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Precipice: Act One of the A Show for the Gods Series
Two sisters born with unique, mystical abilities embark on a harrowing journey to retrieve book of twisted magic before its power can be harnessed for evil. Together, they must overcome an array of obstacles impeding their quarry, arising not just from the enemy, but from allies who secretly work against them.
422 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2013
1 person is currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Anthony DeRouen
2 books3 followersAnthony DeRouen was born and raised in Redwood City, California. Anthony began writing short stories and fan fiction in 2008. He has published one novel and written two others in the A Show for the Gods series: Precipice, Diviner, and End of Dreams.
A growing passion for online role-playing games introduced Anthony to the world of fan fiction where he compiled numerous stories and articles for his fellow guildmates to enjoy.
In 2009 while drafting a fantasy article for a friend’s gaming website he fell love with the concept of a battle healer who defends a country not her own against sinister forces bent on releasing a terrible power. A number of plot lines were developed along with how the world would appear at the height of its economical and political strength in the beginning, and then deteriorate as events unfolded.
When Anthony is not writing, he’s playing MMO’s such as Guild Wars 2 and Everquest 2,or training for obstacle course runs.
Visit Anthony's site at www.anthonyderouen.com
A growing passion for online role-playing games introduced Anthony to the world of fan fiction where he compiled numerous stories and articles for his fellow guildmates to enjoy.
In 2009 while drafting a fantasy article for a friend’s gaming website he fell love with the concept of a battle healer who defends a country not her own against sinister forces bent on releasing a terrible power. A number of plot lines were developed along with how the world would appear at the height of its economical and political strength in the beginning, and then deteriorate as events unfolded.
When Anthony is not writing, he’s playing MMO’s such as Guild Wars 2 and Everquest 2,or training for obstacle course runs.
Visit Anthony's site at www.anthonyderouen.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 28, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Precipice is an epic fantasy novel that follows the story of two half-sisters investigating a deeply interwoven conspiracy that spans three nations across the world of Velyn. Danika is a practitioner of healing magic in the form of a paladin with a great deal of field experience. Kiruna falls into the elemental wizard role as a powerful leader with an independent council of magic users. Each woman must follow a thread that ultimately leads her to confront a different facet of the evil forces threatening to destroy their world.
Let me open by saying that Anthony DeRouen is not a novice. His writing had the usual indie publishing hiccups, but also showed the telltale signs of great things to come. This author is clearly a student of the craft, and it shows in the three subsequent updates he sent me before I finished reading the book for my review. If I could give stars for effort, this book would get five.
If you are someone who enjoys epic fantasy, then Precipice might be perfect for you. I say might, because at first glance, it feels very much like a contemporary story with Danika playing the equivalent of a modern combat medic in a fantasy setting. As the story develops however, you find yourself straying into more familiar Tolkein-esque territory, with magical races and supernatural forces. There’s some great content for fans of Martin, if you can handle where the story ends. There’s also some fine reading for Tolkein fans, if you can weather the opening of the book until it picks up speed.
Here’s where things get tricky. The reason it’s difficult to make a recommendation for a select group is because of the breadth of the worldbuilding. There is a lot going on in Precipice. In fact, it’s far too ambitious for one book. The learning curve is a steep cliff, and I found myself losing my hold more than once. To DeRouen’s credit, there seems to be a very complex setting at work beneath the text of this book. The problem I had was that everything jumps out at you like a pop-up book full of generic fantasy elements.
The parallel story lines were difficult to track, and there was a lack of the sweeping descriptions that usually accompany a tale of this magnitude. People tend to accuse epic fantasy authors of being verbose, but when you start mixing up people, places, and even things because you don’t have any memorable imagery to cement them in your mind, you begin to understand why the masters put the epic word counts in their epic fantasy books.
I would have liked a deeper dive into Danika’s journey. She was a strong female protagonist that was interesting from moment one. If the book had followed her story alone, I think it would have carried much better than trying to include both sisters in parallel. Most of the characters had great potential, but didn’t seem to evolve very much over the course of the book (except for Danika). Keep in mind, my viewpoint might be overly critical because I’ve read so many great fantasy books.
While I admit to a lower tolerance for the genre, I think the author bit off more than he could consume. A really solid developmental edit would have made this book into several volumes, and helped clarify the groundwork for what looks to be a very promising mythos. The scope of the setting far outweighs the power of the storytelling in its current form, and I found myself leaning in and backing away in equal parts. Scale Precipice down a bit, and you have a heroic fantasy book that is well worth reading.
3 out of 5 stars. Pick this up if you’re a fan of the Game of Thrones television show, but haven’t gotten around to reading any of the books.
Precipice is an epic fantasy novel that follows the story of two half-sisters investigating a deeply interwoven conspiracy that spans three nations across the world of Velyn. Danika is a practitioner of healing magic in the form of a paladin with a great deal of field experience. Kiruna falls into the elemental wizard role as a powerful leader with an independent council of magic users. Each woman must follow a thread that ultimately leads her to confront a different facet of the evil forces threatening to destroy their world.
Let me open by saying that Anthony DeRouen is not a novice. His writing had the usual indie publishing hiccups, but also showed the telltale signs of great things to come. This author is clearly a student of the craft, and it shows in the three subsequent updates he sent me before I finished reading the book for my review. If I could give stars for effort, this book would get five.
If you are someone who enjoys epic fantasy, then Precipice might be perfect for you. I say might, because at first glance, it feels very much like a contemporary story with Danika playing the equivalent of a modern combat medic in a fantasy setting. As the story develops however, you find yourself straying into more familiar Tolkein-esque territory, with magical races and supernatural forces. There’s some great content for fans of Martin, if you can handle where the story ends. There’s also some fine reading for Tolkein fans, if you can weather the opening of the book until it picks up speed.
Here’s where things get tricky. The reason it’s difficult to make a recommendation for a select group is because of the breadth of the worldbuilding. There is a lot going on in Precipice. In fact, it’s far too ambitious for one book. The learning curve is a steep cliff, and I found myself losing my hold more than once. To DeRouen’s credit, there seems to be a very complex setting at work beneath the text of this book. The problem I had was that everything jumps out at you like a pop-up book full of generic fantasy elements.
The parallel story lines were difficult to track, and there was a lack of the sweeping descriptions that usually accompany a tale of this magnitude. People tend to accuse epic fantasy authors of being verbose, but when you start mixing up people, places, and even things because you don’t have any memorable imagery to cement them in your mind, you begin to understand why the masters put the epic word counts in their epic fantasy books.
I would have liked a deeper dive into Danika’s journey. She was a strong female protagonist that was interesting from moment one. If the book had followed her story alone, I think it would have carried much better than trying to include both sisters in parallel. Most of the characters had great potential, but didn’t seem to evolve very much over the course of the book (except for Danika). Keep in mind, my viewpoint might be overly critical because I’ve read so many great fantasy books.
While I admit to a lower tolerance for the genre, I think the author bit off more than he could consume. A really solid developmental edit would have made this book into several volumes, and helped clarify the groundwork for what looks to be a very promising mythos. The scope of the setting far outweighs the power of the storytelling in its current form, and I found myself leaning in and backing away in equal parts. Scale Precipice down a bit, and you have a heroic fantasy book that is well worth reading.
3 out of 5 stars. Pick this up if you’re a fan of the Game of Thrones television show, but haven’t gotten around to reading any of the books.
July 15, 2016
There's a lot to like about Precipice: Act One of A Show for the Gods. Mr. DeRouen has written a fun adventure with interesting characters, blazing magic, and a setting that is not quite typical for the genre (it has sort of a post-Roman Mediterranean city-state flavor). I enjoyed reading about protagonists who were not young quasi-european dudes in plate armor or old quasi-european dudes in musty robes.
Instead, we follow a pair of half sisters, one a healer/general and one a powerful mage, as they attempt to unravel the mysteries surrounding a stolen book, a sudden rash of pirate attacks, suspicious political maneuvers and (of course) some supernatural nastiness along the way. There is deep backstory for the characters and the realms they inhabit, and this pays off with a world that is vivid and distinct, even if there were a few bits I'd have loved to read more about along the way (I'm looking at you, creepy extra-dimensional guy, but I'll say nothing more to avoid spoilers).
If I had any criticism, it was some puzzling formatting and editing issues which distracted me from time to time, but I understand that I was reading an early edition and that, in large part, these issues are corrected in the latest version. These corrections are bound to make the narrative more even and the story more immersive.
All in all it was a good ride, and I'm hoping to get an early peek at the sequel so that I can continue the adventure soon!
Instead, we follow a pair of half sisters, one a healer/general and one a powerful mage, as they attempt to unravel the mysteries surrounding a stolen book, a sudden rash of pirate attacks, suspicious political maneuvers and (of course) some supernatural nastiness along the way. There is deep backstory for the characters and the realms they inhabit, and this pays off with a world that is vivid and distinct, even if there were a few bits I'd have loved to read more about along the way (I'm looking at you, creepy extra-dimensional guy, but I'll say nothing more to avoid spoilers).
If I had any criticism, it was some puzzling formatting and editing issues which distracted me from time to time, but I understand that I was reading an early edition and that, in large part, these issues are corrected in the latest version. These corrections are bound to make the narrative more even and the story more immersive.
All in all it was a good ride, and I'm hoping to get an early peek at the sequel so that I can continue the adventure soon!
October 6, 2013
Purchased my copy at the author's book signing event.
From the start of chapter one I was intrigued by the struggle the main protagonist faced. Tensions rise between sovereign states. A young Lord Marshal beckons a senate council to grant him war powers to end bitter conflict, but he has other intentions. The main protagonist wishes to calm the tension before swords are drawn.
The story of Precipice is split between three points of view. Surprisingly, the author elects to give each character a respected and renown station to begin from. No commoners or simple pitch-fork peasants rising to Godhood here. Danika Del Ray is a healer of magical properties who also leads men into battle, thus serving a unique dual-role. One side she cares for the wounded, the other she takes a life in defense of her people.
Her sister, Kiruna is a wizard we find leading an investigation into a massacred fortress, which occurred about the same time as Danika's troubles. Without giving away spoilers, the storylines come together in a way I surmised would happen, but enjoyed nonetheless.
The magical system was top knotch. Well thought out and executed. Highly recommended.
From the start of chapter one I was intrigued by the struggle the main protagonist faced. Tensions rise between sovereign states. A young Lord Marshal beckons a senate council to grant him war powers to end bitter conflict, but he has other intentions. The main protagonist wishes to calm the tension before swords are drawn.
The story of Precipice is split between three points of view. Surprisingly, the author elects to give each character a respected and renown station to begin from. No commoners or simple pitch-fork peasants rising to Godhood here. Danika Del Ray is a healer of magical properties who also leads men into battle, thus serving a unique dual-role. One side she cares for the wounded, the other she takes a life in defense of her people.
Her sister, Kiruna is a wizard we find leading an investigation into a massacred fortress, which occurred about the same time as Danika's troubles. Without giving away spoilers, the storylines come together in a way I surmised would happen, but enjoyed nonetheless.
The magical system was top knotch. Well thought out and executed. Highly recommended.
September 12, 2013
This was a review done by Rebecca's Reads:
As “Precipice: Act One of the A Show for the Gods” opens, the reader is introduced to Danika Del Ray, the main character in the book. Danika was called from her teaching to come to the assistance of the staff in the hospital as they were short-handed. Once she found who had summoned her, she recognized the patient immediately and asked the person attending whether she had done an analysis. As the patient began thrashing around,
Danika placed two fingers on his forehead and released a thread of divine energy into his system. A soft white light emanated from her fingers as she examined him from the inside out, her mind slipping in a state of alternate vision. She guided the streams of magic through his veins, nerves, bones and muscle tissue. When Danika’s search came up empty, she prodded further, expanding her flow of magic to cover more areas quickly. Then she found the problem. In her mind, the abnormality appeared. (p.5)
Rather than heal him instantly, she gave him a concoction as she warned that healing would weaken his natural ability to heal.
After this introduction to Danika and her special abilities, author Anthony DeRouen sets the remaining backdrop of the lands and the situations that are occurring. What I found especially handy, to give the reader a visual of the layout, was the map in the front of the book. I always like when a map is included in a story like this as it really heightens one’s understanding of what is where and adds to the enjoyment of reading the book.
