I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A powerful wizard must complete a monumental spell that could cost him his life in author Russell Pike’s “Journey of Seven Circles”.

The Synopsis

In a world chained by ancient lies, one man holds the key to its salvation — at the cost of his own life.

Kryn Darien, a wizard of unparalleled ability, stands poised to unleash a spell of unimaginable magnitude, a desperate gambit to reshape the very fabric of existence. Centuries of preparation have honed his skills and forged tools of devastating arcane might. Yet, as the moment approaches, doubt gnaws at him.

Will his sacrifices, his relentless pursuit of power, prove futile in the face of such overwhelming odds?

Once a humble priest, Kryn never sought such profound responsibility. His aspirations were simple — to serve and protect those he held dear. But fate thrusts him into a maelstrom of war, treachery, and ancient mysteries that challenge his resolve. Every step forward demands a toll more exorbitant than he ever imagined.

Across treacherous battlefields and against foes wielding deadly magic, Kryn’s journey unveils a conspiracy older than memory itself.

Amidst adversaries wielding godlike powers, he must navigate a labyrinth of impossible choices.

Yet, his unwavering commitment to aid the helpless propels him ever forward, even as the cost escalates to encompass all he holds dear.

The Review

The author did such an incredible job of world-building in this narrative. From the book’s first chapter, readers are already immersed in this story of intrigue and magic, giving readers a glimpse at the road the protagonist will travel. The world itself was very well developed, as readers were treated to a narrative perfectly laced with imagery in the author’s writing to bring these pivotal moments and this fantastic world to life.

The protagonist’s evolution throughout the many centuries of his life and the physical and emotional toll that his experiences take on him is something the reader feels greatly throughout this novel. The scale of the story captures the essence of a great epic fantasy, and the bond and emotional connection with Kryn’s brother Adro or the line of morality and philosophy that separates Kryn from the Seraphs and Andromia all showcase the tension and conflict that drives Kryn towards his ultimate destiny.

The Verdict

Fantastic, heartfelt, and entertaining author Russell Pike’s “Journey of Seven Circles” is a must-read epic fantasy novel. The protagonist’s emotional and grandiose journey leaves the reader enthralled and moved by the scale and world-building the author poured into this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

A child of the eighties, my mother gave me a copy of Robert Jordan’s Eye of the World when I was twelve, thereby introducing me to the world of epic fantasy and dooming me to countless sublime hours sojourning in worlds other than my own.

Since that first fateful day I’ve also read Anne McCaffrey, Tad Williams, Brandon Sanderson, Jim Butcher, Steven Erikson, Frank Herbert, David Farland, and more. The trouble was, I loved reading so much I decided to try my hand at writing as well.

That in and of itself wasn’t a problem, at least not until I got hooked. I realized just how dire my situation was one fall evening when my family invited me over to watch a movie. Truth be told, I can’t even recall what the movie was, only that I didn’t especially like it. However, I distinctly remember an annoyed feeling as the credits rolled, not because I hadn’t liked the film, but because I could have edited half a chapter in the time I’d wasted.

That was, perhaps, one of the most chilling moments of my life, as I realized just how deep I’d been bitten by the writing bug. But there was nothing for it but to press on. So I set to work.

Over the next ten years, I gave up on TV, movies, and all too often sleep, wringing every hour of writing I could from my schedule. During that time, it was my pleasure to meet a host of fantastic writers, editors, and artists, including David Farland, whom it was my great privilege to work with. Of course, I’d be remiss not to thank my family, who were ever supportive while I climbed this peak.

When I’m not writing, I love a good camping hike (so long as there’s enough trees to hang my hammock). I also volunteer as a sled dog handler, and I have a long standing love affair with fast cars and lonely mountain roads.

Website: http://russellpikebooks.com

Twitter: @RPikeBooks

Instagram: @russellpikebooks

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3L92IQW

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214871606-journey-of-seven-circles