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Illyadra: Knowledge Is Currency
"Brutally brilliant . . ."
"Masterclass in worldbuilding."
"For fans of grimdark classics like Lies of Locke Lamora, Malazan Book of the Fallen, and Game of Thrones . . ."
10 years of planning brings the first installment in the Archeodon Series. A collision of conspiracy, class warfare, and philosophy:
Renovia, once the strongest nation in the world, has collapsed.
Child siblings Kairo and Aterah escape to the future but lose the Archeodon crown in the process—an artifact that grants each nation authority over the afterlife. Without it, they have no magic, and the Renovian population is regarded as less than human by the four neighboring kingdoms.
Too young to remember where they came from, Kairo and Aterah grow up with the remnants of Renovia: a broken, primitive people that have been oppressed back into the stone age.
When the Sigu Nii, an imperialistic people with a bloodlust social hierarchy, discover that Aterah can see the future in her dreams, they send unstoppable warriors tearing through their little outpost and steal her away.
Kairo abandons his post to chase after her through uncharted hostile territory. While trying to remain undiscovered, he grapples with cultures that are more technologically advanced and morally barbaric than his own.
"Masterclass in worldbuilding."
"For fans of grimdark classics like Lies of Locke Lamora, Malazan Book of the Fallen, and Game of Thrones . . ."
10 years of planning brings the first installment in the Archeodon Series. A collision of conspiracy, class warfare, and philosophy:
Renovia, once the strongest nation in the world, has collapsed.
Child siblings Kairo and Aterah escape to the future but lose the Archeodon crown in the process—an artifact that grants each nation authority over the afterlife. Without it, they have no magic, and the Renovian population is regarded as less than human by the four neighboring kingdoms.
Too young to remember where they came from, Kairo and Aterah grow up with the remnants of Renovia: a broken, primitive people that have been oppressed back into the stone age.
When the Sigu Nii, an imperialistic people with a bloodlust social hierarchy, discover that Aterah can see the future in her dreams, they send unstoppable warriors tearing through their little outpost and steal her away.
Kairo abandons his post to chase after her through uncharted hostile territory. While trying to remain undiscovered, he grapples with cultures that are more technologically advanced and morally barbaric than his own.
- GenresFantasy
532 pages, Hardcover
Published November 28, 2023
About the author
Adriel.
1 book17 followersAfter hearing about heaven, for perhaps the first time, and learning about its unique timelessness, Adriel, at the age of four, returned the question, “Are there rivers in heaven?” Sure. Maybe there are rivers in heaven. “Then how do they move?” he asked.
What do you get when you cross a long lineage of whack a’ nut conspiracy theorists and spiritual liberators on the one side, and a long line, dating even to William Brewster, of theologians and indoctrinated reformers on the other? Adriel. You get Adriel.
From a very young age, Adriel was practically betrothed to his job: love everybody. Toddler him would shake his fists in the air, when asked what his job was, and shout to the world: TO LOVE EVERYBODY!
But an assortment of intense traumas would step in. And aloneness gave necessity to create fictions in the dark. Imagination bloomed in the absence. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but Adriel was raised by the village.
Continuing through boyhood, without any singular, real authority figure—granted, he had an army of mentors—Adriel developed an incredible leaning on the Lord. He went on to join mission organizations and he traveled the world for a long stretch of time, building churches in the jungle, running VPK systems, and teaching English.
“Illyadra” and the greater region of The Archeodon Series, played in the forefront of Adriel’s mind, constantly. Every bus ride, every airport, every pause in life’s rhythm was a retreat to Zoë. Even though writing it didn’t begin until 2018, its premise, characters, and setting had been in the works since 2011, while Adriel was still in the sixth grade.
Adriel considers it his mission to love everybody, especially those who are taught to hate what the Lord loves. He has a passion for fiction stories with Christian themes and gets really excited when he encounters one in the wild. Adriel loves philosophy, comedy, and drama, and hopes to weave all three into stories that are profoundly entertaining.
Adriel frequently plays frisbee with his dog, is attentive to instances that further the kingdom, and plays video games. You can find him on the publisher discord server, at this link: https://discord.com/invite/SyX5sePuKK
What do you get when you cross a long lineage of whack a’ nut conspiracy theorists and spiritual liberators on the one side, and a long line, dating even to William Brewster, of theologians and indoctrinated reformers on the other? Adriel. You get Adriel.
From a very young age, Adriel was practically betrothed to his job: love everybody. Toddler him would shake his fists in the air, when asked what his job was, and shout to the world: TO LOVE EVERYBODY!
But an assortment of intense traumas would step in. And aloneness gave necessity to create fictions in the dark. Imagination bloomed in the absence. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but Adriel was raised by the village.
Continuing through boyhood, without any singular, real authority figure—granted, he had an army of mentors—Adriel developed an incredible leaning on the Lord. He went on to join mission organizations and he traveled the world for a long stretch of time, building churches in the jungle, running VPK systems, and teaching English.
“Illyadra” and the greater region of The Archeodon Series, played in the forefront of Adriel’s mind, constantly. Every bus ride, every airport, every pause in life’s rhythm was a retreat to Zoë. Even though writing it didn’t begin until 2018, its premise, characters, and setting had been in the works since 2011, while Adriel was still in the sixth grade.
Adriel considers it his mission to love everybody, especially those who are taught to hate what the Lord loves. He has a passion for fiction stories with Christian themes and gets really excited when he encounters one in the wild. Adriel loves philosophy, comedy, and drama, and hopes to weave all three into stories that are profoundly entertaining.
Adriel frequently plays frisbee with his dog, is attentive to instances that further the kingdom, and plays video games. You can find him on the publisher discord server, at this link: https://discord.com/invite/SyX5sePuKK
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 13, 2024
Good read! I don't usually read this type of genre but I found I was intrigued right off the first page. Would definitely recommend this novel!! Good story and kept my interest. Thank you Adriel House Publishing and good reads for the opportunity to read this ARC book!
June 14, 2024
I really took my time reading this book to fully take in everything, and I loved every single thing that I read. This is an incredibly thrilling and adventurous tale that had me rapidly turning the pages at every moment from the start. I will definitely be re-reading and continuing to follow any works of Adriel!
April 25, 2024
A must read for lovers of this genre! Grab some hot tea, a warm fuzzy blanket and READ THIS! It puts you in “the zone” !
May 3, 2024
Okay novel that could have been better. At times felt the writing was a little awkward and rambled a bit. A little better editing could have tightened the story up.
December 9, 2023
Calling grimdark fantasy lovers. This book sucked me in to a new magical world told through the eyes of 5 different POVs.
The setting took me about 10 chapters to really get the hang of. This author is more show than tell, which I grew to appreciate once I got past the initial understanding. Adriel makes you work for it and releases detail slowly, thoughtfully, and descriptively.
Both female MCs, while wildly different, appealed to me personally. Neither were overly sexualized, and both were integral pieces of the story’s plot and development. Ayrah’s loud strength evoked fierce emotion while Aterah’s quiet intelligence created connection and empathy.
However Eidhin’s arc was the one that kept me reading for hours in order to reach his next chapters. He was my personal favorite.
A true 5 stars because I can’t stop talking or thinking about this book. Because I recommend it to friends. And because I’ve bought it for Christmas gifts.
The setting took me about 10 chapters to really get the hang of. This author is more show than tell, which I grew to appreciate once I got past the initial understanding. Adriel makes you work for it and releases detail slowly, thoughtfully, and descriptively.
Both female MCs, while wildly different, appealed to me personally. Neither were overly sexualized, and both were integral pieces of the story’s plot and development. Ayrah’s loud strength evoked fierce emotion while Aterah’s quiet intelligence created connection and empathy.
However Eidhin’s arc was the one that kept me reading for hours in order to reach his next chapters. He was my personal favorite.
A true 5 stars because I can’t stop talking or thinking about this book. Because I recommend it to friends. And because I’ve bought it for Christmas gifts.
July 8, 2024
I ended up enjoying this book by the time I finished it, but it was a real mess in the beginning. It took me about 100 pages to understand what the hell was going on but once I did so I raced to the end. Adriel has a vivid imagination and has created a truly unique world and a story line familiar to readers of the genre while avoiding the tropes that make many works too familiar.
There are multiple characters whose adventures in this universe converge. My favorite story line was Eidhin, a complex character whose biggest strength is his developing intellect. Ayrah is a kick ass warrior with some psionic power and her character is well developed. Kairo's devotion to his sister Aterah and the pain he endured to find and rescue her was deeply moving. There are many more characters equally well developed and believable throughout this work.
I did find the editing of this to be lacking. I am not the grammar police and understand every book will have an error here or there, but this book had far too many such errors and distracted from the story line.
In all I was pleasantly surprised by this book, particularly after suffering the first 100 pages as mentioned above. Keep up the good work Adriel and thanks for the signed copy.
There are multiple characters whose adventures in this universe converge. My favorite story line was Eidhin, a complex character whose biggest strength is his developing intellect. Ayrah is a kick ass warrior with some psionic power and her character is well developed. Kairo's devotion to his sister Aterah and the pain he endured to find and rescue her was deeply moving. There are many more characters equally well developed and believable throughout this work.
I did find the editing of this to be lacking. I am not the grammar police and understand every book will have an error here or there, but this book had far too many such errors and distracted from the story line.
In all I was pleasantly surprised by this book, particularly after suffering the first 100 pages as mentioned above. Keep up the good work Adriel and thanks for the signed copy.
May 24, 2024
Very beautiful cover. Engaging and full of adenture right from the start. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and following their journey.
July 27, 2024
Fantastic journey that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Couldn't put the book down.
