Heroes of Issalia Ultimate Collection: Two Complete Epic Fantasy Series

The Runes of Issalia #0.5–3

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

The return of a long lost magic. A desperate quest for an enchanted relic. The final battle to save mankind from extinction.
"A hidden gem amongst an array of great fantasy." - ★★★★★Observant Raven Book Review

2,500 pages of swashbuckling, heroic adventure in an epic fantasy bundle of novels averaging 4.5 stars across ~6,000 Amazon reader reviews.
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From THE BURIED SYMBOL, Runes of Issalia, Book

They tell Unchosen, "Accept your fate and you'll be rewarded in the next life."
The threat of execution is their recourse.

Rejecting his role as an outcast, a teen risks his life and schemes his way into a school where the Empire's future leaders are trained.
Can he maintain this charade?

Within an academy of magic, invention, and combat, he discovers secrets kept from society, among which is a forbidden magic he is able to wield.
While he is determined to tame his frightening new abilities, one misstep could destroy him.
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Includes the COMPLETE Runes of Issalia trilogy, a companions novella titled ICON, and the Wardens of Issalia 4-book series. This bundle offers 2,500 pages of epic fantasy filled with magic, mystery, and monsters.
DOWNLOAD NOW. YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS.

Readers rave about Runes of Issalia and Wardens of

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Collections, Fiction, Science Fiction, Ebooks

2463 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2018

About the author

I love fantasy, adventure, and magic. More than that, I adore my readers.

My books are written to entertain -- fantasy adventures filled with compelling characters, spectacular magic, thrilling action, constant intrigue, and a sense of discovery. I equate them to the "Marvel Movie" version of fiction, intended to be a fun escape.

I would love to have you join me and my quirky characters for one outrageous adventure after another. With over a million published words, my author journey has just begun.

Best wishes,
Jeff

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Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota where comic books sparked his young imagination, inspiring fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer's imagination.

Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging characters caught in fantastic plots to inspire young adults and the child within us all.
_________________________________

"Would you like FREE books and access to exclusive content? Join my author newsletter, which frequently includes special offers and inside info on my books.
Join at www.JeffreyLKohanek.com and download a free eBook today." -Jeff

"I LOVE to hear from readers and fans. Connect with me through email or social media."

Email - author@JeffreyLKohanek.com
Facebook - /JeffreyLKohanek

Reviews

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes and villains through two generations

An incredible book series. Full of great characters. Heroics that will truly change the world, then jump forward over 20 years where the next generation must prove themselves.

The kingdom of Issalia has a hierarchy. People are magically scanned and told their vocation for life. The lowest are the unchosen. The supposed have no skill, no rights and more or less no future. A young unchosen named Brock is set on a journey to change his life. Discovery of means death. He will make new friends, enemies, uncover secrest hidden for over a century, and forge a destiny that nobody could have forseen. Then, 20 years in the future, the world is on the brink of war again.

This book has it all swords, blades, arrows, magic (Order and Chaos), sacrifice, betrayals, twists, turns, and lots of action. The world will never be the same. There might even be more to come.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue Legacy - Lyra watches her father die, and then spends so much time running for her life. She goes through so much at a young age. However, she has a very smart head on her shoulders. She makes friends on her journey, and eventually finds a family. However, that doesn't last and she has to run again. This time she runs back into old friends and may even find her own happy ending.

I really loved this book and the nod to The Princess bride. Lyra remains true to herself no matter what she happens to be calling herself. She is a strong young lady and every bit a survivor. She is also a hero. This was my first book by this author, but I look forward to reading more of his work.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book series. Very fun; thoroughly enjoyable.

A light read in the sense that you don't feel grim and gloomy from reading it and finding the story heavy for "mental" digestion. At the same time it features intelligent story-lines with great progression, magic system and a range of characters to make it a 'can't put down' book for me.

[Sally Tingley-walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Adventure

Loved the plot. Lots of twists & turns as the characters come into their own, battling the powers within & those who wish to curb their magic. Rich characters, you really get to know them with the excellent flow of JLK's writing style. If you love fantasy & adventure, this series & great prequel is a great read.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Actually this began when I got A Warden’s Purpose and then realized there were 5 preceding books. Yuck. But I dutifully started with book 1 and before I knew it, I was sucked into the adventure. Certainly not yuck! Interesting characters, interesting magic, and most of all interesting saga. A worthwhile investment in excellent writing.

[Nancy Phy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful fantasy

I love this saga and think anyone that enjoys a great fantasy will too. It's a great story with awesome characters that will entertain you from the beginning to the end. There is magic, mystery, battles, scary monsters and love.
I recommend this series to anyone that enjoys a great fantasy.

