WRITER | EDITOR | STORYTELLER

A collection of reviews from my Amazon.com author page.

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun, engaging read. 

Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024 

Carnival of Shadows is a fast, fun read. The characters in the book are well-developed and relatable. You care about what they're going through and that keeps you engaged throughout the story. Can't wait for the next one! Type your paragraph here.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick paced- engaging! 

Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2022 

Format: Kindle 

Mr. Keown kept me engaged to the very end. The vivid imagery and descriptions brought me into the world of the characters and I couldn’t let go. I cared about each of them and their community. I hope we can have more adventures of Oswin Splitrock! 

 Type your paragraph here.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun quick adventure 

Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2021 

Format: Paperback 

I'm bad a writing reviews so bear with me. It's a good read for quick action filled adventure. I'd say it's about novella length so the story reads fast and every bit of it is entertaining. Type your paragraph here.

Pains of the Past​5.0 out of 5 stars
Exciting Adventure with Exceedingly Likable Dwarf Oswin Splitrock 

Alex Keown has crafted an exciting adventure that surrounds an incredibly likable character in dwarf Oswin Splitrock. This novella transports us to the magical land of Aeden and takes us on a harrowing journey with the revered Oswin and a brave group of friends. Pains of the Past is a quick and entertaining read packed with action. I’d love to read more Splitrock adventures in the future! 

Alex created a very easy and enjoyable read. From page 1 you are invested in Oswin Splitrock and his community. The book is fast paced and action filled, can’t wait for more! 

Pains fo the Past 

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful outing 

Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025 

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase 

Alex Keown’s first book is a wonderfully creative take on a Lord of the Rings style story. The character of Oswin Splitrock would fit in perfectly in the grand epic. I look forward to reading other adventures from Keown. 

Carnival of Shadows


5.0 out of 5 stars


A Fun, Fast-Paced Fantasy Adventure!

 

I picked this up after reading the first Oswin Splitrock book and was not disappointed. Carnival of Shadows pulls you right back into the action with a great mix of mystery, magic, and adventure. I loved the setting—this traveling troupe with dark secrets made for an eerie and exciting backdrop. Oswin is such a solid, likable character, and the new cast introduced in this one really added to the story. 
 
The writing is smooth, and the pacing kept me turning pages. It has that classic fantasy feel but with a fresh voice. If you enjoy stories with gritty heroes, rich world-building, and a touch of the strange, give this one a read. Can’t wait to see where Oswin’s next adventure takes him! 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful adventure ala Lord of the Rings 

Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025 

Verified Purchase 

This is an innovative, fun story that’s a spin-off from Darrick (D.C.) Chen’s stories and role playing game Onward Bound. It has the feel of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings but told from a much smaller point of view. Keown’s engaging storytelling makes this a fun read. I look forward to more adventures. Type your paragraph here.