Always Walk Forward

by Billy Wong

Rousing fantasy adventure with a few tough heroines. In a world wracked with eternal war between winged Anjeli and frightful Daimons, humans take shelter in magically shielded cities. Sam, the orphaned teenage daughter of a guard, lives and works happily with the other kids taken in by a playhouse director. Everything changes when her fellow young actor Eli is abducted without explanation by the secret police known as the Paladins. Calling upon the training from her late father, she sets out into the dangerous wilds alongside Eli's adoptive brother Vincent and Drea, a mysterious warriorlike older girl staying with them, to save their friend. But even as they make more allies and grow in resolve and strength, it remains to be seen if it will be enough against the Daimons and other perils that lie before them. A full length novel.

230 pages, Paperback

Published September 13, 2016

About the author

Billy Wong is an avid fan of heroic fantasy, with a special love for strong female warriors. He draws inspiration from the epic legends of old, and is on a quest to bring over the top deeds and larger than life heroes back to prominence in today's literary world.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantasy novel is about Vincent and Sam (female) and Drea. They are part of a theater troupe in the city of Belimia. Drea is an obvious fighting expert who tries to make their fight scenes look as real as possible. There is a late night knock on the door. The Paladins have come for Eli, another member of the troupe. Think of them as the secret police; they have kidnapped many people in the past. Vincent and Sam are determined to save Eli, despite their lack of fighting ability. Drea agrees to go with them.

For many years, humans have lived in domed cities. This is because of the ongoing war between daimons and anjeli (demons vs angels). In their travels, Drea tries to teach Sam and Vincent some basic fighting skills. They also meet daimons of various sizes. Some are easy to kill; others, not so much. After one such battle, Drea is seriously injured, but she shrugs it off like it's only a scratch. She suddenly decides to head back to Belimia, but points Sam and Vincent to a nearby city. There they meet Lady Cordelia, who would love to take down the Paladins, permanently. She is also very skilled with a sword. The trio also picks up Giorg, an anjeli with an injured wing.

After much traveling, they find Eli in an underground compound. He says that he is there voluntarily. It seems that he has considerable magic talent, and the Paladins are helping him to develop it. Sam decides to stay and make sure that it is the truth, while the others leave. What follows is a long time in a jail cell for Sam, manacled to a bed. Eventually, Sam breaks out of the compound, and goes back to Vincent and Lady Cordelia. Eli is taken to the capital. There, they learn that he has been taken somewhere else. They also learn that the ultimate plan of the Paladins for Eli is a lot more nefarious than first thought. Who survives the final battle? Does the Paladin organization collapse, once and for all?

The author loves heroic fantasy stories, especially with strong female characters, and it shows. There is lots of good writing, and the (many) fight scenes are well done. Yes, this one is very much worth the reader's time.

[Det Cornforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting Women

Sure I enjoyed the story. It seems that even though the women came out on top, they are left with masses of scars. Nothing to be cherished I reckon. It remains to be seen whether or not a different outcome can be forged for the better. Even without the Perfect Ones.
It would be great to see how the next book turns out.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welcome to a world where the beautiful winged Anjeli fight a never ending war against the Daimons while humans live in domed cities to protect themselves. Sam is a young girl determined to save Eli who she loves like a brother from the Paladins a shady group of armored thugs known for taking away innocent people that no one ever hears from again. Sam is aided in her quest by Vincent and Drea who is called the Duchess of crushed dreams for her fighting prowess and incredible strength and the equally awe inspiring Lady Cordy of the Guardian Knights . Along the way both Sam and Vincent become skilled warriors but it is Sam who improves the most. She Learns to fight and rely on herself as she grows into a competent warrior in her own right. But it is together that they save Eli from the Lord Paladin who is trying to use Eli's magic to cause a disaster that might mean the end of the world. A wonderfully exciting romp through a world of woman warriors and magic with characters that are easy to love and I hope to read more about.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Walk Forward Billy Wong

There is a war between Angjeli and (evil) Daimonds and humans live in magical cities. Sam is an orphan (teen) living with other orphans with a playhouse director. When her friend Eli is abducted she and her friends (Drea And Vincent) set out to find him at any cost. They are faced with many dangers along the way.

The story moves at a fast pace, (with) an original plot , likable characters and teen female leads. Sam, Eli, Drea and Vincent are very likable. Drea has an air of mystery around her, which adds more spark and intensity to the adventure. Overall I found Always Walk Forward very enjoyable, and highly recommend to Y/A as well as adult readers who love a great (fantasy) adventure.

[Da1 zy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a review copy of this book via LibraryThing, in exchange for an unbiased review.

For me, this is a fast-paced story with lots of actions and adventures and a few lovable women warriors/heroines. Sam's admirable loyalty and love to her friend Eli that she is willing to face any danger ahead just to save him. Drea's mysterious identity and Lady Cordy although privileged is humble, tough and fearless.

Overall, I highly recommend this book for YA readers out there or even to adult readers who loves fantasy action adventure.