The Seam of Eternity

The Veins of Eternity #1

by Rocco Levitas

Shadow cripples all realms, magical and physical. A single chosen one isn’t enough.

Callan failed to save his sister from the plagued swamps blighting the land. When darkness threatens his home, he ventures on a daring quest to find the one mage who can help. But it is he who must grow in courage and power.

Across the vast ocean, Vasha excels at sealing breaches. Though other realm-shifting monks call her a prodigy, she panics over her progress. Then a devastating omen alters her destiny.

Hidden evil looms as Callan and Vasha discover lost magic, make unlikely friends, and fulfill a prophecy from ages long forgotten . . . Not all will survive. Eye of the World meets Way of Kings in The Seam of Eternity , an imaginative blend of sword and sorcery fantasy adventure with the hero's journey. If you like The Wheel of Time , The Stormlight Archives , or The Lord of the Rings , you'll love the fantastical world of The Seam of Eternity .

Buy now before the price changes and get ready to be transported to the Seam.

Genres: Fantasy, High Fantasy

622 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2023

Reviews

[Graham | The Wulvers Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Seam of Eternity by Rocco Levitas was described as Eye of the World meets Way of Kings and whilst that lured me in, this story really held it's own and i'm excited to have found a new brilliant fantasy series that feels right at home.

Shadow cripples all realms, magical and physical. A single chosen one isn’t enough.

Callan failed to save his sister from the plagued swamps blighting the land. When darkness threatens his home, he ventures on a daring quest to find the one mage who can help. But it is he who must grow in courage and power.

Across the vast ocean, Vasha excels at sealing breaches. Though other realm-shifting monks call her a prodigy, she panics over her progress. Then a devastating omen alters her destiny.

Hidden evil looms as Callan and Vasha discover lost magic, make unlikely friends, and fulfill a prophecy from ages long forgotten . . . Not all will survive.

The similarities to those series previously mentioned are there. We have a classic Chosen One story that is reminiscent of Rand and a magic system that reminds me of Shadesmar but what Levitas has done here is far more complex than a simple comparison and really holds its own amongst authors who try for something unique but fail in execution.

I enjoyed how full of life the world was. From the journey that these characters go on you really get a sense of longing from the forests and a real bustle in the towns that we visit. The descriptions that Levitas uses give us a feel for how they want this world to be imagined and it feels like it's plucked right out of an Elder Scrolls game. Even the bleakmires, evil holes that swallow things up, give a mysterious vibe of morose monstrosity and the further we got going in the story the more these discoveries shone. Levitas really knocked it out the park with these descriptions.

The pacing itself was slower than I think I needed it to be. Whilst I am usually happy to journey with characters, the action itself felt lacking. There were times where things felt less developed and I'd love to have seen more of the magic system in use or being built upon. Certain parts felt jarring when they were mentioned but this is book one, I'm hoping for more of the same in book two with more action as when Levitas got going, things really ramped up.

The story was a classic fantasy telling but it had enough uniqueness in itself to keep me entertained and intrigued. Like Jordan did with Tolkien, Levitas does and adds such a creative development of characters, world, and magic that i'm all aboard the Seam-train.

If you're looking for a patient but rewarding experience in a new fantasy author, pick up The Seam of Eternity by Rocco Levitas.

[Noriboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storytelling is amazing. The author has done an amazing job at giving the reader information about the lore and magic system in smaller, comprehensible portions as the story develops. There's multiple pov, with the primary focus being on the two main characters, Vasha and Callan. I felt like I really got to know them, and I was rooting for them and their friends.
And the ending, oh my! There's still a lot left to discover, and I'm excited!

I recommend this book if you're looking for an epic adventure, original magic system, flawed characters, and found family.

[Ana]

This book was described as a mix between Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan, and while I haven’t got the chance to read the latter, I have to say: if it’s anything like “The Seam of Eternity”, it would be a worthy read.

It’s so hard to find fantasy books with such depth into unique worldbuilding and magic systems that I have to say that even being a huge fan of romantasy, reading fantasy books that take me back to worlds such as The Lord of The Rings (focused on the adventure and the mysteries surrounding that world rather than the romance) sometimes is a greater adventure. Sometimes not. In this case, it was.

Rocco Levitas wrote a book that every fan of “””classic””” fantasy should read. And while there were moments I thought things happened too slow to my liking, that’s something usual in this kind of book, so I got over it quickly.

[Vanessa Thurgood · Rating 5 out of 5]

great epic debute

Levitas weaves a great story highlighting light and dark themes, and self discovery as his characters find their power to defeat their enemy. Full of action and friendship this was definitely worth the read

[Valentin Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seam of Eternity by new author, Rocco Levitas, gives regular fantasy readers, such as myself, a fresh fantasy reading experience. The book follows four main characters across different continents and even realms as they deal with the grave threat of a great evil that threatens to return to earth and wreak havoc. Readers quickly feel attached to the main characters, due to their charms and quirks, and they remain true to themselves and their personalities throughout the entire book. The story progresses quickly always keeping the reader engaged and does a good job of explaining what is necessary, while also keeping you guessing. The “magic system” also feels innovative as characters draw on different “threads” of the earth, with each one having distinct attributes. Highly recommend this for new and experienced fantasy readers alike!

[Elizabeth McKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to commend the author, Rocco Levitas, because it is rare for me to see male fantasy authors in the present day.

I found the story engaging, especially considering that it is the author's (hopefully) first novel in a series. While there were some slow parts in the book, they served the purpose of character development. However, the pace picked up as the storyline progressed, which I enjoyed, particularly considering the book's length of 650 pages. The detailed storytelling gives me hope that the author is setting the stage for a potential trilogy or series.

I loved Vasha because of her strong character development throughout the book. What initially drew me to this book was the comparison to the journey in Lord of the Rings (and who doesn't love LOTR!). However, after finishing the book, it reminded me more of Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.

I also appreciated the glossary of people and places, as it helped me with pronunciation or location, which is not something I often see anymore in books. Overall, it's a great storyline!

[Scott Humburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celebrating independent writing!

I’ve been traveling for work and have looked to escapist-type literature to relieve work stressors and to bide time. Fantasy reading hits a sweet spot and is easy pleasing for me. Levitas’ love for the genre is ever present; paying homage to the imaginations from his childhood with nods to J.R.R. Tolkien; a good first book with growth and potential! Give it go if you think this is your jam!

[R.M. Krogman, Dark and Epic Fantasy Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Seam of Eternity" by Rocco Levitas is an epic fantasy with classic flavor, hard magic, and a layered world where our reality interweaves with the spiritual. It is a slightly slower-paced book with deeper focus on character and world-building. That world is complex and wide, and the characters worth getting to know. "The Seam of Eternity" follows two major characters on distant corners of the world, the young Wardkeeper Callan and Aspirant Vasha. Both battle an ancient evil in different ways. Callan guards his home and people from the spreading bleakmires, places of foggy, sterile death remnant from the imprisonment of an ancient evil. On the other end, Vasha strives to close the breaches from the spirit world that pose the same danger.

These characters must go on both a physical and personal journey to figure out what their role is in the world as evil comes to the surface. In this sense, it is very true to the classic epic fantasy storytelling style. However, I think that Levitas has created a unique world and especially a unique system of magic. Vash's experience especially makes me think of almost a dream state, and Levitas used almost a stream of consciousness storytelling style whenever they're touching the spirit realm. Even though it does seem like a hard magic system, there are still many things about the magic that are mysterious. "The Seam of Eternity" is only the beginning of what promises to be a larger battle and larger world.

I appreciated the balance between the two storylines and the uniqueness of the two characters and their motivations and understanding of the world. This story is a little bit more slowly paced, but there are moments of action and continuous clear progress toward a main major goal. The evil is well defined, and you have clear heroes and villains to cheer for and against. In addition to the traditional inspirations, I think Levitas also found a lot of unique inspiration in Asian culture and spiritual practices, which I think is extremely cool.

