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One Great Year #1-2
One Great Year
Welcome to the One Great Year Universe.
What if your soul had a purpose that transcended time?
Step into a world where ancient wisdom meets modern adventure—where reincarnation, destiny, and love echo across lifetimes. One Great Year invites you on an unforgettable journey through the Ages of humanity’s rise and fall in consciousness. Hailed as “Dune meets Eckhart Tolle”, this genre-bending epic is more than a story—it’s an awakening. From the lost civilization of Atitala to the chaotic streets of modern-day Seattle, follow Emissary Marcus, known in his current life as Quinn, as he uncovers secrets hidden in star charts and ancient scrolls, searching for the sacred Emerald Tablet. Alongside soulmates and sworn enemies, Marcus must navigate lives filled with love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption in a 26,000-year cycle known as the Great Year. Whether you're a seeker, a philosopher, or simply hungry for a gripping, soul-stirring tale, this is your invitation to remember. To rediscover the power within. To reclaim the light.
The Journey awaits.
What if your soul had a purpose that transcended time?
Step into a world where ancient wisdom meets modern adventure—where reincarnation, destiny, and love echo across lifetimes. One Great Year invites you on an unforgettable journey through the Ages of humanity’s rise and fall in consciousness. Hailed as “Dune meets Eckhart Tolle”, this genre-bending epic is more than a story—it’s an awakening. From the lost civilization of Atitala to the chaotic streets of modern-day Seattle, follow Emissary Marcus, known in his current life as Quinn, as he uncovers secrets hidden in star charts and ancient scrolls, searching for the sacred Emerald Tablet. Alongside soulmates and sworn enemies, Marcus must navigate lives filled with love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption in a 26,000-year cycle known as the Great Year. Whether you're a seeker, a philosopher, or simply hungry for a gripping, soul-stirring tale, this is your invitation to remember. To rediscover the power within. To reclaim the light.
The Journey awaits.
441 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
19 people are currently reading
1203 people want to read
About the author
Rene DeFazio
3 books21 followers Rene DeFazio is a Canadian-born actor, producer, and acclaimed author based in the Vancouver area. With a distinguished career in film and television, Rene brings a dynamic blend of storytelling, performance, and global perspective to his creative endeavors. A seasoned world traveler and lifelong seeker of adventure, he has traveled across diverse cultures and historic landscapes, which deeply inform his writing.
As co-creator of the award-winning One Great Year novel series, Rene draws from extensive research and lived experiences to craft immersive, philosophical narratives that resonate across time. His ability to vividly capture the essence of exotic locations, ancient wisdom, and universal truths has garnered both critical acclaim and widespread reader approval.
Rene’s literary work has been recognized internationally, receiving Honorable Mentions from both the New York and London Book Festivals in 2012. In 2014, he was honored with the Empowered Writers Award at the World International Peace Festival in Vancouver, recognizing his commitment to meaningful and transformative storytelling.
As co-creator of the award-winning One Great Year novel series, Rene draws from extensive research and lived experiences to craft immersive, philosophical narratives that resonate across time. His ability to vividly capture the essence of exotic locations, ancient wisdom, and universal truths has garnered both critical acclaim and widespread reader approval.
Rene’s literary work has been recognized internationally, receiving Honorable Mentions from both the New York and London Book Festivals in 2012. In 2014, he was honored with the Empowered Writers Award at the World International Peace Festival in Vancouver, recognizing his commitment to meaningful and transformative storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 23, 2015
Unfortunately I read this book at a time when I was super occupied with things and I didn't get a review up right away. So now I'm stuck with a somewhat vague review.
For me this book is unforgettable, but the intense emotions and feelings it gave me were largely because of some of my own experiences and beliefs. This is a fictional book but there's so much here about history and reincarnation that can really open our minds to some new beliefs, or just further anchor what we already believe. At the same time, it's something that some won't be ready for or won't really understand.
But you can go into it just for the fun experience. It's an epic love story and has some incredible history in it as well. There's no preachy aspect and the characters are fully fleshed out. It's a long story, and it requires a bit of a time commitment, but in my opinion it's totally worth it!
I highly encourage checking out the authors website at OneGreatYear.com and watching the video about the research they did. It's fascinating!
For me this book is unforgettable, but the intense emotions and feelings it gave me were largely because of some of my own experiences and beliefs. This is a fictional book but there's so much here about history and reincarnation that can really open our minds to some new beliefs, or just further anchor what we already believe. At the same time, it's something that some won't be ready for or won't really understand.
But you can go into it just for the fun experience. It's an epic love story and has some incredible history in it as well. There's no preachy aspect and the characters are fully fleshed out. It's a long story, and it requires a bit of a time commitment, but in my opinion it's totally worth it!
I highly encourage checking out the authors website at OneGreatYear.com and watching the video about the research they did. It's fascinating!
October 20, 2013
Synopsis
Chosen to be an Emissary, a carrier of ancient knowledge, Marcus has been reincarnated more times than he cares to remember. During each reincarnation, Marcus tries to impart the knowledge he has been entrusted with and conquer over evil while being on constant vigilance for his soulmate, Theron, and his archenemy, Helghul.
HIgh Points
Fiction flawlessly interwoven with ancient history.
Low Points
I didn’t completely believe the love story. While the longing Marcus demonstrates throughout the later tales is beautiful, it outshines it’s setup. Had I gotten more of that devotion in the background, maybe I would have been sold. Also, the omniscient narrator is a bit jolting for me. I feel it would have been a smoother read if it was told in the third person.
You’ll love it if…
You are a fan of historical fiction with very strong archetypes.
You’ll hate it if…
You like fast paced action. One Great Year tends to languish in the backstory, leaving all the action for the last fifty or so pages.
Overall Rating
3 Stars
Galley from Netgalley. See more reviews by The Readist at www.thereadist.com.
Chosen to be an Emissary, a carrier of ancient knowledge, Marcus has been reincarnated more times than he cares to remember. During each reincarnation, Marcus tries to impart the knowledge he has been entrusted with and conquer over evil while being on constant vigilance for his soulmate, Theron, and his archenemy, Helghul.
HIgh Points
Fiction flawlessly interwoven with ancient history.
Low Points
I didn’t completely believe the love story. While the longing Marcus demonstrates throughout the later tales is beautiful, it outshines it’s setup. Had I gotten more of that devotion in the background, maybe I would have been sold. Also, the omniscient narrator is a bit jolting for me. I feel it would have been a smoother read if it was told in the third person.
You’ll love it if…
You are a fan of historical fiction with very strong archetypes.
