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The Kings’ Despair
The Kings’ Despair, by Ed Cannon, transports readers to the city of Ilicia, renowned for its wealth and power. The once vibrant Queen Margatha is now overwhelmed with sorrow and a thirst for revenge after the assassination of her partner. The corruption of his sword and the prestigious, magical Rod of Atwin further stuns her. Concurrently, Sillik, hailing from a rival city, fervently prepares his people for an impending conflict, driven by his desire to avenge his father’s murder. The loss of loved ones profoundly impacts both Sillik and Juliane, whose husband died heroically protecting her. His sacrifice to safeguard his people and his beloved is a tragic yet poignant tale. In Aceon, Domarick orchestrates a union between his daughter and the Prince of Ilicia to strengthen political ties.
Readers are introduced to intriguing new characters like Krista, a cunning thief, and Georgetta, who disguises herself as a sorceress. Cannon’s strength lies in his vivid character portrayals. Despite the abundance of characters, a few stand out, such as Lady Silvia and Georgetta. The strong sibling bond between Margatha and her brother adds depth to the narrative. Domarick, the crafty monarch, seeks to consolidate power through his daughter’s marriage. The looming prospect of war, the havoc caused by dragons, the allure of magical powers, and the relentless pursuit of vengeance make the book both exciting and intriguing. The magical Rod of Atwin adds another layer of mystery, leaving readers to wonder about its ultimate impact.
As the final chapter in the trilogy, The Kings’ Despair offers a deeply rewarding experience for readers familiar with the characters and universe established in the previous books. For newcomers, the early chapters present an exciting opportunity to dive into a rich and intricate world.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fantasy elements, epic battles, and diverse characters, and while the narrative was rich and detailed, it provided a deeply immersive experience that rewarded careful attention to the complex plot. Fantasy enthusiasts will find The Kings’ Despair, by Ed Cannon, highly rewarding, and starting with the first book in the series will enhance the experience, allowing readers to fully appreciate the rich and intricate story.
Pages: 688 | ASIN : B0D1MZ9GPS
Certain But Unpredictable
Thaddeus and the Master follows three Brother Apprentices who have arrived at the College of Sorcerers only to face new challenges and tribulations set upon them by both the senior students and the Faculty. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Back in the 70s, I used to drive to Chicago from Milwaukee for certain post-graduate studies I was attending in the Windy City. On those drives, I began to entertain the fantasy of what it would be like to attend a Sorcerer’s school – what sort of trouble would the students get into, what sort of pranks would they attempt, and what measures would the faculty – with centuries of this sort of behavioral experience under their belts – employ.
The concept gradually evolved over time to more of a full-fledged story and the details filled themselves in.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Yes, especially in several of the characters who I ‘borrowed’ from various high school friends. I found it easier to take a person I already knew about in a way and modify them to fit the story as opposed to inventing an entire personality on the spot. Just being lazy, I suppose.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
In this series, our Sorcerers are limited by the fact that each and every time they use their powers – even in the learning process – their life spans are reduced by a random, variable, and unknowable amount. One could cause a teacup to appear on Monday and lose 13 minutes of life span. On Tuesday of the same week, the same act could cost a Sorcerer 2 years of life span. The fact that it is certain but unpredictable causes a great deal of parsimony in the use of Sorcery in this world.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Thaddeus and the direction of the third book?
In Thaddeus and the Daemon, the evil plot of the corrupted Master Sorcerer and his Daemon accomplice is at last uncovered. Our Hero then goes to confront the pair knowing that he, a first-year only student, is sadly out-classed in power in facing the twain. Grasping at straws he begins to entertain the counter-intuitive idea that if he surrenders all of his Sorcerous powers he will, somehow, achieve the advantage over his antagonists. The results of this desperate move are eye-opening.
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The three Brother Apprentices have arrived at the College of Sorcerers only to face new challenges and tribulations set upon them by both the senior students and the Faculty.
Hindering their advancement at College are a collection of obstacles including a half-mad Centaur, a Green Goblin, the last living Father of Man, drug-seeking Sprites, sentient warrior statues, the Guardian of the Temple of Time, murderous attacks by Excelsior-Class brigands, Graecolian Slavers, the uncloaked evil of a twisted Master Sorcerer and the Pale Horse of Death.
. Can Thaddeus truly trust the mysterious Prince from far-distant Mauretesia?