[Melissa Drespling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zero regrets!!

I love fantasy. When I found Rocco Levitas on Instagram pitching his new book, I was intrigued. I downloaded it, read it, and I have zero regrets! The magic system is HARD and being a newcomer to his writings I had no idea that there was an earlier book that introduced the reader to the magic system. I muddled through, however, especially with his help! He was very responsive to any and all questions that I had. This book is everything that I love. It's detailed, creative, dark, and hysterical at times. It sated my thirst for epic fantasy while sprinkling in a few of my favorite themes, such as the reluctant hero quest, foes to bros, and found family. Highly recommend!!

[Sam Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start, this cover is perfect for an Epic Fantasy book! It took me a little while to really get into the story and it could feel a little overwhelming at moments with the amount of information to take in. But that being said all the information was necessary and really helped as I read further.
I enjoyed the characters, they feel very relatable and real. Callan is a classic Chosen One character but develops in a way that you don’t feel like you’ve read his character before.
This is not an overly action packed fantasy. This is a character developing and world building piece of fiction. Levitas’ writing is very descriptive and so the action scenes there are feel very epic and intense, so if action is what you’re looking for it’s there and worth it when you get to it!
Overall for me, the pacing was a little slow, but was more than made up for in its descriptive writing, enjoyable characters, and the potential for an incredible series!

[Emma Minazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the fantasy element of this book. The character names are inventive, the storyline, for me, was a bit slow to start and it took a while to get into it but that's because I was reading more than one at a time. I stuck to just this one from half way through and enjoyed it a lot more. Described as a journey and fans of Lord of the Rings, I was intrigued. It is similar in that there is a group on a quest with certain enviroments to conquer, enemies to get by and adventures to be had!

Vasha was amazing, I loved their character and how they progressed through the story. The book is a bit chunky at nearly 650 pages but it tells the story well. I felt it was a bit of a slow burn to start but it sets the scene, introduces the different characters and starts the quest.The characters are likeable and it sets it up well for the next book. The veins have been tampered with but they gang are there to repair and conquer the next stage.

I liked the use of the glossary and the descriptions of the world and places. Helps add to the story if there were bits you didn't understand along the way or just wanted more knowledge on a certain thing.

Would recommend this book, it's enjoyable and full of suspense, adventure and has a great storyline.

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and intriguing book from the start. There was something about the characters which meant as I was reading I didn’t want to put it down as I wanted to find out more information about them. As the story developed as I read further into the story the characters developed throughout the book. As the story progressed I could help but get more curious with what was happening meaning I just wanted to keep reading there was something about the whole thing that gripped my attention. Especially with how the book ended I am hoping there is a possibility of another book which will follow this.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a massive fantasy reader, so the genre is fairly new to me and as such I don't really have any way to compare books.  That might be a good thing though,  and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 

Seam of Eternity weaves together the stories of Callan and Vasha, who are seemingly unconnected in the beginning.  They live in separate realms with different experiences and issues,  and yet they are somehow connected by the seams. An ancient propecy brings them together, but can they join forces and save the world?

Rocco Levitas has managed to build a world which contains both magical and physical realms, and feels complete and believable. The characters felt real, they all had a part to play and all had strengths and flaws.

I don't know if there will be more books set in the seams, but I'll definitely be looking out for more books by this author.

[Andy Peloquin · Rating 4 out of 5]

TL;DR Review: Perfect for fans of the early Wheel of Time books and a more cerebral, hard magic system. Great worldbuilding, interesting characters.

Full Review:
I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review, and I'm very glad I got the chance to read it.

From the first page, it felt like diving into the first few books of The Wheel of Time in all the best ways. But as it developed, it became something far more complex and Sanderson-esque.

The Characters:
Callan is the classic hero to be expected from a coming-of-age/Chosen One-type story. Responsible, mature for his age, and troubled by the loss of his sister to the "bleakmires" and "evil mists", he bears the burden of protecting his village as a "wardkeeper".

Kipp is the troublemaker, mischief-walking, light-fingered thief and all-around scoundrel. Very Mat Cauthon with a hint of Merry and Pippin thrown in. A bit self-centered, sure, but a good heart beneath.

Vasha is evocative of The Way of Kings' Shallan, a character who lives in a different part of the world and serves as a way to explore the magic of the world. Her story is much more focused on the "hard magic" study and scholarship, but she quickly establishes herself as a strong, compelling character in her own right.

The World:
This is definitely one of the more complete, well-developed worlds I've encountered in this type of story. We get a strong sense of the villages and their occupants from the beginning, as well as the threat of the "bleakmires"--evil magic blight-lands swallowing the world one tract of land at a time.

As the story progresses, we get to see the world expand much in the same way we did in Wheel of Time. Cities, towns, mountains, canyons, forests, and more--all are discovered through the eyes of our characters, and come to life in real, compelling ways.

The Story Overall:
I won't lie: the pacing on this is a bit slower than I'd like. The focus is very much on developing the cast of characters and the magic system, with far less action than, say, The Bound and the Broken or even The Wheel of Time.

However, there was enough to keep me intrigued and engaged, so much so that I burned through the first 60% or so in one sitting.

Ultimately, it comes to a fairly expected conclusion--again, very evocative of Wheel of Time--but added enough unique twists to set it apart as its own story.

Final Thoughts:
Don't go into The Seam of Eternity expecting an action-packed rollercoaster ride. Instead, prepare for a thorough look into the magic system (The Veins of Eternity, very original in its own right) and slow development of the characters and their world.

In the end, though, if you're patient and give it time to unfold, you won't regret sitting and reading. I know I didn't!

[Jcscarlet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished reading The Seam of Eternity by Rocco Levitas. Before I get into it, I will freely admit that the events of my personal life over the last few months and while I was reading it may have impacted my enjoyment of this book.

So, I really wanted to like this book. While fantasy is probably my favorite genre, I don't actually read that much of it. I found this book on a whim and it had good reviews, so I thought why not dive into a unique and expansive world? I went in with high hopes and high expectations.

Now, it wasn't bad. By no means. Levitas obviously has spent a long time crafting his world and shaping the structure of the magic used within it. My problem with the story likely came down to focus. I can't separate what was my fault as the reader (see my caveat above) and was less than phenomenal writing. I struggled with understanding the world that Levitas had put together. There were many mentions of world-specific places and features, and yet I found the explanations for these unique instances to be hard to come by.

While I cared for the characters, I didn't feel that they had a significant amount of depth to them. Despite the book being nearly 600 pages, I feel like I only really know two of them. Given that the story mostly revolved around four people, this was disappointing. There were more minor characters, but we knew next to nothing about them.

It was an interesting world with all the stakes of epic fantasy. There was a unique take on magic and its place in that world. Yet, I struggled with connecting the world to my own imagination and visualizing what this world was.

I know this review is sounding harsh. I don't think this was a bad book by any means. I'll likely continue with the series as it comes out (two shorter stories are available), but it just didn't resonate with me as I had hoped it would. I give it a 3/5 knowing that if I read it again during a less chaotic time in my life it could be higher.

[Sharey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Seam of Eternity by Rocco Levitas is a captivating fantasy story that takes the reader on a thrilling adventure. The author's vivid descriptions create a sense of immersion, making it easy to imagine oneself in the fantastical world he has created. It reminded me of playing a Dungeons and Dragons game, with Levitas serving as the Dungeon Master crafting the world for me to explore.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, there were a couple of aspects that prevented me from giving it a full 5-star rating. The pacing was a little slower than I would have preferred, and I found myself craving more action. Additionally, as a fan of magic systems in fantasy novels, I would have liked to see a more developed and prominent magic system in the book. However, I understand that this is the first in a series, and Levitas may be laying the groundwork for future instalments.

Despite these minor flaws, I still loved The Seam of Eternity. Levitas has done an excellent job of creating well-rounded characters and a richly detailed world. The next book in the series holds promise for more action and further exploration of the magic system, and I eagerly await its release. Overall, this book is a great read for fantasy enthusiasts looking for an immersive and imaginative adventure.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. Readers are treated to a refreshing and engaging fantasy experience. The story unfolds across various realms, following callan and vasha, two distinct characters who face an imminent threat. What stands out is the book's brisk pace, with a compelling narrative that strikes a awesome balance between revealing crucial details and maintaining an air of intrigue. The magic system is innovative and well-crafted characters add depth to the tale. It is an enjoyable read for both newcomers and seasoned fantasy enthusiasts. Levitas delivers a promising start to a new series that pays homage to the likes of 'Wheel of Time' and 'Lord of the Rings.

[George Rokkos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this book! It's an amazing classic adventure full of interesting twists and magic. I really liked this author's world-building; it was well-developed and super interesting, I am super excited to read more about this world. I really liked the magic system it was both familiar and super distinct. An amazing combination in my mind. The characters were also wonderful, well-realized, and super interesting! I can not wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes well-developed writing, full of interesting characters and magics. Awesome book!

[melinda carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good

Good story. I wish Callan knew more about his gifts, but he is developing. I can't wait to see more of Kipp and Vasha. Davyn really surprised me in his maturity before he exited the story. Some of the characters need a bit more development, but it is a good start. The ending wasn't spectacular, but it was very good, and now, I'm looking for the sequel to this story. I had a hard time trying to read the first few chapters as they were a bit slow, I thought, but it was probably me.

[Aliesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an impressive debut book! You are completely immersed in this well crafted fantasy world and held captive by the story. While the idea of an ancient evil trying to break free is not new, the story was told from a dual perspective that is new to me. Two individuals on different paths, in different realms, trying to accomplish the same task. Definitely will be waiting excitedly for the next book in the series!

[Theycallmegreg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book very soon after connecting with Rocco on social media. And boy, when I tell you that the hype for it was real. You get the adventures of Wheel of time, the magic of the Cosmere, the coming of age of The Farseer. The fact that this is a debut novel boggles my mind. When the seams are tearing open for an ancient darkness to be released, we follow multiple POVs to save what can be saved of a shattering world.

[kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into this book, I found it very slow at the beginning, which happens a lot in Fantasy books and is one of the reasons that I struggle with the genre. However, I am pushing myself to branch out of reading comfort zone and try new things or things that have always intimidated me, so, I kept on reading and I am so glad that I did, because, I really ended up enjoying it.

It was well written with a story that really reminded me of The Hobbit/Lord of The Rings in aspects and well developed characters. For me the best part of this book was the characters, I really enjoyed them and I loved the quirkiness of them especially their names.

Like I said it did start off slow but it definitely picked up the pace after a while and held my attention all the way through. I enjoyed it.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bored!!! Yeah there is action and adventure and magic and creatures but the main characters are boring. Callan is a the worst character. He whines through the whole book (well the 70% I was able to get through). I have tried and tried to force my way through. I gotta stop to though I am bored and uninterested.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is about two unlikely heroes, Callan and Vasha, who embark on separate but interconnected quests to save their world from an ancient evil The story is a blend of classic sword-and-sorcery elements, intricate world-building, and a hero's journey. Themes of courage, sacrifice, and the struggle against ancient evil are central to the story.

[Deborah Svensson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An epic tale with a well thought out world and characters. The story has a wide scope of activity between different factions that come together by drastically different ways to overcome evil.
A great debut story by Rocco Levitas.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Will be writing a more lengthy review soon

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callan has to find a special Mage to save his town, will he be able to do this in time. Once you start reading, there’s no stopping. A superb beginning to a new series that you don’t want to miss.