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The Wraith Returns
A fallen warrior discovers that the mission of his life was one enormous deception.
A race of scavenger aliens orchestrates the most dangerous maneuver to save themselves.
An ambitious researcher is willing to stake the lives of millions to become the next great power.
A celestial reconciler is ready to wipe out entire civilizations to restore space-time continuity.
Who will survive? And at what cost...
Discover in this grimdark epic saga.
A race of scavenger aliens orchestrates the most dangerous maneuver to save themselves.
An ambitious researcher is willing to stake the lives of millions to become the next great power.
A celestial reconciler is ready to wipe out entire civilizations to restore space-time continuity.
Who will survive? And at what cost...
Discover in this grimdark epic saga.
- GenresFantasy
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2014
8 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Paul G. Zareith
6 books18 followersAvid fiction aficionado and fantasy author dabbling in the grimdark, arcane and all things forbidden and forgotten.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 13, 2024
What an epic storyline!
I have to say this is extremely gripping from the get go! Gave me goosebumps of excitement from the first page. Then I felt my soul getting sucked in to the very core and that was it, I've been obsessed with it ever since.
I love how the author set the scene and describes the world that surrounds us! Yes it is that detailed that you feel you are right there. Floating above the characters, watching and waiting for the magic to unfold before your very eyes..
I love Rana, at first I thought ooooh he has some superpowers here, then I was like, can he be trusted and then I was like his the only one we can trust. I feel he is such a decent character and I do have to say his my favourite!
This story is a very deep complex world building story, but my gosh is it intense! Full of adventure, magic, tough decisions, fighting, sorcery and blood...
I don't want to say too much and give it away but it's definitely a must read! But not for the weak minded / hearted.
I have to say this is extremely gripping from the get go! Gave me goosebumps of excitement from the first page. Then I felt my soul getting sucked in to the very core and that was it, I've been obsessed with it ever since.
I love how the author set the scene and describes the world that surrounds us! Yes it is that detailed that you feel you are right there. Floating above the characters, watching and waiting for the magic to unfold before your very eyes..
I love Rana, at first I thought ooooh he has some superpowers here, then I was like, can he be trusted and then I was like his the only one we can trust. I feel he is such a decent character and I do have to say his my favourite!
This story is a very deep complex world building story, but my gosh is it intense! Full of adventure, magic, tough decisions, fighting, sorcery and blood...
I don't want to say too much and give it away but it's definitely a must read! But not for the weak minded / hearted.
September 15, 2024
The Wraith Returns
Paul G. Zareith
Book Review Day!
I have not read a book from this Author before so I was very curious to see what this novel would hold.. I loved it!
The Wraith Returns is book 1 in the Revenge of the Wraith Paladin book saga, this book spends a lot of time creating an intricate woven and complex world with many different themes. This is a story you really need to commit to because the details are many and if you miss picking them up it will make later chapters a bit more difficult to follow.
The main character wakes in a place unknown and comes out swinging! I was instantly hooked. The story never ran out of steam, each new introduced character brought a unique twist and the world was so actively described, I could easily picture the scenes in my minds eye! Each chapter ends with a mini cliffhanger to be picked up later that made me read faster!
Paul G. Zareith
Book Review Day!
I have not read a book from this Author before so I was very curious to see what this novel would hold.. I loved it!
The Wraith Returns is book 1 in the Revenge of the Wraith Paladin book saga, this book spends a lot of time creating an intricate woven and complex world with many different themes. This is a story you really need to commit to because the details are many and if you miss picking them up it will make later chapters a bit more difficult to follow.
The main character wakes in a place unknown and comes out swinging! I was instantly hooked. The story never ran out of steam, each new introduced character brought a unique twist and the world was so actively described, I could easily picture the scenes in my minds eye! Each chapter ends with a mini cliffhanger to be picked up later that made me read faster!
September 15, 2024
I have had the pleasure of being able to read this work, which in fact is the first I have read by this author and I loved it, it has been a wonderful experience.
Starting with the way he describes the landscapes, the environments that surround the protagonist, he ultimately manages to transport you to that world, it has moved me and made me feel each of the pages.
I really liked the depth of the story, the construction of the world, it has all the elements that I enjoy in this type of books, elements such as magic, witchcraft, conflicts and, above all, adventures everywhere.
I liked it a lot, I think it is one of those books that leaves you wanting to know more about the story, without a doubt a very good read.
Starting with the way he describes the landscapes, the environments that surround the protagonist, he ultimately manages to transport you to that world, it has moved me and made me feel each of the pages.
I really liked the depth of the story, the construction of the world, it has all the elements that I enjoy in this type of books, elements such as magic, witchcraft, conflicts and, above all, adventures everywhere.
I liked it a lot, I think it is one of those books that leaves you wanting to know more about the story, without a doubt a very good read.
September 18, 2024
My first ever read by this author. And now I’m committed to follow the series!
“We do not create light from nothing, we merely transform energy drawn from sources already present around.“
Great world building, with secretive characters & intriguing twists at every turn, when the Wraith returns is an action packed tale, navigating is an art form in itself when you have knowledge,
This tale follows Rana - he sure does have a lot to unfold in this world he must exist in.
It’s perfect for epic fantasy readers.
“We do not create light from nothing, we merely transform energy drawn from sources already present around.“
Great world building, with secretive characters & intriguing twists at every turn, when the Wraith returns is an action packed tale, navigating is an art form in itself when you have knowledge,
This tale follows Rana - he sure does have a lot to unfold in this world he must exist in.
It’s perfect for epic fantasy readers.
December 9, 2024
How is this a debut novel? Grimdark fantasy is a favorite of mine but it’s bigger than that. It feels like elements of epic fantasy, science fiction and mythology is wrapped up in this story. The world the author created uñís fascinating and fun. The characters are great too. I don’t want to give spoilers but the magic is cool and there are some transformations going on at the end that was making me talk to myself saying WHAT THE…. Bring on the second one.
I want to thank the author for reaching out to me and providing a copy of the ebook. This review is voluntary.
I want to thank the author for reaching out to me and providing a copy of the ebook. This review is voluntary.
March 15, 2024
This is an interesting series that combines many themes into an interesting (but arguably complex) plot. If you are looking for a light reading or find details overwhelming this may not the best book for you.
The story seemingly starts off as a simple hack and slash adventure where the MC wakes up in an unknown dungeon with no memory and starts fighting monsters. I was almost going to give up thinking that it was too similar to the thousand other litrpgs and dungeon crawlers out there, I am glad I didn't.
As the chapters progressed, and more characters rose to prominence the storyline got more and more interesting. The level of detail that has gone into world building is quite amazing but it also throws in a lot of that detail into your face in the very first few chapters. And they keep coming. Also the author seems to be in a habit of ending chapters at cliff hangers before switching perspective which gets a bit annoying at times.
For the antagonists, first we have this mighty alien race which has taken over the planet. But funnily nobody knows that they are outsiders because they have the ability to travel back in time and alter history. So for the locals its like the oppressive regime has been around forever. What is even more interesting is that these aliens have actually managed to recruit some really hardcore warriors from the past (remember the ability to travel back?) who have now been indoctrinated into their order. Opportunism at its very best.
The core problem in the story is that all of the planet is trapped in a time warp - and the clock is ticking for everyone before the planet collapses. The aliens' original plan to strip the planet of its critical resources and leave has run into a hundred problems. Their ship (which the MC tore down at some point) isn't getting fixed, and we also we have a rising group of powerful necromancers whose intents and ambitions are unclear.
If this begins to sound a bit like TSOIAF, hold on. The critical resource that they are trying to mine - is something the planet has in abundance and can transform how magic is done in the wider cosmos. Sounds a bit like Dune? Hold on... turns out the natives can't actually use this mineral themselves. They were reliant on another benevolent deity to transform this mineral into mana which they can use for their own brand of magic, called runecraft. This is another source of complexity in the book - multiple competing systems of magic which have their own nuances.
But of course this benevolent deity was not too happy about alien scavengers strip-mining the planet so it was killed off by the invaders. In the distant past - before the story begins.