The main characters in the book are interesting and unique. From the first introduction to Danika, I was intrigued by her and enjoyed learning more about her as the story progressed. Equally intriguing is Danika’s sister, Kiruna. Kiruna enters the story after an attack of explosions that destroyed everything. Kiruna teleported herself to Danika’s side after she was pulled from the harbor. Also saved from the devastation was Shieldmarshal Fareth as at the time of the explosions, Danika shielded him using her magical powers.
After a later attack on Fort Ta ‘Bren, Kiruna enters the spotlight again and expresses concern for the location of “the books.” The books, we learn, hold great importance. After an inventory, it is found that The Book of Bel’al has been taken. In the wrong hands, the book is extremely dangerous. Danika and Kiruna need to put aside everything in a mission to get it back.
With elements of magic, conspiracy, war, action, adventure, and romance…this book has a lot going on and moves along at a very good pace. As the story progressed, I was further drawn in and enjoyed the plot line. There was plenty of mystery and intrigue as DeRouen creates a solid beginning of this series, leaving me wanting more.
I recommend anyone who enjoys fantasy novels to read “Precipice: Act One of the A Show for the Gods”. The ending of this first installment leaves you eagerly anticipating what happens next. I look forward to Act II.
http://rebeccasreads.com/Reviews/Revi...
As “Precipice: Act One of the A Show for the Gods” opens, the reader is introduced to Danika Del Ray, the main character in the book. Danika was called from her teaching to come to the assistance of the staff in the hospital as they were short-handed. Once she found who had summoned her, she recognized the patient immediately and asked the person attending whether she had done an analysis. As the patient began thrashing around,
Danika placed two fingers on his forehead and released a thread of divine energy into his system. A soft white light emanated from her fingers as she examined him from the inside out, her mind slipping in a state of alternate vision. She guided the streams of magic through his veins, nerves, bones and muscle tissue. When Danika’s search came up empty, she prodded further, expanding her flow of magic to cover more areas quickly. Then she found the problem. In her mind, the abnormality appeared. (p.5)
Rather than heal him instantly, she gave him a concoction as she warned that healing would weaken his natural ability to heal.
After this introduction to Danika and her special abilities, author Anthony DeRouen sets the remaining backdrop of the lands and the situations that are occurring. What I found especially handy, to give the reader a visual of the layout, was the map in the front of the book. I always like when a map is included in a story like this as it really heightens one’s understanding of what is where and adds to the enjoyment of reading the book.
The main characters in the book are interesting and unique. From the first introduction to Danika, I was intrigued by her and enjoyed learning more about her as the story progressed. Equally intriguing is Danika’s sister, Kiruna. Kiruna enters the story after an attack of explosions that destroyed everything. Kiruna teleported herself to Danika’s side after she was pulled from the harbor. Also saved from the devastation was Shieldmarshal Fareth as at the time of the explosions, Danika shielded him using her magical powers.
After a later attack on Fort Ta ‘Bren, Kiruna enters the spotlight again and expresses concern for the location of “the books.” The books, we learn, hold great importance. After an inventory, it is found that The Book of Bel’al has been taken. In the wrong hands, the book is extremely dangerous. Danika and Kiruna need to put aside everything in a mission to get it back.
With elements of magic, conspiracy, war, action, adventure, and romance…this book has a lot going on and moves along at a very good pace. As the story progressed, I was further drawn in and enjoyed the plot line. There was plenty of mystery and intrigue as DeRouen creates a solid beginning of this series, leaving me wanting more.
I recommend anyone who enjoys fantasy novels to read “Precipice: Act One of the A Show for the Gods”. The ending of this first installment leaves you eagerly anticipating what happens next. I look forward to Act II.
http://rebeccasreads.com/Reviews/Revi...
January 1, 2014
A wonderful story involving two magical sisters working together and apart to stop a power mad, vengeful man from wreaking havoc on their world. Good character development and engaging plot. Thanks to Goodreads First Reads contest for selecting me to read this book.
October 14, 2013
Took a chance on local author since the cover summary sounded pleasing. Great story overall. Will follow the saga into book two.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews