I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man’s dreams are shattered by an attack, and he must learn to survive after bonding to an unwanted element in author Andrew Givler’s “Ironbound.”
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The Synopsis
Arcane Ascension meets The Blade Itself in the epic fantasy adventure IRONBOUND, where the will to survive – and the urge for revenge – cuts cold and deep.
In the Iron Empire only the strongest are given the chance to Ascend.
Castor has wanted to fuse with a Cor Heart since he was a boy. Made from an otherworldly metal, it will give him the ability to manipulate an element. Now that the trial has finally arrived, it is his chance to prove his worth.
Once he has won the Empress’ blessing, he can attune to a Symbol and begin a life of adventure.
But during the trial, his dreams are interrupted by a vicious attack. His home is left in ruins and his family in peril, all while Castor and his friends are carried away to be conscripted into the Legions.
Bound to a Symbol he never wanted, Castor must survive the Iron City, the enemies in the frozen North, and hidden traitors inside the Rusting Empire before he can get revenge on the ones who took everything from him.
This is the first step of the rise of the Ironbound.
Don’t miss the start of this action-packed, adrenaline-fueled Progression Fantasy epic from Andrew Givler, bestselling author of Soul Fraud and the creator of Sigils, a Youtube channel with 1.4+ Million Subscribers.
Perfect for fans of Arcane Ascension,Mark of the Fool, Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series, The Will of the Many, Book 1 in the Hierarchy series (James Islington), Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law Trilogy (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, Last Argument of Kings), Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera Series, and The Sword of Kaigen.
The Review
This was a compelling, gripping epic fantasy read. The worldbuilding here was top-notch, giving readers a magical system and a rich mythos that made this world feel real and tangible on the page. The use of Roman historical concepts and societal aspects of the Roman Empire in this narrative, and the ways this informed the main narrative and the significant plot developments, made this story engrossing, as readers found themselves lost in the world and invested in how these characters are pushed to their limits.
The character development was the heart of this story. Castor was a complex protagonist, showing his metamorphosis from a devoted and hopeful servant of the Empire to a revenge-fueled slave seeking justice for his people after a tragic accident spiraled into violence. The psychological and emotional toll this took on him, as well as the mounting losses he suffers throughout the book, give the novel a truly gripping, haunting tone that drives it significantly.
The Verdict
If readers were to imagine Gladiator mixed with Game of Thrones and the Thread of Souls series, they would recognize author Andrew Givler’s “Ironbound” as a must-read epic fantasy novel and a great start to a brand new fantasy series. The twists and turns the story takes, the rich imagery of the author’s writing that brings these gritty, brutal battles to life, and the narrative’s detailed pacing as a whole elevated the character development and mythos to all-new heights, leaving readers eager for book two in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Andrew is the author of the Debt Collection and also a gaming YouTuber known as Sigils. He loves making people laugh, video games, and food. (Not always in that order.) He lives in LA.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A bounty hunter brought in to help stop rebel factions outside of a kingdom soon discovers that everything he thought he knew is not as it seems in author Ryan Lanz’s The Silver Crystal, the first in the Red Kingdom series.
The Synopsis
A wise man once said that true victory is bloodless. That man was wrong.
The Red Kingdom is divided. Bounty hunter Rhael is brought in to subdue the rebels outside the city, except they aren’t normal rabble. These Corrupted have unnatural abilities too powerful for the rest of society—something Rhael learned firsthand when they killed his father years ago.
But this mission is different, and Rhael is quickly confronted by everything he once knew, and he discovers he has more of the enemy in him than he thought possible.
One day is all it takes to break a belief.
One day is all it takes to break a city.
One day is all it takes to break a man.
The Review
This was a powerful and memorable read. The incredible world-building that went into this story, as well as the mythology behind the outcasts of this kingdom and the ways people become “corrupted” in their society. The imagery and the depth of detail the author pours into this narrative and the rich history that the narrative unfolds both for this world and the protagonist speak to a depth of passion for this genre that fans will immediately connect with.
The action and intrigue perfectly elevate protagonist Rhael’s character growth, and the themes that the narrative plays on speak to a profound social calling that people don’t always consider. The twists that put the protagonist in the role of a social outcast and show how those often marked as outcasts by society are hunted or persecuted made the action and fantasy elements feel more grounded and engaging overall as the story progressed.
