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Jorsa
Eric Swanson’s Jorsa invites readers into a thrilling fantasy adventure brimming with heart, danger, and discovery. At its center is Jorsa, a blue-skinned elf on a desperate quest to rescue his captured friends from the clutches of the sinister Tilif. Along the way, Jorsa ventures through shadowy forests and perilous caves, confronting goblins and other fearsome creatures. Betrayals test his resolve, while unexpected moments reveal the transformative power of love.
Swanson’s narrative seamlessly blends themes of loyalty, courage, and redemption, anchoring the story in universal truths while maintaining its fantastical allure. The world of Higherland is a stunning creation, a realm both familiar and strange, populated by enchanting beings and complex societies. The interactions among elves, humans, and dwarves introduce a rich socio-political layer, exploring unity and division alongside thought-provoking reflections on power, sacrifice, and love.
The novel excels in character development, with Jorsa evolving from an inexperienced adventurer into a figure of resilience and wisdom. Each chapter deepens the reader’s understanding of his journey, balancing moments of action-packed intensity with quieter, introspective passages that probe the psyche of its characters. This dynamic pacing ensures a narrative that remains both exciting and emotionally resonant. Swanson’s writing style captivates with its fluidity and energy. His skillful use of suspense, coupled with vivid dialogue, breathes life into the story’s cast of characters. Meanwhile, the meticulous world-building offers an immersive experience, painting Higherland as a place brimming with hidden secrets and layered histories. These elements not only enhance the current narrative but promise a strong foundation for the series to come.
Jorsa, by Eric Swanson, stands out as a noteworthy addition to the fantasy genre. Its intricate plot, well-rounded characters, and lush setting converge to create a memorable reading experience. With its exploration of moral dilemmas and vibrant storytelling, Swanson’s novel comes highly recommended for fantasy enthusiasts eager to embark on a fresh, compelling series.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0DL2QW5MW
Doing a Great Deed
Jorsa follows a man who was banished after a failed attempt to dethrone the King and a blue elf warrior who is fighting to restore the balance of power in the kingdom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I got inspiration from the Bible. Some people may criticize my Christian allegory, but I wanted to write something that gives a picture of sin and how the Holy Spirit guides us when we face evil. I wanted the main character to describe our human condition. There are evil forces outside of us, and there will be struggles in our lives. There will be times when it seems like we are blind, and we need others to help us. But through all the difficult times, we have the help of the Holy Spirit.
I found your characters to be incredibly engaging. Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
I can relate to the main character, Jorsa. I don’t feel like I have the same courage, but he goes through struggles with temptations in the book and feels like a failure. I can relate to the struggle with failure and the need to find affirmation in doing a great deed. He’s the target of Tilif, not because he has done a heroic deed, but for wanting to follow Karlek. He struggles to have a personal experience with the King, and it comes in the book. As Christian believers, we all should want a personal touch of God. Once we get a personal experience, it changes cowards into soldiers.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
I rewrote a previous novel I had written about 10 years ago. A friend challenged me to write more like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They both wrote about spiritual things in their novels without having to say, “Now this is Jesus.” I hope the imagery comes through in the book. The total time of the rewrite took a few years.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I plan on rewriting another novel, making it into a sequel to Jorsa. The working title is Outcast. I’m very excited about the sequel, where I have more imagery of spiritual warfare and incorporate many of the same characters.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Torish discovered the danger of envy when he attempted to overthrow the righteous king, Karlek. Vihaa was his final destination, a barren wasteland where he would live out the rest of his days. But in his dungeon, a plan formed when Susan mysteriously came into his life, giving him a son named Tilif.
Tilif escaped Vihaa, hoping to recapture his father’s glory. But his departure was anticlimactic when two elves shot arrows into his eyes. Now, with the help of Susan, goblins and poliths, Tilif is looking for a way to regain his eyesight and rescue his father. But those who are true to Karlek stands in his way.
Jorsa, a blue elf, joins in an epic battle of good versus evil, where he gets thrust into a leadership role after Tilif kidnaps those whom he loves. It appears he’s all alone against forces beyond his strength. But when it looks like overwhelming odds, Lef, an Island dweller, comes to his aid.
With Lef, Jorsa must rescue his friends, keep Tilif blind, and prevent his evil scheme of rescuing his father, Torish, from Vihaa.
Will Jorsa rescue his friends? Will Tilif regain his eyesight? These questions, and more, are answered in this epic tale.
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Jorsa
In Jorsa, Eric Swanson crafts a tale brimming with intrigue, betrayal, and ambition, where characters navigate a labyrinth of personal motives and sacrifices to achieve their goals. After a failed attempt to dethrone King Karlek, Torish is banished to the desolate wasteland of Vihaa. From this bleak exile rises Tilif, Torish’s son, determined to reclaim his father’s legacy and restore his honor. Meanwhile, Jorsa, a blue elf warrior, finds himself in a moral struggle as he confronts Tilif, fighting to restore balance and prevent greater ruin.
Swanson excels in evocative world-building and vivid detail. The barren expanse of Vihaa mirrors Torish’s anguish, while Tilif’s simmering rage is palpably conveyed, especially as his journey leaves him blinded by fury and literal darkness. The narrative artfully balances emotionally charged moments with the tension of sprawling battles, creating a rhythm that, while occasionally faltering in pacing, is redeemed by its relentless intensity and sharp turns.
Jorsa’s reluctance to step into a leadership role struck me as particularly profound. His internal conflict embodies the weight of leadership and the personal costs it exacts, adding depth to his character. Tilif, on the other hand, serves as a powerful cautionary figure, embodying the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating fallout it brings.
The novel’s emotional resonance is undeniable. Key scenes, such as Tilif’s blindness and his visceral frustration at starting over, are deeply impactful. Conversely, moments like Jorsa’s torment after Tilif’s betrayal of those closest to him offer a poignant counterbalance. One character who piqued my interest is Susan; her presence adds intrigue, though further exploration of her backstory would enrich the narrative.
Fans of morally complex fantasy, akin to The Witcher, will find Jorsa, by Eric Swanson, a compelling read. The story brims with characters navigating shades of gray, forcing readers to grapple with their shifting loyalties and sympathies. For me, the book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to keep the reader guessing at every turn, weaving a story as unpredictable as it is engaging. This is a highly recommended read for fans of the dark fantasy genre.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0DL2QW5MW
LITERARY TITAN 