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Prophecy Rock #1
Genesis
As rumors swirl across the war torn lands of Eos of a possible Candidate—the long prophesied savior of peace— young Raden Nite finds himself unexpectedly chosen to discover the truth to these rumors. Raden’s top-secret mission will send him and his closest friends on a heart-pounding adventure through the mysterious Voras Mountains, the impenetrable fortress of Sargatum, and deep into strange new lands where dangerous enemies await.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Disputed Lands, Prince Aric sits third in line to the crown of Vicedonia. Seeking to escape the overwhelming shadow of his elder brother, and to prove to his father, the king, that he is indeed a worthy successor, Aric embarks on a path into the darkest corners of Eos. On his journey, he will encounter the sinister magic of the Dark Forest, the epic battlegrounds of Lake Raphia, and discover the harsh realities of what it truly means to be king.
In the first book of the Prophecy Rock Series, fates will collide in this epic tale of action, loyalty, and love, where the ultimate meaning of true sacrifice will be discovered.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Disputed Lands, Prince Aric sits third in line to the crown of Vicedonia. Seeking to escape the overwhelming shadow of his elder brother, and to prove to his father, the king, that he is indeed a worthy successor, Aric embarks on a path into the darkest corners of Eos. On his journey, he will encounter the sinister magic of the Dark Forest, the epic battlegrounds of Lake Raphia, and discover the harsh realities of what it truly means to be king.
In the first book of the Prophecy Rock Series, fates will collide in this epic tale of action, loyalty, and love, where the ultimate meaning of true sacrifice will be discovered.
- GenresFantasy
ebook
First published January 28, 2013
53 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
T. Sae-Low
5 books13 followersT. Sae-Low is the author of the Prophecy Rock Series, a young adult fantasy adventure.
-He lives in Los Angeles with his beautiful wife.
-He loves teaching (especially writing) and loves to see the "lightbulb" go off in his students.
-T. grew up loving X-Men, Akira, Robotech, Transformers, TMNT and so on (his favorite ninja turtle is Donatello).
-He LOVES gummy candy.
-T. thinks dogs are hilarious and full of personality.
-T. thinks you'll enjoy Genesis (Prophecy Rock Series, Book 1) if you're a fan of Avatar:The Last Airbender, Lord of the Rings, Final Fantasy, and Percy Jackson... AND it's FREE! www.tsaelow.com
PLUS, download a free copy of Shadows of Kyrus (A Prophecy Rock Novella) by signing up for my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/875b8210cc9e/subsc...
Twitter: @TSaeLow
Instagram: @TSaeLow
Facebook: @tsaelow.author
-He lives in Los Angeles with his beautiful wife.
-He loves teaching (especially writing) and loves to see the "lightbulb" go off in his students.
-T. grew up loving X-Men, Akira, Robotech, Transformers, TMNT and so on (his favorite ninja turtle is Donatello).
-He LOVES gummy candy.
-T. thinks dogs are hilarious and full of personality.
-T. thinks you'll enjoy Genesis (Prophecy Rock Series, Book 1) if you're a fan of Avatar:The Last Airbender, Lord of the Rings, Final Fantasy, and Percy Jackson... AND it's FREE! www.tsaelow.com
PLUS, download a free copy of Shadows of Kyrus (A Prophecy Rock Novella) by signing up for my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/875b8210cc9e/subsc...
Twitter: @TSaeLow
Instagram: @TSaeLow
Facebook: @tsaelow.author
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 20, 2020
My rating 4.3
The first part of the fantasy series “Genesis (Prophecy Rock # 1)” by T. Sae-Low is a solid novel that is read in one breath. It took me a little longer to write a review because I had too much work to do and I didn’t get to do it. All in all the story is good, the characters are well elaborated, as is the world in which the action takes place. Throughout the story, we follow several characters who are each different in their way as well as their thoughts on the endless war that has been going on for thousands of years. Only the Candidate can end this long-lasting war, and only the Gods can clarify whether that is true. The world of Eos was once a beautiful place to live in which there were no wars and peace reigned but due to human corruption, it split, and since then the horrors of war reign which destroy everything in its path. The main character Raden survives the massacre in his village and saves his little sister by jumping into the river. To survive in the cruel world of the war he enrolls in a military academy so he can support himself and his sister. Even as a child he has visions that become more pronounced as he grows up. When the Prophet invites him to his house for an interview and gives him the task of discovering whether there is any truth in the fact that a candidate for the enemy has appeared, his visions become more and more pronounced. The task given to him is very dangerous and involves entering enemy territory. What Raden discovers will change his life radically. What he will do in the future and which direction he will take will depend only on Raden.
I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers because it is read with ease. After all, the story and the world in which it is set is very interesting. I am confident that the sequel will be as great as this first book.
The first part of the fantasy series “Genesis (Prophecy Rock # 1)” by T. Sae-Low is a solid novel that is read in one breath. It took me a little longer to write a review because I had too much work to do and I didn’t get to do it. All in all the story is good, the characters are well elaborated, as is the world in which the action takes place. Throughout the story, we follow several characters who are each different in their way as well as their thoughts on the endless war that has been going on for thousands of years. Only the Candidate can end this long-lasting war, and only the Gods can clarify whether that is true. The world of Eos was once a beautiful place to live in which there were no wars and peace reigned but due to human corruption, it split, and since then the horrors of war reign which destroy everything in its path. The main character Raden survives the massacre in his village and saves his little sister by jumping into the river. To survive in the cruel world of the war he enrolls in a military academy so he can support himself and his sister. Even as a child he has visions that become more pronounced as he grows up. When the Prophet invites him to his house for an interview and gives him the task of discovering whether there is any truth in the fact that a candidate for the enemy has appeared, his visions become more and more pronounced. The task given to him is very dangerous and involves entering enemy territory. What Raden discovers will change his life radically. What he will do in the future and which direction he will take will depend only on Raden.
I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers because it is read with ease. After all, the story and the world in which it is set is very interesting. I am confident that the sequel will be as great as this first book.
May 3, 2013
Genesis
(Prophecy Rock Series #1) by T. Sae-Low
Heartfelt thanks to the authour, T. Sae-Low, and GoodReads First Reads program for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. I really enjoyed the book. It was good enough that my 13-yr-old son took it from me in the middle of reading it!
I would RECOMMEND this book.
Heartfelt thanks to the authour, T. Sae-Low, and GoodReads First Reads program for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. I really enjoyed the book. It was good enough that my 13-yr-old son took it from me in the middle of reading it!
I would RECOMMEND this book.
January 19, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Genesis
Author: T. Sae-Low
Book Series: Prophecy Rock Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: d&D like books, fantasy reads
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 329
Synopsis: As rumors swirl across the war torn lands of Eos of a possible Candidate—the long prophesied savior of peace— young Raden Nite finds himself unexpectedly chosen to discover the truth to these rumors. Raden’s top-secret mission will send him and his closest friends on a heart-pounding adventure through the mysterious Voras Mountains, the impenetrable fortress of Sargatum, and deep into strange new lands where dangerous enemies await.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Disputed Lands, Prince Aric sits third in line to the crown of Vicedonia. Seeking to escape the overwhelming shadow of his elder brother, and to prove to his father, the king, that he is indeed a worthy successor, Aric embarks on a path into the darkest corners of Eos. On his journey, he will encounter the sinister magic of the Dark Forest, the epic battlegrounds of Lake Raphia, and discover the harsh realities of what it truly means to be king.
In the first book of the Prophecy Rock Series, fates will collide in this epic tale of action, loyalty, and love, where the ultimate meaning of true sacrifice will be discovered.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. It felt more like a D&D game than it did a book and I really got into it. The book had some great fantastical moments. The world building was well done and superb. The character development was amazing. The book was also fast paced and action packed.
The only thing that was a little off-putting was that the book had a lot of battles and they were frequent, fast, a little confusing, and a bit on the overly brutal side.
Verdict: I really liked this book!
Book: Genesis
Author: T. Sae-Low
Book Series: Prophecy Rock Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: d&D like books, fantasy reads
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 329
Synopsis: As rumors swirl across the war torn lands of Eos of a possible Candidate—the long prophesied savior of peace— young Raden Nite finds himself unexpectedly chosen to discover the truth to these rumors. Raden’s top-secret mission will send him and his closest friends on a heart-pounding adventure through the mysterious Voras Mountains, the impenetrable fortress of Sargatum, and deep into strange new lands where dangerous enemies await.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Disputed Lands, Prince Aric sits third in line to the crown of Vicedonia. Seeking to escape the overwhelming shadow of his elder brother, and to prove to his father, the king, that he is indeed a worthy successor, Aric embarks on a path into the darkest corners of Eos. On his journey, he will encounter the sinister magic of the Dark Forest, the epic battlegrounds of Lake Raphia, and discover the harsh realities of what it truly means to be king.
