page. Amid the enchantment and horror, science and myth collide.
This is epic storytelling. Enjoy it for the sake of the story, or relish the poetic and symbolic elements of Barr’s work. Either way, this is a story to be savored. It is bold, wild, violently vulgar, and profoundly human.
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2018
Roan: The Tales of Conor Archer, by E.R. Barr, is quite unlike anything I've ever read. It combines elements of Celtic Folklore with Native American Legends, gives them a modern day twist and packages everything neatly into the backstory of our Protagonist and titular character, Conor Archer. After teen-aged Conor is beset by tragedy, he leaves behind his home in Chicago and travels to a rural Wisconsin village, Tinker's Grove. Once there it becomes increasingly obvious that there's much more going on behind the scenes. Not only does it directly involve Conor, but his entire family history as well. He is faced with a daunting task, to uphold his family legacy, or risk being consumed by the forces that oppose him.

Immediately apparent and consistent throughout the story is the amount of research and attention to detail Barr put into crafting the tale. The narrative is rife with a near ceaseless stream of subtle references, allusions and celebrations of the historic traditions and myths it draws upon. With so much going on, it is possible to get a bit overwhelmed at times as the narrative jumps from point to point. This doesn't distract from the overall experience so much as it ensures that there will be plenty of moments to rediscover upon subsequent rereads.

As meticulous as the research for this story was, it is far from dry. The characters are all the more fanciful and imaginative for their historical roots. Mythical creatures, mysterious outcasts and terrifying monsters all make an appearance. Their inclusion starkly contrasts the modern backdrop, but the story is never at odds with itself. However, it's not all high-fantasy and heroics, there are some dark, bloody moments to remind you this is no fairy tale.

Overall Roan is an immersive read that only gets stronger and draws you in deeper as the story progresses. The infusion of history and abundance of detail will reward thorough readers who wish to delve into the source materials, but the imaginative story-line and robust characters ensure you will enjoy yourself regardless of how for down the rabbit hole you go.
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
This is an excellent story. It brings together myth, magic, and science. There is love, tragedy, war, and hope. It is an altogether wild adventure and I hope the author plans a sequel.

Top reviews from other countries

Jaituni
5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic read!
Reviewed in India on May 14, 2024
Honestly, I never thought that I would enjoy this book as much as I did. At first, I was intimidated by the huge size of this book, but once I started reading it, it got really interesting. The story is about Conor Archer, who is a talented young musician in Chicago. However it is during one such day when he is playing at the local Irish pub, that a strange man appears and reveals to Conor, that Conor is a part of a mysterious group and is a “dark one”. Later, we can see him go to Tinker’s Grove and discover the secrets about himself. The book is really interesting that involves a lot of different characters. The town is also filled with Shapeshifters, murderers and mysterious people. In my opinion, this book is an epic supernatural thriller and the characters are also well-developed, I will rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys good supernatural thrillers,
Julie Whitley
5.0 out of 5 stars Epic fight of good against evil
Reviewed in Canada on January 18, 2020
The battle of good versus evil is eternal and the story of Conor and his friends illuminates the epic struggle between the mythical creatures of the Otherworld and the modern world that strives to deny them. Conor Archer is a blend of both worlds and must accept who he is before it is too late in order to save the people of the town of his birth.
I highly recommend this story for lovers of fantasy and myth!
Angela Hayes
4.0 out of 5 stars YA Fantasy.
Reviewed in Australia on October 15, 2020
4 Stars

Roan is the first book in The Tales of Connor Archer Series by E.R Barr. This was such a great YA paranormal adventure story- with such a lot of interesting detail and developments that had me turning the pages to discover how everything would play out. The story is a fabulous coming of age story, a journey of discovery that is woven around Celtic and Native American myths and legends, which sets this apart from many others in the same genre.
I really enjoyed following along on this adventure- discovering all the fantastic details right alongside Connor. This is definitely a story that I can see being made into a television series, or even an adventure/RPG game.
Looking forward to Book #2!
Well done!

Thank you, E.R Barr!
Lucidity
5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely worth the read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 8, 2016
In an attempt to put it briefly, author E.R. Barr has constructed an original, immersive, and creative book, all expressed through a vividly-rich style of writing, that I would easily consider to be in my top 5 reads of this year so far.

One of the most prominent traits of this book that stood out to me and which I really admire is the influence and incorporation of various Native American and Celtic folklore figures and myths, I think they add some unique twists to the story and they’re expressed in what I consider to be a very tasteful and interesting way – my favorite example being the Native American river being, Piasa, and how he encourages the antagonists in the book.

“Roan: The Tales of Conor Archer” is of course relatively long compared to the majority of other books, even when it comes to the fantasy/sci-fi genres, but I personally found it very easy to become immersed into and, as a result, to commit myself to the read. I mention this because I have trouble staying with books of this size, so for the author to capture my attention so easily proves to me personally that he truly has a genuine understanding of how to craft an admirable, entertaining, and certainly more than worthwhile story that doesn’t fail to deliver to readers a strong, page-turner type of momentum throughout just about every chapter.

I think if I had to put a label on this book, I would have a really hard time. The author has included many elements into this book that are unique to different genres, which translates to a book that shows sheer originality essentially from start to finish. I think readers of many different backgrounds will be able to appreciate and be entertained by the world that author E.R. Barr has crafted, and on that note, I highly recommend it to others who are simply looking for a refreshingly different, experimental, and certainly very well-written story.
Kriti Dalmia {thisreadergirl}
4.0 out of 5 stars A great premise and story!
Reviewed in India on May 20, 2024
Roan by E. R. Barr

In the mystical town of Tinker's Grove, Conor Archer, an orphaned young man, returns to unravel the enigma of his existence. E.R. Barr's debut novel, Roan, masterfully weaves together Celtic myths, modern science, and otherworldly powers.

The premise is engaging, and the story kicks off with Conor's return to his hometown, where he becomes the focal point of attention. With the help of newfound friends—Jace, the football team captain, and Beth, his twin sister—alongside a peculiar Labrador Retriever named Troubles, Conor embarks on a quest to uncover his true identity.

The blend of ancient legends and cutting-edge biogenetics adds depth to the narrative. As Conor grapples with the mystery of the 'Dark Ones,' readers are drawn into a world where myth and science collide.

The writing was great and well edited; my only complaint was that this was not an easy read for a long book.

Roan is a captivating urban fantasy that leaves readers craving more. E.R. Barr's skillful fusion of ancient magic and contemporary science sets the stage for an enthralling series. Dive into this tale of hidden truths and prepare to be spellbound!

I rate this book four out of five stars. I would recommend this to science-fiction lovers who also like a touch of myth, dark fantasy, and magic.