The Verdict
Harrowing, entertaining, and epic in every sense of the word, author Ryan Lanz’s “The Silver Crystal” is a perfect start to this grand fantasy series. The shocking moments this story takes and the complexity of these characters and this world will draw the reader further in, eager to see where the rest of the series takes them. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Ryan Lanz was born and raised on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. He spent five years with a music touring group, traveling to a dozen countries on three continents. Now living in the Midwest, he enjoys writing novels and entertaining his macaw parrot.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A mad villain continues his path of destruction in a bid to reclaim his ultimate form, and a band of heroes are all that stand in his way in author Zachary Hagen’s “Eternity’s End”, the fifth and final book in the Eternal Chronicles series.
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The Synopsis
Either let it burn, or drown it in the waves.
Taariq has continued his descent into madness, and his supporters are more devoted than ever, at least for a time. As he pursues his ultimate goal of reclaiming his dragon form and tearing Aelon and Michael from their throne, Elior, Nereza, Opal, and Nyx aim to follow Michael’s call, but it isn’t easy.
Building a boat in the peaks of Nanony seems foolish to most, and plagues divide the faithful from the merely present until dragon-fire rains down and flood waters rise. Will Taariq finally be defeated, or will his mad rush for power prove successful against the forces of light?
This final installment of The Eternal Chronicles brings together old friends and lovers for one final battle that will decide the fate of Lux and Nox Terra forevermore. This fast-paced tale will keep you hooked from cover to cover with a whiplash race to the end of our heroes’ journey.
The Review
This is a compelling and thought-provoking final chapter in this epic fantasy series. The author does an incredible job of layering the story with imagery and tone that reflects an almost biblical atmosphere while still delivering epic world-building and fantasy elements to keep readers enthralled. The exploration of both the good and negative aspects of blind faith and the classic theme of good versus evil throughout this series pays off spectacularly in this book.
The heart, as always, rests in this novel’s fantastic world-building, mythos, and character development. The various levels of magic power each creature has and the small band of heroes brave enough to face the challenges a powerhouse like Taariq presents to the world represent the power of light over darkness perfectly. The emotional bonds each of the heroes had with one another in their quest made the story more engaging.
The Verdict
Thrilling, entertaining, and memorable, author Zachary Hagen’s “Eternity’s End” is a must-read fantasy novel and a great send-off to this series. The twists and turns that come their way and the climactic final battle (and amazing emotional payoffs) will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab your copy on October 22nd, 2024!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Zachary Hagen is a fantasy author and editor. He lives his wife, Claudia, and their dog, Flynn. When he isn’t busy writing his next book or teaching, you can often find him walking around his neighbor hood or up hiking in Hanging Rock Park with his wife and their friends.
From a young age he was enthralled with the world of story. From the stories his parents read to him from his blue bedtime story books (if you know, you know) to the first two series that he read, The Chronicles of Narnia and A Series of Unfortunate Events, Zachary’s tastes continued to develop throughout his years of reading.
The influences for his first series, The Eternal Chronicles, include Christopher Paolini, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and others.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An undead warrior becomes the figure of a dark prophecy that will determine the fate of humanity in author Fred Darkness’s “The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Volume 1: The Gifts of the Dark God”.
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The Synopsis
The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Book 1 – The Gifts of the Dark God
At the beginning of time, the God of Light created the souls of men using the sparks of the Primeval Flame. Millennia have passed since then, and almost all the gods have perished in their battles, leaving humanity weak and corrupt.
A dark prophecy unfolds as the world descends into chaos. Radamant, a malevolent sorcerer, serves the Checkrops, three eternal demons assassinates the last emperor of Heidal and seizes the Primeval Flame. With this stolen power, the daughters of the God of Darkness unleash a plague of the undead, turning the dead into monsters that prey on the living.
In this epic fantasy adventure series, the Primeval Flame’s light fades, and humanity’s survival hangs by a thread. Amidst this turmoil, an undead named Rhys rises. Cursed with a scarlet-eyed demon within his soul and devoid of memories from his past life. He knows only his name, which means “Chosen one” in the ancient language of the gods.
The three Keras, goddesses who control the fate of humanity, summon Rhys but remain unable to decipher the enigma of his curse. Ancient legends speak of an undead who will one day determine the fate of the world. Is Rhys destined to be this figure? What path will he choose in this dark fantasy saga?
The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Book 1 – The Gifts of the Dark God takes readers on a journey through a dystopian fantasy world teeming with sorcery, magic, and eternal conflict. Fans of dark souls-inspired books and epic fantasy series will be enthralled by Rhys’s quest against immortal demons and dark forces. This fantasy action adventure book series promises a gripping tale of cursed destinies and magical realism, where the darkest paths may lead to the brightest light.
Will Rhys be the one to fulfill the dark god prophecy? Can he save the world, or will he doom it to eternal darkness? Embark on this harrowing fantasy sword quest and discover the fate that awaits in this spellbinding fantasy novel series.
The Review
The first thing that popped into my head as I began reading this novel was how atmospheric the narrative was. The fantasy realm this story takes place in, and the descriptive nature of each piece of scenery and action immediately brings the reader into the book, developing a haunting and cinematic quality in the author’s writing that makes the reader feel as if they were watching this on the big screen as the next epic dark fantasy series.
The dynamic action of this series and the rich character development were the highlights of this narrative. Readers get varying perspectives, especially between Rhys and Jude, two characters who find themselves on epic yet personal journeys and unknowingly share a connection neither is aware of. The haunting monsters and villains of this world, as well as the powerful themes that rounded out this story, made the overall novel chilling yet engaging enough to keep readers hooked until the epic final chapter.
The Verdict
Author Fred Darkness’s “The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: The Gifts of the Dark God” is a must-read dark fantasy story about power, destiny, and the balance between light and dark that the universe tends to have. The novel’s thrilling twists and turns, the poetic and profound themes that these characters embody, and the memorable action will keep readers eager for the next entry in this author’s epic new fantasy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Fred, an engineer by profession, found solace in writing after the heartbreak of losing the woman he loved. Despite his career in managing industrial plant construction projects, Fred’s passion for storytelling led him to write his first novel at eighteen. Over the years, he penned six more, all without publication. What started as a vague idea inspired by Dark Souls blossomed into a seven-volume saga, written in just two and a half years. Writing became Fred’s refuge, a way to escape his pain. Reluctantly sharing his story, Fred hopes readers will find the same solace and adventure in his books.
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”.
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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
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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.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man and his sister are whisked away to the future to protect them from a rising darkness, and the man must discover a way to rise to power in order to face it in author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: The Black Hood”.
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The Synopsis
Sometimes the only way to conquer darkness is to embrace it.
From the moment Alyeth Zane was torn from his home, his dreams of becoming the next warlock of Dun’Nahar were dashed. Forbidden by his parents to pursue the arcane arts, Alyeth’s destiny takes a darker turn when the legendary Black Hood escapes his bonds, threatening the realm itself.
In a desperate bid to safeguard the kingdom, the House of Zane stages a grand tournament to marshal the land’s fiercest warriors against the encroaching evil. Yet, disaster strikes, and Alyeth and his sister Cindrel are left orphaned.
Taken in by the enigmatic and powerful wizard, Xylok Gray, he whisks them into the future to protect them.
Can Alyeth rise to claim the power he was once denied?
Dive into a world where destiny is written in shadow and spell, and discover if Alyeth and Cindrel can turn the tide against an ancient evil.
This series is for fans of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Anime, Vidoe Games, and LoTR. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Luffy met Harry Potter? What if they jumped on a spaceship and met an advanced version of Gandalf who used magic-infused technology? If you like the impossible, and ideas that are out of the box, this series is for you. Come give it a shot. What are you waiting for?
The Review
What impressed me with this author’s work was how descriptive the action and combat are in this book. The fights that this adventure and journey are littered with felt very cinematic in scope, creating a film or CGI-generated video game cut scene in the reader’s mind. This descriptive nature comes powerfully through the imagery in the author’s writing style, allowing the reader to connect to the vast world the author has crafted.
This narrative was powerful and well-written thanks to the vast world-building and character development. The action develops early on, bringing the intensity and tension that shows what’s at stake for the realm this story resides in, and the hero’s journey that Alyeth goes on will stay with readers. The mythos surrounding the magic system used during these combat scenes and the theme of good versus evil play very well in this heavily fantasy-driven story.
The Verdict
Thrilling, adventurous, and entertaining author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: The Black Hood” is a must-read coming-of-age fantasy novel. The twists and turns, splashes of romance and drama amongst the world-building and sci-fi elements, and epic conclusion that leaves readers wanting more will create the perfect reading experience for fantasy readers everywhere. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Award-Winning Author Nathan Helm doesn’t just have style, he puts the funk right into fantasy. Spending his days typing much faster than should be humanly possible, he creates stories for you to love and cherish. When he’s not driving his big rig bringing goods to all the country, he spends his time hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, narrating audio books, singing, watching anime, going to church, and spending time with friends and family. He hopes you love the books to come, with two separate books series titled Dreamwalker, and Planet Conquest in the works, he will not leave you with a dull moment for years to come. You can follow this author on all social media by searching Author Nathan Helm or @thefunkyfantasyman. Author website is in the works, and he looks forward to the journey with all of you. Because as he says, “There’s nothing more important than making your fans happy!” God Bless you all and happy reading!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The famed Viking warrior woman known as The Dokkrsdottir must continue her battle against the Dark as she finds herself in a time far from her own in author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Renewal”, the second book in the Outside the Thalsparr Series.
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The Synopsis
The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.
RUNE OF RENEWAL (Book 2)
The story of the Dokkrsdottir continues in a strange new time and place finding her out of her familiar world, but the pressure on her to continue as one of the greatest warriors ever increases as the stakes are now world wide and on a grander scale than she could ever have imagined.
However, through the foresight and dedication of many of her descendants, she has the diehard support of friends and family to see her through to her destiny of thwarting the plans of the Dark.
The Review
The world-building and mythos that the author establishes in this series are amplified greatly in this sequel. The exploration of the time travel element is also amplified in this book, bringing the protagonist into one of human history’s darkest times, WWII. The development of the Dark and its forces and the suspense that forms with each step that Dokkrsdottir takes on her journey makes this a compelling story.
This story’s character development and action were the true highlights of the narrative. The rich development of the protagonist as she continues to engage with new allies and descendants and the out-of-this-world action, including one major battle that changes the entire landscape of the series, create a rich and dynamic story that will instantly draw the reader in.
The Verdict
Memorable, action-packed, and entertaining author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Renewal” is a must-read epic fantasy novel. The fast pace of the narrative, the bountiful amount of setting changes, and the chemistry of the characters all converge on a story of twists and turns that ends with a cliffhanger, bringing forth an emotional reunion and a promise for an epic battle of light and dark that hopefully will carry over into new novels in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Bjorn Leesson has always been fascinated with many topics to include history, the supernatural, and writing. These interests combined led to the Outside the Thalsparr series, with the first book in the series, “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir.” Bjorn was not formally trained as a writer and has worked in the industrial manufacturing field his entire life. Writing his stories and hoping others enjoy them is a passion and not a career.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man must fight to gain his father’s crown and give the kingdom back to the peasants who helped make it while an ancient evil seeks to take advantage of the infighting causing chaos amongst the realm in author Ryan Schuette’s “An End to Kings”, the second book in the A King Without a Crown series.
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The Synopsis
In the highly anticipated conclusion to A Seat for the Rabble, former NPR reporter Ryan Schuette returns to Odma, a richly detailed world not unlike our own. Riven by social injustice, wealth inequality, and ancient magic, the Kingdom of Loran stands on the brink of war . . . and the bastard prince, Jason Warchild, means to save it.
With an army of Cloudlanders at his back, Jason marches to the Kingstrials, where he must kill his rivals—including his zealot uncle, Shaddon—to claim his father’s crown and return peasants to power. But winning this deadly game will take more than martial skill and an army. If he fails to win all three Trials, he’ll need the fractious Worthy Assembly to crown him directly—or he’ll lose the kingdom, along with his head.
As class anger festers, Jason’s allies find themselves embattled. At the capital, Princess Lorana Eddenhold navigates her realm’s troubled politics to stamp out plots against her half-brother, even as she dreads Prieslenne Edenia’s return. In the west, Rathos Robswell risks his life to persuade the Loyal Company’s firebrands to cease their infighting and see the bastard prince—along with the dream of a just realm—through a crucible of swords, dragons, and griffons.
Only supernatural forces seem to see all ends. Accompanied by a sorcerer, Zuran races against time to confront the real evil . . . the one exploiting chaos in a kingless land.
The Review
Instantly, readers can see the chaos and conflict that stems from a monarchy without a clear line of succession, along with political moves and corruption at work, that made fantasy series like George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones so beloved in author Ryan Schuette’s incredible sequel. The world-building continues to expand and grow as the action infuses a sense of adrenaline and wonder into this realm. The author’s intense and heavy atmosphere makes the reader feel connected and engaged with the characters throughout this story.
As with the first book of this series, I loved the rich themes of politics, absolute power corrupts absolutely, and the impact chaos has on a society being infused into the narrative in such a natural way. The way this supernatural evil infuses itself into the fighting and uses it to fuel its own needs speaks to the power behind many political movements today that similarly use chaos. The breathtaking character development kept the reader engaged with the narrative, overwhelming the reader with incredible emotional connections and creating complex and thought-provoking characters.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and compelling author Ryan Schuette’s “An End to Kings” is a must-read epic fantasy novel that will set this summer ablaze. The story’s shocking twists, the harrowing dangers the cast of characters face, and the open ending that leaves readers satisfied yet wanting more from this growing series will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The wealth of world-building the author crafts, including historical events of the realm and the decisive moments showcasing the need for inclusion and representation amongst those in power, make this a fantastic novel to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Before returning to fantasy fiction and art, Ryan wore a few hats. He’s both illustrated and reported for National Public Radio and various trade publications, including DS News and MReport. He’s also freelanced for Al Jazeera America. He lived and worked in Uganda as a 2008-2009 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and holds a master’s degree from American University in Washington, D.C.
Somewhere along the way, he also started a nonprofit and fair-trade lingerie company that operated in West and Central Africa, respectively. Many of his friends still wear safari-print boxers.
Ryan lives in Texas, where he looks after his cat, Rusty.
To learn more about Ryan or his epic fantasy series, A King Without a Crown, visit RyanSchuette.com.
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Interview with Ryan Schuette
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I fell in love with fantasy and sci-fi fiction when I began reading the Dragonlance series and, soon after, the Star Wars Expanded Universe (now Star Wars Legacy) series. The vastness and immersiveness of these fictional worlds staggered me and made me want to replicate them in a world of my own. I authored a few books before A Seat for the Rabble, but this one is the culmination of a lifelong quest. in A Seat for the Rabble, I hope readers will find many of the same things that we saw in Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: honor, betrayal, lore, forbidden love, moral grayness, and lessons we should all heed about those who pursue power.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
I’ve always wanted to write and publish a work of epic fantasy, but it wasn’t until the Game of Thrones television series that I awakened to something that, to me, was novel: political fantasy. I’ve always had an interest in politics — in how people worked together for society, or didn’t — and had worked in Washington, D.C. I enrolled in a master’s program at American University at the same time my ideas for this novel began to solidify. Reporting from outside the White House, inside the halls of Congress, and on the sidelines of protests, I began to realize that the United States stood on the precipice of a full-fledged constitutional crisis. Wealth inequality, racism, perceptions of corruption in our government, and rancorous partisanship were leading this country down the path to hell. A Seat for the Rabble sprang from a desire to write about a society on the edge of falling apart, one populated by merpeople, elves, gryphons, and dragons.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
That society is a fragile thing, and it shatters if we push people to the margins and overlook inequality. Worse, tyrants often climb to power on the backs of angry, miserable people, especially those misled by conspiracy theories. It’s far better for a society’s leaders to do everything in their power to provide a debt-free, wealthy, and healthy existence for everyone. In A Seat for the Rabble, peasants lack representation in the Worthy Assembly, a congress of classes comparable to pre-revolutionary France’s Estates-General. The protagonists want to restore their seats in this parliament, not only to deliver justice but also to prevent a violent reckoning. Ultimately, the series asks a bigger question: Is man capable of ruling himself without destroying everyone else — and his own planet?
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I’ve always loved the transportive nature of fantasy. I credit Dragonlance, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Tigana, and the Kingkiller Chronicle with feeding my ambition to create a world of my own.
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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
Great question, Anthony! One of the characters I relished writing, Evan Sinclair, is a noble lord who’s bent on reform for the sake of a united, peaceful realm. A man of peace for the longest time, Evan takes a Machiavellian turn when he realizes that a corrupt system of government won’t make concessions, even for its own self-preservation. While other characters, like his nephew, consider themselves men of honor, Evan isn’t above deceit, bribery, or even murder in the name of justice. He’s an ends-justifies-the-means kinda guy. If I sat down with him, I’d probably argue with him! I’d want to know why he thinks empowering peasants will lead to peace, when his kingdom’s complicated history suggests otherwise.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I’d say Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Facebook helped me update fans and friends about the progress on A Seat for the Rabble for years, while Instagram provided me with a platform to share Ted Nasmith’s exquisite cover art and the chapter illustrations I created. More recently, I partnered with Storygram Tours’ micro-influencers to create videos and posts across Instagram and TikTok. I’m also planning to advertise A Seat for the Rabble and its sequel, An End to Kings, through Facebook’s paid advertising program.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Know your genre, read widely in that genre, and familiarize yourself with the publishing industry and what agents want. I benefited enormously from online workshops through Writer’s Digest University, which gave me the chance to ask questions of agents and submit my work to them for review. I’d also encourage aspiring writers to practice their craft and read The Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell. Last but certainly not least, anyone trying to write a book should start with the idea, then develop a chapter-by-chapter plot synopsis. I rewrote A Seat for the Rabble three times over six years, and I owed a large part of that to the plot I revisited endlessly.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’m a fantasy illustrator as well as an author, and I was thrilled to learn that A Seat for the Rabble’s chapter illustrations recently placed in the Honorable Mention category of the L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest, a global competition open to aspiring fantasy and sci-fi artists. I plan to continue creating fantasy art as I embark on another fantasy novel — one that, like A Seat for the Rabble, will touch on pressing contemporary issues with a heavy sprinkling of magic and mythical creatures. And, of course, I plan to release A Seat for the Rabble’s sequel, An End to Kings, this coming year, with more chapter illustrations and another glorious cover by Ted Nasmith. I invite anyone interested in following me to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A rebellious cleric must face his past as he is forced to confront the cult he escaped from two years earlier in authors Dorian & Talia Ravenwood’s “Thread of Souls Book V: The Deep Hollows”.