In the first book of the Prophecy Rock Series, fates will collide in this epic tale of action, loyalty, and love, where the ultimate meaning of true sacrifice will be discovered.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. It felt more like a D&D game than it did a book and I really got into it. The book had some great fantastical moments. The world building was well done and superb. The character development was amazing. The book was also fast paced and action packed.
The only thing that was a little off-putting was that the book had a lot of battles and they were frequent, fast, a little confusing, and a bit on the overly brutal side.
Verdict: I really liked this book!
August 18, 2020
A long raging war has left the people of Eos suffering, but the rumor of the prophesied bringer of peace fosters hope and changes for some in T. Sae-Low's Genesis (Prophecy Rock #1).
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Rumors of a possible Candidate, the prophesied bringer of peace, breeze through war-torn Eos and a young soldier, Raden, quickly finds himself on a journey to seek out the truth behind these rumors. Setting out on this mission with his two closest friends, and fellow soldiers, on behalf of the Renzai, Raden and company venture into lands where their enemies and untold danger awaits them. One of these enemies is Prince Aric of Vicedonia, who desperately seeks to escape the shadow of his older brother Xander and his father the king. In an effort to do so he leads troops through some of the darkest and most dangerous parts of Eos in an attempt to seize land that's been long contested and might just help turn the tide of the war. When Raden and Aric meet on the battlegrounds, what each finds in their adversary has broader implications for their collective future.
A fantasy world filled with an abundance of action and a thread of magic, religion, and legend woven throughout, this story explores the fates of the characters as they embark on their journeys. While the characters are well-developed through their backstory and behaviors and their dynamics with the others they interact with is well-depicted and firmly established, the pacing is slow while it provides these details; however, it picks up speed over halfway through the story as action in various fights quickly overtakes the focus. The narrative propels the characters on their separate paths but slowly brings them together, converging at a battle, which their respective sacrifices have led to, setting up subsequent installments within this world and story; the culmination of this book leaves off at a high note, leaving readers curious about what will come next for Raden, Aric, and Eos.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Rumors of a possible Candidate, the prophesied bringer of peace, breeze through war-torn Eos and a young soldier, Raden, quickly finds himself on a journey to seek out the truth behind these rumors. Setting out on this mission with his two closest friends, and fellow soldiers, on behalf of the Renzai, Raden and company venture into lands where their enemies and untold danger awaits them. One of these enemies is Prince Aric of Vicedonia, who desperately seeks to escape the shadow of his older brother Xander and his father the king. In an effort to do so he leads troops through some of the darkest and most dangerous parts of Eos in an attempt to seize land that's been long contested and might just help turn the tide of the war. When Raden and Aric meet on the battlegrounds, what each finds in their adversary has broader implications for their collective future.
A fantasy world filled with an abundance of action and a thread of magic, religion, and legend woven throughout, this story explores the fates of the characters as they embark on their journeys. While the characters are well-developed through their backstory and behaviors and their dynamics with the others they interact with is well-depicted and firmly established, the pacing is slow while it provides these details; however, it picks up speed over halfway through the story as action in various fights quickly overtakes the focus. The narrative propels the characters on their separate paths but slowly brings them together, converging at a battle, which their respective sacrifices have led to, setting up subsequent installments within this world and story; the culmination of this book leaves off at a high note, leaving readers curious about what will come next for Raden, Aric, and Eos.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2020
this was so much fun.. interesting and fast paced.. different genre for me then normal but i really liked it .. its a bit slow paced in the beginning but once it picks up holy crap it takes you off with it running. i liked it a lot
August 7, 2020
My cousin used to have this phrase to describe overly-fantastical, utterly unbelievable shows: “outa”*. Stories like Ultraman vs Godzilla, or involved some monk (probably drunk) flying from tree to tree and defeating a hundred soldiers with kungfu. So outa this story. Genesis fits into that mould—so fantastically outa and yet ridiculously fun as well. (Fireballs, anyone?)
Eos is torn apart by war. The gods have left and all that is left to guide them is an obscure prophecy inscribed on Prophecy Rock. The Renzai believe that the One is sending a saviour to bring unity and peace to Eos. The Vicedonians believe the Creator will choose a Candidate to restore mankind. Both sides search for the magical person endowed with the powers of the Ancients who will bring the war to a decisive end.
In most stories, there’s a clear good kingdom and bad kingdom, which the author is trying to get you to root for. Here, there’s no telling, as yet; Sae-Low shows you both sides of the story, with both kingdoms committing atrocities and also doing good for their citizens. If the protagonists are anything to go by though, I tend to be more sympathetic to Raden, a Renzai soldier orphaned at a young age, who’s driven by his promise to protect his sister Kimi. Prince Aric, spoilt second prince of the Vicedonian kingdom, is impulsive, bratty, and exasperating.
A question that would probably come up is “is this Wuxia?” To which I will answer, I don’t know, because I don’t follow Wuxia enough to be able to tell. It does have distinct East Asian influences, with sages who live forever (sorta), Moon Goddess mythology… and a lot of hand-thrown fireballs. (I keep thinking of Street Fighter lol)
* This is an approximation of how it sounds. It probably is some kind of Chinese phrase but since my Cina knowledge = 0, I cannot tell you what the word actually is or what the correct character/pinyin is. Lol.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Eos is torn apart by war. The gods have left and all that is left to guide them is an obscure prophecy inscribed on Prophecy Rock. The Renzai believe that the One is sending a saviour to bring unity and peace to Eos. The Vicedonians believe the Creator will choose a Candidate to restore mankind. Both sides search for the magical person endowed with the powers of the Ancients who will bring the war to a decisive end.
In most stories, there’s a clear good kingdom and bad kingdom, which the author is trying to get you to root for. Here, there’s no telling, as yet; Sae-Low shows you both sides of the story, with both kingdoms committing atrocities and also doing good for their citizens. If the protagonists are anything to go by though, I tend to be more sympathetic to Raden, a Renzai soldier orphaned at a young age, who’s driven by his promise to protect his sister Kimi. Prince Aric, spoilt second prince of the Vicedonian kingdom, is impulsive, bratty, and exasperating.
A question that would probably come up is “is this Wuxia?” To which I will answer, I don’t know, because I don’t follow Wuxia enough to be able to tell. It does have distinct East Asian influences, with sages who live forever (sorta), Moon Goddess mythology… and a lot of hand-thrown fireballs. (I keep thinking of Street Fighter lol)
* This is an approximation of how it sounds. It probably is some kind of Chinese phrase but since my Cina knowledge = 0, I cannot tell you what the word actually is or what the correct character/pinyin is. Lol.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 31, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Genesis
Author: T. Sae-Low
Book Series: Prophecy Rock Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: d&D like books, fantasy reads
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 329
Synopsis: As rumors swirl across the war torn lands of Eos of a possible Candidate—the long prophesied savior of peace— young Raden Nite finds himself unexpectedly chosen to discover the truth to these rumors. Raden’s top-secret mission will send him and his closest friends on a heart-pounding adventure through the mysterious Voras Mountains, the impenetrable fortress of Sargatum, and deep into strange new lands where dangerous enemies await.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Disputed Lands, Prince Aric sits third in line to the crown of Vicedonia. Seeking to escape the overwhelming shadow of his elder brother, and to prove to his father, the king, that he is indeed a worthy successor, Aric embarks on a path into the darkest corners of Eos. On his journey, he will encounter the sinister magic of the Dark Forest, the epic battlegrounds of Lake Raphia, and discover the harsh realities of what it truly means to be king.
In the first book of the Prophecy Rock Series, fates will collide in this epic tale of action, loyalty, and love, where the ultimate meaning of true sacrifice will be discovered.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. It felt more like a D&D game than it did a book and I really got into it. The book had some great fantastical moments. The world building was well done and superb. The character development was amazing. The book was also fast paced and action packed.
The only thing that was a little off-putting was that the book had a lot of battles and they were frequent, fast, a little confusing, and a bit on the overly brutal side.
Verdict: I really liked this book!
Book: Genesis
Author: T. Sae-Low
Book Series: Prophecy Rock Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: d&D like books, fantasy reads
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 329
Synopsis: As rumors swirl across the war torn lands of Eos of a possible Candidate—the long prophesied savior of peace— young Raden Nite finds himself unexpectedly chosen to discover the truth to these rumors. Raden’s top-secret mission will send him and his closest friends on a heart-pounding adventure through the mysterious Voras Mountains, the impenetrable fortress of Sargatum, and deep into strange new lands where dangerous enemies await.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Disputed Lands, Prince Aric sits third in line to the crown of Vicedonia. Seeking to escape the overwhelming shadow of his elder brother, and to prove to his father, the king, that he is indeed a worthy successor, Aric embarks on a path into the darkest corners of Eos. On his journey, he will encounter the sinister magic of the Dark Forest, the epic battlegrounds of Lake Raphia, and discover the harsh realities of what it truly means to be king.
In the first book of the Prophecy Rock Series, fates will collide in this epic tale of action, loyalty, and love, where the ultimate meaning of true sacrifice will be discovered.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. It felt more like a D&D game than it did a book and I really got into it. The book had some great fantastical moments. The world building was well done and superb. The character development was amazing. The book was also fast paced and action packed.
The only thing that was a little off-putting was that the book had a lot of battles and they were frequent, fast, a little confusing, and a bit on the overly brutal side.
Verdict: I really liked this book!
January 11, 2021
The author has taken a big chance in setting out this book, and for the most part, it has paid off. The conflict is shown from the points of view of both sides in the battle. Thus people are not assumed to be good guys because they are on the right side. There is no right side, and each character has to stand morally on his own virtue. Which many of them do not, even the heroes.
These are full-bodied, complex characters, struggling to make sense of the complicated world they live in. Unfortunately, the author spends rather too much time on this aspect of the tale, hampered by distracting flashbacks that reveal where each main character comes from, and this slows the tempo of the story. A bit more control of the timeline would make this an easier tale to follow.
I am not so worried about the time spent on setting description. An epic saga requires a lot of serious world-building with evocative description of the results.
The reason I like this novel is that I focus on characters when I read. I find them the most enjoyable part of a book. But one thing I have learned from my own writing; you cannot keep interrupting the action of your story to delve into extraneous personality factors, no matter how fascinating you find them.
An interesting and varied cast enmeshed in a complex social and political battle.
These are full-bodied, complex characters, struggling to make sense of the complicated world they live in. Unfortunately, the author spends rather too much time on this aspect of the tale, hampered by distracting flashbacks that reveal where each main character comes from, and this slows the tempo of the story. A bit more control of the timeline would make this an easier tale to follow.
I am not so worried about the time spent on setting description. An epic saga requires a lot of serious world-building with evocative description of the results.
The reason I like this novel is that I focus on characters when I read. I find them the most enjoyable part of a book. But one thing I have learned from my own writing; you cannot keep interrupting the action of your story to delve into extraneous personality factors, no matter how fascinating you find them.
An interesting and varied cast enmeshed in a complex social and political battle.
August 2, 2020
Genesis is an exciting tale of a young man’s quest to find the Candidate – savior of peace while two empires age war against each other. It is an intricate tale that mixes myths, legends, magic, religion and science. The characters are well-developed with good backstories. I alternated between extremely disliking and feeling sorry for Aric. For me, anytime I dislike a character it shows that the author has brought the characters to life. I liked the banter between Raden, Gama and Kara.
The story pace is a little slow until about half-way through when it picks up. I think the author did a good job of describing the minute details of the two empires what made them different but also what made them the same. Both sides were looking for peace but could not seem to bring themselves to come to an agreement. I was happy that Raden finally realized his potential but was sorry for the price that had to be paid. And just when I thought possibly Aric had changed, he would do something awful proving he was a spoiled prince. The ending is a good twist! Overall, a good read for anyone who loves fantasy filled with intrigue, mythical creatures and legends.
The story pace is a little slow until about half-way through when it picks up. I think the author did a good job of describing the minute details of the two empires what made them different but also what made them the same. Both sides were looking for peace but could not seem to bring themselves to come to an agreement. I was happy that Raden finally realized his potential but was sorry for the price that had to be paid. And just when I thought possibly Aric had changed, he would do something awful proving he was a spoiled prince. The ending is a good twist! Overall, a good read for anyone who loves fantasy filled with intrigue, mythical creatures and legends.
August 19, 2020
Bloody battles, world building
There are times that every fantasy book feels like a D&D game, lacking just snacks and dice.
"When a new recruit was assigned to them, they needed to prove their worth. General Arges rolled a die, and whatever number it landed on was the number of enemies the recruit needed to fight in the battle pit. Enemies could consist of soldiers, or savage beasts like bears, lions, or cerberus. For eight long minutes, the recruit fought for survival, deflecting every blow and attack in a bloody dance of death."
And there it is.
Pass the Funyons and read along to discover a dastardly prince, an orphan with unknown powers, two valiant best friends, and battles galore. I'd recommend allowing time to fully submerge yourself in the book, not read in bits, as the world building takes some time.
It's an interesting enough fantasy read, leading the reader to part two nicely. The battles are frequent and brutal, and might not be to everyone's tastes. I found it difficult to get emotionally involved with most of the characters, and probably won't read book two.
I was given a copy for review purposes.
There are times that every fantasy book feels like a D&D game, lacking just snacks and dice.
"When a new recruit was assigned to them, they needed to prove their worth. General Arges rolled a die, and whatever number it landed on was the number of enemies the recruit needed to fight in the battle pit. Enemies could consist of soldiers, or savage beasts like bears, lions, or cerberus. For eight long minutes, the recruit fought for survival, deflecting every blow and attack in a bloody dance of death."
And there it is.
Pass the Funyons and read along to discover a dastardly prince, an orphan with unknown powers, two valiant best friends, and battles galore. I'd recommend allowing time to fully submerge yourself in the book, not read in bits, as the world building takes some time.
It's an interesting enough fantasy read, leading the reader to part two nicely. The battles are frequent and brutal, and might not be to everyone's tastes. I found it difficult to get emotionally involved with most of the characters, and probably won't read book two.
I was given a copy for review purposes.
August 2, 2020
Genesis - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A splendid addition to the swords and sorcery/ fantasy legends genre, is a new author to this reviewer, but one I'm very glad to have found.
Genesis, Book 1 in the Prophecy Rock series by T. Sae-Low, sees two opposing forces in the mystical land of Eos, prepare for an epic battle that will have profound consequences when two enemies meet face-to-face at its conclusion.
Building up a wealth of backstory, the eponymous Genesis transforms the life of a young man into an Ancients-appointed saviour, in a fascinating flavour of The Matrix, mixed with Game of Thrones.
Well worthy of 5 stars, with its inspirational message of triumph brought out of tragedy, coupled with integrity and more than a little soul-searching, on an epic voyage of self-discovery merging into a future filled with hope, Genesis, by T. Sae-Low is definitely one for your fantasy bookshelf.
Fight off any urge to delay and get your copy of this great book today!
A splendid addition to the swords and sorcery/ fantasy legends genre, is a new author to this reviewer, but one I'm very glad to have found.
Genesis, Book 1 in the Prophecy Rock series by T. Sae-Low, sees two opposing forces in the mystical land of Eos, prepare for an epic battle that will have profound consequences when two enemies meet face-to-face at its conclusion.
Building up a wealth of backstory, the eponymous Genesis transforms the life of a young man into an Ancients-appointed saviour, in a fascinating flavour of The Matrix, mixed with Game of Thrones.
Well worthy of 5 stars, with its inspirational message of triumph brought out of tragedy, coupled with integrity and more than a little soul-searching, on an epic voyage of self-discovery merging into a future filled with hope, Genesis, by T. Sae-Low is definitely one for your fantasy bookshelf.
Fight off any urge to delay and get your copy of this great book today!
August 6, 2020
All in all, this was an enjoyable and easy-to-read book, however it did make me confused with all the names of the places but that’s for later.
I was a bit hesitant when starting this book, the plot seemed very similar to ones I’ve read before and and I just wasn’t in the mood for something cliché.
However, this book went far and beyond, needless to say I was hooked from the first ten pages. It starts off from point of view of an ‘enemy’ and ,quite literally, with a boom! It’s a fast-paced, action adventure book with just the right amount of backstory to enhance your knowledge of their world. It’s a great book for someone looking to read a new genre, or someone who wants to start reading fantasy.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and without any bias.
I was a bit hesitant when starting this book, the plot seemed very similar to ones I’ve read before and and I just wasn’t in the mood for something cliché.
However, this book went far and beyond, needless to say I was hooked from the first ten pages. It starts off from point of view of an ‘enemy’ and ,quite literally, with a boom! It’s a fast-paced, action adventure book with just the right amount of backstory to enhance your knowledge of their world. It’s a great book for someone looking to read a new genre, or someone who wants to start reading fantasy.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and without any bias.
July 16, 2020
Genesis (Prophecy Rock Series Book 1) has quite the storyline. The characters seem real (well, except for the fantasy aspects) people, good and bad, hopeful and destitute. T. Sae-Low brings into focus a world of neverending conflict between two world powers. And I mean POWERS. Men with gifts like the gods of old, fight for domination or for what they think is right. Who will win? Can there be peace? Does absolute power corrupt? You (and I) will have to complete this journey to find out in book 2. I recommend you give this book a chance, I believe you will enjoy it. Although I did not have to pay for this book, this is an honest review.