[Sandralena Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun series. Love Brock's character, and his many friends and girlfriend. Each successive book gives more insight into Brock's friends. The magic is different, with multiple kinds. The Ministry is sufficiently evil, but with good and bad people within it.

Much more like Brandon Sanderson than Harry Potter, even though there is a magic academy.

[Jerry T Sada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I find the world of issalia well developed. The characters seem to come to life. JLK allows the characters to learn and become more than single minded people. JLK loves to put in little back stories which help explain why things are happening. You can’t go wrong with this book.

[Timothy Seyfert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series

I'm a slow reader and finished the series in only a week. I couldn't stop reading it. I'm usually to lazy to do a review like this, but that's just how good this series is

[Cody Arko-Omori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

This was a fascinating tale of a young woman who loses her father and home in in one night. She's now on the run. She meets the Tantarri before they become the horse lords, and she has a home with them for awhile. Her adventure is only just beginning.
A great story about never giving up hope.

[mr surinder daulla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

A charming, heart warming story. Thoroughly enjoyed the characters arc and the use of magic was interesting. Can't wait to read more stories in this wonderful world.

[Russ Bailey]

Love the entire series!

[Judy Piegza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more

A fun easy read that kept me enthralled from cover to cover. I recommend it to all Fantasy lovers. Now I have to go find the next series. What a problem.

[Scott R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written series with some great characters and a unique magical system. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

[Leda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite entertaining from beginning to end.

[BELLE || of the || BOOKSHELVES · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall rating: 3.25 stars

Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable series! I enjoyed getting to know Brock and his group of friends, following their travels and hardships, and discovering the truth about their ancestors' past alongside them. I especially appreciated that the battles were realistic; although it was tragic to lose some great characters, it was refreshing to not have them all miraculously survive! And the ending of An Empire in Runes was perfect! The only let-down for me was the writing style of the three Runes of Issalia books; something about the dialogue just didn't seem natural and was off-putting for me. However, this was improved in Rogue Legacy, which I enjoyed immensely and couldn't put down! I have already recommended this series to my sister (who devoured them in less than a week!) and will definitely recommend to others in the future 😊

The Buried Symbol (The Runes of Issalia, #1):
🌟🌟🌟 ~ easily-finished-it-but-probably-wouldn't-reread good
Review:

The Emblem Throne (The Runes of Issalia, #2):
🌟🌟🌟 ~ easily-finished-it-but-probably-wouldn't-reread good
Review:

An Empire in Runes (The Runes of Issalia, #3):
🌟🌟🌟 ~ easily-finished-it-but-probably-wouldn't-reread good
Review:

Rogue Legacy (Origins of Issalia, #1):
🌟🌟🌟🌟 ~ couldn't-put-it-down great
Review:

[Jas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #1 – A Buried Symbol: The Discovery of Magic - This is a thrilling Fantasy series, it probably does have a target audience of Young Adult, but it is so good, that it is well worth the read regardless of your age.
This book is broken into three parts really, the first, follows Brock in Kantaria in his earlier years, whilst the second is this perilous journey to Fallbrandt, where the final part of Brock’s adventure takes place.
Who is Brock? Well this book follows the life of Brock who lives in a medieval world that has magic, but is also dominated by a Caste System that is generated from an early age. Someone with the ability to divine ‘Runes’ looks into a baby’s mind, and from what they see, they are given the strongest Rune, which is tattooed on their forehead for all to see. If none is seen, then that person goes as what is called an ‘Unchosen’, someone who is in this world without a Rune (their forehead is bare), and therefore Casteless, and considered by most to be less than nothing.
Brock is born without a Rune, to a Mother and Father that although are both Unchosen as well, the Father runs a tannery, something that is considered unworthy of those with a Rune, so ok for the Unchosen. However, Brock’s mother becomes ill early, and dies, and once this happens, his father becomes a different person.
In the early part of this story, we learn of Brock’s struggles with growing up with a sick Aunt (his Mother’s Sister Ellie), his father’s disregard for Brock once his Wife had passed, and how Brock has dreams of attending the Ministry Academy in far off Fallbrandt. But to do this, he would need to have a Rune of his own, one of Issalia, marking him as a Ministry person, and allowing him to attend the academy. We also learn of his close friendship with another Unchosen, Tipper, who has lost his parents, and makes a living on the streets, and through the kindness that Brock shows him.
Through a series of events (without giving too much away), Brock manages to not only manage to gather sufficient funds, but he manages to find a way to illegally get a Rune tattooed on his head, so that he will be able to attend the Academy. However, it means he will have to leave his life in Kantaria for ever, never to return.
There is then a perilous journey to Fallbrandt, which makes for a fascinating read as Brock, who has been accompanied by Tipper who decides there is nothing for him in Kantaria, goes with Brock on this new adventure. I am not giving anything away of this part, as it is just too much fun.
Once Brock reaches Fallbrandt, and the city of the Academy, things take on a whole new perspective for him. There is a lot that happens here, and I don’t want to give too much of this part of the story away, as it is full of adventure and intrigue. This is where the real story starts to unfold though, and we get to meet some of the true characters of the story, from the always hungry, stoic, but loyal Cam, to the ingenious, highly intelligent, and quite hilarious Benny, two of Brocks best friends (apart from Tipper). Tipper finds himself welcomed at a new home, an inn by the name of the ‘The Quiet Woman’, an establishment that caters more to the refined Lady, than most men, but one that the boys found themselves at when they first arrived, and the owner, Dory, was immediately taken with young Brock, and her table of friends were even more taken with his tales. The Inn has some other great characters, Libby and James as well.
Brock is an interesting character, one that always looks for the good in others, and whilst he might have the odd youthful angry moment, he is a person that tries to help others, or do good by others. He is a great role model for his friends, (and for young readers), but one of the things that comes out of this, is the loyalty and friendship his behaviour nurtures in others, as the story develops, we see countless examples of how Brock’s personality are rewarded.
This is a very in-depth story, there is a lot of world-building that has gone into this story that whilst we benefit from in this first book, we have only just begun to scratch the surface, and this first book will be the building blocks for what is to become an intriguing and comprehensive series.
Again, whilst this is a series aimed at ‘Young-Adults’ I found it thoroughly entertaining with a compelling storyline, exceptional world-building and just outstanding character work. I am already into book 2, and can’t wait to see how this unfolds!! This is a series for lovers of Fantasy Young and, well let’s say ‘Older’ shall we??
Book #2 - Book 2 of the Runes of Issalia series continues on from book 1, following Brock Talenz and his friends at the Academy, although each of them has now completed their first year, and has now been chosen for a specialty to continue on with, Brock no surprise with Ecclesiastics, along with Ashland, Benny of course is Engineering and Cam and Lars are to be Paladins (again, no surprise there given how good they are).
Book 1 was broken into multiple parts, the introduction of Brock and Tip, their journey to the Academy, and the Brocks eventual first year at the Academy. Book 2 has a similar format, only with a much different storyline.
Book 2 is slightly different also, in that the story is not told entirely from Brock’s perspective, but we get to learn more about each of our main characters, Benny, Ashland, Cam and Lars. At the start of the book, this is told through the group being on a holiday, and each of them going back to their family homes, so we get to meet the parents, but see a good bit of background character growth for every character. It was fascinating getting to see where all of the group came from, but we also got to learn various things that had been hinted at in book 1.
In this second book Parker has joined the group as well, now that he doesn’t have to suck up to Corbin due to family ties, he makes good friends with Brock who he always liked, as well as Benny, his roommate, and the others.
The story returns to the Academy for a while, where the group continues to learn their new second year skills.
As year 2 starts, Brock and the gang continue to research Chaos and the history of the Banished Horde, both of which have been removed from nearly all knowledge places, and it has been only through some careful snooping and luck that they have found some old texts on either subject.
As the story unfolds (and I don’t want to give too much away), the Scooby Gang uncover all sorts of interesting information about the power of Chaos, and how to use the runes. However, due to various events (that I won’t spoil), the group make a sudden departure from the Academy.
This is where the story moves to the third part of this book (the first having been the holiday, and the second returning to school), as the group Brock, Ashland, Benny, Lars, Cam, and Parker all head off on a journey to find The Emblem Throne (I’m hoping that wasn’t a spoiler for anyone given the title).
I am not going to go into too much from here, as I don’t want to give away spoilers, but the book moves away from the Academy life, and into a far more adventure style story, in which the training that they have received in the first year (the healing, Paladin training, even the Hierarchal training for diplomacy and understanding of various laws etc), are all put to the test.
This is a really fascinating and in-depth story, as it is not just about good and evil, there are some complex moral questions that have far-reaching social outcomes. The caste structure of society that has been set up and the ramifications this has for those without a ‘Rune’, both social and moral is intriguing. But more than that, we now get to see another interesting moral dilemma with the discovery of Chaos and the potential power it holds.
Kohanek has weaved this intricate tale with multiple layers and sub-stories, whilst the main story follows Brock, each of the major characters also has their own significant storyline as well, Ashland, Cam, Benny, Parker, Tip and Libby, as well as several new characters I won’t give away spoilers for.
As with the first book, the character work is just exceptional, such in-depth characters that come to life on every page, and you find yourself lost in their stories from the first page. Each and every character is such an amazing person, from the Heroic Brock, to the Legendary Cam, and the Compassionate Ashland. Even those that work for the corrupt side (no spoilers) are wonderfully well done. Along with the great character work, the world-building is outstanding, with beautifully crafted cities and places they visit, to the truly terrifying creatures that they face, straight from nightmares, every aspect of this story is intricately detailed to make this story extraordinary.
Book #3 – An Empire in Runes: A Battle of Magic - In this final book of the series Brock and his loyal group, which is steadily growing as the series goes on, have taken the Unchosen prison camp, freeing the Unchosen slaves that were being held there. This is for a twofold effect, one, to release them from their captivity, but also to ask for any volunteers that will be able to assist in the upcoming war against the new Horde. Of course, all the prisoners rally under Brock, and he begins to train them.
This book is again broken into a few ‘sections’ as such, with the opening part being about the initial release and setup of a basecamp within the old prison, using it as a training ground for the newly freed prisoners, allowing them to train as users of ‘Chaos’.
As the story progresses though, Brock realises that they do not have much time, as the Horde is closing on the plains, and he must have everything he can muster on the field of battle by that time, or all will be lost. Of course, most people think those that are trying to assist him have lost their minds, the Horde returned, beasts roaming the lands, silly nonsense. Of course until they either fall to the Horde, or get news a neighbouring city doesn’t exist anymore.
Brock sends each of his friends on a mission – Ashland to gather healers, Cam and Lars to gather Paladins, Benny to try and create something clever with Engineering, whilst he, Parker, and some people who were taken from the Academy as prisoners remain to train those at the castle.
I don’t want to give away spoilers of the middle section of the book, in which those that journey forth to gain aid, and their stories – these are interesting stories, and it is a bit of a change up from the first books, as we get a bit more of an individual look at each of the main characters and how well they can act on their own.
There are some great adventures in this part of the book.
But this final book all leads to the epic conclusion, in which Brock and the meager forces he manages to gather, take on a massive force of ravaging Horde, numbering in their thousands, Banshee’s and Bacabra’s and other horrors from nightmares.
This is a tale of truly EPIC proportions, one of heroes, and heroic deeds, but it is also one in which those that have been shunned and cursed by society, stand and make their mark (Ironically, a mark that has been seen as evil), in an effort to save those who are so ungrateful. Kohanek provides a really intriguing insight into how a power can be used for both good and evil – it is not the thing itself that is evil, but the person who wields it, and we see that even in those who are deemed ‘good’ with the mark of Issalia and Order. I really don’t want to give any spoilers for this final part, but I just want to say that this entire series is worth reading, just to get to this point and the extraordinary battle that takes place. It is brutal, captivating, and once you start this section, there is NO putting it down, you just have to finish it. Kohanek is not afraid to kill his main characters, and several fall.
The descriptive work in this final battle, (and in the other parts of this book), are just outstanding. The battle scenes are very well done, with enough detail to engage us in the conflict, and let us know what is going on, but not ridiculously over done with ‘every’ single blow and twist and turn, so you wonder if it will ever end. The Magic system in this series has been nothing short of masterful, the way that a user has to draw on chaos (both figuratively – with a negative emotion, and literally – by drawing a Rune on an object/person), to access the power is just wonderful.
Even the healing aspect, drawing life energy from those that they heal, leaving them hungry, is very creative.
The character work continues to be brilliant, with each of the characters growing, as we learn more about their backgrounds, and for many of them, not only their current events, but their futures as well, which is great for the reader. This book had a lot more insight into the individual main characters, rather than just Brock, allowing us a greater understanding of those that stand beside our Hero.
Tim Campbell has a wonderful voice, very easy to listen to, with a very clear and concise speaking voice. He has a wonderful range of both male and female voices, and he does a fantastic range of individual voices so that you know ‘who’ is speaking without having to be told. Jeff Kohanek has written this with an audiobook in mind, so there is not a lot of ‘he said, she said’ breaking up the speech, making this a very easy flowing book to listen to.
Just as importantly, Campbell captures the emotional state of his characters with consummate ease, so that you really understand how they feel when they are talking (angry, happy, sad, frightened, elated), it adds so much more to the story, and Campbell really uses it to add such an extra dimension to the story.
This is an exceptional telling of the story, and makes this one absolutely worth listening to!!

[L M Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic Fantasy At It's Best

This set contains the first three books in this epic fantasy series as well as a shorter novella that follows directly on from the trilogy. In a society which has severe class segregation based on occupation, a group of heroes are drawn together and find the fate of the world in their hands. They are faced with a mysterious invasion of unstoppable monsters.

A good, easy to read writing style coupled with a good storyline makes these books a thoroughly enjoyable read for any age group. Recommend.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chous

I really enjoyed this whole series. From a young teenager to a King. A world full of good and dark magic. Of a young teenager who joins the academy and learns how to use good and dark magic to fight the enemy. The bad people of "The Hand" to the ability to get people to do what needed to be done. Read the whole thing all together. Brook and Ashley are the soul of this series.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive Trilogy

The first book gives a Hogwarts feel, but then expands into so much more. The bravery of Brock and his friends moved the story along into an epic battle, and then the discovery of the treachery of The Hand. The bonus novella sequel sets up books to come. Lots of action, treachery, and triumph.

[Pamela Mcbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, in-depth plot with complete characters

Jeffrey Kohanek brings to the table a complex web of fantasy, action, excitement, and romance. I do of course a fantasy, the characters are believable and ones we all can relate to. I will look forward to reading other series by this author.

[John Mulhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5 star thrill... the box set started slow enough and after 7% or so laying back story, it ramped up to a 5 star treat!! Well written, highly engaging and consistently coherent storylines, it’s a must read for fantasy genre lovers!!..

[Garybenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read in lockdown

Easy and entertaining read. Well written with good descriptions of the places used. Just downloaded another series from the same author

[Manie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will really have to pull out all stops in order to beat this gigantic deal consisting two full series.
The Runes of Issalia is a fascinating epic fantasy that will take the reader willy nilly on a whirlwind of various adventures. The characters are well drawn and quickly become firm favourites.
As to this specific series , it is truly epic.
The world of the Wardens of Issalia is intriguingly built around two sources of magic, one deriving from order and the other from chaos.
But, as to be expected, neither is good or bad or belonging to some obscure divine godfigure claiming ownership of such.
Yet for the people of issalia this is enough to be the cause for dissention and strife, whatever personal motivators may be at play. So much so, a war is about to erupt. The Wardens of Issalia sets out the events that will lead to this tragic event.
And what a story that turns out to be.
Enjoy

[Caroline Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure!

The story starts with Brock born unmarked, until he steals enough money to be tattooed with a fake Order rune and follows his rise to King. His journey takes him from learning the magic of Chaos that has been hidden from the world for hundreds of years to fighting and helping to win a was against the Hoard. The 2nd half of the collection focuses on his children and a war against the Empire who wants to kill all Chaos users.
Brilliant writing that pulled me into the story and bought the characters to life... highly recommended.

[George Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Closest I've come to DNF in a long time. Finished because I'd spent the money and wanted to at least find out how it ends.

It definitely had promise with the ploy and the magic system. But the writing just felt very simplistic, especially dialogue between the characters. All the characters are very one dimensional, there are moments where they might have some doubt but overall everyone just goes along with whatever the main character, Brock, suggests. Brock always knows exactly what to say, exactly what to do. It all just feels a bit flat.

[Ellen morais · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good pre-quel for the Runes of Issalia series!

This is a good book. Yes, it is the prequel to a series but would be a good stand alone book, does not depend on the previous books. It has a strong,funny heroine and many likeable characters. It also explains some of the history for the next three books. I like that Lira can't do magic but survives in her mind and agility...The whole series is great!

[John Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first 10 chapters of the book book read like it was written by and for a 13-year-old boy just completing the transition into puberty. The dialog is poor, the characters thin and undeveloped caricatures, and the plot forced, awkward and strongly male-centric. Given that I paid for the series, I kept hoping to see an improvement that would merit the review scores, and warrant further investment of my time. It only got worse.

[Linda Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runes of Issalia: The Complete Collection

With the exception of a few errors that could be remedied by good proofreading and editing, this series has been greatly entertaining. It has very good world and character building. One can easily get immersed in the story and be brought to tears in the very sad parts, as when terrible things happen to a favorite character. I am looking forward to reading more adventures in the world of Issalia.

[Nancy]

Excellent Series

Beautifully written with characters that came to life under the imagination of the author.

A story of magic and oppression which was skillfully woven. The protagonists evoked in a way that was clear while remaining sympathetic to the reality of fanatical beliefs that only dealt in absolutes.

Highly recommended.