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