August 6, 2020
The author, T. Sae-Low, did an outstanding job of formulating a story of two fantasy warring factions, each consisting of good and evil, determined to dominate their world. I wasn't sure about the story initially, but as I read, the more I was intrigued by the events taking place and the amazing characters shaping the events to come. What really drew me in was the difficulty I had choosing a side. The violence of the story was rough at times, but that is to be expected in war adventures. I enjoyed the camaraderie among the characters and the distinct personalities introduced among the characters. I am looking forward to reading the next installment of the series.
December 9, 2020
I like the premise of this book and the author does a great job describing the lands and the two distinct dynasties. I would caution readers, that this is marketed as a Young Adult, and I would keep that to older teens as the battles are brutal and may be a bit much for younger teens.
The pace is pretty slow although it does kick in around the halfway point, but it also takes awhile for this world to really sit well with the reader, it doesn’t fully realize itself easily. I think the main issue I had with this one is that there were so many things going on without explanation too soon, that it caused a disconnect with the reader. All in all, I enjoyed the book and it’s a solid fantasy.
The pace is pretty slow although it does kick in around the halfway point, but it also takes awhile for this world to really sit well with the reader, it doesn’t fully realize itself easily. I think the main issue I had with this one is that there were so many things going on without explanation too soon, that it caused a disconnect with the reader. All in all, I enjoyed the book and it’s a solid fantasy.
February 16, 2021
The Vicedonians and Renzai are two factions who have been battling for many generations. According to legend, a Chosen One will appear to defeat the other. Raden, a young Renzai, is summoned by The Prophet to find this chosen "candidate." The journey takes him on an interesting path of self-discovery.
The story is interesting with good world-building and plenty of military action and battles. At times, the text had more telling than showing which took away some of the intensity. All in all, it is a very good fantasy read. It will be interesting to see where the story goes in future installments.
The story is interesting with good world-building and plenty of military action and battles. At times, the text had more telling than showing which took away some of the intensity. All in all, it is a very good fantasy read. It will be interesting to see where the story goes in future installments.
August 2, 2020
Outstanding
This was an amazing adventure. Front start to finish it was action packed. I'm really looking for to book 2. The characters and scenes were well written. It's a shame people have to go through so much heartache and pain just to reach their full potential. Raden was perfect for the candidate, he was young but far more advanced than his peers. The plot twist was very unexpected but I can see why the child prince survived so long. So many people and their stories, you grow to love these characters. Well done 👍🏽🙏🏽
This was an amazing adventure. Front start to finish it was action packed. I'm really looking for to book 2. The characters and scenes were well written. It's a shame people have to go through so much heartache and pain just to reach their full potential. Raden was perfect for the candidate, he was young but far more advanced than his peers. The plot twist was very unexpected but I can see why the child prince survived so long. So many people and their stories, you grow to love these characters. Well done 👍🏽🙏🏽
October 22, 2020
I loved this fantasy story. Believable characters, unique world-building, a complex plot, a mystery element to unfold - this book had everything I look for in a great fantasy read.
The writing itself is often beautifully descriptive and drew me right in from the first page.
Highly recommend!
The writing itself is often beautifully descriptive and drew me right in from the first page.
Highly recommend!
October 31, 2020
Excellent Adventure
Excellent fantasy adventure that is full of action and adventure.I enjoyed the storyline with its many plot twists and q,it kept me on my toes. The characters were well developed and easy to identify with. I highly recommend this book.
Excellent fantasy adventure that is full of action and adventure.I enjoyed the storyline with its many plot twists and q,it kept me on my toes. The characters were well developed and easy to identify with. I highly recommend this book.
October 19, 2017
A fantasy action adventure with some memorable characters and a solid story line. I would recommend this to young adults who I think would enjoy it.
July 14, 2013
As a huge fan of classic fantasy, I felt rewarded reading Genesis, the first book of the Prophecy Rock Series. T. Sae-Low has created a world that achieves the difficult task of making me feel like it could really exist, and a hero (Raden) that I related to and rooted for. I was really surprised to find that this is the author’s first novel, because it read like the novel of a more seasoned writer.
I was hooked from chapter one with a story that is moving and different from other fantasy books I’ve read. Even though he uses classic fantasy concepts like prophecy and being chosen, he has a unique twist that makes his story feel fresh. In particular, his poetry and prophecies are extremely well-written and sophisticated.
One of the other things that I particularly appreciated was the skillful, natural way that he included female characters in his story. Not a token love interest, but powerful women, both good and morally questionable.
My only two nits with Genesis were that I wanted to see the romance aspect of the story be a little more rounded out with a few surprises, and to see the villain’s (Aric’s) character dialed back a little bit. At times he felt a bit cartoonish toward the beginning, though by the end he was pretty believable, though not very frightening. I’m hoping as the series continues that Aric continues to develop. It’s cool to see a character arc for the villain as well as the hero of the series, however, something that I haven’t seen done as much.
This story has the makings of an enjoyable epic that I intend to follow. I’m looking forward to seeing how Raden tackles the obstacles in his way, and am already hungry for the next book in the series.
I was hooked from chapter one with a story that is moving and different from other fantasy books I’ve read. Even though he uses classic fantasy concepts like prophecy and being chosen, he has a unique twist that makes his story feel fresh. In particular, his poetry and prophecies are extremely well-written and sophisticated.
One of the other things that I particularly appreciated was the skillful, natural way that he included female characters in his story. Not a token love interest, but powerful women, both good and morally questionable.
My only two nits with Genesis were that I wanted to see the romance aspect of the story be a little more rounded out with a few surprises, and to see the villain’s (Aric’s) character dialed back a little bit. At times he felt a bit cartoonish toward the beginning, though by the end he was pretty believable, though not very frightening. I’m hoping as the series continues that Aric continues to develop. It’s cool to see a character arc for the villain as well as the hero of the series, however, something that I haven’t seen done as much.
This story has the makings of an enjoyable epic that I intend to follow. I’m looking forward to seeing how Raden tackles the obstacles in his way, and am already hungry for the next book in the series.
August 1, 2015
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from StoryCartel in exchange for an honest review.
First, there's one thing I missed: a map. If you create an all-new world, include a map. Pretty please?
This book is better than the cover suggests; I'm really glad I took the time to read it. While everybody here is complaining about Aric, I thought he was the most interesting character. Raden is just your typical fantasy protagonist, while Aric is much more interesting. He isn't just a whiny kid; he can be, but I think he is much more. Another interesting thing is that although Raden seems a bit better than Aric, this doesn't mean that the Renzai (Raden's side) are better than the Vicedonians (Aric's side). There's no evil empire in this novel, and that makes things interesting.
The forte of this novel is the plot and the action. T. Sae-Low has created a novel full of plot-twists, although sometimes these feel a little far-fetched. Still, the plot is good. The action scenes are also great.
The novel loses its power when the action is over and the plot stops progressing. There are too many flashbacks and memories in this novel. These take you out of the flow of the book and are often not that interesting. I think T. Sae-Low tried to show certain characteristics of the characters by letting them think of certain memories, but it's overdone here. There are simply too many of them, and they make things too obvious.
Still, I'm glad I read this book and I'm looking forward to reading book 2, if isn't that expensive. On the other hand, I don't feel that I must read book 2 like I felt after reading book 1 of LOTR or book 1 of A Song of Ice and Fire. Therefore, I feel like that 3 stars is the perfect rating here.
First, there's one thing I missed: a map. If you create an all-new world, include a map. Pretty please?
This book is better than the cover suggests; I'm really glad I took the time to read it. While everybody here is complaining about Aric, I thought he was the most interesting character. Raden is just your typical fantasy protagonist, while Aric is much more interesting. He isn't just a whiny kid; he can be, but I think he is much more. Another interesting thing is that although Raden seems a bit better than Aric, this doesn't mean that the Renzai (Raden's side) are better than the Vicedonians (Aric's side). There's no evil empire in this novel, and that makes things interesting.
The forte of this novel is the plot and the action. T. Sae-Low has created a novel full of plot-twists, although sometimes these feel a little far-fetched. Still, the plot is good. The action scenes are also great.
The novel loses its power when the action is over and the plot stops progressing. There are too many flashbacks and memories in this novel. These take you out of the flow of the book and are often not that interesting. I think T. Sae-Low tried to show certain characteristics of the characters by letting them think of certain memories, but it's overdone here. There are simply too many of them, and they make things too obvious.
Still, I'm glad I read this book and I'm looking forward to reading book 2, if isn't that expensive. On the other hand, I don't feel that I must read book 2 like I felt after reading book 1 of LOTR or book 1 of A Song of Ice and Fire. Therefore, I feel like that 3 stars is the perfect rating here.
March 4, 2014
A nerd approved it and I concur!
I was skeptical with the amount of reviews but noticed they were all high ratings and decided to give it a shot. If you like fantasy books, I highly recommend this read. No rAgrets. Not even a letter.
I was skeptical with the amount of reviews but noticed they were all high ratings and decided to give it a shot. If you like fantasy books, I highly recommend this read. No rAgrets. Not even a letter.
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