My 5-Star Review of Sorcerer of the Realm by Shawn O'Toole

 

What struck me most about this book is how the author creates a world so similar to the one we know. Though given different names, the lands we are quite familiar with emerge from the page in vivid detail. It is a world where the antagonists of the Second World War possess modern technology along with supernatural power. 

The action is riveting and the drama compelling. Even the villains are portrayed in a sympathetic fashion, waging a war against beings who pose an even greater threat to all who live. It is about a father's duty and a mother's love, and the effect that conflict has on both their progeny and the world at large.

Sorcerer of the Realm is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2NXXJQJ

An excerpt from The Winnowing Way

 

Cover art by Jeffrey Kosh: https://jeffreykosh.wixsite.com/jeffreykoshgraphics

Heidi grew flushed. “It is hard to be humble when you speak of me so.”

“From the abundance of the heart, do these words come.”

She sighed, “I believe I should go, lest the sense of my worth become overinflated.”

“Must you leave, when my heart is so full?”

“Do not drain yourself dry merely for me.”

He professed, “I would do it, of that I am sure.”

She nodded. “And so I must leave, to prevent a tragedy.”

The young man held onto her hand.

With her other, she placed a pat upon his.

Klaus smiled and released her. “Until the evening, my love.”

Heidi nodded and hastened away.

The young man sighed, and continued to sing:

 

Is it bad?

Is it good?

If I could,

then I would.

 

What I know.

How I think,

pushing me

to the brink.

 

Take one step,

then step back.

Just one page

from the stack.

 

All these things,

tear and rip!

Have my wings

just been clipped?

 

I yearn to soar as free as a bird,

first to be seen and then to be heard.

And yet, I smack right into the wall.

I want to rise, but instead I fall.

 

Live free, as free as can be!

Wings spread so naturally!

The ties that bind us all,

the time comes when they must fall.

I fly above,

just watch and you'll see

the wonderful wonder

that is me!

 

Soar up in the sky,

the dream has been to fly.

All glory is found,

when you leave the ground.

 

Live free, as free as can be!

Wings spread so naturally!

The ties that bind us all,

the time comes when they must fall.

I fly above,

just watch and you'll see.

Live free, as free as can be!

Wings spread so naturally!

The ties that bind us all,

the time comes when they must fall.

I fly above,

just watch and you'll see

the wonderful wonder

that is me!

 

[Click here to listen to That is Me on Youtube]

 

He smiled, watching the birds flutter about. Then he gave a sigh, descending the hill.

The Winnowing Way is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H5YHMYQF

An excerpt from Hand of Fate

 

Cover art by Jeffrey Kosh: https://jeffreykosh.wixsite.com/jeffreykoshgraphics

Fang growled, "I have fought for my own, as well! You think I like to kill, but you are wrong. I want to fight, because there are enemies. I am a warrior, but I am not a beast! Goblins do not understand. They attack from behind. We march into battle! The enemy sees us coming, so we must fight with fury."

Slither scowled. "Orcs are loud and obvious. We strike when the enemy is unawares. But we still die, just like you. I have lost many friends on the field of battle."

"Then, you should understand why I want to return. There are enemies to fight, and my people need me. You are needed, too."

The goblin grew frustrated. "You have always seen me as smaller and weaker. So, what makes you think I can make a difference?"

Fang looked right at him. "When, we were young, you convinced me to help our fathers. I did not want to do it. So, you told me you would do it alone. Now, it is my turn. If you will not return to the war with me, I will go alone." And with that, he turned to leave.

Slither paused, and then said, "Wait."

The orc stopped, and turned to look at him.

"We have fought the humans before. Our numbers are of little use."

Fang walked right up to him. "We will not return as warriors, but as Chiefs."

"You, a leader?"

The orc smirked, "You followed me." Slither was about to speak, but Fang held up a hand. "I know the Shades will follow you. We are heroes." He gestured all around. "Look at how they revere us. We will show them we deserve it. And we must use it as a weapon against our enemies."

Slither bowed his head. "I do not want to be a hero."

Fang assured, "What we want does not matter. We can make things better. We have done it before."

"Does Clar know about this?"

The orc chuckled. "Can I keep secrets from her? She knows, and she is not happy about it."

"Gishin will not like this. She will blame you."

Fang shrugged.

Slither turned to look at the orchard, as if for the last time.

The orc just stood there, waiting.

"What if we offer to be Chiefs and they refuse?"

Fang grinned. "We will convince them."

Hand of Fate is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2SM81S

An excerpt from Rise of the Host

Cover art by Jeffrey Kosh: https://jeffreykosh.wixsite.com/jeffreykoshgraphics

When the dancing had ceased, the orc shaman Grosh and the goblin shaman Erzur addressed the tribes. The orc called for them to have courage and show their strength. The goblin asked the assemblage to hide their fears and calm their hearts. There was a strength competition for the orcs. And a couple of goblins showed their tremendous balancing ability.

The night ended without further incident. Fang followed his parents to the place where they would rest for the night. Slither joined his mother and father, as well.

Brunt and Treska spent the time they had together.

Lurg enjoyed the festivities. Though he had few friends, he was still well liked. So, he danced. And he talked some. And he felt at home, once more.

Clar plotted and schemed a way to force Fang to reveal his feelings for her.

Quick, Amble and Ruse wiled away the evening telling tales of their training. They eyed the goblinesses of their tribe, but were too nervous to approach any.

Deep down in the recesses of all their hearts, the war loomed.

 

                                                                 ***

 

Days went by and they enjoyed their time with friends and family. And then, the orders came. Each one said their goodbyes. Many tears were shed. Promises were made, though some would inevitably be broken. And the warriors set out. The Horde marched toward their destination. The Shades moved through the shadows toward theirs. Dark elves set out, as well. For the Host had risen: and Fate would have its way.

Rise of the Host is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GK7J5PQQ

An excerpt from Soldiers of the Dark Knight

 

Cover art by Jeffrey Kosh https://jeffreykosh.wixsite.com/jeffreykoshgraphics

He crouched low, his deep blue eyes searching the thick vegetation for any sign of movement. Neetle had a scrawny frame with an ashen complexion. He had short black hair, and the top of his head would be only as high as a man's midsection. However, he was quick and nimble, with the most devious look in his eyes. He was a goblin, wielding a long curved dagger in his left hand and a straight one in the right.

In contrast, Tusk was gray-skinned and enormous, as tall as a man but with a more muscular, heavier frame. His long black hair flowed down to his shoulders. He was armored in scale mail that was battle-worn and rusted. One huge arm gripped a bludgeon with a round metal head and spikes protruding from it. His eyes were amber, and his canines showed slightly. He was an orc, who observed the area, ready to move at the slightest sound. "Hurry, Brev" he growled.

His pregnant mate inhaled sharply. "This child will tear itself from me when it chooses to." She was almost as big as Tusk, with wide hips and a large bosom that rose and fell with her labored breathing. Her eyes burned with the same eerie amber glow.

Opposite her, was Neetle's mate, Sensia. She concentrated on the child within her own womb. "Come, little one, it is time emerge from the darkness." She, like Neetle, was a goblin, but with an even smaller body, and slight curves to show her femininity. She moaned slightly, staring off into the undergrowth.

Tusk turned around. Heavy footsteps were approaching. "Dwarves," he rumbled.

Soldiers of the Dark Knight is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2ZVK7R9

An excerpt from Marshmallow Men From Outer Space

 

Cover art by Jeffrey Kosh https://jeffreykosh.wixsite.com/jeffreykoshgraphics

An excerpt from Marshmallow Men From Outer Space:

He sat down to consume his meal, grimacing at the terrible taste. His stomach protested, but he was able to keep the food down as he turned to look out the front window. The young man noticed that a shadow was growing outside the cafeteria, increasing in size until the whole area became darker.

Some others had noticed, so he got up and joined them in looking upward. His eyes went wide and he gaped at the sight. He was suddenly reminded of the story he had been writing.

There was a ship floating high above the university.  It looked like some type of creature, with three claws reaching like talons for those in the buildings below. A beam of light shown down and humanoids in sleek black space suits descended on it, armed for battle. Then, he saw a bright flash.

Brannock leapt away, as the front wall of the cafeteria tore apart violently. He landed, taking cover behind an overturned table. The young man peeked out, shocked at what he saw.

Bodies were strewn along the entire front section of the cafeteria. Portions of the ceiling fell on those who remained. Pitch black beings with solid white eyes entered, firing at anything that moved.

Marshmallow Men From Outer Space is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP9P4NJS 

An excerpt from Ticklish Treats - Back for More

Cover art by Jeffrey Kosh https://jeffreykosh.wixsite.com/jeffreykoshgraphics

An excerpt from Fun With Nerve Endings, part of Ticklish Treats - Back for More:

Sometime in the future: A young woman lay with her shackled wrists and ankles attached to a padded table. She was a short-haired brunette with brown eyes. Her slim form was covered in a gray bodysuit that left her hands and feet exposed.

Another attractive woman leaned over her wearing a lab coat, blouse, slacks and comfortable shoes. She had curly red hair that hung down to her shoulders, with a pair of glasses covering her green eyes which had information scrolling down the inside of the lenses. “Ms. Walker, I am so glad you agreed to assist me in my work.”

Susan looked up at the grinning scientist. “What kind of research study requires such restraints?” She pulled, but could barely lift her wrists.

“Now Ms. Walker, all of this has been thoroughly discussed and agreed upon by you. It is too late to back out now, seeing we have already credited your account with the promised sum. So, please try to relax as the tests are about to begin.”

A group approached that all bore the appearance of the scientist Olivia Foster, though they were dressed in security uniforms and not wearing glasses. Susan frowned up at them thinking, What sort of person surrounds herself with androids that look like her? She watched as they spread powder on the bottoms of her feet. “Hey, what are they doing?”

The scientist smiled pleasantly explaining, “It is all in preparation for the tests. Now it will cause a great deal of itching, but this will lead to heightened sensitivity which should provide the desired response.”

Susan’s soles and toes began to itch quite a bit. She twisted her feet back and forth, but it provided little or no relief. “Just what kind of study is this?”

Ms. Foster sighed. “It was all in the paperwork which you signed. This is an extensive study of Gargalesis in the Plantar Aspect. For the next three months, you will be stimulated by various means and your reactions observed.”

“Hold on. I didn’t sign up to be tortured daily so you can watch.”

The scientist held a tablet before the vexed woman, pointing to the information on the screen. “That is precisely what you agreed to, Ms. Walker. Now this will not be pleasant, but you have been paid well for your assistance.”

Susan yanked at her restraints, as the itching sensations continued to intensify. “Let me out, right now. You can’t treat me like this!”

“Calm down, Ms. Walker. You will be released when it is time for your break. Right now, it is time for the tests to begin.” With that she stepped back from the padded table, and it began to slide into the wall.

The restrained woman’s eyes went wide as a thick metal wall descended, shutting her in. Though enclosed, the space was well-lit and there was room enough that it did not feel claustrophobic. Still, she glanced about at all of the mechanical instruments contained therein. Susan wailed in despair, struggling to get free.

Ticklish Treats - Back for More is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F27J5DNL