So the current situation is that the runecrafters, as the local mages call themselves, are not too powerful and can't do a lot to defend themselves. This is where MC's unique specialty comes in - due to his history with some of the very same aliens, he is a wraith who can disperse and re-materialize at whim. Plus he is proficient in blood sorcery so in a battle he can use the blood of the people he kills as weapon to kill more and on and on.
Besides that we also have a humongous ship destroying alien octopus, weird mentally connected birds and some pretty graphic violence. So again, not for everyone.
Oh, and did I mention the aforementioned aliens are practically vampires?
The story seemingly starts off as a simple hack and slash adventure where the MC wakes up in an unknown dungeon with no memory and starts fighting monsters. I was almost going to give up thinking that it was too similar to the thousand other litrpgs and dungeon crawlers out there, I am glad I didn't.
As the chapters progressed, and more characters rose to prominence the storyline got more and more interesting. The level of detail that has gone into world building is quite amazing but it also throws in a lot of that detail into your face in the very first few chapters. And they keep coming. Also the author seems to be in a habit of ending chapters at cliff hangers before switching perspective which gets a bit annoying at times.
For the antagonists, first we have this mighty alien race which has taken over the planet. But funnily nobody knows that they are outsiders because they have the ability to travel back in time and alter history. So for the locals its like the oppressive regime has been around forever. What is even more interesting is that these aliens have actually managed to recruit some really hardcore warriors from the past (remember the ability to travel back?) who have now been indoctrinated into their order. Opportunism at its very best.
The core problem in the story is that all of the planet is trapped in a time warp - and the clock is ticking for everyone before the planet collapses. The aliens' original plan to strip the planet of its critical resources and leave has run into a hundred problems. Their ship (which the MC tore down at some point) isn't getting fixed, and we also we have a rising group of powerful necromancers whose intents and ambitions are unclear.
If this begins to sound a bit like TSOIAF, hold on. The critical resource that they are trying to mine - is something the planet has in abundance and can transform how magic is done in the wider cosmos. Sounds a bit like Dune? Hold on... turns out the natives can't actually use this mineral themselves. They were reliant on another benevolent deity to transform this mineral into mana which they can use for their own brand of magic, called runecraft. This is another source of complexity in the book - multiple competing systems of magic which have their own nuances.
But of course this benevolent deity was not too happy about alien scavengers strip-mining the planet so it was killed off by the invaders. In the distant past - before the story begins.
So the current situation is that the runecrafters, as the local mages call themselves, are not too powerful and can't do a lot to defend themselves. This is where MC's unique specialty comes in - due to his history with some of the very same aliens, he is a wraith who can disperse and re-materialize at whim. Plus he is proficient in blood sorcery so in a battle he can use the blood of the people he kills as weapon to kill more and on and on.
Besides that we also have a humongous ship destroying alien octopus, weird mentally connected birds and some pretty graphic violence. So again, not for everyone.
Oh, and did I mention the aforementioned aliens are practically vampires?
January 2, 2025
A brilliant new fantasy world with a complex, well thought out world and unique magic system that combines interesting characters with a fast paced and engaging story line full of twists that will have you in the edge of your seat. Admittedly it was a little complicated to start with, but once you get into it it’ll have you hooked!
September 30, 2024
The Wraith Returns is a debut novel by Paul G. Zareith that throws readers headfirst into a universe where every choice can change the fate of worlds. Imagine a fallen hero navigating a grimdark universe filled with alien species, cosmic forces, and morally complex decisions. Zareith, though new to the scene, writes with the confidence of a seasoned author, and his intricate world-building quickly sets him apart in the genre.
The story revolves around Rana, a once-great warrior who has been cast down, now grappling with forces far beyond his understanding. He must navigate treacherous alliances, looming cosmic threats, and personal demons to prevent the collapse of reality itself. Zareith’s plot, packed with political intrigue and moral ambiguity, is what elevates this book above a standard space opera. It’s not just another quest for salvation; it’s a fight for survival in a universe teetering on the brink of destruction.
Zareith’s writing is visual, almost cinematic. His prose flows smoothly, balancing rich descriptions with action sequences that keep the reader on edge. He avoids the overly complex jargon typical in fantasy, which makes the story accessible without compromising its depth. What stands out is how effortlessly he shifts between different character perspectives, giving each one a distinct voice while advancing the story at a relentless pace.
Rana is far from your typical hero. He’s deeply flawed, making choices that aren’t always the “right” ones, but ones that feel true to his character. Zareith doesn’t just focus on one main character—he gives equal attention to a cast of diverse figures, each wrestling with their own inner struggles. These aren’t just side characters; they’re fully fleshed-out individuals that breathe life into the story.
The book’s structure is multi-layered, with the narrative shifting between perspectives and locations, keeping readers engaged. The pacing is tight, with enough twists to keep you guessing, but it also allows for moments of introspection. Zareith’s decision to employ multiple POVs is ambitious, but it pays off, creating a richer and more complex narrative.
Themes of power, sacrifice, and redemption echo throughout the novel. What makes *The Wraith Returns* particularly interesting is its exploration of moral ambiguity—there are no clear-cut villains or heroes. Instead, characters are shaped by their circumstances, reflecting real-world complexities. Zareith subtly uses his narrative to ask questions about the price of ambition and the cost of saving a world, and who gets to make those decisions.
This book hits hard emotionally. There are moments of deep despair, where characters face impossible odds, but also quieter, tender moments that pull at your heartstrings. Zareith knows how to create emotional tension, making the reader feel connected to the characters and their journey. I found myself pausing at certain points, reflecting on the characters’ struggles as if they were real people.
Zareith’s greatest strength is his world-building. He creates a universe that feels lived-in and authentic, where every faction and character has a reason for being. The depth of his characters, especially Rana, adds a layer of realism that makes the story resonate. Additionally, his ability to weave in philosophical and moral questions without bogging down the plot is impressive.
While the multi-POV structure adds depth, it can occasionally feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning, when the reader is still adjusting to the different characters and settings. Some readers might also wish for more depth in certain subplots, which could have been fleshed out further.
For me, *The Wraith Returns* was a refreshing take on the grimdark genre. Rana’s internal conflict, as well as the moral grayness of the world around him, kept me hooked. I also appreciated how Zareith challenges traditional fantasy tropes. This isn’t a simple battle between good and evil—it’s a nuanced story about survival and sacrifice. Personally, I loved how it made me reflect on the cost of power, both in the book and in real life.
The Wraith Returns is a gripping, emotionally charged novel that fans of grimdark fantasy will thoroughly enjoy. Paul G. Zareith’s debut demonstrates his talent for complex storytelling and character development. While it has its minor flaws, the book’s strengths far outweigh them, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and thought-provoking take on the genre. I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment and highly recommend it to those who love morally complex narratives with epic stakes.
#GrimdarkFantasy #EpicReads #CharacterDriven #MustReadDebut
The story revolves around Rana, a once-great warrior who has been cast down, now grappling with forces far beyond his understanding. He must navigate treacherous alliances, looming cosmic threats, and personal demons to prevent the collapse of reality itself. Zareith’s plot, packed with political intrigue and moral ambiguity, is what elevates this book above a standard space opera. It’s not just another quest for salvation; it’s a fight for survival in a universe teetering on the brink of destruction.
Zareith’s writing is visual, almost cinematic. His prose flows smoothly, balancing rich descriptions with action sequences that keep the reader on edge. He avoids the overly complex jargon typical in fantasy, which makes the story accessible without compromising its depth. What stands out is how effortlessly he shifts between different character perspectives, giving each one a distinct voice while advancing the story at a relentless pace.
Rana is far from your typical hero. He’s deeply flawed, making choices that aren’t always the “right” ones, but ones that feel true to his character. Zareith doesn’t just focus on one main character—he gives equal attention to a cast of diverse figures, each wrestling with their own inner struggles. These aren’t just side characters; they’re fully fleshed-out individuals that breathe life into the story.
The book’s structure is multi-layered, with the narrative shifting between perspectives and locations, keeping readers engaged. The pacing is tight, with enough twists to keep you guessing, but it also allows for moments of introspection. Zareith’s decision to employ multiple POVs is ambitious, but it pays off, creating a richer and more complex narrative.
Themes of power, sacrifice, and redemption echo throughout the novel. What makes *The Wraith Returns* particularly interesting is its exploration of moral ambiguity—there are no clear-cut villains or heroes. Instead, characters are shaped by their circumstances, reflecting real-world complexities. Zareith subtly uses his narrative to ask questions about the price of ambition and the cost of saving a world, and who gets to make those decisions.
This book hits hard emotionally. There are moments of deep despair, where characters face impossible odds, but also quieter, tender moments that pull at your heartstrings. Zareith knows how to create emotional tension, making the reader feel connected to the characters and their journey. I found myself pausing at certain points, reflecting on the characters’ struggles as if they were real people.
Zareith’s greatest strength is his world-building. He creates a universe that feels lived-in and authentic, where every faction and character has a reason for being. The depth of his characters, especially Rana, adds a layer of realism that makes the story resonate. Additionally, his ability to weave in philosophical and moral questions without bogging down the plot is impressive.
While the multi-POV structure adds depth, it can occasionally feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning, when the reader is still adjusting to the different characters and settings. Some readers might also wish for more depth in certain subplots, which could have been fleshed out further.
For me, *The Wraith Returns* was a refreshing take on the grimdark genre. Rana’s internal conflict, as well as the moral grayness of the world around him, kept me hooked. I also appreciated how Zareith challenges traditional fantasy tropes. This isn’t a simple battle between good and evil—it’s a nuanced story about survival and sacrifice. Personally, I loved how it made me reflect on the cost of power, both in the book and in real life.
The Wraith Returns is a gripping, emotionally charged novel that fans of grimdark fantasy will thoroughly enjoy. Paul G. Zareith’s debut demonstrates his talent for complex storytelling and character development. While it has its minor flaws, the book’s strengths far outweigh them, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and thought-provoking take on the genre. I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment and highly recommend it to those who love morally complex narratives with epic stakes.
#GrimdarkFantasy #EpicReads #CharacterDriven #MustReadDebut
January 29, 2026
This is a review for the 2nd edition of The Wraith Returns. Many thanks to Paul G. Zareith for providing the ARC.
The Wraith Returns is a bold, uncompromising blend of Sci-Fi and Dark Fantasy that respects its readers' competence. This is the kind of indie work that reminds you why the format exists—ambitious worldbuilding, complex narrative structure, and a refusal to hold your hand through the darkness.
The book juggles multiple POVs across converging timelines with impressive dexterity. The Grandmaster shines as a standout character, the vampire politicking delivers intrigue, and the sibling protagonists navigate their asymmetrical information with compelling determination. While the cast is memorable—especially the more eccentric figures—some characters introduced later struggle to match the emotional weight of the core protagonists.
The worldbuilding is where this truly excels. The blend of techno-sorcery, mana-warped landscapes, and time displacement creates something genuinely distinctive. The way futuristic technology mingles with primitive means feels earned rather than gimmicky. Chapter-opening notes and location markers are welcome touches, and the annotations help navigate the mythology (which occasionally ventures into exotic territory that may require some looking up for Western readers).
The prose is fast-paced and visually striking without overwhelming. No meandering detours here—just efficient storytelling that trusts you to keep up. The parallelity of narrative threads is expertly executed, and discovering the timeline feature after reading made for satisfying retrospective connections.
Now, the caveat: Part II of the plot is a massive gamble. It almost reads like a book within a book, and while I understand the structural necessity in hindsight, it could lose readers in the moment, though the payoff in Part III when threads converge is worth it. The final 15 chapters do serious heavy lifting, and Nazaar's tease in chapter 139 sets up the sequel beautifully. This won't be a crowd-pleaser for readers seeking linear hack-and-slash with quippy banter. But for those craving density, moral complexity, and uncompromising vision? The Wraith Returns deserves a cultish following among readers who want more than the genre typically offers.
Bottom line: The biggest obstacle isn't quality—it's discoverability. This is dark fantasy for readers who want to work for their rewards. Diligent, consistent, and genuinely inventive. Hell of a story, be proud of it, Paul.
The Wraith Returns is a bold, uncompromising blend of Sci-Fi and Dark Fantasy that respects its readers' competence. This is the kind of indie work that reminds you why the format exists—ambitious worldbuilding, complex narrative structure, and a refusal to hold your hand through the darkness.
The book juggles multiple POVs across converging timelines with impressive dexterity. The Grandmaster shines as a standout character, the vampire politicking delivers intrigue, and the sibling protagonists navigate their asymmetrical information with compelling determination. While the cast is memorable—especially the more eccentric figures—some characters introduced later struggle to match the emotional weight of the core protagonists.
The worldbuilding is where this truly excels. The blend of techno-sorcery, mana-warped landscapes, and time displacement creates something genuinely distinctive. The way futuristic technology mingles with primitive means feels earned rather than gimmicky. Chapter-opening notes and location markers are welcome touches, and the annotations help navigate the mythology (which occasionally ventures into exotic territory that may require some looking up for Western readers).
The prose is fast-paced and visually striking without overwhelming. No meandering detours here—just efficient storytelling that trusts you to keep up. The parallelity of narrative threads is expertly executed, and discovering the timeline feature after reading made for satisfying retrospective connections.
Now, the caveat: Part II of the plot is a massive gamble. It almost reads like a book within a book, and while I understand the structural necessity in hindsight, it could lose readers in the moment, though the payoff in Part III when threads converge is worth it. The final 15 chapters do serious heavy lifting, and Nazaar's tease in chapter 139 sets up the sequel beautifully. This won't be a crowd-pleaser for readers seeking linear hack-and-slash with quippy banter. But for those craving density, moral complexity, and uncompromising vision? The Wraith Returns deserves a cultish following among readers who want more than the genre typically offers.
Bottom line: The biggest obstacle isn't quality—it's discoverability. This is dark fantasy for readers who want to work for their rewards. Diligent, consistent, and genuinely inventive. Hell of a story, be proud of it, Paul.
September 22, 2024
Reading "The Wraith Returns" was a captivating experience that drew me in from the very first page. The author’s vivid descriptions created a world so immersive that I felt as if I were floating above the characters, watching the magic unfold around me. I took my time with this book, savoring the intricate details and complex world-building. It’s rare for a fantasy novel to grip me so thoroughly right from the start, but Zareith’s storytelling did just that. Each scene was rich with atmosphere, making it easy to visualize every twist and turn.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the multiple points of view, which added depth to the narrative. It allowed me to connect with each character on a personal level, experiencing their struggles and triumphs intimately. I found myself particularly drawn to Rana, a character who initially seemed mysterious and powerful. My emotions shifted as I navigated through his complexities—could he be trusted? By the end, I realized he was not only a beacon of hope but also my favorite character in the story. His moral dilemmas and growth resonated with me, making his journey all the more compelling.
The book’s intense plot, filled with adventure, magic, and tough choices, kept me on the edge of my seat. There were moments that made my heart race, as I encountered battles, sorcery, and the chilling nature of the villains. Zareith masterfully blends excitement with a deep exploration of themes like trust, sacrifice, and the burden of power. This level of intensity made the reading experience exhilarating, yet it also prompted me to reflect on my own values and decisions, which is something I always appreciate in a good story.
I wholeheartedly recommend "The Wraith Returns" to anyone looking for an epic fantasy filled with rich detail and complex characters. It’s a journey not just through a beautifully crafted world but also into the heart of what it means to be a hero—or a villain. Paul G. Zareith has created a world that lingers long after the final page, and I can’t wait to continue this adventure in the next installment.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the multiple points of view, which added depth to the narrative. It allowed me to connect with each character on a personal level, experiencing their struggles and triumphs intimately. I found myself particularly drawn to Rana, a character who initially seemed mysterious and powerful. My emotions shifted as I navigated through his complexities—could he be trusted? By the end, I realized he was not only a beacon of hope but also my favorite character in the story. His moral dilemmas and growth resonated with me, making his journey all the more compelling.
The book’s intense plot, filled with adventure, magic, and tough choices, kept me on the edge of my seat. There were moments that made my heart race, as I encountered battles, sorcery, and the chilling nature of the villains. Zareith masterfully blends excitement with a deep exploration of themes like trust, sacrifice, and the burden of power. This level of intensity made the reading experience exhilarating, yet it also prompted me to reflect on my own values and decisions, which is something I always appreciate in a good story.
I wholeheartedly recommend "The Wraith Returns" to anyone looking for an epic fantasy filled with rich detail and complex characters. It’s a journey not just through a beautifully crafted world but also into the heart of what it means to be a hero—or a villain. Paul G. Zareith has created a world that lingers long after the final page, and I can’t wait to continue this adventure in the next installment.
October 27, 2024
⚫️Paul G Zareith's The Wraith Returns introduces readers to a grimdark epic filled with intergalactic intrigue, betrayal, and high-stakes survival. The story follows a fallen warrior who, after dedicating his life to a mission, learns that everything he believed in was a carefully crafted deception. Alongside him, a cast of characters — from scavenger aliens trying to ensure their survival to power-hungry researchers and a celestial reconciler on the brink of mass destruction — makes for a thrilling, dark journey.
⚫️The plot is both complex and riveting, bringing together various factions and motivations in a way that keeps readers hooked. The scavenger aliens’ desperate attempt to save their race adds a layer of tension, while the researcher’s cold ambition to rise to power echoes the moral ambiguity that permeates the book. The celestial reconciler, tasked with maintaining space-time continuity, adds a cosmic dimension to the stakes, giving the story a grand scale.
⚫️What stands out most in The Wraith Returns is its world-building. Zareith masterfully weaves together different elements of science fiction and fantasy, creating a universe that feels expansive yet full of danger. The atmosphere is grim, with a tone that speaks to the darker side of heroism, sacrifice, and power.
⚫️However, the novel can be a bit dense at times, especially with the many intertwined plots and characters. It takes some effort to keep track of all the moving pieces, and readers looking for a straightforward story might find themselves overwhelmed. Despite this, the depth of the narrative is a testament to Zareith’s ability to construct a layered, intricate world.
⚫️Overall, The Wraith Returns is a strong start to the Revenge of the Wraith Paladin series, delivering an intense, morally complex space opera. Fans of grimdark fantasy and science fiction will find much to enjoy here, and the ending leaves you eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Who will survive, and at what cost? this question lingers as the book’s central theme, making for a gripping, unpredictable read.
April 20, 2024
The Review
This was such a vast and richly developed narrative. The scope of the world-building that the author took on was not only imaginative but captivating to read as the story progressed. The suspense and mystery that immediately hit readers as the protagonist wakes to this changed world and the haunting atmosphere that brought these deadly threats to life made the story feel alive on the page.
The amount of detail that went into the mythology of this world and the diverse character development made the story feel cinematic in its approach. The multiple POVs allowed the reader to feel connected to all of these characters. They showcased both the heart of the heroes and the chilling nature of the villains, allowing readers to witness the long and harrowing journey that the protagonist went on in this first novel.
The Verdict
Imaginative, entertaining, and thrilling, author Paul G. Zareith’s “Revenge of the Wraith Paladin: Book 1—The Wraith Returns” is a must-read fantasy novel and the perfect entry into a new series. The narrative's twists and turns and shocking ending will have fans eager to dive even further into this magical world.
This was such a vast and richly developed narrative. The scope of the world-building that the author took on was not only imaginative but captivating to read as the story progressed. The suspense and mystery that immediately hit readers as the protagonist wakes to this changed world and the haunting atmosphere that brought these deadly threats to life made the story feel alive on the page.
The amount of detail that went into the mythology of this world and the diverse character development made the story feel cinematic in its approach. The multiple POVs allowed the reader to feel connected to all of these characters. They showcased both the heart of the heroes and the chilling nature of the villains, allowing readers to witness the long and harrowing journey that the protagonist went on in this first novel.
The Verdict
Imaginative, entertaining, and thrilling, author Paul G. Zareith’s “Revenge of the Wraith Paladin: Book 1—The Wraith Returns” is a must-read fantasy novel and the perfect entry into a new series. The narrative's twists and turns and shocking ending will have fans eager to dive even further into this magical world.
September 22, 2024
Originally posted at SFF Insiders
‘The Wraith Returns’ by Paul G. Zareith is AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING INDIE DEBUT by all means. This opening chapter to a new grimdark epic fantasy series inspired and based upon ancient India is certainly NOT TO BE MISSED. Boasting a fast-paced, action-packed plot having very well-written, gray characters, multi-POVs, a rich dose of lore/worldbuilding, and an incredibly detailed and fun magic system, it certainly manages to grab hold of you until the very end. I had a total blast reading it, and cannot RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY enough. Go check it out now!
‘The Wraith Returns’ by Paul G. Zareith is AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING INDIE DEBUT by all means. This opening chapter to a new grimdark epic fantasy series inspired and based upon ancient India is certainly NOT TO BE MISSED. Boasting a fast-paced, action-packed plot having very well-written, gray characters, multi-POVs, a rich dose of lore/worldbuilding, and an incredibly detailed and fun magic system, it certainly manages to grab hold of you until the very end. I had a total blast reading it, and cannot RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY enough. Go check it out now!
April 11, 2024
Paul G. Zareith has created a modern day masterpiece with the first installment of his 'The Wraith's Return' series. In it he has created a rich and detailed world fantasy world that also blends in the genre of science fiction to a degree. This is the first installment for what will be an epic and I have no doubt that within a few years, as more people read this novel, we will one day experience it being told on an IMAX screen.
April 21, 2024
The author introduces you to an amazing galactic spanning reality and as the story evolves the scope is gradually revealed...awesome. I must admit I had difficulty with the names, but there is a glossary at the end, and it's worth the effort.
This complex story has it all, monsters, gods, ascended races, aberrations, time shifts, end of the world scenarios to name just a few, and at its center the heartfelt story of a brother and sister trying to reunite.
Take the plunge. This tale is epic.
This complex story has it all, monsters, gods, ascended races, aberrations, time shifts, end of the world scenarios to name just a few, and at its center the heartfelt story of a brother and sister trying to reunite.
Take the plunge. This tale is epic.
September 16, 2024
Normally it takes me a bit to get into fantasy novels but with how descriptive the writing is I was able to follow right along. I did read this one a little slower just to make sure I caught all the details but felt I knew exactly what was going on. I also enjoy books that have multiple points of view as I feel the story is better described that way. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
September 15, 2024
The story follows Rana as he wakes transformed, facing sinister forces exploiting its resources. The book's detailed mythology and diverse characters create a cinematic experience. With plot twists and an amazing world-building, it was a great start to a new series. Recommended! Definitely a 5-star read!
September 17, 2024
Book Tour Review ✨️
☆Amazing Story☆
I am so excited for the rest of this series! This is a new to me author, and I instantly found myself really enjoying the writing. The main character was so interesting, and the story is highly action-packed. It's definitely a mustread!
Thanks so much to the author and @tide.phoenix.coffee for the ARC!
☆Amazing Story☆
I am so excited for the rest of this series! This is a new to me author, and I instantly found myself really enjoying the writing. The main character was so interesting, and the story is highly action-packed. It's definitely a mustread!
Thanks so much to the author and @tide.phoenix.coffee for the ARC!
October 22, 2024
Paul G. Zareith's 'The Wraith Returns series kicks off with a stunning entry, drawing readers into an expansive and meticulously crafted universe. The blend of rich fantasy elements with touches of science fiction sets the stage for an epic journey, with the story's breadth gradually unfolding as you read.
Although the names can be tricky initially, the glossary at the end is a helpful resource that enhances the reading experience. This intricate tale includes a host of fascinating elements: gods, advanced civilizations, bizarre creatures, shifts in time, and looming apocalyptic threats.
As the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable saga, I'm confident that sooner or later it could be discovered by the right people and turn it into a movie. Take the plunge into this epic story. It's truly monumental.
Although the names can be tricky initially, the glossary at the end is a helpful resource that enhances the reading experience. This intricate tale includes a host of fascinating elements: gods, advanced civilizations, bizarre creatures, shifts in time, and looming apocalyptic threats.
As the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable saga, I'm confident that sooner or later it could be discovered by the right people and turn it into a movie. Take the plunge into this epic story. It's truly monumental.
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