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Eden’s Haunted History
The Cycle of Eden: Shadows of Reality follows a man prophesied to bring Eden back from the shadows and repel those who have twisted the morals of the world. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?
Initially, Shadows of Reality and the second book of the series, Two Sides of Corruption, were combined into one novel. This obviously was far too long of a novel to digest, so I separated the books at the points where their individual sagas change. This novel in particular is separated into two acts, each tackling a different challenge and theme due to the location and/or villain. Due to the diversion the sequel, Two Sides of Corruption, took the plot, the main idea of Shadows of Reality was to go back to the series’ roots, reveal more of Eden’s haunted history and tie loose ends that were developed back in book #1, The Young Revolution, to set everything up for the final novel. The main things that were transformed as time went on was the more fleshed out history at key moments to make the world feel more alive, connected and concrete. For example, one of the last ideas that made it in was the lore/history behind the Angel species, repurposing this known entity to fit my Eden, my book’s world compared to others. After the first novel, the main thing I wanted to do with the rest of the series was make this world mine, and by that I mean building upon and making The Cycle of Eden stand out creatively from the ideas that inspired me. I believe I have accomplished this goal, so I am proud of the series overall.
I felt that the supporting characters in this novel were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
I have found that my favorite character to write differentiates depending on which book is being referenced. In terms of Shadows of Reality, the character I had the most fun writing was easily Vargas. The method I used to write his story was basically offering you different puzzle pieces throughout the series and by the end of Shadows of Reality readers will be able to put all these pieces together to finally grasp the complete picture. His character has grown tremendously since we’ve met him in the first book of the series, The Young Revolution, and his complicated past and secretive involvement on Eden is vital to understanding its important history. Vargas serves as a mentor and father figure to Seth. However, he is very reserved about his past, and it’s this in-depth history he has with Eden, and the important individuals who shaped it in the past, that finally gets revealed in Shadows of Reality. Since the first book, Vargas has made me have to triple-check my consistency throughout the series to make sure every little detail was connected by the end just the way I needed it too. In The Young Revolution especially, he is a man of many mysteries, mysteries that you aren’t supposed to understand until the future books, mainly Shadows of Reality. I’ve gone to great lengths making sure these historic scenarios are concrete throughout each part and finally you get some long-awaited answers to tie the loose ends I started in novel one. All in all, Vargas provided a fun challenge for me in making sure I don’t expose his secrets until the right time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Redemption or Revenge, seeking respected values or accepting ones flaws. These ideas are tackled in different ways depending on the which act is being discussed in Shadows of Reality. The main subject of this theme is seen between Vargas and another character revealed in Act II. Vargas preaches about redemption quite a bit, but is that truly what he seeks? He may have built Final Heaven, the Light Continent’s beaming city, but is that enough for him to move on from his past? Many of us seek to better ourselves everyday, falling back on respected and valued traits, but life can also create weaknesses that are undeniable, tempting. When you are faced with that weakness, what would you truly choose? Redemption or Revenge? Its easy to say what you should do, but in the moment, a moment Vargas is faced with, its truly not that simple.
The term Shadow of Reality is a play on the Darkness aspect involved in the series. Many things exist in reality, but due to the circumstances given to them, be it a person or a place, they have become a shadow of themselves, a darker or lesser version of what they truly could be if they embraced the entities that bind Eden. There are a number of examples of this seen throughout the the book itself, which is why I chose this term as the title.
Overall, the number one message of the entire series is: Never forget how we started, for history holds the keys to salvation.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Shadows of Reality leads directly into the final novel of the series, the grand finale leading up to the fated conflict that has haunted the world of Eden since its beginning. A war of judgment will be fought between Seth and Cain, Light and Darkness, to determine which side of the coin gets to rule Eden. However, both of these patriots are fighting for Peace. Both Cain and Seth want Eden to be saved from this Cycle. Which side of this conflict is best for Eden when both have already failed in previous Cycles? More importantly, who will come out on top? All of this and more, everything, will be answered in The Cycle of Eden: War of Judgment.
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Seth’s prophesied journey resumes on the Dark Continent, his main focus once again to take down the Hands of Sin, the culprits who twisted the world’s morals. However, history has shown that these masters of the dark arts never go quietly into the night. In the shadows where they festered and thrived, they have forged new realities that have plagued Eden, causing the world to forget what it once was.
As the Young God strives to rehabilitate hope into the world, the Neo God, Seth’s brother of Darkness, always makes sure he is one step ahead to deliver despair instead. He and his Hands of Sin are determined to test the hero’s limits, unearthing unsolicited fears and desires that will extinguish the Light forever.
In The Cycle of Eden: Shadows of Reality, we revisit the series’ roots, tying loose ends and answering long-awaited questions on Eden’s lost history, revealing a tragic past filled with twists and turns that continue to haunt our heroes in the present age.
The Cycle of Eden: Shadows of Reality
Seth Varkees, the Young God, embarks on a journey long foretold, a destiny steeped in ancient prophecy. On the enigmatic Dark Continent, he hunts the sinister beings known as the Hands of Sin, entities that have sown chaos and corruption throughout the world. His task is far from simple. These enemies have woven alternate realities, casting Eden into deep shadow. As Seth navigates this treacherous path, the Neo God watches from the periphery, their fates seemingly intertwined. A final showdown looms on the horizon. Will Seth resist the dark temptations crafted by the Neo God and the Hands of Sin, or will evil prevail?
The Cycle of Eden: Shadows of Reality, by Daniel Varona, continues the expansive narrative of the Cycle of Eden series. This fantasy tale is likely to resonate with YA audiences, though it certainly holds appeal for older readers as well. The story centers on Seth, a protagonist born to embody goodness, destined to clash with the malevolent forces represented by Cain and the Hands of Sin. This prophecy is not merely symbolic; it is Seth’s reality. He carries the immense weight of this burden, knowing he is literally the savior Eden has awaited. Despite his godlike nature, Seth grapples with the fears and flaws of a mortal man, adding layers to his character. Seth’s complexity makes him compelling and relatable to readers. His vulnerability draws readers in, making his struggle against formidable adversaries even more engaging. The conflict between Seth and his enemies feels grand in scope, filled with twists that keep the reader on edge. Varona crafts an intriguing world with rich detail, and a strong cast of supporting characters—Ria, Valentina, and Chase—breathes life into Eden. The interplay among these characters adds depth and texture to the narrative.
Shadows of Reality delivers a captivating fantasy experience. The story’s unique premise, combined with its well-drawn characters and unexpected moments, makes it a compelling read. It’s a novel that both young adult readers and seasoned fantasy enthusiasts can enjoy, offering a journey through a vividly imagined world where light and dark forces collide.
Pages: 483 | ASIN : B0D8JSBMWB
Forgiveness and Trust
The Cycle of Eden: Two Sides of Corruption is an intriguing fantasy novel. Why was it important for you to write this book?
There are many positive messages that relate to our own world that I hope my readers take away from The Cycle of Eden. In many ways, Eden is obviously a representation of our own Earth and the moral dilemmas we as humans put it through. A major lesson in The Young Revolution is “…the best way to find kindness is by sharing your own.” No matter how dark and lonely the world feels, kindness will always be what unifies us, for we all seek and deserve it. In Two Sides of Corruption, Seth’s ideals and morals, the contagious kindness he showed in Book #1, are what give him a chance at redemption in Book #2. Forgiveness and Trust are also two aspects of life we as humans in the real-world struggle to accept, which is why it was important for me to write about them in this series.
I also wanted to show a more mature take on romance that isn’t overblown by needless drama like we see in most media. In general, another major message I discuss as the series goes on is the importance of history. The Cycle of Eden is chock full of connected and complex relationships, all of which built the world the heroes are learning about as they continue on this journey. As long as we learn from our past mistakes, the hope for changing for the betterment of the world will always exist.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
Ria and Duo, the two blessed children in the ways of Light and Dark, were both introduced towards the end of The Young Revolution. That only gave the readers a taste of their personalities and strengths, but now I was able to show the potential of their individual journeys and delve deeper into their characters. Both of these naive teenagers are without a doubt the most powerful characters in the series. Because of that, what made writing them so fun was finding ways to limit their abilities, finding ways so they don’t overpower or crush the competition so easily. This is achieved throughout the novels via their individual personalities, through the fact that they are both growing kids still learning about the world and who they are. Like all characters should, Ria and Duo possess certain traits that make them stick out and determine what is more important to them in a situation compared to others. For example, we learn about Duo’s personal duty in Two Sides of Corruption. In a fighting scenario, there could be a moment where Duo could easily destroy the threat but will instead choose to stick by Ria’s side in order to not risk her getting hurt. Meanwhile, another character in that situation, such as the rambunctious Ryder, would dive right in with zero regard, and that is exactly what makes character writing and development so fun to me. Ria is on a whole other level technically because not only does she have her power under control compared to Duo, but she can literally do anything her creative, hyperactive mind comes up with! A power like this can be outstanding in the hands of a child, but at the same time Ria is a sweetheart that cares for the wellbeing of others and will choose to heal someone as her main priority over destruction. These are just two examples of how I balance them through their personalities, which makes it feel natural in the novel and the world itself. There are also moments I tease my readers with the potential these two have. One example in particular in Two Sides of Corruption is when Ria mentions how she can summon a “dragon” in order to reach a goal. This tease not only confirms that Ria can perform such a feat, but also leaves the potential of readers seeing this “dragon” in a future installment.
When it comes to combat, I’ve made it a point to make every single interaction fresh throughout the entire series. This is done through a variety of methods, whether that is a new weapon being acquired, an additional power-up, a new location such as a narrow hall or a wide-open marketplace or introducing new enemies with different abilities to tackle. Focusing on something different from the previous action sequence keeps the writing from getting repetitive. For example, introducing a new character is like unlocking a whole new framework of ideas that I can now branch off of. All of my characters also have unique weapons or abilities that aren’t shared with anyone else, which allows them to shine in their own ways. When multiple heroes are fighting together, I also practice following one character at a time to reduce reader whiplash. For example, instead of swapping sentence to sentence, I will dedicate a paragraph to Valentina describing everything she is doing with her fists and then transition to Seth by having him save her with a well-placed bullet, a weapon Valentina does not use, drawing a clear contrast of characters. The sequence then follows Seth for a bit, making use of his kit in the particular scenario which would be very different to how Chase would approach it, who I may switch to next to show his side. This process flows until a conclusion is reached, making each character show their unique usefulness for the situation at hand.
What experience in your life has had the most significant impact on your writing?
The reason why the moon and the stars are a focal point in my series, a huge source for conveying a message, especially in the later installments, is because the hobby of stargazing is related to my own mother. It is a personal form of bonding her and I have, and I dedicated this series to her. When I look at the moon, I see and feel something completely different due to my upbringing while others may just see a floating rock reflecting the sun’s light. What they see is true, but we as humans attach our emotions to things, and our feelings are what give things power and meaning. The moon and the stars are beautiful for many reasons to me, and viewing them is a source of comfort, so it is rather easy for me to write about them symbolically. I see a symbol of hope, an image of unity, an inspiring guide showing the way, a sense of closeness and a reminder that we aren’t alone, because each and every one of us, no matter how far away we are from one another, all see the same moon in the night sky.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The plan with the Cycle of Eden series has been solid from the start. The entire series is finished, but I am constantly improving and expanding on the world and characters practically every day. Readers should see the third novel next year, which will pick up right where Two Sides of Corruption left you. If things keep going as smooth as they did for the first two books, the fourth novel should also be getting published in late 2024!
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Seth, the prophesied Young God destined to revive the Light, finds himself corrupted by his very own brother, the Neo God. Like an addictive drug, the Darkness infecting his soul twists his resolve, transforming him into a carrier of malevolence aiming to deny his gift of salvation to Eden.
However, no one else knows of this parasite, and they must never find out. As Seth struggles to resist the haunting lies etched into his mind, his desperate attempts to survive ultimately result in heinous actions against his loved ones. With each passing moment, the horrible symptoms intensify, driving the hero further into servitude to his brother as they journey toward the ominous Dark Continent.
In The Cycle of Eden: Two Sides of Corruption, Daniel Varona delivers visceral action and delves deeply into the internal conflicts brewing within the heroes, expertly exploring the fragility of trust, teetering on the edge of collapse and creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative.
The Cycle of Eden: Two Sides of Corruption
In The Cycle of Eden: Two Sides of Corruption, Daniel Varona creates a captivating sequel to The Young Revolution. Picking up where the previous novel concluded, readers dive deep into the tempestuous journey of Seth, the prophesied young hero. As he endeavors to reclaim the light of Eden, he unwittingly descends into an abyss of shadow. The sinister forces of the Neo God menacingly ensnare Seth, molding him into the embodiment of the malevolence he’s desperately battling.
Varona’s storytelling prowess shines through, ensuring that the sequel doesn’t get overshadowed by its predecessor. Rather, it enhances the allure, magnetizing readers into a more intense, immersive, and spellbinding realm. The Cycle of Eden claims its rightful place among the top-tier fantasy series I’ve delved into this year. Its world-building strikes a harmonious balance—neither overwhelmingly intricate nor skimpy but brimming with ingenuity and fresh concepts. Echoes of themes and ideas from the first novel reverberate throughout, underscoring Seth’s evolving narrative.
The characterizations are brilliantly etched, with palpable evolution seen from one book to the next. Varona’s riveting ensemble of characters and his pulse-pounding, action-laden plot ensures readers are tethered to every page. One particularly compelling element is the intricate web of relationships and Seth’s internal strife to fend off encroaching shadows. It serves as a poignant reminder: while shadows lurk in every heart, our true mettle is tested in how valiantly we resist their pull.
Pages: 465 | ASIN : B0CK5BX6ZJ
Make My Readers Question That Norm
The Cycle of Eden: The Young Revolution follows a young hero in a land of darkness who is destined to restore light to his world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The concept of Light vs Dark typically revolves around Good vs. Evil. The Young Revolution sets this up to be the usual case, but there are aspects involved in the first chapters involving Seth’s mother and later on in the series that will make my readers question that norm. Maybe there is a place, a reason, for Darkness in the world? Maybe the Light is too good to be true? Lady Eve, Seth’s mother, representing the “Moon with a Dark side” has a lot of meaning readers will catch on to as the series progresses. This part in the setup was what I had planned for a while. The vagueness behind the essences of Light and Darkness match with the fact that Seth is still a growing hero who has much to learn. The readers will learn more about Eden at the same pace Seth and his companions do which leads to many twists and turns in the plot.
Seth is filled with doubts about his abilities to carry on his mother’s legacy and save Eden from the darkness. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Throughout the series, I never wanted to portray Seth as the typical hero that simply saves the day because “that is his destiny/purpose.” Seth very much has to rely on others, even from the very beginning of the book. He may be the “main” protagonist, but that doesn’t mean he is better or more important than any of the other brave and talented souls he meets along his journey. He never could do this alone, and that is the point I make with his character. There is nothing wrong with getting help, because together, we as people can achieve anything no matter who we are.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There are many positive messages that relate to our own world that I hope my readers take away from The Cycle of Eden. In many ways, Eden is obviously a representation of our own Earth and the moral dilemmas we as humans put it through. A major lesson in The Young Revolution is “…the best way to find kindness is by sharing your own.” No matter how dark and lonely the world feels, kindness will always be the unifier, for we all seek it and deserve it. In general, the major message I discuss as the series goes on is the importance of history. As long as we learn from our past mistakes, the hope for changing for the betterment of the world will always exist. There are also some dark moments, but another relevant theme in The Young Revolution is finding the strength to survive. Any reason to keep getting up after we are hit down, big or small, is worth it. Self-Discovery and character growth are big components that were important to me as well, the ability to have relatability with the characters. Understanding why certain characters are the way they are and why they find a reason to change gives us perspective for people in our own world.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
A fun fact is that the entire Cycle of Eden series is already written and completed, so its future is quite clear to me. The fast-paced action will always be a huge staple in the Cycle of Eden series; however, book #2 gives us a special focus on Internal Conflict whereas The Young Revolution was heavy on External Conflict. There will be a lot more emotional turmoil and desperation in Seth’s destiny. In The Young Revolution, we saw that the Neo God is physically and spiritually powerful in the ways of using Darkness. In Book #2, we will see a whole other side to his deviousness, the mental torture he can inflict on the heroes. I can assure that those who enjoyed The Young Revolution will love this next book, because we will be entering a sequel where trust is put on a wobbly pedestal ready to fall at any moment, and I am very excited for it to be published.
There are a lot of vague hints I drop at the start of the series, especially in Book #1 and #2, that readers aren’t supposed to understand until they finish the series or read through it again. I love the moment in storytelling where I go back and notice/recognize an aspect I didn’t or couldn’t realize before. Those moments of “Ohhhh, that’s why this was written.” or “Ohhhh, the author was referencing this the entire time!” are both rewarding for the readers and the author. That’s what I’m hoping to give my readers in the future as this series goes on.
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The Darkness cursing Eden’s history has festered long enough. The time for change, a Young Revolution, has come.
Eden is a world of unrecognized history and potential, potential that is found in the heart of this cycle’s prophesied hero, Seth. His mother was historically important to Eden’s previous rebirth. So, when this monarch of good is murdered before Seth’s eyes by his older brother, the young hero is left alone in an Eden spiraling into darkness. Yet, unknown to Seth, there is a gift his mother passed on to him, one that allows the candle of hope to burn ever so dimly. Can this charismatic goofball reclaim Eden like his mother did in the past? However, the Age of Light she created failed. Maybe Darkness is the true path for Eden after all?
In The Cycle of Eden: The Young Revolution we experience the beginning of a fantasy series with many growing characters and intense action sequences that interchange between sighs of relief to heartbreaking tragedies. Daniel Varona’s fast paced style keeps your fingertips eager to turn the next page as you dive into Eden’s intricate storylines that affect the series till the end.
The Cycle of Eden
The Cycle of Eden: The Young Revolution by Daniel Varona is a riveting tale that transports readers to the world of Eden – a land engulfed by darkness and in dire need of a savior. At the center of this epic adventure is Seth, a young hero who must rise to the challenge of restoring light to Eden before it’s too late. As the son of a legendary figurehead who once guided the prosperous state of Eden, Seth is burdened with the daunting task of living up to his mother’s legacy. However, his tactical skills pale in comparison to his mother’s, and he is left to navigate this treacherous landscape alone.
Varona’s prose takes readers on an exhilarating ride as Seth and his companions encounter a host of creatively written monsters and face a variety of challenges that are both well-described and original. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the book is the inner dialogue of the characters, particularly Seth, whose thoughts are laugh-out-loud funny and offer a lightness to the otherwise tense situations they find themselves in. The world-building and plot are intricately woven, and readers will appreciate the vivid descriptions of the various landscapes and characters that populate this richly imagined universe.
One of the standout characters in the story is Chase, Seth’s loyal animal companion whose unwavering friendship is a testament to the age-old adage that dogs are indeed man’s best friend. Their bond is heartwarming and adds a relatable quality to the story that will resonate with readers of all ages. Varona’s writing is clever and full of unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. This novel is a page-turner from start to finish, with recurring themes such as self-discovery woven throughout Seth’s journey as he navigates the choices he must make to restore Eden and its people.
Overall, The Cycle of Eden: The Young Revolution is a highly engaging and imaginative space opera. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling science-fiction adventure that combines action, creativity, and a touch of humor.
Pages: 598 | ASIN : B0BT7VNMQ9
LITERARY TITAN 