November 8, 2023
Warning: May not be for those who struggle or find issue with graphic violence, as throughout the story there can be some very descriptive and brutal scenes, however I find it to accurately and appropriately fit the world the author paints for us.
Illyadra is a weaving epic that dances between strong relatable characters while building a world of power built through influence and magic, into a beautiful yet harsh landscape that suits its inhabitants.
The action is heavy and hard hitting, brutal yet purposeful all to capture the fight for survival the heroes find themselves struggling through. The author does a devious yet fantastic job of ensnaring the reader and investing them in a scene, then calling back to another crucial player and moment in the world leaving you wanting to know what will come to pass, making it hard to put down.
But more than just action this book delves deep into the world of social interaction, of influence and control, examining how societies view and interact with each other based on cultural differences. This allows the characters to grow their world view and develop beyond just ordinary epic heroes. The author makes you grapple with each character, society, as you try to understand motivations, the nature of their magic, social influences and you soon realize not everything is as simple as good vs evil.
I would highly recommend this book to any who enjoy epic works, as to me it brings back fond memories of others such as Lord of the Rings, Song of Ice and Fire. The world building is phenomenal, the author seems truly invested in painting a meaningful and powerful world and story for the reader, and I based off the excellent start to the series, I have high expectations for the future works to come.
Illyadra is a weaving epic that dances between strong relatable characters while building a world of power built through influence and magic, into a beautiful yet harsh landscape that suits its inhabitants.
The action is heavy and hard hitting, brutal yet purposeful all to capture the fight for survival the heroes find themselves struggling through. The author does a devious yet fantastic job of ensnaring the reader and investing them in a scene, then calling back to another crucial player and moment in the world leaving you wanting to know what will come to pass, making it hard to put down.
But more than just action this book delves deep into the world of social interaction, of influence and control, examining how societies view and interact with each other based on cultural differences. This allows the characters to grow their world view and develop beyond just ordinary epic heroes. The author makes you grapple with each character, society, as you try to understand motivations, the nature of their magic, social influences and you soon realize not everything is as simple as good vs evil.
I would highly recommend this book to any who enjoy epic works, as to me it brings back fond memories of others such as Lord of the Rings, Song of Ice and Fire. The world building is phenomenal, the author seems truly invested in painting a meaningful and powerful world and story for the reader, and I based off the excellent start to the series, I have high expectations for the future works to come.
Read
April 29, 2025I thought I liked high-fantasy books but… maybe I can only handle medium-fantasy stories? 530 pages later and I still can’t tell you what some of the made up words mean. It was difficult chugging through the first 300 pages trying to learn the countries, races, languages, theories and words for time and ages, gods, multiple political structures, multiple magic types, multiple societal hierarchies, all while trying to keep the multiple storylines straight and discerning what timeline the stories are in (because time travel). Can we get a glossary and pronunciation guide please? Now having read that this is the beginning of a series it makes A LOT more sense that there is so much world-building, but while reading and thinking this was a stand alone story it felt wholly unnecessary and made it overly complex. Additionally, as a “stand alone” (and I now understand that it is not), super disappointing finish… I was sticking with it to reach a resolution or at least mild conclusion of some kind (I don’t need an end-of-all-war ending, but at least a more comprehensive end-of-battle ending) and it really stops without any feel good moment or resolution of any kind. I mean we waited 500 pages to find out who some of these characters really are and then BOOM, book over.
SPOILER so read at your own risk:
I didn’t love the massive character shift for Eidhin at the end. I love a good unveiling moment typically, but this shot him from an onion-pruning, numbers-loving, be nice to my mouse, pirates-playing, farm boy to a murderous, apathetic, warlord pretty quickly for the readers. Even with 8 or so years as the scribe for Master Philosophy, this felt quick and disjointed as the reader. Even if there is some point in there that once he acquired knowledge he became a completely different person, it still doesn’t feel “right” after getting to know the character for so many pages to completely alter his everything.
All that being said, I did enjoy the multiple perspective storytelling and some of the characters so an overall “it was okay” rating.
TL;DR: This was too dense for me in world building complexity but I like multiple perspective books and LOVED the feeling of the hard cover on this book (best feeling book I have ever touched).
SPOILER so read at your own risk:
I didn’t love the massive character shift for Eidhin at the end. I love a good unveiling moment typically, but this shot him from an onion-pruning, numbers-loving, be nice to my mouse, pirates-playing, farm boy to a murderous, apathetic, warlord pretty quickly for the readers. Even with 8 or so years as the scribe for Master Philosophy, this felt quick and disjointed as the reader. Even if there is some point in there that once he acquired knowledge he became a completely different person, it still doesn’t feel “right” after getting to know the character for so many pages to completely alter his everything.
All that being said, I did enjoy the multiple perspective storytelling and some of the characters so an overall “it was okay” rating.
TL;DR: This was too dense for me in world building complexity but I like multiple perspective books and LOVED the feeling of the hard cover on this book (best feeling book I have ever touched).
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews