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

In author Daniel N. Fite’s ” The Prince of Ileria, ” a young man searching for the parents taken from him as a child must find answers and navigate the drama of high school while participating in a new RPG fantasy world. 

The Synopsis

Nate Daniels is on a quest to find his parents, taken from him when he was only four years old. Now a high school senior, armed only with his snark and an unshakable belief that his parents are still alive, Nate enters the final phase of his lifelong quest.

Soon, however, a former teacher introduces him to the fantasy realm of Ileria—an amazingly realistic RPG sim unlike any he’s played before. Could Ileria hold the key to his search or is it merely a fun side-quest? Nate must find new friends and forge new relationships as he navigates high school drama, a prickly adoptive brother, and an ever-changing relationship with his bestie, Jan. Oh, and let’s not forget the 400-pound telepathic Ilerian murder-cat who just might help him piece it all together—if she doesn’t eviscerate him first.

The Review

This was such a fun and engaging read. The story really speaks to the RPG, video game, and fantasy crowd in a profound and thrilling way, delving into a unique blend of action and mystery infused into this fantasy world setting. The world-building for this narrative was top-notch, not only giving readers a full experience of high school life but also delving into this exciting new world of magic and wonder. 

The character development became the heart of this narrative, especially Nate’s story and evolution. His love and passion for RPGs and how that translated into his journey to become a hero in this fantasy world, as well as his drive to find his parents and the relationships he developed with his best friend Jan and his sort of brother Thomas, kept the reader invested in his story.

The Verdict

A blend of Jumanji meets Stranger Things meets Free Guy with a deep fantasy twist, author Daniel Fite’s “The Prince of Ileria” is a must-read fantasy novel and a great start to a brand new series. The twists and turns in the narrative, the rich mythology and world-building, and the thoughtful approach to character arcs will have fans eager for more of this upcoming narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on May 16th, 2024, or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10