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The Mantle of the Past
The Mantle of the Past by Lewis A. D’Ambra transports readers into the richly woven world of Kolgennon, a realm brimming with historical depth and mythological intrigue. This first book in the A Scattering of Leaves series captures the essence of epic storytelling through a tapestry of interconnected characters and events that shape the fate of their world. The narrative follows multiple protagonists, each struggling with their destinies against the backdrop of a tumultuous era marked by divine interventions and mortal ambitions.
D’Ambra’s writing is nothing short of captivating. His ability to craft detailed settings and intricate character arcs is reminiscent of classic historical epics. The world-building is particularly impressive; D’Ambra meticulously constructs Kolgennon with its diverse cultures, political intrigues, and mythological history. One of my favorite sections describes the construction of Tekolgertep and the vision of King Tekolger, which provides a vivid illustration of how the city’s grandeur came to be through sheer determination and visionary planning. The book’s strength lies in its complex characters and their evolving relationships. D’Ambra deftly explores themes of power, loyalty, and identity. The character of Kalu, for instance, provides a compelling study of leadership and the burdens it carries. His journey from a student of philosophy to a key player in the political machinations of the realm is both engaging and thought-provoking. Similarly, Sanae’s trials and her quest for identity amidst divine and mortal expectations add a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. The plethora of characters and overlapping timelines may initially overwhelm some readers. Keeping track of the intricate plots and numerous characters requires careful attention. Still, for those willing to immerse themselves fully, the payoff is substantial as the storylines converge and reveal the grand tapestry of D’Ambra’s world.
The Mantle of the Past is a remarkable work of historical fantasy that will appeal to fans of epic sagas and richly detailed worlds. D’Ambra’s meticulous world-building and deep character explorations create a compelling narrative that rewards attentive readers. This book is perfect for those who appreciate complex histories, mythological elements, and character-driven plots. If you’re ready to dive into a world where every character’s fate is intricately tied to the past and the divine, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 769 | ASIN : B0D5TX635R
Elven Blood: A Fantasy Realms Novel (Volume 1 of the Vellhor Saga): A Fantasy Realms Novel
Elven Blood, the inaugural novel in The Vellhor Saga by Mark Stanley, unfolds a captivating tale where dragons have mysteriously vanished, plunging the nations of Vellhor into war. Amidst the ensuing darkness and chaos, the dwarven heir Gunnar and the exiled Elf Anwyn are drawn together in a forbidden love that sets them on a perilous journey. Themes of courage, love, and sacrifice interweave to lay the foundation of this epic narrative.
Stanley crafts a narrative that is deeply engaging, with characters as distinct and multifaceted as the cultures they hail from. Familiar fantasy races are presented with unique twists, such as Elves who do not wield bows, offering a refreshing take on traditional archetypes. One of the standout elements of Elven Blood is its innovative magic system, seamlessly integrated into the world of Vellhor. The differences in magic among the various races add depth and coherence to the setting, enhancing the reader’s immersion. The world-building is robust and richly detailed, rewarding readers with a deeply immersive experience. The initial chapters thoughtfully introduce the intricate world and its inhabitants, laying a solid foundation for the story. While the narrative style occasionally leans towards telling rather than showing, it provides clear insights into the characters’ inner experiences, setting the stage for a compelling and engaging journey. The story remains compelling, drawing readers into its depths. Anwyn’s journey, in particular, is a highlight, showcasing her growth and struggles in a way that is both relatable and inspiring. Mark Stanley’s world-building prowess shines in this book, where each culture is meticulously crafted to offer a richly immersive reading experience. The complexity of relationships and connections among characters adds depth to the story, rewarding readers with a fascinating and engaging journey as they delve into this intricately woven world.
Elven Blood by Mark Stanley is a masterfully crafted beginning to The Vellhor Saga. With its unique twists on familiar fantasy elements, richly detailed worldbuilding, and compelling character journeys, this novel promises an epic adventure that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Pages: 384 | ASIN : B0D6M516PW
Spirit Light: Volume 1
Spirit Light: Volume 1 from The Spirit Song Trilogy by Ross Hightower is an enthralling journey through a world on the brink of war, where the oppressive Empire casts a dark shadow. At the heart of this epic tale are two young, unexpectedly powerful sisters, Minna and Alyn Hunter, who might just be the key to overcoming this looming evil.
Hightower masterfully weaves a complex plot filled with conflict, excitement, and intrigue. Each scene and character is meticulously crafted, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in this richly detailed world. The narrative thread is consistent and engaging, with new developments continually enriching the overarching story. Minna and Alyn are on a path of self-discovery, grappling with their burgeoning powers and the many challenges that lie ahead. As they begin to harness their unique magic, the Empire is simultaneously plotting their downfall, determined to crush any sign of rebellion. The story is rife with alliances, betrayals, and battles, creating a tapestry of suspense and action. The sisters’ journey is fraught with peril, as they strive to avoid the tragic fate of their mother while fulfilling her mission to defeat the Empire. The novel boasts a diverse cast of characters, each given ample space to grow and evolve. Hightower ensures that their motivations are clear and their roles integral to the main plot, enriching the story with their distinct personalities and strengths. This depth of character development, combined with a captivating writing style, draws readers into the world from the very first page. The storyline is imbued with creativity, suspense, and mystery. Visions and dark, unknown entities add layers of complexity and tension. The unfolding war brings unexpected confrontations, from powerful witches to trained armies, ensuring that the action and intrigue never wane. The persistent tension keeps readers on edge, eagerly anticipating the sisters’ next move in their quest to liberate their friends from the Empire’s grasp.
Spirit Light: Volume 1 is well-paced, with fantastical elements that add both intrigue and depth. The characters come to life through Hightower’s vivid writing, growing and evolving with each chapter. By the book’s end, readers will have forged a connection with the story, eagerly awaiting the next installment in this compelling trilogy.
Pages: 533 | ASIN : B0D438DL4Y
Elven Blood: Volume 1 of the Vellhor Saga
Elven Blood, the first volume in Mark Stanley’s Vellhor Saga, is an enthralling tale of forbidden love and epic fantasy. In a world fraught with ancient enmities, chaos erupts when Gunnar, the dwarven throne’s heir, falls in love with Anwyn, an elven exile. As external forces threaten the realm, Anwyn and Gunnar navigate a web of hostile alliances and betrayal, striving to avert war, destruction, and sorcery while pursuing their illicit love.
Mark Stanley demonstrates remarkable storytelling and world-building skills, crafting a vivid and immersive fictional universe. His descriptive writing style effortlessly brings to life the diverse and intricate settings, making it easy for readers to visualize each scene. Stanley’s use of figurative language enhances the narrative, painting chaotic scenes and complex environments with precision and depth. The plot explores several compelling themes, including forbidden love, longstanding enmities, and emotional turmoil. The romance between Gunnar and Anwyn is central to the story, adding a layer of intensity and passion that drives the narrative forward. The characters are well-developed and unique, each contributing to the story’s richness. The protagonists’ journey together showcases impressive character development, while the supporting cast adds depth and quality to the tale. One of the standout features of Elven Blood is the inclusion of a glossary and a map at the beginning of the book. These additions provide valuable context and enhance the reader’s understanding of the world Stanley has created, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable.
Elven Blood by Mark Stanley is a captivating start to the Vellhor Saga, offering a blend of romance, fantasy, and adventure. Stanley’s exceptional world-building and character development make this book a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and intricate love stories. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an immersive and thrilling read.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0D73WRBP7
What is Right or Wrong?
Dreams Never End follows a man struggling to regain his grasp on reality who returns to the underworld in hopes of finding purpose in his life as it continues to fall apart. One of the most enjoyable parts of this book is Giels’s relationships with friends. How did you write the characters’ interactions to develop their bond?
