Blog Archives
Journey of Seven Circles
Journey of Seven Circles by Russell Pike tells the story of Kryn, a soul warden who has devoted his life to the wellbeing of others. Whether serving as a medic on the battlefield or pursuing scholarly endeavors in times of peace, Kryn is steadfast in his commitment to his path. However, like everyone around him, he knows better than to delve into magic—something believed to corrupt those who dare explore it. But when he crosses that dangerous line in a desperate bid to save lives, he discovers there may be no turning back from the power he has uncovered, nor from the consequences it brings.
The novel masterfully weaves together Kryn’s present-day struggles with his magical task and flashbacks that reveal the decisions and circumstances that shaped him. This dual narrative structure adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, allowing readers to gradually piece together his story while contrasting the two very different stages of his life. The transitions between past and present are seamless, and Pike’s ability to balance these two timelines keeps the narrative engaging and full of suspense. The world-building is equally compelling, rich with mystery and depth that enhances the overall experience without ever overshadowing the main plot. What stood out to me was the completeness of the story. Nothing felt lacking or rushed. Kryn is a deeply compelling narrator, guiding the reader through moments of high-stakes action and quieter, more introspective problem-solving. Pike excels in creating tension and conflict but also allows space for reflection and strategy, which gives the story a satisfying balance. The pacing never falters, and the mix of action and contemplation enriches the plot, adding layers of complexity without dragging down the narrative.
For fans of fantasy and magic, Journey of Seven Circles is a must-read. Russell Pike has crafted a well-written, captivating story, with Kryn at its heart—a character who is both relatable and intriguing. I eagerly anticipate what Pike will offer in his future works, and I would highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking an immersive fantasy experience filled with adventure, mystery, and a touch of magic.
Pages: 485 | ASIN : B0D77Y92WJ
Recompense – Book 1: A King for Scotland
Jay Anderson’s RECOMPENSE: Book 1 – A King for Scotland is a captivating blend of survival, brotherhood, romance, and history. While it may appear to be a straightforward war story at first glance, it delves much deeper, offering a rich exploration of heritage and the quest to correct historical wrongs. Anderson’s characters are vividly drawn, deeply human, and their emotional and romantic journeys will keep you engaged from start to finish. The novel centers on a British regiment fighting in Afghanistan in 2010, who are suddenly thrust back in time to 1746 Scotland—just days before the pivotal Battle of Culloden. Faced with the unprecedented opportunity to alter the course of history, the regiment must navigate the complexities of the 18th century and find their place in Prince Charles’ court.
Anderson expertly weaves military strategy and tactics throughout the narrative, creating a suspenseful and page-turning experience as the battles unfold. One of the novel’s strengths is its respectful and detailed portrayal of Scottish heritage and rituals, from the use of Gaelic language to traditional war practices. The characters’ deep love for their country and commitment to their heritage are palpable, driving their desire to reshape the future. At the same time, the story is also a poignant exploration of loss and adaptation, as the soldiers grapple with the heartache of being torn from their families and thrust into an unfamiliar era.
RECOMPENSE: Book 1 – A King for Scotland is a must-read for fans of military strategy, historical warfare, and courtly intrigue. Anderson leaves readers on the edge of their seats with a cliffhanger ending, eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Recompense series.
Pages: 388 | ASIN : B0CZPKJLDT
And They Went Up: A Novel from the Saga of Fallen Leaves
In And They Went Up: A Novel from the Saga of Fallen Leaves, J.L. Feuerstack delves into a richly woven tapestry of historical fantasy, offering readers a compelling exploration of the eternal conflict between God and Satan. As the fourth novel in this ambitious series, Feuerstack continues to unravel the complex and often mysterious history of these two celestial brothers, whose struggle for supremacy has shaped the fate of the world for centuries. The narrative centers around Anna Gold and Anorexia Nervosa Perplexus, two emissaries of these divine forces, whose roles as soldiers in this ongoing war are both poignant and tragic. The novel deftly portrays them as weary warriors, burdened by the relentless demands of their masters, yet capable of deep empathy and even love. Their personal struggles and the autonomy they wield, albeit limited, add a layer of human vulnerability to their otherwise otherworldly existence.
Feuerstack’s storytelling draws inevitable comparisons to Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, with its celestial beings intervening in human affairs. However, while Gaiman’s work often carries a mischievous undertone, Feuerstack opts for a more somber and serious approach. The tone reflects the gravity of the celestial conflict, where the stakes are nothing less than the ultimate victory of good or evil. The novel’s pacing is relentless, dragging readers through a series of historical battles, each depicted with visceral intensity. The bloodshed serves as a grim reminder of the war of attrition waged between God and Satan, with humanity, angels, and demons trapped in the crossfire. The characters, especially Anna and Anorexia, are fully fleshed out, their world-weariness and complex emotions adding depth to the narrative.
And They Went Up is high-concept fiction that feels epic in every sense. The writing is both compelling and emotionally charged, taking readers on a rollercoaster journey through time and the human soul. Feuerstack has crafted a story that is as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally resonant, making this novel a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and theological intrigue.
Pages: 491 | ASIN : B0CXMNCBB1
The Wages of Kin
In The Wages of Kin by C.J. Caughman, readers are introduced to Adelaide Battier, a widow left in the wake of her revered naval officer husband’s untimely demise. Suddenly, she is catapulted into a labyrinth of peril and conspiracy, with The Assembly—a formidable group with veiled intentions—at its center. As Adelaide delves deeper, she unravels the intricacies of the Cannon Fire Plot, a subversive plan conceived by her late husband intended to upend societal norms. With her and her children’s lives on the line, being ensnared in the aftermath of her husband’s controversial actions presents a palpable threat.
Set against a backdrop evoking the Colonial era, The Wages of Kin masterfully skirts the borders of genres. It’s not merely historical fiction; Caughman’s crafted world is peppered with elements of fantasy, action-adventure, and even echoes of seafaring tales reminiscent of Robert Louis Stevenson’s masterpieces like Treasure Island and Kidnapped.
The heart of this novel lies in Adelaide Battier’s unyielding spirit and profound love for her children. As the layers of her husband’s secrets unfold, it becomes evident that his choices, however clandestine, were grounded in nobility. Adelaide’s maternal grit and determination become her guiding compass as she navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue.
C.J. Caughman exhibits skill in character development, particularly in breathing life into the members of the Battier family. As the story unfurls, revealing the sinister depths of The Assembly, readers will inevitably find themselves rooting for Adelaide and her kin to triumph over the malevolent forces at play. This compelling read enthralls, captivates, and leaves a lasting imprint.
Pages: 425 | ASIN : B0DBGKSNNH
The Primitive Instinct To Survive
In And They Marched Up, a devil and an angel are fighting for survival against both their enemies and members of their own kind. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?
The predominant themes found in this series come from my background in psychology. The story begins with Anorexia in possession of a mortal who is auditing an evolutionary psych seminar. We hear discussion of modern maladaptive traits having historically beneficial attributes and the evolutionary justification for In-group favoritism. In-group favoritism is based on the belief that in-group bias gives rise to strong cultural groups and that these groups would be better equipped to compete for scarce resources. Yet, history is filled with instances where membership within a strong in-group is just as treacherous as the out-group opposition. Examples can be found stretching from the First Triumvirate all the way to the Night of the Long Knives. With the primal instinct of survival being a key theme in this book, I wanted to explore how an individual navigates a system designed to pit her against merciless foes, while standing alongside unreliable allies. The isolation in such a situation is meant to draw focus to the notion that in the end, nobody cares as much about your survival as much as you do.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
The fight between Anorexia and Chu Hua during the Battle of Teutoburg Forest really encapsulates many of the main themes of the story. The scene pits two close friends against one another in a life and death struggle, testing the bonds of friendship and their loyalty to their respective causes. It asks the questions: What does it mean to be a good soldier? What is a true confidant? How will the characters comport themselves when their survival is set against the survival of their loved one? I wanted to illustrate the notion that even the strongest of bonds may falter when put to an extreme test, and to explore the idea that the primitive instinct to survive has the ability to override even the strongest of ties.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
It’s very difficult, but if I had to pick a favorite it’s the battle of Thermopylae. I enjoy weaving the story of The Saga of Fallen Leaves into specific historical events, so the reader can see an event they may already be familiar with through a different lens. I also very much enjoy the parallel between the mortal, Ephialtes, and the Demon, Anorexia, both using the battle for intensely personal and selfish reasons, as opposed to romantic notions like patriotism or bravery. The last stand of the three hundred Spartans gets a new spin in this scene and there is a very detailed illustration depicting the culmination of the battle.
Can fans expect a fourth installment in the Saga of Fallen Leaves?
Yes, absolutely. Volume IV continues with the focus on Anna and Anorexia. It tracks through the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first century, reaching as far as the war in Ukraine. As always, the next volume offers a unique view on historical conflicts while following the stories of the heavenly and hellish cast of characters.
The citizens of both Heaven and Hell must find their place in the ongoing supernatural conflict. Readers will follow the adventures of the angel Anna Gold, and the demon Anorexia Nervosa Perplexus as each struggles to make her way through an ever-changing and dangerous world. Across their travels both warriors face treacherous foes and conniving members of their own brethren.
This novel of the epic struggle between Celestial forces covers great spans of human history from the building of the pyramids to the construction of cathedrals. Anna and Anorexia witness consequential battles and monumental events as they fight for their respective causes and make difficult decisions, while trying to survive.
Creating a Sense of Normalcy Amid the Chaos
Borealis follows a man with the ability to transport himself through time who discovers secrets about himself and works to save the people of Yand. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Ah, it’s not a man. It’s a young boy. It’s a coming-of-age story of an inadvertent blinker boy who finds himself in the middle of active warfare. It is a story of survival under extreme adversity, of danger, bravery, and resilience, and the ingenuity of creating a sense of normalcy amid the chaos. Many undertones of my childhood, growing up in a war zone. But like always, I infuse a light touch and humor where allowed. Meet and fall in love with Sunny, and see how he saves the world(!). He’s one of my favorite characters, way up there with Wolfpack and Snowfox.
All your characters have unique and original names; how do you come up with character names for your stories?
I draw my characters’ names from their backgrounds, environments, personalities. For example, I began the WorldmakerTM Saga in the star system of Yildun, which is a real star in the Ursa Minor constellation. Yildun means star, and I derived all primary names from it. The planet is Yand. The inhabited moon is Yenda. The worldmakers who manifest their power from this star are Yanara, Yira, Yileen, Yolinda. Yanara’s brother is Yildiz, which also starts with Y and means star.
All the goldenbloods (the bright Yandar race) have names that signify brightness, light, shine, luminance. Hence, Lucent, Flash, Blaze, Stardust.
Yanara’s children have names that reflect their personalities and abilities and also link them to their companions: Dragonlord is a dragoon (strongest mage) and is bonded to a dragon. Wolfpack, who is pathfinder, is like the alpha wolf, the leader. Sunny, well, I don’t want to spill the beans. You’ll see after reading Borealis. If not, please ask me again.
What author in your genre do you most admire, and why?
Tolkien for Fantasy. Do I need to elaborate? He’s the Master.
Anne McCaffrey, also fantasy, for her vivid world-building and characters.
Steven Brust for the first-person narration. Absolutely brilliant.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for the people of Yand and the direction of the second book?
Ah, Borealis IS the second book in the Chronicles of Phe’lak.
Queen of Highwings is the first book.
The third book will be coming in 2025. It is titled The Beast of Phe’lak. You hear it first right here. I’m very excited about it. It features Dragonlord, whom I have been dying to write about, his dragon, Lavender, and his Yendal partner, Squirrel.
If I may add, in addition to the E-Book on Amazon, the printed book formats offer spectacular 2-page illustrated openings of every chapter, and more full-page illustrations throughout. They can be found here:
Paperback with Standard Paper and Inks: (most economical) https://tinyurl.com/jd363xh4
Paperback with Premium Paper and Inks: (most recommended) https://tinyurl.com/nhc3wm42
Hardbound Premium Edition: (spectacular!) https://tinyurl.com/4s7y6ecm
Author links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Borealis
Borealis, by Andri E. Elia, is a captivating fantasy novel that delves into the intriguing story of Sunny (Sunstorm) and his unique abilities as a Pathfinder. The narrative masterfully weaves together two timelines—one set in the past and the other in the future—culminating in a resolution that connects these points seamlessly. Continuing from the journey in Book 1, this installment takes readers on a thrilling time jump and space odyssey across the universe.
The tale centers around Asimia, her husbands, Lucent and Snowfox, and their pathfinder, Wolfpack, as they persist in their quest to save the world of Yands from the malevolent K’tuls. Concurrently, Sunstorm transports himself to a future world using his power of ‘blink,’ unraveling secrets about himself with his Da, Dr. Pietro (Pete). The narrative is filled with multiple time jumps and a diverse cast of characters, each playing a crucial role in shaping their future.
Elia’s writing style is fast-paced and exhilarating, with twists and turns that keep readers hooked. The smooth flow of the story during war scenes and action sequences adds to its appeal. These thrilling portions are well-crafted and highly engaging. The diverse character dynamics add complexity to the narrative. Asimia’s affection for Pete and her submission to Snowfox, Sunny’s actions in the first half, Willie’s loyalty to Sunny, Lucent’s evolving role in their marriage, and Asimia’s decision to pass her positions and powers to Snowfox create intriguing and multifaceted relationships. The author’s focus on highlighting specific traits provides depth to the main characters, adding a unique dimension to the story.
Borealis, by Andri E. Elia, is a thrilling and imaginative fantasy novel that takes readers on a fascinating journey through time and space. Fans of fantasy with a penchant for adventure and twists will find much to enjoy in this captivating tale.
Pages: 397 | ASIN : B0CWDGMBS4
And They Marched Up: A Novel from the Saga of Fallen Leaves
And They Marched Up: The Saga of Fallen Leaves, Vol. III, by J. L. Feuerstack, masterfully revisits the origins of the saga, offering readers a fresh perspective through the eyes of two compelling characters: the demoness Anorexia and the angel Anna Gold. This volume explores themes of love, loss, and political intrigue, tracing the characters’ journeys from their formative years to their emergence as formidable warriors, each unwavering in their convictions and battles. The narrative commences with Anorexia in the present day, gradually delving into her memories from birth, allowing readers to witness her evolution. Similarly, Anna Gold’s story is richly detailed, depicting her transformation from a vulnerable target to a powerful, relentless warrior. Their stories intertwine seamlessly, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations and the overarching plot.
This installment is a remarkable addition to the Saga of Fallen Leaves. The opportunity to gain insights from Anorexia and Anna’s perspectives not only refreshes the reader’s memory of the first book’s plot but also enriches the reading experience.
Unlike the first book, where power was a central theme, this volume emphasizes survival, adding a unique dimension to the narrative. Anorexia’s journey is particularly relatable, showcasing her growth from a shy child to a strong adult, reflecting the profound impact of life’s challenges. Her story resonates deeply, and there is hope that she finds the love she undoubtedly deserves. Anna’s transformation is equally captivating; her evolution into a formidable warrior sets her apart, making her storyline compelling and inspiring. The inclusion of drawings and music enhances the storytelling experience, offering a multimedia dimension that is both innovative and immersive. This artistic integration is a distinctive feature of Feuerstack’s novels, adding a layer of engagement that few books achieve.
And They Marched Up is a highly recommended read for those captivated by tales of angels, demons, and rich historical narratives. Feuerstack’s skillful storytelling and the multidimensional portrayal of Anorexia and Anna make this volume an absolute delight. I eagerly anticipate the continuation of their stories in the forthcoming fourth book.
Pages: 487 | ASIN : B0CMDZW6LC
