Tag: fantasy book review

Eamon: Book 1 from Queen of the Flightless Dragons by Martha Carr Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young woman running a taco truck discovers a world of magick and dragons and must fight interdimensional demonic entities to save the world in author Martha Carr’s upcoming Kickstarter novel, “Eamon: Book 1 from Queen of the Flightless Dragons”.

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The Synopsis

A girl in a taco truck who finds some dragons & fights interdimensional demons in Austin, Texas.

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

The Review

This was a unique opportunity for me as a reviewer, as not only is this book not released yet, it’s not even available for preorder yet. The author has an upcoming Kickstarter starting for this book, and let me just say, readers, are not going to want to miss out on their opportunity to support this book.

This book had everything that fans of urban fantasy, sci-fi, and epic fantasy could ever ask for. Dark magic assassins, inter-dimensional prison systems, family drama, and of course dragons. The rich mythology and world-building that the author built was so fun to read, as the author honed in on this wonderful balance of real-world settings and daily life with out-of-this-world fantasy storytelling and classic tropes in the genre like the hidden world within the world. 

For me, the heart of this book rested in the character development the author had and the rich mythology that was developed. The wit and charm of protagonist Willow and the family history and drama with her grandfather and mother were great to get lost in, as were the politics and drama within the magic community such as magical “borrowers” and the distrust that exists within their world. These seemingly small yet powerful character traits and moments made the larger-than-life threats and forces that they faced more connected for readers to enjoy.

The Verdict

If Guardians of the Galaxy or Star Wars were to mesh with The Magicians and The Witcher, you would be left with “Eamon: Book 1 of the Flightless Dragons” by Martha Carr. The twists and turns in the narrative and open-ended ending will have readers eager for more from the author and this new fantasy series, and the blend of humor and dark gritty magical storytelling made this a compelling read, so be sure to sign up for the upcoming Kickstarter for this amazing book and help support a brand new fantasy series you won’t be able to put down. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I started writing at 30 years old with a newborn and a fresh divorce. I had tried everything the way my family wanted me to do it – and I saw where that got me. I was a successful stockbroker who dreaded every day of work. I just couldn’t picture myself still in that chair at 60. Well… Here I am at 63 and boy, am I glad I walked away.


Sure, the money was tight for a long time but when I look back at the past 33 years here’s what I see: Stringer for the Washington Post, national columnist with 4 million readers a month, contributor to almost every major news outlet, co-creator of the Oriceran Universe, author of best-selling UF series, The Leira Chronicles – and now a newbie on Kickstarter with a great book. Like I said, this book is for all of us who find the courage to just be ourselves on any given day and want to make the most of it. Over and over again. More adventures to follow.

https://marthacarr.com/

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/marthacarr/eamon-book-1-from-queen-of-the-flightless-dragons

Flight of Fools by Sean Myers Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A ragtag group of adventurers must navigate their lives in the wake of a major loss in a world where fantasy meets political satire in author Sean Myers’s “Flight of Fools”. 

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The Synopsis

A political satire about escapism for a hyperpolarized America where politics determine facts. A fantasy about reality.

Brensin is back.

His eyes on the throne, he is joined by Masothelio, the wizard, Jin, the thief, Gullin, the bard, and Rainn. Together, they climb the mountain, evade the dragon, find the magical amulet, and come back just in time for Brensin’s assassination on page 9.

The others scramble.

Betrayed, Masothelio submerges himself in a new role, swimming against the current of the political tides.

Branded, Gullin struggles to make a life for himself once again.

Disadvantaged for so long, Jin helps her family out of poverty, only to learn that she cannot escape her reality.

Isolated, Rainn escapes into a make-believe world made just for him, where he can be happy and powerless.

Flight of Fools blurs the lines between what is fantasy and what is real. It pokes holes in the page until there is nothing left to keep the real world from seeping in, and nothing left to stop the ending from reaching out through the page to clutch your chest and squeeze.

The Review

The author did a remarkable job of infusing just enough satire and politics into the novel to counterbalance the equally outstanding world-building and fantasy elements of the story. The attention to detail the author paid to each scene really helped bring the setting to life, as each chapter felt very cinematic due to the gripping imagery used in writing. 

The perfect infusion of powerful themes and rich character development made this story shine brightly. The challenges the characters face throughout the novel begin immediately after the “epic quest” they start their journey ends in a shocking manner, and each character must navigate the world on their own terms and deal with the fallout of these events differently than the other. These paths they find themselves on lead to powerful themes of racism, political rhetoric, and the line between those in poverty and those with enough greed to amass wealth and power, all of which mirror our own world and the events that have led us to these moments in our own history.

The Verdict

Action-packed, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Sean Myers’s “Flight of Fools” is the perfect balance of fantasy and satire, as it not only delves into the fantasy genre perfectly but uses irony to show how mind-blowing and ridiculous our own world’s events have been in recent years to make us feel like we are all living in a messed up fantasy world. The twists and turns these characters are given and the way the story’s finale kind of trails off leaves readers wanting more, and yet reflects the fate of major players in our own world perfectly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Sean Myers was born in Connecticut in 1988. He graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of New Hampshire in 2010 and with a J.D. in human rights law from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. His writings have appeared in numerous places in print and online, including in the Cincinnati Enquirer, Ethical Traveler, and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. Flight of Fools is his first novel.

Sean works as a freelance legal writer. He lives in the Adirondacks with his dog, Marlowe.

https://seanmyersbooks.com/

Love’s Call by Fern Brady Review/Preview

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Two people from rival nations find themselves fighting against the growing attraction between them, but only one of them realizes they are fated to one another in author Fern Brady’s “Love’s Call”.

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The Synopsis

Denipia Leron, a beautiful young painter and visionary from the country of Usmerim, has just won the coveted Innovation Awards in the Arts. During her trip to the award ceremony, she learns that President Nichamir Linput of the enemy nation of Sorusvia is a primary patron and has expressed special interest in her. Fearful of what this could mean for her burgeoning company and artistic career, she vows to be polite, but keep the would-be dictator as far from her as she can.

Nichamir is used to getting what he wants, both personally and politically. Having saved his nation from a Calvernsin invasion, he believes himself justified in how he rules Sorusvia. In spite of the propaganda against him, Nichamir works hard to bring prosperity to his people. Yet the powerful ruler finds himself unprepared for his first meeting with the strong-willed and wary Denipia.

But Nichamir is not what he seems. He is dragonborn, a secret he has carefully hidden his whole life. He knows Denipia is his fated mate from the first moment he catches her scent. For Denipia, the strength of the attraction she feels for a man she should deeply despise is disconcerting, yet undeniable. She wants Nichamir as she has never wanted any other man.

Can Denipia risk giving her heart to this powerful man? Will Nichamir be able to win her trust? Can Love’s Call help them overcome the many obstacles in their path and forge the bond they seem destined to fulfill?

The Review

This was a well-written and captivating sci-fi meets fantasy read. The author did an excellent job of drawing the reader in with a heavy atmosphere of will they, won’t they passion and did an incredible job of building upon the enemies-to-lovers romance trope that kept the political and action elements of the novel elevated.

The heart of the narrative however was in the world-building and the character growth that the two protagonists went through. The mythos surrounding dragons and the dragon-born were incredible to read through, as were the political and sci-fi elements of the setting and world the author created. The tensions that arose from the protagonist’s dividing factions and the heat that sparked between them were engaging and heated as the novel progressed, and helped give the intrigue and suspense more weight.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, passionate, and entertaining, author Fern Brady’s “Love’s Call” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy romance novel of 2023 and a great way to begin the new year. The twists and turns in the two protagonist’s journey and the tension their opposing backgrounds bring to their possible romance will keep readers invested in the narrative until its climactic conclusion. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Fern Brady is the founder and CEO of Inklings Publishing. She holds multiple Masters degrees and several certifications. She began her professional life as a foreign correspondent, and taught for 15 years in Alief ISD. She has published numerous short stories, two children’s picture books, and a couple of poems. Her debut novel, United Vidden, which is book one in her Thyrein’s Galactic Wall Series, was given a glowing review by Dr. Who Online, the official site of the fandom. Also available for purchase is volume one of her graphic novel/novella hybrid project, New Beginning. She has returned to the leadership of the Houston Writers Guild, with whom she served as CEO for four years previously. She co-hosts on the popular podcast Author Talk. Besides being active in WIVLA (Women in the Visual and Literary Arts), she is also a member of Blood Over Texas, Romance Writers of America, and American Booksellers Association. Fern lives in Houston TX with her parents and her talkative husky, Arya. Follow Fern’s writing at: www.fernbrady.com

https://twitter.com/Fbrady03

Allaigna’s Song: Chorale by J.M. Landels Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

A young woman must return home and prevent a war from erupting in author J.M. Landels’s “Allaigna’s Song: Chorale”.

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The Synopsis

The breathtaking conclusion to the Allaigna’s Song Trilogy

In the six years since Allaigna left home, killed her betrothed, and joined the Brandishear Rangers, she has hidden her family name and her ability to sing music into magic. Confronted with the dire implications of her grandfather’s exploration into long-forbidden arcana, Allaigna must swallow her pride and summon her courage to return home with the ashes of her cousin to prevent yet another war, or worse, an arcane catastrophe to rival that of the legendary Cataclysm.

Bonus content includes the novella Allaigna’s Song: Oburakor.

The Review

This was such a powerful and captivating story. The author once again did a fantastic job of world-building and fleshing out the mythos greatly for this world. The powerful and lyrical nature of the author’s writing style lent itself greatly to the magic and sorcery behind the protagonist’s particular gifts with music and song, and the imagery the author used in that writing allowed the reader to feel transported into this magical realm.

The heart of this narrative was the character development and complex relationships the protagonist made. The slippery slope the character was forced upon by the dangers facing her realm and the way she was forced to choose between her only remaining family and the needs of the people themselves of her kingdom was what really helped push her into the final leg of her heroic journey, one brought with danger and loss over the course of this series. The emotional weight of this third book and the way the author explored so many different generations of the women of this family and how life impacted their shared connection made this a memorable fantasy read.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and adventurous, author J.M. Landels’s “Allaigna’s Song: Chorale” is a must-read sword and sorcery fantasy read. The mythos and beauty of the magical realms of this narrative blend well into the more emotional and rich character evolutions we see perform here, and the twists and turns in the final pages of this book will have readers eager to have more adventures in this magical realm come to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

For the full series of sword fighter portraits, please visit http://www.markfeenstra.com/swordplay

JM Landels divides her professional time between writing, editing, drawing, and teaching people to swordfight from horseback. She has no hobbies, since they all tend to turn into professions.

http://jmlandels.stiffbunnies.com/

Thread of Souls: Asunder (Thread of Souls Book IV) by Scott & Ashley Roepel Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A researcher hoping to have a second chance at redemption finds herself thrust into a life or death adventure filled with dangerous secrets and powerful demonic portals that will rewrite the history of Corventos in authors Scott & Ashley Roepel’s “Asunder”, the fourth book in their acclaimed Thread of Souls fantasy series.

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The Synopsis

In the fourth book of this enchanting series, crystalmancer Jasita wants redemption. Shamed from losing the valuable fugitives Taliesin and Ruuda, her career aspirations are on the line. That all changes when she receives a message that her runaways have been re-captured. She finally has a chance to redeem herself before one of the most powerful people in all of Corventos, her boss, the Magistrate of the Citadel.

But things do not go as planned. Dangerous artifacts brought in with the prisoners wreak havoc on the once-orderly Citadel. Jasita is pulled from the safety of her office and thrust into a life-or-death adventure. A situation the clean and tidy researcher is not at all prepared for. On her journey she uncovers dangerous secrets, demonic portals, and a startling realization. That Taliesin and Ruuda are not just research subjects to her anymore, but companions. And what she has learned about them and their people will re-write Corventos history. That is, if they live long enough to tell it.

In the Thread of Souls “Spider Octology”, ten adventurers find themselves in a web of deadly secrets, warring cults, and untrusting alliances when they meet a cultist outcast seeking redemption. They must overcome their differences in order to stop a god from being freed from her prison.

Thread of Souls is an award-winning eight-book epic fantasy series based off a TTRPG campaign. 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 – Coming 2023

And more to come!

The Review

The thing I love most about this series is the sheer volume of world-building the authors have done. The exploration of this realm of Corventos felt so rich and alive on the page, bringing the settings to life effortlessly through dynamic imagery being used in the writing style the authors utilized. The tension in the atmosphere of this narrative helped flesh out the mythos thoroughly. 

Yet as with many of these books in the series, the heart of the narrative rested in the character’s relationships with one another and their evolution as a group. The way the group is pulled into this book’s adventure through harrowing circumstances, and how they navigate the new areas of exploration in this world add more levels to each of their character growths, and the emotional journey they go on together as they face even more shocking threats to their mission made this such a well-rounded journey in the series.

The Verdict

Haunting, action-packed, and entertaining, authors Scott & Ashley Roepel’s “Asunder” is a fantastic entry in the Thread of Souls universe and an engaging story overall. The shocking twists and turns this story takes, including the heartbreaking loss of an OG character, keep the reader invested in this narrative and the reader gasping as the shock of the loss sets in, making the reader eager for the next entry into this magical series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Scott and Ashley Roepel are a husband and wife team of writers, creators, and travelers. They are co-founders of Tal & Ru Travels LLC which is focused on entertaining and engaging content. Deep lovers of fantasy, the two of them are avid D&D players and content creators.

Welcome!
https://twitter.com/TalAndRu

Vorodin’s Lair (Book Two of the Warminster Series) by J.V. Hilliard Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

An elven princess and a young keeper of the citadel blessed (or cursed) by visions must seek out an ageless sorcerer and escape a fallen keeper bent on revenge as the realm of Warminster teeters on the brink of war in author J.V. Hilliard’s “Vorodin’s Lair”, the second book in the “Warminster Series”.

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The Synopsis

Ominous Omens

Daemus, a low Keeper of the Cathedral of the Watchful Eye, isn’t the only one having visions. His nightmares speak of the ageless sorcerer, Vorodin, who may be able to help. But the answers he seeks may bring him—and the realm—to the brink of war.

Elven princess, Addilyn Elspeth, must discover why she’s receiving visitations from a mysterious creature that shouldn’t exist. She combines forces with Daemus on their harrowing journey to the scholar city of Abacus, where Vorodin’s Lair awaits.

A Plot of Revenge

Their powerful adversary and fallen Keeper, Graytorris the Mad, continues to chase the young Keeper throughout the realm, seeking vengeance against his order while trying to find a cure for his own affliction.

Explore the realm of Warminster, as fantasy and magic mixes with epic adventure and romance. Omens, battles and plot twists await you in the pages of Vorodin’s Lair. 

The Review

This is an epic fantasy just bursting with potential for a live-action adaption. The cinematic imagery layering the writing of this incredible author’s work and the grand atmosphere that brings balance to this narrative felt alive on the page. The balance of magic and sorcery with the iconic epic journey and romance that defines great fantasy series was great to see here, and added depth to the growing mystery surrounding the ageless sorcerer himself.

Yet as with the first book, the emphasis on character development and world-building was the true heart and soul of this narrative. The dynamic that grows between Daemus and Addilyn was fantastic to see here, as was the growing depth to the villainous Graytorris. Combine this with the sheer volume of detail that went into bringing Warminster to life on the page and the mythos surrounding the magic and creatures of this world made this one of the most original fantasy series I’ve read in a long while.

The Verdict

Captivating, magical, and entertaining, author J.V. Hilliard’s “Vorodin’s Lair” is a must-read fantasy novel of 2022 and a great addition to this growing epic saga. The inclusion of Nordic mythos and iconography with this classic sorcery-driven narrative and the engaging story between the two protagonists made me enthralled with this story to the point where I didn’t want to put it down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born of steel, fire and black wind, J.V. Hilliard was raised as a highlander in the foothills of a once-great mountain chain on the confluence of the three mighty rivers that forged his realm’s wealth and power for generations.

His father, a peasant twerg, toiled away in industries of honest labor and instilled in him a work ethic that would shape his destiny. His mother, a local healer, cared for his elders and his warrior uncle, who helped to raise him during his formative years. His genius brother, whose wizardly prowess allowed him to master the art of the abacus and his own quill, trained with him for battles on fields of green and sheets of ice.

Hilliard’s earliest education took place in his warrior uncle’s tower, where he learned his first words. HIs uncle helped him to learn the basics of life—and, most importantly, creative writing.

Hilliard’s training and education readied him to lift a quill that would scribe the tale of the realm of Warminster, filled with brave knights, harrowing adventure and legendary struggles. He lives in the city of silver cups, hypocycloids and golden triangles with his wife, a ranger of the diamond. They built their castle not far into the countryside, guarded by his own two horsehounds, Thor and MacLeod, and resides there to this day.

https://www.jvhilliard.com/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BDCYMXLY/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F62340190-vorodin-s-lair%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3DyDx4w868v8%26rank%3D1&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

Distant Fantasy: The Return (Book One) by Anthony C. Wray Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A soldier in the Iraq war finds himself and his team responsible for the defense of a planet on the other side of a wormhole as the life he once knew begins to bleed into this new reality in author Anthony C. Wray’s “Distant Fantasy: The Return”, the first book in this new sci-fi and fantasy series!

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The Synopsis

One minute, Colonel John Locklear was in an ambush in Iraq, and the next he was home and his entire team was MIA. In his dreams, he’s drawn into another world where past, present, and future are all happening at once. There are high-seas pirates negotiating with sentient robots and people who feed off of nature’s light energy. Natasha is a leader in this other world and she keeps calling John by the name “Zac.” Then, it isn’t a dream anymore and John becomes Zac, accepting that he—and his team—have a role to play in Lunia, the world on the other side of a black hole, the world Zac needs to save.

The Review

The world-building and storytelling in this book are superb. The engaging story and atmosphere the author builds both in our world and the world of Lunia are spectacular to behold, as the imagery the author uses in his writing allowed the reader to feel the wonder and emotions the characters were feeling during the events of the book.

What really stood out to me was the way the author honed in on themes of PTSD in soldiers returning from or back to war, family, and how trauma impacts us all. The backstory of John’s character and how his experiences shape his world and mission as “Zac” are so raw and emotional, and to see this reflected in his teammates added depth to the lore and mythos of this world. Combine that with a beautiful inclusion of Native American culture and language and readers are treated to a one-of-a-kind story.

The Verdict

Captivating, mesmerizing, and impactful, author Anthony C. Wray’s “Distant Fantasy: The Return” is a fantastic entry into a brand new series and a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel! The twists and turns of the story are enthralling, and the balance of world-building and meaningful storytelling made this one book I couldn’t put down. If you haven’t already be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Anthony Wray’s writing began with stories about other worlds, but a high school writing exercise challenged him to tap into his emotions. He began writing emotional narratives that became psychological thrillers. He now dives into speculative fiction, combining it with psychological thrillers to blend reality and imagination into tales that balance the two worlds.

After military service, Anthony reintegrated into society using imagination to process deep emotion and believes it may present opportunities for those suffering from PTSD. Anthony has a BFA in Creative Writing and lives in Texas where he writes the Distant Fantasy series.

Stay up to date with Anthony at www.anthonycwray.net and on Facebook @AnthonyC.Wray and Twitter @Anthony_C_Wray.

https://twitter.com/Anthony_C_Wray

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B126NVPW/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F62233112-distant-fantasy-the-return%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3Dtd2dSwrblw%26rank%3D1&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

Beyond the Father (gods on Trial: The Series Book One) by Opëshum Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews3 Comments

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

As a mysterious god on a distant planet watches as conflict arises in multiple sectors of this alien world, a far great threat looms and one young prince’s vision quest may change the course of their story in author Opëshum’s “Beyond the Father”, the first book in the gods on Trial series!

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The Synopsis

Beyond the Father” sets the scene for the 8-book Sci-Fi Epic “gods on Trial: The Series,” delving into life’s determination to transcend all limitation.  Set on the planet Xżyber, citizens of the Sub-Median Region, imperfectly reborn into metal, oppress those who are organic.  Elsewhere, in the Central Kingdom, religion supports royalty’s brutal domination of the lowest class.  War over scarce resources is coming, revolution within each region is brewing, and none know of the eccentric god who created them. This being watches, has fascinating conversations with his often-wiser companion, occasionally learns, and rarely intervenes.  The many levels and threads of struggle distract nearly all from a far greater threat.  Meanwhile, the young Prince Anglid’s vision quest into the unexplored Area X may ultimately change everything.  However, just when you think you know the direction of the story, the author has yet another surprise.

The Review

This was such a rich and captivating read. The author did an incredible job of building a unique and layered narrative with the equally layered mythos. The multiple POVs from such different characters and entities in this narrative allowed the reader to really get a sense of the struggles and power dynamics that this world held. The amount of detail and backstory the author poured into this story within such a short amount of pages was astounding, including the glossary of terms the author procured to make this world feel even more alive on the page.

Yet it was the beautiful fusion of sci-fi and fantasy along with the powerful themes of religion’s influence on politics, the improper balance of the class systems, and our place in the world as a whole that made this story really come alive. The varying arcs of each character allowed not only for this dynamic world to come alive, but to highlight the problems and emotional weight of each faction highlighted in this narrative. The blend of sci-fi tech and the alien world with the more epic elements of fantasy and mythology was great to see, but at the end of the day, the way the author highlighted how despite our class systems separating us, we are all individuals at our core, and each suffers from our own sources of distress and worries, was amazing to read.

The Verdict

Captivating, engaging, and thought-provoking, author Opëshum’s “Beyond the Father” is a fantastic first book in the gods on Trial series and a brilliant sci-fi and fantasy fusion. The twists and turns this narrative takes and the shocking twist ending will have readers clamoring for more, and the dynamic world the author has crafted leaves an incredible wealth of room for future installments 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

Opëshum has been writing since she was a child, and believes that authors are selected by their characters to bring their stories to the world. Incredibly shy and introverted, Opëshum does not make public appearances. She prefers to remain behind the scenes as the characters in her books take center stage. Her current work, the 8-Book SciFi Epic gods on Trial: The Series™ kicks off with Book 1, BEYOND THE FATHER.  

Opëshum calls Sheridan, Wyoming her home, where she is currently writing Book 2 of this series. She lives in a modest Cape Cod dwelling on 3 acres of land where she lets a robust variety of sunflowers grow wild and untamed, while Aloe Vera and other succulents decorate almost every ledge within her house. An avid writer in the early morning and late at night, Opëshum often works on her manuscripts in rooms lit only by homemade candles.

She enjoys nature walks, full moons, and open spaces where she can stare up at the stars. 

“I live my life in the shadows, and I am shy. For I know that my appearance is not pleasing to the eye.” – Opëshum Patroz

https://twitter.com/1iR3Publishers

A Virtue’s Calling by Lexi Cook Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young woman has her world turned upside down when an ancient power from centuries earlier long thought sealed by time is claimed by her and with it the connection to a young man who once tried to use that power to stop a powerful threat in the aftermath of his father’s passing in author Lexi Cook’s “A Virtue’s Calling”. 

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The Synopsis

Nothing Can Stop Fates From Crossing, Even Time.

With his father now dead, Choska is next in line to inherit the Virtue of the Sea, one of two divine powers given by their god. With possession of this, Choska must do something no Virtue holder has ever done: kill the two Hazen’s Beasts plaguing their land. With little hope and many against his wishes to risk his life, the tribes are torn on how to function. Later seeing how the Virtues have been misused, the tribes decide to seal the powers forever.

A thousand years later, Marie is on a beach in her hometown when she starts hearing voices, calling her to go to the ocean. By doing so, she accidentally claims the Virtue of the Sea, meeting Choska in her dreams. Neither is certain why she has the Virtue or who the voice was, but they know one thing—she needs to figure out her destiny and fight for it.

The Review

I was immediately struck by the brilliant world-building and mythos the author was able to establish in this novel. The rich dynamics between the cast of characters and the heavy fantasy-driven narrative both worked in tandem to create a beautiful chemistry between action and emotionally-driven fantasy themes. The imagery and tone the author utilized made this story flow smoothly, and the relatability of the characters and their struggles showcased the complexity of their arcs and journey overall.

Yet for me, it was the mythos and themes that really made this novel stand out. The establishment of this fantasy world and the cultures that resided within it brought the themes of legacy, justice, and vengeance to life so naturally and beautifully that it allowed the narrative to really shine brightly. These themes also added greatly to the characters and how the reader was able to relate to them, allowing their evolution throughout the narrative to be seen clearly, something aided by the multiple POVs heading each chapter of this excellent story.

The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and thought-provoking, author Lexi Cook’s “A Virtue’s Calling” is a must-read fantasy read for this fall season. The rich mythos and culture the author establishes in this novel will have readers fully invested in the character’s journey, and the shocking twists and turns will have readers hanging onto the author’s every word as the fate of certain characters hangs in the balance. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lexi Cook is a fantasy author with a love of psychology and philosophy, leading to her novels that ask questions that take time to ponder. Publishing A Virtue’s Calling at the age of eighteen, she possessed a love of literature from an early age, later becoming a fascination with the publishing industry. Currently, she resides in Atlanta, working endlessly to earn her Managerial Sciences degree at Georgia State University. On top of being an HR Manager, she plans to publish more books that reach readers’ minds and hearts. In her free time, she likes to garden and expand her candle collection.