You’ll hate it if…
You like fast paced action. One Great Year tends to languish in the backstory, leaving all the action for the last fifty or so pages.
Overall Rating
3 Stars
Galley from Netgalley. See more reviews by The Readist at www.thereadist.com.
April 22, 2014
Stunning first time novel encompassing love, intrigue, and the story of humanity and it's greatest contributors to our world history, interwoven in the fabric of reincarnation and the truth of what lies in the Great Beyond. Intricate in landscapes and detail, if your are a believer in the theory of reincarnation, your truth will be validated. If you are not, then you'll have much to re-evaluate after this delightful, conscious and addicting read. Enjoyable no matter what your beliefs. Couldn't put it down.
September 16, 2013
Cross-posted on http://off-the-book.org.
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is."
One Great Year by Tamara Veitch and Rene DeFazio is the loving creation of two "author-artists" with a passion for writing and each other. The novel, described as an epic, spans centuries and universes in 400 pages. Marcus has been selected to become an Emissary, chosen by the Elders of his society to protects its ancient secrets. Theron, his lover, is an Emissary as well - but part of their duty means living separate lives. Desperate not to forget his soulmate, he takes a serum meant to retain his memory and dooms himself to years of searching and longing for Theron. Meanwhile, his "nemesis" (God I love that word) Helghul, seeks to destroy Marcus and have Theron for himself.
While the writing is immaculate, and I found the plot premise to be interesting, I simply couldn't get into this novel. I've read many fantasy novels, but this one was just not believable to me. The characters were overwhelmingly one-dimensional - Helghul is a vengeful, petty child, Marcus is a boring jock-type character who never fully explains his love for Theron, and Theron is the kind of female character I would call "fluffy" - her characterization is dependent on the male characters around her. Theron espouses duty so often, she reminds me of Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, but without the redeeming personality. Marcus seemingly "saunters casually" into every room, and flaunts his romantic ownership over Theron.
Don't even get me started on the love scenes. Theron's "second chakra burned and desire shot through her." What does that even mean? I rolled my eyes in disbelief. I love a good love story, but throughout the book, I found no compelling reason why Theron and Marcus should be so invested in each other, or why I should root for them to succeed as a couple.
That said, you can tell that my biggest complaint about the novel is that it's extremely "new age-y," and I'm a woman that loves tarot cards, candle-making, and the smell of incense. If you're fascinated by the idea of reincarnation (which I am not), the idea of a higher power (again, not my thing), and Hinduism, then I guarantee you will enjoy this book. I'm not a fan of romance, so what I may find cheesy could be what other reviewers have described as touching. It is very well-written, and while I didn't enjoy the plot, I will be recommending this book to a few friends who would be intrigued by many aspects of the story-line in a way that I wasn't.
I'm giving this book two stars - one for the writing, and one for the unique plot. In the end, though, I simply couldn't fully enjoy this novel.
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is."
One Great Year by Tamara Veitch and Rene DeFazio is the loving creation of two "author-artists" with a passion for writing and each other. The novel, described as an epic, spans centuries and universes in 400 pages. Marcus has been selected to become an Emissary, chosen by the Elders of his society to protects its ancient secrets. Theron, his lover, is an Emissary as well - but part of their duty means living separate lives. Desperate not to forget his soulmate, he takes a serum meant to retain his memory and dooms himself to years of searching and longing for Theron. Meanwhile, his "nemesis" (God I love that word) Helghul, seeks to destroy Marcus and have Theron for himself.
While the writing is immaculate, and I found the plot premise to be interesting, I simply couldn't get into this novel. I've read many fantasy novels, but this one was just not believable to me. The characters were overwhelmingly one-dimensional - Helghul is a vengeful, petty child, Marcus is a boring jock-type character who never fully explains his love for Theron, and Theron is the kind of female character I would call "fluffy" - her characterization is dependent on the male characters around her. Theron espouses duty so often, she reminds me of Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, but without the redeeming personality. Marcus seemingly "saunters casually" into every room, and flaunts his romantic ownership over Theron.
Don't even get me started on the love scenes. Theron's "second chakra burned and desire shot through her." What does that even mean? I rolled my eyes in disbelief. I love a good love story, but throughout the book, I found no compelling reason why Theron and Marcus should be so invested in each other, or why I should root for them to succeed as a couple.
That said, you can tell that my biggest complaint about the novel is that it's extremely "new age-y," and I'm a woman that loves tarot cards, candle-making, and the smell of incense. If you're fascinated by the idea of reincarnation (which I am not), the idea of a higher power (again, not my thing), and Hinduism, then I guarantee you will enjoy this book. I'm not a fan of romance, so what I may find cheesy could be what other reviewers have described as touching. It is very well-written, and while I didn't enjoy the plot, I will be recommending this book to a few friends who would be intrigued by many aspects of the story-line in a way that I wasn't.
I'm giving this book two stars - one for the writing, and one for the unique plot. In the end, though, I simply couldn't fully enjoy this novel.
October 5, 2013
(I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
I must unfortunately admit I had a very hard time finishing this book, and only did so because I was supposed to review it.
The ideas behind it are interesting, and could indeed have spanned for quite an epic over millenia. Besides, I've always been fascinated by the concept of reincarnation and those linked to it (such as that of the jati), and being able to also see the characters in some of their previous lives is something I tend to like in books. But I found the execution lacking here.
What turned me off almost from the beginning was how everything, or almost, was told instead of shown, which made up for a dull style, and one hard to stand for so many pages. As a result, connecting with the characters was difficult, both because this kept me distanciated from them and because of how one-dimensional they seemed. I never got why Helghul made such a choice in the cave, for instance, and mostly he appeared like a tantrum-throwing kid who only wanted Theron because Marcus wanted her. What were his initial motives, anyway? As for Theron, she was described as so perfect in every way in her first life that she was just unbearable; then her sole purpose in the following ones seemed to be the object of Marcus's quest, as well as a kind of prize for Helghul. There was also quite a lot of head-jumping, with the point of view quickly shifting from one character to the other and, again, telling the reader about everything, including a bit of foreshadowing (to be fair: I like the latter when it's done through events, only not when it's through explanatory sentences).
Another big peeve of mine was how Marcus, basically, totally wasted his 'gift'. I thought his having memories of his past lives would prompt him to *do* something in each new life, if only to further his chances of finding Theron, but he didn't seem to do much, especially in his latest life, with so many means at one's disposal. Somehow, I found myself rooting for the bad guys, because they, at least, had been planning ahead and showing signs of cleverness. With heroes like those, no need for enemies, I guess.
It's too bad. I really wanted to like this story. But I just couldn't.
I must unfortunately admit I had a very hard time finishing this book, and only did so because I was supposed to review it.
The ideas behind it are interesting, and could indeed have spanned for quite an epic over millenia. Besides, I've always been fascinated by the concept of reincarnation and those linked to it (such as that of the jati), and being able to also see the characters in some of their previous lives is something I tend to like in books. But I found the execution lacking here.
What turned me off almost from the beginning was how everything, or almost, was told instead of shown, which made up for a dull style, and one hard to stand for so many pages. As a result, connecting with the characters was difficult, both because this kept me distanciated from them and because of how one-dimensional they seemed. I never got why Helghul made such a choice in the cave, for instance, and mostly he appeared like a tantrum-throwing kid who only wanted Theron because Marcus wanted her. What were his initial motives, anyway? As for Theron, she was described as so perfect in every way in her first life that she was just unbearable; then her sole purpose in the following ones seemed to be the object of Marcus's quest, as well as a kind of prize for Helghul. There was also quite a lot of head-jumping, with the point of view quickly shifting from one character to the other and, again, telling the reader about everything, including a bit of foreshadowing (to be fair: I like the latter when it's done through events, only not when it's through explanatory sentences).
Another big peeve of mine was how Marcus, basically, totally wasted his 'gift'. I thought his having memories of his past lives would prompt him to *do* something in each new life, if only to further his chances of finding Theron, but he didn't seem to do much, especially in his latest life, with so many means at one's disposal. Somehow, I found myself rooting for the bad guys, because they, at least, had been planning ahead and showing signs of cleverness. With heroes like those, no need for enemies, I guess.
It's too bad. I really wanted to like this story. But I just couldn't.
March 22, 2015
One Great Year is so different for the stuff ive been reading, which is one of the reasons I took it on. The other was past lives and historical fiction. I always enjoy watching authors twist and turn a story to fit historical accuracies.
The story itself is magnificent. Constantly reuniting with your soul mate and arch nemesis I mean that’s good stuff right there. Marcus, Theron and Helghul were best friends growing up but as they got older the expected happens a love triangle. Marcus and Theron fall in love unfortunately for them Helghul is a jealous bastard, a powerful jealous bastard. Its like his mission in life is to make Marcus suffer, hes extremely good at it. Time after time life after life hes there (okay not every life we see but still) making Marcus pay for Theron’s love.
I rather loved the historical parts of the novel, waiting for everyone to show their hands. Marcus always ALWAYS pining over Theron thanks to a potion he took before the end of the golden age. He was a little needy for my liking, its like he had a one track mind. I just wanted more for him, them, however really. I kinda really just loved Helghul, he was diabolical and he owned it therefore he owned me.
I loved so much about this book. It really took some time to read. For me it required why more thought than my usual reads and that was totally okay with me. It opened me up to some interesting stuff.
The story itself is magnificent. Constantly reuniting with your soul mate and arch nemesis I mean that’s good stuff right there. Marcus, Theron and Helghul were best friends growing up but as they got older the expected happens a love triangle. Marcus and Theron fall in love unfortunately for them Helghul is a jealous bastard, a powerful jealous bastard. Its like his mission in life is to make Marcus suffer, hes extremely good at it. Time after time life after life hes there (okay not every life we see but still) making Marcus pay for Theron’s love.
I rather loved the historical parts of the novel, waiting for everyone to show their hands. Marcus always ALWAYS pining over Theron thanks to a potion he took before the end of the golden age. He was a little needy for my liking, its like he had a one track mind. I just wanted more for him, them, however really. I kinda really just loved Helghul, he was diabolical and he owned it therefore he owned me.
I loved so much about this book. It really took some time to read. For me it required why more thought than my usual reads and that was totally okay with me. It opened me up to some interesting stuff.
November 6, 2013
What a beautiful story. I was captivated from start to finish- reminded of not only all of the beauty the infinite universe holds, but also of the delicate balance between good and evil that ties it all together. I found my mind opening up to the possibilities which I once believed were meant to be left for the imagination, comic books and fantasy novels, now drawing parallels between the book and the beautiful changes that are happening RIGHT NOW on this planet. I found myself relating to the characters, astonished that even with all of their wisdom, they still struggled. The love story is epic, eternal, transcendent. The imagery is magical.
October 22, 2013
I really enjoyed this tale written by Tamara Veitch and Rene DeFazio. The opening scene made me think and wonder about things, and I wanted to learn more about what Marcus was talking about. I was very excited to turn the page and see that we were in the world before now, in a time when Marcus and Theron lived and breathed before taking on the role of Emissaries. It was a very intriguing world. The writing was fast paced and I enjoyed learning about the world of Atitala. I imagined visions of what Heaven would be like, and its citizens, angels. I loved the process and ceremony for the choosing an naming of Emissaries.
In this life we are often faced with choices, and I do believe that deep down we have just been reliving lives, very much like Marcus has to do, living in the world throughout different Eras while faced with many different challenges. One Great Year really put a lot of things in perspective, and one of the many lessons it imparts is that you truly don't understand someone and their situation until you walk in their shoes. The next big lesson is that we all have the power of choice, one given us by the Heavenly Father, and it is our free will, and our very own moral code that helps to guide us through this journey called life. This book, hit me more on a spiritual level than any other book I've read since the Bible. One Great Year is one I will read over and over again.
The plot of this book is largely driven by conflict, mostly internal, and it is man's struggle with himself, that determines the path he chooses in life. The characters were vivid, and quite realistic. Yes, there are people who come along in life and act as boulders, very much like Helghul does from the opening of the book, throughout the end, but it is the choices that we make in how to deal with these struggles, which enable us to live a life of enlightenment and truth. It is important that we take a step back and look at things from the perspective of others. Our destiny is in our hands. Life is cyclical, and this book helps to drive that point home. We, as humans, will live many lives, and our experiences within each life will bring us closer to our true knowledge of ourselves, our role in this world, as well as a deeper understanding of others. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Kudos to Veitch and DaFazio. One Great Year is more than a book of fiction. It speaks many truths, and delves in the idea of rebirth. Each stage of Enlightenment is one of being born again, but that ever powerful weapon of choice will continually direct the paths we take. Just like Helghul and Marcus, who chose to take one, which could lead to darkness or a lightness of being. In the end, once we find the right balance within ourselves, we will truly understand that the freedom of choice gives us free reign, but it is what we choose to do with the power we wield that makes all the difference.
In this life we are often faced with choices, and I do believe that deep down we have just been reliving lives, very much like Marcus has to do, living in the world throughout different Eras while faced with many different challenges. One Great Year really put a lot of things in perspective, and one of the many lessons it imparts is that you truly don't understand someone and their situation until you walk in their shoes. The next big lesson is that we all have the power of choice, one given us by the Heavenly Father, and it is our free will, and our very own moral code that helps to guide us through this journey called life. This book, hit me more on a spiritual level than any other book I've read since the Bible. One Great Year is one I will read over and over again.
The plot of this book is largely driven by conflict, mostly internal, and it is man's struggle with himself, that determines the path he chooses in life. The characters were vivid, and quite realistic. Yes, there are people who come along in life and act as boulders, very much like Helghul does from the opening of the book, throughout the end, but it is the choices that we make in how to deal with these struggles, which enable us to live a life of enlightenment and truth. It is important that we take a step back and look at things from the perspective of others. Our destiny is in our hands. Life is cyclical, and this book helps to drive that point home. We, as humans, will live many lives, and our experiences within each life will bring us closer to our true knowledge of ourselves, our role in this world, as well as a deeper understanding of others. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Kudos to Veitch and DaFazio. One Great Year is more than a book of fiction. It speaks many truths, and delves in the idea of rebirth. Each stage of Enlightenment is one of being born again, but that ever powerful weapon of choice will continually direct the paths we take. Just like Helghul and Marcus, who chose to take one, which could lead to darkness or a lightness of being. In the end, once we find the right balance within ourselves, we will truly understand that the freedom of choice gives us free reign, but it is what we choose to do with the power we wield that makes all the difference.
May 7, 2015
Because of the Camels is an inspiring story that gives you a previously unseen account to the incredible journey that brought the camels to rugged Texas in the 1800’s. This historical fiction is set during the time of the days just before the civil war; a great time of unrest and changes that help to create the America we know today. Skillfully weaved into more than just a depiction of history, it’s a story of many cultures and the upheaval that came with not only the war that changed our nation, but much of the unknown that came with settling the west.
Elizabeth McDermott, an up and coming socialite from one of Galveston’s most prominent families has no idea of the grand adventure that awaits her when the camels come; nor that the three young men Alex, Nate and Hassan that accompany the camels will ultimately change her life as well as all of theirs, forever. But this is not just Elizabeth’s story, nor is there ultimately one main character; more it is the story of the camels and all the lives they touched with their journal to help settle the west.
The many delightful scenes created by the author in this story were so true to imagination that they truly took you back to the crushed shell covered streets of Galveston, to the beautiful colored bays and its abundance of life that surrounded Saluria; to the vast expanse of the prairie grasses in the unsettled lands near San Antonio; each scene is so well depicted that one effortlessly travels back in time to become part of the adventures told.
Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the scenes created in the story, but I was taken away by how well each character in the story was developed. The author developed each and every character so well that you can’t help but feel that you are having tea with Sylvia, riding the camels with Hassan and Alex, sitting around the campfire listing to the tales spun by the camel men, and rocking on the porch with Jeremy. One is ready able to connect with all the characters in the story, allowing for it to become more than just an adventure read but also experienced.
The story of the camels journey to America and the part they played in American history is one that I genuinely enjoyed and my time spent with the McDermott family, Hassan and the camel men, Alex and his Uncle Babcock, Nate and his grandfather, as well as the many other characters in the story is one I won’t soon forget. I look forward to reading more of these amazing stories from this author.
Elizabeth McDermott, an up and coming socialite from one of Galveston’s most prominent families has no idea of the grand adventure that awaits her when the camels come; nor that the three young men Alex, Nate and Hassan that accompany the camels will ultimately change her life as well as all of theirs, forever. But this is not just Elizabeth’s story, nor is there ultimately one main character; more it is the story of the camels and all the lives they touched with their journal to help settle the west.
The many delightful scenes created by the author in this story were so true to imagination that they truly took you back to the crushed shell covered streets of Galveston, to the beautiful colored bays and its abundance of life that surrounded Saluria; to the vast expanse of the prairie grasses in the unsettled lands near San Antonio; each scene is so well depicted that one effortlessly travels back in time to become part of the adventures told.
Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the scenes created in the story, but I was taken away by how well each character in the story was developed. The author developed each and every character so well that you can’t help but feel that you are having tea with Sylvia, riding the camels with Hassan and Alex, sitting around the campfire listing to the tales spun by the camel men, and rocking on the porch with Jeremy. One is ready able to connect with all the characters in the story, allowing for it to become more than just an adventure read but also experienced.
The story of the camels journey to America and the part they played in American history is one that I genuinely enjoyed and my time spent with the McDermott family, Hassan and the camel men, Alex and his Uncle Babcock, Nate and his grandfather, as well as the many other characters in the story is one I won’t soon forget. I look forward to reading more of these amazing stories from this author.
October 21, 2014
I myself did not enjoy this book but can recognize the significant achievement of authors Tamara Veitch and Rene DeFazio in this work --
A) It's a truly epic novel -- and well-structured. The plot is thoughtfully crafted.
B) One Great Year is a philosophical novel, but it's not too heavy -- at least not for that reason. The spiritual and philosophical ideas come up pretty organically, as far as these things go.
Reasons why I didn't like this book but you might, dear reader:
A) I personally prefer to read realistic fiction. I have been trying to experiment more with fantasy, science fiction & other genres when I find something that looks compelling. I felt the setting of this book very hard to engage with for genre reasons. It's a spiritual fantasy of some sort, by the way, if you don't know anything about its genre yet. I'm not the best with these categories though.
A2) Another distancing factor along these lines for me was the cold and spare nature of the narrative voice. I can definitely see how it helps to take the reader to a particular mental place and is therefore critical to setting. But I just found it cold, almost alienating -- and it was well-written, but not particularly literary, in my view.
If you read a sample of the text and some summaries -- and like the sound of this book -- you're probably not wrong. I was out of my element. Also, I care nothing for romance themes, but I've noticed a lot of readers found the love story in the plot very satisfying.
B) When I considered this book, it was described as some unlikely combination of philosophy and fiction. The name of the thinker referenced was Eckhart Tolle, who I failed to place correctly in my mind at that time. I'm really just not that into philosophical-spiritual thinking of that kind (I mean that as broadly as I wrote it) right now. I don't have the intellectual appetite for it, but if you do, you should have at it with this book perhaps.
BTW, I received this book for free courtesy of Library Thing's Early Reviews program.
A) It's a truly epic novel -- and well-structured. The plot is thoughtfully crafted.
B) One Great Year is a philosophical novel, but it's not too heavy -- at least not for that reason. The spiritual and philosophical ideas come up pretty organically, as far as these things go.
Reasons why I didn't like this book but you might, dear reader:
A) I personally prefer to read realistic fiction. I have been trying to experiment more with fantasy, science fiction & other genres when I find something that looks compelling. I felt the setting of this book very hard to engage with for genre reasons. It's a spiritual fantasy of some sort, by the way, if you don't know anything about its genre yet. I'm not the best with these categories though.
A2) Another distancing factor along these lines for me was the cold and spare nature of the narrative voice. I can definitely see how it helps to take the reader to a particular mental place and is therefore critical to setting. But I just found it cold, almost alienating -- and it was well-written, but not particularly literary, in my view.
If you read a sample of the text and some summaries -- and like the sound of this book -- you're probably not wrong. I was out of my element. Also, I care nothing for romance themes, but I've noticed a lot of readers found the love story in the plot very satisfying.
B) When I considered this book, it was described as some unlikely combination of philosophy and fiction. The name of the thinker referenced was Eckhart Tolle, who I failed to place correctly in my mind at that time. I'm really just not that into philosophical-spiritual thinking of that kind (I mean that as broadly as I wrote it) right now. I don't have the intellectual appetite for it, but if you do, you should have at it with this book perhaps.
BTW, I received this book for free courtesy of Library Thing's Early Reviews program.
May 10, 2014
This book is a game changer. It combines ancient knowledge with cutting edge scientific ideas and some how makes sense of the universe in doing so. The book is written in a manner that is extremely visual thrusting you into four ancient civilizations and then drops you back into present day. This book really has everything action/adventure, romance, history, fantasy and still manages to have you contemplate the profound questions about life. I found myself thinking about the characters weeks after I finished reading. Cozy up this book is one great ride!
December 20, 2018
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When I read the premise of the book I was instantly sold. Upon receiving the audiobook and starting to read at first I was worried about where the book was going to go and it did not seem to have a lot of steam in pushing forward the story to where it was supposed to go. This lack of steam is something that was kept throughout the story, though when the story moved to the point that the premise talks about it did not feel as a problem and I was sucked into the story regardless. Especially the big story arc of Marcus in his life as a High Priestess was especially enthralling. The present day part of the story was short and almost hard to follow and it seemed to serve only as a bridge between other parts of the story. It was very difficult to follow with the sudden changes in the story and at first it left me completely confused of what was going on.
Of course I have my own ideas of who Helghul is in the present day and I hope I am seriously wrong ;).
When I read the premise of the book I was instantly sold. Upon receiving the audiobook and starting to read at first I was worried about where the book was going to go and it did not seem to have a lot of steam in pushing forward the story to where it was supposed to go. This lack of steam is something that was kept throughout the story, though when the story moved to the point that the premise talks about it did not feel as a problem and I was sucked into the story regardless. Especially the big story arc of Marcus in his life as a High Priestess was especially enthralling. The present day part of the story was short and almost hard to follow and it seemed to serve only as a bridge between other parts of the story. It was very difficult to follow with the sudden changes in the story and at first it left me completely confused of what was going on.
Of course I have my own ideas of who Helghul is in the present day and I hope I am seriously wrong ;).
September 30, 2013
Fascinating and filled with intense detail, One Great Year by Tamara Veitch and co-author Rene DeFazio is NOT light reading. Be prepared to concentrate, and realize how intriguing the concept of reincarnation can be. Marcus and Theron, young Lovers from a time long since past and a land long thought to have been a myth, have been selected to be “Emissaries” to the future, to retain knowledge, being reincarnated over and over without any memory of their previous lives. Spurned by Theron, Helghul seeks dark magic to also be reincarnated while retaining all memories of each life. When Marcus discovers Helghul’s paln, he, too takes a potion that will enable him to retain the memories of each life. Determined to cause chaos, Helghul becomes the anti-hero to Marcus’ hero. But will the weight of total recall life after life be too much for Marcus as he struggles to find his balance in each life, struggles to find his soulmate, Theron and to keep Helghul’s darkness at bay? Will he ever find the peace of mind and soul that he seeks?
The authors have dug deep and made their plot extremely realistic, yet there was a stark nature to living life over and over that quite frankly is one I have never thought of. The “feel” I got from the book was very serious and dark, though I must say, it would appear that intense research into the belief in reincarnation has been done, as evidenced by the endnote references, citing everything from the Bible to Wikipedia. As entertainment, I can recommend this book for serious readers who can take the time to digest what they have read, as it goes far beyond the doomed, or should I say non-existent love triangle between Theron, Marcus and Helghul. The writing is intense, the characters are well-developed and very “human.” The authors have presented a great tale wrapped up in food for thought. There is no room for not paying attention to each page, each life, but a challenge well worth the read!
I received an ARC edition in exchange for my honest review from the Greenleaf Book Group.
Expected Publication Date: October 22, 2013 - Actual Publication Date: September 16, 2013
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
ISBN: 9781626340237
Page Count: 456
Genre: Adult Spirituality/Religion/Fiction
Connect with the Authors at: www.OneGreatYear.com
Available to Purchase from: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
The authors have dug deep and made their plot extremely realistic, yet there was a stark nature to living life over and over that quite frankly is one I have never thought of. The “feel” I got from the book was very serious and dark, though I must say, it would appear that intense research into the belief in reincarnation has been done, as evidenced by the endnote references, citing everything from the Bible to Wikipedia. As entertainment, I can recommend this book for serious readers who can take the time to digest what they have read, as it goes far beyond the doomed, or should I say non-existent love triangle between Theron, Marcus and Helghul. The writing is intense, the characters are well-developed and very “human.” The authors have presented a great tale wrapped up in food for thought. There is no room for not paying attention to each page, each life, but a challenge well worth the read!
I received an ARC edition in exchange for my honest review from the Greenleaf Book Group.
Expected Publication Date: October 22, 2013 - Actual Publication Date: September 16, 2013
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
ISBN: 9781626340237
Page Count: 456
Genre: Adult Spirituality/Religion/Fiction
Connect with the Authors at: www.OneGreatYear.com
Available to Purchase from: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
March 14, 2015
What I liked: One Great Year was a book that both entertained and surprised me. It's definitely not a light read, because if I lost concentration while still skimming over the words I could get lost in what was happening so easily. Nevertheless, this never deterred me and I found that the characters in this book were very real, and the trials that Marcus goes through in each life to try and banish the darkness that had taken over the world were something I wasn't expecting. As an Emissary of his people from an age long forgotten by all but few Marcus also struggled to find what his people had considered balance. Helghul was actually an amazing antagonist for Marcus, and I liked that rivalry thing they had going on. Knowing how Helghul saw Theron also made it more believable for his rivalry with Marcus. The way everything was so woven inside history was fantastic as well, I love history so it was great for me to see how the authors wove this story within different points in history. The aspect of reincarnation being woven inside this story was another cool point for this story and the more I read this story the deeper I got dragged into this story that spanned centuries and I really liked it!
What I didn't like: Being an adult book I was more open to the fact that it would be different from my normal young adult reads but there were still a few parts that I struggled with even though I believe they were important to the story (the first of which happens in chapter five). I'm not referencing sex or drugs or anything like that, though those are in the book in places, but, as in the case of chapter five, there was what seemed like ritualistic sacrifice and that was, well, even with everything I read ritualistic sacrifice is still going to freak me out to a degree. Also, I just felt like the ending was a little anti-climatic for me, because of how it did end. It was a little...too neat for me in a sense, and I still don't really like it even a few hours after having finished the book.
Overall Review: I liked this book overall. While a little heavier than what I normally read in many aspects I thought it was put together well and made for a great read. The characters in it were complex and from one life to the next it was intense to see how things were happening.
Recommend?: Sure, why not? It's a good tale and if you're okay with spirituality and a heavy-handed book I hope you'll like this one!
What I didn't like: Being an adult book I was more open to the fact that it would be different from my normal young adult reads but there were still a few parts that I struggled with even though I believe they were important to the story (the first of which happens in chapter five). I'm not referencing sex or drugs or anything like that, though those are in the book in places, but, as in the case of chapter five, there was what seemed like ritualistic sacrifice and that was, well, even with everything I read ritualistic sacrifice is still going to freak me out to a degree. Also, I just felt like the ending was a little anti-climatic for me, because of how it did end. It was a little...too neat for me in a sense, and I still don't really like it even a few hours after having finished the book.
Overall Review: I liked this book overall. While a little heavier than what I normally read in many aspects I thought it was put together well and made for a great read. The characters in it were complex and from one life to the next it was intense to see how things were happening.
Recommend?: Sure, why not? It's a good tale and if you're okay with spirituality and a heavy-handed book I hope you'll like this one!
October 9, 2013
Triggers: Rape, torture, and other violence is present in this book. Not to mention lots of other terrible things happening to Marcus and Theron, in particular. I would stay away if these are issues for you.
This was a hard book to rate for me. I liked it up to a certain point... And then I just really didn't. The ending was what killed the entire almost-400-page book for me.
I would argue that this book is less about the characters and more about the authors spiritual worldview. There were definitely times where I felt like I was reading a treatise on spirituality more than a fictional narrative. This comes through especially with the gaping plot holes involving the three main characters relationships and emotions towards one another. We are just told that Theron and Marcus love each other (and, oh, do they like to wax poetic about it), but we never see why. Helgul is given a motivation to like Theron and dislike Marcus, but I never understood his actions directly prior to the fall of the Golden Age. What gave him a motivation to become that evil? And speaking of Helgul, his totally out-of-the-blue declaration at the very end wasn't given near enough explanation considering how major it was.
All that being said, this was a very well written and researched book. Having already read much of the writings we still have of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, and Pythagoras it made that particular time period more interesting to me. If you like political and spiritual philosophy, this is an very interesting read. And I will also say that I am now researching this idea of the "Great Year". So interesting! But I will not be reading any more of this series. The ending of this particular book just killed the whole concept for me, I'm afraid.
ARC courtesy of Greenleaf Book Group, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a hard book to rate for me. I liked it up to a certain point... And then I just really didn't. The ending was what killed the entire almost-400-page book for me.
I would argue that this book is less about the characters and more about the authors spiritual worldview. There were definitely times where I felt like I was reading a treatise on spirituality more than a fictional narrative. This comes through especially with the gaping plot holes involving the three main characters relationships and emotions towards one another. We are just told that Theron and Marcus love each other (and, oh, do they like to wax poetic about it), but we never see why. Helgul is given a motivation to like Theron and dislike Marcus, but I never understood his actions directly prior to the fall of the Golden Age. What gave him a motivation to become that evil? And speaking of Helgul, his totally out-of-the-blue declaration at the very end wasn't given near enough explanation considering how major it was.
All that being said, this was a very well written and researched book. Having already read much of the writings we still have of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, and Pythagoras it made that particular time period more interesting to me. If you like political and spiritual philosophy, this is an very interesting read. And I will also say that I am now researching this idea of the "Great Year". So interesting! But I will not be reading any more of this series. The ending of this particular book just killed the whole concept for me, I'm afraid.
ARC courtesy of Greenleaf Book Group, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2013
As the world is moving from a Golden Age into darker times, a small group of people from Atitala (which is explained as later mistranslated into Atlantis) are selected as an Emissary to keep knowledge. They are to be reincarnated with no memory of their past lives. Marcus and Theron are two young people in love who are both chosen. One person, Helghul, stands in their way. As chaos descends and the Emissaries have to escape, Marcus finds Helghul committing himself to dark spirits and drinking a potion that will allow him to retain his memories throughout each reincarnation. Marcus finds enough of the potion leftover and decides to drink it. In one final moment, Marcus and Theron are separated. He vows to use all of his incarnations to find her again. The story then takes you through various incarnations as major characters, many with a not optimal setup for Marcus and Theron. There are a few chapters and most of the end devoted to their present-day incarnations.
I did like the various incarnations throughout history. Many times they did not find each other. In some their ages were vastly different and the relationship was student/teacher, mother/son, etc. At times it became monotonous. Oh, they're in history together as these figures, they're this close to each other, and Helghul messes it all up somehow.
This book took me some time to finish. I had to slow down and focus on what was going on. At times I switched to other books for some lighter fare. Maybe I'm just not in the position to start a sprawling, thought provoking epic.
*I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley*
I did like the various incarnations throughout history. Many times they did not find each other. In some their ages were vastly different and the relationship was student/teacher, mother/son, etc. At times it became monotonous. Oh, they're in history together as these figures, they're this close to each other, and Helghul messes it all up somehow.
This book took me some time to finish. I had to slow down and focus on what was going on. At times I switched to other books for some lighter fare. Maybe I'm just not in the position to start a sprawling, thought provoking epic.
*I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley*
October 23, 2013
I’ll keep this short and simple it’s an okay book. I did well with it in small doses couple of chapters here and there. It is great written novel however it was very descriptive to the point of being boring in certain place. I would think yes we get the point move it along. What kept me coming back though and picking it up was the story of being reincarnated and the characters Marcus, Theron and Helghul. I need to know how their lives past and present intertwined together and how everything would all play out. I did get a bit confused with the use of past and present names until I was a little further into the novel. Overall an okay book and I would pick up another book by this author in the future.
ARC courtesy of Greenleaf Book Group via NetGalley
ARC courtesy of Greenleaf Book Group via NetGalley
January 7, 2014
I just want to say that I thought One Great Year was one of the best books I have ever read. I couldn't put your book down (except to eat, shower and sleep). I know you have really done your research, it is self evident. Your characters, story, and precision, talent, and intuition pervade and enrich every thought and page.I feel the world is transforming itself. Thank you for writing this.
Kevan
Kevan
November 30, 2013
interesting concept about reincarnation. some of the stories were interesting but at times seemed long-winded. the love story, however, just didn't seen plausible from the start. it seemed deeper as the story went on. I just didn't care for his it started.
August 22, 2013
This is an amazing love story. I loved this book. I could not put it down. Wonderful history, entwined with a love that will never die. Truly inspiring, made me want to become a better person.
May 2, 2015
I was asked to review this book by the authors, so I will be posting a full video review soon!!
June 18, 2015
My review on BookTube https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9mMtS-n... :)
September 24, 2019
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.0 of 5
This is not an easy book to read. In the descriptions of the book it is referred to as an 'epic' story but 'epic' doesn't just mean a heroic journey, but it also means 'long' and that describes this very well.
Marcus has been selected to become an 'Emissary' and as such, he is charged with protecting the ancient secrets. He has been reincarnated so many times he has lost count. He's not supposed to remember one lifetime to the next, but he secretly takes a serum that allows him to remember his past life. This leads to centuries of painful memories and loneliness. But not remembering his past might mean he loses his soulmate, Theron. Memories also help him to remember his nemesis, Helghul.
The premise here is really interesting and the early portions of the book are extremely well done. I loved the way the authors wove the history into the story. It definitely created an air of authenticity. But the closer the story got to modern day the less interesting the story became.
While the book is epic in scope, like many epic stories it hinges on something simpler. It is a love story at its core, and I never bought in to this 'true love' of Marcus'. And because I didn't believe in the love story, the rest of this became a very long-winded story without heart.
Despite the centuries that Marcus gets to (or has to) live, he doesn't seem to grow or become changed. This grew dull to me.
There's a lot spirituality and world-view-commentary contained within these pages, and ordinarily I'd really like that, but here it just bogged the story down.
Looking for a good book? One Great Year by Tamara Veitch and Rene DeFazio tries to be an epic fantasy that offers up some spiritual ideas that transcend a single generation, but the book gets bogged down by the writing and the romance that carries through just never catches on.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This is not an easy book to read. In the descriptions of the book it is referred to as an 'epic' story but 'epic' doesn't just mean a heroic journey, but it also means 'long' and that describes this very well.
Marcus has been selected to become an 'Emissary' and as such, he is charged with protecting the ancient secrets. He has been reincarnated so many times he has lost count. He's not supposed to remember one lifetime to the next, but he secretly takes a serum that allows him to remember his past life. This leads to centuries of painful memories and loneliness. But not remembering his past might mean he loses his soulmate, Theron. Memories also help him to remember his nemesis, Helghul.
The premise here is really interesting and the early portions of the book are extremely well done. I loved the way the authors wove the history into the story. It definitely created an air of authenticity. But the closer the story got to modern day the less interesting the story became.
While the book is epic in scope, like many epic stories it hinges on something simpler. It is a love story at its core, and I never bought in to this 'true love' of Marcus'. And because I didn't believe in the love story, the rest of this became a very long-winded story without heart.
Despite the centuries that Marcus gets to (or has to) live, he doesn't seem to grow or become changed. This grew dull to me.
There's a lot spirituality and world-view-commentary contained within these pages, and ordinarily I'd really like that, but here it just bogged the story down.
Looking for a good book? One Great Year by Tamara Veitch and Rene DeFazio tries to be an epic fantasy that offers up some spiritual ideas that transcend a single generation, but the book gets bogged down by the writing and the romance that carries through just never catches on.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2019
I liked this book. It was interesting and I always love a complex fantasy world. It’s based heavily off of eastern religion, but it was fun to read.
SO MUCH was missing. This book should have been several books, because so much wasn’t explained.
I know this book is no longer in circulation and that the authors wrote two new books that are more detailed with a different ending. I will probably read those next, and will probably love them a lot more.
SO MUCH was missing. This book should have been several books, because so much wasn’t explained.
I know this book is no longer in circulation and that the authors wrote two new books that are more detailed with a different ending. I will probably read those next, and will probably love them a lot more.
February 11, 2019
The writing was great. A mixture of past and present weaving in and out of each other.
The only problem I had was sudden change in story pace. It was really abrupt and broke the flow of the story. Its not horrible but I believe it could have been done better, the transition I mean.
Its a great story. Makes you want to keep reading. I'm interested in reading the other stories in the series.
The only problem I had was sudden change in story pace. It was really abrupt and broke the flow of the story. Its not horrible but I believe it could have been done better, the transition I mean.
Its a great story. Makes you want to keep reading. I'm interested in reading the other stories in the series.
July 5, 2018
Who we really are
This book is phenomenal and a really great read. You will learn who you are, or may be and why you are place here. Spiritually is wonderful and real. If you want to learn more abour it read this book. Love love loved this book. Can hardly wait for the next two .
This book is phenomenal and a really great read. You will learn who you are, or may be and why you are place here. Spiritually is wonderful and real. If you want to learn more abour it read this book. Love love loved this book. Can hardly wait for the next two .
August 16, 2019
Science fiction combines with philosophy, religion, and history to make a page turner. The only negative is next installment not due until October 2020.
October 31, 2024
I loved how the story explored different aspects of love and its incorporation of fantasy and history.
September 24, 2013
The idea of reincarnation and near death experiences has been a long time fascination for me. The concept that a soul is reborn over and over to learn new experiences is magical. I find comfort in the idea that those of us that have lost loved ones might meet them in the next lifetime. Too often people loose loved ones to childhood cancer, pulmonary hypertension, heart defects, etc. It is both tragic and heartbreaking to think that a soul ceases to exist if taken at a young age. This book supports the belief of reincarnation and spiritual awakening. It is a story about two souls named Theron and Marcus. They are two beings that are intertwined for eternity, but make their beginning on a place called Atitala or Atlantis to modern people. The authors weave a tale that shows how both beings are reincarnated in an ever continuous journey of enlightenment. However, only Marcus has the struggle of memory for he is the only one that can remember his roots, while Theron feels an unearthly pull toward Marcus. The book is a tale of two souls that seem to be doomed to never truly reunite both physically and spiritually. While one is old the other is young and while one is male the other is male. There never seems to be an opportunity where Theron is in her natural female form and Marcus is in his male form. Will these two soul mates be able to unite? Can both achieve true enlightenment and assist humanity in becoming better caretakers of the planet? Is Marcus doomed to eventual madness with his immortal memory intact?
The book was both fascinating and challenging for me. I have always been obsessed with the spiritual side of humanity and enjoy reading or watching subjects that cover it. I found the topics in this book to be highly informative and deep. I found myself recognizing many of the common core beliefs that supporters of reincarnation share. At the same time I felt a little overwhelmed by the amount of information that was given in the book. The chapters in the book were very rich in detail, but almost too much for me. It made it very difficult to follow sometimes and I found myself not wanting to finish the book. I really liked the plot of the story and thought the characters were well defined. Both Marcus and Theron seemed very real to me. I often became frustrated with Marcus as he struggled to find Theron. This book is in no way considered light reading to me. I think it would be more suited for someone who is into the spiritual side of humanity and already has a basic understanding of reincarnation. It might be somewhat confusing or boring to the average reader. This book is a great read and I do recommend it. However, I want to stress that it is for serious readers. It is 416 pages long and very complicated. Too be honest it is probably one the most challenging books that I have read in about 5 years. I must thank both the publisher and authors for sending me this book through the librarything's giveaway. I appreciate the opportunity and truly enjoyed the read! Thank you :)
The book was both fascinating and challenging for me. I have always been obsessed with the spiritual side of humanity and enjoy reading or watching subjects that cover it. I found the topics in this book to be highly informative and deep. I found myself recognizing many of the common core beliefs that supporters of reincarnation share. At the same time I felt a little overwhelmed by the amount of information that was given in the book. The chapters in the book were very rich in detail, but almost too much for me. It made it very difficult to follow sometimes and I found myself not wanting to finish the book. I really liked the plot of the story and thought the characters were well defined. Both Marcus and Theron seemed very real to me. I often became frustrated with Marcus as he struggled to find Theron. This book is in no way considered light reading to me. I think it would be more suited for someone who is into the spiritual side of humanity and already has a basic understanding of reincarnation. It might be somewhat confusing or boring to the average reader. This book is a great read and I do recommend it. However, I want to stress that it is for serious readers. It is 416 pages long and very complicated. Too be honest it is probably one the most challenging books that I have read in about 5 years. I must thank both the publisher and authors for sending me this book through the librarything's giveaway. I appreciate the opportunity and truly enjoyed the read! Thank you :)
December 17, 2013
Marcus, Theron and Helghul are Emissaries who each handle the looming end of the Golden Age in Atlantis in different ways. Marcus and Helghul vie for Theron’s love, but Theron refuses to choose one over the other, seeing the good in each. Marcus inadvertently watches as Helghul enters a pact of Dark Magic that sets them as enemies for thirteen thousand years. For each of the three, as well as other Emissaries, will be reborn in that role, but only three (not Theron) will remember their past lives due to a potion they drank in their first lifetime. Their mission, as they leave an Atlantis collapsing into the sea, is to spread Enlightenment, the Oneness of all men, women, and nature.
Marcus’s role as Emissary is often confused by his desperate search for Theron in every lifetime. Helghul on the other hand fully embraces the mission to bring darkness and destruction in each lifetime, always imprisoning or killing Marcus when he finds him. In some lifetimes, no one finds any of the other pivotal three characters.
So the three are reborn in Bolivia, Greece, Egypt, Mongolia, other European nations, and finally America. While there they teach thousands of people about the wisdom of the ages, all the while focusing on the key message of the Oneness of all. In one lifetime they are guided into the hidden Shambala where they are allowed to rest and revitalize their healing energy and powers. It’s a story of peace, love, and compassion – the dream life all yearn for but are not willing to pursue and pay the price for obtaining such a vision and/or way of life. Finally, in a turbulent, astonishing finale they converge at the Pyramids of Egypt where they will first encounter tests to prove they have retained their Emissary mission and then unite to usher in a new Golden Age.
One Great Year is a first novel of a planned trilogy. It is obviously superbly researched and much of that learning is provided with a bibliography and links at the end of the novel. This reviewer loved this novel but wonders how it will be received by the public. It’s not it’s too long but there is a circular cycle of plot that might be off-putting – good guy born and spreading a positive message followed by another conflict with bad guy. I would suggest, even at the cost of reducing size, that there be some more meat in what was taught and done in each lifetime (even if it has to be conflict but not the repetitive fight between Marcus and Helghul). Example – what did Plato teach and how was it received – not blind acceptance but pros and cons included briefly.
Still, all in all, this is a very impressive novel with a very important message that all of us deep down and on the surface know is the ultimate truth. The authors are to be commended for this Herculean effort and despite its repetitive cycle, it is well worth reading every single page. Very well done historical/fantasy/ paranormal fiction!
Marcus’s role as Emissary is often confused by his desperate search for Theron in every lifetime. Helghul on the other hand fully embraces the mission to bring darkness and destruction in each lifetime, always imprisoning or killing Marcus when he finds him. In some lifetimes, no one finds any of the other pivotal three characters.
So the three are reborn in Bolivia, Greece, Egypt, Mongolia, other European nations, and finally America. While there they teach thousands of people about the wisdom of the ages, all the while focusing on the key message of the Oneness of all. In one lifetime they are guided into the hidden Shambala where they are allowed to rest and revitalize their healing energy and powers. It’s a story of peace, love, and compassion – the dream life all yearn for but are not willing to pursue and pay the price for obtaining such a vision and/or way of life. Finally, in a turbulent, astonishing finale they converge at the Pyramids of Egypt where they will first encounter tests to prove they have retained their Emissary mission and then unite to usher in a new Golden Age.
One Great Year is a first novel of a planned trilogy. It is obviously superbly researched and much of that learning is provided with a bibliography and links at the end of the novel. This reviewer loved this novel but wonders how it will be received by the public. It’s not it’s too long but there is a circular cycle of plot that might be off-putting – good guy born and spreading a positive message followed by another conflict with bad guy. I would suggest, even at the cost of reducing size, that there be some more meat in what was taught and done in each lifetime (even if it has to be conflict but not the repetitive fight between Marcus and Helghul). Example – what did Plato teach and how was it received – not blind acceptance but pros and cons included briefly.
Still, all in all, this is a very impressive novel with a very important message that all of us deep down and on the surface know is the ultimate truth. The authors are to be commended for this Herculean effort and despite its repetitive cycle, it is well worth reading every single page. Very well done historical/fantasy/ paranormal fiction!
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