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The Synopsis
In the fifth installment of this gripping series, rebellious cleric Taliesin is captured by a ruthless bounty hunter and forced back to the cult he escaped two years ago. Now serving a new goddess, he’s deemed a heretic among his people.
Stripped of his allies and separated from his beloved, Taliesin’s survival hinges on his wits and magic. His destination: the heart of the cult, the underground city of Berenzia. Here, secrets lurk that could unravel the cult’s plans. But to uncover them, Taliesin must confront not only the expectations of the disappointed family he left behind, but also the sinister ruling priestesses. If Taliesin cannot overcome the ghosts of his past, he will never escape the cult’s clutches.
In the Thread of Souls “Spider Octology”, ten adventurers are caught in a web of deadly secrets, warring cults, and untrusting alliances when they meet a cult runaway seeking freedom. They must overcome their differences in order to stop a god’s release from an abyssal prison.
Thread of Souls is an award-winning eight-book epic fantasy series. These stories weave a world of deep history, cultures, and lore with a fascinating pantheon of good and evil gods. Adventure across the vast world of Corventos while diving right into the heart and soul of a diverse and colorful cast of characters whose passions, strengths, and failures drive the story.
Thread of Souls is a must-read fantasy epic that blends swords and sorcery, dragons and mythical creatures, and fully realized locations that take your breath away. From the desert wastelands of the Expanse, down the twisting caverns of the Deep Hollows, through the beautiful streets of the lakeside capital city, and all the way to the icy tundra home of the Citadel.
The books in Thread of Souls’ “Spider Octology” currently include:
Book 1 – Phantom Five
Book 2 – Ash & Thunder
Book 3 – Path of the Spiders
Book 4 – Asunder
Book 5 – The Deep Hollows
Book 6 – Coming Soon!
And more to come!
The Review
The authors return to this epic fantasy series with a vengeance, expanding upon the vast world with a look into the complex cult from which one of the main protagonists hailed. Exploring the aftermath of the great dragon’s battle over the citadel, readers see Taliesin’s singular journey as war threatens the other realms of the land. The detail and depth of world-building the authors poured into this narrative, including expanding on Taliesin’s backstory and history in even greater detail, was a welcome return to this epic fantasy series.
The authors’ balance between expanding on the mythos of this world and action-driven storytelling was incredible to see come to life on the page. The vastness of this world and the imagery in their writing style allowed the author’s writing to bring readers into the narrative much like fantasy-driven role-playing games do, giving the reader a sense of voice and inclusion in the narrative as it develops around them.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining authors Dorian and Talia Ravenwood’s “Thread of Souls Book V: The Deep Hollows” is a must-read epic fantasy novel and a great return to the Thread of Souls universe. The world-building layering, the engaging nature of the world and various cultures the authors developed across the different realms, and the shocking fates of some of these now classic characters will keep readers invested as the series progresses. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab the next entry of this amazing fantasy series today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Authors
Dorian is an executive producer and professional writer. His work is featured in tv shows, video games, in-print magazines, and websites. He’s also the co-founder and creative director for Game Sandwich. He can typically be found playing video games, but when he isn’t, he’s editing the books and loves playing with their two cats.
Talia is a professional writer for websites and video games, often on a freelance basis. She also is a professor teaching courses for a university focused on writing. When not writing for Thread of Souls, she loves drawing, interior decorating, and hiking.