. Can Thaddeus and his three friends solve the riddle of what lies behind the mirrors?
. Can Rolland prove how the College’s cook can claim to have fathered the leader of Fountaindale’s Thieve’s Guild?
. Can the Daemon’s challenge to Thaddeus be answered by his brother Apprentices?
. Can the ancient Lay of Man unravel the fate of the Father of Man?
. Can the four friends alter the dread fate prophesied by the Pale Horse?
In Louis Sauvain’s epic fantasy Book One, Thaddeus of Beewicke, the tortuous and danger-laden journey to the Sorcerer’s school is at last completed. In Book Two, Thaddeus and the Master, the young Apprentices at the College of Sorcerers learn first-hand the life-threatening risks of spell-casting, hand-to-hand combat and confrontation with hostile upperclassmen, disdainful Faculty and the deadly presence of the school’s Daemon.
Sauvain’s strength prevails creating a page-turner of strong and vigorous cast of characters.
Thaddeus and the Master
In the mystical realm where sorcery holds sway, Thaddeus and his fellow Brother Apprentices embark on a perilous odyssey to master the enigmatic Sorcerous Arts. Their passage through the hallowed halls of the College of Sorcerers is fraught with formidable challenges—ranging from antagonistic upperclassmen to the insidious machinations of a twisted Master Sorcerer, all while confronting the looming specter of the Pale Horse of Death. As Thaddeus grapples with matters of trust, deciphers intricate riddles, and confronts the weight of prophetic destinies, he becomes acutely aware of the multifaceted forces at play, including the formidable obstacles posed by his own inner conflicts.
Thaddeus and the Master, penned by Louis Sauvain, emerges as an epic fantasy masterpiece that unfurls into a mesmerizing narrative of magic, camaraderie, and imminent peril. Sauvain’s latest literary offering intricately builds upon the foundation of his prior works, delving deeper into the trials and triumphs of Thaddeus and his companions on their arcane journey. The narrative casts a spell of enchantment, immersing readers in a world teeming with magic and peril, vividly depicted against a backdrop of vibrant landscapes and immersive locales.
One of Sauvain’s notable achievements lies in the creation of characters that strike a delicate balance between the familiar and the fantastical, each imbued with human flaws that serve to enrich the narrative tapestry. This infusion of relatable complexity adds layers of depth and intrigue to the story, fostering an emotional connection between the reader and the characters. Thaddeus’s personal odyssey of growth and self-discovery serves as a poignant focal point, as he grapples with challenges that test not only his sorcerous prowess but also the bonds of friendship and loyalty. The meticulous world-building evident in this installment is a testament to Sauvain’s narrative finesse, as he deftly conjures a tapestry of sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas that evoke a myriad of emotions and sensations. From the bustling corridors of the College of Sorcerers to the enigmatic realms that lie beyond, readers are seamlessly transported to a realm where adventure and magic await at every turn. The inclusion of memorable characters such as Asullus, with his sage wisdom and wry humor, serves to further enrich the narrative, offering both levity and profound insights.
Thaddeus and the Master stands as a testament to Sauvain’s narrative prowess, offering readers an enthralling sojourn into a realm of sorcery, danger, and profound personal growth. Highly recommended for aficionados of high fantasy literature such as Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings, this captivating tale of magic and mystery is certain to captivate and enthrall.
Pages: 444 | ASIN : B0BMGGN3MN
The Portal to Aardon
Coming-of-age stories woven with magical elements have long captured the imagination of readers. Matthew J. Stott’s The Portal to Aardon (The Aardon Chronicles) demonstrates the timeless appeal of young adult novels that blend the trials of adolescence with the allure of the fantastical. The novel introduces readers to Marko Fember, a 16-year-old who discovers his ability to wield fire magic and his origins from another realm. Marko’s journey is not just about mastering his powers but also unraveling the mystery of his father and navigating the complexities of teenage life, all while an evil warlock looms over his destiny. Stott cleverly integrates the camaraderie and support of Marko’s friends, which adds depth and relatability to the story.
Stott’s narrative plunges the reader directly into the action, allowing us to learn about Marko’s abilities and the unfolding mysteries right alongside him. The supporting cast, including characters like Isabelle, Brock, and Sara, are well-developed and contribute significantly to the narrative’s richness. Their distinct personalities and interactions with Marko enhance the story’s dynamics. A notable aspect of Stott’s writing is his consistent use of fire-related puns and references, which are handled with a light, humorous touch, adding to the book’s charm without overwhelming the reader. The straightforward narration and clear descriptions are strategic choices, making the story accessible and inviting for a broad audience. This approach enables readers to easily immerse themselves in Marko’s world, experiencing his magical journey and self-discovery firsthand.
The Portal to Aardon is a commendable addition to the young adult fantasy genre, skillfully blending magical elements with the universal themes of growing up. Its engaging plot, well-crafted characters, and magical backdrop are likely to resonate with a wide range of readers and position the book as a notable work within its genre.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B0B97CGHDN
A Post-Magical Society
In Dawn of Chaos, a woman who possesses the unique ability to control an ancient weapon sets out to dethrone a nefarious queen. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Dawn of Chaos is the second book in The Sapeiro Chronicles trilogy. In the first book, A Forgotten Past, the story is quite simple: it’s the story of a girl who wishes to remember her past, recover her memories, and understand why she is a threat to those in power. In Dawn of Chaos, the stakes are much higher. Sora now has a better understanding of her power, and why it makes her dangerous.
In both books, power and the acquisition of it play a huge role in the storyline: the queen wishes to gain as much as she can, while Sora, who naturally is powerful, regrets having so much. When I was first planning this series, I really liked the idea of a post-magical society, where power had been diluted through the generations. I also really liked the idea of each book building on the other, of the journey becoming more dangerous as time passed.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes, and that’s something I was very proud of. In Dawn of Chaos, Sora in particular undergoes a series of internal struggles. She is placed in a role where she never saw herself as being, nor wanted. And yet what choice does she have? I think her struggle makes her a more interesting heroine. I really wanted her to think deep and hard about the ramifications of either of her choices.
There are also a lot of characters in the book, with different threads of the storyline told through their point-of-views. One of the main challenges was making sure that each character had their own voice, to make it evident that they were their own person.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I love writing twists! Though a couple did sprout up organically, most of them were planned, way back even when I was still working on the first book. I’m doing the same while working on the next in the series.
Can fans look forward to a third installment of this series? If so, can you give us a peek inside the next book?
Absolutely! I am currently working on the third and final book in the trilogy. I’m aiming for a spring 2024 release, but that will depend on how fast I can write! I can’t go into too many details, so as not to spoil it.
However, in this third installment, the story follows on the heels of the closing events of Dawn of Chaos. The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been before, and the very existence of Sapeiro is in jeopardy. Sora will need to delve into the continent’s past to see if she can find a weapon suitable to defend those she loves from the shadows that would strike them from the map.
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Against all odds, Sora Rosewood has recovered her memories and survived multiple attacks on her life. Not only that, but she’s allied herself with the Sanctuary, a rebel force dedicated to freeing Sapeiro from Queen Amana’s corruption. While Sora works to become the weapon she needs to be, her sister, Lenka, is busy strategizing on a way to overthrow the queen without bathing the continent in blood of the innocent. Whether she likes it or not, Sora has become part of something greater than herself. But as her power grows, so does her unease at wielding it.
Can she become the hero Sapeiro needs her to be? And more importantly, does she want to?
Getting Things Done Together
Sorcery & Sin in the Second World follows a husband and wife who discover a portal that takes them from their New York home to a mystical world of magic. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Inspiration definitely came from elements of real life. I was in management in the government for quite a few years, where I tried to bring out people’s strengths and, at times, played mediator to achieve a work goal. There is actually an age difference of 18 years between my wife and me, so the perspectives of various things in life are sometimes different and fun. Like in one area, she is actually a gamer, whereas I’m old school with an Atari or Sega Genesis. While watching her play her fantasy games and explain them to me, I started thinking of what it would be like to really be thrown into those types of worlds. I know I would have a thousand questions and probably be sarcastic or funny about it.
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?
I have always enjoyed sword and sorcery books and movies like Lord of the Rings or John Carter, especially ones where someone is thrown into a new world out of their element. I wanted to write my own fantasy book like that and turn things on their head, so you may have not read it before. For example, I changed it up wherein, in the typical fantasy story, everyone has a British accent and looks the same. There’s a reason why people speak English, with varying accents, and look like different cultures and mixes of different cultures in this second world. That’ll be fleshed out as the story continues. Another thing that I changed as I was writing was the landscape of the world. A few times, I mention in the book that it’s a warmer climate to give a reason for people wearing less clothing. The reasoning for that changed or even expanded and will also be further detailed in the next book. I really wanted to get the readers’ minds going in the why of it all.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There are a few themes I attempted to tackle. One of the big themes is disillusionment from when you are younger, coming out of high school or college. I think a lot of people, including my wife and myself, expect to get the dream job immediately, and when it doesn’t turn out that way, you think you failed, and your life is terrible. You learn as you get older that things are not as bad as they seem, and it could actually be far worse, just as Rena learns in the story. It just takes some time when you start at the bottom. Try to excel with what you do get, then move up and possibly on from there. Most importantly, be grateful for what you do have and the people around you.
The other theme is not everyone is a Superman or Wonder Woman or some specially trained government operative who can take on the world by themselves. Most people, although they may have special skills, need help and that’s not only okay but a good thing. To me, it makes the story more real. For example, I would definitely relate to Pal in the way that he isn’t quite sure what is going on in this second world, but instead of busting heads, he uses his own head to think. I also tie it into Pal and Rena being married. That the bond between two married people goes deeper than just wearing a pair of rings. A married couple is a team who get things done together.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
The second book will delve more into what the second world is about. I didn’t want to overload readers with information about it in the first book where it felt like a history book, so I focused more on character development to make you care about them in this second world. The characters of Rena and Pal will grow further, but you will learn more about the character Kana, who is introduced in the beginning and at the very end of the first book. Her role will be pivotal to what happens with Rena and Pal. I am bringing back characters like Sego and Tonrah, while introducing some new ones who are briefly mentioned in the first book too. I also, have scenes that will make you want to reread the first book because you might have overlooked something that seemed insignificant but was actually a bigger part of the story that helps tie things together.
I have already started writing the second book. I am about a quarter of the way through it. I’m hoping to have it ready for some time in the spring. I love writing it and wish I could type faster. I hope my enjoyment in creating this story is seen by those who read it.
Author Link: Instagram
Two and a half hours later, Rena’s husband Pal searches for her and ends up going through the same portal. He discovers an hour in our world is equivalent to a year in this new world and realizes Rena has been there for two and a half years. In his quest to search for Rena, he learns so much more about her and himself in this second world of sorcery, sex, love, and adventure.
Sorrow, Loss, and Anger
The Last Sovereign follows an eighteen-year-old girl who is destined to defeat a fallen god who has his eyes set on the destruction of her world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Honestly, I don’t think there was any specific inspiration besides general fantasy stories. I write the stories I would want to read. Every fantasy reader loves the ‘small-town-hero-saves-the-world-journey.’ We love to see our heroes come up from nothing so that when they reach the end and look back, we can see how far they really came. As far as a setup, I usually create a world first, inhabit it with people, then think of something amazing that could happen there. For this book, a story of a heroic bloodline that is tied to divinity and destined to destroy a fallen god while bringing together a diverse, dichotomous world of various beliefs, and ending it with a fantastic, over-the-top battle in a bid to save the world—sounds about right to me. Sounds like a story I would like to read. So, I wrote it for myself, friends, family, and most importantly, anyone willing to take a journey. I love this story, but it’s only the beginning.
