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The Death of Power #1
The Untold Prophecy
Lord Berik Eddingson, a man known for his ability to handle any situation, faces his toughest challenge yet when he is tasked with unraveling a one-thousand-year-old prophecy that foretells his failure. Fate seems to be against him, and his only leads are a heinous crime, a cursed artifact, and an orphaned girl named Joell.
On the continent of Karata, athier-powered machines have propelled society from an agricultural to an industrial age in a time when magic is slowly dying. Those few with the talent possess abilities to see through past, present, or future, or the ability to alter the very world around them.
The ancient Templar, a powerful and overbearing force, are struggling to maintain order in the provinces of the Karatian Palatinate as unseen forces chip away at civilization's foundations. Berik soon realizes that the fate of his homeland is inextricably tied to the secrets he seeks to uncover, and he must decide what he is willing to sacrifice to hold onto his beliefs. When everyone and everything has a secret, he must not only pay a steep price but also justify it when that price is too high.
Do the gods of Fate stand by and watch as the world crumbles, or can fate be changed?
On the continent of Karata, athier-powered machines have propelled society from an agricultural to an industrial age in a time when magic is slowly dying. Those few with the talent possess abilities to see through past, present, or future, or the ability to alter the very world around them.
The ancient Templar, a powerful and overbearing force, are struggling to maintain order in the provinces of the Karatian Palatinate as unseen forces chip away at civilization's foundations. Berik soon realizes that the fate of his homeland is inextricably tied to the secrets he seeks to uncover, and he must decide what he is willing to sacrifice to hold onto his beliefs. When everyone and everything has a secret, he must not only pay a steep price but also justify it when that price is too high.
Do the gods of Fate stand by and watch as the world crumbles, or can fate be changed?
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
3 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 9, 2024
This debut novel by R.R. Hunter is a very unique fantasy novel. I haven’t read anything like it. So what’s this untold prophesy? And how long has it been hanging out there. The world building was set up layer by layer. At first my head was swimming with all the names, what they were, which side they were on, but that is common with all epic fantasies. Hanging in there, the pay off hit about the 50% mark. The story had different elements to it as the pieces started coming together. The author did a great job explaining things. Like what the heck is athier? The concept of soul hearts was cool. Is it bad I liked the Kin? And I want to live as long as the Drakon. I know Joell and Berik were the stars of the book but I loved Marcus’s and Imotia. The plot was fantastic and the characters all had an impact to the storyline. The only thing I would say is the ten year old Joell sure seemed mature for her age. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and not wanting to miss anything so I could try to figure out what was happening next.
April 5, 2024
“The Untold Prophecy” by R.R. Hunter is an enthralling journey into a world where magic intertwines with industrial progress, and a prophecy becomes the linchpin for a complex tale of intrigue and power. Lord Berik Eddingson, a man known for his capability in handling challenges, finds himself thrust into a daunting task – deciphering a one-thousand-year-old prophecy that foretells his failure. Hunter skillfully crafts a vivid and immersive world on the continent of Karata, where athier-powered machines have ushered in an industrial age while magic’s influence gradually wanes. The narrative weaves together elements of magic, steampunk, and political intrigue, creating a rich tapestry that captivates readers from the outset.
The protagonist, Lord Berik, faces not only external challenges but also an internal struggle as he grapples with the prophecy that seemingly predicts his failure. The intricate plot unfolds as Berik delves into a world rife with secrets, heinous crimes, cursed artifacts, and an orphaned girl named Joell. The narrative skillfully explores the tensions between the Templar, a powerful force seeking to maintain order, and the unseen forces threatening to destabilize civilization.
The characters in “The Untold Prophecy” are multifaceted and well-developed, each contributing to the complexity of the overarching story. The blend of magic users with unique abilities, political machinations, and the quest to uncover ancient secrets adds layers of depth to the narrative.
Hunter’s prose is eloquent and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the Karatian Palatinate and its inhabitants. The author’s ability to balance world-building with character development ensures that readers are fully immersed in the story’s intricacies.
As the narrative unfolds, the stakes rise, and Berik is faced with profound decisions that will shape the fate of his homeland. The moral quandaries and sacrifices he encounters add a thought-provoking dimension to the story, prompting readers to reflect on the cost of holding onto one’s beliefs in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, “The Untold Prophecy” is a compelling and intricately woven tale that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, magic, and steampunk. R.R. Hunter’s storytelling prowess shines through, delivering a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. With its well-crafted world and compelling characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and intricate world-building.
The protagonist, Lord Berik, faces not only external challenges but also an internal struggle as he grapples with the prophecy that seemingly predicts his failure. The intricate plot unfolds as Berik delves into a world rife with secrets, heinous crimes, cursed artifacts, and an orphaned girl named Joell. The narrative skillfully explores the tensions between the Templar, a powerful force seeking to maintain order, and the unseen forces threatening to destabilize civilization.
The characters in “The Untold Prophecy” are multifaceted and well-developed, each contributing to the complexity of the overarching story. The blend of magic users with unique abilities, political machinations, and the quest to uncover ancient secrets adds layers of depth to the narrative.
Hunter’s prose is eloquent and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the Karatian Palatinate and its inhabitants. The author’s ability to balance world-building with character development ensures that readers are fully immersed in the story’s intricacies.
As the narrative unfolds, the stakes rise, and Berik is faced with profound decisions that will shape the fate of his homeland. The moral quandaries and sacrifices he encounters add a thought-provoking dimension to the story, prompting readers to reflect on the cost of holding onto one’s beliefs in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, “The Untold Prophecy” is a compelling and intricately woven tale that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, magic, and steampunk. R.R. Hunter’s storytelling prowess shines through, delivering a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. With its well-crafted world and compelling characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and intricate world-building.
September 25, 2024
Dense, weird (in a good way) and a bleak world full of kind characters. Reminds me of Sleeping Worlds Have No Memories mixed with Silver Bullet and the industrial revolution
May 26, 2023
Great Debut Novel
The Untold Prophecy takes place in a well designed, complex fantasy world, quite imaginatively drawn. Characters are well fleshed out and interesting. I had a couple favorites. The plot is complex, too. I was a little confused at times, but the author caught me up quickly. Fun read!
The Untold Prophecy takes place in a well designed, complex fantasy world, quite imaginatively drawn. Characters are well fleshed out and interesting. I had a couple favorites. The plot is complex, too. I was a little confused at times, but the author caught me up quickly. Fun read!
September 30, 2023
(3.5 stars rounded up)
I had a good time with this one. Definitely some room for improvement but I would also definitely read from this author again.
Pros:
I thought there was some very interesting character development throughout this story. I often saw the author portray conflicted characters making decisions that they were unsure about. I really enjoyed this characterization, it was intentional and quite thoughtful.
The world building was slow and mysterious. This worked to draw me into the story and avoided excessive info-dumping. I thought this was well done.
The writing style and prose were generally good. Seemed polished and well put together.
I really appreciated the small moments had with the characters throughout the story. In the middle of some very large plot points, the author took a scene to give us a very intimate moment with the characters. This was very well done and worked to add to the depth of the characters.
I was genuinely perplexed until the end of this story. I often had no clue where this was going. I really enjoyed this. The ending was good and left the story open to explore new elements of the world in future books.
Cons:
Some scenes are a bit confusing or have harsh transitions from one topic to the next, Dialogue occasionally hops from one thing to another without clear flow, some passages logically don’t make sense.
The romance in the book felt way too rushed and didn’t make sense. Felt out of nowhere. Luckily this wasn’t a major part of the story. Could have done without the sex scene.
The ending did seem a bit convenient.
I had a good time with this one. Definitely some room for improvement but I would also definitely read from this author again.
Pros:
I thought there was some very interesting character development throughout this story. I often saw the author portray conflicted characters making decisions that they were unsure about. I really enjoyed this characterization, it was intentional and quite thoughtful.
The world building was slow and mysterious. This worked to draw me into the story and avoided excessive info-dumping. I thought this was well done.
The writing style and prose were generally good. Seemed polished and well put together.
I really appreciated the small moments had with the characters throughout the story. In the middle of some very large plot points, the author took a scene to give us a very intimate moment with the characters. This was very well done and worked to add to the depth of the characters.
I was genuinely perplexed until the end of this story. I often had no clue where this was going. I really enjoyed this. The ending was good and left the story open to explore new elements of the world in future books.
Cons:
Some scenes are a bit confusing or have harsh transitions from one topic to the next, Dialogue occasionally hops from one thing to another without clear flow, some passages logically don’t make sense.
The romance in the book felt way too rushed and didn’t make sense. Felt out of nowhere. Luckily this wasn’t a major part of the story. Could have done without the sex scene.
The ending did seem a bit convenient.
July 30, 2025
The Untold Prophecy stands apart from traditional fantasy by forgoing a world of overt magic and mythical creatures. Instead, it presents a setting reminiscent of mid-eighteenth to nineteenth-century Britain—one grounded in industrial and social upheaval. While some have described it as steampunk, the atmosphere leans more toward historical realism. Society is in the throes of an industrial revolution, with machines transforming political and social landscapes. These machines, however, are not powered by science, but by a mysterious artefact known as Athier, discovered at excavation sites tied to ancient and forgotten civilisations.
Hunter’s world echoes the rigid class divisions of Georgian and Victorian Britain, with powerful gentry and landowners holding sway over the struggling working class, who face the erosion of traditional jobs due to mechanisation. Unrest brews beneath the surface, and though some magic exists, it remains subtle and secondary to the technological themes.
Hunter excels in his world-building. His prose is vivid and polished, painting environments and atmospheres with striking clarity. His command of language is impressive, and his vocabulary is rich. However, at times, the frequent use of similes becomes excessive, slowing the narrative and restricting the reader’s imagination. Similarly, while his creative manipulation of language—such as using nouns in place of verbs—can be clever, it occasionally disrupts flow and clarity, making the book more challenging to read than it needs to be.
The plot centres on Lord Berik, a nobleman drawn into investigating a series of seemingly unrelated incidents. He becomes entangled in an ancient prophecy involving the mysterious Drakon, the Athier, and a young girl he takes into his care. The story is layered with complexity—prophecies, an ancient race, political unrest, and a broad cast of characters. As a result, the narrative takes time to find its footing. The first three chapters each focus on different characters, making it difficult to determine who the protagonist is. It’s not until around chapter ten that the pieces begin to align.
Character development is another area of mixed success. Several main characters are featured, each with their own flaws and motivations, making their interactions engaging and believable. Readers can sense the weight and uncertainty behind their decisions. However, most characters feel already established, with motivations rooted in past events that are only briefly mentioned. As a result, their emotional arcs remain somewhat static. Only Daerion shows significant growth from beginning to end, offering a more satisfying character journey.
In summary, The Untold Prophecy is a highly ambitious and thoughtfully constructed debut. R.R. Hunter is clearly a skilled writer, with a gift for language and immersive storytelling. However, the book's complexity and literary style may divide readers. Those who appreciate intricate, slow-burning world-building will find a great deal to enjoy. Others, seeking faster-paced action or lighter prose, may struggle to stay engaged through the early chapters. That said, Hunter has created a compelling, original world that sets itself apart from mainstream fantasy. With some refinement in pacing and stylistic restraint, future instalments in the series could prove exceptional. I’d be very interested in returning to see how this ambitious narrative unfolds.
Hunter’s world echoes the rigid class divisions of Georgian and Victorian Britain, with powerful gentry and landowners holding sway over the struggling working class, who face the erosion of traditional jobs due to mechanisation. Unrest brews beneath the surface, and though some magic exists, it remains subtle and secondary to the technological themes.
Hunter excels in his world-building. His prose is vivid and polished, painting environments and atmospheres with striking clarity. His command of language is impressive, and his vocabulary is rich. However, at times, the frequent use of similes becomes excessive, slowing the narrative and restricting the reader’s imagination. Similarly, while his creative manipulation of language—such as using nouns in place of verbs—can be clever, it occasionally disrupts flow and clarity, making the book more challenging to read than it needs to be.
The plot centres on Lord Berik, a nobleman drawn into investigating a series of seemingly unrelated incidents. He becomes entangled in an ancient prophecy involving the mysterious Drakon, the Athier, and a young girl he takes into his care. The story is layered with complexity—prophecies, an ancient race, political unrest, and a broad cast of characters. As a result, the narrative takes time to find its footing. The first three chapters each focus on different characters, making it difficult to determine who the protagonist is. It’s not until around chapter ten that the pieces begin to align.
Character development is another area of mixed success. Several main characters are featured, each with their own flaws and motivations, making their interactions engaging and believable. Readers can sense the weight and uncertainty behind their decisions. However, most characters feel already established, with motivations rooted in past events that are only briefly mentioned. As a result, their emotional arcs remain somewhat static. Only Daerion shows significant growth from beginning to end, offering a more satisfying character journey.
In summary, The Untold Prophecy is a highly ambitious and thoughtfully constructed debut. R.R. Hunter is clearly a skilled writer, with a gift for language and immersive storytelling. However, the book's complexity and literary style may divide readers. Those who appreciate intricate, slow-burning world-building will find a great deal to enjoy. Others, seeking faster-paced action or lighter prose, may struggle to stay engaged through the early chapters. That said, Hunter has created a compelling, original world that sets itself apart from mainstream fantasy. With some refinement in pacing and stylistic restraint, future instalments in the series could prove exceptional. I’d be very interested in returning to see how this ambitious narrative unfolds.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews