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Guardian of the Seventh Realm #2
Siege of Darkness
Tragedy strikes Zithel, and the city of monks goes up in flames. The Earth-Wizard Mazarian has disappeared, and the army of Asgoth has taken back the Wizard Crystals of the Elements, ready to deliver them into the hands of their the Demon Lord Abaddon, where they will be corrupted and used against the very elements they were created to protect, deforming the world to a blackened void. As Darshun Luthais—the chosen Guardian of earth—emerges from the mystical Shajin Island, having completed his training, ready to combat the forces of evil, he not only finds himself in the center of this chaos, but is also torn in different directions. Part of him longs to obey the wisdom of the Elders by relocating the crystals and fleeing Asgoth, while his Nasharin nature thirsts for battle, eager to take on the many trials that stand in his way, keeping him from what he desires most, challenging Abaddon, the ultimate terror.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 24, 2011
Did anybody notice there is a half- naked man on the cover of this novel? I did and thought hey, maybe a flaming skull’s head could have gone there instead, I could do it no problem. The gist of this though isn’t the cover; it is the content that is king. Here is what you can expect to find inside:
“ Tragedy strikes Zithel, and the city of monks goes up in flames. The Earth-Wizard Mazarian has disappeared, and the army of Asgoth has taken back the Wizard Crystals of the Elements, ready to deliver them into the hands of their master: the Demon Lord Abaddon, where they will be corrupted and used against the very elements they were created to protect, deforming the world to a blackened void. As Darshun Luthais—the chosen Guardian of earth—emerges from the mystical Shajin Island, having completed his training, ready to combat the forces of evil, he not only finds himself in the center of this chaos, but is also torn in different directions. Part of him longs to obey the wisdom of the Elders by relocating the crystals and fleeing Asgoth, while his Nasharin nature thirsts for battle, eager to take on the many trials that stand in his way, keeping him from what he desires most, challenging Abaddon, the ultimate terror.”
I had not read the first installment of the series but I really didn’t feel left out of it too much. I am just beginning to get a grasp on the fantasy genre and it is growing on me. Thankfully I have been able to read quality novels and this is one of them. The universe that J.W. Baccaro has created is very inviting and drew me in; I grew to care what happens to the characters. Personally the next installment of the series is on my watch list for a release date.
Things have changed around here. I am now the published author by Trestle Press of “I Have Chrome Balls, Don’t You?” an “In Between The Collaborations”, “Down Low- Dead” with Vincent Zandri, “The Jersey Shore Has Eyes” with Big Daddy Abel”, “G.S.I Gelati’s Scoop Investigations Psychotic Detectives” with Thomas White, “Who Whacked The Blogger” with Benjamin Sobieck,“Thad and The G-Man’s Most Awesome Adventure” with Thad Brown , “Hotel Beaumont” with B.R. Stateham, “Bring Us Your Living…Now!” with HR Toye, “The Edge of Cataclysmic” with Big Daddy Abel, “The Ultimate Six-Pack” ,”Fangs,Inc.” with Laurie Bowler and the soon to be released “A Prince in Trenton ,Seriously?” with Mark Miller . All the stories are available @ Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords. I am also the host of the wildly popular The G-ZONE blogtalk radio show. Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“ Tragedy strikes Zithel, and the city of monks goes up in flames. The Earth-Wizard Mazarian has disappeared, and the army of Asgoth has taken back the Wizard Crystals of the Elements, ready to deliver them into the hands of their master: the Demon Lord Abaddon, where they will be corrupted and used against the very elements they were created to protect, deforming the world to a blackened void. As Darshun Luthais—the chosen Guardian of earth—emerges from the mystical Shajin Island, having completed his training, ready to combat the forces of evil, he not only finds himself in the center of this chaos, but is also torn in different directions. Part of him longs to obey the wisdom of the Elders by relocating the crystals and fleeing Asgoth, while his Nasharin nature thirsts for battle, eager to take on the many trials that stand in his way, keeping him from what he desires most, challenging Abaddon, the ultimate terror.”
I had not read the first installment of the series but I really didn’t feel left out of it too much. I am just beginning to get a grasp on the fantasy genre and it is growing on me. Thankfully I have been able to read quality novels and this is one of them. The universe that J.W. Baccaro has created is very inviting and drew me in; I grew to care what happens to the characters. Personally the next installment of the series is on my watch list for a release date.
Things have changed around here. I am now the published author by Trestle Press of “I Have Chrome Balls, Don’t You?” an “In Between The Collaborations”, “Down Low- Dead” with Vincent Zandri, “The Jersey Shore Has Eyes” with Big Daddy Abel”, “G.S.I Gelati’s Scoop Investigations Psychotic Detectives” with Thomas White, “Who Whacked The Blogger” with Benjamin Sobieck,“Thad and The G-Man’s Most Awesome Adventure” with Thad Brown , “Hotel Beaumont” with B.R. Stateham, “Bring Us Your Living…Now!” with HR Toye, “The Edge of Cataclysmic” with Big Daddy Abel, “The Ultimate Six-Pack” ,”Fangs,Inc.” with Laurie Bowler and the soon to be released “A Prince in Trenton ,Seriously?” with Mark Miller . All the stories are available @ Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords. I am also the host of the wildly popular The G-ZONE blogtalk radio show. Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
May 16, 2011
Tragedy strikes Zithel, and the city of monks goes up in flames. The Earth-Wizard Mazarian has disappeared, and the army of Asgoth has taken back the Wizard Crystals of the Elements, ready to deliver them into the hands of their master: the Demon Lord Abaddon, where they will be corrupted and used against the very elements they were created to protect, deforming the world to a blackened void. As Darshun Luthais—the chosen Guardian of earth—emerges from the mystical Shajin Island, having completed his training, ready to combat the forces of evil, he not only finds himself in the center of this chaos, but is also torn in different directions. Part of him longs to obey the wisdom of the Elders by relocating the crystals and fleeing Asgoth, while his Nasharin nature thirsts for battle, eager to take on the many trials that stand in his way, keeping him from what he desires most, challenging Abaddon, the ultimate terror. (Synopsis provided by goodreads)
I was very excited to receive a copy of this book. I just had to find out what happened to all of the characters, especially my favorite Darshun. This book picked up right where the first one left off! We get to see more of our old friends from the first book and we meet new characters.
I really enjoyed seeing the growth and development in Darshun. He still has his demeanor from the first book showing through, but he's also growing as a character.
All of the action in this book was very well done and the dialog was great. I found again that the author got to the point of what he wanted the reader to know with out giving us too much information.
The whole book flowed seamlessly and I never felt that it was slow. All of the relationships between the characters, felt true and never forced. I can't wait till book three! I have to know what happens next!
Overall rating ***** 5 out of 5 stars
Cover art I found the cover art to be very mysterious looking, I think it fit the book very well.
Obtained I received a copy for review from the author thank you!
I was very excited to receive a copy of this book. I just had to find out what happened to all of the characters, especially my favorite Darshun. This book picked up right where the first one left off! We get to see more of our old friends from the first book and we meet new characters.
I really enjoyed seeing the growth and development in Darshun. He still has his demeanor from the first book showing through, but he's also growing as a character.
All of the action in this book was very well done and the dialog was great. I found again that the author got to the point of what he wanted the reader to know with out giving us too much information.
The whole book flowed seamlessly and I never felt that it was slow. All of the relationships between the characters, felt true and never forced. I can't wait till book three! I have to know what happens next!
Overall rating ***** 5 out of 5 stars
Cover art I found the cover art to be very mysterious looking, I think it fit the book very well.
Obtained I received a copy for review from the author thank you!
May 6, 2011
Having enjoyed the first novel in the series written by J.W. Baccaro, Prophecy of the Guardian, I was eagerly awaiting the release of Siege of Darkness, the second novel. In this one, the main protagonist, Darshun, has returned from Shajin Island, his training complete, and is stronger than ever as he continues on his quest to vanquish the Dark.
The action picks up from the start, and I dove right in, engrossed in the scenes involving the Dark characters from the previous novel battling the Light. The fight scenes throughout the book were very well written, and I really loved the addition of magical elements, such as the Nasharin's transformations. Speaking of which, I find the Nasharin to be such a fascinating set of characters, with very unique abilities, and now that the Guardian, Darshun, had fully developed his, I couldn't wait to see how he used his element of fire. He is still young, so he has a bit of cockiness to him (which is also, seemingly, a trait of his kind, the Nasharin), but the author did not overdo that character trait, and it made Darshun come across as sure of himself instead of having an inflated ego. It was very well done, and he makes quite the hero.
While there is a lot of action from start to finish, there are also moments that step away and have lots of dialogue, and even with several new characters that are introduced. There's a lot revealed in this novel. We learn more not only about Darshun, but also his nemesis, Abaddon, and none of it is overwhelming or too rushed; the story flows very smoothly and ended with my anticipation for the next novel in the series.
The action picks up from the start, and I dove right in, engrossed in the scenes involving the Dark characters from the previous novel battling the Light. The fight scenes throughout the book were very well written, and I really loved the addition of magical elements, such as the Nasharin's transformations. Speaking of which, I find the Nasharin to be such a fascinating set of characters, with very unique abilities, and now that the Guardian, Darshun, had fully developed his, I couldn't wait to see how he used his element of fire. He is still young, so he has a bit of cockiness to him (which is also, seemingly, a trait of his kind, the Nasharin), but the author did not overdo that character trait, and it made Darshun come across as sure of himself instead of having an inflated ego. It was very well done, and he makes quite the hero.
While there is a lot of action from start to finish, there are also moments that step away and have lots of dialogue, and even with several new characters that are introduced. There's a lot revealed in this novel. We learn more not only about Darshun, but also his nemesis, Abaddon, and none of it is overwhelming or too rushed; the story flows very smoothly and ended with my anticipation for the next novel in the series.
November 11, 2020
Terrible. Pulp fiction at its worst, like something outta the 20s, the author has no new ideas, just keeps re-treading the same heroic fantasy ground we’ve all read before. It’s trite and boring, the male characters are wooden, and one dimensional, stereotypical “warriors” who only live to fight, thoroughly uninteresting. The women are mostly props, not even one dimensional, they’re barely even characters, more like sex dolls, just there to titillate in the most base & boring way. Really, not worth your time.
November 6, 2020
Brilliant!
July 25, 2012
This is book two in the Guardians series and it is important to read Part I before starting this one. This book picks up right where book one ends and once again it seems that evil has the upper hand. The City of Monk, Zithel has been destroyed and their King killed. Two of the crystal elements have fallen into the hands of the Dark Queen and will be handed over to the Demon King Abaddon. Zithel was a peaceful place but had not chance against the powers of the Dark Queen. How did the Queen get into the City by herself? Is there a traitor among the fighters for the Light?
Darshun has gone to Shajin Island to reach ascension, he will remain for seven years and when he returns ony twelve hours will have gone by. Things keep getting worse for those of the Light, Mazarian has gone to Mt. Flame to destroy the Fire Crystal only to be confronted by his former teacher High Wizard levieth. Mazarian is no match for Levieth and what happens puts the fighters of the Light back even more.
When Darshun returns from Shajin Island and finds Zithel destroyed his only concern is finding Aurora, the woman he intends to marry. Abandoning his father and all the other soldiers fighting against the Cullach and Barbarians he searches for the woman he loves, only to find that she has betrayed him in the vilest possible way.
Darshun is captured by the Queen of Dark and at this point his failure to help his father and the others, in addition, to Aurora's betrayal he has lost all hope. He now feels that there is no hope for the Light to defeat the Dark, all is lost. Or so he thinks. In prison he meets Kelarin an Elf. Elf's are supposed to be a Nasharin's worst enemy but that is far from the truth as Darshun learns. Through Kelarin all his injuries are healed and he then learns the story of his birth parents. Darshun slowly gets his confidence and faith back. The only thing left for him to do now is escape with Kelarin. Easier said than done.
But, where are all the others? Have Mirabel and Seth survived? What of the Loreladian King, Loreus? With Zithel destroyed and the Queen of Dark having the crystals what hope is there for the Light? Can Darshun finally face his destiny? The hope of all mankind and Earth itself rests with him, does he have the courage to destroy Abaddon the Demon Lord? Will the God of Light come to his assistance?
So many twists and turns. Is escape possible for Kelarin and Darshun? In the castle Darshun senses another Nasharin. Who can it possibly be? It is hard to envision the degree of cruelty that the dark side has. The fighters of Light stand against thousands, all different species, all capable of extreme violence.
I actually liked this book better than the first, it was an easier read and I found it more enjoyable. If you love fantasy this is the series for you, especially, when as a person who finds fantasy their least favorite genre I am actually enjoying it and look forward to the next book.
Reviewed by: Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
September 8, 2012
I thought that the natural progression between books was absolutely fabulous and J.W. Baccaro did a remarkably good job running one novel into the next though there is a marked difference between timelines as the first novel covers several years and the second covers much less time and is more descriptive.
Part 2 reads more like a graphic novel or a script for an anime in places with the characters self-narrating in their thoughts and there tends to be more emotion infused into this part of the story than in the first part which brings a more three dimensional aspect to the story. The first novel seems a little less thought out and more two dimensional as far as character development.
The main character is so full of himself as to seem more like an egomaniac instead of the hero of the series and his pride leads him into many difficult situations ill-suited to a twenty something. He seems more like a teenager at these points, ten foot tall and bullet proof for lack of better description. He is prone to leaping before he looks and following his more youthful impulses which truthfully makes me wonder somewhat about the age of the author for it seems to me that the writer of the series must be very young or even young at heart to have come up with such an in-depth storyline which nevertheless smacks of teenage over confidence and lack of patience.
Part 2 reads more like a graphic novel or a script for an anime in places with the characters self-narrating in their thoughts and there tends to be more emotion infused into this part of the story than in the first part which brings a more three dimensional aspect to the story. The first novel seems a little less thought out and more two dimensional as far as character development.
The main character is so full of himself as to seem more like an egomaniac instead of the hero of the series and his pride leads him into many difficult situations ill-suited to a twenty something. He seems more like a teenager at these points, ten foot tall and bullet proof for lack of better description. He is prone to leaping before he looks and following his more youthful impulses which truthfully makes me wonder somewhat about the age of the author for it seems to me that the writer of the series must be very young or even young at heart to have come up with such an in-depth storyline which nevertheless smacks of teenage over confidence and lack of patience.
July 23, 2011
Siege of Darkness is book 2 in the Guardian of the Seventh Realm series. Jason Baccaro writes this series like an old pro.
Powerful read - mega battles as Darshun struggles to fight being taken over by the Dark...Dar is a cocky warrior, but as much as he is cocky, he's smart and calculating, and a little lucky. Returning to find things not as they were, he's captured. Held captive with a new friend, Kelarin (part Elf), Dar learns more about his past and his biological father. There's a reason Dar has been picked as Guardian, and as much as he fights the title, he kicks ass in combat. We're in a war - prepare to be defeated! Dar and his crew against the Demon lord and his gang...I'm betting on Dar.
Baccaro keeps the action enthralling and purposeful. As Dar grows the story is morphing right along with him. There's no over done descriptions in this series. I'm looking forward to Book 3 (The Coming of the Light) - I've seen the cover art (gorgeous), and know that Kelarin has to play a major role. Bring it on!
Powerful read - mega battles as Darshun struggles to fight being taken over by the Dark...Dar is a cocky warrior, but as much as he is cocky, he's smart and calculating, and a little lucky. Returning to find things not as they were, he's captured. Held captive with a new friend, Kelarin (part Elf), Dar learns more about his past and his biological father. There's a reason Dar has been picked as Guardian, and as much as he fights the title, he kicks ass in combat. We're in a war - prepare to be defeated! Dar and his crew against the Demon lord and his gang...I'm betting on Dar.
Baccaro keeps the action enthralling and purposeful. As Dar grows the story is morphing right along with him. There's no over done descriptions in this series. I'm looking forward to Book 3 (The Coming of the Light) - I've seen the cover art (gorgeous), and know that Kelarin has to play a major role. Bring it on!
May 21, 2012
The adventure continues in the second book of the Guardian of the Seventh Realm series and what an excellent continuation it is, it took off perfectly from the last book in the series!
Darshun is now back after visiting a sacred island to help bring forth his powers to a stronger level so he can defeat the Dark. Not much has changed since he left, but war is upon them and he feels as ready as ready can be for any and all that comes his way. But what can he possible do if his mind is elsewhere? Once again our dear Darshun gets side tracked and some perish due to his absence of both physical and mental presence for the fight. He know finds himself in a place he does not want to be and feels as if he is destined to fail all.
Siege of Darkness had me laughing as well as crying quite a few times for many of the characters and their dealings. It also had me holding onto my seat in suspense as to what would happen next. J.W, Baccaro kept it going strong and I CANNOT wait to see what happens next with Darshun and his comrades!
Darshun is now back after visiting a sacred island to help bring forth his powers to a stronger level so he can defeat the Dark. Not much has changed since he left, but war is upon them and he feels as ready as ready can be for any and all that comes his way. But what can he possible do if his mind is elsewhere? Once again our dear Darshun gets side tracked and some perish due to his absence of both physical and mental presence for the fight. He know finds himself in a place he does not want to be and feels as if he is destined to fail all.
Siege of Darkness had me laughing as well as crying quite a few times for many of the characters and their dealings. It also had me holding onto my seat in suspense as to what would happen next. J.W, Baccaro kept it going strong and I CANNOT wait to see what happens next with Darshun and his comrades!
July 22, 2011
I thought Siege of Darkness was an awesome book. It kept my attention from front cover to back. The way everyone was being killed I was beginning to wonder who was left for the rest of the books. When I found out about Aurora blew my mind never saw it coming. I would definitely say if you read the first book it gets better with this one. I can't wait for the 3rd book. I believe Darshun has finally figured out his destination. Good Luck to J. W. Baccaro on the up coming books.
February 13, 2012
This is a great book and number 2 in the Guardian of the Seventh Realm series by Jason Baccaro. I really like the charactors and their development as the series progresses. I especially like the portrayal of good verses evil and the direct links with Judeo-Christian biblical protrayal of such. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
December 1, 2012
On to the second book, the one I really wanted to read but had to get the back-story. Name of the Wind...Siege of Darkness. Both great, but so different. Very convincing evil characters and questy/epic kind of fantasy on the side of Darkness. The Name of the Wind is just so long...Siege of Darkness is my night-time reading pick.
November 29, 2017
Though I liked the first one an okay amount, I'm just not liking the second one.
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