Lana is burdened with being the last of her bloodline, destined to defeat Ras’Drayev and save her world. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I believed there are many ideals behind her development, but if I were to pick one that would play a role throughout the entire series going forward, it would be the ‘weight of expectation.’ Through our lives, we were told what was expected of us whether it was from family, friends, or society. Fantasy characters experience this burden just as much as real people do, although sometimes its fate and destiny pulling the strings. Because of her father’s legacy, Lana was expected to be a hero. She fulfilled this expectation as much as she could. She trained and lived with it. It became her core being. Even as a hero, there remained within her a fear that she would never be enough—not for the legacy of her father, for the people she loved, or the man she admired. Sometimes the weight of expectation of others and ourselves can keep us from becoming who we are meant to be.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Yes, The Last Sovereign explored the power of the All-Death, a primordial magic that weaved itself within the creation of all things. It was driven by the sorrow, loss, and anger that came with the emotional turmoil that all living things must endure. It was a representation of my grief. During the process of writing this book, I lost someone very dear to me. In my mourning, I felt destroyed and unwound. As did Lana in the midst of her own tragedy, I felt drawn between the desire of destroying others, things, or even possibly myself, as if my own sadness was devouring me from within. In this terrible ordeal, I felt helpless and yet, at the same time, powerful—dangerous, monstrously powerful in the freedom of losing everything important to me. This strength only grew with my hatred. I feared I may never escape it, but in time, and with the help of friends, I eventually did. For all the moments of despair and every moment in between, I can say that I feel stronger now—maybe stronger than I had ever felt before. The grief still lingers, as the All-Death still lingers within Lana, but it has become now, a sense of remembrance of the one I lost and still loved. Through this remembrance, I push on, as Lana must through the story as well.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Actually, I am really excited about The Two Thrones because I am currently working on it. I am happy to say that it will be done soon. I am hoping to release a book in this series every single year. That’s my goal anyway. If all goes well, The Two Thrones will be released in Summer 2024. I am so excited for everyone to read what happens next. I can’t offer much as every story has its secrets, but I can say that we will be exploring more of Shandaria. As the first book concentrated on the Horde and its characters, this book will focus more on the other hidden factional groups. There was more than one group out there seeking Lana. As the Horde was the army of the All-Death, the secondary group, appearing in the next chapter, will be of the All-Life, which is the antithesis of its darker counterpart. We will explore the themes of ruling, leadership, power, heroism, and once again, the influence of family upon our decisions. Lana made a grand decision at the end of the first book, and the consequences of that decision will be described on page one of the next. So, you have to read it to find out. I hope everyone will enjoy the ongoing story because it will only get better from here!
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
Open the rift. Take the Throne.
When the Fadean Horde descended upon the world, their merciless campaign left nothing but carnage and devastation in their wake. Monstrous abominations, colossal predators, and demented gods unleashed their fury upon the Waking World, claiming a third of its population. Heroes rose to vanquish Ras’Drayev, the Sovereign of the Abyss, scattering the Horde to the far corners of the world. But the evil that wrought such destruction never truly dies.
The fallen god’s return looms, and only one person can stop him: Lana Tel’redor, a small-town adventurer and the last true bloodline of the Sovereign of Mankind. She must ascend to godhood to face the Horde and its acolytes, but many fear that her quest will only lead to Ras’Drayev’s hastened return. Her path to divinity will be dark and treacherous, and the consequences of failure will be catastrophic for all.
Mesmerizing and evocative, The Last Sovereign calls to readers looking for:Immersive dark fantasy books and series, ideal for adults and teens.
Compelling novels rich in intrigue and adventure.
Tales that embrace diverse characters and fantasy cultural fusion, weaving a tapestry of captivating influences.
Unparalleled realm crafting and storytelling that will captivate your imagination.
Land of the Dragon
Land of the Dragon, by Steffanie Costigan, presents an intriguing blend of historical context and fantastical elements. The narrative centers around the Kuhn siblings, whose lives are upended by their father’s assassination due to his covert operations assisting Jews during Nazi Germany and their mother’s subsequent torture. This harrowing family history sets the stage for a dramatic shift when one of the siblings, Thomas, is conscripted, prompting their mother to have them smuggled to London.
Costigan’s story takes a sharp turn into the realm of science fiction and fantasy when the siblings’ ship is destroyed, leading them into an alternate universe filled with mythical creatures like dragons, elves, unicorns, and werewolves. This shift from a historical backdrop to a fantastical setting is one of the novel’s most striking features. At its core, Land of the Dragon explores themes of power, corruption, and the dangers of divisive leadership. Costigan draws parallels between the divisive tactics of historical figures like Hitler and the fictional character Tara, illustrating how leaders can manipulate societies into conflict. This comparison effectively highlights the perils of unchecked ambition and the ease with which populations can be swayed into violence against perceived enemies. The novel’s unpredictability is a key strength, captivating readers with its unexpected twists. The transition from a historically grounded narrative to a richly imagined fantastical universe showcases Costigan’s versatility in blending genres. While the initial setup suggests a focus on the siblings’ journey to London during World War II, the shift into fantasy opens up a realm of imaginative possibilities, inviting readers to experience an adventurous departure from traditional historical narratives.
Land of the Dragon is a compelling read that skillfully weaves together elements of history, science fiction, and fantasy. Costigan’s exploration of the corrupting influence of power and the impact of divisive leadership across different worlds offers a thought-provoking perspective, even as the narrative takes unexpected turns.
Pages: 510 | ASIN : B0CPCHWSGN
LITERARY TITAN 