Blog Archives
Nameless vs the Army of the Dead: Book one of the Nameless Saga
Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Victorian era, Nameless vs. The Army of the Dead by Brett Comeau immerses readers in the beleaguered city of Geneva. Amidst the nightly terror inflicted by the enigmatic Darklings, who mercilessly target the impoverished, a unique hero emerges. This nameless, deformed youth, embodying resilience and bravery, stands as a beacon of hope during these harrowing times. Alongside two loyal companions, he confronts the Darklings, striving to unveil their sinister motives and protect the city.
Brett Comeau’s novel is a masterful blend of horror and adventure, paced with riveting momentum. The protagonist, though unnamed, captivates with his charismatic presence, making him a character readers will enthusiastically support. This narrative is a treasure for aficionados of the macabre, showcasing exemplary world-building skills and enthralling action sequences.
While primarily a young adult novel, this book ventures into the realms of Stephen King-esque gore and Gothic horror. The heart of the story lies in the profound friendship among the youthful trio, who display remarkable maturity and resolve in contrast to the ineffectual and divided adults of Geneva.
Comeau skillfully leads the narrative to a climactic unraveling of the mystery behind the Darklings’ reign of terror. The finale is brilliantly executed, leaving an indelible mark in the realm of young adult fiction with its ingenious and mind-bending resolution. Nameless vs. The Army of the Dead is not just a thrilling read but an exploration of courage, camaraderie, and the fight against overwhelming darkness.
Pages: 290 | ASIN : B0CQ4LQKXF
The Greys of Life
The Ebon Knight follows two adversaries, an outcasted Knight, and a brutal Princess, who are brought together to battle a third power, a virus, who threatens everything they both know. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The initial meeting between the Knight of the Light and the Princess of the Dark was based on a reoccurring dream I had over a span of close to ten years. In that dream, I imagined two uniquely powerful individuals on opposite sides of a hidden and eternal conflict meeting by chance at a casino diner/cafe. What happened then? What was the fallout of such a seemingly random yet intriguing encounter? I decided to write about it to find out.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
The inspiration is our world but with a hidden side to it. A battle wages within the shadows of that world, as the Dark and Light war with each other. When the two sides fight, their struggle throws the natural world out of balance, and so freak storms, earthquakes, floods, etc. result. In short, not all natural disasters are natural in the grim world of the Ebon Knight and his Dark Princess. The story has dragged me along with it, and as new characters have entered my pages, some of them have demanded their own stories, their own chapters, so that has been the most surprising changes to the Chronicles: It’s no longer JUST about my two protagonists, there are a whole host of other characters nearly as important. And, oh boy, my antagonist is NOT a joke either, read through some of my reviews and you can see she is mentioned several times. You will LOVE to HATE her!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
With this book and series, I was interested in the greys of life. Is anyone fully “good” or “evil?” Although there can be many instances where someone is darn close to either end, I was most interested in the vast landscapes in between. I wanted to explore Light vs Dark, Good vs Evil, and Order vs Chaos. Is the Princess evil? Or is she Justice? Is the Knight good? Or is he just stubborn with a death wish and no sense of preservation? As you read through the book, you get to decide these things for yourself…I can tell you that the Princess is probably my most popular character so far (according to readers). And what does that say, once we look at her as a whole? It’s fascinating for me to see the reactions to her, and I am very honored that just about every review mentions how they loved that facet of my book: the grey, the ambiguity, the balancing.
What will your next novel be about, and what will the whole series encompass?
My next novel is The Dark Witch which takes place directly after the events of book one and is going live on 12/22/23…so in a few days. After that, the trilogy wrap will be in Jan/Feb of 2024 with The Arch Mage. Along the way, I will be dropping short stories to fill out some of the interesting events/characters that shaped the series but wouldn’t make sense to actually write into the main books. One is already out and available on my website called The First Fury, and it is the story of how Kelso first came by the sword, as seen through Kiasa’s eyes. Kiasa was mentioned several times throughout the book; she is a legendary Fury within the Sisterhood and its most peerless fighter – until she disappeared one day. Her story and her connection to the Knight is told in that short. I have a second story coming as well, called The Lord Commander which is the background to Marcus Dain, High Lord Commander of the Paladins. I can’t give away why he deserves his own story, but it will become apparent to readers of my series by book two. These offerings will have covers, etc., and will be listed on Amazon, or for free if you sign up for my newsletter. I am hoping to write about a dozen over the next year.
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Two adversaries on opposite sides of the Eternal Conflict meet by chance and become allied against a new and sinister third power that has entered the fray. The withdrawn Knight of the Light is supposed to be good, and he really kind of is. The Princess of the Dark is supposed to be evil, and she really kind of isn’t. Can they meet in the middle?
Kelso Hart is outcasted from the Light and bearer of the fabled sword “Argenta”—a sentient monster in her own right. The latest in a long line of grim Knights of myth and legend that are cursed to carry the sword, whomsoever unsheathes Argenta becomes nigh unstoppable—and a completely unscrupulous killer.
Ava Pentran is the youngest Princess of the ruling house of the Dark, and harbors a secret known to none. Exiled and hunted by her parents, she lives still only due to her intimidating battle prowess and unique relationship to the Furies—a sect of fierce warrior women who are now her only friends, companions, and protectors. She is also a predator of predators, and her justice is brutal and always fatal.
In a world of magic and madness, Kelso and Ava must find a way to trust each other as they come to grips with a new and unknown complication in the Conflict—a virus that targets those on either side indiscriminately. Those infected are completely changed, their personalities overwritten into something malevolent and chaotic. Knight and Princess both are wounded and disillusioned with the war, but can their unlikely alliance save them? Can it save the world?
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The Ebon Knight is the first in a trilogy of books with elements of quirky humor, perilous adventure, and forbidden attraction during an extremely dangerous time. If you like plot surprises that aren’t ludicrous, villains you will love to hate, heroes with a few rough edges, and exciting battles where the “good guys” don’t always have the upper hand—then welcome!
Any fan of well-written dark/urban fantasy will feel right at home!
The Crystal Crux Series: Beautiful
In The Crystal Crux Series: Beautiful, the final installment of Allen Werner’s epic fantasy series, readers are whisked into a world where destiny, power, and personal struggles intertwine. This narrative follows the journey of Pero de Alava, who, in a climactic revelation, finds his long-lost bride, signaling a turn in the tide of events. The story masterfully interweaves various plotlines, from Anthea’s battle against Sinibaldus’s poisonous machinations with the help of the Bellerophon Crystal to the grief-driven quest of Francis Whitehall across Italy.
Werner crafts a rich tapestry of characters and conflicts, with Cambio Sartore’s desperate search for his sister Gisele, who finds herself in a precarious situation with Tomas. Meanwhile, the ominous presence of Ophis, the black dragon, adds a layer of impending doom as it seeks the fifth Bellerophon Crystal for dark purposes. The book deftly balances these multiple threads, creating a sense of urgency and suspense.
The novel’s strength lies in its character development, particularly that of Pero de Alava. His internal struggles and growth are portrayed with a delicate touch, making him a relatable and compelling protagonist. His journey, marked by themes of redemption and responsibility, encapsulates the novel’s exploration of personal growth against a backdrop of external chaos. The narrative invites readers to ponder deeper questions about family, power, and the individual’s impact on destiny. While the novel features an ensemble cast, each navigating their distinct challenges, there is a sense of cohesion in how their stories intersect. Some characters may feel familiar, fitting into classic archetypes, but each contributes to the novel’s rich narrative tapestry.
Despite its brevity, The Crystal Crux: Beautiful maintains a balance of suspense, romance, and fantasy elements, making it an engaging read. Allen Werner’s skill in weaving these diverse storylines into a coherent and captivating conclusion is commendable, offering a satisfying closure to this imaginative series.
Pages: 150 | ASIN : B0CM2C8JG3
Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises
Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises, by R. C. Vielee, offers a riveting journey through a dystopian fantasy world, intricately woven with themes of resilience, the eternal struggle between light and darkness, and the immense sacrifices necessary for the survival of entire worlds. Set in the aftermath of Earth’s Great Destruction, the novel introduces us to Tartica, a society that has emerged as a beacon of free love and harmony with nature. However, beneath its utopian veneer, Tartica grapples with the corrupting influence of power and the erosion of its once-cherished values.
At the heart of the narrative is Reyne, a humble farmer whose yearning for a simple life with Mithany is shattered by the looming threat of assassins from the menacing realm of Evidar. Reyne’s character is masterfully crafted, embodying the journey from naivety to a pivotal force within Tartica. His internal struggles and unexpected responsibilities resonate deeply, offering a compelling portrait of a relatable hero thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The novel explores the dichotomy between Reyne’s longing for simplicity and the complex destiny awaiting him, enriched by the depiction of Tartica’s leaders. Once virtuous, these figures succumb to dark desires, illustrating the fragile nature of goodness when confronted with deceit and ambition. This theme of moral decay is counterbalanced by the narrative arc of the Devil’s Blacksmith in Evidar, a character shrouded in mystery and manipulation. His relentless quest for power, even at the cost of others’ well-being, paints a morally ambiguous picture of an antagonist driven by a distorted vision of salvation.
Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises is a mesmerizing tale that skillfully intertwines love, betrayal, and the exploration of alternate realms. The novel’s pace and world-building are both accessible and engaging, making it a standout addition to the dystopian fantasy genre. With its richly developed characters and intricate plot, R. C. Vielee’s creation is not just a story of a clash between utopia and darkness; it is an examination of the limits of freedom and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.
Pages: 414 | ASIN : B0CBNKCGG2
Inner Monsters
ASCENT follows Ellie, Josh, and Sam into a realm of otherworldly dangers, as they grapple with external threats and inner demons. What were some things you wanted to explore in this book that were different from book one?
I wanted a closer look at the world they were trapped by. I wanted to extend the lore and continue to develop the characters. How would Josh adapt to life after the Circle? How would Ellie’s life be affected now she actually had people she cared about? How far was Sam prepared to go to learn more about this phenomena? Darker characters also came into play, those who had adapted in their own way to live with this curse. There was a lot to do.
Were there any challenges you faced in ensuring ASCENT stood out from the first book?
I wanted ASCENT to have that same driving force as the LIT. That becomes challenging when the story needs exposition to grow, so you need to plant seeds of information as the story progresses. Some explained, some implied and others, shown. LIT was a lot more linear than ASCENT. Keeping the three main protagonists front and centre felt more of a challenge, but I am happy that they all were able to hold their own as major characters.
How do the otherworldly creatures in ASCENT reflect or contrast with the themes you wanted to address in the story?
Some people deal with darkness by embracing it. By allowing themselves to become part of it instead of fighting against it. It’s a survival technique and we all have our reasons for adapting the way we do. As the Leviathans Ascend to a higher level of being, so do their Conduits. Another concept I thought was intriguing was how do Ellie, Josh, and Sam react to camaraderie for the first time in their lives. Now they have had a taste of friendship, how does that affect the life of misery that their inner monsters need to keep them in. Does it breed hope? Trust? Resilience? All these things need to be stripped from the Conduit to make it truly a vessel the Leviathan can use. Friendship and support are dangerous.
Can you share a hint about what readers might expect in the trilogy’s conclusion?
Although the end of the trilogy, it is not necessarily the end of the LIT universe. Remember, this has happened for centuries so the possibilities are endless in regards to place, time, and person. A hint? It is a War. Bad things happen in Wars. People are lost, people are betrayed and bitter. The Conduits can’t hide in the shadows any longer, they are being steered towards a battle where death is the nicest thing that can happen to them.
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Ellie, Josh, and Sam’s world is growing, expanding with people who suffer the same bane as themselves.
The cloistered Ellie must emerge from the shadows. The young Josh must learn to live with the beast that walks beside him. And Sam plays a duplicitous game to learn about the demonic phenomena that have destroyed all their lives.
The enigmatic Mika, with his Pantheon of Conduits each with their own curse, is searching for a legend of evil – the ancient blight and the one who restrains it.
But something has changed…another evil is emerging and the Leviathans are moving closer into our world. A vile, unthinkable truce might be needed between Conduit and monster as both become the hunted.
ASCENT, the 2nd book in the LIT trilogy.
Pantheon: The Phantom
Pantheon: The Phantom is Joshua Landeros’s second book in the Pantheon series. It is a sweeping fantasy epic that manages to carry on the first book’s story while expanding its world and bringing in enjoyable new characters.
The book is set in Landeros’s world of Avah and follows its people as they come to terms with the events of the first book and struggle to recover from the Hollow Wars. Just as people were hoping things were calming down, a new threat, the Pact of Ram has, arisen. As this new threat rises every allied nation is called to combat it. But who is really behind this new threat, and who can be trusted?
While this may be a conflict that spans nations, Landeros makes the wise choice of focusing his narrative on the everyday people dragged into it. The Phantom primarily focuses on Palkan Sowell, his daughter Athaliah and the rest of their people as they are pulled into a conflict they want nothing to do with.
The book features a diverse range of characters, and Landeros excels at fleshing them out. As in his earlier works, Landeros focuses on characters from all sides of the conflict, emphasizing their motivations, whether political, religious or purely self-preserving. While at first, the lines between good and evil seem clear cut, over time, it becomes increasingly clear that not everyone can be trusted, and even the heroes might have to get their hands dirty.
This is still a sweeping epic, however. When Landeros isn’t focusing on his individual characters, he is writing massive battles that often follow several different perspectives at once. While his writing is excellent across the board, Landeros’s writing is at its best when he is in the thick of battle. His battles are bloody, violent, and well-paced.
The pacing, in general, is excellent. Landeros deftly manages the balancing act of fleshing out the world he has created, forming deep characters, and keeping the pacing brisk. While his characters are enjoyable enough that I would have liked to spend more time with them, Landeros makes the wise choice to keep the plot moving ever onward.
The world-building is excellent here. Landeros has created his own world and filled it with different nations, races, and peoples, all with their own in-depth histories. Thankfully Landeros avoids too much exposition, and the reader gets to learn about his world in an organic way rather than being bogged down in lengthy explanations and exposition. If you’re a fan of fantasy epics, exciting battle scenes, or political intrigue, The Phantom is the book for you. While it might be a good idea to start with the first book if you want to follow everything, as a newbie Landeros made me feel welcome and I was never too lost. Highly recommended.
Pages: 313 | ASIN : B096L6QJT9
Pantheon
Pantheon is the first of a two-part novel by Joshua Landeros. It takes place in the world of Avah, which has known peace for a generation after the devastating Hollow Wars. However, when a chieftain of the Midland Plains on the continent of Sebel tracks down bandits who’d raided his village’s crops, he finds hints of a conspiracy and a heretical cult that are plotting to overturn the peaceful world order. The story is told through the eyes of the chieftain’s daughter Athalia as she travels around Sebel and through Yaphet Orinse, an orphan raised by the venerable Asum of Giganato Shrine, who has seen disturbing visions of war.
Among Pantheon’s highlights is Landeros’ impressive world-building. He gives us enough information about Avah and Sebel that it feels like a real place without overwhelming the reader with a deluge of unneeded history and geography. He’s especially good at letting the reader know that there’s more to the world than what we see – for instance, Yaphet is close to the Asum of Giganato but not a member of the inner circle of the shrine the Asum leads, meaning that he and the reader have an almost but not quite insiders’ view of this part of the story.
The plot moves at a moderate pace. Much of the novel is spent accompanying Athalia on her travels and Yaphet in his training. These chapters make the reader invested in these characters’ lives. Still, Landeros regularly gives us a glimpse of the larger story, so no chapter is wasted space, and the reader always feels like he’s progressing. Landeros’ prose is serviceable; there are no Shakespearean turns of phrase, but it’s never awkward or unclear, either, and he excels at describing the action. However, readers should be aware that the novel does end on a cliffhanger, so those wanting the complete story will need to continue to the second novel.
Pantheon is a captivating dark fantasy novel that immerses the reader into a new world without feeling overwhelmed. The exciting adventure that the two protagonists undertake will give readers a feeling of horror as they encounter strange and dangerous beasts, and at times there is a sense of the more significant danger brewing under the surface as the delicate balance of peace is being disrupted.
Pages: 268 | ASIN : B088SY6PF4