It’s funny. The original draft had a couple more friends join the adventure, but I found so many characters diluted the interactions, as you might expect. This was a learning process for me, as I hadn’t had this many characters drive a story before. I was happy with the groups it ended up with, however. Because the secondary characters had little air time, so to speak, I thought of them like the groups of dwarves in The Hobbit or Snow White, where each individual had their own quirk that would come through. No one is named Sneazy, of course. These are realistic people with a degree of complexity and subtlety. But their salient traits ultimately play a role in the serial, which informs the nature of the interactions and how those interactions push the story forward in every chapter. Their growing bonds are essential to those interactions and were probably evident in the writing out of necessity.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
Not to give anything away, but one underpinning I try to hold with my themes is the ambiguity of morality. Geils is confronted with some opposing realities and viewpoints that he initially rejects, but they seep into him, becoming part of him. That’s one of his biggest struggles. It might be a bit subtle, but in the end, when he and Cleo talk about “going back” or not, they are talking about two very different things. Giels is alluding to how they cannot go back to the type of life they had, and Cleo is talking about literally going back to the place they’d been to. So not only is Giels feeling the change in perspective despite himself, but he’s also not even talking about the same things with the person he’s closest with, whose perspective has, since the beginning of the story, been at odds with his own. So, whose morality is correct? Should Giels protect his tribe by hiding what Giels is learning, or not? And, should they return to, and help, a culture in need that lives life in a way that doesn’t mesh with their world? During a time in our culture when so many people express their views with such absolute certainty, I like to dig into the uncertain, shaky substrate of what makes a person “right” or “wrong.”
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
This serial will have three more installments. I expect the characters in the next installment to have to sort through some of the moral delemmas described above. Decisions need to be made, and those decisions will orient the characters towards their final paths for this serial.
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The world below isn’t just a place for the dead.
After being forced into the Underworld and losing his grasp on reality, Giels strives to regain his leadership role at home. But fails.
Mysterious messages coax him back to the strange industrial land of the departed by giving him hope of finding purpose in his fraying life.
Will receiving aid from the Underworld denizens be Giels’s greatest gambit or worst mistake?
Dreams Never End (The Feigned Moon of Entiria Epic Serial Book 3)
Dreams Never End, the third installment in E. A. Bagby’s “The Feigned Moon of Entiria Epic Serial,” immediately captures the reader’s attention and maintains a riveting pace throughout. Bagby thoughtfully includes a recap of the previous two episodes, effectively reintroducing readers to the complex and sometimes catastrophic world that Giels must navigate and survive.
Early in the book, we discover that Giels, the protagonist, has never had a normal or typical life. Destined for leadership, he longs to achieve greatness. His fall into the Underworld and subsequent struggle for sanity only drive him to fight harder and find purpose in life. The story vividly weaves a world of fantasy fiction with elements of young adulthood, highlighting the challenges of self-discovery and trust. Giels must discern whether the Underworld, with its cryptic messages, is a boon or a potential downfall. The fast pace and intricate, complex relationships between Giels and his friends are among the book’s highlights. Bagby excels in portraying Giels’ heightened awareness of his state of mind and surroundings, which often become dreamlike and mysterious as he moves between worlds. This narrative layer adds an intriguing element of mystery, blurring the lines between dream, imagination, and reality. Bagby’s skillful character development and unique storyline enhance the reading experience.
Dreams Never End is an impressive installment in Bagby’s epic series, ideal for fans of fantasy fiction and newcomers to the genre alike. With its entertaining and exciting story, this book is a must-read. I eagerly anticipate more works from this talented author.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0CW1BQ7H6
Underwater Archaeology
Set in Atlantis, The Power of Water follows two men–one fighting for his people’s freedom and the other battling to keep the upper hand against his nemesis. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I enjoy reading and watching shows about alternative history, or, as some would call it, pseudo-science. When I started writing, I thought about Atlantis and how the downfall would have occurred. Plato talks about the people angering the gods, but could that have been future generations sent back to hunter-gatherers, trying to make sense of something they did not understand? Like how do the Sentinelese natives or any other primitive natives today describe a helicopter coming near them? Is it an animal? Do they understand it is a machine or just the amount of strange people?
So, I tried to build a story around an advanced civilization that used a power source we would not understand, but that gave them many of today’s conveniences. The story would then progress through their downfall and attempt to survive.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
Mostly organically. I knew the direction I wanted to go in but would stop occasionally to read what I wrote (some correcting, but mostly just to make sure it flowed to me). Usually, I would then ask myself how this got here or what if that happened first. Then, I would try to add that into the story, and if I liked it, I would flesh it out.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I guess the biggest thing is I wanted to write a story about how I thought a prior level of civilization could have been here and disappeared. Plato states Atlantis was a naval power, so I believe that means they would have been on the coasts. The coasts in many parts of the Ice Age world are hundreds of feet underwater now. And I think the current state of our underwater archaeology is still in the beginner phase.
Many like to think that we are the apex of human history, but I wonder if that is correct. I mean, we have been at our biological level for over 100,000 years, and only in the last 10,000 years have we gone from picking berries to rockets, nanites, quantum physics, and the like. Our long-ago ancestors seemed to be as inquisitive as we are, so why now and not before?
Can you give us a peek inside book 2 of The Doom of the Gods series? Where will it take your characters?
Book Two, The Power of Blood, will concentrate on the chaos of the Atlantean empire and the struggle between the parties. Jana will once again go after Risor. Rogat and Demetri will have a “come to the gods” moment. Shandar will struggle to keep his people together, and Lena, poor Lena, will find herself thrust into a power vacuum that forces her further away from finding her love, Tilor. Indrajit and Zhen will find themselves on a secret mission that turns into making friends from enemies.
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Now, Atlantis wants to use WMDs…
But can civilization survive it?
During the last Ice Age, the clash of steel and the roar of aircraft echo through the land as the empires of Atlantis and Rama wage a desperate war.
There are many stories to tell the tale.
Risor sees the trap closing. But Jana, the mission commander, refuses to withdraw. She fears the consequences of failure. Threatening mutiny, he forces her to order the retreat. That Risor is right makes matters only worse, turning the rivalry personal.
Rogat is not sure what he did to offend the gods. Because the demi-god hero constantly chasing him doesn’t seem fair.
With Atlantis suffering, the empire falls apart.
Fleeing from a vengeful Jana, Risor must lead his people to freedom. Meanwhile, leading another band of survivors, Rogat tries to stay one step ahead of his nemesis. Read about Risor and Rogat in a gripping tale of war and survival that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Because revenge is such a satisfying reason to destroy a civilization.
The Power of Water
James Grimm’s The Power of Water is an exhilarating dive into a richly imagined historical world where Atlantis, blessed with Aether-powered weapons from the gods, has flourished for millennia. The Aether’s gifts have granted the Atlanteans immense wealth, knowledge, and power, but they have also sown seeds of arrogance and envy among rival empires. These tensions set the stage for a high-stakes narrative as the Rama empire devises a plan that threatens to upend the balance of power. The Atlanteans, facing existential threats, must grapple with the sacrifices and duties required to preserve their once-great empire.
Grimm crafts a story of mythic proportions, seamlessly blending action with the rise and fall of this legendary civilization. The narrative unfolds through various perspectives and battles, immersing readers in the dynamic world of Atlantis. This multifaceted approach provides a panoramic view of the empire and its adversaries, enriching the story with diverse viewpoints and experiences. To enhance the reader’s journey, I believe a glossary at the beginning could offer valuable context and deepen the understanding of the complex relationships and settings.
Grimm’s talent shines in his compelling battle scenes and engaging dialogue, creating a vivid and action-packed tale. I feel a bit more background development would further enrich the characters and their motivations, offering readers a more profound connection to the unfolding drama. Grimm’s organizational prowess shines through with a timeline-structured chapter layout that effectively tracks the ebb and flow of the plot.
James Grimm’s The Power of Water offers an exhilarating journey through the legendary world of Atlantis. With its dynamic storytelling, thrilling battles, and a richly imagined setting, the novel captures the essence of a mythic civilization in turmoil. The book’s strengths in action and intrigue make it a captivating read. Fans of historical fiction and epic tales will find much to enjoy in this engaging exploration of Atlantis’ rise and fall.
Pages: 292 | ISBN : 978-1963553017
LITERARY TITAN 